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
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.
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 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 – 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.
Trekking in Nepal : Eastern Region
Eastern region: Everest region trekking programs
13 Days Everest Kalapatthar - Everest Base Camp Trek. (Grade: Moderate)
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.
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.
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