More Adventures in Nepal

In adventurer's delight, Nepal offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from paragliding near the mountains to waiting for the Bengal tiger in Chitwan's wild. Adventure tourism in Nepal dates back to the early attempts to ascend worldâ's highest peak Mt. Everest fifty years ago.
The 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest was celebrated recently amidst great fanfare and extravaganza. Renowned mountain summiteers Sir Edmund Hillary, Ms. Junko Tabei, Mr. Reinhold Messner, Mr. Appa Sherpa, Mr. Jamling Norgay Sherpa took part in the celebrations.
Trekking and mountain climbing are still the most popular sport among visitors. Rafting on white water mountain streams across the typical cross section of Nepal's geography is equally popular. Jungle safari in the Terai is preferred by visitors interested to see Nepal's rare varieties of animals and birds. Nepal also offers bungy jumping above the wild waters of River Bhote Koshi. Canyoning to explore the rugged and out-of -reach landscapes is another option at the site.
Aerial activities include taking off in micro-light aircrafts or hot-air balloons for a good view of the mountains. Mountain flights offer the closest possible spectacle of Mt. Everest and other peaks. The close encounter with the tallest mountains of the earth often draws awe-stricken silence from onlookers.

Bungy Jumping

Just imagination of jumping down from a bridge 160 meters above a tropical gorge with the Bhote Kosi, one of Nepal's wildest rivers raging below is enough to make your heartbeat run faster. And, it is the thrill of bungy jumping as it there is no fun for real adventure lover if challenge is not so hard and difficult. It is located within a reach of 4 hours outside Kathmandu and just 19 km away from the Tibet Border.
The Bungy bridge happens to be the only privately owned bridge in Nepal. It has been specially designed for bungy jumping with a 4x-safety factor and has a loading factor of 41,500 kg or 4.5 tons according to Swiss measurements.
One would have to be totally insane or suicidal twisted to jump off the remarkable 500-ft (160 m) drop into the Bhote Kosi river gorge. As the Bungy Master nicknamed Rock advises the jumpers to ensure that pockets are empty and the girls have no loose jewelry coming in the way, nervous laughter erupts from the crowd when he strongly advises against taking intoxicants just before the jump. Jumper’s weights are recorded before the jump to use different cords for different categories of weights. The Green, Red and Black cords are used for the lightest, the heavier and the heavyweights accordingly. It is a perfect way of wild adventure.

Paragliding

Paragliding is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal. Paragliding in this Himalayan country can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure-seekers. You can experience unparalleled scenic grandeur as you share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites, while floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungles, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayas.
Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the flying season in Nepal commences from November through February, the best months being November and December. By virtue of its latitude and monsoonal climate, the tree line in Nepal is at an incredible 3,900 m above sea level. With conditions milder than summer alpine, these are excellent and constant atmospherics.
The topography and climate of Nepal also make it an ideal destination for all levels of pilots- subtropical conditions provide plenty of thermals and combined with the long valleys common in Nepal, they produce perfect 'cloud streets' ideal for paragliders, inviting them to fly along this "sky highway". The local microclimate, controlled by the numerous lakes in the valley, is unique, which makes it even better for the glider.
The main area for flying in Nepal is the Annapurna region, more specifically the Pokhara valley. This lakeside town is Nepal's second "city", nestled at the foot of the Annapurna Himal, the views commanded from here, of 3 of the worlds 8000m peaks, are unsurpassed. At an altitude of 800m ASL the subtropical climate means that, year round, it is short and T-shirt weather. The micro-climate of the valley makes it an ideal area for flying, with far more constant conditions than the Kathmandu valley 150 km east.
There are several sites around Phew Tal (the lake) but the most accessible is Sarangkot (1500m ASL). A view point 700m above Pokhara, it is unique in that it has a road running to the top. A short walk brings you to the only purpose built take off in the country. Cut out of the slope is a 45m by 45m clearing. With regular cycles providing easy reverse launches, you could not ask for a more picturesque site. With the lake 2000 ft below, the mountains behind, and the unlimited potential for XC and out and returns, this has quickly become the main site for the area, and many pilots have based themselves in Pokhara for the season, flying from this mountain alone.
There are various deals for the paragliding enthusiast as well as those checking this sport out for the first time. There is a three-day introductory course for beginners, as well as tandem flights (where you fly with an instructor) for the inexperienced or less brave. At 6000 ft, you sit back in your seat as your qualified pilot takes you on an unforgettable journey. The take-off point for these flights is Sarankot (1592 m), which offers prime views of Phewa Tal and the mountains at sunrise and sunset (provided the skies are clear); the landing is by the lake.

Mountain flight

Mountain flight is a much easier way to see the Nepali Himalayan peaks. Most flights are in mornings and operate at all times except in the monsoon seasons of June and July. Air planes fly along the Himalayan range and also beyond for passengers to get a good view of the Himalayan range. All the domestic airlines of Nepal offer various forms of mountain flights.
The flight takes you within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world, and cruising this close to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice is an out-of-this world experience.
A few domestic airlines offer mountain flight from Kathmandu to see Mt. Everest. This unique experience gives visitors a quick glance at Nepal's untamed landscapes and a fly-past through the world's tallest peak.
The aircraft takes off and heads eastward and almost immediately the peaks come into view. The first peak that appears on your horizon is the majestic Gosaithan, also called Shisha Pangma, standing at a height of 8,013m. To its right appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m), looking like a massive figure of eight lying prone and covered in snow. To its right is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu valley.

Mountain biking

Nepal offers a challenging and pleasant scenic ride from the tropical plains of terai, mid-hills, mountainous terrain and its lush valleys to the arctic climate of the high alpine region. The only way to discover these hidden treasures and its warm ever-smiling people is on mountain bikes. Mountain biking is a great fun and a perfect way to discover Nepal's great diverse landscape, of tremendous terrain, tracks and trails. Where mountain bike takes you away from the hustle bustle of the city-town life into serene country life, on a hidden trail rarely visited area of local villages, its traditional rural life style that has preserved for centuries.
It was in the mid-1980s that biking activity really took off in Kathmandu. Enthusiasts flew with their bikes from Hong Kong to Tibet to answer the call of the wild steppes. The two-week journey from there over the passes (17,000 ft) to Nepal is what sparked it all off. Even today Kathmandu is a mecca for mountain bicyclists, as it draws thousands of enthusiasts from all corners of the world.
Scenic biking day tours: An introductory ride which takes you to explore the ancient rural villages, legendary temples and monasteries with the superb view of the Himalayas. Biking through the rural villages at the valley rim on the back trails with some ups and down hill tracks, these days biking trips give you sufficient time to immerse in its peaceful surrounding environment and make friends with the locals. The biking trips within Kathmandu Valley allows you to enjoy its hidden pockets rarely frequented by westerners which gives you a chance to see the other back side of Kathmandu. Other biking trips include City Tour with a difference biking to the famed popular historical and medieval places of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, viewpoint of Nagarkot and Kakani, the quiet sleepy town of Sankhu and Budhanilkantha. All these interesting places seem like out of this world and yet so close to Kathmandu. Come and Bike with us from our great varied day trips for you to choose and to see the other side of Kathmandu as it was for centuries.
Kathmandu Valley Rim: A pleasant, fabulous ride takes you to the medieval civilisation in and around the vicinity of Bhaktapur, with ample time to visit and make friends with the warm, local farmers and villagers enroute. Your journey continues to the famed scenic viewpoint at Nagarkot, highest spot of our trip offers you beautiful view of the sun rise and sunset with the magnificent Himalayan back drop.
Kathmandu Valley Explorer: A great scenic ride with a visit to the best pilgrimage, and mountain view spots. This fascinating ride takes you to rarely visited area of the rural pockets in and off the Kathmandu Valley rim, biking on the off trail to tarmac road and through the rice terraces with superb views of an array of snow peaks from Annapurna to Everest range of mountains. Your wonderful five days ride concludes with a down hill delight from the panoramic mountain resorts at Nagarkot to Kathmandu.
Pokhara to Kathmandu Biking: An ultimate biking adventure off the main motorable highway. A remarkable adventure that puts you on the off road trail linking two major cities in Nepal, Pokhara and Kathmandu. Your biking trip begins from Pokhara with a short biking tour in Kathmandu before the great journey. Pokhara is an amazing place in the stunning backdrop of Mt. Annapurna and Manaslu range and famous for its placid lakes. Adventure begins from this beautiful place, less than 30 miles of this ride is on the main highway, rest of the journey is tracing an assortment of broad foot paths, old jeep trails and some technical single tracks. We make your way across remote territory that's seldom visited by westerners. Crossing the old Gorkha, we follow the traditional route that joins Kathmandu to other part of mid-western Nepal. Challenging ascents as well as some incredible descents combine to makes this special off-road biking a Great biker's dream.
Other outlying places popular with mountain bike enthusiasts are Nagarjuna, Nage Gompa, Tokha, Ichangu Narayan, Gomcha, Bungamati, Kakani, Dhulikhel and Nagarkot.
Other relatively longer mountain bike trips are those extending from: Dhulikhel to Kodari (82 km), near the Tibetan border; Naubise to Chitwan Park along the Rajpath through such as scenic places as the Palung Valley, Daman, and the not-so-scenic industrial town of Hetauda in the plains; Lakeside Pokhara up and along the ridge to Sarangkot Point, and continuing on to Naudanda from where you could take in the breathtaking close-up view of the Himalayas and the Pokhara valley; Naudanda to Pokhara through Lumle, Beni and Birethanti, or Naudanda to Pokhara (32 km) either via Sarangkot trail described in d) or the highway track, which starts with a twisting 6 km descent into Modi Khola valley.

