Some of the routes of the Cotswold Way and the Tuscany walk is incorporated in the section where I speak of my experiences
Camino de Santiago de Compostella : FRANCES – ROUTE
You fly to Biarritz. As you arrive, turn left to go outside, where you will fine a bus that will take you to Bayonne. From Bayonne you get the train to Saint Jean Pied de Port.
| DAY | FROM | TO | KM | MILES | Albergues & towns in between | Alternative Suggestion |
| 1 | SJPDP | Roncesvalles | 26 | 16 | Orisson 7.5km You have to book in advance if you want to stay here. There is a big café where you can stop after the tough first climb | Very tough climb |
| 2 | Roncesvalles (bus; info) | Larrasoana | 27 | 16.7 | Aurizberri/Espinal 6km (shop; bus) Viscaret 11km | Roncesvalles to Zubiri 21.9km |
| 3 | Larrasoana (bus at Akerreta) | Pamplona | 16.5 | 9.9 | Zabaldika 8km (bus) Trinidad de Arre 13km (shop; info; bus) | Zubiri to Pamplona 20.9km Challenging – flooded route. Town Hall stunning. Running of the Bulls at base of museum behind Town Hall. |
| 4 | Pamplona (bus; train; shop; pharmacy; info) | Puente la Reina | 24 | 14.9 | Cizur Menor 4.8km (pharmacy; bus) Uterga 16.1km Obanos 21.5km (shop; pharmacy) | The bridge was built by medieval queen for the pilgrims |
| 5 | Puente la Reina (bus; shop; info; pharmacy) | Lizarra/ Estella | 22 | 13.6 | Maneru 5km (shop; pharmacy) Cirauqui 7.6km (pharmacy) Lorca 13km (shop) Villatuerta (info; pharmacy; shop) | |
| 6 | Lizarra/Estella (bus; shop; info; pharmacy) | Los Arcos | 22 | 13.6 | Ayegui 2km (pharmacy; info; shop) Villamajor de Monjardin 9.4km (info; shop) | Lovely town |
| 7 | Los Arcos (pharmacy; info; shop; bus) | Logrono | 28 | 17,3 | Sansol 6.8km (pharmacy) Torres del Rio 7.6km (info; shop; bus) Viana 18.5km (pharmacy; info; shop; bus) | |
| 8 | Logrono (train; bus; shop; info; pharmacy) | Najera | 31 | 19,2 | Navarrete 13km (pharmacy; shop; info; bus) Ventosa 20.8km (info; shop; bus) | |
| 9 | Najera (bus; pharmacy; shop; info) | Santo Domingo de la Calzada | 21 | 13 | Azofra 5.8km (info; bus) Ciruena 15.5km | |
| 10 | Santo Domningo de la Calzada (Info; shop; pharmacy; bus) | Belorado | 23 | 14 | Granon 6.5km (pharmacy; shop; bus) Radecilla del Camino 10.5km (info; shop; bus) Viloria de Rioja 14.5km (bus) Villamajor del Rio 18km (bus) | |
| 11 | Belorado (info; shop; pharmacy; bus) | San Juan de Ortega | 24 | 14.9 | Tosantos 4.8km (bus) Villambistia 6.7km (bus) Villafranca Montes de Occa 12m (bus; pharmacy; info; shop) | Carry extra water!!! |
| 12 | San Juan de Ortega (info; shop) | Burgos | 27,5 | 16,7 | Ages 3.5km Atapuerca 6km (pharmacy; shop) Cardenuela Riopico 12.5km | Endless road. Turn for the alternative route just after the road bridge before the airport. Looks as though going into housing estate. |
| 13 | Burgos (pharmacy; shop; info; bus; train) | Hornillos del Camino | 20 | 12 | Villalbilla de Burgos 6.2km (pharmacy; shop; train; bus) Tardajos 9 – 10km (pharmacy; info; shop) Rabe de las Calzados 11.8km | |
| 14 | Hornillos del Camino (shop) | Castrojeriz | 20,5 | 12,4 | San Bol 6.5km Hontanas 11.5km | |
| 15 | Castrojeriz (pharmacy; shop; bus) | Boadilla del Camino | 17 | 10,5 | Itero del Castillo 9.6km Itero de la Vega 11.4km (shop) | Castrojeriz to Fromista 24.9km |
16 | Boadilla del Camino (shop) | Carrion de los Condes | 25 | 15,5 | Fromista 6km (pharmacy; info; shop; train; bus) Revenga de Campos 13.2km – shop only Villarmentero de Campos 15.4km Villalcazar de Sirga 19.5km (pharmacy; info; shop; bus) | Fromista to Carrion de los Condes 19.3km |
| 17 | Carrion de los Condes (pharmacy; info; shop; bus) | Ledigos | 23 | 14,2 | Caldazilla de la Cueza 16.8km (shop) | Carrion de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios 26.8km |
