|
The Nepalese way of life in Kathmandu
We fly to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, and orientate ourselves with a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley, adjusting ourselves to the impressive scenery and Nepalese way of life.
Launching into a real Nepalese adventure
Following our time in Kathmandu, we spend a day travelling by bus to Pokhara - the best way to see the Nepalese countryside. From here, we begin our trek, an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else. We will be using the services of a very reputable trekking company out in Nepal. They will provide us with a team of sherpa guides, cooks and porters who will lead us on the trek, carrying all of our luggage for us.
New for this year, we will be staying in tea houses, which provide simple accommodation, with beds in rooms for two people or more. We will be hiking through mountain communities, seeing Nepalese life in the hill villages.
Discovering the beauty of the Annapurna Range
The dramatic views of Annapurna (26,041 feet) enable us to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. This is something that cannot be described in words and has to be experienced to be appreciated. We walk through the rice-growing valleys, up terraced hillsides, along high ridges to remote mountain villages. The trek takes us along semi-tropical riverbeds, up through pine and rhododendron forests to the dry alpine scrub of the highlands. In a word, it is simply spectacular.
Plenty of good food and fresh air
Three meals a day are provided and the evening cuisine provides a mixture of Nepalese food (meat, rice and vegetables) and western-style meals. The trekking will be for those who have the usual Oak Hall adventurous spirit and are glad to join in with an active expedition. Flexibility is key due to the possibility of changes during our time together. It is a trek for the keen walker or someone with a good degree of personal fitness.
After our trek, we return to Kathmandu. Here, we have the opportunity to spend some time with local Christians and also to explore this intriguing city. There will be many bazaars to stroll through, looking for local souvenirs including Tibetan carpets of yak wool or kashmir rugs. There is also the option of a flight that takes you up into the skies to view the stunning Mount Everest.
Trekking in Nepal offers an unforgettable and immensely fascinating experience - a real adventure not to be missed.
Please find below the provisional itinerary. Please note that due to the nature of the expedition, there are likely to be changes.
Day 1 Depart UK
Day 2 Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the Guest House
Day 3 We spend the day exploring Kathmandu with its mixture of bazaars, temples, ancient architecture and more modern buildings. Optional flight to view the worlds highest and most famous mountain, Mt. Everest.
Day 4 Drive to Pokhara. Optional rafting en-route.
Day 5 Drive to Phedi (3,000ft/914m). We then start our trek with a walk to Pothana, stopping at Dampus for lunch. Approximate walking time: 5 hrs.
Day 6 Today we trek to Landrung (5,431ft/1,646m) through chestnut forests with occasional views of the snow-capped peaks. Deurali is a fabulous spot with enchanting views of the surrounding landscape. Approximate walking time: 4 hrs.
Day 7 Our next trek is to Ghandruk (6,600ft/2,012m), through fertile terraces, meeting the friendly people of the foothills. We arrive at lunchtime. After lunch, you can walk to a small temple with incredible views with your guide or explore the village of Ghandruk, which is a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers. Approximate walking time: 4 hrs.
Day 8 We trek to Tadapani (8,497ft/2,590m), a magnificent spot in the midst of the magnolia and rhododendron forest, overlooking great views. Approximate walking time: 5 hrs.
Day 9 Today we trek to Ghorepani (9,022ft/2750m), which is famous for its panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu and beyond. Part of the trek takes us steeply uphill in an attractive forested gorge. Approximate walking time: 6 hrs.
Day 10 Rest day at Ghorepani. You have the option of an early morning hike to Poon Hill, (10,531ft/3,210m), to catch the sunrise over the Himalayan peaks, play a game of volleyball in the local school or just relax.
Day 11 Today we walk along the old Trans-Himalaya trade route where you will often see laden mule trains. We make the classic descent of 500 meters on a steep staircase to Tikedunga.
Day 12 Our final trek is to Naya Pul, where we will be picked up and driven to Pokhara. Approximate walking time: 3 hrs.
Day 13 Today we will have the chance to explore the interesting city of Pokhara.
Day 14 We take an internal flight back to Kathmandu and have some free time to explore the city.
Day 15 We have links with the church in Imadole and they will be pleased to welcome us to their morning service. After lunch, there is a half-day guided walking tour to Kathmandu valley.
Day 16 Our final day in Kathmandu gives us a chance to do some last-minute shopping or a bit more sightseeing.Rickshaws, taxis and hooting motorists add to the din and create that special atmosphere that Kathmandu is famous for. You could visit the Monkey Temple and Durbar Square in the heart of the city.
Day 17 Return to the UK
|
