Kundalini - Trekking in Nepal

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Why go Hiking? Reasons for Hiking.

Hiking is a recreational activity where we walk because we want to, not because we have to. The journey is more important than the destination. The reason we make this journey varies from person to person and from occasion to occasion. Most people like hiking for one or more of the following reasons:

Hiking is a great body exercise which will greatly improve your overall physical condition. The natural walking motion provides you with a relatively low impact but effective workout. Furthermore you are able to set the exact pace and length of your workout. Many people use walking as a part of their Fitness routine.

Hiking is a great way to explore nature. Most people enjoy hiking as it brings them back to nature. Hiking can bring you to the most beautiful places on earth and into contact with amazing plant- and wildlife. Beaches, deserts, woods, jungle forests, hills and mountains they all facilitate in different hiking conditions each with their own unique appeal.

Hiking is easy to start and it does not require high tech equipment. A solid pair of Hiking Boots, some basic (outdoor) clothing and a small backpack will be enough to get you started on basic day-hikes. The Walking Technique is something you possess from childhood and for basic hiking there is nothing else you need to learn.

Hiking is an activity that allows you to grow in your knowledge and skills as you progress. In its easiest form hiking is a very safe walk using clearly defined trails. In its extremer form hiking would require Mountaineering, survival, hunting and Navigation Skills.

Hiking is the starting point for a whole range of other outdoor activities that require hiking.

Hiking is often a part of Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Camping, Para Gliding and a lot of other outdoor/mountainous activities.

Hiking is a year round activity. In fact many people find hiking in different conditions one of the activity’s most appealing and challenging factors. Autumn leaves, the winter snow, the new green of spring and the heat of summer…

Hiking is a great way to get away from things and forget about the everyday stress in your life.It could be an experience you share with others or something that you do all alone. Many people take a walk to clear their heads or to think about issues.Hiking could be a way of relaxing or a way to test your own capabilities.

We hope this website will teach you enough about Hiking & Trekking to get you enthustiastic about it and Get Started with Hiking.

For more details please contact : Karna Balami

Kundalini Travel Nepal: kundalinitrv@ntc.net.np

# posted by Karnabir Balami @ 3:48 AM 1 Comments

Monday, August 3, 2009

Trekking in Nepal - Central Region + Trek Information

Central Region:

4 days Around Kathmandu Valley: (Grade: Easy)

Day 01 Kathmandu-Shivapuri - 3hrs Drive to Kakani (1082 m), 23 km northwest of Kathmandu around 1 hour drive, is a less crowded an more pristine destination which provides excellent mountains view of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Annapurnas. The offerings of nature provide the impetus to visit Kakani and nature lovers will hail the close-up view of mountain. For anyone wishing to truly get away from the distractions of urban life, it is a perfect retreat. We start our trek toward eastern flat trail Trek lead to Shivapuri with view on you left side the mountains, the village down the bottom and right hand side forest with different kind of birds sound makes you more interesting during your trek. (Walking 3/4 hours) Lunch will be served at resort. Rest of day for exploring surrounding area, Mountain Views. Dinner and overnight at Camp.

Day 02 Shivapuri- Chisapani (2050m)- 7 to 8hrs Today you will have to prepare early morning because today trail is little long around 7/8 hours. Start your trek on plain trail about 1 hour, the mountains greetings from you northern side (left side) you and hike slowly to gain the height. On the top of hill the fascinating sight welcome and you will have your lunch here. From here the forest and 3 hours flat trail lead to you Chisapani trek. Overnight at Camp in Chisapani.

Day 03 Chisapani - Nagarkot (2175m) Morning the northern mountain views attract you. You trek start to Chauki Bhanjag, which takes about 2 and half hours, you will stop here for an hour for your lunch. You continue the charming trails lead 3 hours toward Nagarkot. (Walking 5/6 hrs) Nagarkot, (2175m) is by far the most popular. In the clear weather the Himalaya range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty.

