Nepal Travels
30th June 2005, 12:29 AM
Maximum Elevation: 5416M.
Trek Grade hard to challenging.
Types of Trek: Camping & Lodge Trek
Trip Duration: 23 Days.
Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 12
Departure Dates and Prices
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01 - Arrive Kathmandu.
Day 02 - A day in Kathmandu. Morning guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city. Hotel.
Day 03 - We set out from Kathmandu after an early breakfast. Normally we arrive in Besisahar by early afternoon, a hour trek to Khudi.
Day 04 - The trail continues northward up the Marsyangdi Valley with Mt. Himalchuli and Peak 29 dominating the horizon. We continue steep climb to Bahundada (1310m/6-7hrs).
Day 05 - from Bahundanda trail descend to the northern most Brahmin settlement in the valley. From here the trail descends steeply crossing the Marsyangdi on a long suspension bridge trail steeply ascend to Chyamje(1410m/6-7hrs).
Day 06 - From Chyamje. Following the east bank of the Marsyangdi the trail climbs gradually before the valley suddenly opens into a large plateau at Tal (1511 metres).after crossing the suspension bridge trail gradually ascend to the Dharapani(2100m/6hrs).
Day 07 - From Dharapani the trail passes a school and climbs over a spur before descending to Bagarchhap. As we proceed the trail continues through hamlets Temung Charku, Thangla and Koto to the Chame(2630m/6-7hrs)
Day 08 - Trek to Dharamsala 3230m
This morning we head out early, as we have a long and somewhat difficult day before us. Just past the checkpost, we cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valleys, and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola (river). The route takes us through some beautiful woods and past several small shelters (caves) and a pilgrims' 'dharmasala'. As we emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before the dharmasala, from which point the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. A stunning start for the Nar Phu trek! We camp at the dharamsala, a lovely campsite.
Day 09 - Trek to Kayang 3740m/4-5hrs Camping.
A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings us finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. We pass by the scenic kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non-permanent winter settlement of Nar, where we will probably share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. The landscape is similar to the Sierra Nevada; white rocks, low shrub and juniper, scattered evergreens, delicate brick-red and orange leafed bushes, crumbling shelves of flat slate, white, sandy trails and knarled trees. The mountains around us are utterly spectacular, and the Phu Kosi shadows the trail far below. An hour past Meta, Junam is the second semi-permanent settlement, one where "khampas" from Tibet sometimes sheltered. A
Day 10 - Trek to Phu 4050m/ 4-5hrs-Camping.
Dropping steeply down to the river, we trek for a while along the river bank and past the "submarine" rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. Today, we really start to see some of the unique, colorful chortens for which Nar and Phu are justly famous. We have to rock-hop carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Some large steps do the trick! Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyonlands and gorges, and the "leaning tower of Pisa" monolith guards the steep trail up to the Phu gate, called Pupigyal Kwe. This ancient gate provides us with our first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old "dzong" and the remains of two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu. Just before the bridge to Phu, a line of wonderful chortens color the landscape and lead the way to the main village of Phu, perched high up on a hill, amphitheater style. We will set up camp on the lower reaches of Phu, formerly called Gomdzong, and head up to the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa on a neighboring hillside to pay our respects to Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche, a "trulku" who came to
Nepal with HH the Dalai Lama back in '59. He is also a renowned "amchi" or Tibetan doctor, as well as a thanka painter and father of several children (some "trukus" as well as certain lamas are permitted to marry). Later, we might head up to the village to hunt down some chang.
Day 11 - Phu acclimatization and exploration.
Having spent quite a few days getting to Phu, we will spend a few days in the area to enjoy it, meet the local Phu residents and do some exploring up the wide valley systems above us. Tibet is two long days away, so a bit far for a visit, but we might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement, or "kharka" at Ngoru, a three hour's walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village, and a day is well spent sitting with the villagers as they spin their yak and sheep wool and chat, pound mustard seeds into a paste for oil, or involve themselves in the countless activities that take up a day in Tibetan villages. For photographers, the light is spectacular, and the skies a deep blue, and we may even see some blue sheep on the surrounding hillsides.
