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Monday, June 18, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
How To Get Nepal
You can fly directly to Kathmandu from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Doha, Dubai, Dhaka, Karachi, Munich, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Paro, Lhasa, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Calcutta and Varanasi. Charter flights can also be arranged for large movements. All flights feature business class and amenities of international standards. Many a time, the Captain offers a guided sightseeing of the Himalaya for no extra charge!
Nepal Airlines, Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Indian Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Biman Bangladesh, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Air Sahara , Jet Airways, Austrian Air, Martinair, Air China, Druk Air fly to Nepal regularly.
Airfares fluctuate with the changes in exchange rates and are to be paid in foreign currency by foreign nationals. Only Nepalese and Indian nationals are permitted to pay in rupees for air passage between Nepal and India. Departure flight tickets should be reconfirmed three days in advance to avoid inconveniences by possible flight cancellation or changes in the flight schedule. Overweight luggage charges are levied in foreign exchange.
Customs: All baggage must be declared and cleared through the customs on arrival at the port of entry. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles, you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.
Import: Apart from used personal belongings, visitors are allowed to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarette (200) or cigars (50), distilled liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera, laptop computer, and portable music system.
Export: It is illegal to export objects over 100 years old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of Archaeology (tel: 4213701, 4213702) at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues, sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able to assist you in this process. For more information on customs matters, contact the Chief Customs Administrator, TIA Customs Office; tel: 4470110, 4472266.
Airport Tax:
Rs. 1,356/- per person for departures SAARC (South Asian) countries and Rs. 1,695/- for departure to other international destinations.
Travelling by road
All visitors entering Nepal by land must use no other entry points other than:
Nepal-India border
.Kakarbhitta
.Birgunj
.Belhiya, Bhairahawa
.Nepalgunj
.Dhangadi
.Mahendra Nagar
.Nepal-China border
Kodari
The overland tourists entering to the Nepal with their vehicles must possess an international carnet.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Mustang Trek ! (Dry-Land)
Mustang is a very popular trekking region in Nepal and has been described as “desert in the mountain”. The trek to this region is a very rewarding one for those who want to experience the hospitality of the people living in this remote region. Department of immigration issued only a small number of special permit since 1991. This is a perfect destination where ample scope is offered for visiting Buddhists monasteries. This semi autonomous and heavily Tibetan influenced region was “described by Tilman as fascinatingly ugly country, the more fascinating for being so little known” indeed, the trek to LO – Manthang is through an almost treeless barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill, panoramic view of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several others peaks make your trek memorable. A liaison officer is needed for this trek. This trek begins from Jomsom - accessible by air, Pokhara – accessible by road or Besisahar – accessible by road (If starting from Besisahar include Annapurna circuit too).
Itinerary Details
1 : Kathmandu - Pokhara Drive to Pokhara (200km), approximately 7 hours away by tourist bus. We will see good scenery of countryside while driving. We will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara around 2:00 o'clock. Pokhara is an enchanting Himalayan Valley of remarkable beauty. We can explore its scenic land on bicycle/on foot or as your own like boating in Fewa Lake over looking the region of Annapurna Himalayan ranges. In the evening prepare for the trek. O/N in Pokhara.
DAY 2 : Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni Today fly to Jomsom (20 minutes) the district headquarters of Mustang district and we start walking up to Kagbeni. An easy and lovely day walking along the riverside to Kagbeni just 3 hours. The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and Dhampus peak will make you buy some extra rolls of film. Kagbeni is the most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the upper Mustang for overnight stop.
Day 3: kagbeni - Chele The trail leads up toward the east bank of the Kaligandaki climbing over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed house, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. The Nilgiri peak, dominates the soughern skyline of Kagbeni, will be enjoyed all the way by different shapes. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village in about ½ hrs trek and crosses the river and continues north climbing up to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chaile at 3030 m. From here the culture changes from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo.
Day 4: Chele- Geling The climb continues along step, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, then descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800m. The route climbs over yet another pass, follows a ridge and then descends to Shyangmochen. From there gently climb to a pass at 3770m and descend to Geling.
Day 5: Geling – Charang From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYILA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar chu (river) we will arrive to a MANI WALL perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five – story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha's.
Day 6: Charang – Lo Manthang The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang- Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally from a ridge at 3850m. there is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo- Manthang.
