Annapurna Region

Annapurna Sanctuary Base Camp Trek (8–10 Days)

The trek to Annapurna’s south facing base camp offers an opportunity to view dramatic Himalayan peaks in a short amount of time. It is not that difficult of a trek although some portions have steep climbs. This trek traverses a variety of terrain from lowland villages and rice terraces to glaciers.

This trek begins and ends in Pokara and can be completed in 8-10 days depending on which route you take. The mail trekking seasons of spring and autumn are the best times to do this trek. The maximum height of this trek is 4,130 meters.

This trek can be done in winter, but is very dangerous after snowfall. Avalanches can block the narrow entrance to the sanctuary. Some avalanches tend not to be visible and come crashing down at unsuspecting times and at frightening speeds, this is especially true around Mt.Himchuli.

Poonhill Trek (5 Days)

The Poonhill trek is a medium class trek through the Annapurna foothills. The views of the peaks are fantastic as well the opportunities to view traditional village life. The Ghorepani settlement has an interesting history of Magar people and Ghandruk was the first village to cater to tourists in Nepal. From Poonhill , which is at 3,210 m., you can view more than 14 mountain peaks, including the Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna and the distant Manaslu ranges. The sunrise at Poonhill is spectacular.

This treks starts and ends in Nayapul, an hour and a half drive from Pokhara.

Jomsom Trek (8–10 Days)

There are many highlights to this trek, including some of the best lodges in Nepal, a walk through the deepest gorge in the world carved by the Kali Gankaki River, walks through mid-sized hills and high mountains in Tibetan like country. The Kaligankaki River carries water from the Tibetan plateau and joins the Ganges in India.

This trek takes you to Ghorepani below Poonhill, Tatopani where there is a hot spring, Jomsom also known as Windy Valley, Kagbeni and Muktinath which are famous pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation for the Hindus because they believe that washing in the waters here guarantees salvation after death. The Buddhists find Muktinath sacred because it is a place where the great sage, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), mediated.

The Kaligandaki Valley has been a major trade area for centuries. As recent as 50 years ago, traders exchanged salt from Tibet, for rice and barley from the mid-hills of Nepal. Consequently, there is a rich cultural mixture of people on this trek. Gurung and Magar people live in the lower parts of Kaligandaki, Thakali people live in the areas from Ghasa to Jomsom, and the Lopas people who have obvious Tibetan roots live around Muktinath and up to Mustang.

You can fly to Jomsom, trek to Muktinath, and fly back to Pokhara within 4–5 days if you want the highlights of this trek but are limited by time. The starting point of this trek is Nayapul or Beni and the finishing point is Jomsom. You can do this trek in 10-12 days and at anytime throughout the year. The highest trekking point is 3,800 meters at Muktinath.

Annapurna Circuit Trek (18–21 Days)

This Annapurna Circuit Trek is about 300 km. and includes walking through lowland villages to the remote Manang region, over a pass 5,416 meters high, and through the Muktinath , Kaligandaki, Manang, and Mustang valleys. The Manang and Mustang valleys are the living heritages of the Gurung, Managis and Thakali cultures.

The Annapurna and Manaslu ranges are the first to be viewed along this trek, then you enter the Manang Valley where the trail continuously follows the Marsyangdi River with the beautiful Himalayan settlements of Pisang, Humde, Ngawal, Manang. There are numbers of monasteries, lakes and caves that are worth visiting.

Bad weather and high altitudes make crossing the pass challenging. If you follow the prescribed itinerary and listen to your body, you will discover that you can do it and will find the experience rewarding.

It is possible to view the highest lake in the world, Tilicho Lake at 4,920 meters if you can add 3-4 days to your trek itinerary.

If you find you are running out of time, you can save one week by flying from Jomsom to Pokara. You join the Jomsom trek at Muktinath. This trek starts from Besishahar and is about a five hour drive from Pokhara.

Everest Region

The Everest region is located in the Solukhumbu District, the home of the legendary Sherpa. There are a wide range of possible trekking experiences, including trekking the mountains in the northern part of Khumbu (where Mt. Everest is), ancient Buddhist monasteries, and traditional villages.

Everest Base Camp Trek (14 Days)

This classic two week trek has plenty of tea houses along the way that cater to the needs of trekkers. Traditionally this was used as a trading route from Tibet to Nepal. It starts and finishes in Lukla. Within two days you reach Namche Bazaar, which is the unofficial capital of the Sherpas, and a great spot for acclimatization. The next stop is Tengboche, one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in Solukhumabu. In three days you reach Gorakshep, the last settlement on the trail. In 2–3 hours you can reach Kalapattar, a well known landmark where you can view Mt. Everest. Everest Base Camp is approximately 6 hours from Kalapattar. Part of the trek is along the glacier.

