Trekking and River Rafting
Trekking
For those visitors with enough time, leaving the urban centers and bazaars
behind as you head into the mountains on an organized trek is the most
exhilarating way to experience Nepal. With a week or more in Nepal,
you can trek by foot through awe-inspiring vistas to back-country forests,
lush river valleys, and high altitude villages tucked away in hidden
mountain valleys. You need not be a world class mountaineer to experience
Nepal’s trails—average physical fitness and the spirit of
adventure will get you where you want to go.
Each trekking group works with an experienced head “Sirdar”,
or team leader, who organizes a staff of cooks and porters to take care
of all of your needs. Every morning, you will be awoken by hot tea served
in your two-person tent. Our versatile cook will treat you to daily
fresh, hot, breakfasts, lunches and dinners representing Western, Asian,
and Nepali cuisine. Your belongings up to 15kg will be portered along
to your camp every day—you need carry only a daypack with personal
essentials. Nepal has no shortage of trekking areas, and we are here
to tailor a trek to your specific goals, timeframe, and interests.
The Khumbu Trail
Home to three of the world’s highest mountains—Mt. Everest,
Lhotse, and Cho Oyu—the Khumbu region is perhaps Nepal’s
best-known trekking area. High mountain panoramas compete with the hardy,
friendly Sherpas for your attention as you make your way up winding
trails to the roof of the world. The specific routes in this area are
numerous, but most treks now begin with a flight to Lukla at 2866 meters.
After acclimatization here, trek through Sherpa villages and glacial
valleys to reach Namche Bazaar and the famous monasteries of Tengboche
and Syangboche. Time permitting, travel on to Everest Base Camp and/or
Kalapathar and the Gokyo Lakes. These areas are famous for their high-reaching
mountain beauty, and will challenge your senses in every way.
Annapurna Treks
With astounding natural and human diversity, yet easily accessible from
Pokhara, the Annapurna Conservation Area is an ideal trekking destination.
Here, the deepest gorge in the world is carved by the Kali Gandaki river
as it rushes between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, both towering
over 8000 meters. Climb through sub-tropical jungles to alpine pastures
to high altitude desert, and you will be amazed by the quick shifts
in environment and ethnicity. The classic Annapurna trek is the Annapurna
Circuit, which takes approximately 20 days. Beginning on the eastern
side in Manang, you cross the magnificent Thorung La Pass at 5400 meters
to descend into the holy area of Muktinath and the high altitude valley
of Lower Mustang, and then continue on through the Thakali trading villages
of Marpha and Tukuche to the lush lower altitudes of Tatopani and Ghorepani.
Alternately, one may create a shorter trek either by flying in or out
of Jomsom, the district headquarters of Lower Mustang. The entire area
is rich in culture and invites unusual side trips to out of the way
villages, caves, and natural sites.
Upper Mustang
Entering this remote and restricted area to reach the ancient walled
city of Lo Monthang is the trip of a lifetime. Opened to tourists only
in 1991, Mustang is one of the last vestiges of traditional Tibetan
culture—even more so than Tibet itself. The high altitude desert
area north of Jomsom boasts startling rock formations and deep canyons
that are home to equally unique Tibetan villages built into the rock
faces and caves that surround them. Huge monasteries painted in the
traditional earth colors of black, red, and white welcome visitors to
view their 500 year old frescoes, reminiscent of high Western religious
art like the Sistine Chapel. Every day in the restricted area is chock
full of unique cultural experiences and some of the most breathtaking
vistas in the world. Trekking to Mustang begins with a flight into Jomsom,
and then a short walk to Kagbeni, the last village before entering the
restricted area. From there, it takes a minimum of ten days to reach
the capital city of Lo Monthang and return. On the way, you pass through
the villages of Chuksang, Tsele, and Tsarang, crossing many 3000-4000
meter passes on the way. Once in Lo Monthang, you can visit the cave-dwelling
villages of Choshyar and the historic Namgyal Gompa north of the city.
Upon your return, you may choose to visit Luri Gompa, a spectacular
temple built inside a cave. You may return via the same route to Kagbeni
or detour to Muktinath. Whatever your route, one of the special features
of trekking in Mustang is the opportunity to ride horses—sturdy
Tibetan mountain steeds—along much of the trail.
Langtang and Helambu
These two areas just north of Kathmandu provide easy access trekking
with breathtaking mountain views and especially rich plant and animal
life. The Langtang National Park, which spreads over the regions of
both Langtang and Helambu, is the second largest in Nepal, and contains
an unbelievable variety of plants, birds, and other animals. Its Sherpa
villages are also beautifully manicured and less touristed that those
of the Khumbu or Annapurna areas. A journey up the lush Langtang Valley
through Syabrubesi and the glacial plain of Kyangjin Gompa can be a
self-contained week-long trek, or it can be coupled with a visit to
the sacred lake of Gosainkund at 4000m for a slightly longer trip. Either
way this trek is ideal for nature lovers, with its wide array of flora
and fauna.
Off the Beaten Trek
In addition to these popular trekking areas, there are also many less-traveled
trekking areas in Nepal. Although they may require a bit more time or
organization to access than the popular routes, they are worth the effort
to get off the beaten track and see mountain vistas and villages that
few tourists ever see. Some of these alternate routes take you to Dolpo,
Manaslu, Khangchendzonga, Makalu-Barun, and Rolwaling. Lying to the
west of Mustang in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, Dolpo’s rugged
beauty is home to many rare animals like the snow leopard, Tibetan hare,
and Himalayan blue sheep. With ancient monasteries and the Phoksumdo
Lake at the center of Shey Phoksumdo National Park as major attractions,
Dolpo is a true adventurer’s trail. The Manaslu circuit has only
recently opened to trekkers, and its uncrowded trails and awesome views
of Himalchuli, Peak 29, and Mt. Manaslu make it a unique experience.
The far eastern areas of Khangchendzonga and Makalu-Barun take you into
alpine areas renowned for their natural diversity, not to mention their
incredible mountain views of Khangchendzonga and Makalu. Rolwaling is
a small area that juts across the natural Himalayan border into geographically
Tibetan terrain—full of monasteries and mountain views, it is
a treat of an area that few tourists visit.
River Rafting
Nepal possesses some of the premier stretches of white water anywhere
in the world. Fast flowing mountain rivers give you the high of riding
rapids, as well as the calm of sitting back and enjoying the ride in
calmer parts of the river. One of the most exciting sports on offer
in Nepal, rafting is also one of the best ways to get off the beaten
track and enjoy virgin countryside and remote riverside villages. Trips
range from one to several days, and include camping-style dining and
accommodations each night on the river bank.
There are many different rivers now open for rafting, each with its
own level of difficulty and attractions. The Trishuli River is the ideal
choice for a short trip—easily accessible from both Kathmandu
and Pokhara, it offers both calm stretches and exciting rapids. The
Bhote Koshi and Kali Gandaki are better for mid-length trips by more
experienced rafters—both the scenery and the rapids will take
your breath away! For those wanting a longer trip into remote territory,
the Sun Koshi and Karnali have it all. Whatever your pleasure, we can
arrange the perfect rafting trip for you.
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