From mountains to plains, from trekking to jungle safaris, you get a chance to try a range of activities. Starting by visiting some of the old UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley, you will experience some of the rich variety that Nepal has to offer. Your three-day trek is easy, and though you do not climb very high, you are surrounded by the spectacular Himalayas.
Spending a couple of days in Chitwan, this is a complete contract to the mountain area. Here the sub-tropical jungle is home to tigers, elephants, leopards and the unique one-horned rhino. Staying in a homestay in Panauti, a Newar town in the Kathmandu Valley, you will see how different life is in Barauli, a Tharu village in Chitwan. This trip gives you a bit of everything.
Inspired? Learn more about similar kinds of trips that Royal Mountain Travelcan offer:
Service of 01 English Speaking Tour leader for the whole trip (from the group of 06 pax onwards only in Fixed Departure group tours).
Local guides for sightseeing at all places (for a group of 01 – 05 pax and Private Group departures).
All land transportation as per group size by private vehicle.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu with entrance fees to Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, Patan Durbar Square, Golden Temple & Patan Museum.
04 nights twin/double rooms sharing hotel accommodation in Hotel
Vajra, Kathmandu on BB basis.
01-night local Homestay accommodation in Panauti Homestay on AP basis.
03 nights twins/double rooms sharing hotel accommodation in Mt. Kailash Resort, Pokhara on BB basis.
02 night and 03 days package trip of Barauli Community Homestay which includes accommodation on twin sharing basis, 3 meals per day, jungle activities such as Jeep Safari, Cycling to Narayani River, Village walking tours, cultural dance program, & entrance fees to Chitwan National Park.
Service of trekking guide.
03 nights trek accommodation at Basic lodge/Tea house on a bed only basis.
Service of 01 porters each for 2 people (each porter will carry a maximum of 15 kg luggage).
Duffel bags for trekking.
ACAP Permit & TIMS CARD.
What's Excluded?
All meals during trek.
Sleeping bags.
All meals which are not mentioned as included in the package.
Expenses of personal nature.
Bar bills, Internet facilities, hot water showers while on the trek, expenses of charging electronic devices while on the trek.
Tips & Gratuities.
Additional Expenses which may arise due to circumstances beyond the control of RMT such as landslides, strikes, delays, flight delays etc.
Trekking: Additional information
Please note that the published itinerary can only be a statement of intent and should be used as a guide only. Each day may vary due to the walking times of the group, camping and trail cond
Please note that the published itinerary can only be a statement of intent and should be used as a guide only. Each day may vary due to the walking times of the group, camping and trail conditions. The guide in charge of your trip may have to alter the schedule if necessary and any such changes are at the discretion of Royal Mountain Travel and your guide.
The trekking day
Your day starts with a wakeup call, followed by breakfast and baggage pickup. You are then driven to the start point of you trek. While trekking, your day starts with breakfast at the tea house where you are staying. You need to pack up your baggage before breakfast as porters usually set off early.
Normally you are on the trail by 8am and stop for a leisurely lunch around noon, with the chance to stop along the way for short breaks. Lunch time usually lasts a couple of hours to give you time to relax, or to explore the village where you have stopped. The afternoon walk is shorter and you can expect to arrive around 4pm to allow time for short excursions to nearby sites, monasteries, exploration of the village or for relaxing with a book or catching up on your diary. Dinner is generally around 7pm.
Everyone walks at different speeds and you should always go at the pace that is comfortable for you. The grade of the trek is only an approximate indication of what to expect, based on the altitude and the hours of walking per day. In general, the condition of trails is good as these are the main routes between villages.
What you carry
Each porter carries 15kg so you should pack 7.5 kgs of baggage, sharing one porter between two persons. These things will not be available to you during the day as the porters usually leave early and do not walk with you. Your daypack should contain all that you need during the day. This should consist of warm clothes for when you stop, a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, lip salve and maybe waterproofs depending on when you’re trekking. Your guide will let you know each evening about any extra items you might need for the following day. You should take a comfortable daypack to carry just the few kilograms of things you need along the way.