Ultralight aircraft

Ultralight aircraft is being operated from Pokhara. It has a unique blend of both mountain and plateau area. While flying over the Pokhara valley, you will not miss the scenic beauty of both the Himalayas and the most famous lake of Nepal, phewa Tal. The flight will be a journey through nature. This is truly a unique experience.
Fly for Fun: (15 minutes Flight): Our shortest flight takes you over the city of Pokhara, Fewa lake, near Sarangkot hill, over the Buddha monastery and the south side of the city. This short flight will give you a panoramic view of the whole Annapurna Range with a view of another 8000 meter peak - Dhaulagiri, in the distance. Appeals to flyers on a budget or for those who have a plane to catch for Kathmandu.
30 Minute flight: This flight of medium duration, takes you slightly higher and further. You'll fly over the Tibetan refugee camp and as far as Lamachour, on the northern part of the valley. The view is simply superb.
Mountain Range Sky Trek (1 hour flight): A truly memorable addition to any trip to Nepal. We take you over the city of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, near Sarangkot hill, over the Buddhist monastery on the south side of the city, as well as the Tibetan refugee camp and past Lamachour to the north. The view is simply superb.
You fly at an altitude of 9,000 feet above sea level and you go very close to Fish Tail peak and enter the Seti valley, itself a hidden remote valley

Cable Car

You don't have to be in Switzerland to ride on cable cars. Unlike in the West, the cable car in Nepal takes you up to the abode of Manakamana, the Wish-Fulfilling Goddess, on what you could call a spiritual ride. Legend has it that Manakamana fulfills all wishes. This belief is so ingrained in the collective conciousness of the Nepalis that many make a trip to Manakamana every year without fail. Stories abound of people's wishes coming true: lost sons returning home, lovers finding romance against all odds, people finding success in their business ventures, students excelling in their exams, separated husband and wife getting back together, and on and on. Even if you have no wishes to make (assuming that you have got it all, which means you have no need of Manakamana's blessings) or even if you are an atheist or agnostic, this place offers you a unique look into Nepali people's faith in Goddess Manakamana. Also you could look at the river valleys and the Himalayas from here. Or just explore the hamlets downhill.
Situated atop a hill (1302 m) 12 km south of the historic town of Gorkha and 6 km north of Mugling, the Manakama temple overlooks terraced fields, and the Trisuli and Marsyangdi river valleys. The hilltop also offers a vantage point for taking in the breath-taking view of the Manaslu-Himanchuli and Annapurna massifs to the north.

Boating and Fishing

Boating
Nepal provides some fine opportunities for boating. These range from the glacier-fed lakes up North and down to where the laden rivers ease into the plains of the Terai. Pokhara's Phewa Lake is the most popular destination for travelers wanting to indulge in recreational boating. It is the second largest lake in the kingdom and measures roughly 1.5 by 4 km. Its eastern shore, also known as Lakeside or Baidam, is the center of tourist activity in Pokhara.
Begnas and Rupa Tal are located 15 km out of Pokhara at the end of a road that turns off the Kathmandu highway. Both these lakes offer some splendid boating opportunities. Phewa, Begnas and Rupa Lakes were all part of the body of water that once filled the Pokhara valley.
Renting a boat for a couple of hours and heading out to the middle or the other side of the lake bordering the forested hill, and taking a swim, can be the highlight of a warm day. The water is cleaner out far from the buffalo and washing on the edge. Boats can also be had for the whole day, or on an hourly basis. You can either row around yourself or hire a boatman, the former being definitely a better option.
At Phewa, tourists have a choice of pedal-driven boats (which are basically fashioned out of two regular rowboats joined together by placing planks over them and providing space in the middle where the pedals are located), rowboats and sailboats. The latter are a recent development but definitely worth the money when there is a good breeze around. There is also a choice between fiber body sailboats and wooden ones.
Fishing
Sport fishing, like hunting, is little advertised and therefore little known in Nepal. However, for the angling enthusiast, Nepal's lakes and rivers can prove good fishing grounds. There are approximately 118 varieties of fresh-water fish in these Himalayan waters, ranging from the much sought after Mahseer to the mountain stream trout-like varieties. The best season to go sport fishing on white waters is before and after the monsoon from February till April and October and November. During these times the fishes go upstream to spawn and they consume less food. But locals catch a lot of fish during monsoon as well for their livelihood.
Some of the popular fishing trips are done in Karnali, Babai valley in the Bardiya National Park. Chitwan also hosts a number of places like the confluence of Seti and Trisuli on the Tribhuvan Highway and also in the confluence of Kaligandaki and Trisuli river. Anglers can try their luck in the clear waters of Pokhara's lakes as well. While Phewa Tal offers some good sport, there is considerable activity and is not the ideal place for a quiet day's fishing. Begnas Tal and Rupa Tal are a better bet. Get out there on any of several local buses that start plying early morning or bike your way there. You can hire a boat and go out to some of the good spots in the lake.
Fishing is also fun in many of the mountain streams. There are varieties of trout-like fish or even rainbow trouts and common trouts that can provide good sport. Recently the Fishery Department has released 4000 fingerlings in the Modi river, near Pokhara. There are agencies in Kathmandu that organise fishing trips to streams around the Kathmandu valley.
Dolalghat, east of the valley on the Kodari Highway, is easily accessible from the city - a bus ride from the Old Bus Park in Ratna Park early morning and back through the local buses by evening. You can encounter Nepali holidaymakers and the locals on the lookout for local variety of Asla and Katla, the former a kind of trout and the latter a carp. You could bring some flies along and try your luck. Some of the dams across Nepal's many rivers too have a good stock of fish.

Rafting in Nepal

Nepal has earned the reputation of one of the best destinations for white water rafting. Cruising down rushing rivers of crashing waves and swirling rapids can make up excitement of a lifetime. Rafting trips for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal. The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three-week trips to trips of two or three days.
The options include paddling, oaring and kayaking. Paddling requires all on boat to participate with instructions from river runner. Luxury safari-style trips with full team are available too. In an oar boat, the guide rows alone giving participants a chance to observe the surroundings. Kayaking is another way to travel downstream. A few companies offer inflatable kayaks, or fiberglass kayaks for hire while some arrange for kayaks on their own.
A typical day in the river begins early morning when participants arrive at the site. Instructions on safety and emergency situation are given to participants before the event. Life vests and helmets are worn by participants at all times during the trip. Meals are provided during the trip. Some packages also provide river equipment and camping equipment. The best time for rafting is from October through mid-December and March through early May. In winter hypothermia may be hindrance to some. During monsoons months of June through September, the white water sections are dangerous, but gentler stretches are easy to raft on. So far the government has opened sections of 10 rivers for commercial rafting.


Short Rafting


short trips take between one and four days and do not involve any trekking. Some of these trips involve less challenging white water and are ideally suited to first time rafters and families. Others attract experienced thrill-seekers with their world-class rapids.


