Tips for Travellers in Nepal What is Trekking? Eastern Himalaya Trekking Central-Northern Himalaya Trek Western Himalaya Trekking Tours in Nepal Nature Lovers Tours Trekking Peaks Nepal Mountain Expedition Adventure & Fun

Central Tibet - 8 Days Kailash & Manasarovar Yatra Kharta Valley Trek -20 Days Lhasa - Ktm Overland Tour Lhasa-Guge Kingdom & KailashMore Tibet Packages»»

Nepal Magnificent Panorama view Trek and Tour and Culture Tour to Bhutan

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, meet and transfer to hotel and evening well come dinner. The Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above which tower mighty snow-capped peaks. It consists of three main towns of great historic, artistic and culture interest: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The Kathmandu valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. It is situated 4223 ft. above sea-level.

Day 02: Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
Swoyambhunath
The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swoyambhu, or the “the self-existent”. In times uncharted by history, Bodhisattva Manjusri came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake’s center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the lotus. Men called it the Kathmandu Valley. From then on, the hilltop of the Self-existent Lord has been a holy place.

Pashupatinath: One-day lord Shiva got tired of this glittering palace on Mt. Kailash, his armies of ghosts and spirits, and even Parbati – his beautiful wife. Through his cosmic powers, he searched for a perfect place where he could holiday. Without telling anyone, he ran away from his palace and came to live in Slesmantak forest in the Kathmandu valley. He gained great fame here as Pashupati – Lord of the Animals – before other gods discovered his hiding place and came to fetch him. The Pashupati where he stayed has received the attention of worshippers for at least fifteen hundred years; it is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal

Bouddhanath
Bouddhanath is among the largest stupa in south Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Boudhanath. They established many gompas, and the “Lit the Tibet” of Nepal was born. This “Little Tibet” is still the best place in the valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes. Tibetans walk with prayer wheels in their hands and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the stupa on their hands and knees, bowing down to their lord.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the seemingly uncountable monuments in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The house of the Living goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the square! The building here are the greatest achievements of the Malla dynasty, and they resulted from the great rivalry between the three palaces of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The valley was divided among the children of Yaksya Malla. For visitors today, and for the Nepalese, it was serendipitous that they,  and later their off springs, began artistic warfare trying to outdo each other in splendid constructions. Kings copied every thing their neighbors built in an even grander style. A visitor who wanders around the Square will see a round temple in the Pagoda architectural style, the temple of goddess Taleju (who played dice with King Jaya Prakash Malla), and an image of Shiva and Parbati sitting together among the many monuments.

Day 03 After breakfast drive to Pokhara overnight at hotel
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a Much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the  world Famous views of the Himalaya. Clearly the most the most stunning of Pokhara's sights in the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its drop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek (Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek)
The Jomsom Trek is the classic teahouse trek, which visits some of the best trekking lodges in Nepal. The trek follows the ancient trading route from India to Tibet up the Kali Gandaki valley starting from the road head near Pokhara and finishing at the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. We experience a range of surroundings, from the culture of the lowland villages to the splendor of the high Himalaya. This trek gives many spectacular views of the two Himalayan giants, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and gives a flavor of the Tibet-like country north of Jomsom. This is indeed a classic trek, which allows access to the high mountains of the Himalaya within a reasonable timeframe and without ascending to extreme altitude. Accommodation and food is provided in the local teahouses.

Day 04  From Pokhara Drive to Nayapul, and trek to Tikhedhunga
We start by driving to the road head at Nayapul where we begin the trek. From here it is a 20-minute walk along the bank of the Modi Khola to Birethanti (1065m), a large village which has many shops and teahouses. From here the trail continues through the village and then follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1495m and shortly after reaches Tikhedhunga at 1525m. This is a short, relatively easy day which allows us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal.