Day 12 - Trek to Junam 3550m
Back through Phu gate, we descend to the river, and retrace our steps back to Junam karka, a lovely spot as any for our campsite for the evening. In 2003 we camped with some Phu residents (all but one woman) on their way back up to Phu with huge loads of planks from the nearby forests, and the evening was filled with Tibetan, or Manangi songs, smoky shelters and that unique Tibetan laughter.
Day 13 - Trek to Nar 4150m
Another classic Himalayan trekking day, as we trek down to the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge (cameras out for this crossing!), and then all the way back up again. It's a good thing the scenery is so stunning ... Below us sit Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte gompa, both empty. We finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chortens and a large tiered chorten before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old, colorful and traditional gompas and the snow-peaks looming overhead. We arrive early, so will have some lunch in the sun before doing some
Day 14 - Nar
Physically, Nar is not far from the main Annapurna trail, but it feels centuries away, is rarely visited by trekkers and is about as picturesque as they come. Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu, and the village 'square' is full of chatting women with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets, pounding mustard seeds for oil, or spinning the ubiquitous wool while catching up on the news. The children in Nar seem to be always out in the streets, presumably preferring this life to the classroom! Each family in Nar seems to have at least one son or daughter in a gompa, and many live at home or visit frequently, so there is the resonating sound of cymbals, chanting and drums echoing throughout the village. Other Nar villagers may be printing prayer flags, doing some carpentry, collecting wood from the forest and carrying large loads with a head-strap back up to the house, harvesting the crops, tending the yaks, sheep and goats or spinning the prayer wheels in the center of town.
Day 15 - Trek to Chongkar (4200m/ over Kang La Pass 5100m.
The Kang La is not a difficult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass or the altitude is taking it's toll. The Kang La, at 5100m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Thonge. The trail down initially is steep, and screed jumping seems to be the easiest option for the descent.
Day 16: Trek to Manang 3500mtrs/6hrs-Camping.
.
Day 17: Trek to Tilicho Lake, Camping.
After early breakfast we trek to Lake Tilicho, it will take 6 hrs along the wide yak grazing valley on tto the left view of Annapurna are superb and to the right ridge we see the Chulus east west, Pisang Peak, We will camp at the Base Camp of Lake 4500mtrs.
Day 18: Take an early breakfast we will climb up to Late 5000mtrs, spending half am hrs we descend to Gompa that comes after the Base Camp.
Day 19: We trek to Thorong Base camp Thorong phedi 4400mtrs/ 6hrs, Camping.
It is beautiful walk along the river valley and yak pasture to the Base Camp.
Day 20: Phedi to Muktinath, an early morning leave to Muktinath, it will take 4 hrs to top at 5416 meters and another theree hrs to muktinath., While descending from Pass View of Mt.Dhaulagir is spectacular as well as other mountains too.
Day 20: Trek to Jomsom, O/nt at Jomsom Mountain Resort.
Abruptly trail descend to Kaligandaki River valley, strong wind push you back to the Kagbeni, we will stay a hrs in Kagbeni. Continue trek to Jomsom along the wide windy valley.
Day 21: Fly to Pokhara, ON BB Hotel. transfer to hotel rest of hrs at leisure, enjoy a nice BEER at the Fewa Lake and review the mountains you saw and cross.
Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu, transfer hotel, rest of time self activities.
Day 23: Fly back to yours country.
For Details please visit us: www.nepaltravels.com
Trek Grade hard to challenging.
Types of Trek: Camping & Lodge Trek
Trip Duration: 23 Days.
Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 12
Departure Dates and Prices
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01 - Arrive Kathmandu.
Day 02 - A day in Kathmandu. Morning guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city. Hotel.
Day 03 - We set out from Kathmandu after an early breakfast. Normally we arrive in Besisahar by early afternoon, a hour trek to Khudi.
Day 04 - The trail continues northward up the Marsyangdi Valley with Mt. Himalchuli and Peak 29 dominating the horizon. We continue steep climb to Bahundada (1310m/6-7hrs).