Seti River
Days: 2 days Grade: 3 to 5
River Seti can be reached from Damouli roughly 160 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Rafters encounter several rapids before reaching Trishuli River. Hindu religious site Devghat marks the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Trishuli and becomes River Narayani. Rafters have a choice of either coming back to Kathmandu or continuing the journey to visit the Chitwan National Park.


Trishuli River
Days: 1 to 3 days Grade: 3+
River Trisuli is one of the most popular Nepali rivers for rafting. For first-time rafters it offers plenty of excitement. Due to its proximity to Kathmandu and the easy road access most rafting companies offer trips on the Trisuli. At $20 or so per dayIt is the cheapest river trip available in Nepal. A river trip on Trishuli can be combined with trips to Chitwan or Pokhara.


Bhote-Koshi River
Days: 2 days Grade: 4 to 5
River Bhote Koshi is a two-day run of pure adventure. The rafting site is located only three hours from Kathmandu. Twenty-six kilometers of continuous white water soaks rafters as they shoot through a veritable maze of canyons and boulders. It is the steepest river rafted in Nepal and required a lot of concentration. Starting above Barabise, you raft down to the dam at Lamosangu.


Kali-Gandaki River
Days: 3 days Grade: 5 to 5+
River Kali Gandaki winds through remote canyons and deep gorges of intense rapids among. Starting at Baglung, you could raft down to Ramdighat in five or six days. Trips on the Kali Gandaki begin and end in Pokhara and offer an exciting alternative to the Trisuli. The run flows 120 km and its challenges are continuous.

Long Rafting


Longer trips take you into some of Nepal's most remote areas. Often they begin with short treks to the river. On these treks we employ local porters to carry our gear and supplies, so all you need to carry are your own personal belongings. Many of our long trips finish close to some of our less easily accessible National Parks and Wildlife Reserves (the Karnali trip actually finishes in the Bardia National Park). So you may wish to combine your rafting trip with a safari adventure and go in search of our native tigers, bears and rhinos!


Marshyangdi River
Days: 5 days Grade: 4 to 5
River Marshyangdi provides four days of uninterrupted white-water rafting. It begins from the village of Ngadi from Besishahar in Pokhara. The rapids on the river are unrelenting, and rafters are advised to consult companies with lots of experience. It runs sandwiched between 52 kilometers of boiling foam and towering peaks of Annapurna.


Arun River
Days: 6 days Grade: 5
River Arun begins at Tumlingtar and ends at Chatara, Kartikeghat. The starting point can be approached either by flight or by road. A mini-trek is required from both the airstrip or from the bus stop. Some parts of the river are smooth while some are rough and challenging. On the sixth day Arun River meets Sun Koshi. Rafters either drive back Chatara via Biratnagar or fly from Biratnagar to Kathmandu.


Sun-Koshi River
Days: 8-10 days Grade: 4 to 5
River Sun Koshi is Nepal's longest rafting trip. The rafting site, three hours drive from Kathmandu is more accessible than the Karnali. The run is 270 km and requires 9 to 10 days from Dolalghat to end Chatara down to the Indo-Gangetic plains. The first couple of days are relatively easy while surprises sneak up on you during the last days. The white water stays white until the very end.


Karnali River
Days: 11 days Grade: 4 to 5
River Karnali in the far west is the longest and largest river in Nepal. It flows through steep, jagged canyons where the rapids are tightly packed, offering continuous challenging water at all flows. A bus ride to far-western Nepal or a flight to Nepalgunj can take one to rafting site. It takes about 7 days to navigate the 90 kilometers of canyons and waterfalls. During most of this trip, the wilderness is uninterrupted by human habitations.

River Systems of Nepal
The rivers of Nepal can be grouped into three categories on the basis of their origin:
(1) antecedent to Himalaya
(2) after the Mahabharat
(3) after the Churia range
Antecedent rivers belong to the period prior to the rise of the Himalaya. These rivers added their tributaries during or after the Himalayan origin alongwith the development of monsoon climate. After the formation of Mahabharat hills, the antecedent rivers changed their courses as Mahabharat stood as a barrier. As a result, most of the rivers changed their courses either to the east or west. Most of these rivers were responsible to deposit the sediments in the Churia basin.
The major river systems namely the Koshi, the Karnali and the Gandaki belong to the antecedent group. Rivers originating from the Mahabharat range and cutting through Churia hills come under the second group, these include Kankai, Bagmati, Kamala etc. The third group of rivers originate from the southern face of the Churia hills. For the purpose of commercial rafting, the following rivers are in use.


1. Saptakoshi River System (East Nepal)
2. Narayani or Saptagandaki River System (Central Nepal)
3. Karnali River System (West Nepal)


Eleven rivers in the three river systems are open for tourists for rafting. The rivers are :



River Section


The Trishuli (Trisuli-Narayanghat)
The Kali Gandaki (Kusma-Tiger Tops)
The Bheri (Birendranagar- Chisapani)
The Seti (Damouli-Tiger Tops)
The Sunkoshi (Baseri-Chatara)
The Karnali (Karaleghat-Chisapani)
The Tama Koshi (Busti-Chatara)
The Arun (Tumlingtar-Chatara)
The Budhi Gandaki (Arughat-Trishuli)
The Bhote Koshi
(Kodari-Lartza Bridge)
The Marshyangdi
(Ngadi-Bimalnagar

Rafting Guidelines
Normally the first day of a river trip begins early in the morning around 7 a.m. You are driven to put-in point of the river. Depending upon the distance between Kathmandu and the put-in point, the river can take from a couple of hours. This is a situation if you choose between the Trishuli and the Sunkoshi. A river trip on any other river requires a longer drive or a flight plus drive and even a trek in some cases.
If you start at 7 a.m. and the drive drops you at the put-in point exactly after three hours, rafting is likely to begin around 11 a.m. After you reach the put-in point, a safety talk takes place along with the inflating of the rubber rafts and organising other river equipment by river crew.
The talk includes delivering of know how about measures to be taken in case of an emergency need. The participant should listen to the river guide very carefully. Questions can be raised to make things clearer.
The life-vest must be worn all the time while on the river, irrespective of weather you are hitting a major rapid or running a flat water section. A protective helmet is suggested if you are running a high class rapid.
Frequently the river outfitter provides the option between an oar boat or a paddle boat. Kayaking is another option. Normally the Kayakers bring their own Kayaks. There are outfitters who provide with a Kayak. If your option is the paddle boat, then you are instructed to properly use the paddle either during the safety talk or before sailing off. If you are of participate nature, then your choice would be paddling. Paddling is more challenging and thrilling. The paddle boat requires well co-ordinated team effort between the paddlers and river guide who stays at the back and plays his paddle in the role of the steering wheel of a car. The responsibility of the participants is to follow his instruction in a proper manner. The thrilling moment for a paddler is while hitting a rapid.
It is usual that you get wet whether you hit rapid or not within half an hour after sailing starts. In an oar boat, the river guide alone rows lightly and slowly on the flat wear and penetratedly and boldly while hitting a rapid. The oar boat gives you an opportunity to observe the surroundings.
As for meals, the river outfitter normally provides all meals during the trip days.
During autumn (mid-September through November) and spring (March - June)
For A Day Trip: T-shirts, shorts or light cotton trousers, tennis shoes/sneakers, swim suit, sun hat, sun goggles with string suntan lotion. Complete change of clothes includes shoes for the return drive to Kathmandu.
For two days or more in addition to the above, you are advised to carry extra T-shirts, shorts, an extra pair of dry shoes, trousers and a light wool sweater, etc.
During winter ( December through February)
For A Day Trip: Warm shirts/shirts or T-shirts, wind proof jacket and trousers, tennis shoes/sneakers. Complete change of clothes includes shoes for the return drive to Kathmandu.
For a trip involving two days or more, you are advise to carry warm shirts. T-shirts, heavy woolen sweater (warm clothes), extra pair of dry shoes and trousers in addition to the above items.
You can also carry reading materials, specific medication if required, camera, binocular, film, pocket knife and flashlight.

Trekking in Nepal

Nepal offers excellent trekking options to visitors from the easy walking excursions to the strenuous climb of the snowy peaks. The most rewarding way to experience Nepal's natural embellishment and cultural assortment is to walk through the length, breadth and the altitudes of the country. Trekking in Nepal is a big part of the ultimate Himalayan adventure and a majority of tourists have trekking as a part of their itinerary.
One can also trek on ponies in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks follow nearly the same routes and are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).