The highest point of this trek is 5,545 meters.

There is an airport south of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park.

Gokyo Valley Trek (12 Days)

The Gokyo Valley Trek can be an alternative or addition to the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is located west of Khumbu Valley and has one traditional and permanent settlement. It takes four days to trek from Namche Bazaar to Gokyo where you get to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier on earth. You have the pleasure of viewing the eight highest peaks on earth, Cho Oyu (8,153 meters). From here Gokyo Ri is a common destination with an amazing panorama of the surrounding peaks.

You can also trek to Cho Oyu Base Camp, where you can view the lakes, or you can cross Chola Pass and within 5 days reach the Everest Base Camp.

This trek starts and finishes in Lukla.

Langtang and Helambu Area

Langtang, Helambu and Gosaikunda are north of Kathmandu offers more of an adventure because it is less trekked. This region is ideal for winter treks and shorter treks. At the head of these valleys is a ridge that separates Helambu from the east–west running Langtang Valley.

Langtang Valley Trek (6–8 Days)

The Langtang Valley trek is along a scenic east–west running valley with alpine scenery and interesting people. This 6–7 day trek can be extended with special side trips. The starting points are either Dhunche or Syabrubesi, both of which are 5–6 hour bus ride from Kathmandu. Along this trek you get to enjoy cultivated fields and grassy slopes, forests of rhododendron, bamboo and oak. At higher altitudes hemlock, larch and birch decorate the trails. Above the Langtang Village, the only habitation is Kyangjin Gompa, where you can visit a cheese factory. You can see Langtang Peak, Jugal Himal, Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa.

The maximum elevation gain in this trek is 4,300 meters.

Gosaikunda Trek (7–8 Days)

To visit the sacred lake at Gosaikunda (the largest of three main lakes), you can add a week to the Langtang trek if you start from Syabrubesi or you can take 7–8 days by starting from Dhunche. This trek offers impressive views of the Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and the Langtang Ranges. This trek ends either in Dhunche via Shin Gompa where you come down to Sundrijal, or you continue to Helambu.

According to the Hindu legend, the lakes Gosaikunda, Saraswatikunda and Bhairabkunda were formed when the God Shiva plunged his trident (trisul) into the ground in order to obtain water. The main sources of the Trisuli River are these lakes. Thus, this is the most popular pilgrimage destination outside the Kathmandu Valley for Hindu devotees.

The maximum height of this trek is 4,610 meters.

Helambu Circuit (7 Days)

This relatively low altitude trek is good to do in the winter season. This trek is culturally interesting and has some good views of mountains like Langtang, Nayakanga and some other small peaks. It is mostly populated by Tamang and Sherpa people.

The circuit starts at Melamchi, which is a four hour drive by bus from Kathmandu. The ending is at Sundarijal, which is a one hour drive back to the city. No special permits are required, but an entry fee is charged for passage through the Shivapuri Watershed Area.

Maximum height of this area is 3,600 meters.

Camping Treks

Camping treks are for those who want to adventure away from the main trails to enjoy the wilderness areas of Nepal while also experiencing the beauty of the Nepalese people. Camping treks are organized with a team of cooks, porters, Sherpas and a guide.

Mardi Himal (8 Days)

This more strenuous trek gives you a wilderness experience in the Annapurna region. It starts from Phedi, a half an hour drive from Pokhara. By the second day of trekking you leave the main tea house trail and follow a ridge with panoramic views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare.

The trail goes down into the valley through the forest and finishes at Mardi Pul (bridge), a 25 minute drive from Pokhara.

The maximum height of this trek is 4,700 meters.

Round Manaslu Trek (18 Days) Restricted Area

Manaslu is completely an off the beaten track trek and has only been open for trekking since 1991. The Manaslu circuit is one of the best remote area treks in Nepal. It gives you an experience of both the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. The route sees very few trekkers and still has not been developed into tea house trekking.

For the first 12 days you trek along the rugged gorge of the Bhidhi Gandaki River before crossing the Larkya pass (5,100 meters) and descends down to the Marsyangdi River.

This trek starts at Arughat, a 4–5 hour drive from Kathmandu and finishes at Besishahar.It is necessary to obtain a special trekking permit for Manaslu Conservation Area with an entry fee.

