QUICK ESCAPE: NEPAL. Nine-Day Private Trip January through April / October to December

Transcription

1 QUICK ESCAPE: NEPAL Nine-Day Private Trip January through April / October to December

2 QUICK ESCAPE: NEPAL Nine Days When it comes to Himalayan travel, Nepal most often springs to mind. This nine-day journey is designed for the modern traveler who seeks to experience the majestic beauty of this destination but has time constraints that allow for a one week break from the demands of the office, home, or family. From the southern plains bordering on India, the roads heading north begin their precipitous climb to the towering Himalayas on the border with Tibet. Here, the southern face of Everest dominates the surrounding Khumbu region, home to the renowned Sherpas. The Everest region is legendary for its amazing trekking experiences, rewarding us with several exquisitely beautiful Alpine valleys and meadows and Himalayan peaks of dizzying heights. Rising above them all is the goddess of all mountains, the colossal Everest. Reaching a stupendous 29,017 feet, the world s tallest mountain exerts a powerfully magnetic pull. Indeed, for many an intrepid explorer, the lure of the summit has proved irresistible, albeit at times tragically so. From the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar to the amazing views of Everest from the 18,000-foot Kala Pattar, a Nepali trekking experience is truly rewarding. Of course, our Nepali trekking tours visit the fantastic and fabled Kathmandu. Here, you can wander the bazaars and historic sites of Nepal s capital, as well as the beautiful Buddhist stupa at Swayambunath and the thriving Tibetan Buddhist community at Bodnath. nomadicexpeditions.com

3 Y O U R J O U R N E Y BEST SEASONS TO TRAVEL: January through April or October through December ACTIVITY LEVEL: This is demanding, high-altitude trekking. Trekking in the Khumbu towards the Southface of Mt. Everest, will be at a sustained altitude of above 12,000 feet with a high point being reached at between 16,000 ft and 18,000 feet depending on the strength of the group. This trek requires that participants are in excellent physical condition and participate in a regular cardio-vascular exercise program prior departure from the USA as participants will be hiking for 4-8 hrs. on a daily basis. Though not the monsoon season, mountain weather is unpredictable and the trek is subject to snowfall, storms, ice, rain, wind and other high mountain hazards. Circumstances may mean that some days could be long and arduous for some people. Flexibility and a sense of humor are mandatory. Anyone with a history of medical problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory, should consult a doctor before considering this tour. Release of liability and a medical certificate, signed by a physician will be required from all participants. HIGHLIGHTS: Sightseeing in Kathmandu, including the World Heritage Site of Bodnath Mt. Everest viewing flight Breakfast with a Sherpa who has summited Everest ACCOMMODATIONS: 4 nights at Yak & Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu 1 night, Pokhara Lodge; 1 night, Fishtail Lodge Day 1 ARRIVE KATHMANDU Once you have cleared the formalities of customs, immigration, you step into the receiving area where you will be met by our Nepalese Guide and escorted to the Yak & Yeti. Namaste is the greeting you will receive from the friendly Nepalese people, a traditional Hindu greeting, derived from Sanskrit, which means I salute the soul (God?) within you. While in Kathmandu, you will be staying at the iconic Yak & Yeti Hotel, in the heart of Kathmandu. The hotel is built around the All Durbar, the old palace of the Rana Dynasty. Through the years it has been the place to stay for royalty, heads of state, Hollywood celebrities and many mountaineering expeditions bound for Everest and the high Himalaya. With fine restaurants, shops and even a casino, the Yak & Yeti is the epitome of style in Kathmandu. In the afternoon we will take a walking tour of old Kathmandu. It is an unforgettable experience to wander the mysterious bazaars of old Kathmandu, the Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient palace of the Gorkha Kings and, of course, Kathmandu s incomparable bazaars. (Yak & Yeti Hotel; B) Day 2 KATHMANDU The legendary locale of Kathmandu conjures images of the ultimate mysterious and exotic travel destination. Located in Central Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley is the center of Nepali cultural and political life. Indeed, the Kathmandu Valley has been a hub of civilization for over two millennia. Kathmandu is living history, where the modern and ancient continue to mingle. The eyes of the Lord Buddha gaze serenely upon the Kathmandu Valley from atop the photogenic stupa at Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, for reasons that will become apparent when you visit. Swayambhunath is steeped in mythology, linked to the bodhissatva Manjushri, with historical links back to the 5th century. You can climb the stupa s 365 steps with Buddhist pilgrims and join them in their ritual circumambulation. Views of the Kathmandu Valley from Swayambhunath are spectacular. Kathmandu is also home to the great Hindu temple at Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. This is a major pilgrimage site for the followers of Shiva, drawing Hindu faithful from around the world. Although the temple is off-limits to non-hindus, travelers can still visit the temple precincts and view the temple from the opposite bank of the Bagmati. From here, one can see the temple s cremation ghats and witness firsthand the Hindu cycle of life. (Yak & Yeti; B, L, D) Day 3 EXPLORE KATHMANDU You rise early this morning for the dawn Mt. Everest-view flight with a Sherpa Climber as your guide. These turbo-prop pressurized aircraft have been specially outfitted with large viewing windows (every passenger has a window seat) and follow a flight path nomadicexpeditions.com MONGOLIA SIBERIA BHUTAN TIBET CHINA NEPAL INDIA

