Sunday, June 10, 2012

LANGTANG TREK 11 DAYS


LANGTANG TREK 11 DAYS

Langtang trekking is the name given to the treks to the famous Langtang valley in central Nepal. Langtang is north of Kathmandu and some of the Langtang Mountains can be seen even from Kathmandu. Langtang is a narrow valley lying south of Tibetan border. The valley lies between main Himalaya range to the north and small snowy peaks to the south. Langtang trekking is a popular and classic trek.

This amazing adventure offers a rare combination of spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas with    exceptional experiences of diverse religion, ethnicity, and tradition.  The trek takes you closer to the myriad of wonders of nature ranging from the breathtaking panoramic view of the snow-capped stunning peaks soaring into the sky, irresistible glimmering glaciers and icefalls flowing over mammoth boulders, thrilling snow bridges spanning over swift mountain streams and aggressive torrents, high passes enveloping beautiful mists, small icebergs with crystalline brightness floating on picturesque lakes,  magnificent grass lands and meadows strewing with pretty daisies, and bewitching forests of Rhododendron, Conifers, Oak, Bamboo and Pine forests bewitching the landscapes.

Langtang trekking is called "the valley of glaciers trek". Langtang is the closet place where you could get the massive snow capped mountains and beautiful glaciers. This valley is located only 19 miles north of Kathmandu. The whole valley is dominated by Mount Langtang Lirung (7246m) and offers pine forest, swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow-capped peaks, grassy down and meadows. In Langtang trekking you will get an opportunity to walk through the area of Langtang National park. Langtang National Park was established in 1976 to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region. It is also famous for Gosainkunda “The Holy Lake” (4361m) and Kyanjin Gompa (3584m).

Just next to Langtang valley is the beautiful Gosainkunda “The Holy Lake” (4361m). A mountain lake, and an important Hindu pilgrimage site in the Himalaya, Gosainkunda is also a popular trekking destination.  According to legend, Gosainkunda was created by Shiva when he pierced a glacier with his trident to obtain water to quench his thirst after having swallowed a poison that threatened to destroy the world.

The rare experience of mythical Kyanjin Gompa, beautiful ancient Buddhist monastery with dedicated Buddhist monks performing their rituals, and exciting interaction with Tamang and Sherpa culture is quite astounding and memorable. In the Langtang National Park, rare red pandas lurk in dense lichen-draped rhododendron thickets, herds of blue sheep graze the alpine meadows, and Lammergeyers glide over glaciated valleys amidst scenery of lofty Himalayan peaks.

It is scenic drive Kathmandu / Syabrubeshi via mountain terrain, the Langtang village aptly called ‘the valley of glaciers’ Famous Langtang Gompa and Kyanjin Gompa, old Buddhist shrines, Climbing Chorko-Ri , famous panoramic view of Mt. Langtag-ri, Langsisa, Langtang Himal, Ganjala peak, can seeTibetan Buddhist Culture, can walking through the rhododendron forest. The best time is September, October, November, December, February, March, April.
The important mountains in Langtang region are -
Langtang Lirung (7246m)
Gang Chhenpo (6388m)
Naya Kangri (5846m)
Dorje Lakpa (6966m)

ITINERARY FOR 11 DAYS

Day 1: Kathmandu to Sybru Besi(1462m) approx. 7 hours
Swoyambunath

Our representative will drive you north out of Kathmandu driving through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Sybru Besi passing through Dhunche, which take 6 – 7 hrs by private vehicle. While passing along the road at the bank of Trishuli River you can catch a glimpse of Ganesh Himal, terraces and green hills. As you pass through Dhunche you feel as if you are heading towards deep land. Overnight at hotel.