Day 05 - from Bahundanda trail descend to the northern most Brahmin settlement in the valley. From here the trail descends steeply crossing the Marsyangdi on a long suspension bridge trail steeply ascend to Chyamje(1410m/6-7hrs).
Day 06 - From Chyamje. Following the east bank of the Marsyangdi the trail climbs gradually before the valley suddenly opens into a large plateau at Tal (1511 metres).after crossing the suspension bridge trail gradually ascend to the Dharapani(2100m/6hrs).
Day 07 - From Dharapani the trail passes a school and climbs over a spur before descending to Bagarchhap. As we proceed the trail continues through hamlets Temung Charku, Thangla and Koto to the Chame(2630m/6-7hrs)
Day 08 - Trek to Dharamsala 3230m
This morning we head out early, as we have a long and somewhat difficult day before us. Just past the checkpost, we cross the river leading to the Nar Phu valleys, and hike up through beautiful woods above the Phu Khola (river). The route takes us through some beautiful woods and past several small shelters (caves) and a pilgrims' 'dharmasala'. As we emerge out of a narrow canyon, the trail actually passes under a wide waterfall just before the dharmasala, from which point the woods become thinner and the vistas wider. A stunning start for the Nar Phu trek! We camp at the dharamsala, a lovely campsite.
Day 09 - Trek to Kayang 3740m/4-5hrs Camping.
A steep climb up the valley along a small, scenic river brings us finally to high pastures on a 3,200m plateau. We pass by the scenic kharka of Meta, 3560m, a non-permanent winter settlement of Nar, where we will probably share the trail with a few yaks! This morning is one of the loveliest walks in the Himalayas. The landscape is similar to the Sierra Nevada; white rocks, low shrub and juniper, scattered evergreens, delicate brick-red and orange leafed bushes, crumbling shelves of flat slate, white, sandy trails and knarled trees. The mountains around us are utterly spectacular, and the Phu Kosi shadows the trail far below. An hour past Meta, Junam is the second semi-permanent settlement, one where "khampas" from Tibet sometimes sheltered. A
Day 10 - Trek to Phu 4050m/ 4-5hrs-Camping.
Dropping steeply down to the river, we trek for a while along the river bank and past the "submarine" rock, passing some small possible campsites along the way. Today, we really start to see some of the unique, colorful chortens for which Nar and Phu are justly famous. We have to rock-hop carefully across a small glacial stream before reaching a larger one with a bridge only half covered with large slabs of slate. Some large steps do the trick! Another hour and a half of trekking through scenic canyonlands and gorges, and the "leaning tower of Pisa" monolith guards the steep trail up to the Phu gate, called Pupigyal Kwe. This ancient gate provides us with our first view of the three villages of Phu, as well as an old "dzong" and the remains of two forts, all now in ruins, but impressively situated atop the flatlands before Phu. Just before the bridge to Phu, a line of wonderful chortens color the landscape and lead the way to the main village of Phu, perched high up on a hill, amphitheater style. We will set up camp on the lower reaches of Phu, formerly called Gomdzong, and head up to the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa on a neighboring hillside to pay our respects to Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche, a "trulku" who came to
Nepal with HH the Dalai Lama back in '59. He is also a renowned "amchi" or Tibetan doctor, as well as a thanka painter and father of several children (some "trukus" as well as certain lamas are permitted to marry). Later, we might head up to the village to hunt down some chang.
Day 11 - Phu acclimatization and exploration.
Having spent quite a few days getting to Phu, we will spend a few days in the area to enjoy it, meet the local Phu residents and do some exploring up the wide valley systems above us. Tibet is two long days away, so a bit far for a visit, but we might walk up the valley to the summer grazing settlement, or "kharka" at Ngoru, a three hour's walk past the gompa. Phu itself is an incredibly interesting village, and a day is well spent sitting with the villagers as they spin their yak and sheep wool and chat, pound mustard seeds into a paste for oil, or involve themselves in the countless activities that take up a day in Tibetan villages. For photographers, the light is spectacular, and the skies a deep blue, and we may even see some blue sheep on the surrounding hillsides.