Day 7-8-9: Lo Manthang There are four major places and several other places like the Tall champa Lakhang “God house”, the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hal which are the main attraction of this town. An another attraction is the four- story building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. Having seen one, you are exciting to see the others. Besides Lo Manthang there are two other interesting valley worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja's summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as active Gompa in Lo. The eastern valley contains Chosar, the site of a high School, Garphu and Nyphu Gompa and is the main trading route to Lhasa. If we have enough time we can hike surrounded green hills from were we can easily get views of Tibet and Mt. Kailas.
Day 10 : Lo Manthang - Ghami via Gekar This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on our return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo Manthang. The descends across to the south through two more valleys and across a ridge at 4070m then descends across to the sough through two more valleys, meadows and a stream. The trail then makes along rocky descent to Gekar. Lo Gekar Gompa is older then Samye Gompa in Tebet and one of the oldest Gompa in Nepal. Then crosses a ridge after a little climbing and drops down steeply to Thamar village. The trail descends along the side of the stone walls and fields of extensive villages, then climbs to a ridge. It is a short descent to Ghami. Day 11 : Ghami – Samar Frm Ghami climb to NYI LA and descend to Samar through the same route.
Day 12 : Samar - Kagbeni Return trek to Kagbeni.
Day 13 : Kagbeni - Jomsom Three hours walking back along the bank ob Kali Gandaki River. Day 14 : Jomsom - Pokhara Fly back to Pokhara in the morning. It takes about 19 minutes. O/N in Pokhara.
Day 15 : Pokhara - Kathmandu Drive back to Kathmandu. O/N in Kathmandu.
Rara Trekking !
Rara and Jumla lie on the remote Karnali zone in the north – west of Nepal. The region is made up of long ridges covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys. Summer rainfall is low, but winter snow can be heavy and persistent. Since the region is fairly high and free from monsoon thunder storms, the summer season is ideal for trekking. Winters are cold, but in the autumn season, trekking is rewarded with a profusion of alpine flowers.
Itinerary Details :
Day 01: Kathmandu – Nepalganj Afternoon flight to Nepaljang, where we spend a night.
Day 02 Nepalgunj– Jumla Fly to Jumla. The town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of rice paddy cultivation in the world. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali.
Day 03: Jumla – Chere chaur From Jumla there are two tracks to Rara. Normally people trek the lower route. The trail follows the Tilka river, passing through a patchwork of fields and fragrant pine forest. Arriving at Uthugaon, the trail climbs up the Gursini Khola valley, passing through a deep forest of pine, spruce and fir to the village of padmara. The climb continues in forest over the pass at 3400m and descends to Danphe Langa, where we spend the night.
Day 04: Chere chour – Nauri Gaud The trail descends through fir, birch, walnut and Bamboo forest. After crossing a bridge we climb to the classic Tibetan style village of Bhara and then descend to Chautha.
Day 05: Nauri Gaud – Vhulvule The trail climbs to the Gurchilanga pass through forest and grassy meadows, passing a few local teahouses.
Day 06: Vhulvule – Jyari It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, we traverse a steep north- facing slope and cross a series of fields down to a small stream. Crossing the bridge, we climb up to the hamlet of Jhari (2500m) From Jhari, we climb steady up a ridge to a low saddle, from which there are fine views of the beautiful Rara lake. From here, it is a pleasant descent to the meadows on the south side of the lake. The former village site of Rara (3040m) is two hours walk along the western bank of the lake. Designated National park in 1975, Rara boast an abundance of wildlife, including aquatic birds and rich forest around its large lake at a height of 2980m. This is an ideal place to relax for a day or two.
Day 07: Rara Lake Rest and explore around Rara lake.
Day 08 : Rara – Ghorasain After 15 minutes walk from Rara the trail ascends all the way to Gurchimara at 3710m and then descends to Gossain (3271m)
Day 09: Ghorasain – Sinja A varied trail with scenic views climbs Lumsa before descending to the Thakuri village of Sinja.
Day 10: Sinja – Jaljala Chaur Most of the trek is through forests of pine, birch and oak, as well as a few scattered house and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala chaur(3350m)
Day 11: Trek to Jumla (2370m)
Day 12: Fly to KTM via Nepalgunj /Hotel
Day 13: Free day for shopping or relax
Day 14: Drive to airport for return flight
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