Day 2: Trek to Lama hotel. (2804m) Approx. 5 hours
Sybru Besi
The first part of the trail crosses through Bhote Koshi and follows the Langtang Khola. This trail gradually ascents up to Bamboo passing through Landslide. Afterwards, your trek ascends gently to Rimche (2400m) through Bamboo(1960m) which lies at the bank of Langtang Khola. You can have lunch at this place if you like and at the end your trail is level to the Lama Hotel. En route you could see red pandas, monkeys and bears if you are lucky. Overnight at guesthouse






Day 3: Trek to Langtang Village (3307m) approx. 5 hours.
The trek route follows Gumanechok, Ghoda Tabela(Horse Stable). After this the trail is slightly gradual and beautiful in the valley with grazing Yaks. Langtang village is very local and a very old village of this trekking route and the views from here more spectacular as we get closer to mountain. Overnight at guesthouse.
Langtang Valley



Day 4: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa. (3798m) approx. 3 - 4 hours
From Langtang there is a gentle ascent for 3 - 4 hours to Kyangjin Gompa. The surroundings are interesting also because of the famous Cheese factory. The beautiful valley is in the lap of Langtang Lirung and also with lots of small peaks to climb. Overnight at hotel.






Day 5: Exploration day at Kyanjin Gompa. (3584m)
Kyanjin Village
The day to rest and explore the area. After breakfast, visit the Kyanjin monastery and the cheese factory, walk up the moraine to see the spectacular ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung or ascend Kyanjin River (4350m) which is the highest point of the trek, directly behind the village, for a breath-taking panorama of the Langtang peaks. Overnight at guesthouse.



Day 6: Trek back to Lama Hotel. (2804m) approx 6 hours
Trek back to Lama Hotel takes 6 hours walk same way down via Langtang, Ghoratabela, river side.



Day 7: Trek to Thulo Sybru. (2250m) approx 4 - 5 hours
From Thulo Syabru it is a steep climb through forests of oak, fir and rhododendron to the top of a ridge. From here it is only a short Descend to Sing Gompa. There is a Buddhist monastery and a small cheese factory here. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 8: Trek to Chandanbari(3250m) approx 4 - 5 hours.
Chandanbari
Trek from Thulo Syabru to Sing Gompa or Chandan Bari (3250m.) takes about four and half hours. The trail from Thulo Syabru to Foprang Danda (3200m.) follows a steep path passing through Dursagang (2660m.) and offers wonderful views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, the Tibetan Mountains and oak, hemlock and fir forests. The path then gently ascends for some distance before following along at a flat level to Sing Gompa. There is a well-managed local cheese factory and a Buddhist Monastery. It also provides panoramic views and exhilarating nature vistas. The cheese manufactured here is considered the best in Nepal. Stay overnight at lodge.



Gosainkunda "The Holy Lake"
Day 9: Trek to Gosaikunda(4361m) approx 5 - 6 hours.
Trek from Sing Gompa to Gosaikunda (4361m.) via Lauribinayak La (3920m.) takes about five and half hours. The first part of the trail takes you on a gentle ascent up to Lauribinayak. The trail then steeply ascends all the way to Gosaikunda. You follow a rugged trail with dramatic views of Himal Chuli(7893m) Manaslu range (8156mm), Ganesh Himal range(7406m), Tibetan peaks and Langtang Lirung. On a clear day, even the Annapurna range can be seen rising up behind. You pass a few huts in the high pasture of Laurebinayak, cross a small ridge and have your first views of the holy lakes. There are about a dozen lakes in the Gosainkunda Basin, the main three being Saraswatikunda, Bhairabkunda, and Gosainkunda.



Day 10: Exploration around Gosaikunda(4361m)
Morning explore around Gosaikunda, Trek from Gosaikunda to Sing Gompa (3250m) takes about four and half hours. The trail descends all the way to Sing Gompa passing Lauribanayak with magnificent mountain views and forests. Overnight at lodge.