| 18 | Ledigos (shop) | Bercianos del Real Camino | 26,5 | 16 | Terradillos de los Templarios 2.8km (pharmacy; info; shop) San Nicolas del Real Camino 8.6km (info) Sahagun 16km (pharmacy; info; shop; bus; train) Calzada del Coto 20km (info; shop) | Terradillos de los Templarios to Bercianos del Real Camino 23.5km |
| 19 | Bercianos del Real Camino (shop; bus) | Reliegos | 21 | 13 | El Burgo Ranero 8km (pharmacy); info; shop; train; bus) | Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla 26.7km |
| 20 | Reliegos (shop) | Leon | 26 | 16 | Mansilla de las Mulas 6km (pharmacy; info; shop; bus) Villarente 13km (pharmacy; shop) | Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon 18.1km |
| 21 | Leon (apteek; info; shop; bus; trein) | Villadangos del Paramo | 22 | 13,6 | Trabajo del Camino 4.8km (pharmacy; shop; bus) La Virgen del Camino 7.5km (pharmacy; info; shop; bus) | |
| 22 | Villadangos del Paramo (apteek; shop; trein) | Astorga | 28 | 17,3 | San Martin del Camino 4.5km (shop) Hospital de Orbigo 11km (pharmacy; shop) Vallares de Orbigo 14km (pharmacy; shop; bus) Santebanez de Valdeiglesias 16km San Justo de la Vega 24km (pharmacy; shop) | |
| 23 | Astorga (apteek; shop; info; trein; bus) | Rabanal del Camino | 20 | 12,4 | Murias de Rechivaldo 4km (bus) Santa Catalina 8.3km (shop; bus) El Ganso 12.8km (bus) | |
| 24 | Rabanal del Camino (shop; bus) | Molinaseca | 24,5 | 14,9 | Fondcebadon 5.6km Manjarin 9.2km Acebo 16km (shop) Riego de Ambros 19.8km (shop) | |
| 25 | Molinaseca (apteek; bus; shop) | Villafranca del Bierzo | 31 | 19,2 | Ponferrada 8km (pharmacy; info; shop; bus; train) Columbrianos 13km – shop only Fuentes Nuevas 15.6kkm – pharmacy only Camponaraya 17.6km (shop; bus) Cacabelos 23.4km (pharmacy; shop; bus) | |
| 26 | Villafranca del Bierzo (info; shop; pharmacy; bus) | Vega de Valcarce | 18 | 11 | Pereje 4.5km Trabadelo 9.5km (pharmacy; info; shop; bus) Las Herrerias 12.5km La Portela de Valcarce 14.2km (shop; bus) Ambasmestas 15.5km | Villafranca del Bierzo to O’Cebreiro 28.9km Big climb between Villafranca and O’Cebreiro |
| 27 | Vega de Valcarce (pharmacy; info; shop; bus) | O Cebreiro | 12 | 7,4 | Ruitelan 2kkm (shop) Las Herrerias 3.7km – shop only La Faba 6.5km La Laguna 9.2km | Already done |
| 28 | O Cebreiro (info; shop) | Triacastela | 21 | 13 | Linares 3.2km (shop; bus) Hospital de la Condesa 7km (shop; bus) Alto do Poio 9km (shop) Fonfria 12km (bus) Filloval 16.9km As Pasantes 18.7km | This is then day 27 |
| 29 | Triacastela (pharmacy; bus) | Sarria | 21,5 | 13 | San Cristobo do Real 3km Samos 9km (pharmacy; shop; bus; train) | Day 28 |
| 30 | Sarria (pharmacy; info; shop; bus; train) | Portomarin | 21,5 | 13 | Barbadelo 5km (shop) Ferreiros 13km | Day 29 Leave early. Most tiring day for most. 23km, 59 steep steps, cobbled hill at end. |
| 31 | Portomarin Bus; shop; info; pharmacy) | Palas de Rei | 25 | 15,5 | Gonzar 7.7km Hospital de la Cruz 11kkm Ventas de Naron 12.5km (shop) Ligonde 16km Airexe 17km (shop) | Day 30 |
| 32 | Palas de Rei pharmacy; shop; bus) | Arzua | 29,5 | 18 | Casanova 4.8km Leboreiro 7.2km Melide 12km (shop; bus) Boente 16,5km – shop only | Day 31 Palas de Rei to Rabadiso 26.3km |
| 33 | Arzua (bus; shop; info) | O Pedrouzo | 19 | 11,8 | Salceda 11.2km | Day 32 Ribadiso to Pedrouzo 23.7km |
| 34 | O Pedrouzo (bus; apteek) | Santiago de Compostela (pharmacy; info; shop; bus; train) (Finesterra) | 20 | 12,4 | San Marcos 15.5km – shop only Monte do Gozo 15.5km (pharmacy; shop) | Day 33 |
How to get to the office where you can collect your Compostella:
As you arrive in Santiago… have the Cathedral behind you. You need to go towards the right-hand side, past the hotel and then down the steps. At the bottom of the steps – turn right and you will find the office at the end of the road on the left-hand side. This is where you will be given a number and a time for collection.