Trekking in Everest Region

Located in the eastern half of Nepal, the Everest region offers a wide range of trekking experiences. From the well-developed trail to Everest base camp to treks in remote semi-wilderness areas, there is a choice to suit all-corners.
The most frequented part of the region is located in Solukhumbu district, the home of the legendary Sherpas. The northern part of the district (Khumbu) is encompassed in the Everest National Park , which was established to protect the fragile environment of the alpine region. To the east of the Everest National Park is the Makalu-Barun National Park , a remote and wild stretch of mountain peaks and deep densely forested valleys. To the west is the Rolwaling valley, a well protected microcosm of cultures and ecology. The southern part of the district, Solu is much less frequented by tourist and be a very rewarding destination in its own right.
Beside Mount Everest there are other 8,000 meter peaks in the region. Lhotse , Cho Oyu and Makalu and in addition numerous other peaks lesser altitude but no less stunning. Add to this glacial lakes rhododendron forest, native flora and fauna, traditional villages and ancient Buddhist monasteries, all go to make this region a spectacular destination.

Permits and Fees

No special trekking permits are required to visit this area provided that the trekker's do not climb any of the peaks. An entry fee is charged for access to Everest National Park . This is payable at the national park desk in Thamel. For treks to the east of main Everest trail an addition permit is required to enter Makalu-Barun National Park obtainable from the same location.

Getting There

Access to the Everest region can only be made by air or on foot. By road, the only practical road ahead at this time is Jiri, a seven to ten hour bus ride from Kathmandu. A new road is under construction to Salleri, the district headquarters, but this will probably be complete for another five years at least. It is also possible to trek to the Everest region via the Arun valley where roads head is at Hille, a twenty ride from the capital. These times are all by local bus as there is no tourist bus service available at this time. Private cars and taxis could be used and would reduce the traveling time considerably but obviously at extra cost. Buses to Jiri currently leave from the old bus park in central Kathmandu.
By air there are three options. The most convenient for Everest treks is Lukla, which is serviced by many daily flights from Kathmandu. Three days walk to south, near the district headquarters, is Phaplu air strip, which is service by daily flights. This is useful for treks in southern parts of the region or for Everest trekkers who want to gain extra acclimatization and see some of less developed part of the district.
The last choice is the small air strip at Syangboche, which is located above Namche Bazar. While this is an option, its altitude (3760 meters) makes it an impractical and unwise choice as an arrival destination for acclimatization reasons.

People and Culture

The main ethnic group that visitors will encounter in the Everest region is the Sherpas . This is their heartland and their influence is to be seen everywhere from their traditional dress to their distinctive houses and village monasteries. There are also minorities of various other groups, notably Rai/Limbu and Tamang in the lower hills and the ubiquitous Bhramin and Chhetri farmers of the valleys.

Flora and Fauna

The flora and fauna to be seen are quiet diverse since the region ranges in altitude from less than 2000 meters above sea level at Jiri to the high peaks of the Himalaya at over 8000 meters. Up to 4000 meters you will find dense stands of forest including pine, oak and the spectacular flowering rhododendrons . The latter are one reason to make a trip in Nepal in the spring when the hills between 2000 and 3500 meters are a riot of colors.
The crop under cultivation will depend on the season that you visit but expect to see wheat, barley, corn and potatoes at some stage. Domesticated animals will range from cattle, buffalo, goats and pigs to the all-purpose beast of mountains-the yak
There is a good chance of seeing wildlife, mostly birds including the national bird of Nepal-the Impeyan Pheasant, or danfe, which is quite common around Namche Bazar. Other notable birds will include the ravens and crows of the middle hills and the coughs which soar to seemingly impossible heights in the mountains. Also in the mountain look for flocks of snow pigeons wheeling around the hillsides.
Land animals can be most elusive but look out mountain goats (most commonly the Himalayan tahr) and, if you are lucky, musk deer or barking deer in the forest.

How and When

How to trek in Everest region depend entirely on the route that you choose. On the main trail to Everest base camp or the route to Gokyo valley then teahouse trekking is perfectly possible. The trail in from Jiri is also endowed with many continently located teahouses although generally not of such a high standard as those to the north. Other trekking routes will almost certainly require the use of camping and organization of trekking staff and equipment. See the following individual route description for detail.

When to Visit?

The peak season of October/November and March/May are obviously the most popular. At these times the weather is mild and generally dry, making the walking conditions good. The spring season is good for wild flowers, particularly the rhododendrons, while the autumn season generally gives the best mountain views, as the air at this time is crystal clear.
Winter is possible but the chances of snow are higher and passes may be closed, particularly during late winter. Also during this time many of the teahouses will close. The summer/monsoon period is generally unsuitable for trekking period, as the trails are slippery, leeches abundant and the mountain views are unpredictable. It can be rewarding time, however, if you are prepared to tolerate these drawbacks, as the wild flowers are at their best at this time and there are fewer tourists on the trails making interaction with the locals easier.

Hiring Staffs

It is possible to hire guides, porters or yaks at Lukla but for safety a guide from Kathmandu is preferable. The extra cost of his airfare will outweigh the possibility of not finding a suitable guide at Lukla, especially during the peak seasons. Porters are always available at Lukla. Pure yaks will not be found at Lukla, as it is too low for them to operate, but yak crossbreeds will be found there. For a small group only carrying personal gear, porters are preferable. The cost will depend on the seasonal demand for their services.
If your trek starts at Jiri then you will only find porters available there. Guides should definitely brought from Kathmandu.

Looking after the environment

Much has been said about the deteriorating environment of the Himalaya. Over that past few years, due to effort by many overseas expeditions and organizations such as the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee and Nepal Mountaineering Association, education programmes and clean-up campaigns have, to a large extent, solved many of the problems.
Having said that, the environment of the high Himalaya is a very fragile eco-system that is easily put out of balance. The locals lived for generations in relative harmony with their surroundings but the recent influx of tourist has put pressure on the indigenous populations to supply more and more services in the name of tourism development. While the

Everest National Park is somewhat protective from the worst ravages the same cannot be said about the area immediately to the south. Here, uncontrolled timber collection for fuel and building has led to a marked loss of timber cover. Certain initiatives within the National Park area, such as the banning of glass beer and soft drink bottles, had resulted in a reduction of the amount of non-biodegradable rubbish being left behind. Much more can be done, however, particularly by the trekkers themselves. The KEEP code of trekking conduct is a perfect example.