Day 04 Nagarkot – Dhulikhel - 3hrs You will start your trek around 8 am, the trail is moderate which takes you around 4/5 hours to Dhulikhel. This is a Newar town at altitude of 1,440 m offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views. Lunch will be served here and after lunch drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Experience the difference Nepal Trekking with Kundalini Travel
More Trips/ More Offers , we are pleased to offer the most extensive range of treks available that you can find treks suitable for first timers, families experience trekkers and those wanting a real challenging. They range from 5 days to 19days on the trail.

You can choose between a camping experience or Lodge accommodation. To decide what region to trek. Trip Grade and age group:

Easy: above 55 years

Moderate: below 55years

Challenging: below 50years

Tented Treks: We carry all our food and camping equipments. The staffs consist of a English speaking guide, experience cook, assistant cook, sherpas and required porters. This ensures your trek follows quite village trails that lead through terrace rice paddies, magnificent forest, this trek has the ideal bland of interaction with the local villagers and off the beaten track experience.

What is included in the cost?

Two men tents
Sleeping bags
Mattresses
English speaking guide
Cooks and Kitchen Helpers
Porters to carry camping gears, food provisions and guest's personal belongings.
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner followed by coffee or Tea)
Staff's Insurance.
National park entry fee.

What is not included in the cost?

Personal Clothing,
Transfers and flight costs
Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and In Pokhara and wherever applicable.
Emergency pick up.
Medical expenses.
Insurance of any kind
Trekking permit wherever applicable.
Government Royalty fees wherever applicable.
Expenses of personal nature such as all bottled and alcoholic beverages, Telephone call charge, backpack, down jackets (all such things are available on rent at US$ 2 per item per day) etc.
Tips to staffs and other personal expenditures.
Emergency evacuation by helicopter.

Lodge trek:

During the trek the guests are provided accommodation in the suitable lodge arranged by our guide and take care while serving the food as well. The added comfort of lodge accommodation with most lodges offering twin share rooms beds with foam mattresses food prepared by lodge owners ensures a more pleasurable experience.
What is included in the cost?
Sleeping bags
English speaking Govt. registered Trekking guide
Porters to carry personal belongings.
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Tea and coffee during trek
Staff's Insurance.
National park entry fee.
What is not included in the cost?
Transfers and flight costs
Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and In Pokhara
Emergency pick up.
Medical expenses.
Insurance of any kind
Trekking permit wherever applicable.
Government Royalty fees wherever applicable.
Expenses of personal nature such as all bottled and alcoholic beverages, Telephone call charge, backpack, down jackets (all such things are available on rent at US$ 2 per item per day) etc.
Tips to staffs and other personal expenditures.
Emergency evacuation by helicopter.

# posted by Karnabir Balami @ 3:36 AM 0 Comments

Trekking in Nepal : Northern Region

Northern Region: Langtang National Park trekking programs

08 Days Langtang (Helambu) Valley Trekking: (Grade: Moderate)

Day 01 Drive Kathmandu – Dhunche (1966m): After early breakfast transfer from hotel to bus station from where you will be driven to Trishuli accompanies with your guide and porter, for about 4 hours and from Trishuli it's a steady drive of about another 5 hours up to Dunche (1966m) and it's 110 km in total. Dunche is our overnight spot for today. From here we have excellent views of the high peaks. The most notable are Gheng (6581m), and Langtang Lirung (7246m) to the north and Ganesh peak (7460m) to the west.

Day 02 Dhunche – Syabru Bensi (1462m): Crossing the Trishuli river (1680 m) as it drains away from the Gosainkund Lakes, we climb steeply through beautiful Chir and Blue pine forest. This is usually an excellent day for wildlife and birds. By the time we reach Syabru (2130m), the views the Langtang valley are magnificent and more and more of the snow peaks of Tibet became visible.

