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Region: Asia, the Himalayas, Nepal
Activity: trekking, rafting
Season: March - May, October - December.
Dates 2008: 27.03 - 10.04
In the tiny kingdom of Nepal, the same beautiful mountain ranges which draw trekkers and climbers shape an incredible variety of whitewater challenges for paddlers.
The diverse geography of this small country encompasses extremes from the highest peaks on earth to steamy lowland jungles. Nepal is only 100 miles wide but rises from near sea level on the Gangetic plain to over 29,000 feet at the top of Mount Everest.
The National Parks are home to an abundant population of varied wildlife ranging from wild elephant, Greater one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, blue bull sambar, numerous types of deer, and the most magnificent of cats -- the Royal Bengal tiger. The birdwatching is some of the best on the subcontinent with more than 800 species of birds recorded.
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has fascinated traders for centuries and has long been the center of commerce between India, China and Tibet. Arriving in the city is seemingly a step backward in time -- temple squares and bazaars bustle with a diversity of people and wares.
The possibilities for sightseeing and experiencing the exotic are endless -- shops carry unique items such as Tibetan rugs, Nepalese wood carvings, exquisite jewelry and other remarkable goods; and there are more eccentric characters per square mile than imaginable.
Annapurna Trekking
Our trek near the Annapurna massif, we think, is one of the finest in the world -- including high mountain passes, the deepest valley in the world, pine forest, rice paddies and monasteries.
Trek highlights are Manang village, the sacred Hindu temple of Muktinath, Kali Gandaki gorge -- the deepest in the world. Climbing Pun Hill (3200 m) to greet the sunrise over the Machapuchare, Annapurna Himal and Dhaulagiri peaks is an unforgettable experience!
Itinerary:
Day 01. Arrive Kathmandu. Hotel accommodation. Welcome dinner.
Day 02. Sightsee in Kathmandu with our English-speaking guides. Visit the 2,50- year-old Swayambunath Stupa, which stands atop a green hill west of Kathmandu. Legend has it that Manjushri, founder of Kathmandu valley, discovered the lotus of an ancient valley lake on the site where the great stupa of Swayambunath was later built. The omnisighted stare of the Buddha greets visitors and residents alike with compassion.
Day 03. After breakfast depart for Pokhara, a valley nestled between the snow crested Annapurna Massif, west of Kathmandu. Starting point of many fascinating treks in the Annapurna region, Pokhara boasts the beautiful Lake Feva and magnificent views of the Fishtail mountain. Hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
Day 04. Fly to Jomsom (2,850 m) and commence trek down the Kali Gandaki valley.
Days 5-9. Trek concludes in Biretandi village. Bus to Pokhara. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10. Bus to put-in on Kali Gandaki River. Rafting down Kali Gandaki River (class 3-4).
Day 11. Continue rafting. Overnight in tents.
Day 12. Take-out near Muglin town. Bus to Chitwan.
Day 13. Elephant safari in Chitwan National Park. Bus to Kathmandu.
Day 14. Kathmandu. Day free for shopping and leisure.
Day 15. Depart Kathmandu.
Cost: US$ 1250 (min. 7 pax).
Payment: Deposit 250 USD, final payment 45 days prior to departure.
Included:
- Expert leadership
- All road transportation from Kathmandu to Kathmandu,
- Transfers,
- hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara,
- all meals during trekking and rafting,
- Royal Chitwan National Park and safari fees,
- breakfasts in Kathmandu and Chitwan,
- rafting and camping gear,
- guides.
Not included:
- Nepal visa,
- airport tax,
- lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Chitwan,
- alcoholic beverages,
- personal items.
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