Camino de Santiago de Compostella : INGLES – ROUTE
Wherever you fly from, take the train to Ferrol. Ferrol has a tiny station, and it is a quick walk into the centre of town.
This is a route that is not as commercialised as the Frances, which means that there are not many Alberques to choose from. The best experience is not to book anywhere and to be a true pilgrim, but on this route I do recommend to book accommodation in advance.
| 1 | Ferrol – Neda Check in at la Officina de Turismo | 15.5km | Hotel Kensington 35 euros |
| 2 | Neda – Pontedeume | 16km | Albergue Rio Eume 30 euros |
| 3 | Pontedeume – Bentanzos | 20.7km | Mirador de la Murella Rua Cerca 25 68 euros |
| 4 | Bentanzos – Hospital de Bruma | 25.1km | X |
| 5 | Hospital de Bruma – Sigueiro | 25.6km | X |
| 6 | Sigueiro – Santiago | 16.4km | Hotel Rua Villar Rua do Vilar 8 – 10 15705 204 euros |
| 7 | Santiago |
How to get to the office where you can collect your Compostella:
As you arrive in Santiago… have the Cathedral behind you. You need to go towards the right-hand side, past the hotel and then down the steps. At the bottom of the steps – turn right and you will find the office at the end of the road on the left-hand side. This is where you will be given a number and a time for collection.
Camino de Santiago de Compostella : CAMINO PORTUGUES DE LA COSTA (Senda Litoral & Variante Espiritual) – ROUTE
This route can start from Lisbon or from Porto. I did the route from Porto. The route starts at the big Cathedral in Porto. We mainly followed the route as documented in the John Brierley book.
John Brierley Portugues premium app FB page
| DAY 1: PORTO – MATOSINHOS (12.3) 6km – Foz de Douro 6.1km – Matosinhos | Seashore Senda Litoral Brown dots | Porto – Vila do Condo (33.2) 11.5km – Mataosinhos 11.7km – Praia de Labruge 2.4km – Vila Cha 7.6km – Vila de Condo | Porto to Labruge 27.8km |
| DAY 2: MATOSINHOS – VILA DO CONDO (21.6) 3km – Capela Boa Nova café 3.5km – Obelisco da Memoria café 3.8km – Lavra Angeiras 2km – Labruge Detour 2.2km – Vila Cha 7.2km – Vila do Condo | Brown dots | Vila de Condo – Marinhas (27.4) 3.5km – Povoa de Varzim 13km – Apulia 4km – Fao 2.5km – Esposende 4.4km – Marinhas | Labruge – Povoa de Varzim 18.7km |
| DAY 3: VILA DO CONDE – ESPOSENDE (24.2) 3.9km – Povoa de Varzim centro 3.1km – A Ver O Mar Puente 4.1km – Agucadoura café 3.7km – Opcion Praia Estela 3km – Apulia Igreja Matriz 2.7km – Esposende Centro | Caminho da Costa 4km after Esposende is a main Albergue in Marinhas Blue dots | Marinhas – Viana do Castelo (20.1) 8.5km – Castelodo Neiva 5.8km – Chafe | Povoa de Varzim – Matinhas 27.5km |
| DAY 4: ESPOSENTE – VIANA DE CASTELLO (24.5) 4.3km – Marinhas 3.8km – Belinho 3.6km – Ponte Neiva 1.8km – Castello do Neiva 3.5km – Chafe 3.4km – Anha 2.5km – Darque 2.7km – Viana de Castelo | Accomodation limited on the beach route Blue dots Ferry/Bridge crossing Rio Lima | Viana do Castelo – Caminha (28.4) Ferry Caminha – A Pasaxe 9.2km – Carrego 10.3km – Villa Praia de Ancora 8.9km – Caminha | Marinhas – Viana do Castelo 22.4km |
| DAY 5: VIANA DE CASTELLO – CAMINHA (26.9) 4.8km – Boa Viagem 3.5km – Carrego Iglesia 4.2km – Largo de Cabanas 3.3km – Ancora 3.2km – Vila Praia de Ancora Castelo 3.6km – Moleda opcion 4.3km – Caminha centro | Ferry at main harbour to A Pasaxe (If ferries are not running – taxi (27km to A Guarda), or riverside route. A 30.6km to Valenca and Tui, via Vila Nova de Cerveira.) Blue dots | A Pasaxe – Baiona (33.8) 3.7km – A Guarda 12.8km – Oia 3.5km – O Serrallo 2.6km – Porto Mayas 11.2km – Baiona | Viana do Catelo – Caminha 30.6km |
| DAY 6: CAMINHA – MOUGAS (23.3) 3.8km – A Pasaxe to A Guarda 6.8km – Perludo 6.1km – Oia 3.6km – Viladesuso-Oia 2.9km – Mougas | First stretch can also be done the previous day depending on the ferry. Blue dots | Baiona – Vigo (25.8) 4.5km – Ramallosca 3.6km – Nigran 3km – Priegue 14.8km – Vigo | Caminha – Porto Mougas 25.8km |