Food and drink
No meals are included on your trek. These are available in tea houses, lodges and bhattis that may sometimes have quite limited menus. There are a lot of tea houses and lodges along the way while you are trekking. Meals are generally simple, but filling, but you may wish to stock up on ‘trail munchies’ before leaving Kathmandu or Pokhara. Although mineral water in plastic bottles can be found along the way in many places, you should try to avoid using this. Plastic bottles are a serious problem on the trekking routes as there is no way to dispose of them. Instead you should use water purification tablets, a water filter or ask for boiled water at the lodges. It is a good idea to bring a heat resistant water bottle which can double up as a hot water bottle when you go to bed at night too!
It is not recommended to drink alcohol at altitudes above 3,000m or so, where altitude sickness can start to have an effect.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in lodges and teahouses and is of a basic standard. Rooms may be twin or multi share with basic shared toilet facilities. Hot showers are available in some places for a small charge. It is a good idea to pack wet-wipes to freshen up, especially useful when you reach high altitudes where the water can be very cold. It is not recommended to wash your hair when you are at higher altitudes and where the outside air is cold, as you run the risk of getting a chill when your wet hair takes a long time to dry.
Lodges usually have a common room where later in the day, when people start to arrive from their day’s trek there might be a stove that is lit to keep warm. Bedrooms however are not heated. Lodges provide clean bedding, but you may want to pack a sheet sleeping bag for peace of mind.
Transportation
The main means of transport is on foot, or in some cases by horse, with mules or donkeys sometimes carrying baggage. On most trekking routes, your baggage will be carried by the porters. You should ensure that anything you might need during the day is in your day pack as you will not see the baggage that is being carried again until the end of each day.
Trekking staff
You will be provided with government licensed experienced trek guided assisted by the porters who transport your baggage with one porter for every two trekkers. The guide is in overall charge of the trek and looks after you. This is the person you should go to with any problems, concerns or questions. Our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, high altitude medicine, first-aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. However, you should remember that they are local guides and their English may sometimes be quite basic and limited to trek-related topics. Usually porters will have a more basic understanding of English. Please try to speak slowly and clearly to make communication easier.
Trek grading and preparation
It is impossible to have a ‘foolproof’ grading system as everyone has different expectations and perceptions of their own fitness level. Remember that no trek in the Himalaya is a stroll as all involve going up and down, often at altitude. Altitude affects everyone differently, and even if it has not affected you much before, each time can be quite different in how it affects you.
Regardless of age or fitness, preparation before you arrive is a good idea. Aerobic activity, swimming, cycling or brisk walking is recommended or, at the very least, walking up and down stairs in your trekking boots to be sure that they fit well and are comfortable. Try to use hiking boots that you have already broken in to avoid blisters. Remember that the trek should be fun and you should go at your own pace.
Money
It is best to bring cash in major currencies such as US, Canadian or Australian dollars, Euros, or Pounds. Ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations. Everyone’s spending is different, but as a guide we suggest about USD 8 – 10 per meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara and USD 30 – 35 per day whilst trekking. If you drink or smoke you need to allow a bit more.
You should exchange enough money into Nepalese Rupees to last the entire time of your trek before leaving Kathmandu. You can find the money exchange counters near your hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara but there are no exchange facilities in villages along the way.
Communication: mobile phones and internet
Please note, as you will be often trekking through valleys and will not always be close to mobile towers, mobile phone reception can be very patchy. NCELL, the local mobile company has quite good coverage, but sometimes the signal can be very weak. Usually lodges have powerpoints to recharge your mobile, although this sometimes can be at an extra charge.
Tipping
Tipping is a personal and voluntary matter and is not included in the trip price. If you wish to reward the efforts of those who have worked to make your trek the best they can, we suggest the following: USD 4 per day for groups of 8+, USD 5 per day for smaller groups which will be shared amongst the whole staff, including porters.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. It is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to your trek. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter evacuation) and personal liability. We also recommend that it cover cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Be careful to check the small print of your insurance regarding altitude as some policies only provide cover up to 2000m.
Health
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Your health condition must be sound as you will be climbing to above 4000m. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, high altitude medication and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Nepal. Be aware that some drugs, including anti-malarial, have side effects at altitude. Please discuss this carefully with your doctor.
