This is a family adventure!
This trip has great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned, there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps traveling as part of a larger family group).
This particular family adventure is a short, scenic trek in the Khumbu Valley to see Everest and the mighty Himalayas.
Highlights include:
• Temples of Kathmandu
• Six-day trek so see Everest and the Himalayas
• Namche Bazaar
Kathmandu to Lukla: On this carefully designed holiday, you can experience the beauty and rich history of the Everest region on a six-day trek. You start in Kathmandu, with time to explore the many markets and colorful Buddhist and Hindu temples. A short flight then takes you to Lukla and the start of your trek in the Everest valley.
Trek with Everest Views: Setting off on the trek, you’re soon immersed in one of the world’s most magnificent mountain landscapes. Staying in locally run tea-houses along the way, you walk to the Sherpa ‘capital’ of Namche Bazaar. There’s time for an acclimatisation (rest!) day, before continuing to the celebrated monastery of Thyangboche, for incredible views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and of course, Everest!
Itinerary in Detail
Day 01 :
Arrive in Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02 :
Sightseeing in and around Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in
Kathmandu.
The places of interest include:
Pashupatinath Temple
5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the
sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has a jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers east, and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa, which forms the main structure, is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.
Day 03 :
Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886 m) which takes about 30 minutes. Trek from Lukla to Phakding (2640 m), which takes approximately three hours.
You transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Lukla. Lukla is a small town with an airport. There are few tea shops, lodges, hotels and general stores. You begin today’s trek from Lukla following a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of the Dudh Koshi river. Nupla (5885 m) can be seen in the distance on the opposite bank, is a peak atop the Kongde Ridge. You descend a mountainside path that merges into your route to Everest, with views to a valley to your right; and at its far end, Kusum Kang (6367 m.) The Dudh Kosi approaches as you pass a Mani wall and arrive at Ghat teahouse. You continue along a small path with many climbs and descents following the left bank of Dudh Koshi to Phakding.
Day 04 :
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440 m), which takes approximately five hours. The trail starts along a level path along the right bank. Thamserku looms skyward on the opposite bank. You cross a stream and climb the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, to arrive at Bengar. The trail now climbs from the riverbed on the left bank into the mountain, through a forest to Chumoa. You continue along a path with many ups and downs; cross a stream, and pass by the tiny village of Monjo. Now you descend the path of stone steps and return to the right bank over a wooden bridge. After a short climb you come to Jorsale’s teahouse and hotel, also stop at the National Park Service where a park entrance fee is collected. After your departure from Jorsale, you enter a forested mountainside. You follow a short walk along the riverbed of this V-shaped valley where the river forks - the right is the Dudh Koshi and the left is the Bhote Koshi that leads to Nampa La. After short distance along the Bhote Koshi, begin the steep ascent to Namche Bazar. As the mountain path zigzags uphill, you will emerge at a ridge top rest area that offers excellent views of Everest (8848m) and Lhotse (8516 m.) The climb eases somewhat, and Namche Bazar appears ahead as you travel along the path surrounded by pines. Pass the plateau where the Saturday bazaar is held and enter the village. Namche Bazar (3440 m) is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and opens out only where it faces the Bhote Koshi. The village is a central hub of the area and food, sundries and even mountain climbing equipment may be purchased here.
Day 05 :
Rest day at Namche Bazaar (3440 m) for acclimatization. Namche is tucked away between two ridges amidst the giant peaks of the Khumbu and has an abundance of lodges, tea shops and souvenir shops as well as a magnificent outlook. It is an ideal place to spend a rest day for acclimatization to the high altitude before heading off towards Tyangboche. For the acclimatization you walk up to Khhumjung, where you can visit a monastery. Khhumjung is a densely populated Sherpa community. You can also enjoy the splendid views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawche, Kwangde and so on. Or you can have an hour walk up to the Syangboche (3800 m.) where Everest View Hotel is situated above Namche for the outstanding view of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. There is also good views from the National Park Centre and Museum just above the town. This museum exhibits Sherpa culture.
Day 06 :
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867 m), which takes approximately five and half hours.