| DAY 7: MOUGAS – BAIONA (16.3) 3.8km – Las Marinas 7.4km – Baiona central 5.1km – A Ramallosa Nigran | Blue dots and last bit Brown dots This route bypasses Tui | Vigo – Redondela (14.4) | Porto Mougas – O Ramallosa 19.3km |
| DAY 8: | Green dots, otherwise Orange dots. | O Ramallosa – Vigo 26.7km | |
| DAY 9: VIGO – REDONDELA (15.7) 5.2km – Cruce Alta Madroa 7.7km – Aldea Cadeira 2.8km – Redondela centro | Brown dots joining Blue dots at Alto | Vigo – Rondondela 17km | |
| DAY 10: PONTEVEDRA – ARMENTEIRA (21.4) 3.2km – Opcion Variante 2.7km – Campano 2.3km – Poio 3.1km – Combarro Praza da Fonte 3.6km – Miradouro do Loureiro 6.5km – Armenteira | Variante Espiritual Purple dots | Alternative: Redondela – Pontevedra (17.8) 6.4km – Arcade 1.5km – Pontesampavio 9.9km – Pontevedra | Redondela – Pontevedra 21.5km |
| DAY 11: ARMENTEIRA – V N DE ROUSA (24.6) 3.9km – Aldea Labrega Meis 2.5km – Rotunda Barrantes 3.2km – Ponte 3.3km – Pontearnelas 6.8km – Cruce 2.6km – Praia Terron 2.3km – Vilanova de Arousa | Purple dots | Pontevedra – Caldas de Reis (22.7) 17.7km – Briallos 2.8km – Tivo 1.8km – Caldas de Reis | Pontevedra – Caldes de Reis 24.9km |
| Day 12: VILANOVA DE AROUSA – PADRON (36.7) 4.7km – Rial Rotunda 4.8km – Centro Praza Galicia 3.1km – Carril 4.4km – bamio 2.1km – O Rancho 2.4km – Cartoira 4.9km – Vilar 7.8km – Pontecesures 2.5km – Padron | Purple dots (depending on accommodation can perhaps make this over 2 days?) | Caldas de Reis – Padron (18.2) 5km – Cruceiro 6.5km – San Miguel de Valga 4.2km – Pontecesures 3.5km – Padron | Caldas de Reis – Padron 20.4km |
| DAY 13: PADRON – SANTIAGO (25.6) 1km – Iria Flavia 5.4km – A Escravitude 3.1km – Picarana 1.3km – Faramello 1.4km – Parada de Francos 6.4km – Milladoiro 6.4km – Santiago | Padron – Santiago (23.7) The same as day 13 according to Brierley | Padron – Santiago de Compostela 28.7km |
TREKKING & SAFARI IN NEPAL
Itinerary tailored for Jane Didi and Friends
INTRODUCTION:
Nepal is tiny Himalayan landlocked country in south Asia and its most mountainous country on the planet and also highest mountain ranges in the world. Eight of the fourteen eight thousand Himalayans are located in the country. Nepal also shares the border with China and India. Altitude ranges from 60m to 8848.86m and there are 125 ethnic groups are living in this country. Nepal is rich in both natural biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Trekking in Nepal is one of the most popular activities that can be done from day hike to as long as you want from easy sort trekking to longer extreme trek like Great Himalayan Trails. Trekking in Langtang National Park is one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal after the most popular/busy trails of Annapurna and Everest regions. Langtang is nearest Himalayan national park and lies in north of Kathmandu. You can trek in Langtang National Park in numerous days as per your schedule/fitness suits.
This trip is specially customized for Jane Didi and her friends. I have carefully designed this trip to explore and experience best of Nepal from Himalayas to lowland of Nepal. After your arrival in Kathmandu, You will be taken to the cultural heritage sides of Kathmandu valley, trekking in the one of the beautiful regions with our experience trekking guide and staffs. After trek, you will bring to the one night tented camp at the Trisuli riverside. Next day will floating into the Trisuli River and then short drive to Chitwan National Park where you can observe the wild animals such as Asian One-horned Rhino, Tiger, Bear, Crocodiles etc. there are also numerous of great birds as well.