Upper Mustang Trek (10 Days) Restricted Area

Trekking to Upper Mustang is similar to trekking in Tibet where you can experience the way of life of the true mountain people, and view great castles, ancient monasteries, and remote villages. Until 1950 Upper Mustang was a separate Kingdom from Nepal and was a forbidden land for many centuries. Lo Manthang is the isolated kingdom of Upper Mustang. The fort city was built in 1380 AD by the first king of Lo, Amepal. There are approximately 1,100 people living in 180 mud houses of the wall city. It is currently ruled by the Raja Jigme Parbral Bista, the 25th King of Mustang.

It starts and finishes at Kagbeni, a two hour walk from Jomsom Airport.

This is in the Himalayan rain shadow and the highest part of this trek is 4,300 meters.

Cultural Treks

Cultural treks are a fairly recent phenomenon that is focused on direct cultural experiences that involve interacting with the people of Nepal. A cultural program is organized in every stopover. Trekkers are welcomed by the community with music and refreshments, and offered experiences that are unique to each community. Cultural treks often take place in the beautiful mid–hills within a time period of 2–6 days.

Sikles-Ghalekharka Ecotourism Route (6 Days)

Within a 6 day period you get to experience Nepalese culture and enjoy the wilderness along the way. The Gurung Village of Sikles is the second biggest Gurung village in Nepal and is a well preserved example of traditional Gurung culture. It was established by the Annpurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). From here you get the opportunity to view Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

The starting point of this trek is Kabre Danda, a 45 minute bus ride from Pokhara, with the return following the Ecotourism Route via Ghalekharka to Dhiprang.

Gurung Village of Sikles is at approximately 2,000 meters.

Ghalegaun Trek (4–5 Days)

Ghalegaun is located northeast of Pokhara and is about a five hour walk from Besishahar, which is also the starting point of the Annapurna Trek.

Sirubari Village Trek (2–3 Days)

This is southwest of Pokhara. First you take a one hour by bus ride from Pokhara to Arjunchaupari, and then walk about three hours.

Jungle Safari in National Parks

Among the 11 National Parks in Nepal, the most famous are Chitwan (932 sq. Km.) and Bardia (968 sq. Km.) National Parks. The parks lie in the lowlands of Terai.

It is the home of more than 600 endangered one-horned Rhinoceros as well as a large number of Royal Bengal Tiger.

Among others, there are more than 450 different species of birds; some of them are migratory birds from Siberia, Laddak, Tibet, Sri Lanka and India. It is also a habitat of 4 kinds of deer, two rare kinds of crocodiles, sloth bear, two different kinds of monkeys (Langur and Rhesus), wild boar, leopards, bison and many other fascinating varieties of Flora and fauna.

Chitwan National Park

The Royal Chitwan National Park stands out as one of the richest and most scenic wildlife reserves in Asia Lying in the sub-tropical lowlands 165 kms. South-west of Kathmandu an area of 932 sq. About 56 different species of animals and more than 400 species of birds have been identified here. Today, The National Chitwan Park is one of the few areas having the great Royal Bangal Tiger, one horned Rhino and rare fish eating Gharial crocodile. All once endangered species in abundance. A visit to Chitwan is not only a wildlife experience, but also a cultural too. The Tharus who are the main farming community, living in the periphery of the park is a unique ethnic group of people with very interesting traditions and culture.

Day 1

07.00 Departure for Chitwan (by tourist coach)
08.30 Breakfast (Yourself on the way)
12.00 Arrive in the Tadi Bazaar and received by our representative to transfer to the hotel and welcome drinks on arrival.
14.00 Lunch
16.00 Visit to Tharu village.
19.00 Tharu dance.
20.00 Dinner.

Day 2

06.00 Tea or coffee is served before your activities begin.
07.00 Canoeing.
08.00 Breakfast.
08.30 Elephant back Safari.
13.00 After lunch jungle walk with guide.
16.00 Sun set
19.00 Dinner

Day 03

06.00 Tea or Coffee
07.00 Bird watching
09.00 Breakfast.
09.30 Departure for Kathmandu or Pokhara (by tourist coach).

The price Includes:-

Meals, Accommodations, Park permit, Guide fees, Bus fare to/from Kathmandu or Pokhara and jeep transfer to/from Park and to the bus park, all jungle activities (as stated above in the program details).

Price Excludes:-

Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks or Mineral water. Extra order of food snacks must be paid for in the hotel as per the menu price and tips for staffs.

Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park is the largest lowland protected area of Nepal. The park is located in the western lowland and encompasses a total area of 968 km2.

In 1967, part of the area was established as Royal Hunting Reserve. Later in 1976, the area was gazetted as Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve to include an area of 386 sq km and renamed as the Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve (RBWR) in 1982. Before the establishment of hunting reserve the villages located in Baghaura Phanta and Lamkoili Phanta were relocated outside the reserve boundary. In 1984, the area was extended in the east to include the Babai Valley to encompass a total area of 968 km2. In 1988, the whole area was declared as Bardia National Park (BNP).