Everest base Camp

One of the classic treks in Nepal, Everest base camp is most commonly visited as a two week trek starting and finishing at Lukla, the airport just to the south of Everest National park.
During the trekking seasons there are numerous daily flights into and out of Lukla, weather permitting. The flight from Kathmandu, which takes around forty-five minutes, passes over the fertile middle hills, with their scattered villages and terraced fields, with an amazing panorama of the high Himalaya as a backdrop. Before long the mountains close in and you are sweeping down to land at the gateway to Everest-Lukla. Situated high above the banks of the Dudh Koshi river, which carries the melt water from Everest, Lukla provides a range of services, including accommodation but most trekkers will choose to start trekking as soon as they arrive and use Lukla as a final destination on their return.
From Lukla trekker must have a gentle, two days trek up the Dudh Koshi valley to reach Namche Bazar in order to avoid altitude problems. There are plenty of teahouses along the way for the first night stop, Phakding (three hours from Lukla) and Monzo (five hours from Lukla) are the most popular. Just beyond Monzo, trekkers enter the Everest National Park at the Jorsale check post. Here entry permits will be checked and the visitor's passport details recorded. The trail, which has been following the Dudh Koshi since Lukla, starts the ascent to Namche Bazar about one hour past Jorsale.
Namche Bazar, once a small village but since grown in size to accommodate the influx of trekkers, is the unofficial capital of the Sherpas. It was once an important trading centre on the route from Tibet to Nepal but has now been largely given over to catering for the needs of trekkers. There is a multitude of teahouse, equipment shops, curio sellers, restaurant and even cyber cafes that make just about anything the trekker could need, available, albeit at a higher price than in Kathmandu. For acclimatization reasons, trekkers must spend two nights in or around Namche, Which gives the opportunity to explore some of the less developed and more traditional villages in the area.
One of the nicest destination for the acclimation day is to walk to Thame, home of many famous mountaineering Sherpas, including Tenzing Norgay of Everest fame. Often Danfe (Impeyan Pheasant) and Himalaya Tahr can be seen along this trail. The round trip is quite a hard day's walk taking a minimum of eight hours. An option would be to stay the night at one of the teahouse at Thame and retrace your steps the next day. While at Thame, be sure to visit the Buddhist monastery, which is located on hillside about a thirty-minute walk above the village. The valley to the north of Thame leads to Tibet via the Nangpa la, the pass traditionally used by Sherpa and Tibetan traders. The valley to the west of Thame leads to the Trashi Labsta pass and the Rolwaling valley.
Easier option for passing the acclimatization day can be found by visiting the twin Sherpa villages of Khumjung and Khunde, which are about a two-hour walk above Namche. While in Khunde, visit the hospital, which was established and funded by sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan trust. Khumjung monastery is interesting as being the store place of one of the alleged yeti scalp that is to be found in the region.
Moving on from Namche Bazar the trail follows the valley of the Imja khola with some spectacular views of the mountains including Thamserku, Kangtega and Ama Dablam and, dominating the skyline ahead, Everest and Lhotse. The most common night stop after Namche is at the top of a steep climb from the Imja khola, at Thyangboche. This is the site of one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in Solukhumbu and a visit is well recommended. Tours of the monastery are conducted each afternoon. If the teahouse and campsites at Thyangboche are full, a common occurrence in the main season, then more lodging can be found a further thirty minutes along the trail at Deboche. The ramshackle nunnery, an extension of the Thyangboche monastery, at Deboche makes an interesting site trip.
Following the Imja khola from Thyangboche the trekking route climbs gradually through pangboche and emerges above the tree line. Eventually, after a long day's trek, you reach the next night's stop at either Pheriche or Dingboche. Here another rest/acclimatization day trip being to Chhukung, around three hours walk above Dingboche. The mountain panorama around Chhukung is nothing short of amazing with the massive south face of Lhotse rearing above it to the north and a ring of lesser peaks surrounding it.
From Dingboche or Pheriche it takes another six hours of trekking to reach the cluster of teahouse at Lobuche sited on the lateral moraine of the khumbu glacier. Above Lobuche it is another three hours walk to the last settlement on the trail at Gorak Shep. Here a few basic teahouses provide shelter for the night before undertaking the final leg of the trek up the glacier to Everest base camp. Above Gorak Shep rises the well-known landmark of Kala Pattar. A climb of two to three hours will reward the trekker with a marvelous vista. Barely eight kilometers to the east is the summit of Everest and just to the most beautiful mountains to be found anywhere.
The trek along the glacier to base camp can take up to five hours depending on the trail conditions. Care should be taken while traveling here, as route finding can be a problem and there are no facilities at base camp (expeditions are generally reluctant to entertain visiting trekkers) so it is important to make sure that you have food and drinks for the return trip. Descending from base camp, most trekkers will reach at least Lobuche, if not further, by nightfall.
The return trek to Lukla basically follows the upward route but rest days are obviously not necessary. The route can be varied, to make the return more interesting, by diverting through upper pangboche and returning to Namche via Phortse (looks for herds of tahr on the hillsides), Mong La and Khumjung. Pangboche, which has few teahouses and campsite, is an interesting place to spend a night. The monastery here is one of the oldest in Solukhumbu and also has yeti relics.
Khumjung would make an interesting alternative stopping place to Namche Bazar if trekkers wished to avoid the hustle and bustle of the bazaar.
If you haven't arranged for somebody to reconfirm your flight out of Lukla for you, be sure to reach there as early as possible on the day before departure in order to make sure that your seat doesn't disappear. Arriving in Lukla on the day of departure is inviting a lost seat.

Trekking in Annapurna Region

Beside the Everest region, the area around the Annapurna massif is perhaps the best known trekking destination in Nepal. Based on sheer numbers of trekking visitors it is certainly the most popular. As the title suggests, the centre piece of this part of Nepal is the range of mountains that includes Annapurna I, the first of the 8000 meter peaks to be climbed. Also included in this general area is another 8000 meter giant,

Dhaulagiri , which is located west of Annapurna I. Between these two mountains runs the valley of the Kali-Gandaki River, the deepest gorge on earth. Combine this with lush, fertile farming land, stands of undistributed natural forest and a mixture of different ethnic inhabitants and you have a diverse range of experiences that makes this area one of the most satisfying trekking destinations in Nepal.
The fact that the main Himalayan range runs south of the border with Tibet means that that the northern parts of the area are in the rain shadow and are considerably drier than the southern slopes of the mountains. This leads to unusually diverse landscapes.

Permits and Fees

For most of the Annapurna trekking area, no trekking permits are required. The exception is upper Mustang where a fee of US$700 per person is levied for a ten-day visit. Additional restrictions relating to Mustang will be outlined later.
Most of the area discussed in the trek descriptions is within the area controlled by Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Entry to this area is controlled and an entry permit has to be purchased. The permit must be purchased before starting the trek and can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara . The proceeds of these fees are largely used for the local community development within the project area.

Getting There

Regardless of the trek chosen it is most likely that Pokhara will be either starting or ending point of your trek. Pokhara is located 200 km. west of Kathmandu and can be reached by road in five to six hour or by air in 30 minutes from the capital. For road travel there are a number of tourist buses available daily from Kathmandu and from Chitwan.
There is no shortage of tourist facilities to be found in and around Pokhara. The main center for tourists is at the side of the largest of the three lakes in the area, Phewa Tal. The suburbs of Lakeside and Damside both provide a wide range of accommodation and restaurants along with the usual variety of trekking and traveling agencies and suppliers of souvenirs and trekking equipment. For those trekking in the eastern side of the Annapurna massif the most likely starting point will be Besishahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung district. Buses from Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Terai arrive and depart here on a regular daily basis. The bus trip from Kathmandu to Besishahar takes around four to five hours but, at this time, there are no tourist bus services available.
Most treks starting or ending in Pokhara will require the use of buses or hired cars to reach the trailheads. Specific details appear in the trek descriptions.

Flora and Fauna

As can be imagined, the range of geographical and climatic regions has led to a diverse variety of flora and fauna within the Annapurna region. Both Pokhara and Besishahar are below 1000 meter elevation and their climate is quiet tropical. These parts of area are heavily cultivated and the landscape, therefore, largely consists of terraced paddy fields for most of the year. The area is also famous for its winter crops of oranges, which can be purchased fresh from the trees along the trails in the foothills. As you progress higher up into the hills the natural vegetation changes from the tropical species to more temperate stands of forest trees including oak, beech and rhododendron. These finally give way to coniferous forests of pine and, ultimately, juniper just below the tree line. In the rain shadow, to the north of the mountains, the landscape is quite barren being an extension south of the Tibetan plateau. Here there are only stunted bushes and shrubs except for close to the rivers where irrigated cropping is possible.
Native animals to be seen include many birds the most obvious being the pika, blue sheep and Himalayan Tahr.

Trekking styles

Most of the trekking routes in the Annapurna region are well serviced by teahouses for most of their length. This is particularly true for most popular treks-the Jomsom trek, the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna base camp treks.
Trekkers should be aware, however that there is always the risk of being stranded by bad weather or injury/sickness between teahouses, particularly in the more remote parts of the trek itineraries. a good example is on the Annapurna circuit where there is one very long day when the high pass of Thorong La has to be crossed. There is little or no shelter available for most of this day and some trekkers have been caught unprepared by bad weather and altitude problems.
The treks in less developed areas, particularly the Dhaulagiri circuit and the trek east of Lamjung, definitely require trekkers to be self sufficient in food and shelter.

People and Culture

The most prominent ethnic groups in the Annapurna region are the Gurung, the Thakali and the Manangba. The Gurungs are the most widely distributed being found from the hills of Gorkha district to as far west as Palpa. There heartland, however, is centered on the hills and valleys between the Marsyandi river and the kali Gandaki. The Thakali come from the upper kali Gandaki valley around Jomsom where their traditional farming has being supplemented by trade and, in particular, hotel and restaurant businesses. The Manangba are found in the upper reaches of the Marsyandi River and are in many ways similar to the Gurungs to whom they are possibly related. They are skilled traders and trace their roots back to Tibet. Religiously, the Manangba and the Gurungs of the upper hills is Buddhist with traces of their ancient, shamanistic faith still apparent. The communities live further south are predominantly Hindu.
All of the communities, particularly the Gurungs are famed for their cultural performances, which are easily seen while trekking in the region. Many villages along the trails will arrange performances for trekkers during the main seasons.