TRIP HIGHLIGHT:
- Kathmandu Valley Exploration
- Trekking in Langtang National Park
- Excellent views of Himalayas
- Optional Hike to Tsergo-Ri(4985m)
- White Water Rafting
- Safari in Chitwan National Park
TRIP ITINERARY:
15 Nov: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Arrival in Kathmandu Airport @18:10(Flight No EK -2135) and after immigration formalities, proceed to parking areas. We will be in waiting line with company sign board and name card. After receiving you all, we will transfer to your designated hotel. Today there are no activities, you can take rest or dinner.
Hotel: Hotel Moonlight or Similar
Plan: B/B Plan
Meal: No
16 Nov: TEMPLES AND PALACE TOURS
Breakfast at Hotel, after that we will meet for the trip orientation and prepare for the half day Kathmandu city exploration. We will drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square (Palaces), which is an oldest palace where two dynasties (Malla and Shah) have ruled the kingdom of Nepal. Though most of the building was damaged by 2015 Earthquake, it’s still worth to visit. Palace is surrounded by many architectural rich building, temples, Coronation grounds and if you are lucky, you can see the living Goddess – KUMARI as well. Easily you can spend about two hrs in here.
After exploring the palace, we will take you to the one of the most popular destinations called Swyambhunath Stupa(Monkey Temple), situated in hill-top. It’s one of the most important holy places for Buddhist people. Apart from religious point of views, it’s also great places of overseeing the Kathmandu valley and also Langtang Himalayan range as well. From here we will bring you to the hotel and rest of day is your free time to rest, pre-packing for trekking etc.
Hotel: Hotel Moonlight or Similar
Meal: Breakfast
17Nov: KATHMANDU – SHYABRUBENSI(1500m), 5/7 hrs Drive
After Breakfast, we drive to Pokhara Highway and later will join to Pasang Lhamu Highway in the mostly following the Trisuli River and some mountain terrain. It’s beautiful driving with different types of scenery and settlement of mountain regions. There will be couple of check-point for entering the National Park. Our final destination is Shyabrunensi which is small town situated at the confluence of Langtang River and Trisuli River.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
18 Nov: TREK TO BAMBOO (1970m), 5 hrs Trek
After breakfast, we will start our first day trek with crossing the BhoteKoshi and following the LangtangKhola valley. Trail is mostly gradual ascending, undulation and some sections short steep climbing by the side of Langtang river valley. This valley is quite undisturbed with good varieties of vegetation with healthy numbers of mountain forest bird species. Trekking in this valley is quite pleasant. We will stop along the trekking route for lunch. After the lunch, remaining trail is quite pleasant forest trails.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
19 Nov: TREK TO GHODE TABELA(2975m), 5/6 hrs Trek
We will start our journey after the breakfast. Today, most of our trails will be dense forest of Himalayan tree species such as Brown Oak, Alder tree, Pines, Conifers, Rhododendrons, Bamboos etc. Our trekking trails are quite good with some stone steps, Contours and etc. We will pass through the Lama Hotel, a small settlement of trekker’s lodges and it’s one of popular overnight stay place for many trekkers. After Lama Hotel, our trails get some in dense forest as well. Today there will be great opportunity to observe the different species of birds along with some mammals such as Nepal Gray Languar, Himalayan Serow, and Himalayan Ghoral etc. Once we reached the Ghodetabela, the valley gets wider and open with beautiful views of Langtang Lirung.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
20 Nov: TREK TO LANGTANG VILLAGE(3440m), 5/6 hrs Trek
Wake up with great views of Himalayas, breakfast at lodge and after that trek start with easy trails. You will be encountering some cattle huts and field with stone walled. You will able to find some Yaks with calf and also some local inns will offer you a Yak Yoghurt in cost. If you like, you may be able to test it! Today trail is relatively easy in open valley with mostly gentle and short steep climb. Once we are near to village, there, you will see the huge deposit of landslide caused by disaster earthquake 2015 where 243 people lost their lives. Now new settlement is established little higher and people are back in their normal routines.