Day 11: Trek to Dhunche(1950m) Approx. 3 hours.
The first part of the trails descend through pine, silver oak and rhododendrons forests with marijuana plants upto you cross suspension bridge over the Sing Gompa Stream. Now the path stretches at flat level through some human settlements and mineral water factories upto Dhunche. It is a small town and headquarters of Rasuwa district. After lunch, a pleasant drive back to Kathmandu.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Langtang –Gosaikunda Trek 16 Days

LANGTANG GOSAIKUNDA TREK - 15 DAYS

The Langtang trek is one of the most popular short-medium treks in Nepal. Langtang is a narrow valley situated 19 miles North of Kathmandu along the border of Tibet. Tibetans and Tamang people who share a similar religion, language, culture, and clothing style inhabit the area. It is famous for its spectacular mountain views including Dorje Lakpa (6970m), Langtang Lirung (7245m), Gang Chenpo (6385m) and others. Also, the Langtang valley offers slow moving rivers, pine forests, swift mountain streams, rugged rocks, and snow-capped peaks. Gosaikunda is one of the most famous religious pilgrimage sites at an elevation of 4335m, surrounded by mountains on the North and East. In Gosaikunda, we will be able to see more than five lakes which lie above 4200m. The accommodations here are comfortable and are run by local families.
 
Total Days: 15 days

Trek Grade: Moderate

Altitude Maximum: 4335m (Gosaikunda)

Best season: Mar–May and Sep-Nov

Walking Time: 4-7 hours each day




ITINERARY

Day 01 :Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
  You will be transferred to your hotel by one of our representatives. Overnight: Hotel

Day 02 : Kathmandu (1334m):
In the morning, we will visit Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, & monasteries. In the afternoon, we will visit Durbar Square, the old royal palace, & the house of the Kumari (living goddess,) reincarnation of Kali.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 03 : Departure Kathmandu to Syabru Besi:
Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. 

Day 04 : Trek Syabru Besi to Changtang (Lama Hotel -2400m):
Today we trek through small tract of dense forest, crossing a bridge over a tributary of the Langtang Khola. The trail then follows the South bank of the river through a deep gorge and crosses another tributary. In about 1 ½ hours we cross another bridge at the North bank of the Langtang Khola and then we begin to climb for about an hour. Shortly after, the trail will level off and we will join the old Langtang trail from Sherpa-gaun and Syabrubeshi. After another hour of walking we will reach the Lama hotel in the small village of Changtang, at a height of 2400m.

Day 05 : Trek Lama Hotel to Langtang:
The trail climbs above the Langtang Khola through a forest of hemlock, rhododendron and oaks. It climbs steadily to Ghoda Tabela (3010m) where there is an army camp. Our trekking permits will be checked here. Ghoda Tabela was once a Tibetan settlement camp. Continuing up the valley, we leave the forest behind and the trail ascends steadily to Langtang village. Langtang is one of the oldest villages along this trekking route and views from here become more spectacular as we get closer to the mountains.



Day 06 : Trek Langtang to Kyangjin Gompa (3800m):
Today will be a short trek to help with acclimatization. The trek will climb up to the Kyangjin Gompa at an altitude of 3800m. It is popular for its cheese factory, its superb views of the mountains and a beautiful monastery. This is the highest settlement of the valley.

Day 07: Exploration at Kyangjin Gompa

Day 08 : Trek Kyangjin Gompa to Ghoda Tabela (3010m):
We will assemble in the early morning to catch glimpses of the magnificent views at Kyangjin (4773m). We will then walk back to Ghoda Tabela by the same route. As we retrace our steps, we follow the Langtang Khola to Langtang village and continue on to Ghoda Tabela.

Day 09 : Trek Ghoda Tabela to Syabru (2260m):
To reach Syabru we will continue retracing our route. The place is very attractive with old houses arranged along a high ridge overlooking the valley. On the way you will enjoy seeing red pandas, monkeys and various species of birds.