Day 12 - Trek to Junam 3550m
Back through Phu gate, we descend to the river, and retrace our steps back to Junam karka, a lovely spot as any for our campsite for the evening. In 2003 we camped with some Phu residents (all but one woman) on their way back up to Phu with huge loads of planks from the nearby forests, and the evening was filled with Tibetan, or Manangi songs, smoky shelters and that unique Tibetan laughter.
Day 13 - Trek to Nar 4150m
Another classic Himalayan trekking day, as we trek down to the old bridge spanning a deep, contoured and narrow gorge (cameras out for this crossing!), and then all the way back up again. It's a good thing the scenery is so stunning ... Below us sit Gyalbu Kumbu, built in 1650, and Satte gompa, both empty. We finally reach the Nar gates at the top of the hill, and pass by yet another line of wonderfully painted, bamboo-topped chortens and a large tiered chorten before turning the corner and being rewarded with sublime views of Nar, the undulating patterns of the surrounding barley and mustard fields, four old, colorful and traditional gompas and the snow-peaks looming overhead. We arrive early, so will have some lunch in the sun before doing some
Day 14 - Nar
Physically, Nar is not far from the main Annapurna trail, but it feels centuries away, is rarely visited by trekkers and is about as picturesque as they come. Nar is bit more social and lively than Phu, and the village 'square' is full of chatting women with their back-strap looms weaving wool fabric for rugs and blankets, pounding mustard seeds for oil, or spinning the ubiquitous wool while catching up on the news. The children in Nar seem to be always out in the streets, presumably preferring this life to the classroom! Each family in Nar seems to have at least one son or daughter in a gompa, and many live at home or visit frequently, so there is the resonating sound of cymbals, chanting and drums echoing throughout the village. Other Nar villagers may be printing prayer flags, doing some carpentry, collecting wood from the forest and carrying large loads with a head-strap back up to the house, harvesting the crops, tending the yaks, sheep and goats or spinning the prayer wheels in the center of town.
Day 15 - Trek to Chongkar (4200m/ over Kang La Pass 5100m.
The Kang La is not a difficult pass, but it could be a long day if there is snow on the pass or the altitude is taking it's toll. The Kang La, at 5100m, is an absolutely spectacular pass looking over Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, the peaks surrounding Tilicho and the airport at Thonge. The trail down initially is steep, and screed jumping seems to be the easiest option for the descent.
Day 16: Trek to Manang 3500mtrs/6hrs-Camping.
.
Day 17: Trek to Tilicho Lake, Camping.
After early breakfast we trek to Lake Tilicho, it will take 6 hrs along the wide yak grazing valley on tto the left view of Annapurna are superb and to the right ridge we see the Chulus east west, Pisang Peak, We will camp at the Base Camp of Lake 4500mtrs.
Day 18: Take an early breakfast we will climb up to Late 5000mtrs, spending half am hrs we descend to Gompa that comes after the Base Camp.
Day 19: We trek to Thorong Base camp Thorong phedi 4400mtrs/ 6hrs, Camping.
It is beautiful walk along the river valley and yak pasture to the Base Camp.
Day 20: Phedi to Muktinath, an early morning leave to Muktinath, it will take 4 hrs to top at 5416 meters and another theree hrs to muktinath., While descending from Pass View of Mt.Dhaulagir is spectacular as well as other mountains too.
Day 20: Trek to Jomsom, O/nt at Jomsom Mountain Resort.
Abruptly trail descend to Kaligandaki River valley, strong wind push you back to the Kagbeni, we will stay a hrs in Kagbeni. Continue trek to Jomsom along the wide windy valley.
Day 21: Fly to Pokhara, ON BB Hotel. transfer to hotel rest of hrs at leisure, enjoy a nice BEER at the Fewa Lake and review the mountains you saw and cross.
Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu, transfer hotel, rest of time self activities.
Day 23: Fly back to yours country.
For Details please visit us: www.nepaltravels.com