I heartly welcome to all of the visitors of world on the occasion of VISI NEPAL YEAR 2011 in the land of Mount Everest, apostle piece of Buddha, the country of eight Thousander's mountains, various group of ethnic etc. NAMASTE !
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Lodge Trekking in Nepal !
Getaway Eco-Treks has found it very attractive for trekkers to use these lodges in some of the routes instead of operating camping style treks. One of the main reason being that along these popular routes almost every house offers bed and meals and many camping trekkers find it incongruous to camp near a lodge and not be able to experience the warmth and hospitality of the friendly Nepali hosts. The other important reason being that this helps the local economies directly by using the facilities along the route.
Keeping this in mind we have been operating Lodge-Treks in some of these classic routes. To make sure that our guests do not get disappointed we stay in simple yet comfortable and interesting lodge in each place. With larger groups we reserve all the beds in a lodge thus making sure that we have the place to ourselves. Our groups are provided with an excellent Guide and porters - possibly from the area you are trekking in - to guide you and carry your luggage while you hike only with a day-pack. A majority of our Lodge Trekkers have been overwhelmed by the homely atmosphere and the grace of their hosts and many have made great friends with them.
If you have an urge to trek in some of the most beautiful places in Nepal, interact and make friends with the local people without having to sleep in a cold and lonely tent, Lodge Trekking is just the thing for you. Make sure you are with Getaway Eco-Treks and we will make sure that you have a memorable time without having to spend a small fortune.
A DAY ON TREKOur Lodge-Treks are led by one of our experienced local guide supported by porters to carry luggage and equipment. All our guides have undergone the trekking guide training conducted by the Department of Tourism of Nepal and are registered and licenced by the government. Additionally all our guides go through a rigorous training to make them better qualified to take care of our guest in every way possible. A trek-day starts around 6 a.m. with a cup of tea/coffee. After packing your duffel and day-pack a breakfast of porridge/muesli/cornflakes and biscuits with tea/coffee is served. The day's trek starts around 7.30 a.m. Porter carry all luggage and equipment. All you need to carry in your day-pack are water bottle, rain/wind jacket, camera and other small items you may need on the trail. All trekkers walk at their own pace accompanied by the trek guide. With larger groups there is a "lead" and "sweep" sherpa providing support throughout.The morning's walk to the lunch spot takes about three hours. Around mid-day we usually stop for a simple hot lunch at one of the way side tea-houses. After hiking for three to four hours in the afternoon our lodge, is usually reached between 3-4 p.m. In the late afternoon and evening you can relax, wash, read or take a walk nearby. The evening meal is served between 6 and 7 p.m. in the dining room attached to the lodge. After dinner the guide will brief trekkers on the next day's hike. Each day's hike is planned so that trekkers have time to see, photograph and explore the countryside. Anyone who is healthy, fit, enjoys the outdoors and hiking will qualify to participate in our treks.
WHAT DOES OUR LODGE-TREKS INCLUDE ? (Why Our Lodge-Treks Are The Best Way To Go)
Services Of An Experienced Local Guide All our trek guides have been carefully selected for their ability and temperament. Most of them belong to Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Chettri, Magar, or other ethnic communities from remote mountain villages. All of them have many years of experience of trekking and climbing in Nepal and Tibet. Each guide has training and proven abilities in eco-friendly methods, safety and, careful trek operations, keeping the health and happiness of the trekkers as well his crew, uppermost. Our guides are committed to making sure that all our trekkers have an enjoyable trek, comes back safe and are overwhelmed by their experience. Your guide will be a friend and companion, who takes pleasure in showing you his country's specialities and, perhaps, meet his home and family too.
Services Of Porter/s to Carry Luggage and Equipment Where ever possible we employ porters/pack-animals locally at the begining of the trek. This is one of the many measures we take to make sure that most of the cost our clients pays goes directly into the local economies where you trek. All our porters, as all our field staff, are covered by insurance and, on high altitude treks, are issued warm clothing and footwear to prepare them better. Porters who prove themselves are choosen for training as trek helpers, cooks and guides, thus giving them an avenue to improve the quality of their life.
Accommodation In Comfortable LodgesOur Lodge Treks include accommodation at a family run lodge at each stop. Lodges normally have a common dormitory sleeping 6 or more people with an attached restaurant and basic toilet facilities. Many also have a few private rooms for two or three persons each. Solar heated shower rooms are available at a small extra cost! Along the more popular routes lodges are very comfortable and charming, managed by friendly local families. As one gets higher, to the base of high mountains, high passes and, in remote valleys, lodges are more basic. In some of our high altitude lodge-treks (e.g.: Thorung La and Cho La passes), trekkers may have to spend a few nights with basic facilities, and make pass crossings or explorations alpine style.
