Discover Nepal, From Terai to Himalaya

For a global vision of this Himalayan kingdom, alternating hiking days (four days of hiking spread apart), offering superb panoramas, and traditional visits to sites in the Kathmandu valley, full of architectural richness. But also tropical environment elephant back riding in the Chitwan park, visiting Pokhara, famous for its climate, and of the typical Nepalese villages. A top notch trip, rich in diversity!

• Day 1/  Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2/  Visit Kathmandu valley
• Day 3/  Kathmandu - Changu Narayan - Nagarkot
• Day 4/  Nagarkot - Dhulikhel
• Day 5/  Dhulikhel - Panauti - Balthali (5,413 feet)
• Day 6/  Balthali - Chitwan
• Day 7/  Chitwan
• Day 8/  Chitwan - Pokhara
• Day 9/  Sarangkot (5,249 feet) point of view on the Annapurnas
• Day 10/  Pokhara - Banbipur
• Day 11/  Bandipur - Kathmandu
• Day 12/  Depart from Kathmandu.

For all travelers who want to have a wider vision of this small Himalayan kingdom which is Nepal: an alternation of hikes (four days distributed throughout the trip) in the duration of the voyage) and traditional visits to sites in the Kathmandu valley full of architectural richness.
An incursion into Chitwan park, completely tropical, and a visit to Pokhara, famous for its climate, will all shed different light on this country.  A top notch walking discovery trip, rich in diversity!

Day 1/  Arrival Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 star Hotel for two nights. Some time available for a short visit of the city.

Day 2/  Kathmandu valley  
First day for discovering this extraordinary city. Program: the visit the largest Buddhist sanctuary, Bodnath, then the much more crowned Hinduism Temple of Nepal, in Pashupatinath, where cremations take place. Lastly, visit  Baktapur, with its medieval aspect, a true "living" museum of the valley. Night in hotel.

Day 3/  Kathmandu - Changu Narayan - Nagarkot
Transfer to Changu Narayan (4,921 feet), temple-pagoda dedicated to the Hinduism God, Vishnou. Towards the North, a road transforms itself quickly into a broad paved way, and leads to a steep staircase to the temple of the mysterious goddess, Bajra Jogini. Once per year, in April, the divinity statue is paraded out onto a platform. Trek towards Nagarkot: easy ascent on a broad track which curves upon arrival at Negarkot on a 6,890 foot feet high peak, facing the Himalayas (with the Annnapurnas in the west and Everest in the east). From the Kattike Danda ridge, we dominate the great depression of the Indrawati valley. Superb sun set in clear weather.
4 H walk

Day 4/  Nagarkot - Dhulikhel
After sunrise on the mountain chain and then breakfast, we leave Nagarkot by road, then cross a forest before emerging at Tukuchha village. From there, direction Nala, a medieval village surrounded by paddy fields, before joining our bus at Banepa, where we visit the Chandeshwari temple. This bus will lead us to Dhulikhel, a small Newar city located 19 miles east of Katmandu, at an altitude of 4,724 feet. Night in hotel, with panorama on the Langtang/Jaljal Himal chain.
4 H walk.

Day 5/  Dhulikhel - Panauti - Balthali (1,805 feet)
Breakfast in front of the Himalayas. Transfer to Panauti, while passing Banepa, a city which substituted Panauti for trade with Tibet. Panauti is located at the confluence of  two rivers, Rosi Khola and Punyamati Khola, and shelters many temples, some of which were recently renovated by the CNRS (temple of Indreshwar Mahadev). Last place to buy water. End of transfer at Kush Devi, the starting point of our hike. Trek towards Balthali. Easy excursion through the fields, in a typical countryside at the doors of Kathmandu, to join the very pleasant lodging lodge at Balthali.
3 H walk.

Day 6/  Balthali - Chitwan
After a last glance on the Himalayan chain from our headland, we return to Katmandu (30 mn) and continue directly towards Naubise and Mugling. The road follows the valley of the Trisuli river, frequented by rafters. In Mugling, a large village with many restaurants for travelers, we take the highway to India and go along the Narayani river (approximately 5 H road). Settle in for two nights in a comfortable jungle resort, in the middle of the Chitwan park. At the end of the afternoon, a first stroll on elephant back allows us to immerse ourselves in the Book of the Jungle.

