Village Tourism in Nepal

Nepal is a predominantly rural society, and its rich culture and ethnic diversity are best experienced in its villages. A growing number of programmes enable visitors to stay overnight in private homes in traditional villages far from the tourist trails.
Village stays (or village tourism, as this relatively new activity is called in the business) offer a unique opportunity for comfortable cultural immersion. The idea is that a tour operator contracts with a whole village to accommodate and entertain guests; rooms in local houses are fitted with bathrooms and a few tourist-style comforts, host families are trained to prepare meals hygienically, and a guide accompanies the guests to interpret. Participating villages tend to be located a couple of hours' walk from the nearest road - close enough to be easily accessible for less-than-fit visitors, yet far enough to be culturally intact and shielded from outside influences. (You'd never find these places on your own.)
Village tourism differs from trekking in a couple of important ways. First, although some walking is involved, and a trekking permit may even be required, exercise is secondary to the cultural experience: the whole point is to stay in one village and get to know its people, not to cover distances between villages. Second, accommodation is in an actual home, not a trekking inn filled with other backpackers, so the cross-cultural exchange is more authentic. And while participating villages obviously do get tourists, they get far fewer than even the most minor halt along a standard teahouse trek, and are completely uncommercialized.
Tourism and its economic benefits are far too concentrated in a few areas of Nepal, so village tourism is seen as a promising way to disperse visitors and spread thewealth. Under the best programmes, local people get to keep 50 percent of the proceeds - that's big money, given the high rates charged by operators - and since all food and services are locally produced, virtually all of the money stays in the community. However, if village tourism catches on, get-rich-quick operators can be expected to dive in with cut-price packages that give locals a much smaller portion of the cut, so if you're considering a village stay, question prospective operators closely about where the money's going.
So if you're an individual orcouple you should contact the companies well in advance and adjust your schedule to coordinate with already-scheduled departures.
A few language institutes and other recoganizations in Kathmandu also organize informal homestays with individual families in and around the valley. Most of these are intended specifically to provide Nepali language immersion, but at least one programme is set up for tourists just wanting to spend a weekend with a Nepali family.

Tibet Tour

Tibet is a most unnamed and beautiful place in the world. It is situated above 4,000 meters (13,000 ft.) and is surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides. The awe-inspiring Himalaya, Buddhist monks, Lamas and Nomads are spectacular features of the high and dry Tibetan plateau. Tibet is thought to be locked away in its mountain fortress of the Himalaya. Tibet has long exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the West: 'Shangri-La', the Land of Snows, the Rooftop of the world, Tibet is mysterious in a way that few other places are.

This place is the perfect destination for the rugged adventurers and the spiritual wanderers. After centuries of complete isolation, Tibet is now opened up to the Western World. A visit to Tibet is a wonderful lifetime experience for all.

We have two different scheduled trips that can be organized from the month of March to the end of November each year as per following itineraries.

Trip Itinerary
7 nights 8 days trip to Tibet. (Overland in and Fly-out Or, Vice versa)

Day 01 KATHMANDU - NYALAM,
We start our tour with an early morning drive to Kodari, the Nepali border post. Weather permitting there will be fine views of Langtang, Gauri Shanker, Melungtse and Khumbu Himal ranges. Depending on the road situation we walk or drive up to Zhang Mu where we clear Chinese immigration. After the formalities we continue our journey through a beautiful gorge to Nyalam crossing the Himalayan range.
Altitude 3800 m., hotel

Day 02 NYALAM - LHATSE,
Our first stop on the Tibetan plateau will be on the 5200 m. high Lalung la pass from where we have a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range and Shisabangma, the highest peak in Tibet. While having lunch in Lao Tingri, the peaks of Mt. Everest (Qomolongma in Tibetan) and Cho Oyu can be seen. This day our journey is long but the
spectacular Tibetan plateau will make you forget time.
Altitude 4000 m., hotel

Day 03 LHATSE - SHIGATSE,
A four hour drive brings us to Tibet's second largest city, Shigatse. Here we visit Tashilumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, hence one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.
Altitude 3800 m.

Day 04 SHIGATSE - GYANTSE,
After a stroll through the old city we depart for the two and a half hour drive to Gyantse. While approaching the small farming town we can clearly see the old fort that was captured by Younghusband during his 1904 raid into Tibet. Here the main attraction is
the Kumbum monastery with it's extraordinary architecture.
Altitude 3900 m.