When to visit?

As with most of the trekking areas in Nepal, the best time to visit are during spring and autumn. Spring is the time for rhododendrons while the clearest skies are found after the monsoon in October and November. At these times the weather is generally mild and there is little rainfall. Unlike other parts of Nepal, the monsoon, from June to September, is the ideal time to visit pats of the region that falls in the rain shadow. In particular, upper mustang is the perfect destination during the rainy season. The winter months provide good trekking conditions throughout the foothills but some of the higher passes will be closed due to snow.

Hiring Staffs

If you have not traveled from Kathmandu with your staffs then you will be able to make all of the necessary arrangements in Pokhara through one of the many trekking agencies that have offices in lakeside. This is generally only place where such arrangements can be reliably made although porters will often be found at centers such as Besishahar at the start of the Annapurna circuit.

Annapurna Circuit

The classic trek in the Annapurna region is the Annapurna circuit. The complete circuit has only been possible since mid 1980's when the Manang area was officially opened up to non-Nepali visitors. For and all-round experience of the scenery and culture of Nepal this trek has a lot to offer. Starting in the lush Marsyandi valley, that separates the Annapurna range from that of Manaslu, the scenery is composed of lush cultivated fields with dense forests on either side. In the winter season, orange tree are laden with fruits and fragrant frangipani blossoms cast their scent along the trails. As you travel higher the valley becomes more rugged until the villages and forests finally give way to the arid hills of Manang. The Thorong La pass, at 5416 meters, marks the highpoint of the treks after which the trail joins the kali Gandaki river that flows through the deepest gorge on earth.
This is a challenging trek that is not without some risks. The crossing of Thorong La can be dangerous at times, especially during unexpected snowfall so potential trekkers must make sure that they are well prepared and equipped for all eventualities. The trek can be completed in a minimum of fifteen days, starting in Kathmandu and finishing in Pokhara. If a few extra days are allowed for it is then possible to enjoy several of the possible side trips and add immeasurably to the experience. And entry permit for the Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP) is needed for this trek.
Most trekkers start the trek by taking the bus from Kathmandu to Besishahar. These days the journey accomplished in around five or six hours which allows a few hours trekking on the first day. The trail from Besishahar follows the partly constructed road as far as the small market town of Kuldi. This road can be avoided by crossing the river below Besishahar and trekking along the east bank of the river rejoining the main trail at Bhul Bhule.
The first few days of the trek follow the Marshyangdi through scattered farming communities by a mixer predominantly composed of Gurungs but with a sizeable numbers of Brahmin communities. The crop range from rice and wheat at the lower elevations to corn, millet and barley as the altitude increases. Above the valley floor the hills are cloaked in forest with the occasional clearing indicating human settlements. Higher still, the snowy peak of the Annapurna and the Manaslu ranges dominate the skyline. A feature of this section of the trek is the number of high waterfalls that cascade down into the main river. The valley rises slowly slow altitude sickness is rarely a problem at this stage.
After a four days on the trail the river, which has been flowing from the north changes its course and flows from the west. At this point the landscape changes with steep rocky gorges on its side and large stands of pine making up the forest cover. By the time the district headquarters of Chame has been passed the hills are becoming more and more barren and the people predominantly Manangba. Look for a number of ancient temples, some of which represent the pre-Buddhist, Bon religion.
The tree line is reached a few hours before arriving at mustang where a compulsory rest day should be taken for acclimatization to the increasing altitude. There are a number of possible side trips from Manang that can be taken on the acclimatization day. Perhaps the most spectacular is to the west, across the river and up to the Gangapurna glacier with its deep blue lake formed by the melting glacial ice. The Himalayan rescue association clinic is located in Manang village and holds afternoon awareness lectures for trekkers warning of the dangers of AMS. These lectures are well worth attending.
From Manang, the trial passes through high alpine pastures until the small cluster of teahouses at Thorong Phedi id reached. An early morning start from here will allow you to reach Thorong La by mid morning and then start the long descent across the scree slopes to Muktinath before the afternoon cloud sweeps in. the whole section have no permanent settlements and shelter is hard to find. For safety, trekkers should never travel alone this section.
Muktinath, a famed pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus, is the first major settlement reached after the crossing of Thorong La. Be sure to visit the temples here and especially look for the eternal flame, fuelled by natural gas, which can be found in the small Buddhist temple below the main shrine.
From Muktinath the views of the west are now of the Dhaulagiri range while to the north can be seen the arid hills of upper mustang. The trial Leeds down through villages inhabited by people of Tibetan stock until it reaches the banks of the kali Gandaki River, the home of Thakali people. A further four days trekking down through this, the deepest valley on earth, brings you to the road head at Beni from where buses to Pokhara can be found. Settlements of particular interest below Muktinath are Jomsom with its airport, a possible exit point to Pokhara, Marpha with its fascinating medieval architecture designed to ward off the fierce winds that blow daily up the gorge and Tatopani with its hot springs.
There are a number of possible side trip that can be combined with the Annapurna circuit. Either from the Manang side or from below Jomsom it is possible to trek up to the high-altitude lake at Tilicho. You must allow at least four days for this trek and be fully self-sufficient. Also on the eastern side of the kali Gandaki there is a trial that leads to the original north Annapurna base camp that was used by the French expedition that first scaled the peak. On the western side of the valley treks to Hidden valley via Dhampus pass and to the Dhaulagiri icefall are also possible option. All of these site trips are suitable only for fit and experienced parties who are fully self-sufficient.

Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna base Camp)

the other classic trek in the Annapurna region is to the so called Annapurna sanctuary, the site of the base camp used by expeditions attempting the massive south face of Annapurna I. a short trek, it can be completed in as little as eight days from Pokhara. The trek to Annapurna base camp combines some of the most spectacular mountain scenery with a fascinating insight into the life of middle hill Nepalis. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the main trekking season of spring and autumn but since the route is not a circuit, the trial, and the teahouses, can become crowded at these times. Winter trek are possible but at any time trekkers must beware of snowfall and avalanches that can block the narrow entrance to the sanctuary.
This trek is usually started and ended in Pokhara but it can also be made a part of the Annapurna circuit or the Jomsom trek by trekking from Tatopani through Ghorepani and Tadapani and joining the main sanctuary trial at Chomrong. For maximum enjoyment, allow twelve or fourteen days for the trek, which allows time for exploration inside the sanctuary and also the chance to extend the route on to Ghorepani and Poon hill. Trekkers traveling this route must obtain an ACAP entry permit either from Kathmandu or Pokhara before commencing the trek.
To start the trek at Pokhara there are a number of choices of route. Perhaps the best is to take a taxi or bus to Naudanda Phedi where the trial up to Dhampus will be found. The route passes through a number of Gurung settlements including Dhampus, Pothana and Landrung. At Landrung the choice is to cross to Ghandrung, a descent and subsequent climb involving several hundred meters of elevation change, or to continue on up the Modi khola through Naya Pul. Both trials join at Chomrong at the foot of the gorge leading to the sanctuary. An additional attraction on the Naya Pul trial is a very welcome hot spring half way to Chomrong.
From Chomrong there is only one trial, which follows the ever-narrowing most khola to finally enter the sanctuary. Due to the altitude gain, two nights must be spent between Chomrong and the sanctuary in order to avoid the risk of AMS. There are a number of settlements in the valley, providing ample accommodation. However, during winter it is wide to check at Chomrong in case the teahouse up the valley has closed for the off season.
The trial up the Modi khola passes through dense stands of rhododendron and bamboo for the first day. By the time the large rock overhang, known as Hinku cave, is reached the vegetation has thinned and the gorge narrowed to be only a few hundred meters wide. Steep, snow-clad ridges falling from Himchuli on the left and Machhapuchhre on the right from the entrance to the sanctuary. as you pass through the "gate” and enter the sanctuary you will find yourself in a huge amphitheater enclosed by a solid wall of snow capped peaks which include Annapurna I, II, III and IV plus the fish tailed spire of the Machhapuchhre. Teahouses are available at Machhapuchhre base camp, just inside the sanctuary, or at Annapurna base camp, a further two hours beyond.
Spend at least one full day inside the sanctuary. Side trips across the south Annapurna glacier, north from Annapurna base camp allow for an even better appreciation of this unique place.
Return by the same route to Chomrong where you can choose to retrace your outward steps or deviate through either Ghandrung or Ghorepani.