Day 7/  Chitwan
Activities in Chitwan. Program: stroll on elephant back to track legendary animals such as the Unicom Rhinoceros or, even rarer, the Bengal tiger. Sail boat ride to observe the bird wildlife.

Day 8/  Chitwan - Pokhara
Bus for Pokhara, charming small city located at the edge of Lake Phewa. This small city, located 2953 feet high, profits from a tropical climate and offers, at the same time, superb views from east to west on to Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, Machhapuchare, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. Settle in for two nights in a hotel/lodge of excellent quality.

Day 9/  Pokhara - Sarangkot (1,751 feet) - Pokhara
Ascent to lake country, all the way to the Sarangkot view-point, through a landscape of paddy fields. Lunch facing the southern Annapurnas. Return to Pokhara on the same pathway (on the whole 5 to 6 H walk). Second hotel night in Pokhara.

Day 10/  Pokhara - Banbipur
Transfer by bus to Dumre, starting point of our tour trek of the Annapurnas. One leaves the main road to reach the charming village of Bandipur. Mix of two cultures:: Magars and Newars. Located at the top of a hill, in a very calm place, it offers a fantastic panorama on Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. Night in lodge (2 to 3 H on bus).

Day 11/  Bandipur - Kathmandu
Last glance on the Annapurnas. chain of Annapurnas. Transfer by bus (5 to 7 H.) to Kathmandu. Crossing pretty, noisy and animated  Nepalese villages. Lunch on the way. Arrival in the afternoon at Kathmandu. Settle in at a 5 star deluxe. Hotel.

Day 12/  Flight home
Transfer to the airport and flight home.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice. 

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
The other part of the equipment is transported by the carriers to the lodge. We are asking that every one have only one bag (trekking bag); the maximum weight of this bag should not exceed 27 pounds. At your arrival, we will provide you a bag cover in order to protect your bag during the trek.
Possibility of leaving your belongings at the Kathmandu hotel and retrieving them when we return to Kathmandu.

The guides:
- an english-speaking professional Nepalese Mountain World Travel guide
- a guide specialized in the Kathmandu valley and in the different visited places.

Ground transportation is organized by private tourism bus vehicles.

Top level Nepalese lodging in Kathmandu and Pokhara!
- Kathmandu: Yak and Yeti, 5 star deluxe Hotel, based on double room occupancy
- Pokhara, Chitwan: deluxe hotel/lodge, based on double room occupancy
- other cities/villages: best available lodges, based on double room occupancy.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Meals
Downtown and during the transfers: restaurant.
During the hikes:
on the paths from one village to another, lunch in restaurant along the way,
a energy food complement is provided,
breakfast and diner are served in the lodges.

Drinks
mineral water, tea, coffee included 

To note: In Nepal, Hindus and Buddhists are mainly vegetarians. Little meat or fish is thus eaten there. The dishes are containing pastes, rice, potatoes, lentils, etc….

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Kathmandu
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water and tea/coffee during trekking)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and porters
• Cost of foreign country entrance visa
• Airport taxes and depart from Kathmandu (approximately $35)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at www.mountainworldtravel.com or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).
Our preferred airlines to fly to Kathmandu:

• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
• Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Kathmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
• Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; a visa is required.
Please visit    http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/visa.php?page=tourist_visa_requirement
The visa can be obtained directly upon your arrival at the airport in Nepal. 

Please bring 2 photo ID's with you: One is for obtaining the entrance Visa to Nepal and the  second is to enable us to obtain a Trekking Permit.

For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements.
For other nationalities, please contact the Nepalese embassy of your country.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are obligatory.
We advise you to be up to date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and a vaccination protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for all.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or tropical America.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is preferable to consider, with your doctor, a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

 

LEVEL 1
2 months prior:  Hike 6 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days.  Pay attention to your lifestyle and your weight.

 

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles.

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

 
Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).