From Namche, you climb towards the park headquarters and follow a contouring trail high above the Dudh Koshi River. Above Namche the route to Thyangboche becomes visible with the monastery seen below the summit of Everest and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. On today’s walk there are opportunities to spot the local wildlife, including the beautiful Danphe Pheasant often seen among the birch and silver fir forest between Shanasa and Trashinga, and Himalayan Thar on the high ground above the trail. After reaching the re-forestation nursery at Trashinga, the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Koshi at Phunkitenga (3250 m), where you take lunch. In the afternoon you pass water-driven prayer wheels and ascend, initially steeply, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest towards Thyangboche. The monastery and lodge are located in a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks in a truly peaceful and tranquil setting. The most notable peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam (perhaps the most beautiful peak in the region) and, of course, Mt. Everest.
Day 07 :
Trek from Tyangboche Monastery to Monjo which takes about seven hours.
Day 08 :
Trek from Monjo to Lukla (2886 m) which takes about four hours. You re-trace your steps along the Dudh Koshi, crossing the western bank at Benkar. It is a beautiful and easy walk through blue pine and rhododendron forest, back-dropped with views of Kusum Kangaru. An early lunch will be taken at Phakding, and in the afternoon you ascend out of the river valley back to the airstrip and you are offered lodge accommodation at Lukla. In the evening, a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks, and dancing with Sherpa companions.
Day 09 :
Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu which takes 30 minutes. You take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 10 :
Free and recreation day in Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 11 :
Fly out from Kathmandu.
Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056
Tel : + 977-1-4417343
+ 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817
+977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855
E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Bhutan -- Land Of Thunder Dragon
Itinerary in Detail
Day 01:
Fly from Kathmandu to Paro.
You board Druk-Air flight to Bhutan which provides the most fascinating views of the Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan ranges from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the kingdom. As you enter Bhutan, the plains come to an abrupt end and the mountains keep rising. The silver river thread the valleys, waterfall plunge down the forested mountains and to the north the great snowcapped peaks of the inner himalayas rise up in the sky. As you enter Paro you will see the Paro dzong and one of the most fertile valleys of Bhutan.Drive from Paro to Thimphu, which takes two hours. After lunch you drive to Thimphu. During evening you are free to explore. You stay overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02:
Drive from Thimphu to Punakha and it takes three hours. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital in the world, is a bustling town which is home to the most revered Bhutanese family, the Royal government and the judiciary and to several foreign missions and development projects. In morning you visit the Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. had I known that we had to depart like this I surely wouldn't have met you. It pains me beyond the limit when I think about you being all alone all the way to India. We came across so many dreams with some sweet words of advices and some silly Jokes we laugh at for nothing at all. I believe that it is better to have no dreams than to find it broken before it actually starts, but you were sure to go, maybe I woudl have more pain when I would see you go from Delhi. Maybe God wanted it like this. When the sun goes down my own shadow wouldn't be with me, you are someone who would live with us at all. Bhutan's National Library is located close to the thanka painting school and contains the best collection of religious and historical literatures in the Himalayas.
During afternoon you visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery and drive further down with good views of the Thimphu valley. Visit one of the Handicraft Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts stores. Here you can buy stunning Kiras that can be used as bed covers or wall hangings, jewelry and much more. In evening you drive to Punakha, the road winds up from Simtokha Dzong into the pine forest and through small villages for 20 kilometres and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge of the mountains. The views over the Himalayan panoply at Dorchula Pass at 10,500 feet is one of the most spectacular in all Bhutan, as you can see the whole range of the Bhutanese Himalayas from here. You stay overnight in a hotel in Punakha.
Day 03:
Drive from Punakha to Paro via Wangdiphodrang. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. The town of Punakha, while dominated by its Dzong, developed in 1990's through several government sponsored programs. This day you visit Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated between the two rivers. You will have to hike through the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, "…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant". There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. Next you drive to Wangduephodrang, the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. Sitting on top of the hill looking out over the junction of the two rivers, Wangduephodrang's formidable Dzong is the town's most visible feature. After lunch you drive to Paro enroute visiting Simtokha Dzong. This is the oldest fort in Bhutan.
