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NEPAL 99
ADVENTURE IN TOURISM AND THE FESTIVAL
OF TIHAR
- October 29
Arrival in Kathmandu. - October 30
Sight-seeing in Kathmandu. - October 31
Drive from Kathmandu to Gorkha Bazaar. We climb the stairs to the famous Gorkha Palace, the ancient seat of the Shah dynasty that unified Nepal. Our scenic campsite is only a few hundred meters below the palace, and after visiting the temple area, we will enjoy our first cookout dinner. - November 1
Wake up to a fantastic view of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Ranges! After breakfast, we descend downhill for a few hours, and then follow along the Daraundi River. This night we camp on the banks of the river. - November 2-3
We start the day with a leisurely trek along the Daraundi river. At noon, we rest on the riverbank. We have lunch and maybe a short swim, and then continue along the river. After a short ascent, we reach Dhansar, where the villagers, the majority of them Hindu Brahmins, will already be waiting for us. Two nights accommodation in local houses, which gives you plenty of time to experience village life, be with your hosts and celebrate with the villagers in the evening. - November 4
After a short way down to a creek, we start the steep ascent to Aagridanda. Once we reach the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Himalayas! We have our lunch break there, and then continue a short way up to Bhachchek, a little trading post on a mountain saddle, where we will camp that night. - November 5
From Bhachchek it is only a short walk to Lamidanda village. This gives us more time to be with our hosts in the village, to visit the Community School and to learn about the Community Bank. Accommodation will be in local houses. - November 6-7 (first and second days of Tihar - Festival
of Lights)
From Lamidanda we follow a scenic trail to Batase. We have our cookout lunch close to the village school and continue to Bhirsing, a Gurung settlement where we will spend two nights. While staying in this extraordinarily beautiful village, you will get another very special experience of Nepalese village life, dance with the people and enjoy the views of Himalchuli and Boudha Himal. Accommodation will be in local houses or tents. - November 8-9 (third and fourth days of Tihar)
From Bhirsing we hike up a bit and enjoy two days of trekking along a scenic ridge trail and through beautiful villages with the Himalayas at our back! Therefore, it is worth looking back from time to time... Last night in camp, before we reach the road and head back to Kathmandu by bus. - November 10
Bhaai Tika Celebration in Kathmandu. - November 11-12
Rafting on Trishuli river (optional). The cost is $45 per person/day. - November 13
Kathmandu and depart for home.
Total 16-day Package in Nepal - $1400.00 (plus $95 for 2 day rafting) includes 4 night's hotel, sightseeing, airport transfer in KTM, bus transfers in Nepal and 10 days trekking (all meals during the trek, camping and kitchen equipment, guides, porters, support staff, cultural program and interaction in the villages, village accommodation, donations to CDCs, CCODER schools, etc.).
In order to secure extremely scarce airline seats into Kathmandu during peak season, your early commitment to participate is essential. Please confirm your intention to join us with a $500 non-refundable deposit. We are endeavoring to complete our list of sojourners by September 10, 1999.
For those who are extending their stay beyond November 13, or those who wish to return on November 10-12, please contact us so that we may assist you with your round-trip airline reservations. It will be easier to coordinate and insure seating on the day of departure.
Airline tickets must be paid for in full within 10 days of booking your reservation.
Travel Insurance
To avoid cancellation penalties or travel interruption costs, we recommend a comprehensive travel insurance program using Travel Guard International. Travel Guard forms are available by calling 800-826-1300.
Money and expenses
Cash: it is recommended not to bring brand new bills and to carry a selection of small denominations.
Not included in the trip cost are the following:
- Airport overnight stays (depending on the individual's flight schedule and itinerary)
- Several meals in Kathmandu: You can expect to pay between $1 and $5 for a full delicious meal that includes dessert and beverage. $10 for a meal in Nepal might be considered very extravagant and perhaps bordering on obscene.
- Taxi fares are inexpensive.
- Departure Tax at Kathmandu around $20
- Donations to monasteries, schools or other along the way (optional)
- Treasures to bring home with you: Count on between $50 and $500. You will see so many wonderful things. Exchange rates are approx. 70 Rupees to US$1.00 and this varies daily.
Read more:
- Getting ready for your trip
- Tihar - The Goddess Lakshmi's Festival of Lights
- The complete section of Project "Nepal"
Website composed by OfeK.