Please be aware that you will be in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip. We strongly recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
Altitude
AMS (acute mountain sickness) is a serious issue. It is the result of the failure of the body to adapt to high altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. It usually occurs above 1,800 meters and the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. The way to reduce the affects of altitude is to ascend slowly, 300 meters per day above 3,000 meters until you have acclimatized. Poor acclimatization can result in headaches, nausea, sleeplessness, difficulty breathing and swelling of fingers and glands. The only cure for AMS is to descend to lower altitude and your guide’s decision on this matter is final. There is a possibility of AMS in any trek that passes through altitudes above 4000 meters.
Although our routes are carefully planned to allow proper acclimatization you may feel some effects of altitude for the first few days or at higher altitudes. Breathlessness, lethargy and mild headaches are not uncommon and generally decrease as your body adjusts. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential. Please advise your guide if you feel more severe symptoms and do not medicate yourself without discussing it with them first.
Climate
Variation of climate is directly proportional to the altitude. For this trekking, trekking routes are often passing through a range of altitudes from 850m upwards. Between about 2700m and 3000m a cool temperate climate prevails, and you should expect a cool summer and very cold temperatures in the winter. Above 3000m, even if the daytime is sunny and quite warm, the temperature will drop sharply as soon as the sun goes down.
The weather in mountains is notoriously changeable so always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.
Permits
Trekking permits are required for almost all treks and will be obtained by Royal Mountain Travel. The Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) is essential for the record of Nepal Tourism Board keeping in mind about probable hazards to occur. You need to provide your full name, nationality, home address, passport number, sex, date of birth and 2 photographs for each permit. Royal Mountain Travel also pays any fees required for entry to national parks, conservation areas or restricted areas.
Packing for your trek
You will need to bring a comfortable medium sized daypack to carry the things you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt.
Rain jacket or poncho
Water bottle – minimum 1 liter, aluminum or Nalgene polypropylene are best.
Snacks for along the way: nuts, trail mix, chocolate.
Gloves/hat
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Camera
Small first aid kit: band aid, aspirin.
You should limit your baggage to about 7kg. You will find the following items useful.
Walking boots – lightweight, waterproof and well worn in.
Socks: thick wool/blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination – ensure boots fit such combinations.
Running shoes or sandals for morning / evening
Lightweight wool sweater/fleece sweater (thin layers are more effective than one thick pullover)
Fleece jacket
T-shirts – 4 or 5
Shirt – long-sleeved
Pants – lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)
Hats – with ear flaps or balaclava for nights (winter)
Gloves – wool or fleece (winter)
Scarf
Underwear (thermal underwear for winter)
Sarong – a multitude of uses
Bag liners – large, thick garbage bags to line and water/dust proof your duffle bag.
Royal Mountain Travel is a Nepal-based sustainable tourism operator. We specialize in curating once-in-a-lifetime experiences to showcase indigenous and community based tourism projects. We work with travel agents and tourism companies to help plan travel experiences that highlight authentic, local lifestyles throughout some of the most unique landscapes on earth.
Your first impression of arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport is an experience in itself. But don’t be worried by the apparent confusion as your airport representative will be waiting to welcome you with your name written on a placard. Depending on traffic, you will be at your hotel within 20 minutes or so.
You have time to relax and enjoy the ambience and comfort of the hotel until your evening Group Meeting. This is when we collect your insurance details and discuss how the trip will run for the coming days. After the meeting, we go for our first group dinner. Your tour leader will take you to a nice restaurant in Thamel. This is not compulsory, but is highly recommended, giving you an opportunity to get to know your tour leader and your fellow group members. (Traditional Comfort Hotel or equivalent)
Starting in Boudhanath, you will visit the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia which is the hub of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The 36 meter high stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. It was built on the site where ancient Tibetan merchants used to rest and offer prayers over the centuries and formed a kingdom within a kingdom. Refugees from Tibet settled here and there has been the construction of over 50 gompas (Tibetan convent) around Boudhanath. Since 1979 a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Swayambhunath, it is one of the ‘must see’ popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area.
Close by is Pashupatinath another major religious site. Pashupatinath Temple, considered one of the sacred temples of Hindu faith sits on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. The seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, the temple complex has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1979. It is a collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions scattered along the banks of the holy Bagmati. A major festival celebrated here is Maha Shivaratri when over 800,000 devotees visit here. Hindus believe in cremation within a day of death. You may see funeral pyres smoking as this believed to be one of the most auspicious places to be cremated.