Langtang village is small village with bowl shape valley. This is one of popular village in the region and named the national park after this village. Majority of the population are called Lama or types of Tibetan origins. Their main occupation is cattle herding and running tourist lodges and restaurant as there is almost no farming or very little labor intensive farming. Their major economy is depending on tourism and dairy product such as Yak Cheese, butter, ghee etc.The village is quite impressive with surrounding views of Himalayas specially Langtang Lirung(7227m). Once you are in village, you can visit the memorial park where people lost their lives from earthquakes. You can also visit the bakery shop for fresh bean coffee and bakery items.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
21 Nov: TREK TO KYANGJIN GOMBA(3870mm), 3/4hrs Trek
Today, relatively we have short day but there is about 400m ascend, it’s mostly pleasant walk in the valley. We have no vegetation, only few mountain shrubs such as beriberi’s and junipers are found. We will pass the longest holy Manewall, Manestone, stupas and some water spinning prayers wheels. This area is named after the Kyanjin Gumba and there are still some monks and some old people lived there. Kyangjin Gumba is a summer pasture ground for the people of Langtang village and Swiss government has build a small cheese factory along with airstrip down below in 1950s. Their dairy product is still best in Nepal. Visit the cheese factory if it’s still open. This area beautifully located and it’s surrounded by stunning views of Himalayas.
Today, it will be our highest sleeping point and will get there for lunch and overnight stay in same place. After the lunch if weather and health condition are fine, we can do little excursion towards the glaciers for two hours or so. Or you can take complete rest or visit the fresh coffee and bakery shop at the highest elevation. Please keep in mind that this is your highest place to stay and it will be colder in the evening and moring.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
22 Nov: REST DAY OR EXPLORE THE VALLEY
Today, there is couple of options you can choose. One of them is trek up to Tsorko-Ri(4985m) which is one of the highest trekking peak and provides the stunning views of surrounding Himalayas including Shishapangma which is above 8000m. it will take eight to ten hours around trip and there are quite few stone boulder field to experience. Second options is you can hike to Kyanjin-Ri(4773m). This is relatively straight uphill from the place until you reached the top and also same way back but its worth to hike up there for the views. Above mentions day activities are options and we are happy to take you as per you choices.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
23 Nov: TRREK TO THYANGSHYAB(3140m), 4 hrs Trek
After Breakfast, we will start our trekking downwards the valley. We will be passing through the villages of Sindrum, Mondu and Langtang village. We will be stop as Langtang for Lunch and continue trek up to Thyangshyab. It’s still beautiful valleys to walk down.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
24 Nov: TREK TO SHERPA GAON(2563mm), 5/6 hrs Trek
Todays, we are back into the forest and our walking trails are easy downhill, following the Langtang river valley downwards. We may will be able to see some wild animals and good numbers of birds as well. Will stop at Lama Hotel for lunch and after that we will be continue to our destination called Sherpa Gaon.
Trail to Sherpa Gaon is separate from the Rimche and it’s actually a less crowd and scenic routes. The trail contains short ups and down with conifer trees and great views of valley. Sherpa Gaon is small village in mountain slopes with farming terraces.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
25 Nov: TREK TO SHYABRUBENSI(1500m), 5/6 hrs Trek
After Breakfast, trek star with mountain slope with great views in distance. Sort walk after, we will be walking over the dirt road which is no traffic or zero traffic! It’s pleasant trails and will come to spectacular aerial viewpoint from Bhanjyang goan. From here trail start descending to settlement of Surka and Khangjim. Khangjim is one of the nicest villages in sunny slops. There are beautiful well maintained fertile terraces. We will have lunch stop at this place and after that our trail is continue descending and it’s mostly steep downhill until the confluence of Langtang Khola and Bhote Koshi River. Today is our last night at the mountain lodges and also farewell to our supporting staffs.
Accommodation: Simple Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
26 Nov: DRIVE TO MALINGA (5/6hrs) & RAFTING 2/3 hrs
After the breakfast, we will board on to our vehicle. We will pass through the couple of checkpoint especially in Dhunche. We will be stopping in some places for the breaking our journey and also for the lunch. After the lunch road is fairly good road and wider along the Trisuli river where we will be rafting down below. Our drive will finished at Malinga, one of local place in Kathmandu Pokhara highway and this is where we will start our first day rafting. Our rafting team is waiting there to start the rafting with fully preparation like airing in rafts, helmets, jacket and paddles. We will have a short introductory session about the rafting and safely issue by our expert raft guides. After that we will our rafting. Rafting time will be around 2-3 hrs maximum. Today will be staying in tented camp at Trisuli River beach. We will have a campfire and also picnic types of dinners. It’s fun doing it.
Accommodation: Tented Camp in river side
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
27 Nov: RAFTING & DRIVE CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
After our breakfast at camp and finished packing the gears, we will start our rafting in same Trisuli River. We will be rafting around 5/6 hrs and after that we will finished our rafting. From here, we will say good bye to our rafting staffs and drive to Chitwan National Park. Our drive will 2hrs maximum from rafting ending point. Evening we will take short walk if time permits.