Day 05 Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
After yesterday's gentle introduction, today is a hard day with a long climb up to Ghorepani at 2775m. However we take it slowly, rest often, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The trail continues upwards on a steep stone staircase to Ulleri at 2070m. From here the trail leads through thick forest to Banthanti at 2250m, and then continues through oak and rhododendron forest to Nangathanti at 2460m. The trail continues to rise and after approx. one hour reaches Ghorepani. We continue to the main concentration of tea-houses at Deurali (2834m), a further 10 minutes walk, where we obtain fantastic views of the surrounding peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Day 06 Ghorepani to Tatopani
After yesterday's ascent, today's walk is a lot easier as it is mainly downhill to Tatopani. However before we set off, we make an ascent of Poon Hill (3210m) to obtain magnificent, unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains.   The walk up to the top of Poon Hill takes approx. one hour but is well worth the effort. From Deurali, the trail descends through rhododendron and magnolia forest,  to Chitre at 2390m, and continues down to Sikha at  1980m, and then Ghara at 1705m. From here it is a steep descent of 500m to the Ghar Khola, where the trail then climbs briefly before crossing the Kali Gandaki on a large suspension bridge. It is then a short walk to Tatopani at 1180m.Tatopani is a large village with many well-appointed tea-houses and takes it's name, 'hot water', from the hot
spring bathing pools on the banks of the river.

Day 07 Tatopani to Kalopani
The trail continues up the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is considered to be the deepest in the world, situated as it is between the two 8000m peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The trail rises gently to reach Dana at 1400m and on to Rupse Chhahara at 1550m, where there is a stunning waterfall. The trail then crosses to the eastern bank of the river to reach Kopchepani, but then crosses back to the western side on a suspension bridge at 1935m. From here it is a short climb to Ghasa at 2080m. We continue to ascend and pass through Lete at 2470m, shortly before arriving at Kalopani at an elevation of 2560m. From here we obtain superb views of the Nilgiri peaks to the east.

Day 08 Kalopani to Marpha
We start by crossing to the eastern side of the river, but cross back again further up the trail before entering Larjung at 2560m. We then continue on a short distance to the interesting village of Khobang with it's narrow alleyways. Our lunch spot is the ancient Thakali village of Tukuche at 2590m. From Tukuche we continue up the Kali Gandaki, with the terrain becoming much more barren and thebreeze increasing as it passes through the gorge. On the way to Marpha we pass a Tibetan refuge settlement and then a horticulture research station. Marpha at 2665m is a large Thakali village with many excellent teahouses, but it still retains the typical architectural features of narrow alleyways, flat roofs, and whitewashed buildings. There is also a superb Nyingmapa Buddhist gompa, which can be visited.

Day 09 Marpha to Kagbeni
We leave Marpha and continue to climb along the side of the valley to reach Jomsom at 2713m. Jomsom is a large, bustling settlement which is the administrative center of the region, containing the airport, army camp,  and numerous hotels, shops, banks and government  offices. We cross the river to the eastern bank and continue onwards to Eklai Bhatti at 2730m. From here there is a direct route to Muktinath that ascends the hill behind the village, however we follow the trail along the river to Kagbeni at 2810m. Kagbeni is situated at the junction of the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki, and is the northernmost village that can be visited without a permit to continue on to Mustang. It is a fascinating village with many Tibetan influences.

Day 10 Kagbeni to Muktinath
From Kagbeni we make a steep climb up the Jhong Khola valley and join the direct trail to Muktinath just below Khingar at 3200m. From here we continue on the trail high above the Jhong Khola to the imposing village of Jharkot at 3500m. This village is well worth exploring and so we will stop here for lunch before continuing on to Muktinath.

 From Jharkot the trail climbs up to our ultimate destination of Muktinath at 3800m. We initially reach Ranipauwa where there are many teahouses and shops, and where we stay for the night. The actual religious site of Muktinath is a further 10 minutes walk up the hill and this area is kept free of hotels and camping sites. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists alike, and the area includes a Buddhist gompa and a Hindu temple.

