TOUR GRADING

1-  Wildlife, Birding tours, for average travellers, no preparation.
2 - Trek, Raft, Jungle for average active person, no preparation.
3 - Trek, Raft, Jungle for active person, some physical training.
4 - Trek involving mountain passes physically fit, physical conditioning required.
5 - Trek and peak climbing, physically very fit, special training required.
* - Grade as shown but trails can be in poor condition sometimes just animal tracks. These grades are not based on length alone, but also take into account altitude and nature of terrain.

The Mountains of Nepal higher than 8000m

Mt. Everest or Sagarmatha 8848m

Mt. Kanchenjunga 8598m

Mt. Lhotse 8516m

Mt. Makalu 8481m

Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m

Mt. Manaslu 8156m

Mt. Cho Oyu 8153m

Mt. Annapurna 1 8091m

General

Landlocked between India and Tibet, Nepal spans terrain from subtropical jungle to the icy Himalaya. The cultural landscape is every bit as diverse as a dozen major ethnic groups, speaking as many as fifty dialects, coexist in this narrow, jumbled buffer state. Two of the world’s great religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, overlap and mingle with older tribal traditions - yet it’s a testimony to the Nepalese tolerance and good humour that there is no tradition of ethnic or religious strife. Unlike India, Nepal was never colonised, a fact which comes through in fierce national pride and other, more idiosyncratic ways. Founded on Trans-Himalayan trade, its dense, medieval cities display a unique pagoda-style architecture, not to mention an astounding flair for festivals and pageantry. But above all, Nepal is a nation of villages and terraced hillsides - more than eighty percent of the population lives off the land, sampling this simple lifestyle is perhaps the greatest pleasure of all.

The lowlands of the Terai, home of the Chitwan National Park lies only 150m above sea level, but just over 100 km to the north, runs the highest mountain range on Earth containing eight of the world’s ten highest mountains. Between the white giants in the distance and the steaming jungles of the lowlands lies a land of outstanding beauty. The Himalayas, are unique among the great mountain ranges in that they themselves do not form the watershed. This lies 100 km to the north on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, resulting in the world’s greatest gorges, through which the Trans-Himalayan rivers penetrate the mountain barriers, on their way to the Indian Ocean.

Topography is obviously a key consideration when travelling in Nepal. Generally speaking, the country divides into three altitude zones running from west to east. The northernmost of these is, of course, the Himalayan chain, broken into a series of himal (massifs) and inhabited, at least part of the year, as high as 5000m. The largest part of the country consists of a wide belt of middle-elevation foothills and valleys, Nepal’s traditional heartland. Two ranges, the Mahabharat Lekh and the lower, southernmost Chure (or Siwalik) Hills, stand out. Finally, the Terai, a thin strip of flat, lowland jungle and farmland along the southern border, has more in common with India than with the rest of Nepal.

Everyone touches down in Kathmandu at some point. Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, rolling countryside and huddled brick villages provide incentives for day trips in the prosperous Kathmandu Valley, as do the historically independent city-states of Patan and Bhaktapur. The surrounding central hills are surprisingly undeveloped. The views get more dramatic in Pokhara, set beside a lake under a looming wall of peaks. It’s in the teeming jungle and ethnic villages of the Terai that Nepal’s diversity really becomes apparent. Most travellers venture no further than Chitwan National Park, where endangered Asian one-horned rhinos are easily viewable, but three other parks and wildlife reserves are out there for the more adventurous.

The Himalaya along with all hill areas fall within the government’s prescribed trekking regions. Special rules apply in this roadless half of Nepal, distances are reckoned in days of walking, and trailside inns provide only basic shelter. The terrain can vary from infernal valley bottoms and cultivated foothills to lush rhododendron forests and glacial deserts.