Annapurna Foothills

There are a number of options for short treks in the foothills to the north of Pokhara. Most of these variations will visit Ghandrung and Ghorepani. The former is a large, traditional Gurung village while Ghorepani is the settlement below the famed vantage point of Poon hill, one of the best spots from which to view the central Nepal Himalaya range.
The various itineraries are all relatively easy and none reach high enough elevations for AMS to be an issue. Generally between five and six trekking days are sufficient for any of the itinerary option. All enter the ACAP area so an entry permit is required. The permit should be obtained either in Kathmandu or Pokhara prior to starting the trek. Teahouses are plentiful through the foothills but there are a couple of alternative routes that will require the trekker to be self-sufficient if these trails are chosen.
The most commonly trekked of the foothill itineraries starts and ends at Naya Pul on the Baglung highway(not to be confused with the Naya Pul on the Modi Khola beyond Landrung).traveling by bus or taxi, the journey to Naya Pul takes around one to two hours. Cross the Modi khola at Naya Pul and trek through Birethanti to Syauli Bazaar following the river through cultivated fields and small villages. At Syauli Bazaar the trial climbs steeply to the large Gurung village of Ghandrung (pronounced Ghandruk by the locals). Here there is wide selection of teahouses and community operates craft and cultural displays. An extra day spent at Ghandrung experiencing the traditional Gurung way of life is well worthwhile.
From Ghandrung the main trial passes through Tadapani to the pass at Ghorepani. Above the hill is Phoon hill, a climb of around three hundred meters. The reward for making the climb at dawn or dusk is one of the best mountain panoramas in Nepal. The view takes in Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and, in the distance, the Manaslu range.
From Ghorepani there are three choices. The most commonly taken route drops down the villages of Ulleri and Turkedhunga to Birethanti, the original starting point of the trek. There is a steep trial and can be quite crowded during the peak seasons. It passes through sense stands of oak and rhododendron until Ulleri is reached after which the landscape is mostly cultivated fields.
Another option is to continue on from Ghorepani and descend to the kali Gandaki at Tatopani (see Annapurna circuit trek description). After a night at Tatopani the river can be followed down to Beni from where buses to Pokhara are available.
The third possibility is to trek along the ridge that starts at Phoon hill. There is little in the way of permanent settlement until the high point of the ridge at Bhuka is reached. Just below the hill is Gurung village of Langdi while a couple of hours further down the ridge are Tangle, another Gurung settlement. From here it is only a short distance back to the main trial at Birethanti and Naya Pul. This ridge walk is quite isolated and no teahouse accommodation is available making self-sufficiency essential. It has the advantage of being well off the normal tourist route and allows for an insight into local culture that is harder to find on the main trial.

Jomsom and Muktinath

The Jomsom trek is probably the single most popular trek in Nepal. The diverse landscapes and cultures to be found along the trek route give a marvelous insight into the way of life of rural Nepalese people. The main feature of trek is the walk through the George craved by the kali Gandaki River, which carries water from the Tibetan plateau to eventually join the Ganges in India.
Normally trekkers continue on above Jomsom to Muktinath, the famous pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. To Hindus, Muktinath is sacred as the place of salvation. They believe that to wash in the waters here guarantees salvation after death. The Hindu god, Brahma, is thought to have lit the eternal flames that still burn at Muktinath. To the Buddhists it is a place that the great sage guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated at, and to all, it is the source of fossilized ammonites, known locally as shaligrams, which are found all along the upper reaches of kali Gandaki. The people of this part of Nepal are a mixture of Gurung and Magar in the lower stretches of the kali Gandaki, Thakali people around Jomsom and people with obvious Tibetan roots, the Lopa, around Muktinath and up into mustang. Their customs and dress are all quite distinct and this trek gives a chance to see those differences. The religions seen range from Hinduism in the lower parts to the Tibetan style Buddhism as you travel further north. Should you be in Muktinath In early September you will be able to see one of Nepal’s unique festivals, the annual horse races known as Yartung. This is a week of some serious horse racing, Tibetan style, and some equally serious merrymaking.
Most of the route for the Jomsom trek has been described as part of the Annapurna circuit and Annapurna foothills treks. The normal standing point is Naya Pul on the Pokhara to Baglung road and fro there, via Ghorepani and Tatopani, into the gorge of kali Gandaki.
Between Tatopani and Lete khola the scenery changes dramatically. Pine forests crowd in on the trial and the villages take on a quite different appearance. The layout of the villages and the design of the houses are both quite unique to this area. They are designed to protect their inhabitants from the strong winds that blow up the valley everyday from late morning onwards. These winds are caused by differences in atmospheric pressure between the Tibetan plateau and the lower reaches of the valley. The best example of this unique architecture is to be found at the village of Marpha which is a two hour walk below Jomsom. The stone flagged streets with an efficient underground drainage system and the flat roofed houses all with a central courtyard make an attractive spot to spend an extra rest day. Sample the apple products from the prolific orchards that have been set up in the valley.
Jomsom is best known for its airport that offers a quick entry or exit to the valley with regular daily flights from Pokhara. Remember that the winds that blow up the valley normally mean that no flights can arrive or depart from Jomsom after 11 am. Jomsom can also be considered as a place to use as a base for exploring the upper part of the kali Gandaki. There are numerous accommodation options including a new high-class resort complex.
An alternative to Jomsom as a final base for the trek is the village of Kagbeni; a further two hours up the valley. Kagbeni is much less commercialized than Jomsom and certainly much quieter. This is as far as trekkers are allowed to go towards upper Mustang without having a special trek permit and an accompanying environmental officer. For details see the upper mustang treks description. From Kagbeni to Muktinath takes three to four and trekkers can choose to do this as a day trip or to stay at one of the many teahouses available at Muktinath.

Sikles

The Gurung village of Sikles has been established by the ACA project as a model trekking village and is an internal part of their eco-route. It is located to the north east of Pokhara, at about 2000 meters elevation, in the shadow of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. It is a large village, possibly the second largest Gurung village in Nepal, and is a well-preserved example of traditional Gurung culture. While here, the trekker can easily spend several days experiencing local life-style, handicraft production and sight-seeing. Of particular interest are the local cloth weaving and the ancient water driven flourmills.
Above the village is Rishing Danda, from where a marvelous panoramic view of the peaks of Annapurna II and Lamjung can be seen. This place is also famous as a point from which to see avalanches thundering down off the mountain sides.
Folk songs and dances are an important part of Gurung life and cultural performances are common occurrences in Sikles. Of particular interest here is the Ghantu dance, traditionally performed by three young girls.
Accommodation in Sikles can be either in teahouses or, by prior arrangement with ACAP Pokhara office, in village homes.
To get to Sikles it is best to do the round trip, starting in Pokhara and taking a taxi to Kabhre Danda. From here it takes two days t trek to Sikles via Chansu. To return, follow the eco-route through the Ghalekhaeka and Diprang and back into Pokhara in a further three days easy trekking.

Lamjung Trek

The area to the east of the Marshyandi River, between Lamjung and Gorkha districts, has a great deal of potential for remote area treks. This part of the country has not developed any of the conventional tourist infrastructures so groups will need to be fully self-sufficient and have competent guides familiar with the local trials. No special permits are required.
The best destinations are the lakes of Mimi Pokhari and Dudh Pokhari, which are located on the southwestern slopes of Baudha Himal and Himal Chuli, both a part of the Manaslu massif. These two lakes are pilgrimage sites for local Gurung people during the summer months. The best starting point for treks to both of these lakes is either Phalensangu or Besishahar.
Beyond Dudh Pokhari is a high pass, Rupina Bhanjyang, which takes the trekker in to the valley of the Budhi Gandaki. Alternatively, from Dudh Pokhari a trail can be followed into the Deurandi khola valley and on to Gorkha.
To the west of the Marshyandi River there are other possibilities for self-sufficient trekkers. There is much more habitation on the side of the river but little or no tourist facilities. Treks from Besishahar through the villages of Ghalegaon, Bhujung, and on towards Sikles are possible but, again, guides with local knowledge are essential. An ACAP entry permit is required to trek past Ghalegaon. A number of village home stay programmes are being developed in the area, which will afford visitors a unique insight into rural life.
Above Ghalegaon a remote trial leads through uninhabited country to the high pass of Namun La. This pass leads down to the Marshyandi khola near Bagarchap on the Annapurna circuit route. Trekkers attempting this route must ensure that they and their staff are well prepared for this crossing which is often snow bound.