Accommodation: Into The Wild Eco Lodge or similar
Meal: All Included
28 Nov: SARARI IN CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Chitwan national park is one of the best and well managed national parks in Nepal. This park is quite rich in national biodiversity and surrounded by the settlement of Tharu communities which is local ethnic tribes from the regions. This park had over 500 species of birds, over 50 species of mammals including Bengal Tiger, Asian Wald Elephant, Greater One-horned Rhino, Crocodiles species – marsh mugger and Gharial and many deer species etc. We will tailor the programs such as canoeing, jeep drive, village walk and may be elephant riding (?). Evening will be followed by cultural dances.
Accommodation: Into The Wild Eco Lodge or similar
Meal: All Included
29 Nov: DRIVE TO KATHMANDU 5/6hrs Drive
After Breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu. In the mean time, we will also stop some place for lunch or coffee breaks. Drive will be main highway that links to Kathmandu. Once we are in Kathmandu it’s free to rest or do the shopping as per your needs.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight or similar
Dinner: Group Dinner
30 NOV: International Departure
Today, there is schedule program; you can take free morning and afternoon you can take the tours (at extra cost) or shopping etc. Please keep in mind that you have to check out at noon. In Nepal, there is no late night checkout system, if you wish, if you have to pay full night payment to hold the room after noon. We will arrange the group meeting for summarize the trip with farewell dinner. At 21:30 you will bring to airport for four depart at 00:45hrs.
NEPAL NATURE TREKS AND TOURS PVT. LTD
NEPAL TREKS & TOURS FOR JANE DIDI & TEAM
OVERVIEW
Nepal is landlocked nation in South Asia, boarder with China and India. Elevation starts from 60m to the world’s highest peak- Mt. Everest. Of course, Nepal is well known for its extreme adventure activities, but Nepal is not only that, it’s also rich for nature and cultural biodiversity. The country has a many holy places where pilgrimage visit to pay the respect. Beside the cultural and adventure, Nepal is prefect destination for bird watching, wildlife safari and of course to enjoy the scenic views of Himalayas. Our tour is specially crafted to introduce Nepal’s best experience. Trip starts from Kathmandu city, then it goes to western parts of Nepal for beautiful treks, then drive down to the different landscape to far west Nepal. So, this trip is combined with beauty of Kathmandu, trekking in the mountain with great scenery, visiting the southern territory of Nepal.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore UNISCO Heritage sites (Kathmandu & Lumbini)
- Explore the Pokhara Valley
- Trekking in the Himalayas
- Visiting a Lumbini (Birthplace of Buddha)
- Visiting Bardia National Park
ITINERARY OUTLINES:
05 Apr 2024 KATHMANDU ARRIVAL
Arrival in Kathmandu airport by QR 644@ 02:20 hrs. After the immigration formalities and luggage collection, you will be receive/welcome by our airport representatives. Then you will be transfer to your designated hotel. Since this is early morning, there is schedule. Let you have a rest day. We can meet any time in the afternoon for short trip briefing and If time permits short tours can be arranged.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight or similar | www.hotelmoonlight.com | +977 1 4383566
Meal: Breakfast
06 Apr 2024 KATHMANDU VALLEY EXPLORE
After Breakfast, we will take to our heritage sides exploration. Our tour will Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Baudhanath Stupa. Or can be change to other sides too.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight or similar | www.hotelmoonlight.com | +977 1 4383566
Meal: Breakfast
07 Apr 2024 HILE – 1450m
TRAVEL: After Breakfast, we will take a short drive to domestic airport fly to Pokhara. It’s 25 minutes’ scenic flight if weather is cleared. After collecting some luggage, we will take a drive to Hile, it’s about two hours’ drive but in between we will stop for lunch. Hile is one of the small settlements with mostly trekking lodges. Accommodation: Best Available Trekking Lodge Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinne
08 Apr 2024 BANTHANTI – 2250m, 5/6 hrs
TREK: After the breakfast, we will start our trek. Trek begins along the rice field, passing through the small settlement of Tikhedhunga. From here we will cross the suspension bridge and from here onwards steep ascend starts. It’s stone steeps with switch back, the climb is continuing up to the village called Ulleri. This is one of the biggest villages in mountain and it’s inhabitant by the Magar tribes. We will have a lunch here and after the lunch, it’s about one and half hours to our destination – Banthanti. Today we will be already seeing the Rhododendron blossoms. You can also see the Annapurna South and tip of Machhapurchhre as well.
Accommodation: Best Available Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
09 Apr 2024 GHOREPANI – 2860m, 3/4 hrs
TREK: It’s relatively short day; walking will be the mostly through the valley with mixed forest. Higher you get, you will see the dominant of colourful Rhododendrons flowering. Pass through the settlement of Nagi then to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is big settlement who carters’ tourist service, small grocery shops, handicrafts items etc. if the weather permits, you will have a great view of Himalayas including impressive views of Dhaulagiri(8167m), Annapurna South, Nilgiri South etc. Sun set is great too.