Day 04:
Sightseeing in Paro. This day is planned for sightseeing in Paro. You visit the old fort ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, which offers a very scenic drive of a typical Bhutanese landscape. The dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day you can see Mt. Jhomolhari (7314 metres, 24000 feet), the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. Afterwards visit the Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. This unusual round building is believed to be in the shape of a conch shell. The centerpiece of this Museum is a complex four-sided carving depicting the history of Buddhism and its propagation. One side is Sakyamuni and the great teacher Atisha, representing the Sakya school. On the next lies Geylup, a disciple of Dalai Lama. Another is Nyingma lineage, the head is Guru Padmasanva, and the final is Drukpa Kagyu with the figure of Vajra Dhara. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning "Heap of Jewels", built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. Here you can see finest example of Bhutanese architecture enroute you visit the near by Kichu Lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. This Monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demons that lay across the Himalayan region. The rest of the monasteries lie in other neighboring countries. Along with these you are quite attracted by the Paro's market and farm houses. During evening you visit a traditional farm house to get insight into the Bhutanese way of life. You stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 05:
Fly out. Your guide will help you with the airport formalities.
Services Included
* A guide
* All meals
* Lodging in standard hotels
* Ground Transportation within Bhutan
* Pack animal in trekking
* Entry fees into monuments
Services Excluded
* Flight from Kathmandu to Paro
* Personal nature expenses and unforeseen events
* Airport Tax
* Travel Insurance
* Bhutan visa fee which is US $20 per person. Please note no foreign office abroad grants
Bhutanese visa. It has to be obtained through us. We need at least 5 working days to obtain
visa for you.
Note :
1. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro leaves on every Monday, Thursday and Saturday only.
2. The flight form Paro to Kathmandu leaves on every Wednesdays, Friday, and Sunday only.
Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056
Tel : + 977-1-4417343
+ 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817
+977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855
E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com
Day 01:
Fly from Kathmandu to Paro.
You board Druk-Air flight to Bhutan which provides the most fascinating views of the Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan ranges from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the kingdom. As you enter Bhutan, the plains come to an abrupt end and the mountains keep rising. The silver river thread the valleys, waterfall plunge down the forested mountains and to the north the great snowcapped peaks of the inner himalayas rise up in the sky. As you enter Paro you will see the Paro dzong and one of the most fertile valleys of Bhutan.Drive from Paro to Thimphu, which takes two hours. After lunch you drive to Thimphu. During evening you are free to explore. You stay overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02:
Drive from Thimphu to Punakha and it takes three hours. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital in the world, is a bustling town which is home to the most revered Bhutanese family, the Royal government and the judiciary and to several foreign missions and development projects. In morning you visit the Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. had I known that we had to depart like this I surely wouldn't have met you. It pains me beyond the limit when I think about you being all alone all the way to India. We came across so many dreams with some sweet words of advices and some silly Jokes we laugh at for nothing at all. I believe that it is better to have no dreams than to find it broken before it actually starts, but you were sure to go, maybe I woudl have more pain when I would see you go from Delhi. Maybe God wanted it like this. When the sun goes down my own shadow wouldn't be with me, you are someone who would live with us at all. Bhutan's National Library is located close to the thanka painting school and contains the best collection of religious and historical literatures in the Himalayas.
During afternoon you visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery and drive further down with good views of the Thimphu valley. Visit one of the Handicraft Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts stores. Here you can buy stunning Kiras that can be used as bed covers or wall hangings, jewelry and much more. In evening you drive to Punakha, the road winds up from Simtokha Dzong into the pine forest and through small villages for 20 kilometres and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge of the mountains. The views over the Himalayan panoply at Dorchula Pass at 10,500 feet is one of the most spectacular in all Bhutan, as you can see the whole range of the Bhutanese Himalayas from here. You stay overnight in a hotel in Punakha.
Day 03:
Drive from Punakha to Paro via Wangdiphodrang. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. The town of Punakha, while dominated by its Dzong, developed in 1990's through several government sponsored programs. This day you visit Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated between the two rivers. You will have to hike through the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, "…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant". There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. Next you drive to Wangduephodrang, the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. Sitting on top of the hill looking out over the junction of the two rivers, Wangduephodrang's formidable Dzong is the town's most visible feature. After lunch you drive to Paro enroute visiting Simtokha Dzong. This is the oldest fort in Bhutan.
Day 04:
Sightseeing in Paro. This day is planned for sightseeing in Paro. You visit the old fort ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, which offers a very scenic drive of a typical Bhutanese landscape. The dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day you can see Mt. Jhomolhari (7314 metres, 24000 feet), the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. Afterwards visit the Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. This unusual round building is believed to be in the shape of a conch shell. The centerpiece of this Museum is a complex four-sided carving depicting the history of Buddhism and its propagation. One side is Sakyamuni and the great teacher Atisha, representing the Sakya school. On the next lies Geylup, a disciple of Dalai Lama. Another is Nyingma lineage, the head is Guru Padmasanva, and the final is Drukpa Kagyu with the figure of Vajra Dhara. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning "Heap of Jewels", built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. Here you can see finest example of Bhutanese architecture enroute you visit the near by Kichu Lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. This Monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demons that lay across the Himalayan region. The rest of the monasteries lie in other neighboring countries. Along with these you are quite attracted by the Paro's market and farm houses. During evening you visit a traditional farm house to get insight into the Bhutanese way of life. You stay overnight at a hotel in Paro.
Day 05:
Fly out. Your guide will help you with the airport formalities.
Services Included
* A guide
* All meals
* Lodging in standard hotels
* Ground Transportation within Bhutan
* Pack animal in trekking
* Entry fees into monuments
Services Excluded
* Flight from Kathmandu to Paro
* Personal nature expenses and unforeseen events
* Airport Tax
* Travel Insurance
* Bhutan visa fee which is US $20 per person. Please note no foreign office abroad grants
Bhutanese visa. It has to be obtained through us. We need at least 5 working days to obtain
visa for you.
Note :
1. The flight from Kathmandu to Paro leaves on every Monday, Thursday and Saturday only.
2. The flight form Paro to Kathmandu leaves on every Wednesdays, Friday, and Sunday only.
Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056
Tel : + 977-1-4417343
+ 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817
+977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855
E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com
Bird Watching in Nepal
Bird watching is one of the many exciting things to experience in Nepal because of its abundant species of birds. You can watch 800 species of birds in different parts of the country. This has become possible due to the existence of prime habitats, such as Rhododendron, oak, and pine forests all over the country. We have listed some of the places around Kathmandu that are really best for Bird watching:
Phulchowki : Situated 20km south-east of Kathmandu, it has 265 species of birds. This include babblers, warbles, tits, thrashes, minivets and woodpeckers.
Godavari : 10 km south-east of Kathmandu city, it has 100 species of birds which include lesser racket, trailed drango, Tibetan siskin and spotted fork tail.
Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve : Situated 11km north of Kathmandu, it is a repository of birds (entry fees Rs.250)
Nagarjun Forest : 5km from Balaju, it has Kalij, Bonelli’s eagles, and other exotic birds species.
Gokarna : 7 km northeast of Kathmandu, it boasts of speckled mountain thrash, orange-headed ground thrush and brown owl.
Besides these famous places for Bird watching, there are other destinations including Manahara, near the airport, and Taudaha, near Dakshinkali.
Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056
Tel : + 977-1-4417343
+ 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817
+977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855
E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com
Phulchowki : Situated 20km south-east of Kathmandu, it has 265 species of birds. This include babblers, warbles, tits, thrashes, minivets and woodpeckers.
Godavari : 10 km south-east of Kathmandu city, it has 100 species of birds which include lesser racket, trailed drango, Tibetan siskin and spotted fork tail.
Shivpuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve : Situated 11km north of Kathmandu, it is a repository of birds (entry fees Rs.250)
Nagarjun Forest : 5km from Balaju, it has Kalij, Bonelli’s eagles, and other exotic birds species.
Gokarna : 7 km northeast of Kathmandu, it boasts of speckled mountain thrash, orange-headed ground thrush and brown owl.
Besides these famous places for Bird watching, there are other destinations including Manahara, near the airport, and Taudaha, near Dakshinkali.
Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056
Tel : + 977-1-4417343
+ 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817
+977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855
E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com
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