4 that parallels the high Himalaya all the way to Everest and back (you will also be invited into the cockpit for a short duration). Accompanying you on the flight will be one of the sherpas who has climbed Everest. Your Sherpa guide will keep you informed of all the names and climbing routes of the peaks as you fly by them. On return to your hotel, have breakfast with the Sherpa Guide and get all your questions on climbing Everest answered. Although Nepal is the world s only Hindu kingdom, the Buddhist faith is prevalent throughout the country. Indeed, some of Kathmandu s most renowned sites are Buddhist. The large Buddhist stupa at Bodnath, a World Heritage Site, is equally renowned. The stupa is one of the world s largest, dating back to the 6th century. Located on the old trade route from Nepal to Tibet, Bodnath is also home to a sizeable Tibetan community and is a wonderful place to witness traditional Buddhist ritual, as well as to shop for Tibetan arts and crafts. (Yak & Yeti Hotel; B) Day 4 FLY TO POKHARA This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pokhara. On arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to the Fishtail Lodge. Nestled in the Pokhara Valley, the city of Pokhara is surrounded by the towering Himalaya, including several of the range s legendary peaks Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, the iconic fish-tail peak of Machhapucchare, and of course, the redoubtable Annapurnas. You can spend the remainder of the day exploring Pokhara and walking around the bazaar. (Pokhara Lodge; B) Day 5 EXPLORE POKHARA You have two full days to revel in the glory of the mighty Himalaya as you visit sites and go on hikes around Pokhara; your guide can discuss specific options with you. One evening, take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pehwa. One morning, row across the lake and then hike up to the World Peace Pagoda giving you a bird s eye-view of Pokhara City and the Valley. A short (1- to 1.5-hour) strenuous hike, almost all of it straight uphill. There are a hundred Peace Pagodas built around the world and this one in Nepal was actually the 71st Pagoda that was constructed. This project initiated soon after World War II by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese monk, who was greatly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, to inspire World Peace. There are three Pagodas built in the U.S. San Francisco; Grafton, NY; and Leverett, MA. On the way back across the lake stop at the very active Parahi temple, built on a small island in the middle of the nomadicexpeditions.com MONGOLIA SIBERIA BHUTAN TIBET CHINA NEPAL INDIA

5 lake. (Fishtail Lodge; B) Day 6 RETURN TO KATHMANDU You will make the return flight to Kathmandu. Delve deeper into the history of the Kathmandu Valley, visiting the ancient temple city of Bhaktapur and nearby Patan, including the rug-weaving center of Refugee Tibetans, before heading to downtown Kathmandu to check in to your familiar hotel. The evening is at your leisure. (Yak & Yeti Hotel; B) Day 7 DEPART NEPAL We will be transferred to Kathmandu s airport in time for your outbound flight. B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary. nomadicexpeditions.com MONGOLIA SIBERIA BHUTAN TIBET CHINA NEPAL INDIA

6 LAND PRICE 2 passengers: $4,175 per person/double occupancy 3-5 passengers: $3,900 per person/double occupancy 6+ passengers: Please call for pricing. Single supplement: Please call for pricing. Airfare for international flights is not included. LAND PRICE INCLUDES: Deluxe accommodations at the Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu, based on double occupancy, inclusive of all taxes and service charges. All ground transportation using private air-conditioned vehicles within Nepal. Domestic airfare. Breakfast everyday All arrival/departure airport/hotel transfers. All entry fees at all temples, museums and monuments on sight seeing excursions. Services of Nomadic Expeditions Nepalese Tour Guide for entire trip LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: International airfare Comprehensive medical and trip insurance Airport taxes Meals or hotels in transit cities en route to Nepal Tips/gratuity to local staff (trek staff, porters, drivers, bell boys, etc.). Tips/gratuity to Tour Guide Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, laundry, phone calls, etc. Movie, video and still camera fees. WHY TRAVEL WITH NOMADIC EXPEDITIONS? Unrivaled Expertise Nomadic Expeditions was founded in Nothing can compete with the experience we have attained over 25 years of designing luxury adventure travel to Asia. While each trip we design is slightly different than its predecessor, our breadth of knowledge, network of contacts, and experience in the field is unrivaled. Our People We hire the best in the business to create and execute memorable journeys for our clients. From our Expedition Specialists in the United States, Ulaanbaatar, Lhasa, and Thimpu who turn wish lists into reality to our English-speaking, professionally trained guides who share their extensive knowledge of the culture and natural history of our destinations, our staff is what makes Nomadic Expeditions successful. Passion for Travel While our journeys open your eyes to a whole new world of experiences, we understand that choosing to book a trip with us requires time spent away from friends, family, and work. Your time is precious and we take that to heart. It s why we design journeys that go beyond a checklist of attractions. When you travel with us, we want you to remember drinking tea with a nomadic family or digging for fossils with a renowned paleontologist. We imbue our trips with encounters, whether it s with a local resident, a high-ranking government official, or a renowned wildlife conservationist, so you take home more than a set of photographs to frame on your nightstand. Our Philosophy Nomadic Expeditions was founded on the principle of treading lightly long before sustainable travel was a buzz phrase. Every expedition is undertaken with the greatest respect for the lands we explore and the local people we meet. Those who travel with us do so with the assurance that the preservation and protection of the ecosystems and cultures we visit is of the utmost importance to us, both as individuals and as a company. Respect for the places we travel to is at the heart of everything we do, but over our 25 years we have realized additional opportunities where we can lend a hand. We have gone beyond simply treading lightly and have wholeheartedly partnered with local communities and regions. Read more about our sustainable practices and philanthropic efforts here. Trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage insurance. Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Nomadic Expeditions Excess baggage charges We would love to share this exceptional adventure with you! Our Expedition Specialists are available from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM EST, Monday thru Friday Nomadic Expeditions Inc., 1095 Cranbury-South River Road, Suite 20A Monroe Twp., NJ USA Phone: or Fax: info@nomadicexpeditions.com nomadicexpeditions.com