Day 05 GYANTSE - LHASA,
This will be a long drive but on the way we cross the Karo la with the beautiful glacier, we see Yamdrok tso which is named the Turquoise lake and cross the Kamba la from where we descend to the main road which brings us all the way to Lhasa.
Altitude 3650 m.

Day 06/07 SIGHTSEEING,
During these two days in Lhasa we visit the Potala palace, Drepung and Sera monasteries and of course the famous Jokhang temple including the surrounding Barkhor.

Day 08 LHASA to Kathamndu (By air)

COST: US$ 890.00

COST INCLUDES:
Tibet China Visa Fees, Transfer by 4WD Land Cruiser in Tibetan part and Jeep in Nepali part, accommodation in Twin Sharing room as per itinerary in budget hotel on BB basis, Sight seeing as per the itinerary by English speaking Tibetan guide, monastery entrance fees and all necessary transfer. One way flight ticket to Lhasa is included.

COST EXCLUDES:
Lunch and dinner, Nepal re-entry visa fees, insurance of any kind, expenses of personal nature and extra cost of 05 –10 Dollars in case of land slide in Nepali portion for porter and transportation.

Kanchenjunga Trekking

Mt. Kanchanjunga (8586m) regarding as most alluring and treacherous of all the mountains above 8000m is less scaled by mountaineers though this mountain is one of the most beautiful one. The region of Kanchanjunga lies in the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area and full of riches as regards the varieties of flora and fauna found in the area. A trek in this region gives a chance to witness the diverse cultural, ethnic and religious experience added by the most enchanting view of the landscape and ever alluring mountains. This is one of the least visited area and preserves the true fragrance of trek allowing one to be part of the life while spending nights in different villages in the trail. A trek in this region will take the trekkers to the heart of the mountains where they will be able to listen to the serenity and sanctity of the nature in full bliss. Trek in this region varies as per the time frame and the adventurous desire of the trekkers. We have many itineraries to offer to our guests and to give a glimpse of a visit of this region an itinerary is included herein below.

25 Days Kanchenjunga Trek

Day 01: Kathnamdu - Basantapur
Day 02: Basantapur - Chauki
Day 03: Chauki - Gupa Pokhari
Day 04: Gupa Pokhari - Gurjugoan
Day 05: Gurjugoan - Dobhan
Day 06: Dobhan - Mitlung
Day 07: Mitlung - Chiruwa
Day 08: Chiruwa - Sekathum
Day 09: Sekathum - Amjilassa
Day 10: Amjilassa - Kyapra
Day 11: Kyapra - Ghunsa
Day 12: Ghunsa - Khambachen
Day 13: Khambachen (rest day for acclimatization)
Day 14: Khambachen - Lhonak
Day 15: Trip to Pangpema (Kanchanjunga Base Camp)
Day 16: Khambachen - Tha Passes
Day 17: High Camp
Day 18: High Camp - Ramche
Day 19: Ramche - Tseram
Day 20: Tseram - Torontan
Day 21: Torantan - Yamphudin
Day 22: Yamphudin - Ponphe
Day 23: Ponphe - Pha Khola
Day 24: Pha Khola - Taplejung
Day 25: Fly Taplejung - Kathmandu

Hillary and Tenzing Trail Trek

Day 01: Trek to Shivalaya (1,810m)
Day 02: Trek to Deurali
Day 03: Trek to Sete (2,520m)
Day 04: Trek to Junbesi (2,580m)
Day 05: Trek to Nunthal (2,200m)
Day 06: Trek to Bupsa
Day 07: Trek to Choplung
Day 08: Trek to Monjo (2,810m)
Day 09: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,420m)
Day 10: Acclimatization/exploration/rest day at Namche Bazaar
Day 11: Trek to Tengboche and visit Tengboche Monastery (3,860m)
Day 12: Trek to Dingboche (4,360m)
Day 13: Trek to Lobuche (4,940m)
Day 14: Trek to Gorak Shep, the gateway to Everest’s summit (5,147m)
Day 15: Trek up Kala Pattar (5,550m/) and return to Lobuche
Day 16: Trek to Pangboche
Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 18: Trek to Lukla
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu

Humla & Jumla Treks

The trek from Simikot, the administrative center of Humla District to the Tibetan border is usually used to reach western Tibet, where Mt. Kailash is the major attraction. Tourism related facilities are relatively undeveloped in this area although several organizations are working to promote community based tourism opportunities between Simikot and the border. The only way to reach Simikot is to fly from Nepalgunj or to trek from Rara Lake – the largest lake in Nepal. The area surrounding the lake is Rara National Park. Schedule flights to Simikot are generally unreliable due to weather conditions but large groups have the option of chartering flight.