Day 03 Syabru Bensi – Lama hotel (2647m) Descend to the Langtang River, cross and head upriver through an impressive gorge. For the rest of the day, there is almost no human habitation but the forests of rhododendron and prickly leafed oak, alive with bird life. Overnight stay at Gompa, just as the valley starts to widen again.

Day 04 Lama hotel - Kyangin Gompa (3049m) The valley is now the typical glacier-worn-shaped valley, in contrast to the steep water-worn V-shaped valley, we passed through earlier. Keep our eyes open for the Himalayan Thar, a large mountain goat often seen on the higher slopes. Views of the valley and its soaring peaks are very impressive. We lunch near the Tibetan village of Langtang. After Lunch, we continue through the yak pastures under the great snow peaks to Kyangin Gompa (3049m).

Day 05 Kyangin Gompa (3049m) Today is a rest and exploration day. From out campsite, the views of Langtang Lirung (7246m), Langtang Ri (7239m), Lonpo Gang (7100m), and Dorji Lakpa (6989m) are magnificent. This is a day to rest and relax or if you wish, there are several worthwhile excursions up to the glaciers. A 2 hours climb to Yala, a small cheese factory provides spectacular views. The valley is in the midst of exceptionally rugged and beautiful mountain ranges, ringed with glaciers, snowfalls and huge moraines.

Day 06 Kyangin Gompa – Lama hotel (2647m) We go back over our steps downhill to Gompa, which is a very pleasant walk.

Day 07 Gompa – Dhunche Descend downhill to Dhunche crossing the Trishuli River. Overnight at lodge in Dhunche.

Day 08 Drive Dhunche - Kathmandu. Early morning drive back to Kathamndu and transfer to hotel.

13 Days-Langtang and Gosainkund Trekking Itineraries: ( Grade: Moderate)

Day 01 Drive Kathmandu – Dhunche (1966m) After early breakfast transfer from hotel to bus station from where you will be driven to Trishuli accompanies with your guide and porter, for about 4 hours and from Trishuli it's a steady drive of about another 5 hours up to Dunche (1966m) and it's 110 km in total. Dunche is our overnight spot for today. From here we have excellent views of the high peaks. The most notable are Gheng (6581m), and Langtang Lirung (7246m) to the north and Ganesh peak (7460m) to the west.

Day 02 Dhunche – Syabru Bensi (1462m) Crossing the Trishuli river (1680 m) as it drains away from the Gosainkund Lakes, we climb steeply through beautiful Chir and Blue pine forest. This is usually an excellent day for wildlife and birds. By the time we reach Syabru (2130m), the views the Langtang valley are magnificent and more and more of the snow peaks of Tibet became visible.

Day 03 Syabru Bensi – Lama hotel (2647m) Descend to the Langtang river, cross and head upriver through an impressive gorge. For the rest of the day, there is almost no human habitation but the forests of rhododendron and prickly leafed oak, alive with bird life. Overnight stay at Gompa, just as the valley starts to widen again.

Day 06 Kyangin Gompa – Lama hotel (2647m) We go back over our steps downhill to Gompa, which is a very pleasant walk.

Day 07 Gompa – Syabru (3001m) We descend downhill to cross the Langtang River again. We have plenty of time to enjoy the large stands of Larch, the flowers and the valley views. After lunch, we climb steeply to Syabru and overnight stay.

Day 08 Syabru – Sing Gompa (3254m) A day climbing through forests of fir and rhododendron. The only signs of human habitation are the occasional shepherd's huts. At the points where water is found. Overnight stay at Sing Gompa (3254m).

Day 09 Sing Gompa – Gosainkund (4361m) A steep rugged trail but adequately compensated for by dramatic views: to the west-Himal Chuli (7893m), Manaslu (8156m), and Ganesh peak (7406m). And possibly even the Annapurna ranges. Towards the north, across the valley is Lngtang Lirung. We pass the few huts in high yak pastures of Laurebina (4609m), cross a small ridge and have our first views of the Holy Lakes. There are over a dozen lakes in the Gosainkund Basin, the main three being Saraswatikund, Bhairavkund and Gosainkund. According to the legend, Lord Shiva created Gosainkund when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after swallowing some poison. Overnight near Gosainkund (4361m).