Wildlife

In the Terai Zone, oriental region fauna is typically found, with representations from both the Indian and Indo-Chinese subregions. Several areas have been set aside as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Species that can be found are the One-horned Rhinoceros, Tiger, Swamp Deer, Wild Buffalo, Gaur, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Monkeys and other small animals. The foothill zone supports Leopard, Goral, Serow, Barking and Musk Deer, Sambar, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Red Fox, Jackal, monkeys and smaller animals, such as Porcupine, Yellow-throated Martin, Orange-bellied Squirrel, Civet, River Otter, Weasel, Shrew and the Indian Hare. In the area above the tree line, only a few species are found. The northern slope zone is the area that lies in the rain shadow north of the Himalayas and species such as Lynx, Wolf, Brown Bear, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Fox and Blue sheep are found. Nepal offers a great variety of birds and there are few places in the world where Snowy White Egrets perch in front of giant peaks, both turning pink from the setting sun and very few places where one can observe birds at 8000m and still be on the ground. Some 840 different species can be found, half the number found in all of South Asia. In the Terai, the birds are characteristically of the Indian subregion, while at high altitudes and on northern slopes, Eurasian birds are predominant. Besides the mixture in the midlands, Indo-Chinese birds are also common. Many birds pass through Nepal on migration and during the winter many visitors from the north arrive, whilst in the summer the visitors come from the south, escaping the heat of the Indian plains

Climate

It’s hard to generalise about the climate of a country ranging in elevation from near sea level to Mount Everest. About the only thing that can be said is that all but a few parts of Nepal are governed by the same monsoon pattern with temperatures varying according to elevation.

Probably half of all tourists visit Nepal in the autumn (October to November), and for good reasons. The weather is clear and dry, and temperatures aren’t too cold in the high country nor too hot in the Tarai. With the air washed clean by the monsoon rains, the mountains are at their most visible, making this the most popular time for trekking. Two major festivals also fall during this season.

In winter (December and January), the snow line descends to 2000 and 3000m, and though it never snows in Kathmandu, the "mists of Indra" make the capital feel cold and clammy. Most travellers head down into India, leaving the trekking routes and guest houses fairly quiet - too quiet, sometimes, as many restaurants pare down their menus for the season.

Spring (February to mid-April) brings warmer temperatures, longer days, weddings and more festivals. The rhododendrons are in bloom in the hills towards the end of this period, and in the Tarai the thatch has been cut, making this the best time for viewing wildlife. The one factor that keeps people away is a disappointing haze that obscures the mountains from lower elevations, though it’s usually possible to trek above it.

The pre-monsoon (mid-April to early June) is stifling at lower elevations, and dusty wind squalls are common. Trek high, where the temperatures are more tolerable.

Nepalese welcome the monsoon (June to September), which breaks the enervating monotony of the previous months, and makes the fields come alive with rushing water and green shoots. The rains rinse and renew the land. This can be a fascinating time to visit, when Nepal is at its most Nepali, but there are many drawbacks, mountain views are rare, leeches come out in force along the mid-elevation trekking routes, roads wash out, flights get cancelled.

The monsoon

Nepal’s climate is governed by the monsoon, one of the world’s great weather phenomena. A seasonal wind (the word derives from the Arabic for "season"; the Nepali word for monsoon is barkhaa), the monsoon is driven by extreme temperature fluctuations in Central Asia. As air over the Asian land mass warms in late spring and early summer, it rises, sucking air in from the ocean periphery to take its place. The air drawn from the south, passing over the Indian Ocean, is laden with moisture; as soon as it’s forced aloft and cooled (whether by updrafts over hot land, or by a barrier, such as the hills and mountains of Nepal), it reaches its saturation point and drops its moisture. With the arrival of autumn, the flow reverses cooling over the continent blows dry air outwards, bringing clear, stable conditions. That’s the theory, though in practice this huge, complex system is affected by countless variables such as land temperatures, jet-stream patterns, topography and late-season typhoons. The further inland you are, the harder it is to predict the outcome. Nepal is at the end of the line of the eastern arm of the South Asian monsoon sweeping up from the Bay of Bengal, which means it gets a month or so of pre-monsoon - a period of false storms and dry lightning - before the moist air arrives.