The most common way to get to Rara is to take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla from where it is two to three days trek to the park. An alternative way is to combine a trek to Lower Dolpa and a visit to Rara Naitonal Park. By trekking west from Dolpa it is possible to reach Jumla and the park within a week. The best way to trek here is in group.

A journey into the Jumla region and the beautiful Rara Lake, is probably one of the most rewarding and fascinating treks in all the Himalayan range given its tranquility and the un-spoilt splendor of nature. Rara, situated at an altitude of 2,990 m, is the biggest lake in Nepal. This sparkling lake with brilliantly clear water is surrounded by a spruce and juniper forest and lies within the Rara National Park. The easiest means to reach Rara is to take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla, from where your destination is 2-3 days walk away. Start this refreshing trek in the hilly village of Jumla where apple orchards stretch out over the hills. The trek leads through remote countryside toward the Tibetan border. You then enter the Rara National Park, which is the smallest national park in Nepal. Surrounded by blue pine, black juniper, West Himalayan spruce, oak and Himalayan cypress, Rara Lake is also a popular pilgrimage site for Nepalis. This spectacular scenery and its serenity will bring inner peace to any visitor.

Since few tourists and natives visit the Rara Lake, there are no tourist facilities either along the trekking route or inside the park. So camping is the only option and trekkers must be self-sufficient in all their needs.

Lower Dolpa and Upper Dolpa trekking

Located in the central west of the country the focal point of the area is the Shey Phoksundo National park. This remote and rugged protected area is both scenically and culturally attractive. The Lower Dolpa trek circuit can be completed in eight days from Juphal back to Juphal. The circuit can be completed either clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on preference but in both cases the focal points of the trek are Phoksundo Lake and the Tarap Valley.

In comparison to Lower Dolpa, less number of trekkers enters the heavily restricted upper Dolpa section of Shey Phoksundo National Park. The main attraction of the area is the wild and pristime landscape. Geographically, it is similar to Tibetan Plateau and is generally dry, cold and sparsely vegetated.

The trekking season for both Upper and Lower Dolpa is generally from June to September.

After enjoying our leisure time spent in Kathmandu , we fly to Nepalganj during daylight and in the evening we explore the beautiful city of Nepalganj . Early the next day we depart from our hotel and we fly to Juphal. The 45 minutes flight gives us the panoramic view of the giant Annapurna , the magnificent Dhaulagiri and the beautiful Kanjiroba peak. As we land at the airstrip at Juphal. We are greeted by our trek crew and from this point we commence our trek. While wandering through the terraced fields to the Bheri River we are led to Dunai, a large village and the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region.

We follow the trails of the Suli Gad River listening to its roar and reach Hanke, the gateway to Phoksundo National Park . Leaving Hanke and crossing the trails of the Rinje we continue to follow the river track to reach the National Park office at Sumdo. On the way from Sumdo we ascend to a ridge from where we experience the most staggering view of the waterfall and we have our first glimpses to the Phoksundo Lake , looking beautiful in turquoise blue.

The Western trekking in Nepal

Treks in the west of Nepal are quite different from treks in other parts of the country. The region is less developed and has fewer facilities available for the visitors. This makes trekking here much more of an exploration type and intending trekkers must be prepared for some delays and other hardships. It is also considerably more expensive to trek in the remote parts of the west. Ethnic group of people seen in the northern parts of the area, particularly in Dolpa are of Tibetan origin. Other groups found here are Magar, Gurung and the people of Hindu caste origin. Commonly seen animals are leopard, Himalayan Tahr and Blue Sheep.

Popular trekking areas in this region are Dolpa, Simikot and Lake Rara. The best time to visit is the traditional trekking seasons of spring and autumn. The northern parts are also suitable for summer treks. The region has not been developed to cater to independent trekkers, so all groups must be self sufficient, in all respect.

The Far East trekking in Nepal

The Far East region of Nepal provides unique treks along rarely visited trails. One of the main attractions is the spectacular scenery of rhododendrons in bloom on the hills and ridges along the way. Deer and wild sheep are often spotted in the area and birds are found in abundance. The region is home to ethnic groups of Kirat, notably the Rais and Limbus. The popular trekking areas in this region are Kanchenjunga area, Milke Danda and Jaljale Himal. In general the region has not been develop to cater to independent trekkers so groups must be fully self sufficient.