Continuing on to the third World Heritage site of the day, you are taken to Patan Durbar Square. Patan is now part of Kathmandu but used to be another of the three independent kingdoms. Very different in character from the rest of the city, Patan’s Durbar Square is surrounded by the most superb of Newar architecture. It is a beautiful ensemble of temples and shrines beside the old royal palace that now serves as a little museum. In Patan, you can see a mixture of both Hinduism and Buddhism, with people worshipping in both at the same time. Renowned for the “Birth to Death” shops, these are where to shop for every little item that Nepalese rituals require from birth to death. There are many interesting festivals and traditions that are observed here.
3
Day 3
Bhaktapur and Panauti
Starting the day with a visit to Bhaktapur, (another World Heritage site), you then are taken to the charming old town of Panauti where you will be made very welcome by your homestay host.
One of the most fascinating and important World Heritage Sites in Nepal, Bhaktapur is made up of three large squares filled with historic shrines and temples, Newar architecture and fine art. Famous for its clay pots and exquisite wood carvings, Bhakatpur is also legendary for its colorful festivals and its delicious and unique cuisine. Bhaktapur retains its medieval feel and the local people are still engaged in farming and traditional crafts like pottery, metalwork, art and woodwork which have supported the city since it was established in the 12th century. This is a ‘must see’ place to explore! You will be shown the magnificent Golden Gate in Durbar Square (square of the palaces), the Palace of 55 Windows, the Nyata Pola Temple, Newar houses and pottery square. Although the town was damaged in the 2015 earthquake, there has been a lot of work to repair the old buildings.
After having sightseeing of Bhaktapur city we will drive to Panauti. After being introduced to your Homestay host, you visit the old town center. Panauti is an old traditional Newari village where you can see a large number of Hindu and Buddhist religious monuments and temples. Originally a small state given by King Bhupatindra Malla as a dowry to his sister, it is still largely unchanged over the passage of time. You visit Indreswor temple and Durbar square in the town center. Situated at the confluence of the two rivers Rosi and Punyamati, it has been regarded as an important religious site since very early times. You have time to explore the narrow streets and medieval ghats with your homestay hosts.
You have plenty of time to explore the narrow streets and medieval ghats with your homestay hosts. Panauti is surrounded by scared rivers and is birthplace to a number of legendary figures and to a traditional Newari confection produced only during a harvest festival each year. Panauti is also famous for its 40 temples and 28 festivals. The temples are dedicated to various and are deities spread around the small one-kilometer town center. Rich in Newari culture, many of the town’s festivals are similar to those of Kathmandu while some are unique with a completely local character. (Panauti Homestay)
4
Day 4
Pokhara (235 km, 7-8 hrs drive)
After breakfast, returning via Kathmandu (35km) you continue your drive on one of the country’s oldest and busiest highways. The construction of the Prithvi Highway started in 1967 with the help of the Chinese government and completed in 1974 made it possible to travel to Pokhara by road. Until then it took at least two weeks on foot. The highway is named after King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Weather permitting, you may catch glimpses of the Himalayas along the way. Driving first along the Trishuli River – a main tourist attraction for white water rafting, you then follow the massive Marshyangdi River. During the drive, you have the opportunity to stop for photos and lunch. Arriving in the afternoon, the rest of the day you have free in Pokhara.
5
Day 5
Ghandruk (1940m, 6-7 hrs)
After breakfast, you are driven to Nayapul (about 1.5 hours) to start your trek. Here you meet your team of porters who will be carrying your baggage during the trek. After completing the necessary formalities with the Annapurna Conservation Area Park entry permit, you start your trek to Ghandruk.
Trekking in Nepal is not about hard work and no fun. You can go at your own pace and enjoy yourself, taking time to enjoy the nature, the views and local culture. You will pass waterfalls, icy rivers and streams, and local people. Take breaks while you walk, say “Namaste” to the locals or other trekkers passing by; return “Hellos” to the children in the villages (please don’t give them anything if they ask for ‘pen’ or sweets, as this encourages begging). You will feel the warmth of Nepalese hospitality of the villagers from their smile as you walk through.