In Nepal, the rains generally advance from east to west in early to mid-June, and drop more precipitation overall in the east than in the west. They build slowly, reaching a peak in July and early August, then taper off again until clear weather returns by early October. Even at the monsoon’s height, however, it doesn’t bring continuous torrential rain - more usually it’s intermittent showers and longer overnight soaks. Local terrain and other factors can affect rainfall considerably. Areas lying in the "rain shadow" north of the Himalaya see very little monsoon moisture, while south-facing slopes may receive precipitation long before the plains to the south do. The latter effect is most dramatic where monsoon winds slam into high ranges with few intervening foothills, as they do around Pokhara.

Kathmandu

During your stay in Kathmandu the accommodation provided includes breakfast. For your other meals you are free to discover the surprising range and quality of restaurants in Kathmandu at very reasonable prices. Sightseeing in and around the Kathmandu valley is also included in most of our programmes. You will also have plenty of time to explore the fascinating Kathmandu valley, the grandeur of its historical monuments, the hospitality of its inhabitants and streets of this ancient city at your own pace.

Camping trek

A typical day begins about 0600 when tea is brought to your tent, along with a bowl of hot water for washing. This is followed by breakfast. Whilst you enjoy breakfast and admire the scenery, the trekking crew break camp. Shortly after 0700 you are on your way taking advantage of the cool morning, carrying a small rucksack containing articles required during the day. All other belongings are carried by the porters.

Everyone walks at their own pace and there is plenty of time to enjoy the views, meet the local people, take photographs and enjoy the flora and fauna. Around 1100 you reach your lunch stop. Whilst you relax, lunch will be prepared. Around 1300 you are on your way again, arriving at the camp site between 1500 and 1600.

Tea and biscuits will be available when you arrive, and there will be ample time to sort out your tent, relax or explore the surrounding area before dinner. Rest days are built into our itineraries and allow time for acclimatisation, this can also be utilised to explore the surrounding countryside. The food provided will be a combination of western and local cuisine and trekkers are usually astonished at the quality and variety of meals produced in the camp kitchen. On all our treks we take an experienced team of guides, cooks and porters, managed by a Sirdar. The guides will assist trek members at all times, and will encourage you to walk at your own pace.

Lodge Treks

With the establishment of many inns along the more popular trekking routes, we now provide Lodge Treks on more popular routes. You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide who makes all the arrangements for food and accommodation along the way. Also provided is one porter for every two persons. Also included in the price is the use sleeping bag, trek permit and nature conservation fee. The standard of accommodation and food varies tremendously in these inns, but your guide will arrange the best available.

Safety and altitude

All tours have been carefully designed to allow extra days for altitude acclimatisation. We avoid flying into high altitude airfields wherever possible, as this is one of the main sources of altitude sickness. With safety being one of our main considerations, the problem of serious altitude sickness has been virtually eliminated.

Birdwatching and Naturalists

Our Birdwatching Tours have been specially designed to include a wide range of habitats with diverse numbers of species. At the request of many clients, the Naturalist is now optional, allowing additional flexibility for the experienced birders. Tours involving trekking have been designed to allow plenty of time for Birding. Naturalists are available for all our tours, catering for a wide range of interests, such as Birds, Wildlife, Flora and Butterflies.

Hotel Information

Kathmandu - Samsara Resort has been designed as a peaceful haven in Thamel, the main tourist district, which has a wealth of dining and shopping options. We have a delightful garden where you can relax, enjoy a drink or meet with friends away from the liveliness just outside.  Our rooms have been carefully planned to give you the space and comfort you need with all modern facilities. We also have a rooftop restaurant, the highest in Kathmandu , which offers commanding views of the Langtang Himal to the north. Our indoor bar offers somewhere to relax when the weather is inclement. 