All Meals While On Trek The trek includes three basic meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, each day. Breakfast and dinners are ordered at the restaurant attached to the lodge where we stay overnight. Lunches are ordered at a trail-side tea-house around mid-day. Most lodges serve, Nepali meals - rice, lentil soup and curried vegetables or meat - soups, noodles, momos (meat or veg-stuffed steamed dumplings), pancakes, chappati breads, etc. Many also offer other exotic dishes. Three basic meals will be provided. Desserts, drinks, and special itiems listed in the menus are not included. It is best to bring Iodine water purefiction tablets for purefying drinking water during the trek which is environmental friendly and cheaper. Boiled and/or filtered water and bottled water are available at extra cost.
Road-head Transport From Kathmandu Or Pokhara Trek Costs includes road-head transport, to and from trek start and end point, ex Kathmandu or Pokhara, as applicable. Group transport is by best available tourist bus or local bus transportation. For treks starting from Pokhara, Tourist Bus transport from Kathmandu at the start of the trek is included. Transport up to Pokhara at the end of the trek is also included. Transport cost back from Pokhara to Kathanmdu, Chitwan or other places, after the trek, is not included. Domestic airfares, when applicable, are extra.
Trek Permits, National Park and Conservation Fees All trekking permits, National Park and Conservation Fees are included. Restricted area trek permits (eg: Mustang Permit), are quoted separately, where applicable. (Please note that there is an entrance fee of USD100 per video camera in all National Parks in Nepal not included in trek cost).
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TREK COST
Any hotel room, meals, transport or sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara (unless specified); Airfares; client insurance of any kind; emergency evacuation costs; video camera fees in National Parks (where applicable); bottled drinks; boiled, filtered or bottled water; alcohol; snacks; tea/coffee (other than at breakfast); hot showers (Rs 100-200 per shower); riding ponies; personal clothing and equipment; sleeping bag; douvet/down/goretek jacket, etc. (available for hire in Kathmandu at US$ 1/item/day).
TREK GRADING (Trek Difficulty)
Grade 1 - EasyEasy trekking, by Himalayan standards is generally between 900m/3,000ft. and 2,000m/6,500ft. There are always plenty of 'ups and downs' anywhere in the Himalaya and clients need to be regular walkers to get full enjoyment from their experience. It is possible however to design 'easier' three to four day treks with perhaps only three to four hours walking per day on request.
Grade 2 - ModerateModerate trekking 900m/3,000ft. and 3,000m/10,000ft. but possibly involving side trips to higher elevations.
Grade 3 - DifficultReasonably demanding trekking at altitudes up to 4,000m/13,000ft. with side trips to higher elevations. Some treks included here will, in part, be well away from villages on ill- defined mountain trails.
Grade 4 - Strenuous Treks of a demanding nature, requiring all participants to be fit and in excellent health, often in remote alpine areas and sometimes reaching altitudes in excess of 5000m/18,000ft. Here we include all Tibet trips primarily because of the rigors of the climate and overall altitude, varying between Lhasa, at 3,700m/12,000ft., to high pass crossing, by vehicle or on foot in excess of 5,000m/16,000ft.
AlpineExtremely demanding treks sometimes in very remote areas on rough terrain and perhaps including ( in Nepal) one or more of the so called 'trekking peaks' - maximum altitude, Mt. Mera at 6,461m/21,192ft. Participants should have at least a basic knowledge of use of crampons and ice axes, though first time climbers may be accepted on some of the so called 'easy' routes on these peaks. Medical certificates are required prior to acceptance on any climbing treks.
Winter Special Tibet Tour
Day 03 LHATSE - SHIGATSE, a four hour drive brings us to Tibet’s second largest city, Shigatse. Here we visit Tashilumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, hence one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.Altitude 3800 m.
Cost of the tour: US $ 220.00 per personCost of the flight: US $ 273.00 per personTours include:land transportation by land-Cruiserall necessary permitsflight ticket
Program no 02 Tourcode: IND FLY IN
This tour is specially made for people who wants to travel to Tibet as individual as possible.We only take care of the ticket and permit. Once in Lhasa you can stay one week.
