TREKKING IN THE HIMALAYAS, Lo Manthang

7 october to 23 october 2007
Tariff on double room and double tent sharing basis US$2500 per head. US$185 single supplement applicable only in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara BUT not atall in tents during trekking.

Trekking means to look ‘inward' taking ones own time and space not only recognizing the physical pains and difficulties, but also breaking the mental barriers which obstructs the day to day living and well being. Being cut off from the daily hectic routine means to look into one self, to immerse deep to reflect the past, live the present and project for the future course of actions. Participants having family, work and health problems feel the sensation of loneliness, depressed, lack of energy and humor for the first two to three days. But when they start relaxing, getting habituated with the trails, knowing the fellow trekkers, letting go the disturbing thoughts of the past and appreciating the present; life changing thoughts and ambitions start flowing through the psyche. The life changing decisions like: separation, changing work, changing place, creating family, etc. dominate the final days of the trekking. There is freedom of expressing ones feelings, exchanging thoughts and working on oneself are ample both in the tents, restaurant tables, sitting on a rock, walking alone listening to breath and body, meditation and exercising some physical postures. The closer and deeper we get to the ‘mother earth' the more powerful and smooth the changing processes. Humility and oneness amongst the fellow friends is a key factor for a successful experience.

TREK TO LOMANTHANG/MUSTANG
THE LAST REMAINING TIBETAN KINGDOM.
October 7 to October 23, 2006

A journey to Nepal means visiting sacred temples, holy shrines, medieval cities, and ancient palaces and monasteries. It means trekking in the mountains, following rushing rivers, playing with innocent children, walking in silence under the eyes of watchful spirits, and resting in sacred spots. A trek in Nepal means changing course because of different rock formations and taking trails to ‘high Tibetan plateaus' where the wind and sand become the only world known to the observer. The high Himalayan Mountains of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Macchepuchhere, and Annapurnas are the faithful guides. A trek though this land allows a person to listen to their inner silence.

The famous 17 th century Russian mystic and explorer Roerich, said, “Only after having seen the incomparable beauty of the Himalayas is it possible to talk about the presence of the Creator”.

Trekking to Mustang is the most popular and fascinating hiking experience in Nepal. The government of Nepal opened the doors to trekkers in October 1991, and it strictly controls all trekking permits. The government has fixed annual quotas for trekkers with rules and regulations that must be observed. These rules protect the traditions and the environment of the area. This trek is done as an organized group, for individual trekkers cannot obtain permits. The people of this region are ethnic Tibetans practicing Buddhism and the pre-Buddhist Bon religion. This mountainous trail is almost barren in landscape with trails ascending and descending under the panoramic views of the great mountains. This trek will remain ‘a vivid memory for a lifetime'.

Daily program of the tour and trek:  
October 7 to October 23, 2006

Month/date
10/07: Arrive in Kathmandu and check into the Hotel Vaishali. In the evening there is a welcome dinner.

10/08: In the morning we visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square, Asan Bazar,(the oldest commercial area of the valley) and other religious and historic sites. After lunch we prepare for our departure, and have a briefing on the trek. We end our day with dinner.

10/09: This morning we leave, by private bus, for the beautiful lake city of Pokhara. This is the spot where most trekking to the Annapurna, Mustang and Dolpo areas begins. Our bus follows the banks of the River Trishuli and the River Seti. Along the route we will see beautiful green forests and terraced fields with rice and other crops. The distance is 200 kilometers and will take about 7 hours. On arrival we will check into the Hotel Kantipur.

10/10: Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni: (about 3 hours and 30 minutes, 2900 mts) In the early morning we fly to Jomsom (2720 meters) which is about a 25 minute flight. The trekking starts from Jomson. We walk by the banks of River Kali Gandaki, and pass through Ekle Bhatti. We reach Kagbeni, which is a green oasis at the junction of Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola. We overnight in a guesthouse.

10/11: Kagbeni to Chele (approx. 6 hour walk, 3200mts.): After an early morning breakfast we trek to Tangbe Village, ascending up a trail with a view of the northern skyline and Nilgiri Peak. After a stop for lunch we continue ascending until we reach Chele. We will overnight in tents.