Pokhara - Kantipur is the poetic name of ancient Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal. Now, this poetic essence although disappearing in Kathmandu, has finally materialized in Pokhara 200 km all the way west of Kathmandu along with the combination of beauty, comfort and taste. That is in the class from of an exotic place to relax and enjoy delicious cuisine amidst the magnificent views of the most beautiful Himalaya "Fish Tail" of Annapurna range reflecting itself within the PHEWA LAKE. Our hotel expertise started a decade ago from Kathmandu, promises to provide very special services which, we believe, will meet your every expectation required to make your stay memorable in the natural bowl of Pokhara Valley.

Chitwan - Machan Wildlife Resort and Chitwan Jungle Lodge are located in the eastern-most part of the park, this wildlife resort provides excellent opportunities for all the thrills of a jungle safari. The lodge is of high quality using local colour and flavour with all the amenities any traveller would reasonably require. Included in our costs

Meals All meals while trekking, rafting or on a jungle safari. Packed lunches will be provided on Birdwatching tours when we are away from the hotel for the day.

Equipment All camping equipment and gear including two person tents

Porters To carry all personal gear and group equipment.

Staff Sherpa guides/escorts and other support staff.

Trek leader Well trained Local Group Leader.

Transport Kathmandu to and from the start/end of the trek by road or air as applicable

Hotels At two or three star hotels in Kathmandu on a twin share, bed and breakfast basis for the nights listed in the itinerary with the trip description. If all hotels of this standard are full we will provide the best available alternative. In Pokhara on B&B basis.

Rafting All equipment including life jacket, helmet and windproof jacket (in winter) for trips which involve rafting.

Permits Trekking Permit, National Park, Nature conservation fees and Visa extension services.

Transfers International and Domestic arrival/departure airport transfers.

Time Difference: +5.45 hrs. GMT. Currency: Nepal Rupee

British Embassy PO Box 106 Lainchaur, Kathmandu, Tel. 410583

Visa is required by all except Indian nationals and can be obtained from Visa Section, Embassy of Nepal, 12a Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8 4QU. Tel.: 0171 229 6231/1594. Tourist visa costs £30.00 and requires 2 passport photographs. A visa can also be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport.

Health Certificate is recommended for Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus and Typhoid. Anti Malaria tablets to be taken if visiting Chitwan.

Currency Regulation Visitors are to obtain a receipt for currency exchanges and this has to be handed over at the airport at the time of departure if you wish to change money back to foreign currency.

What to bring

The clothes you bring will depend very much on the time of year, and where you expect to be going. For warm weather you’ll want lightweight cotton garments - loose-fitting but modest, and covering enough to ward off sun and bugs. Shorts and a swimsuit are worth bringing (especially for rafting), but take note of local sensibilities when deciding what to wear. A waterproof shell or poncho is advisable at any time of year. For cooler seasons, try to dress in layers. A T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, sweater or polyester pile jacket and shell will set you up for almost any weather. Running shoes or any sort of durable, lightweight footwear will be adequate for most conditions in Nepal, even on a trek, though higher up you’ll need something waterproof.

For the sun, bring sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a brimmed hat; an umbrella (available locally) acts as an effective parasol at low elevations, and is indispensable during the monsoon. If you’re heading to the Tarai, especially between April and October, bring mosquito repellent; you can buy coils locally. Toiletries are pretty easy to come by in Kathmandu. Bring any prescribed medications and, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure to pack a spare pair.

Carry valuables in a money belt or neck purse, a small padlock is an effective deterrent to would-be thieves. A musical instrument or portable game will help break the ice and while away some dead hours.

And finally, some odd essentials: a torch (flashlight), small towel, sewing kit, a length of cord for drying clothes, and sealable plastic bags for keeping things separate in your pack.

Average maximum and minimum temperatures in centigrade in various trekking locations.
You can estimate temperatures for other nearby locations by a simple formula
For a rise of 100m the temperature falls 0.65 C.