Day 1
Kathmandu
Prior to our landing in Kathmandu, we should have some excellent views of the Himalaya.
After Customs clearance, you will transfer to your hotel. The afternoon will remain
free for exploring Kathmandu.
Day 2 Kathmandu
Kathmandu stands at 1350 meters and the valley is surrounded by hills at an altitude of
around 2400 meters. There are three important cities in the valley, the most significant
being Kathmandu itself. Patan is the most Buddhist of the three and is across the Bagmati
River to the south of Kathmandu, but so close as to be almost an extension of the capital.
Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, is the most "mediaeval" and is situated in
the eastern part of the valley. While Kathmandu and Patan have undergone great changes in
the two decades since Nepal ended its long isolation, Bhaktapur has changed very little
and is still much as it was three decades ago.
Kathmandu, Machendra Nath Temple, a pagoda of high artistic
beauty. Hanuman Dhoka, historic seat of Royalty with old temples and palaces. Temple of
the Living Goddess (Kumari) with profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens.
Kasthamandap, an edifice constructed from wood of a single tree. The National Museum
houses a splendid collection of ancient artefacts. Singh Durbar, an imposing stucco palace
built in neo classical style as residence of the erstwhile Rana prime ministers now acts
as State secretariat.
Patan, 5 kilometres Southwest of Kathmandu, Patan is full of
Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples. It is also known as the city of artists. Visit
Durbar Square, residential palace of Malla Kings. See Krishna Mandir with stone carvings
from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabarata, statue of bird God Garuda, Big Bell Royal baths,
Ashoke Stupa, Taleju Temple, Temples of Maha Buddha and Jagat Narian. Visit the Tibetan
refugee centre to watch the spinning, dyeing and weaving of hand made carpets of intricate
designs.
Bhadgoan, 13 kilometres west of Kathmandu, Bhadgoan was built in
889 A.D. and is home of medieval art and architecture. See Durbar square with the Lion
gate, Palace of 55 windows, Bell of barking dogs, Nayatapola, Bhairava and Dattaraya
Temples and monastery with carved Peacock windows.
Swayambu Nath, 6.5 kilometres west of Kathmandu, situated on a
hillock, this 2000 years old stupa is the worlds most glorious Buddhist shrine. The main
temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all
seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Boudhnath, 8 kilometres east of Kathmandu, this colossal
Buddhist stupa is built on a octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels and is surrounded by
houses of Buddhist priests and Lama monks. It is 1500 years old and is the largest Lamaist
shrine in the world.
Pashupati Nath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most
famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometres Northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the
sacred Bagmati river, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly
carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats which are of absorbing interest to
the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.
Day 3 Barabise 819m.
The day starts with a pleasant drive along the Arniko Highway to Barabise, affording good
views. We camp for the night beside the Sun Kosi river.
Day 4 Kabre 1605m.
We start with a steep climb behind the town of Barabise through rice and mustard fields.
After a couple of hours we reach a ridge with beautiful views down the Sun Kosi. Along
this ridge, we get some excellent views of the many birds of prey, soaring along this
ridge.
Day 5 Dolongsa
Our climb continues through small settlements and forest to a clearing at the edge of
the Rhododendron forest and our camp site. Many birds can be seen in this area.
Day 6 Bigu Gompa 2310m
A very steep climb to the pass (3320m) is rewarded with breathtaking views of the
Himalaya, including Everest. From the pass we descend through magnificent forest to the
lone monastery of Bigu Gompa.
Day 7Chilangka 1923m.
We have to descend to the Samling Khola 1710m. before our climb to Chilangka.
Day 8 Dulong 1890m.
We contour the hillside for most of the day with a few ups and downs and some excellent
views of Gauri Shanker 7145m.
Day 9 Shalu 1500m
A pleasant day of easy trekking mostly down hill to the Bhote Kosi to the village of
Jagat. From here, it is an easy walk upstream to our campsite at Shalu.
Day 10 Simigoan 2000m.
The day starts with an easy walk along the river until we cross the Bhote Kosi. From here,
it is a very steep climb to Simigoan and the Gompa, where we will camp.
Day 11 Forest Camp 2800m.
After a short steep climb, we enter a beautiful mixed forest hanging with moss and giving
way to Rhododendron as we climb higher. We then descend to our campsite beside the
Rolwaling River.
Day 12 & 13 Beding 3694m.
We continue our climb through forest before entering the more open Rolwaling Valley at
Ramdung and Beding, the largest settlement in the Rolwaling Valley.
Day 14 Na 4100m.
We continue upwards along the valley through Rhododendrons to the summer settlement of Na.
Days 15 Na 4100m.
A day for exploring the upper slopes of the valley for Snow Partridge or a visit to the
nearby glacier lake.
Day 16 Forest Camp 2800m.
We retrace our steps to this beautiful campsite in the forest.
Day 17 Chetchet 1500m.
We take a different route down the forest to Simigoan before the steep descent down to the
Bhote Kosi River.
Day 18 Chetre 1000m.
As we continue down river, we pass through some interesting villages of medieval
appearance and many photographic possibilities.
Day 19 Dolakha 950m.
We continue along the valley which has now become the Tamba Kosi, as we pass through some
very interesting forest.
Day 20 Charikot
A steep climb brings us to Charikot (2000m).
Day 21
By road to Kathmandu.
Day 22
Kathmandu
Day 23
Depart Kathmandu arriving London the same day.
Cost Includes
-
All land and domestic air transfer as per itinerary
-
Arrival and departure transfers and Internal flights as per
itinerary
-
Twin share accommodation in Kathmandu and b'fast as per itinerary
1/2 day sightseeing in Kathmandu
-
All accommodation and 3 meals while on the trek
-
Fully escorted trek with English speaking guide and porters
-
Trekking permit and National Park Fees Wages, equipment, insurance
and other facilities to staffs
Not Included
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International Airfare
-
Visas US$30
-
Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges
-
Other meals not stated (Lunch/Dinner in Cities like Kathmandu and
Pokhara) allow $20 per day
-
Items of personal nature ie. Soft/hard drinks, tips etc.
-
Travel Insurance (this is a mandatory condition of booking)
-
Medical evacuation in case of emergency
-
Personal spending money
All itineraries are
subject to change without prior notice.