The faunal diversity of the park includes 53 species of mammals including endangered mega herbivores like rhinoceros and elephant, more than 25 species of reptiles, over 400 species of birds, 121 species of fishes and unknown diversity of mollusks and arthropods.

The park provides an excellent wilderness experience for visitors. Unique flora, fauna and landscape of the park and indigenous culture of buffer zone communities are important attraction for the tourists. In recent years the number of tourists visiting the park has increased remarkably.

3 nights 4 days standard safari program

Itinerary

Day 1: Receive by jungle guide on the highway and drive to resort. Discover Tharu life and culture through our Tharu village/culture tour

Day 2: Whole day walking safari to view Gangetic Dolphins and swimming also possible.

Day 3: Exploration of Tiger territory by foot before lunch. Elephant back safari or jeep safari in the afternoon.

Day 4: Bird watching tour will be carried out very early morning followed by the opportunity to relax or explore the surrounding villages again. Departure to Kathmandu or to Pokhara with a public bus after lunch

The Package Price includes: Meals, Accommodations, Park permit, Guide fees, Bus fare to/from Kathmandu and jeep transfer to/from Ambassa (the pickup point on the highway for the guest who travels on bus to Bardiya), all jungle activities (as stated above in the program details).

The Package Price does not include: Soft drinks, Alcoholic drinks or Mineral water. Extra order of food smacks must be paid for in the hotel as per the menu price. Travelers can also make this trip flying to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. If traveler wish to fly to Nepalgunj, the airfare and the airport pick up by jeep (optionally) is extra.

Note:-The program can be modified without prior notice but you are sure to have complete program as given above.
Have a Nice trip

Parsa Wildlfe Reserve

Parsa wildlife Reserve is located in the south-central lowland Terai of Nepal. The 499 km2 of pristine sub-tropical jungle makes Parsa Nepal's largest wildlife reserve. Once this area served as a vacation site for the Rana Rulers of the country. In 1984, it was gazetted as a wildlife reserve to preserve the habitat for wild Asian elephant, and a variety of other fauna. It is contiguous with Royal Chitwan National Park in the west.

Flora & Fauna

The forests are mainly composed of tropical and subtropical species. Sal forests compose about 90 percent of the reserve's vegetation. Along the banks of the rivers, riverine forests are found containing species like Khair and Silk cotton tree. In the north-eastern part of the reserve, at higher altitudes, Sal and Pine forests are occurring. On the southern slope of the Siwalik hills, the forests are dominated by pine. Sabai grass is commercially important species, grows well on the southern face of the Churia hills.

The reserve supports good populations of various endangered species include wild Asian elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, Sloth bear, and Leopard. Blue bull, Sambar, Chital, Hog deer, Barding deer, Langur, Rhesus macaques, striped hyena, Jungle cat, and Palm civet are also found in the reserve. The reserve also provides habitat for more than 500 species of birds.

Facilities

There is a small guesthouse with four rooms at the headquarters. There is also a teahouse that can provide tea, snacks, and Nepali food. Hetauda and Birgunj are about an hour's bus. Make sure to bring a first-aid kit containing medicines for intestinal problems.

Climate

Winter (October-December) provide pleasant temperatures with clear skies. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C. During spring (January-March) temperatures rise and water becomes scarce. During summer (April-June) the days become hot and humid with temperatures rising up to 40°C. Monsoon (July-September) brings cooling rains.

This safari trip can be done in 3 nights 4 days or 2 nights 3 days.

Peak Climbing in Nepal

For the more adventurous traveler, there are 33 minor peaks open for Alpine climbing under Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The climbing of these peaks is controlled under the rules & regulations formulated by NMA. Detailed information & applications for climbing permits are provided on your request. It should be noted that in most cases the climbing of these minor peaks (Trekking Peaks) require snow and Ice climbing experience.

You should apply for the permit. You should have a climbing guide, otherwise a permit is not issued. I provide qualified and trained climbing guides to take non-climbers for convenience, safety and expected success. By Himalayan standards these are considered minor peaks, but in fact some of them provide relatively challenging snow and Ice climbing of a high standard - and more so in Winter.

Days start at 6.30 a.m. with bed tea (basins of hot water for washing/shaving soon follow). Breakfast is approximately 7.00 am. There is a real spread for lunch and then refreshments on reaching camp. A 3 course evening meal is served in the base camp dining tent around 7.00 p.m. The typical group size is 6- 8 climbers, typically 3-5 nationalities, energetic and in Nepal for an adventure. A normal climbing day involves approximately 3-4 hours steady climbing with rest periods and time to enjoy the surroundings, and an afternoon of 2-3 hours of similar progress.

