Amazing Nepal
Nepal is the ancient kingdom of temples and palaces, gods and goddesses, yaks and yetis, home of the highest mountains on earth and some of the friendliest people in the world. With an altitude ranging from 70m to 8,850m just within 193kms, Nepal has astonishing topographical variations.
There are many country trails; many of them old trade routes or pilgrimage routes, leading through terraced hillsides, forested ridges, river banks, paddy fields and connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. The best and the most rewarding way to see Nepal and her peoples, cultures and rich heritage is by walking or hiking like the traders or pilgrims in ancient times did.
The three royal cities of the Kathmandu valley and their Durbar squares are a harmony in urban design, elegant architecture and refined culture. Within the small confines of the valley are seven monument zones declared by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.
Driving through the highway passing landscapes, tiny villages to enter the Terai rain forests for jungle safaris. And there’s nothing like the heart-thumping excitement of going deep into the forest to observe wild animals, reptiles and birds. The next stop is Pokhara which also offers awe inspiring views of the Annapurna massif and its dominant peaks.
Upon return and 36 km countryside drive north east of Kathmandu valley brings you to a copper soiled village of Nagarkote. The tour is the perfect combination of Nature, culture, wildlife, hikes etc and combines major highlights of Nepal.
Day 01: Arrival & airport transfer to hotel
Day 02: Day tour of Kathmandu, Swoyambhunath & Bodhnath
Day 03: Day tour of Bungamati, Kokhana, & Patan
Day 04: Drive to Chitwan National Park (166 km /5 hrs). Afternoon jungle activities
Day 05: Jungle activities
Day 06: Drive to Pokhara (160 km/5 hrs). Afternoon tour of Pokhara
Day 07: Hike to Simaldanda & Pacchbhaiya
Day 08: Hike to Begnaskote
Day 09: Drive Pokhara to Nagarkote (230 km) (6-7 hrs)
Day 10: Hike to Changunarayan and tour of Bhaktapur
Day 11: Departure transfer
Major highlights: Accommodation in 3 to 4 stars hotels/resorts, meal plan on Half board basis, farewell Nepali dinner with cultural show, jungle activities in Chitwan national park with all meals, tours guided by English speaking local guides, taxes and entrance fees included.
Mesmerizing EVEREST
Trekking to base camp of the world’s tallest peak, the Mt. Everest (8,850m) is a thrilling experience in itself. Starting from Kathmandu with a short flight to Lukla, the aerial views of some of the highest mountains Langtang, Jugal Himal, Gaurishankar, Melungtse are spectacular before the flight enters the Khumbu region.
The trekking course follows through the Khumbu region from the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar and it passes through forest of rhododendron, pine juniper and Gompas (monasteries), Chorten (stupas) and mani walls (prayer walls of stone) that are abundant in this area. The Thyangboche monastery, where Mani Rimdu festival is held every October or November is the great cultural and religious center for the people of Solu Khumbu.
Proceeding further up and from Lobuche the path is clear and pleasant at first and then it climbs, twisting and threading its way onto the rough moraine of the Khangri Glacier and finally to Gorak Shep. From Gorak Shep, Kala Pattar is about two hours walk. The sunrise view from Kala Pattar is a rare and rewarding experience. Kala Pattar (Black rock) is the most popular viewpoint of the Everest region.
Walk to the base camp can be interesting although there are no views of Mt. Everest. The descending trails involve nearly the same route down to Lukla for a flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 01: Arrival & transfer to your hotel
Day 02: Fly Kathmandu/Lukla (2886m). Trek to Phakding
Day 03: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440m)
Day 04: Trek to Tyangboche (3867m)
Day 05: Rest day
Day 06: Trek to Dingboche (4260m)
Day 07: Trek to Lobuche (4930m)
Day 08: Trek to Everest base camp (5360m)
Day 09: Trek to Pheriche via Kala Patthar (5545m)
Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazzar (34440 m)
Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2886m)
Day 12: Fly Lukla/Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel
Day 13: Rest day
Day 14: Departure
Major highlights: 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast, 11 days trek with all meals, farewell Nepali dinner with cultural show ,support of basic English speaking experience trek guide and porter, trekking permits
Not included: Kathmandu/Lukla/Kathmandu airfare, drinks, tea/coffee etc during trek, travel/personal insurance
ROOF OF THE WORLD – TIBET
Tibet was opened for tourists only in 1985. Before this, it avoided influence from the western world and developed its unique culture & religion independently. To see a place like Tibet now, before many modern changes take place, is certainly a unique experience.
Its name, the “Roof of the World” is no idle statement. The valley bottoms of Tibet are higher than the highest mountains elsewhere. Its snow covered plateau are the highest in the world. Apart from the Everest, which Tibetans see from the other side, many mountain ranges are over 4,500m.
Tourists can fly right into Lhasa from Kathmandu, taking one of the world’s most dramatic flights across the Himalayan range. Lhasa (3,650m) Tibet’s capital city lies in the highest plateau of the world amid arid wilderness.
Travelling to Tibet is an incredible journey in which one can see the world’s highest mountains, travel on the world’s highest plains, meet nomadic herdsmen and pilgrims and walk amidst the burning butter lamps & chanting monks of Tibet’s ancient and legendary Buddhist monasteries.
This is a wonderful and amazing trip. However, if participants are not up for a bit of adventure or for accommodations & amenities that may be far from perfect, then perhaps this trip is not for them or their trip should be limited only within Lhasa city. “Cold & dusty” is the comment of many people who have visited Tibet.
While the trip to Tibet is not easy, it is well worth the effort. Even the most jaded traveller may feel like a neophyte tourist
Day 01: (SAT): Fly Kathmandu/Lhasa. Transfer to your hotel
Day 02/03: Two full day tour of Lhasa
Day 04: Drive Lhasa to Shigatse visiting Shalu Mnastery
Day 05: Shiagste tour and drive to Xegar
Day 06: Drive to Everest base camp.
Day 07: Drive to Keyrong
Day 08: Drive to Kathmandu
Major highlights: 3 star hotels (best avaibale in Xegar, Keyrong, Rongbuk) with breakfast, Tibet permits, experience English speaking Tibetan guide, Kathmandu/Lhasa airfare included
Not includes: China/Tibet visa fee