Cost of the tour: US $ 110 per personCost of the flight: US $ 273 per person
Tour include:Transfer to Kathmandu airportAll necessary permitsTransfer Lhasa airport to LhasaDeparture: Every Saturday only
My Contact Address in Nepal
Trekking and Tour Operator
Shikhar Nepal Trek and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Govt. Licensed Number:-1061/Reg. No.496
Pradip Kumar Budhathoki
GPO Box: 4844
Bouddha / Aradhana Hall
Kathmandu / Nepal
Tel:- 00977-1-4467547
Mobile: 00977-9841314171
e-mail:- pradipkumar22@gmail.com
pk_budhathoki@yahoo.com
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Incentive Tour & Sight-seeing
Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism Dynasties came and went trade and the arts flourished. It's deeply religious Newars' inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as ramping invaders. In the date late 18th century, following the founding of modern Nepal with in more or less the present boundaries, Kathmandu was made the capital. It is said that 'Katmandu' was named after Kastamandap an imposing pagoda next to Hanumandhoka palace. The city is said to built in it's present form by Gunakama Dev 724 AD. Followings are the major tourist attractions in the Kathmandu Valley.
The best time of the year to see Kumari is during Indrajatra festival when kumari is taken around the Kathmandu valley in a huge wooden chariot for three alternative days.
Syambhunath:
Pashupatinath:
Hill Station:
The best season is October-March. April-June is hot (above 30 degrees Celsius) and July-September is the rainy. The resorts listed below offer convenient package tours which include transport, jungle activities, cultural show, accommodation and meals.
Royal Chitwan National Park in the central Terai lowlands and Bardia National Park in the western Terai provide some of the best wildlife and nature viewing places in Asia. Visit a wonderful world of lush sub-tropical jungles, tall elephant grass, lakes and rivers - home to some of the most endangered animals on earth, the elusive tiger and the prehistoric rhinoceros, including many species of mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. Tour by elephant back, jeep and boat. Savor the forest and its unique sanctuary on a quite nature walk with a local guide. For the more serious bird watcher the Kosi Tapu Wildlife Park, in south-east Nepal, provide a unique venue for watching migratory waterfowl, waders and shore birds that congregate along the Kosi River from December to February every year. We have a choice of Jungle Lodges, Tented Camps and Guest Houses from where you can explore the Himalayan parks and its wildlife.
TIGER TOPS - Jungle Lodge/Tented Camp/Tharu Village Resort. Tiger Tops offers the most luxurious and quality accommodation and services in the whole of Chitwan National Park. Many rich and famous people who travel to Nepal visit this lodge and the fantastic part of the park. Located in a beautiful jungle setting well inside the park this pioneering operator maintains three distinct vacation facilities - Jungle Lodge, Tented Camp and Tharu Village Resort, all an experience on its own. Tour packages include all wildlife activities presented with style to nsure maximum guest satisfaction.
Only the sounds of nature itself disturbs the peace of the forest - bird song, the rustle of deer in the bushes, the trumpeting of the elephant .... The Chitwan Jungle Lodge lies in the north-eastern boundary of the park on the banks of the Rapti river. Situated in forest setting in an area rich in the diverse ecology of this park, this unique wildlife resort presents the perfect jungle experience. A 3-day/2-night, all inclusive, package provide ample opportunities for viewing the nature and wildlife of the area. This resort, with its blend of traditional style and modern amenities, offers the best value for those looking for a high quality experience.
The original tented camp and the newly constructed jungle resort in an area highly acclaimed for animal sighting is the attraction of this resort. The area covered is an island in the River Narayani, home to the two types of crocodiles found in Nepal and hundreds of migratory birds. Elephant back safaris and boating on the Narayani is one of the highlights. For those who are looking for a rich wildlife experience and beauty of nature without for a reasonable price this is just the thing.
Adventure Safari Resort & Royal Park Hotel These two facilities situated near Sauraha just outside the National Park provides a more economic way to visit and explore Chitwan. Although outside the park they are recommended for their excellent location, away form the shanty tourist town that has come up at Saurah. Accommodation is in comfortably appointed cabins each with attached toilet and showers. Staying at these lodges you enter and explore the park by elephant, nature walks, jeep drives and canoe to view its specialties. For those looking for an economic but rewarding experience we have the best choices for you.
BUDGET SAFARI PACKAGES
Tiger Camp & Jungle World Resort Both these facilities are situated on the banks of the Rapti River overlooking the park. Of the many choices at Saurah these two hotels provide the best quality services for very reasonable costs. They will make arrangements for elephant safari and other activities as per packaged programme. Accommodation is in village cabins and meals are served at a well appointed restaurant. Those with only a small budget to spare Tiger Camp & Jungle World Resort provide best value for money.