Day 10 Gosainkund - Thare Pati (3597m) We continue over rugged trails and pass several trains and pass several other smaller lakes to the Thare Pati Pass (4602m), then descend along a ridge to the tree line past beautiful waterfalls, through juniper and rhododendron forest and we descend to the huts to Thare Pati. This is a long but very interesting day to Thare Pati.

Day 11 Thare Pati - Tamang village (2142m) We drop steadily all day through fir and rhododendron forests and then through prickly leafed oak forest. Stop at the Tamang village of Gul Bhangjyang (2130m) for overnight stay. This ridge walk provides excellent views of the mountains and the Helambu valley.

Day 12 Tamang village - Chisapani (2194m) The day's walk consists of gentle 'ups & downs' generally following a ridge to camp just above Chisapani (2194m) with excellent panoramic views of the Himalaya from Ganesh to Everest.

Day 13 Chisapani – Sundarijal – Kathmandu We climb to the small pass at Burlang Bhagjyang (2438m) and take our last look at the great line of snow peaks of the Himalayas before descending to the Kathmandu valley and Sundarijal (1457m) from where we drive about 45 minutes back to Kathmandu.

# posted by Karnabir Balami @ 3:09 AM 0 Comments

Trekking in Nepal : Eastern Region

Eastern region: Everest region trekking programs

13 Days Everest Kalapatthar - Everest Base Camp Trek. (Grade: Moderate)

Day 01 Fly Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding (2652m): Early transfer from hotel to domestic airport to board Lukla flight. Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2800m). This flight provides a magnificent entree to the trek region. Upon arrival set up your baggage’s and start your first day trek. It is an easy walk through several villages to Phakding, where you will stay overnight.

Day 02 Phakding – Namche Bazar (3440m) We follow the Dudh Kosi for about 2 hour and then climb slowly up a steep trail to Namche. As we climb, we enjoy our first views of Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8383m) - the big three. Overnight at Namche.

Day 03 At Namche for Acclimatization (3440m) Acclimatization day at Namche Bazar. We enjoy a rest day here to allow for maximum acclimatization on our way to Everest Base Camp. A pleasant day can be spent exploring the village or Shyanboche airtrip, talking to the Sherpas and simply enjoying and marveling at the incredible scenery.

Day 04 Namche Bazar – Thyangboche (3867m) Today we walk along a very pleasant trail under the soaring peak to Thamserku and steadily descending to the Imja River where there are a series of water driven prayer wheels. We climb steadily for about 2 hours to Thyangboche Monastery (3875m) and the views from here are magnificent. The Monastery is literally surrounded by mountains. Yaks graze on the small meadow and the monks drone through their prayers. Surely, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

Day 05 Thyangboche – Dingboche (4530m) We move up the Imja river valley to Pangboche (3900m). We stop here for lunch and visit the Monastery. In the afternoon we continue on to the summer village of Dingboiche (4360m). The scenery all day is superb.

Day 06 At Dingboche – Acclimatization day Another rest and acclimatization day at Dingboche. This rest and acclimatization day should give you an excellent chance of ascending Kala Pathar, the Base Camp of the Everest. From these yak herders' village, there are a number of interesting excursions. A 2 hours walk to the huts at Chukung (4700m) will take you to the glaciers flowing off Nuptse and Lhostse. Overnight halt at the foot of Amadablam.

Day 07 Dingboche – Lobuche (4930m) We walk up a small ridge and then contour around the base of the Khumbu Glacier and have a light lunch at Dhungla (4600m). From here we have a short steep climb to the terminal moraine of the glacier from where the views are stunning. Overnight stay at the foot of the Lobuje Ice Fall (4930m).