Accommodation: Best Available Trekking Lodge
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10 Apr 2024 TADAPANI – 2630m, 6/7 hrs
TREK: Around 5am start the sun rise trip to Poonhill. it’s about 350m ascent and there will be lots of people going to see the sunrise. Once you reached the top to Poonhill, it’s really beautiful place to see the sunrise. Worth going earlier so that you can see all the light changes its colours. Return to hotel, have a breakfast and continue to the destination. Today, trail is easy, but it’s rather ascend and descend through the forest. Tadapani also provide the spectacular views of Himalayas and good for sunset and sunrise. Views of Machhapuchhre is spectacular. Accommodation: Best Available Trekking Lodge Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11 Apr 2024 GHANDRUK VILLAGE – 1980m, 3/4 hrs
TREK: Tadapani is still good for sun rise as well. you can just watch through your hotel. Today is short day and it’s mostly downhill. Trail began through the dense Rhododendron Forest and other mixed forest. Our destination is Ghandruk which is one of the biggest Gurung village and lots of visitors can be seen. Depending on an available time, we can explore the village. Accommodation: Best Available Trekking Lodge Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 12 Apr 2024 POKHARA – TREK / DRIVE Today is last day in mountain, we will trek down to Modi Khola valley. there is also dirt road connected up to Ghandruk. It’s mostly the downhill and will finalize the pickup point and also lunch spots. After that we will be driving to our hotel. Once we reached in Pokhara, there is schedule tours but can wonder around the lake site or take it fully leisure time.
Accommodation: Lake Side Retreat or Similar | www.lsrpokhara.com |+977 61 455949
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
13 Apr 2024 POKHARA EXPLORE
Pokhara Valley does have a lot interested places to visit. Depending on choices, we will go to World Peace Stupa, David Falls, International Mountain Museum etc. After exploring the major interested place, we will return to hotel and take your free time. Accommodation: Lake Side Retreat or Similar | www.lsrpokhara.com |+977 61 455949 Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 14 Apr 2024 LUMBINI TRAVEL We will start our journey to explore the southern side of Nepal which is close to boarder with India. It’s about 200km with 6/7hrs. drive through the typical mountain road via the town of Palpa. We will be stopping as per needs during the drive. Once we arrive in Lumbini, check in hotel and after that we will be going to visit the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Lumbini is also good for bird watchers and wildlife too. Sarus Cranes is the key species of birds and Blue Bull is another great mammal from there. Lumbini: Lumbini is a birthplace of Shakyamuni Gautam Buddha and was born in 623BC. This is one of the highly respected pilgrimage sites for Buddhist devotees and peace lovers. This place is listed in UNESCO world heritage sites.
Accommodation: Lumbini Buddha Garden or Similar | www.lumbinibuddhagarden.com
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
15 Apr 2024 BARDIA NATIONAL PARK
TRAVEL: We will start our journey to far western parts of Nepal. It’s mostly good road. Drive is long but comfortable drive. Pass through the beautiful landscapes, farmland, river valleys etc. once we are near by the Bardia, some time we may already encounter some wild mammals.
Accommodation: Samsara Safari Camp or Similar | www.samsarasafari.com
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
16/17 Apr 2024 BARDIA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI
Bardiya National Park is Nepal’s one the largest national park in southern lowland boarding with India. Established in 1988 with the purpose of protecting the ecosystem and wildlife habitats. The areas coverage is 968sq.km and over 500 species of birds and 50 plus mammals including the Bengal Tiger, Wild Asian Elephant, Greater One-horned Rhino etc. The national park is combined with grassland, forest and riverine basins. We have a two full day to explore the park, and our major targets is to see the Bengal Tiger along with as many mammals or birds as possible.
Accommodation: Samsara Safari Camp or Similar | www.samsarasafari.com
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
18 Apr 2024 KATHMANDU TRAVEL
Morning short walk or take it leisure time. Then we drive about one and half hours to Nepalgunj airport. Flight to Kathmandu is about one hours and its great flight. Once we arrived in Kathmandu, check in hotel and today is our final group dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Moonlight or similar | www.hotelmoonlight.com | +977 1 4383566
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 19 Apr 2024 DEPARTURE Today, there are no schedule for any tours or programs but if you wish, can arrange such as city tours or Mt. Everest scenic flight etc. We will drop at the 17:00 hrs for your QR -647@20:20 hrs flight to your destination. Meal: Breakfast Note: if group willing to do two more days of trek and less in Kathmandu and Pokhara, it’s possible to do it. Please let me know.