Day 10 : Trek Syabru to Sin Gompa (3250m):
We will leave the beautiful village of Syabru, climbing past the Gompa, school and the army post. We then switchback up the hill above the village where there are a few houses and potato fields. The path steeply ascends, passing through Dursagang (2660m). We will have views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, as well as hemlock and fir forests. In Sin Gompa, there is a well-managed cheese factory (which is Nepal's No -1 cheese product factory), and a Buddhist monastery. The panoramic views are excellent from here.

Day 11 : Trek Sin Gompa to Gosaikunda (4335m):
Today we will follow a rugged trail with dramatic views of Manaslu (8156m), Himalchuli (7893m), Ganesh Himal (7406m), Tibetan peak and Langtang Lirung. The first part of the trail gently ascends to Lauribinayak, giving you an exotic feeling. Then the trail steeply ascends all the way to Gosaikunda. This place is one of the most popular Hindu and Buddhist pilgrim's destinations outside of the Kathmandu valley. There are about a dozen lakes in the Gosaikunda basin. The views surrounding this place are superb.

Day 12 : Trek Gosaikunda to Dhunche (1970m):
This is the last day of your trek which will end at Dhunche. The trail descends through pine, oak and silver rhododendron forests. We will cross a suspension bridge over the Sin Gompa stream. Then the path will be level through a village and mineral water factory until we arrive at Dhunche.

Day 13 : Drive Dhunche to Kathmandu:

Day 14 : Kathmandu (1334m):
Today we will visit Pashupatinath, the ancient and most holy of Hindu temples, Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal, built in the 14th century, and Soyambhunath, one of the world’s most glorious stupas’, famous for its Buddha eyes which seems to be observing the world from four different directions.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 15 : Transport to airport and departure

The tour price includes:
Transfers airport/hotel/airport
Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing BB basis
Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments in Kathmandu and Patan
Bus ticket Kathmandu – Dhunche - Kathmandu
Trekking permit /TIMS, and National park entry fee
A professional tour/ trekking guide and porters
Meals Full board during trek
Drinks (Tea and Coffee only)
Accommodation in Lodge during the trek
Your international flight re-confirmation
All necessary documents and government tax
Insurance for all staff (including guide, porters, assistant guide)
The tour price does not include:
International Flight
International airport tax in Kathmandu- approximately USD 20
Nepal entry visa fee USD 40. (Total 30 days from the date of issue) and you may easily obtain your visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu international airport
NOTE: You need 2 Passport size photos for the visa
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
Personnel trekking equipment
Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, Hot shower etc
Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
Personal medical supplies
Alternative transportation, in case of flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc
Tips for trekking staff or bus driver

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Around Annapurna Trek - 17/22 Days


             
As the name suggests Anna (crops) purna (full of) is one of the Nepal's most renowned trekking region in the western Himalayas of Nepal, Where you can experience different geographical landscape from well cultivated farming land to thick forest, great Himalayas and cool desert of Tibetan platue. The area is inhabited by friendly people of Hindus and Buddhists (Manangies, Mustangies of Tibetan origin and Gurungs of famous British Gurkha Soldiers) are united here for uniformity to treat you as a family member back home for a long holiday.

Annapurna South

Grade: Strenuous
Best Time: Mar-May, Mid Sep - Mid Dec
Trek Style: Tea House/Camping


Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu
Day 03: Drive to Khudi
Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda
Day 05: Trek to Tal
Day 06: Trek to Temang Meadows
Day 07: Trek to Kupar
Day 08: Trek to Pisang
Day 09: Trek to Manang


Day 10: Excursion in Manang
Day 11: Trek to Yak Kharka
Day 12: Trek to Thorong Phedi
Day 13: Trek to Muktinath / Thorong La (5425 m)
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom
Day 15: Trek to Kalapani
Day 16: Trek to Tatopani
Day 17: Trek to Chitre
Day 18: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 19: Trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 20: End of Trek
             Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 21: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 22: Departure from Kathmandu / or extension