Day 08 Lobuche – Kala Patthar (5545m) OR Everest Base Camp – Lobuje (4930m) Today, we climb Kala Pathar. The actual distance is not so far but we take it very slowly to compensate for the altitude stopping at Gorekh Shep (5288m) for a light lunch. We then take the climb to Kala Pathar (5545m) from where one can see the Everest Base Camp is just down. This is a hard pull but the view from top surpasses anything you can imagine. All around us flow huge glacier ice. The mountains of Pumori (7145m), Lingtren (6697m) and Khumbutse (6623m) separate us from Tibet, and just over the Lho La pass. We see the huge rock of Changtse (7550m) in Tibet itself. But the queen of them all - Sagarmatha (mt. Everest) towers over everyone. This is the Roof of the World. We return to Lobuje for overnight stay.

Day 09 Lobuje – Thyanboche (3867m) We retrace our steps along the glacier to Pheriche (4260m) and stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we take the lower trail to Pangboche and Thyangboche.

Day 10 Thyanboche – Khumjung (3790m) Descending to Imja River we climb to Khumjung for lunch. Excellent views all the day and overnight at Khumjung (3779m).

Day 11 Khumjung – Phakding (2652m) Descending, pass through Namche Bazaar passing under the towering Kongde ridge (6186m) and follow the Dudh Koshi to Phakding.

Day 12 Phakding – Lukla (2800m) Trek back to Lukla and overnight.

Day 13 Fly Lukla – Kathmandu After early breakfast at lodge fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

# posted by Karnabir Balami @ 2:54 AM 0 Comments

Monday, July 13, 2009

Trekking in Nepal - Western Region

Western Region

6 days Pokhara-Ghorepani trekking program (Moderate)

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara – Nayapul – Tirkhedhunga (1577m): After breakfast meet with trek crews and drive to Nayapul for about 45 minute from where you will start your trek to TIrkhedhunga. We start walk easy trail about 20 minutes to Birethati where the two rivers meet and flow together. Check post of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) will check whether you have ACAP fee paid or not. This trail is easy flat trail flowing Bhurundi River on left hand side, the track takes 3 and half hour to reach to Tirkhedhunga for overnight stay.

Day 02: Tirkhedhunga – Ghorepani (2853m): After breakfast stiff ascending trek to Ulleri for about 2 and half hours, this is a Magar/Gurung village and then trek to Banthathati for lunch. After lunch continues ascending to Ghorepani (2853m) your overnight place for the night.

Day 03: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghorepani – Tadapani (2120m): Wake up early morning to climb uphill to Poon Hill (3250m) for panoramic view of sunrise on Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu etc. trek back to Ghorepani for Breakfast and trek to Tadapani (2120m).

Day 04: Tadapani – Ghandruk – Landruk (1646m): Trek to Ghandruk (1920m). 3 hrs. Lunch at Ghandruk. After lunch continues descend to Modi River. Cross the river and ascend about 45 minutes to Landrung for you overnight stay.

Day 05: Landruk – Pothana (1620m): Trek to Pothana (1850m). Flat trail about 3 and half hours till BHERI KHARKA where you stop for Lunch and ascend about 1 and half hours to reach Potana and overnight stay. From here one can see the northeastern part of mountains.

Day 06: Pothana – Dhampus – Phedi – drive to Pokhara: Trek to Dhampus for about 45 minutes, again 45 minutes walk downhill to reach Phedi, drive Phedi to Pokhara about half an hour. Check in at Hotel. Overnight at Hotel In Pokhara

9 days Pokhara – Jomsom - Muktinath Trekking (Moderate)

Day 01: Pokhara to Tirkhedhunga (1577m): After breakfast drive from Hotel to Nayapul for about 45 minute from where you will start your trek to TIrkhedhunga. We start walk easy trail about 20 minutes to Birethati where the two rivers meet and flow together. Check post of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) will check whether you have ACAP fee paid or not. This trail is easy flat trail flowing Bhurundi River on left hand side, the track takes 3 and half hour to reach to Tirkhedhunga for overnight stay.

