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INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
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PORTERS the need for a respectful two-way relationship
Our treks in Nepal take us both into pure wilderness areas and along ancient trade & pilgrimage routes. We witness mans interaction with the environment for example the rocks shown below are inscribed with Buddhist Mantras. Sited on a pass, they are always walked around in a clockwise direction as a show of devotion and means of acquiring merit. One of the undoubted highlights for our groups (and for some unexpectedly so) is the chance to spend time with the Porters and Sherpas who traverse these routes and whose culture and religion is literally part of the landscape. They are the backbone of our trekking trips and we feel strongly that their working practices should be fair. In line with this philosophy we follow the International Porter Protection Groups guidelines to improve the conditions of mountain porters in the tourism industry worldwide (www.ippg.net).
NEPAL
Fantastic views at lunchtime/Keith Miller
Annapurna Panorama
TREKKING GRADE A/B
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JFMAMJJASOND JFMA
16 DAYS HOTELS/LODGES/CAMPING BEST OF NEPAL
Never tried trekking before, or perhaps you want to see more of Nepal? This could be for you! Our varied and stimulating itinerary features a relaxed stay in a comfortable jungle lodge, the ancient temples of Kathmandu and an easy, but enjoyable trek offering wonderful views of the Annapurna range.
Kathmandu & Gorkha Famous for its many and varied temples, narrow bustling streets and bazaars, we explore the capital including Pashupatinath, Nepals most famous Hindu temple, and the gleaming white Bodnath Stupa, central to a lively Tibetan area. We drive to Kurintar, where there's a chance to try white water rafting on the Trisuli River and pay a visit to Gorkha, home of the brave Gurkha soldiers. Trek & Pokhara Driving on to the lakeside town of Pokhara we begin our short and fairly easy trek, which offers brilliant views of the Annapurna range including the famous fishtail mountain, Machapuchare. We walk through rural villages enjoying fresh air, fine views and also have the opportunity to watch the sun rise over Elephant back safari at Chitwan/R. Harfield
Annapurna Panorama Ref RT
Annapurna I 8091m Machapuchare 6993m Ridge Annapurna II 7937m TIBET
H I M A L A Y A
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Gorkha Royal palace
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Elephant Safari Nature walks INDIA
R a pti KATHMANDU CHITWAN NP
snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Returning to Pokhara theres time to visit a Tibetan village or explore the lake by boat. In the Jungle at Chitwan National Park Travelling through the Himalayan foothills, we head to Chitwan National Park. Three days are spent in Chitwan National Park, famous for its one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger and prolific birdlife. During our stay, we walk, ride elephants and take dugout canoes to explore the park. Our final days are in the capital, with time for an optional flight towards Everest.
FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Kathmandu. 2 Arrive Kathmandu. 3 In Kathmandu; walking tour; visit Bodnath and Pashupatinath. 4 Drive Kurintar; optional white water rafting. 5 Visit Gorhka. 6 Visit Manakamana temple; drive to Pokhara. 7 to 10 4 day trek; last night in Pokhara. 11 Free in Pokhara. 12 Drive to Chitwan. 13 Jungle explorations and other activities. 14 Drive Kathmandu. 15 In Kathmandu; optional Everest flight; PM fly London. 16 Arrive London. Accommodation & Meals: 8nts hotel, 2nts lodge, 3nts camping; 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/On foot/Elephant back/Flights as itinerary. Comment: An easy introduction to trekking, walking is easy to moderate (average 4-6hrs a day) reaching an altitude of 2100m. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), Sherpas, porters, boatmen and elephant mahouts. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
Trek length and gradients
2400m 2000m 1600m 1200m 800m 400m 0m Day 7 9km Bhumdi Panchase Bhanjyang W. Sarankot Ridge
Day 8 12km
Day 9 14km
Request a tour dossier for comprehensive tour information
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BHUMDI PANCHASE BANJYANG
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KURINTAR Tr i s u l i
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Traditional Full-Service Treks
Annapurna Panorama " Annapurna Sanctuary " Everest Base Camp " The Kingdom of Mustang As well as an Explore leader, our camping treks are accompanied by Sherpa guides and porters or pack animals. A Sherpa cook prepares the meals while the porters carry all the baggage and equipment, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery, needing only a small daysac for personal things. Our equipment includes spacious 2-person tents, dining tent, stools, table, and all cooking gear. A typical trekking day is governed more by the sunrise and sunset than by the clock. Our daily schedule usually starts early with hot tea delivered to your tent, after which you pack up your gear and have breakfast. The Sherpas break camp and assign the porters loads. Trekkers, Sherpas and Explore leader then set off on the trail. We normally walk more than half the days trek in the morning with time for photographs or a glass of tea at a local lodge. Everyone is encouraged to walk at their own pace. Lunch with a hot drink takes about an hour and a half. Its a warm time of day, so people relax or read a book. The afternoons walk is normally shorter, but this of course depends on the lie of the land. By the time we reach our nights camp, the porters have usually arrived and the tents are up. Tea is again served, followed by a substantial hot evening meal. Fresh air and exercise have quite a soporific effect and most people retire early. When we are close to a village there is usually a chance to sample local brews (with varying degrees of potency!).
KATHMANDU
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Day 10 8km
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