10/12: Chele to Ghiling (approx. 6 hour walk, 3510 mts.): Today we climb to Samar, walking through a dry terrain with many holy chortens. The trail winds up and down to a large gorge and into another beautiful valley. After lunch we descend to Shyanmochen. We then climb up some rough terrain and cross a pass in order to reach Ghiling. We will overnight in tents.

10/13: Ghiling to Charang ( approx. 5 hours and 30 minutes, 3650 mts.): Today we have a gentle climb to the interesting Nyi La pass and then we descend into the valley of the Tangmar Chu River. At this point, we climb the longest and the most spectacular stretch to the main wall of Nepal. After lunch we hike over another pass and descend to Charang. We overnight in tents.

10/14: Charang to Lo Manthang: (5 hours walk and 3730 mts.): On our early morning walk we descend and cross over the Charang Chu River. We then ascend to a hilltop where we will have a view of, the walled city, of Lo Manthang. After descending we will cross over a stream, and follow the trail into the plateau of Lo, where we reach Lo Manthang.

10/15: Lo Manthang: Today we visit the God House, Chanipa, the Red Thugchen Gompa, the Raja's/King's four storied palace, the Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall. We will overnight in tents.

10/16: Lo Manthang and the surroundings area: Today we visit Tingkhar, the King's summer Palace, Kimling, Phuwa, the Gompa of Namgyals, ‘The Monastery of Victory', a newly constructed monastery on the periphery of the walled city.

10/17: Lo Manthang to Marang La (4353mts.) to Ghami (3690mts), (approx. 7 hours walk) : Today we ascend to Marang Pass where we have our last glimpse of Lo Manthang. We descend through two wonderful valleys with meadows and streams and stop in Gekar for lunch. Here we will see Lo Gekar Gompa, one of the oldest in Nepal. It is believed to be older than the ancient Samye Gompa of Tibet. Having visited this magical power place, we cross a ridge and walk down to Ghami and overnight in tent.

10/18: Ghami – Samar (approx. 6 hours walk, 3690 mts.): Today we climb to Nyi La Pass and descend down the same route we had taken to Samar.

10/19: Samar – Jomsom (approx. 6 hours and 30 minutes walk, 2720 mts.): On our last day of trekking we walk down to the valley of Kali Gandaki passing through Kag Beni in order to return to Jomsom. We will stay overnight at the Hotel Majesty.

10/20: Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu : Today we catch a 25 minute flight to Pokhara following the Kali Gandaki River and flying the spectacular views of the mountains then take a flight to Kathmandu. We check into the Hotel Vaishali in Thamel.

10/21: Early morning we drive to Bhaktapur the city of devotees about 18 kilometers away from Thamel. We visit the old Palace Square, Taumadi Chowk, Peacock Window, Potary Square, wood carvers, weavers, etc. Lunch in Bhaktapur and drive to Patan the city of beauty. Here we visit the old Palace Square, Golden Temple, Kumbeshwar Temple, Krishna mandir, Water fountains, metal workers, etc. patan is like an open museum with many temples, pagodas, water fountains and statues lying everywhere. Drive back to Thamel in the late afternoon.

10/22: Morning drive to Pashupatinath (the lord and protector of animals) temple. This is the holiest of all the holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world. We walk around this holy place visiting various temples, old age house, cremation places by the side of River Bagmati, climb up hill to the forest of Sleshmantak and walk down to the temple of Guheshwari. We drive to Boudhanath and lunch in a restaurant overlooking the stupa. Boudhnath area is sometimes called ‘little Tibet' because of the presence of many Tibetans who flew into Nepal and took political asylum thus establishing many monasteries and temples. We visit the monasteries and participate the prayers of monks if the time is favorable and drive back to Thamel. This is the last day for shopping and preparing luggage. Group farewell dinner.

10/23: Early morning departure to the airport with a warm farewell of “NAMASTE” to the group. Checkout time from the hotel is 12:00 noon.

The Cost of the Tour and Trek is US $ 2500

The cost includes :

• 5 nights in Hotel Vaishali in Kathmandu on B/B plan and one night in Pokhara in Hotel The Kantipur on B/B plan
• all the airport arrivals and departures
• normal trekking permit
• national park permit
• royalty paid to the govt. for protected areas of US$950 per head
• sightseeing tours in the valley by private bus
• entrance fees as applicable to different monuments and cities
• Kathmandu to Pokhara by a private bus
• Tours guided by a knowledgable guide fluent in English
• Airfare: Pokhara to Jimsom and Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu
• All the airport taxes both domestic and international
• English speaking trekking guide, tour leader and porter services, sherpas, cooks, kitchen boys during trekking
• All the three meals(breakfast, lunch and dinner) included during trekking
• Accommodation in comfortable tents on two people in one tent sharing basis during trekking
• All necessary equipments: down jacket, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen tent, dining tent, dining table and chair
• Assistance of Bhola and Mimi during the full course of stay in Nepal.