Day 02: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2853m) After breakfast, we start slowly stiff ascend about 2 and half hours to Ulleri and from here around 1 hour to Banthanti for Lunch. After lunch continue to Ghorepani for overnight stay.

Day 03: Ghorepani to Tatopani (1189 m. 6 hours walk) Wake up early morning to walk hike about 45 minutes to Poon Hill where one can have see most of the peaks of west side of Nepals mountains like Annapurna ranges, Fishtail, Lamjung Himal, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri and many more. Walk down to your lodge for breakfast. We walk enter into thick rhododendron forest and terraced fields which reach you Tatopani.

Day 04: Tatopani to Ghasa (2018 m, 5 hours walk) The easy trail ascends to Ghasa (2018m) en-route we will stop for our lunch. After lunch we start easy walk to Ghasa for overnight stay.

Day 05: Ghasa to Tukche(2591 m, 6 hours walk) Today, we walk slowly to increase height and pass through Kalapani, Sokung, Larjung to reach beautiful Thakali for overnight halt. The Thakalis are the dominant tribe of the valley, related to the Gurung and Magars of the Southern slopes.

Day 06: Tukche to Kagbeni 3240m. (6 hours walk)
After breakfast, we start walk on easy trail to led to Marpha, Marpha is a typical Thakali village and it is worth to see this village. After your lunch at Jomsom continue to Kagbeni. We begin trekking by following the right bank of the Kali Gandaki River leave the main road to Mustang and follow the right hand side route. This route starts with a gradual climb to Ja Dzong (2807m) and overnight halt.

Day 07: Trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath(3812mtr.,4hours walk) It is about 4 hours' gradual climb to Muktinath, an important pilgrimage spot for both the Hindus and Buddhist - with a Buddhist Gompa and pagoda style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most interesting aspect of the area however is the spot where natural burning gas issued from a rock situated at the same place as a small spring. Earth, fire and water - an important religious combination.

Day 08: Trek down to Jomsom. 6 Hrs. The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor over 5,000 ft below and we lunch at Jomsom. Rest of the time explore around the Jomsom. Overnight at Jomsom.

Day 09: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight. (20 minutes) After breakfast walk to the Jomsom airport to board Pokhara flight. Upon arrival connecting to your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu meet and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

13 days Annapurna Base Camp trekking. (Moderate)

Day 01: Pokhara – Nayapul – Tirkhedhunga (1577m): After breakfast drive from Hotel to Nayapul for about 45 minute from where you will start your trek to TIrkhedhunga. We start walk easy trail about 20 minutes to Birethati where the two rivers meet and flow together. Check post of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) will check whether you have ACAP fee paid or not. This trail is easy flat trail flowing Bhurundi River on left hand side, the track takes 3 and half hour to reach to Tirkhedhunga for overnight stay.

Day 02: Tirkhedhunga – Ghorepani (2853m): After breakfast stiff ascending trek to Ulleri for about 2 and half hours, this is a Magar/Gurung village and then trek to Banthathati for lunch. After lunch continues ascending to Ghorepani (2853m) your overnight place for the night.

Day 03: Ghorepani –Tadapani (2120m): Wake up early morning to climb uphill to Poon Hill (3250m) for panoramic view of sunrise on Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu etc. trek back to Ghorepani for Breakfast and trek to Tadapani (2120m).

Day 04: Tadapani – Chomrong (1940m) After crossing the Modi River trek along the village and gradually ascend to Kimru ridge through a sparse forest. Descend down through thicket forest to Kimru river and stop for lunch. After lunch is a steep ascent for about 3 hours then the trail levels off till you reach Chomrong. Walking approx 5 hours.