The starting points for treks in the Far East are at Basantapur, Taplejung and Tumlingtar. Basantapur needs minimum of sixteen tour drive from Kathmandu. There are no tourist bus services so trekkers must either use schedule bus services or arrange private transport. Another option is flying to Tumlingtar or Taplejung from Kathmandu. The flights take approx. 45 to 50 minutes from Kathmandu, and about 20 minutes from Biratnagar to Taplejung.

Gorkha and Manaslu trekking

The areas to the east of the Annapurna are the peaks of Manaslu group. Few visitors trek to this area, which makes a visit here all the more unique and unspoiled. The area is bordered by River Budhi Gandaki and to the west River Marshyangdi. This area is marked by two cultural highlights: Gorkha, which is the ancestral seat of the reigning Shah dynasty and the temple of Manakamana. Since the treks in the Manaslu region originate at around 1000 meters and reach as high as 5200 meters, the trekker will see a wide range of flora typical of the middle hills and alpine regions of Nepal. Plants to be seen around here are pine, rhododendron, wildlife include barking deer, pika and Himalayan marmots. Birds to be sighted in the region are pheasant, raven and chough. People of Tibetan origin inhabit several villages. Other groups found here are Gurung and Tamangs. The best time to trek here is between September and May. A few teahouses are seen in the Manaslu Conservation Area; however, teahouse trekking is not a suggested option. Government regulations require all the group trekking to the Manaslu Circuit to be fully sufficient.

The main hub for treks in Manaslu region is the town of Gorkha, which can be reached from Kathmandu in about 4 hours by bus or car. The alternative starting point is Dhading Besi, from where it can be reached in about five hours.

Gorkha and Manaslu trekking

The areas to the east of the Annapurna are the peaks of Manaslu group. Few visitors trek to this area, which makes a visit here all the more unique and unspoiled. The area is bordered by River Budhi Gandaki and to the west River Marshyangdi. This area is marked by two cultural highlights: Gorkha, which is the ancestral seat of the reigning Shah dynasty and the temple of Manakamana. Since the treks in the Manaslu region originate at around 1000 meters and reach as high as 5200 meters, the trekker will see a wide range of flora typical of the middle hills and alpine regions of Nepal. Plants to be seen around here are pine, rhododendron, wildlife include barking deer, pika and Himalayan marmots. Birds to be sighted in the region are pheasant, raven and chough. People of Tibetan origin inhabit several villages. Other groups found here are Gurung and Tamangs. The best time to trek here is between September and May. A few teahouses are seen in the Manaslu Conservation Area; however, teahouse trekking is not a suggested option. Government regulations require all the group trekking to the Manaslu Circuit to be fully sufficient.

The main hub for treks in Manaslu region is the town of Gorkha, which can be reached from Kathmandu in about 4 hours by bus or car. The alternative starting point is Dhading Besi, from where it can be reached in about five hours.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 13 Days

It is known as Annapurna Sanctuary, one of the most popular treks in Nepal. This is a moderate trek. The combination of easy walking and majestic scenery makes the trek to Annapurna Base Camp. Enjoy mountain views, thick bamboo and rhododendron forests and a mix of cultures unparalleled by other treks as you venture deep into the Mt. Annapurna

This magnificent amphitheatre is called a "sanctuary" because of its natural serenity, beauty and the divine presence of the Hindu goddesses Annapurna and Gangapurna. This isolated cirque of peaks can only be approached by one route, a deep gorge that carves into the fortress of mountains between Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. Many of the peaks are over 7000m, including the famous twin-peaked Machapuchare, as well as Annapurna I and III, Annapurna South and Gangapurna..


Itinerary (Detail)

Day 01: Pick up from airport to Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m.
Day 03: Pokhara (900 m.) to Phedi (1130 m.)
Day 04: Pothana to Chhomrong (2015 m.)
Day 05: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2340m.)
Day 06: Bamboo to Deurali (3230m.)
Day 07: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4170 m.) via MBC
Day 08: Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan (2630m.)
Day 09: Dovan to Chhomrong (2015 m.)
Day 10: Chhomrong to Ghandruk (1990m)
Day 11: Ghandruk to Pokhara via Nayapul
Day 12: Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Day 13: Kathmandu to international airport drop.