TIGER TOPS Bardia Lodge & Tented Camp Royal Bardia national Park situated in western Terai of Nepal is one of largest undisturbed parks in the region. The park is the home of many endangered animals, reptiles and birds - including the elusive Tiger. Some years ago several one horned rhinos where translocated here from Chitwan. Over the years Bardia has also been a good place for tiger viewing - a rare event anywhere. Recently sightings of a group of wild elephants have further enhanced the wildlife experience possible in this beautiful and unspoiled sanctuary. The Bardia Lodge and Tented Camp provides comfortable accommodation and outings in this unique park set on the banks of the Karnali River. A stay in this park can be combined with raft trip down the Karnali and Bheri rivers or with a trek to Dolpo, Rara Lake or Humla in far western Nepal.
The Kosi Tapu and the Kosi Barrage in east Nepal provide one of the best places in Nepal to view migratory water fowl, waders and shore birds during the winter months. Many species not recorded elsewhere in the region have been seen here. Thousands of birds congregate here in January and February before they migrate north when the warm weather begins. Kosi Tapu Tented Camp situated on the fringe of the reserve provides the only accommodation to date. Well qualified nature guides take the guests out on walks, jeep drives and boat rides to look for birds and the wild buffalo found only here in Nepal. It is possible to combine this tour with Sun Kosi Raft Trip or with treks in the eastern hills or with Darjeeling/Sikkim extension.
Does not include: Transport (shown separately), video camera fee (USD100 per camera), tips, drinks, anything not mentioned in the itinerary, etc.
Moutaineering :: The Nepal Mountaineering Association has designated 18 lesser summits, ranging in elevation from 5587 m. to 6654 m. as trekking peaks. These peaks offer a compromise between a standard trek and a full-on mountaineering expedition, ranging in difficulty from moderately steep glacier walks to technical, multi day rock and ice climbs previous climbing experience is not strictly necessary, but you need to be specially fit and able to cope with cold and stormy conditions.
List of 15 NMA peaks mentioned in Appendix “1” Group "A"
Name Of Peaks Height (m)
1.Mt. Cholatse 6,440 m.
2.Mt. Machermo 6,273 m.
3.Mt. Kyazo Ri 6,186 m.
4.Mt. Phari Lapcha 6,017 m.
5.Mt. Nirekha 6,159 m.
6.Mt. Langsisa Ri 6,427 m.
7.Mt. Ombigaichen 6,340 m.
8.Mt. Bokta 6,143 m.
9.Mt. Chekigo 6,257 m.
10.Mt. Lobuje West 6,145 m.
11.Mt. Larkya Peak 6,010 m.
12.Mt. ABI 6,097 m.
13.Mt. Yubra Himal 6,035 m.
14.Mt. Chhukung Ri 5,550 m.
15.Mt. Yala Peak 5,732 m.
List of 18 NMA peaks mentioned in Appendix “1” Group "B"
Name Of Peaks Height (m)
1. Mera Peak 6,654 m.
2. Chulu East 6,594 m.
3. Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak) 6,501 m.
4. Hiunchuli 6,441 m.
5. Chulu West 6,419 m.
6. Kusum Kangaru 6,367 m.
7. Perchemuche 6,187 m.
8. Imja Tse (Island Peak) 6,183 m.
9. Lobuche 6,119 m.
10. Pisang 6,091 m.
11.Kwangde (Kwande) 6,011 m.
12.Ramdung 5,925 m.
13.Paldor Peak 5,896 m.
14.Khungma Tse (Mehra Peak) 5,849 m.
15.Ganja La Chuli 5,844 m.
16.Pokalde 5,806 m.
17.Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak) 5,663 m.
18.Mardi Himal 5,587 m.
About Nepal !
No wonder after viewing the panoramic views of everlasting snow-covered mountain ranges if you find yourself not far below (within a day’s distance) busy taking close-up photos of Royal Bengal Tigress prowling in the dense tropical forest along with one-horn Rhinos, Gharials, Crocodiles, and many endangered vertebrate mammals and reptiles amidst the friendly people of natives that is consist of colorful 36 ethnic groups.Thus it is not unusual to bask round the snowy peaks in the early morning and take warm shower under tropical sun with distance cover by your own on-foot journey within a day. Also the land is blessed with everlasting peace and tranquility. So for the reason Lord Buddha was born here. According to Hindu relic (Ramayana) Sita (wife of King Ram) was also born in this particular place. These ancient and medieval relics are still well preserved and full of lives. When you witness, every wall speaks itself. That is why many visitors can’t help themselves gasping, and trying hard to retake a gulf of air to gulp down as the breathtaking views almost took their breath.