Day 05: Chomrong – Doban (2546m) From Chomro village, trail descends to Chomro River and ascends after crossing it. Pass through thick forest vegetation and follow the western bank of Modi river to Khuldi for lunch. After lunch, another 3 hours trek through bamboo and bushes takes you to Doban and overnight.

Day 06: Doban – Hinko (3048m) A steady ascent of about 3 hours for Doban takes you to Hinko. The bushy forest in this area is well stocked with leeches. Once you reach Hinko the forest disappears and the valley opens up and becomes very picturesque. You are at the foot of the Modi Himal and Machhapuchhare now. Overnight at hinko.

Day 07: Rest day for acclimatization.

Day 08: Hinko – Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC 3700m) Trek ascending to Base Camp.

Day 09: At Base Camp (3700m) Rest day at Base camp. Exploring Visit Annapurna Base Camp & back to MBC for Lunch and Overnight.

Day 10: Base Camp to Khuldi (2381m) Descend to Doban for about 3 hours. Another 3 hours' trek through bamboo and bushes takes you to Khuldi for overnight stay.

Day 11: Khuldi – Chomrong (1940m) From Khuldi, follow the western bank of the Modi river to Chomro river. Then ascend steadily to Chomro village and overnight stay.

Day 12: Chomrong – Landruk – Pothana (1620m): Trek to Pothana (1850m). Flat trail about 3 and half hours till BHERI KHARKA where you stop for Lunch and ascend about 1 and half hours to reach Potana and overnight stay. From here one can see the northeastern part of mountains.

Day 13: Pothana – Dhampus – Phedi – drive to Pokhara: Trek to Dhampus for about 45 minutes, again 45 minutes walk downhill to reach Phedi, drive Phedi to Pokhara airport to connect your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu meet and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

19 Days Round Annapurna Trekking (Challenging)

Pic : Thorang Phedi

Day 01 Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m) approx 6 hrs drives. After a long drive from Kathmandu, following wild hairpin ends, we arrive at small village of Dumre (585m). Then we drive again through garble road covering around 30 kms slowly gaining elevation, getting good views of Boudha Himal (6736m) and Himalchuli (7968m) and to Besisahar (823m) our first night halt.

Day 02 Besishar to Bahundanda (1311m) The trail continues northwards up the valley, crossing several suspension bridges and passing several beautiful waterfalls. Above us tower the peaks of LAMJUNG (6859m). The village Bahundanda supports the last shops of any size before Jomsom.

Day 03 Bahundanda to Chamje (2713m) Today, we descend to the Marshyangdi to access the river level before deciding our route. If water level is low, we can cross on a makeshift bridge to the east bank. If not, we continue on the west bank climbing high over a ridge, to rejoin the east bank trail over a suspension bridge at Sange. We then climb high again, through rhododendron and pine forest. The valley is now very deep and steep gorge. Overnight halt at Chamje.

Day 04 Chamje to Bagarchap (2164m) We climb steadily all day long Tal, a small village at the foot of a large waterfall. We are now entering the Manang district. After leaving Tal, we cross a large bridge to the village of Dharapani (1943m) where we stop to enjoy a cup of tea. We then climb through forest to Bagarchap the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture.

Day 05 Bagarchap to Chame (2713m) The trail is now bearing west, Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop and Annapurna II (7937m) appearing occasionally to the south. We continue through forests of pine and fir, resting at the hamlets or Charku, Thangje and Kuparkot. As we continue on the trail, views of the Annapurna improve dramatically.

Day 06 Chame to Pisang (3185m) We continue crossing the river all day, passing through the narrow and steep sided gorge nearing the village of Pisang (3183m). We top a ridge to get our first views of the Manang valley, a wide N - shaped valley hanging between two lines of snow peaks.

Day 07 Pisang to Manang (3351m) Descending to the broad forested valley floor, we follow the trail through the flat valley, past a small STOL airstrip, under construction, cross the river once again to Braga (3472m) and en-route visiting Braga Monastery. This is a village of about 290 houses stacked on top of each other, flat roofs forming verandahs.