Dhaulagiri Circuit

A circuit of Dhaulagiri massif is possible for well-equipped and fully self-sufficient parties. The minimum time that should be allowed for this itinerary is eighteen days Pokhara to Pokhara but a few extra days to allow for side trips or bad weather are advisable. The route crosses two high which are in remote country far from any assistance. Particular care must be taken with regards to proper acclimatization and staff equipment. Since much of the first half of the trek travels on rarely trekked trails, the services of an experienced local guide are highly recommended. No special permits are required for the Dhaulagiri circuit but for the last part, down the kali Gandaki, an ACAP entry permit is needed.
The trek is best started at Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi district. Myagdi is one of the most easterly of the districts where the Magar people can be found. This group of hill dwellers are similar in many ways to their Gurung neighbors but are thought to have settled in Nepal some time earlier. Like their Gurung cousins, the Magar have a tradition of service in the Gurkha regiments. Regular bus services operate from Pokhara as far as Baglung and from there, are less frequent services to Beni.
The Dhaulagiri trail follows the Myagdi khola, the river that drains the southern side of the Dhaulagiri massif. Passing through the settlements of Darbang and Muri, the country is still quite heavily populated with scattered villages and farming land. Beyond Muri, the Myagdi khola swings north and the landscape becomes much more rugged and sparsely populated. The tree line is reached just below the sit of the, so called, Italian base camp, located at the snout of the Chhonbaraan Glacier, is an ideal place to spend an acclimatization day exploring the hills around about.
The next two days are spent on the glacier, the second night being at Dhaulagiri base camp, a rugged spot with some spectacular views of the western face of Dhaulagiri.
From here the trial crosses French pass which at 5360 meters is the highest point of the trek. Descending French pass you enter the lonely but fascinating area known as Hidden valley. This place is one of the few true wilderness areas accessible to trekkers in Nepal. The valley stretches away to the north eventually narrowing to a rugged gorge that connects to Upper Dolpa. There are reports of many endangered species residing in this area including the elusive snow leopard. If all the members and the staff of the group are fit then a rest and exploration day spent in hidden valley is well worth while.
From Hidden valley the trial now crosses Dhampus pass (sometimes known as Thapa pass). While not as high as French pass, it is roughly 100 meters lower, Dhampus pass has a reputation for bad weather which can make the crossing and subsequent descent something of a problem. Trekkers must be aware of the health of their group members and staff, especially on the section between French pass and Dhampus pass. Any person suffering from the symptoms of AMS must never be taken on over French pass but rather, taken back down the Myagdi khola to a lower altitude. Having a group member suffer from AMS between the passes poses a serious problem as the only way to get the patient assistance is to ascend which would make the problem worse.
Having crossed Dhampus pass the trial descends into the valley of the kali Gandaki meeting the main trial at either Marpha or Tukuche. On the way down to the valley there are some spectacular views across to the Annapurnas and up into the arid steppes of Mustang.
The rest of the trek is described in the Annapurna circuit description.

UpperMustang

To trek into upper mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience the way of life of the true mountain people, for years, cut off from the rest of Nepal. In many ways, a trek into upper mustang is similar to trekking into Tibet, which geographically it is a part of. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the raja of mustang, still has his home at the ancient capital, Lo Manthang.
Access to upper Mustang has only been possible for non-Nepalese trekkers for around ten years and, even today, access is still heavily regulated and restricted. To enter upper Mustang, that is to travel further north than Kagbeni, trekkers need a special trekking permit and mist be accompanied by a government appointed environmental officer. The expenses of the environmental officer have to borne by the group. Trekker must have arranged their trek through a government recognized trekking agency in order to be issued permits. The cost of the trekking permit is US$700 per person for ten-day trek in the restricted area.
Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the few parts of the country that are suitable for trekking during the summer monsoon period. Even at this time, the upper kali Gandaki valley is still quiet dry with only occasional rainfall. The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached is only 3800 meters, but the conditions at times can be arduous. Cold in winter and windy and dusty all year. Winter treks are best avoided due to southern parts of the country and even India.
There are few accommodation facilities available above Kagbeni so groups must be fully self-sufficient, especially in fuel. While porters are available in Jomsom it is preferable, in Mustang, to use mules to carry the loads. These pack animals are available locally and are more economical, and certainly more environmentally friendly, than human porters.
The Mustang trek requires a minimum of nine days starting and ending in Kagbeni. This allows the trek to be completed within the ten-day permit period. The route basically follows the kali Gandaki valley but, on occasions, climbs high above the valley walls. The settlements are scattered with little sign of cultivation between villages. In Mustang, little will grow without irrigation, which makes the settlements reminiscent of oases.
Lo Manthang, the old capital, is reached in four days and at least one extra day should be spent here for local sight-seeing. Ponies are available for hire for this purpose.
The return trip can either follow the upward route or, for an alternative, the eastern bank of the kali Gandaki may be followed.

Short Treks out of Pokhara

There are a number of relatively easy short treks that can be undertaken around Pokhara. The area south of Phewa Tal is particularly suitable, with treks of two to five days being possible. This area, however, has fewer accommodation facilities so self-sufficiency is generally required. These trekking routes pass through some very attractive rural communities and with the low altitude reached, make suitable winter treks. It can get uncomfortably hot during the summer months, however.
Possibly the most attractive destination is Panchase, a 250 meter high hill to the west of Pokhara. This hill gives a Himalayan Panorama that rivals that found that at Poon hill. The easiest access to Panchase is from the village of Badauri, which can be reached on foot or vehicle from Naudanda on the Baglung highway. From Badauri it is a pleasant three to four hour walk through the forest to Panchase Deurali where some basic lodging is available. The hilltops are a further hour or so from here.
The Panchase trek can be extended in several ways. From Panchase hill it is possible to trek through the large Gurung village of Arthor and continues on to Karkinetta. Here some very basic accommodation may be found. The choice then is to trek to Kusma, on the Baglung highway in one day from where a bus can be taken back to Pokhara. Alternatively, there are buses and jeeps available at Karkinetta that connect directly with Pokhara.
Another possibility is to trek from Panchase back to Pokhara via the ridge that runs through the villages of Bhumdi and Pumdi. By taking this route you are able to complete the trek at the peace Stupa above Phewa Tal and then descend to the lake and reach lake side by boat. This route gives excellent views of the Himalaya with Phewa Tal in the foreground. No tea houses are available until the peace Stupa is reached.
To the north of Pokhara there is the, so called, trek. This for-day trek follows the ridges above Pokhara's second largest lake, Begnas Tal. No teahouses are available so groups need to be self-sufficient.
Views of the Annapurnas and back to Pokhara are worthwhile from the ridge top as a number of interesting Gurung villages is visited on the way. This is a particularly good route during the colder winter months.

Trekking in the Langtang area

One of the most accessible areas for trekking is the north of Kathmandu valley. While the area cannot boast any of the Himalayan giants, the scenery here is every bit as spectacular as most of the better known destinations. It is also far less visited by tourists making a trek here somewhat more of an adventure. Just above Kathmandu is the area known as Helambu, which is ideal for short duration treks and is especially suited to winter season trips. Here there is a series of north-south running valleys that provide a variety of possible trekking routes. At the head of these valleys is a ridge that separates Helambu from the east-west running Langtang valley. Here the high alpine scenery, with mountains visible from their base to their peak, and the sparsely inhabited nature of the country makes this an ideal destination for trekkers who are on a tight time schedule.
To the west of Langtang is a virtual wilderness area centered on the Ganesh Himal range, a collection of 6-7000 meter peaks that see very little tourist activity.