Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu

Depending on your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel. Evening time can be spent taking a tour in busy Thamel Street or just enjoying your beer in the hotel garden.

Meals: B

Day 02: In Kathmandu

Today after the breakfast we’ll be touring around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath Stupa are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar square shows us the regal life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most scared Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the view point of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chorten ever made around the world.

Later on, after the sight-seeing we will introduce to our fellow participants and discuss our trip preparations.

Meals: B

Day 03: Fly to Nepaljung

Today morning you are transferred to Domestic Airport for the flight to Nepaljung which takes approx. 1 hr.

Upon arrival at the Nepaljung Airport, you are transferred to the booked hotel.

Meals: BLD

Day 04: Fly to Juphal and trek to Raktang (2260 m). Approx. 4-5 hrs walk

Breakfast at the Hotel. Today we will fly to Dolpo which takes approx. 45 mins. Upon arrival at Juphal, we meet with our trekking crewsat the airport and head out to Raktang.

From Raktang, we descend steeply out of Juphal through the terraced village of Dhagmara and cross the wooden bridge posts carved with shamanistic faces. After a few hours of walk we come to an Army Post after crossing the suspension bridge at the confluence of the Thuli Bheri and the Sulighat. From Sulighat we pass through small hamlet of Kalapuri then to Kageni and finally to Raktang.

Meals: BLD

Day 05: Trek to Chepka (2840 m). Approx 4-5 hrs walk

We continue our trek following the western bank of Suli Khola, passing through pasture lands. After two hours of walk, we come across a wodden bridge and further 3 hours walk lead us to our camp site at Chepka a small Tibetan settlement tucked away amongst the steep hill-sides.

Meals: BLD

Day 06: Trek to Amchi hospital (3110 m). Approx. 5-6 hrs walk

From Chepka we head to Amchi Hospital, crossing few wooden bridges on the way. We will stop at Rechi for Lunch. From Rechi, we trek for anotherhour or two to reach Amchi Hospital where we camp for overnight.

Meals: BLD

Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo (3740 m). Approx. 4-5 hrs walk

Today we ascend towards thePhoksundo Lake and the village of Ringmo Village (3652m).Phoksundo Lake is regarded as one of the most scenic and beautiful lakes in Nepal.

You can also see the Norbung Kang (6085m) peak on the right corner of the lake; our main destination. We continue along this high, sandy trail, descending slowly through a lovely forest of larches and birch.

Meals: BLD

Day 08: Acclimatization day at Phoksundo

Day is at leisure. Today we explore around the Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery). The Gompa is nestledat a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake and was built about 900 years ago.Then we descend down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs.


Meals: BLD

Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka (3990m). Approx. 7 hrs walk

Today morning we start our trek from Phoksundo. After crossing the Phoksundo River we then descend down to Rike and head on to Yak Kharka commonly known as Bagala Base Camp.

Meals: BLD

Day 10: Trek to Danigar (4631m) Via Bagala Pass. Approx. 7-8 Hrs Walk

After breakfast, we start our trek to Danigar. We come across a bridge and walk alongside the Maduwa Khola to Bagala Phedi. En-route to Danigar we climb uphill along the shabby yak trail to Bagala Pass (5214m). From the top of the pass, we can see sacred chortens and Norbung Kang peak and other peaks looming in front of us.

Meals: BLD

Day 11: Trek Danigar to Norbung Kang Base Camp. Approx. 5-6 hrs walk

From Danigar we head to Norbung Kang Base camp which takes approx.5-6 hrs walk. We can only summit the Norbung Kang peak from base camp as there are no any specific camping place in between base camp and Norbung Kang.

Meals: BLD

Day 12: Reserve day.

Today we follow the basic principle of Mountaineering, “Climb High Sleep Low”. We will explore around the base camp to get acclimatize and know the mountain better.

Meals: BLD

Day 13: Early morning Ascent Norbung Kang (6005m) and back to Base Camp

Early morning we attempt towards the summit of Norbung Kang Peak. The views from the top of the summit is mesmerizing majestic Himalayan peaks on our head level. We then descend down to the Base Camp.

Meals: BLD

Day 14: Trek back to Danigar. Approx. 4-5 hrs walk

After the successful summit to the peak, we trace down our tracks back to Danigar.

Meals: BLD

Day 15: Trek to Numla Base Camp (5190m). Approx. 7-8 hrs walk

From Danigar we trek to Numla Base Camp following alongside the river bank of Gyambho Khola. We then climb uphill to Numala Pass (5240m) on the rugged trail. From the top of the Numla pass, you can have a majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Churen Himal and Norbung Kang Pass as well.

After crossing the pass, the trail is relatively easier.

Meals: BLD

Day 16: Trek to Dhotarap (3945m). Approx. 4-5 hrs walk

Today we descend down to Dho Tarap. Enroute we can see the dramatic Shering Gompa which houses the monks in the region. After further descend, we come to Tokyu and then to Dho Tarap. The trail towards Dho Tarap follows Thakchui Khola and soon we start to sight a settlement with small houses. There is a health post support by the project and also an Amchi Clinic (traditional healing practice) in Dho Village.

Meals: BLD

Day 17: Trek to Nawarpani (3475m). Approx. 6-7 hrs walk

Following the banks of Tarap Khola, we descend down to Nawarpani. At Langa we cross the bridge and then before heading to sisual, the trail ascends to another small pass. Beyond the pass, the valley widens dramatically, which is a sight to view.

Meals: BLD

Day 18: Trek to Tarakot (2,537m). Approx. 7-8 hrs walk

It is a straight downhill walk from Nawarpani to Tarakot. Enroute we come across few monasteries. After crossing the Thuli Bheri river on a wooden bridge further descend leads to Tarakot.

Meals: BLD

Day 19: Trek to Dunai (2140m). Approx. 7 hrs walk.

From Tarakot, we climb uphill to Dunai. Dunai is quite a big mountainous town in Dolpo region which has local schools, health post, government offices, police station.

Meals: BLD

Day 20: Trek to Juphal (2475m). Approx. 4 hrs walk

From Dunai, we trek to Juphal following the southern bank of Bheri River and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill.

Meals: BLD

Day 21: Fly Juphal to Kathmandu.

Today we bid our farewell to our trekking crew members, collecting all memories of past 2 weeks. We then connect flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are transferred to Hotel.

Meals: BLD

Day 22: In Kathmandu

Free day in Kathmandu. A cushion day incase if the Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight gets cancelled.

Meals: B

Day 23: Final Departure

Depending on your flight time, our airport check in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM. In case our flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel.

Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport.

Meals: B

Visa

Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.

Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).

Vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.

Eating & Drinking

Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).

Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.

Although meat is available in the tea houses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges, and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend using hand sanitiser.

If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.

Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.

We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.

All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).

SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.

If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.

While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.

Weather

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.

Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.

Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.

Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.

Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.

Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.