The cost does not include :

• airfare to and from Kathmandu from the country of origin of travels of the participants
• visa and consular fees for entry to Nepal (US$30)
• drinks, bar bills and foods other than provided during the meals hours in trekking
• major meals and drinks in Kathmandu and Pokhara and expenses of personal characters
• expenses incurred in case of any sickness or any kinds of inability to walk during trekking which compels to hire a pony or a porter
• rescue operations by helicopter in case of any unfavorable natural calamities: like snow fall, accident, strike of regular flights or cancellation of regular flights
• health and travel insurance and all other services not mentioned in the clause, ‘cost included'

Necessary personal belongings to be brought:
A pair of trekking/hiking shoes, a pair of sport shoes and sandal, woolen pullover and sweater, two pairs of light weight trousers, windproof trouser, a sun hat with wide brim to cover the face and neck, a pair of woolen gloves, three pairs thin and three pairs thick woolen socks, toilet items, face and hand creams(wind and sun protection creams), chap sticks, camera with enough films and batteries, towel, soap, a note book, water bottle, rain jacket or umbrella, sunglasses, torch light with batteries and bulbs, dry fruits, cakes, energy drinks and cookies, enough personal medical supplies, walking sticks and any thing personal one needs other than mentioned above. 4 pieces of passport size photographs, two photocopies of passport.

MINIMUM NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 11

OR

ANNAPURNA-MUKTINATH TREKKING
October 7 to October 23, 2006

Annapurna- Muktinath Trekking is the most rewarding and classic treks in Nepal. Trekking starts from Nayapul about 30 kms. from the city of Pokhara at the altitude of 900 mts. This route is habited by many different ethnic groups like the Brahmins, Chhetris, Gurungs, Magars, Thakalis,etc. at different altitudes who speak varied languages and have different cultures and traditions. The route takes us through the rhododendron, pine and tropical like vegetation and lush green rice filed, water falls, rivers, stiff cliffs, sky touching mountains like the Dhaulagiri, Annapurnas, Nilgiri and many other peaks, the Kaligandaki valley, hot water spring, and the trekking ends with a sacred water bath at 108 fountains in Muktnath( salvation).

Tentative program day by day:

Month/day
10/07 : Group arrival in Kathmandu and check into Hotel Vaishali followed by ‘welcome dinner'.

10/08 : Morning visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which also houses the temples of Shiva and Parvati and many other temples and shrines including the house of the virgin Goddess, Kumari. Lunch on a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square and walk back to Thamel passing through the oldest commercial center of the valley, Asan Bazar. Group meeting with the responsible of the agency, guide and acquiring of the needed materials and preparation for the next day's journey.

10/09 : Kathmandu-Pokhara-Birethanti 1025mts : Early morning by a private bus the leaves for Pokhara about 200KMS. The road takes us by the banks of River Trishuli and Seti through paddy fields and green hills. Leaving Phewa Lake on the left we drive up hill to Naudanda from where the turquoise big lake and the amazing valley of Pokara is seen. We drive down to Nayapul (new bridge), leave the bus and start walking with our guide and porters (coolie). About half an hour walk takes us to Birethanti a small settlement by the side of a river and retire for the night in a lodge.

10/10 : Birethanti-Tikhedhunga-Ulleri 1540 mts : Breakfast by the riverside restaurant of the lodge. We will be walking through small villages, rice terraces, forests, torrential turquoise color water, a real Nepali village life. We stopover for lunch in Tikhedhunga and in the afternoon continue walking up hill passing through small hamlets finally arriving at a lodge in Ulleri. Overnight in a lodge. ( approx. 6,30 minutes walk).