 Day 11 Muktinath to Jomsom
We can now look forward to a reduction in altitude and easier going, as we descend back down the trail to Jomsom, from where we will fly out to Pokhara and then on to Kathmandu.  We take the direct route back, which misses out Kagbeni and descends the hill behind Eklai Bhatti, before returning to Jomsom on the West Side of the Kali Gandaki.

Day 12 Jomsom to Pokhara By flight to Pokhara over night Pokhara.

Day 13 Drive from Pokhara to Sauraha and after lunch visiting the Tharu Village Visit and back to Lodge 7.00 p.m. dinner and over night lodge.

Day 14: After breakfast Canoe trip and Jungle walk and back to Camp. 12.45 p.m. Lunch
3.00 p.m. Elephant ride in the park about 1 hrs. 7.00 p.m. dinner and culture program

 Day 15: Early morning Bird watching tour about 1½ hrs, And back to Camp then Break fast and 9.30 A.m. Departure to Kathmandu.

4 days trek and 6 days city Grade tour to Bhutan

Day 16: Fly Kathmandu to Paro Bhutan.
Meet our representative at the airport. Transfer to hotel.
This is a culture trek passing through the villages of Punakha & Wangdi region. As the name indicates, this trek is best done from late autumn and through the winter and offers opportunity to visit villages, farms, temples & nature.

Duration                        : 4 days trek and 6 days city
Trek grade                    : AA (Easy)
Maximum altitude        : 1500 m
Season                         : March to November

 Arrival to Paro
Meet our representative at the airport. Transfer to hotel.
Visit Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fort. Mount Chomolhari the sacred summit reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch to Ta Dzong, the National museum and Rinpung Dzong.

Day 17: Paro – Thimphu
Drive on the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means, river or water) down stream to it confluence with the Wangchu ten up-valley to Thimphu, the capital. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten, here the faithful circumambulating the shrine dedicated to the Late King with their prayer beads as they walk.

Day 18: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive to Khuruthng with pack lunch provided from the hotel. Stop at Dochula pass at 10,000ft for a clear view of the snowcapped Himalayan peaks towards the north bordering Tibet. Descend to Punakha via the picturesque fortress that houses the winter migration of monks from Thimphu.

Day  19:  Punakha – Limukha
Drive to Punakha Dzong; the trek begins with a gradual climb through Rhododendron and Oak forests; en route visit the village of Dompala can be organised on the group’s choice. Distance trekked is about 5/6 hr. Overnight in camp.

Day 20: Limukha – Chungsakha
The trail today takes you through Rhododendron and Oak forests; en route visit the famous Drukpa Kuenley Lhakhang/temple, known as the Divine Mad Monk known for his amazing and surprising methods of teaching the Buddhist philosophy. Distance 14 km taking about 5-6 hrs.

Day 21:  Chungsakha – Samtengang
The trek takes you through the village of Sha in Wangue District. The people of this area have their own dialect of Dzongkha, and were known in olden times for the famous bull fights in the fields that sometimes led to duels amongst the village men, where a village status was required to be defended against a neighbouring village. Camp at Samtengang by the lake; it is nice trek of about 13 km and taking about 5 hrs.

Day 22: Samtengang – Thimphu.
The trail now drops till the motor road and drive to Thimpu.

Day 23: Thimpu-Paro.
Drive to Paro and free afternoon.

Day 24: Transfer to airport for departure and fly back to Kathmandu and rest or shopping.

Day 25:   Sight seen Patan and Bhaktapur

Patan
Patan, the second-largest city in the valley, lies just across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu, but it's a much quieter and less frenetic place to visit. The city is justly proud of its temples and artisans and it is their handiwork that provides the focus of the stunning Durbar Square (choc) a-block with the largest display of Newari architecture in Nepal. It includes the Royal Palace, which contains a richly decorated bathtub, and the two-tiered brick Jagannarayan Temple. Look up to the roof struts to see carvings of figures engaged in quite athletic acts of intercourse. A few minutes' walk north of the square is the Golden Temple, a Buddhist monastery guarded by sacred tortoises that potter around the courtyard; and the Kumbeshawar, reputedly the oldest (1392) temple in Patan. South of the square is an area of charming streets lined with metal smiths and brassware shops?

Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is about 35km south east of Kathmandu's city center and is easily reached by bus or minibus. You may have second thoughts about the minibuses, though, as they are overcrowded and can turn a 35 minute trip into an hour long torture.

Bhaktapur is in many ways the most medieval of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Despite recent development, the city still retains a distinctly timeless air with much of its glorious architecture dating from the end of the 17th century. Most sights can be easily traversed by foot and include yet another Durbar Square, which is infinitely larger than Kathmandu's and has its fair share of temples, statues and columns, many with grisly histories behind them. For instance, the sculptor of the Ugrachandi & Bhairab Statues had his hands chopped off to prevent him from duplicating his masterpieces.

Bhaktapur second main square is Taumadhi Tole, which features Nyatapola, the highest temple in the valley, and Til Mahadev Narayan, an important place of pilgrimage. Nearby is Potters' Square, where thousands of clay pots are made and sold. East from here, through the sinuous streets of the old city center, is Tachupal Tole, another square containing temples and monasteries plus craft museums.

Sometimes it's best to take a break from temples and sit back and watch the unchanging rituals of daily life: the laying out of grain to dry in the sun; families collecting water or washing under communal taps; children playing simple games; dyed yarns flapping in the breeze; or potters at work throwing clay.

Day 26:  Final departure from Kathmandu Namaste flight to your destinations.

 The following information will allow you to better plan your budget for tours or treks. A range of costs is given. These costs are dependant on:

• The mix of Touring and/or general Trekking,
• The remoteness of the areas visited,
• The number of guides or porters required,
• The standard of accommodation required (if there is a choice), 
• The type of ground transport used,
• The length of your visit, and
• The size of your group.

Depending on group size the costs of treks and tours range from:
1 to 3 pax     US$ 88 to 163  P/p per night.
4 to 8 pax     US$ 78 to 148  P/p per night
9 to 14 pax.  US$ 75 to 135 P/p per night.
15 to 20 and above US$ 60 to 110 P/p per night
Single supplement US$ 40 to 70 per night.

Note: The itinerary and cost for Peak climbing, Mountaineering, Tibet, Bhutan and India tours and trek are conditional apply.

Notwithstanding the costs shown above, we can tailor tours to suit almost any budget. Feel free to email us for more information.
 
Note: One tour leader will be free of cost for tours with 15 or more paying guests only. 

Children's bellow three years is free if sharing with their parents. And need to pay if they are participating on the trekking, and above three to nine year children half of the price.

Cost Includes: Accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels in the cites as your choice, basic accommodation in a lodge or tea house or camping (depending on your itinerary and choice) during treks, guides and porters on treks, all land transfers by private vehicle, 3 meals a day on treks, all jungle safaris, all sightseeing tours as per itinerary and all necessary entry fees, permits and airport transfers.
 
Cost Excludes: Personal expenses, domestic air tickets, airport tax, drinks (soft drink, mineral water and alcoholic beverages and hot-shower on the trek), personal insurance, and extra cost due to natural calamities or accidents outside of our control.

Remarks: The cost of the trip determines with the services included during the trip so that it might be varies with the services, hotel and transfer of your wish.

Please note that our guides speak the following English languages and if required we will provide your language spiking guide on extra cost.

Note: Please contact exploretrek@wlink.com.np for more information and prices

Translate

English Chinese Czech Danish Dutch Finnish French Greek German Hebrew Irish Italian Japanese Korean Norwegian Polish Protuguese Russian Slovalian Spanish Swedish Turkish

Contact Information:

Alpine Explore Nepal
P.O. Box: 4546, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977 1 4700714 / 4700175 / 4701974
Fax: +977 -1 - 4700970
Email: info@traveltrek.asia
          sales@traveltrek.asia
Skype Address: explore.alpine
MSN Messanger: explorealpine
Yahoo Messanger:explorealpine

We are
Associated: