The Royal Nepal Spectacular
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Country: Nepal |
Description |
Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this
13 night / 14 day itinerary is considered to be one
of the most comprehensive programs offered in Nepal.
It allows guests to experience all aspects of this wonderful
and exciting country. It has been designed so that the
minimum amount of time is spent travelling between each
destination, enabling one to enjoy the best that each
activity can provide. The Royal Nepal Spectacular features
the 5-star
Yak & Yeti Hotel (in Kathmandu), in Pokhara the
5-star
Shangri-La Village Resort, Ker & Downey
Lodges (while on trek), Ker & Downey River Camp
(on the Seti Gandaki River) and Tiger Tops Tented Camp
(in Royal Chitwan National Park). |
Itinerary |
DAY 1: KATHMANDU (4265 ft / 1300 meters):
Arrive in Kathmandu; reception at airport and transfer
to the centrally located Yak & Yeti Hotel. We will
have a full briefing on our program followed by a sightseeing
trip to Durbar Square. There will be a welcome dinner
in Thamel, followed by a short walk back to the hotel.
Overnight Yak & Yeti Hotel, deluxe room (D)
DAY 2: TREK TO SANCTUARY LODGE: (3750ft/1150m) This
morning we fly to Pokhara (3300 ft /1000 m). We’ll
have a briefing at the Ker & Downey head office
before we transfer by road with guides & porters
to our trek start point {1-hour}. Our walk will follow
a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas
with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route
then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker &
Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent
views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain,
or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. Lunch is at
the lodge followed by an optional walk to the village
of Birethanti. Or you may choose to spend the afternoon
exploring the surrounding river valley (Trek time 3-4
hours).
Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 3: TREK TO HIMALAYA LODGE, GHANDRUK. (6,600ft/2,012m).
After breakfast, we leave the lodge walking out through
the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley.
Soon we begin to climb out of the valley & up towards
the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets,
terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views
of the surrounding valley. Snacks are provided along
the trail. Hot lunch is served on arrival at the lodge
in the early afternoon. (Trek time 5-6 hours). It is
from this lodge that there are magnificent close up
views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 4: HIMALAYA LODGE: We wake up this morning with
tea and coffee served in the garden and watch the sunrise
over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna,
and the Fishtail. After enjoying a relaxing breakfast
and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, our
guide will take us on an exploration of this mountain
village and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk was
once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha
soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry
of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.
Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 5: TREK TO SANCTUARY LODGE, BIREHTANTI: (3750ft/1150m)
After breakfast, we leave the Himalaya Lodge walking
out through the village of Ghandruk. Buffaloes and goats
graze in the surrounding fields and you may have to
make way for the donkey and mule trains that convey
goods to and from the Gurkha settlements. You may also
meet some of the trekkers coming down from or heading
up to the Sanctuary itself. We continue descending for
about 2 or 3 hours until we reach Shauli Bazaar. From
here, we follow along the Modi River until reaching
the Sanctuary Lodge. We’ll have lunch at the lodge
followed by another opportunity to walk to the village
of Birethanti. Or you may choose to spend the afternoon
relaxing by the river bank. (Trek time 4 hrs).
Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 6: TREK TO GURUNG LODGE, MAJGAUN: (4620ft/1,400m)
Following a leisurely breakfast, we leave the Sanctuary
lodge & trek to Ker & Downey's Gurung Lodge.
The lodge is built along the lines of a traditional
Nepalese village. Every room has spectacular views of
the surrounding valley and mountains. Trek time to the
Lodge is just 2 hours. After lunch at the lodge, you
will be escorted to the local village of Tanchok. There
will be a talk at a local house, now made into a museum.
The contents of the house illustrate how the local people
live, together with the tools and implements of day
to day traditional village life. There will also be
a visit to the school and should there be more than
6 guests, the school children will visit the lodge and
perform a number of local dances and songs typical of
the region.
Overnight Gurung Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 7: TREK TO BASANTA LODGE, DHAMPUS (5000 ft / 1525
m).This morning we start out trekking through the unspoiled
village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical
forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and
magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village
of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell
their souvenirs. After about 3 1⁄2 hours, we arrive
at the Basanta Lodge. From the lodge, there are sweeping
views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at
the lodge there will be an optional walk through the
old village of Dhampus.
Overnight Basanta Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 8: TREK TO POKHARA (3300 ft /1000 m) After breakfast,
we depart along the ridge & descend through the
wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley
floor. Trek time 1 1⁄2 hours. We then transfer
by vehicle to the Shangri-La Village Resort in Pokhara
(30 minutes). On the way back to Pokhara, the vehicle
can stop on request at the Tibetan refugee camp where
you will have time to explore the temple complex. We’ll
arrive at the Shangri-La Village in time for lunch.
The rooms at the Shangri-La are filled with ethnic touches.
Surrounding the rooms are spacious, landscaped gardens,
water features, a swimming pool and stunning views of
the surrounding mountains. The rest of the afternoon
is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s
Tibetan curio shops are located.
Overnight Shangri-La Village Resort (B, L, D)
DAY 9: SETI RIVER CAMP (1000 ft / 300 m) After breakfast,
we transfer to Damauli, a journey of some 11⁄2
hours through the countryside. Here we will be met by
our experienced boat crew, who will give us a full briefing
prior to launch. The Seti River has no road access so
the river and surrounding valley remain pristine. Floating
down the river gives us a chance to see village life
along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds.
There will be a picnic lunch on a sandy beach on the
way to the camp. Today, there are 2 small rapids of
no more than grade 2 and are no longer than 165 ft /
50 metres. The remainder of the trip is very much a
float experience. Upon arrival, you will be shown to
your safari style tent with beds, changing room, veranda
and attached bathroom. Rafting time 2 to 3 hours depending
on water levels.
Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)
DAY 10: SETI RIVER CAMP (1000 ft / 300 m) Today we will
have a layover day at the Seti River Camp. This second
day allows us time to truly relax. In the morning, we’ll
hike through surrounding forests to remote nearby villages
where no other travel companies go. After our hike,
we can take a dip in the river. Lunch is at the camp.
The afternoon is free to explore the landscaped gardens,
riverbank, or just relax in a hammock or tree house.
Evenings are spent around an open fire of driftwood,
at this unique safari-style river camp.
Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)
DAY 11: The morning is spent rafting. There are 5 class
2 rapids. Again, each is no more than 165 ft / 50 meters.
The remainder of the trip is a float when you can enjoy
the surrounding countryside. Rafting time will be 2
to 3 hours depending on water levels. On completion
of the rafting, we transfer by vehicle to the Royal
Chitwan National Park, enjoying lunch en route (a journey
of some 2 hours.) On arrival at the park, we are transferred
to the Tented Camp by canoe and four-wheel drive vehicle.
On arrival at camp, we will receive a briefing prior
to an afternoon safari or nature walk. The safari-style
tents at Tiger Tops have en suite bathrooms.
Overnight Tiger Tops Tented Camp (B, L, D)
Day 12: The day is spent game viewing on elephant back
and on foot. There are also lectures on the wildlife
of the Park. Boat trips are available on request.
Overnight Tiger Tops Tented Camp (B, L, D)
Day 13: After early morning game viewing and breakfast
at camp, we will be transferred to the airfield. We’ll
have a light lunch here before our 30-minute flight
back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll
visit Boudhanath, home to the largest Buddhist Stupa
in Nepal and a great place for last minute shopping.
We’ll then return to the hotel before enjoying
our farewell dinner in Thamel.
Overnight Yak & Yeti Hotel, Deluxe room (B, L, D)
Day 14: After an early morning breakfast, we will have
the option to experience one of the most spectacular
mountain flights in the world. The plane departs Kathmandu
and flies eastwards, alongside the Himalayas, giving
us eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including
Mt. Everest. The flight lasts one hour. After the mountain
flight, we return to the hotel for breakfast (time permitting)
before returning to the airport for our onward journey
(B) |
Departure |
| Kathmandu,
Nepal |
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Included |
Two nights accommodation at the Yak &
Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu, deluxe rooms including breakfast
2 dinners in Kathmandu at local restaurants
One night's accommodation in the Shangri-La Village
full board
Six nights' accommodation in Ker & Downey's Lodges.
Featuring:
Solar heated showers, flush toilets and electricity
All meals, snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee while
on trek
All laundry while on trek
All local beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic while
in Ker & Downey Lodges
Services of qualified Ker & Downey guides and porters
The loan of a Trek Pack, which include duffel bags,
daypacks, hat and scarf (these items you may keep) walking
stick, poncho
Down jackets, warm hats and gloves are provided in the
lodges.
A comprehensive group First Aid Kit, carried by your
guide
Three days, two nights rafting featuring:
Accommodation at Ker & Downey's Seti River Camp
All meals, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, local
alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee
all equipment including dry bags, spray suits and rafting
booties
Two nights accommodation in Tiger Tops Tented Camp,
including meals and activities
Sightseeing in Kathmandu:
Durbar Square and Boudhanath
All internal air and land transfers in Nepal
All permits
Use of trained guides throughout your trip
Royal Nepal Spectacular rates exclude:
International air, departure taxes, insurance, gratuities,
Mount Everest Flight $170.00. |
Departure Dates |
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October 14, 2008 - October 27, 2008; November 11 - November 24, 2008; December 22, 2008 - January 4, 2009; January 12 - January 25, 2009 (15% discount on this departure!); February 16 - March 1, 2009; March 5 - March 18, 2009; April 3 - April 16, 2009
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