10/11: Ulleri-Nangethati-Ghorepani 2750 mts: From Ulleri we see the wonderful trail we had walked the day before. If the weather is clear we can see the Annapurna South from the lodge with the rising sun. We start our trek passing through the village and entering into the forest of rhododendron forest, rivers with small wooden bridges and stone steps. Stopover for lunch in Nangethati in the middle of the wilderness. We ascend through the trail together with our porters, other local folks, mules transporting the food items and the sheep and goats. We overnight in a lodge on top of the hill in Ghorepani from where the next morning views of Annapurnas, Brahasinghe, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and the valley down hill is seen. (approx. 6 hours walk).

10/12: Ghorepani-Ghara-Tatopani 1190 mts: We take breakfast early in the morning enjoying the most wonderful view of this trek and descend down the rhododendron forest and villages habited by warm hearted smiling people, rice fields and incredible panorama. Stopover for lunch in Ghara and continue descend. A steep downhill takes us to the river valley of Kali Gandaki which is considered to be the deepest gorge in the world. We cross over this long suspension bridge and on further walk we reach Tatopani (hot water spring). Overnight in guest house and a feast of kaligandaki river fishes. (approx. 8 hours walk).

10/13: Tatopani-Dana 1402 mts: Unlike other mornings, we breakfast little bit later that other mornings and head to the hot water pools by the side of Kali Gandaki river. We make full immersion in the hot water all the morning with the view of the Nilgiri and forests on both side of the river, sometimes monkeys descending down to get a deep in the water. We lunch and trek by the shore of the river with views of mountains, valleys and waterfalls and villages arriving in Dana a beautiful small village with wonderful architecture and overnight in a lodge. (approx. 2,30 minutes walk).

10/14: Dana-Ghasa-Kalopani 2530 mts: A long day but soft trail. We start our day with views of water falls and mountains, folks milking cows, mules coming down from Mustang with loads of apple and potatoes. With a siesta under the Rupse water falls drinking lemon tea we ascend up trail and after a soft walk and steep ascend, we pass through a very narrow passage and enter into reigns of Lower Mustangwith conifer and juniper vegegetation with overnight in a guest house in Kalopani just below the ice falls of Dhaulagiri. (approx. 8 hours walk).

10/15: Kalopani-Tukche-Marpha 2667 mts: Under the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurnas, we follow the kaligandaki river crossino over suspension bridges and villages habited by Thakali ethnic groups. We come across old chortens and stupas constructed many millenniums back with stones and mud with stone carved with mantras of ‘OM MANI PADME HUM'. The land mass looks like a desert of Tibetan plateau with dry windy air, cold and dusty. Stopover in Tukche for lunch which is know fro its production of apple, peaches and almonds. We continue our trek walking under the rocky ridges and wind with incredible visions of some flacons and eagles flying above our heads. We reach Marpha an old settlement with antique houses, monastery and caves above the village where many years back ascetics meditated. Marpha was the key point of passage of caravan between Nepal and Tibet for several centuries. We overnight in a lodge and visit the village in the late evening. (approx. 7 hours walk).

10/16: Marpha-Jomsom-Eklebhatti 2740 mts: Followed by the eagles in the high sky and strong wind hitting the face, we reach Jomsom the district capital of Mustang for lunch. The dry hills with gray-reddish color, scarce vegetation and dry weather makes this journey very interesting. Being cut off from the world for a week, we have chance here to make phone calls all over the world. We lunch, get registered with the Annapur conservation office and military checks, we cross over the wooden bridge and continue walking. This part of the river bank is known for fossils of ammonite, ‘shaligram', very sacred in Hindu religion and folk traditions. The distance views look like sand dunes and ice falls together. Overnight in a lodge in Eklebhatti. (approx. 6 hours walk).

10/17: Eklebhatti-Jharkot-Muktinath 3802 mts: Having delicious breakfast of Tibetan bread and tea, we prepare for the final day ascend to the highest point of our adventure and pilgrimage. After a steep ascend to the hill we see the trails on the other side of the river far off taking to Dolpo and down in the valley we have a bird eye view of Kagbeni with a beautiful settlement, monastery and oasis of trees and some cultivation. We stop in ‘Romeo and Juilet' restaurant to have a cup of tea looking up the walls of Muktinath Temple and the snow clad mountains. We go ahead with more ascending trail and reach an antique village of Jharkot with a Bon Monastery, traditional herbal medicine center and wonderful people. We visit this settlement and continue to Muktinath. On reaching Muktinath we overnight in a lodge from where we see the fascinating views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurnas, Nilgiri, etc. and the hills and the valleys down hill. We breath like being in the top of the world! (approx. 6 hours walk).

10/18: Muktinath : After breakfast we walk through the rocky trail and reach Muktinath, our final destination. This is called the place of ‘salvation' which is sacred for Buddhists, Hindus, animists and shamans. The courageous can take shower walking under the cold water falling from 108 sacred fountain and getting deeps in two ponds on the other side of the temple three times. No. 108 represents the 108 important energy points (marmas) in the body and three rounds of holy bath means to cleanse the physical, mental and spiritual bodies and to live in harmony with three worlds. Having cleansing ourselves, we visit the temples and make pyramid like structure of stones for the next successive reincarnations. Back to the lodge, lunch and in the afternoon whoever wants, we walk to the base camp of Thorong peak at 4200 mts.

10/19: Muktinath-Kagbeni 2800 mts: Having breakfast we descend down to the confluence of Kaligandaki and Muktinath Khola were lies the village of Kagbeni which is also called the ‘gateway to Upper Mustang – Lo Manthang '. We visit the monastery, the old stupas, chortens, effigies- protectors of house, livestock and village. After lunch we go to look for fossils by the banks of the river. Kagbeni: kag means a crow and beni means the confluence ( crows are regarded to be the messengers of death in the Nepalese tradition). Therefore, to offer water to the ancestors of this confluence is to remember them and help them to pass through several realms of death and reach heaven. It also means to keep off the messenger of death from our vicinity. Overnight in a lodge. (approx. 3 hours walk)

10/20: Kagbeni-Jomsom 2713 mts: We take breakfast late morning and trek to Jomsom passing through Eklebhatti. (approx. 3 hours walk).

10/21: Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathandu: We check into the airport depending upon our time of departure and fly to Pokhara ( approx. 25 minutes). We wait in the airport for the successive flight to Kathmandu the same morning. Drive to Thamel and check into Hotel Vaishali. Afternoon free.

10/22: After breakfast we drive to Bhaktapur and visit the wonderful mediaval city. After lunch drive to Patan and in the late afternoon back to hotel. ( for descriptions, please go through the other programs).

10/23: Visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, lunch in Boudhanath, drive back to hotel in the afternoon. Preparation of bags and and last minute shopping followed by a ‘farewell dinner'.

10/24: After breakfast, drive to the airport depending upon the time schedules and ‘bye' with warm “NAMASTE”. ( hotel checkout time is 12:00 noon ).

The cost of the trip is US$2500 Single supplement is US$185

The cost includes :

• airfare : Jomsom- Pokhara- Kathmandu including airport taxes
• international departure airport tax
• entry fee to the Annapurna National Park and trekking permit
• entrance fees in all the cities and monuments in the Kathmandu valley wherever applicable
• English speaking city guide for the valley sight seeing
• Transport by private bus in the valley and from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Nayapul
• All the airport transfers
• English speaking trekking guide and tour leader
• Porter services during the entire course of trekking
• Lodge and guest house charges during trekking
• 6 nights in Hotel Vaishali including breakfast
• tips to the guide, porters, drivers, helpers, hotel staff, lodge staff, etc.
• assistance of organizers

The cost does not include :

• airfare to and from Kathmandu from the country of origin of the participants
• Nepalese visa issued at the airport in Kathmandu (US$30)
• Drinks and food during entire course of trekking
• Drinks and food while in Kathmandu and during the course of transfers
• Expenses of personal character
• Increase in airfare, govt. taxes and hotel rents
• The cost of chartering helicopter incase of any incidents or sickness or cancellation of regular flights
• Renting down jackets and sleeping bags and any equipments
• Travel and health insurance
• Besides what is not mentioned in the clause ‘cost includes'

NECESSARY PERSONAL BELONGINGS TO BE BROUGHT: (all items mentioned under Lo Manthang trekking are applicable).

MINIMUM NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 11

For further information and travel logistics, please write to:
James A. Dalton
American International Travel
Affiliated with the Spirit of Travel
3045 South Parker Road – Suit 201
Aurora, CO 80014, U.S.A.
Tel: 303 751-7200 FAX: 303 751-7526
Toll Free: 800 359-7200
E-mail: aitjim@yahoo.com

TARIFF IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO RISE IN PETROLIUM PRODUCTS AND FLUCTUATION IN INTERNATIONAL MONETARY EXCHANGE RATES.