Summit day requires an early start!

Taking part calls for a reasonable level fitness and a good attitude. Expeditions marked "Hard" involve some resolve and stamina, however if you are fit and enjoy the outdoors you should manage well.

I can arrange the peak climbing in following mountain (Trekking Peaks)

Island Peak- 6169m.- 29 days
Mera Peak -6476m. - 22 days
Amadablam-6812m.- 30 Days
Tharpu chuli (Tent Peak) – 5663m.- 15 days
Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak)- 6501m.- 20 days
Lobuche Trekking Peak(6119m) – 26 Days
Pisang peak – 6091m.- 18 days

For more details and other peak climbing information please contact me.

Services Included:
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit, Land transportation to and fro, Accommodation in lodges during the trek, Food: three meals a day, A guide & required number of porter(s), Essential equipment.

Services Excluded:
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide, strike, road blockade etc.

Tibet - Roof of the World...

Tibet is a land that has been battered by unholy circumstances that started in 1959. This ancient nation has over the last few decades been developed into a more modern culture. However, the capital of Lhasa and the route towards northern Nepal still gives us a glimpse of old Tibetan establishments and traditions. Be it the road to Zhangmu or the monasteries in Shigatse and Gyantse, Tibet has its own culture that is still very much alive.

There are places in Nepal where travellers are able to experience Tibetan culture and tradition, for instance Mustang and Dolpo. But they do not compare to the feelings that one gets by setting foot in this once restricted country. Even in these modern times the great Potala Palace still gives us a sense of wonder and beauty as it did to travelers hundreds of years ago.

Classic & Wilderness treks

The Classic treks visit the most popular areas of Tibet which are famous for their spectacular views and diverse cultures. Fully supported our trekking expeditions are thoroughly equipped to the last detail. Under the guidance of a professional Sirdar, a superb team of Sherpas, cooks, kitchen staff and porters give the treks considerable style and allow access to some of the remotest parts of the Tibetan Plateau.

Kailash-Manasarovar (The Path to Nirvana) - 14 to 17 Days

Mt. Kailash, which is believed to have been formed 30 million years ago when the Himalayas were in their early stage of formation, is one of the most revered places in the Himalayas. Mt. Kailash, 6740 m. is situated to the north of the Nepal Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. Mt. Kailash is spiritual and an important pilgrim centre for both Hindus and Buddhists including many other religions too. In the descriptions of this mountain, Hindus consider it to be the Lord Shiva's throne or abode and "navel of the Earth". The pilgrims carry out devotional circumbulation (Parikarma) around Mt. Kailash. It is believed that the parikarma can remove your sins of a lifetime and give you salvation (Mukti). Over the centuries, pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment, absolve themselves of sin.

Manasarovar Lake at 4,558 m. which is sprawled below Mt. Kailash is said to be one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. It is believed that a ritual bath here will deliver a pilgrim to Brahma's paradise and a drink of its water relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes.

To travel for days on this remote plateau with the chance encounters of nomads herding their sheep or yaks, is to be transferred into another way of life. To see and become part of such a devout pilgrimage around Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is an overwhelming and an experience of a lifetime.

Kathmandu – Lhasa- 7 Nights 8 Days (Central Tibet Overland)

Travelling overland between Kathmandu and Lhasa is an incredible journey in which you can see the world’s highest mountains, travel on the world’s highest plain, meet nomadic Tibetan pilgrims and walk amidst the burning butter lamps and chanting monks of Tibet's ancient and legendary Buddhist monasteries.

This is a wonderful and amazing trip. However if you are not up for a bit of adventure, or for accommodations and amenities that may be far from perfect, perhaps this trip is not for you while the trip to Tibet is not easy it is well worth the effort.

Tibet was opened for tourism in 1985. Before this it avoided influence from the western world and developed its unique culture and religion independently. The infrastructure of the tourist industry is still very basic in this remote country. Please do not expect the standard you are accustomed to in the West. However, every effort will be made under the circumstance to ensure a smooth & pleasant trip.

Cost Includes
Accommodation on twin sharing & BB Basis as per hotel plan, Sightseeing Tours, Monastery entrance fees, English speaking Tibetan Guide, Private ground transfers, Travel Permit & Tibet / China Visa fee.

Cost Excludes
Airfares, Airport taxes, Nepal re-entry visa fee, Travel Insurance, Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring porterage or arranging additional transportation and expenses of personal nature. IMPORTANT PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

PS: Including airfare and without airfare both packages can be arranged!