The time needed to reach Ghandruk is around 6 hours (including breaks). The trail descends steeply to Birethanti and follows the west bank of Modi Khola (khola = river) to reach Syauli Bazaar. You then start the climb to Ghandruk. This is a Gurung village from where you see good views of Machhapuchhre (6993m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and of the upper Modi Valley (1951m). Ghandruk is a friendly village, with most of the inhabitants Gurungs, famous for their bravery as Gurkha soldiers in the British and Indian army.
6
Day 6
Landruk (1620m) via Jhinu Danda (1650m, 4 hrs)
Starting by a descent to the Modi Khola River, walking directly from Ghandruk to Landruk would take just a couple of hours. However going to Jhinu and detour allows you the chance to take a dip in the natural hot spring there. Please make sure you have your swimsuit and towel packed in your daypack. On reaching Jhinu, you can order your lunch and you walk another 20 – 25 minutes to the hot spring. Here you can relax. After lunch, you continue another 2-3 hours trekking to Landruk where you spend the night.
7
Day 7
Dhampus (1650m, 5 hrs)
The trail follows a ridge to Deurali, passing through forest and scattered villages. Along the way you are accompanied by spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The village of Dhampus is a culturally rich village of Gurung people where you have a good opportunity for a closer look at the daily lives of the villagers.
8
Day 8
Phedi (900m, 2 hrs) and drive to Pokhara (30 min)
We will make final trek for 2 hours and end our trek at Phedi. We bid farewell to our supporting porter and thank them for their support during our wonderful trekking at Annapurna Foothills. Drive from Phedi to Pokhara is approximately around an hour.
9
Day 9
Free day – Pokhara
There are lots of things to see and do in Pokhara. There are a few museums, the most notable being the International Mountain Museum (IMM). In addition there is an ethnographical museum, Pokhara Regional Museum and Annapurna Natural History Museum with collections of flora and fauna, and butterflies. There is also the Gurkha Museum featuring the history of the Gurkha soldiers. Gurkha soldiers are still recruited here in Pokhara. You might like to go boating or take the opportunity to try out paragliding. For the fearless, you might want to have a go at Nepal’s second bungee jumping site: Water Touch Bunjee Jumping. Or if you are interested in Tibetan culture, you can take a tour of the Tibetan settlements with a Tibetan guide.
10
Day 10
Drive to Barauli Community Homestay in Chitwan
It is about a five hour driving to Barauli in Chitwan, very close to Chitwan National Park which is home to hundreds of species of birds and many endangered animals. The Barauli Community Homestay was created to help the local Tharu people to preserve their rich culture and as a way for them to interact with the rest of the world and benefit more directly in tourism. Villagers take care of you in their Community Homestays where you stay in relative comfort. Each of the twelve cottages, made by the locals, is named after the housewife who owns it. All huts contain clean, ensuite bathrooms and a hot shower. On arrival, you are welcomed with a traditional Barauli program that includes song and dance by women dressed in their traditional Tharu gowns. During your stay, you can sample the local food and experiencing the local lifestyle. (Barauli Community Homestay)
11
Day 11
Jungle Adventure in Chitwan National Park
Starting the day with jungle activities like jeep drive, it can make you feel that you are close to nature. Village walk tour and cultural dance program provide great opportunity to know the culture and tradition of the Tharu peoples. Accommodation in Barauli Community Homestay.
12
Day 12
Drive back to Kathmandu
Departing Chitwan you will leave the lowlands, climbing into the Central Hills to join the main highway at Mugling. It is then a slow journey east along Nepal’s busiest highway, to Kathmandu. It is, however, a scenic route with steep rice terraces making a dramatic backdrop to the river, funeral pyres, suspension bridges and villages.
13
Day 13
Free Day in Kathmandu
You have the day free. You can visit Swayambunath Temple, otherwise nicknamed the ‘Money Temple’. On a hill overlooking the city, it is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. Not for the faint-hearted, there are 350 steps to the top, though you can cheat and take the back route, though less steep it doesn’t offer such good views. Lose yourself in Asan, the area between Thamel and Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, which is a warren of narrow streets where Nepalis come to shop for everything from the kitchen sink to saris and vegetables. Why not visit the elusive Kumari in Durbar Square, or go shopping in Thamel where you can find all sorts of souvenir shops selling handicrafts, local organic tea and coffee and other mementoes.
14
Day 14
Departure
You transfer to Tribhuvan Airport to connect with your onward flight. Please note that you should check in three hours prior to your flight time.
