Rebound Nepal
On the Great Himalaya Trails
On the Great Himalaya Trails
Nepal is bound to the north by the world’s highest mountains and to the south by the lowland jungles of the Indian plains, offering adventure activities against the backdrop of some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. This October, join ATTA on an AdventureWeek that highlights the fact that Nepal is ready to welcome travelers again after the 2015 Earthquake and showcases the adventure opportunities along the Great Himalaya Trails.
Classic Nepal
The itineraries featured in AdventureWeek Rebound Nepal on the Great Himalaya Trails involve physical activity at high altitude. Participants should be in very good physical condition and in excellent health with previous hiking experience.
Trekking in the Everest region involves hiking over uneven terrain (rocks, roots, stone stairs, suspension bridges) at altitudes between ~9,500’ and 13,100’ with elevation gains and losses up to 3,000’. Participants will carry only what they need for each day in a day pack. Luggage will be transported by yaks/porters to the accommodation each night.
Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, is fascinating, colorful and steeped in cultural and artistic tradition. Seven UNESCO World Heritage sites dot the valley. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we are escorted to our hotel to freshen up before an orientation to AdventureWeek Rebound Nepal on the Great Himalaya Trails, followed by a welcome dinner highlighting Nepalese cuisine with our hosts.
Rising early we board a scenic flight to Everest to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the world’s highest mountains. The rest of day is spent visiting Kathmandu’s cultural and historic treasures. We begin in Patan, a city of beauty, then experience zen at Kopan Monastery before walking clockwise around the huge stupa at Bodhnath, one of the world’s largest.
Today begins with a flight to Lukla (9,318’), the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla we begin our trek to Monjo (9,301’), our home for the night. Along the way we pass the many Buddhist chortens, carved mani stones and prayer wheels that line the trail.
Leaving Monjo, we soon enter Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976 to protect the area surrounding Mount Everest. We cross the route’s highest swinging bridge over the Dudh Kosi, then it’s a steady climb all the way to Namche (11,286’). The Khumbu’s largest town, Namche has long been the center for trading in the area.
Leaving Namche, we traverse the hillside on a very scenic trail from which you can see Thamserku and Kangtega rising to the east, majestic Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest to the north and Tawoche soars to the west. We pass a few the small villages before arriving at the Everest Summit Lodge of Tashinga (11,300’) which boasts spectacular views of the surrounding area.
From Tangshisa we make our way to Pangboche (13,074’), the final village stop on our trek. Ama Dablam, considered by many to be one of the world’s most beautiful mountains, dominates the view. En route, we stop in Tengboche and visit its famous monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region.
This morning we take an exhilarating helicopter ride. We soar over the glacial ponds and icebergs of the Khumbu glacier to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before flying back to Kathmandu.
Sankhu is a small village northeast of Kathmandu valley along an old trade route from Lhasa. The beautiful temple of Vajrayogini, a mystic Buddhist goddess, is located here. We spend the morning mountain biking a mix of jeep track and paved road from here.
AdventureWeek Rebound Nepal on the Great Himalaya Trails comes to an end today. We bid a final “namaste” and depart from Kathmandu International airport.
New Adventures
This is a multi-activity itinerary that takes place in areas ranging from high altitude alpine to subtropical lowlands. Trekking in the Annapurna region involves hiking over uneven terrain (rocks, roots, stone stairs, suspension bridges) at altitudes between ~5,000’ and 12,200’. Other activities are suitable for novices. Participants will carry only what they need for each day in a day pack. Luggage will be transported to the accommodation each night. Wildlife viewing in Chitwan National Park is in a subtropical jungle environment.
Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, is fascinating, colorful and steeped in cultural and artistic tradition. Seven UNESCO World Heritage sites dot the valley. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we are escorted to our hotel to freshen up before an orientation to AdventureWeek Rebound Nepal on the Great Himalaya Trails, followed by a welcome dinner highlighting Nepalese cuisine with our hosts.
Rising early we board a scenic flight to Everest to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the world’s highest mountains. The rest of day is spent visiting Kathmandu’s cultural and historic treasures. We begin in Patan, a city of beauty, then experience zen at Kopan Monastery before walking clockwise around the huge stupa at Bodhnath, one of the world’s largest.
We explore the temples of medieval Bhaktapur before flying to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Himalaya, located on the bank of Phewa Tal. Upon arrival, we take a hike or a bike ride to explore the town and lakeside.
Bright and early we fly to Jomsom (8,858’), the largest village on the east side of the Annapurna Circuit. Upon arrival, we begin our hike in the high Himalaya to Thasang Village with views over the vast Kali Gandaki River Valley and to the majestic Nilgiri to the east and Dhaulagiri, the world’s 7th highest mountain, to the west.
Back in Pokhara, we have the day to choose our own adventure such as hiking, biking, zip-lining, boating on the lake or paragliding. A panorama of the Annapurna Himalaya provides a spectacular backdrop.
Today we leave the high himalaya for the subtropical jungle. At Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, we take a safari in search of rhino, hippo, monkeys and the elusive Bengal Tiger. Chitwan National Park is located in the Terai, the subtropical part of southern Nepal. There are 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its efforts to protect the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger and gharial crocodile.
Before flying back to Kathmandu, there is time for a jungle walk, a safari or a visit to a nearby village. Back in the capital, we have a few hours free before dinner at one of the best places to enjoy traditional Nepali food, Krishnarpan Restaurant at Dwarika’s hotel.
Sankhu is a small village northeast of Kathmandu valley along an old trade route from Lhasa. The beautiful temple of Vajrayogini, a mystic Buddhist goddess, is located here. We spend the morning mountain biking a mix of jeep track and paved road from here.
Astrology plays a critical role in rituals and ceremonial rites of passage in a Nepali’s life. Religious festivals are governed by astrological readings. We have the opportunity to have our own reading done this afternoon.
AdventureWeek finishes with an Adventure Connect, giving media, tour operators and local Nepali operators the opportunity to network with one another during a casual and fun event.
AdventureWeek Rebound Nepal on the Great Himalaya Trails comes to an end today. We bid a final “namaste” and depart from Kathmandu International airport.