Geographically, the country is divided into three belts:
1. Northern Himalayan range
2. Middle Mahabharat range
3. Southern Terai (plain) belt
Owing to the drastic features of the landscape-configurations of the country she has possessed several fascinating things that captivate the travelers of worldwide to visit once if not over and over again. The major magnetic-attractions for the travelers for this land of contrast are:
Out of 10highest peaks of the world eight majestic peaks are found in Nepal. Namely: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Daulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, Lotse, Choyou, and Makalu. There are other numerous nameless peaks, which are soaring above 6000m.
A wide range of perpetual rushing rivers originate from the upper and middle Himalayas appeals to the rafting enthusiasts
Dense deciduous and alpine forest where it has given shelter to many of the unique species found in the world
The country is consisted of 36 ethnic groups which made the country a colorful and impressive culturally, traditionally and linguistically
Greater part of the country has still remained untouched by the modern civilization and lives in old good days
After all it is the genuine hospitality of the host country that makes travelers feel a home far away from the home.
Climate::
Basically the country experiences four distinct climates annually where most of the rainfall is being brought by the seasonal reversal of wind direction blown from Bay of Bengal and vice versa commonly known as Monsoon. Rain falls mainly between Mid-June to Mid-Sept. during night.
Latitudinal location of the country plays limited role to determine the temperature of any particular area owing to the drastic configuration of the landscapes ranging from highest point of the world Mt. Everest (third pole) to down tropical region where teemed with varied endangered species.
Each of the four seasons given below has its own unique feature to quench the thirst of varied tastes of different groups:
Summer (June-Aug): Sometimes this season really makes up its way until mid September and makes your travel wet and warm. In result the higher valleys and meadows are blossomed with flowers and lush vegetation. This period is blessed for keen botanist.
Autumn (Sept.-Nov.): Having undergone prolong period of rainy days, the dust in the air is washed out and sky remain azure blue and allow you to enjoy outmost the views of glittering peaks and peaks all around you. This tantalizing mountain views is one of the major attractions of tourist to the country.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Snow falls where the elevation goes above 2,500m. Hence it is ideal to trek at lower elevation. The minimum temperature goes down to 0-1 in Kathmandu. Morning and evening are especially cold and days are warm.
Spring (March-May): I suppose everybody loves the budding season. Brownish is getting form of greenery; flowers are budding; only is sweater or pullover is enough to avoid from feeling cold in the morning and evening. An excellent weather for trekking only the draw back is a bit haze in the sky.
Why Treks in Nepal ?
What Is a Trek?
A Trek is Not a Climbing Trip Whether you begin your trek at a roadhead or fly into a remote mountain airstrip, a large part of it will be in the Middle Hills region at elevations between 500 and 3000 metres. In this region, there are always well-developed trails through villages and across mountain passes. Even at high altitudes there are intermittent settlements used during summer by shepherds, so the trails, though often indistinct, are always there. You can easily travel on any trail without the aid of ropes or mountaineering skills. There are rare occasions when there is snow on the trail, and on some high passes it might be necessary to place a safety line for your companions or porters if there is deep snow. Still, alpine techniques are almost never used on a traditional trek. Anyone who has walked extensively in the mountains has all the skills necessary for an extended trek in Nepal. Though some treks venture near glaciers, and even cross the foot of them, most treks do not allow the fulfilment of any Himalayan mountaineering ambitions. Nepal's mountaineering regulations allow trekkers to climb 18 specified peaks with a minimum of formality, but you must still make a few advance arrangements for such climbs. Many agents offer so-called climbing treks which include the ascent of one of these peaks as a feature of the trek. There are a few peaks that, under ideal conditions, are within the resources of individual trekkers. A climb can be arranged in Kathmandu if conditions are right, but a climb of one of the more difficult peaks should be planned well in advance. A Trek Requires Physical Effort A trek is physically demanding because of its length and the almost unbelievable changes in elevation. During the 300-km trek from Jiri to Everest base camp and return, for example, the trail gains and loses more than 9000 metres of elevation during many steep ascents and descents. On most treks, the daily gain is less than 800 metres in about 15 km, though ascents of as much as 1200 metres are possible on some days. You can always take plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion, though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. You also can stop frequently and take plenty of time for rest. Probably the only physical problem that may make a trek impossible is a history of knee problems on descents. In Nepal the descents are long, steep and unrelenting. There is hardly a level stretch of trail in the entire country. If you are an experienced walker and often hike 15 km a day with a pack, a trek should prove no difficulty. You will be pleasantly surprised at how easy the hiking can be if you only carry a light backpack and do not have to worry about meal preparation. Previous experience in hiking and living outdoors is, however, helpful as you make plans for your trek. The first night of a month-long trip is too late to discover that you do not like to sleep in a sleeping bag. Mountaineering experience is not necessary, but you must enjoy walking.