Day 08 Manang (3351m) Rest and acclimatization day at Manang and today we spend the whole day exploring Manang. The village consists of about 500 flat roofed houses and is picturesquely set amongst spectacular scenery: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, (7855m), Gangapurna (7485m) to the south: Tilicho (7134m) and the Grand Barrier, to the west; Chulu west (6420m) and Chulu East (6558m) to north.

Day 09 Manang to Churl Ladder (3868m) We branch away from the arshyangdi river steadily climbing in to district alpine areas. Keep your eyes open for Thar and Ghoral mountain sheep.

Day 10 Churl Ladder to Thorang Phedi (4442m) Today we ascending about 3 hours then descending about 45 minutes to cross the Jarsang river, we climb to a small grassy valley and overnight halt.

Day 11 Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3798m) Though the crossing of the pass is not technically difficult, we take it slowly to take into account the complications of altitude and possible snow. After about 4 hours, we reach the top (5416m) and enjoy some absolutely stunning high Himalayan scenery. The entire Annapurna range in the south, the Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west, and the incredibly deep Kali Gandaki valley and the peaks of Throungtse (6542m) and Chulu to the north.
Descend is steep and rough but we soon have excellent views of Dhaulagiri (8167m).

Muktinath (3798m) is an important pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Buddhist Gompa and pagoda style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most interesting aspect of the area, however, is the spot where burning of natural gas issued from the rock from the same place as a small spring. Earth, air, fire, water an important religious combination.

Day 12: Rest day at Muktinath

Day 13 Muktinath to Jomsom (2713m) – Marpha (2667m) The trail descends very quickly to the valley floor over 1538m below. Descend is through a dramatic arid landscape and continues to Jomsom (2713m) where you will have lunch. After the last few days, Jomsom seems almost busy, in fact it is a major village on the Kali Gandaki trading route. After lunch continue to Marpha (2667) village for overnight halt.

Day 14 Marpha to Kalapani or Lete (2438m) We pass through Tukche a beautiful Thakali villages and overnight halt at Kalapani or Lete. The Thakalis are the dominant tribe of the valley, related to the Gurung and Magars of the Southern slopes.

Day 15 Lete – Rukse (1800m) As we pass between the Dhauligiri and Annapurna, a dramatic change in the vegetation occurs today - from dry desert to pine and conifer forests. Passing through Kalapani and here, the views of the Annapurnas are breathtaking. We have overnight halt near a spectacular waterfall at Rukse.

Day 16Rukse to Tatopani (1189m) As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, a dramatic change in the vegetation occurs today-from dry desert to pine and conifer forests. The views of Annapurnas are breathtaking. Tatopani means "Hot water" and it is possible to bathe in the springs and overnight halt at Tatopani.

Day 17 Tatopani to Gorepani (2853m) After crossing the trail ascends steadily to Gorepani (2853m) we stop for lunch at Shikha. As we climb steadily all day, we leave behind the terraced fields and enter into thick rhododendron forest and village of Ghorepani. We halt at the Pass where we can get the best views of sunset and dawn of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Day 18 Gorepani to Ulleri (2154m)
This morning walk ascending to Pon-hill for sunrise view from where you can see amazing view of more than 50 mountains.
Back to hotel/Lodge for breakfast; after breakfast trek down to Ulleri through Rhodondron forest for about 5hrs. Lunch will be served at Banthanti. if the weather permits good views mystical mountains Machhapuchhre (6993m) and Annapurna south (7219m). Dinner and Overnight at Lodge.

Day 19 Ulleri - Pokhara Today's descended is almost as tiring as the day from Muktinath. However, mule trains laden with goods keep us entertained. We cross Tirkhedhunga and Birethanti village and arrive Nayapul late in the evening and drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel in Pokhra.

# posted by Karnabir Balami @ 9:46 AM 0 Comments

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