ANNAPURNA PANORAMA CAPMPING TREK

Annapurna region is the most famous trekking destination in the world. Thousands of tourists come to touch magnificent scenery by their eye every year. 'Naturally Nepal Once is not enough' this famous slogan for Nepal speaks their word who come first time in Nepal. Always snow covers mountain welcome warmly to the visitors in the Himalaya and red and white Rhododendron (national flower of Nepal) welcomes in hilly region. Culturally diversity but unity in Nepali society is another unique

Your trek starts from Pokhara, 45 minute fly away from Kathmandu. If the trekkers need to go by Bus, Tourist Bus is available there at Kantipath in Kathmandu. The Bus runs at 7:00 am in the morning to Pokhara. After five hours driving the bus arrives in Pokhara, the largest town in central Nepal, known for its lake Phewa Tal (Phewa lake) and a spectacular panorama of Himalayan peaks dominating the skyline. After your lunch in Pokhara, you will drive about 45 minutes to Phedi (1140m). Your trek begins from Phedi, now you need to walk 4 to 6 hours per day until you return back to Pokhara. This trek is non-technical and not too much strenuous it is suitable for anyone in good shape who likes camping and to hike over mountain trails. This is not a backpack trip, and porters will be used to carry the trekking gear.

Your trek begins along with the southern slopes of the Annapurna Himal (Mountain) offering dramatic close-up views of some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world. Everyday trek and camp will offer you views of the Annapurna range. In the spring season you will find pink, red and white full bloom rhododendron in the trekking route where you pass through. The rhododendron forest are to be found in the elevation of 1950 meter to 3600 meter. In the trekking route trekker can view closely the various kinds of flora and fauna. Like; orchids, musk deer, danphe etc. Your trek will lead you through the many Gurung villages with their typical language and culture. The Gurung is one of the main ethnic groups of Nepal, mainly settled in the western region carrying with the glorious Gurkha recruited culture. In the duration of your trek, there will be many ascend and descent, you will climb in one day several meters and descend almost no higher than you started in the morning.

Flora and Fauna of Nepal

The history of Vegetative Exploration of Nepal

The history of botanical exploration in Nepal started in 1802 when Buchanan-Hamilton and later Francis Hamilton collected plants from Kathmandu valley. In 1820 Natahniel Wallich intensively collected plants. In 1825 David Don compiled all the plants collected by Buchanan_Hamilton and wallichii and published them in Prodromus Florae Nepalensis, which is the first taxonomic work about the plants of Nepal. I.H. Burkill, in 1907, followed Wallich's route to Kathmandi and collected plants from here. Burkill recorded all his collections in his "notes from journey to Nepal". There is many other minor plant collection from Kathmandu valley but after 1960 some major botanical expeditions particularly from British Museum (England) and Kyoto and Tokyo Universities (Japan) explored Nepal. As a result many new species have been reported.

HMG of Nepal establishment a department of Medicinal Plants in 1960. After establishment, it started the work on flora by publishing bulletins. The major publications are notes on Flora of Rajikunj. Flora of Phulchoki and Godawari, Flora of Nagarjun, Supplement to the Flora of Phulwhoki and Godawari and Flora of Langtang and Cross section vegetation survey.

The natural vegetation is mainly concentrated on surrounding mountains and forested areas. In Kathmandu thithese areas are like Pashupati forest, Gokarna forest, Swoyambhu hills. Hattiban etc. the natural vegetation is subject to human disturbances.

Some name of vegetables that can be found in Nepal

English Name----------Local Name---------- -----------Scientific Name

Bitter gourd ---------- ------Karela - -----------------------------Momordica charantia
Pumpkin --------------------Pharshi -----------------------------Cucurbita maxima
Ridge gourd -----------------Pate ghiroula ------------------------Luffa acutangula
Bottle gourd----------------- Lauka ---------------------- --------Leucartha
Smooth gourd ---------------Ghiraula, ghiu toriya ----------------Luffa aegyptica
Snake gourd-----------------Chichindo ---------------------------Trichosanthes anguina
Cucumber ------------------ Kankro ------------------------------ sativus
Soya-bean ------------------ Bhatmas ----------------------------Glycine max
Cow-pea --------------------Bodi ---------------------------------Vigna catjung
Horse gram -----------------Gahat ----------------------- -------- Dolichus biflorus
French bean ----------------Simi ----------------------------------vulgaris
Broad bean -----------------Bakula -------------------------------Vicia faba
Pea ------------------------Matar -------------------------------- Pisum sativam
Luntil ----------------------Masur --------------------------------Les esculenta
Fenugreek -----------------Methi --------------------------------Trigonella foenum graceum
Cress ----------------------Chamsur ----------------------------- Lepidum sativum
Gram 9bengal Gram -------Chana -------------------------------- Cicer arietum
Onion---------------------- Pyaj ---------------------------------Allium cepa
Garlic---------------------- Lahsun ------------------------------ Allium santivum
Coriander ------------------Dhaniya------------------------------ Coriandrum sativum
Carrot -------------------- Gajar -------------------------------- Daucus carota
Celery-------------------- Apium --------------------------------graviolens
Cabbage ------------------ Bandagobi---------------------------- Brassica oleracea v capitata
Cauliflower ----------------Kauli--------------------------------- Bassica oleracea v bortrytis
Radish ---------------------Mula -------------------------------- Raphanus sativus
Turnip ---------------------Salagam------------------------------Brassica rapa
Mustard -------------------Rayo ---------------------------------Brassica juncea
Indian rape ----------------Tori ----------------------------------Brassica campestris
Knoll Knoll -----------------Ganth gobi ---------------------------Brassica oleracea
Tomato --------------------Golbhenda ---------------------------Lycopersicum esculentum
Egg plant -------------------Bhenta ------------------------------Solanum melongena
Buckwheat -----------------Phapar ------------------------------ Fagopyrum esculentum
Spinach --------------------Palungo ----------------------------- Spinacea loeracea
beet ----------------------- Chukandar--------------------------- Beat vulgaris
Colocasia-------------------- Karkalo----------------------------- Colocasia esculenta
Alocasia --------------------- Pindalu----------------------------- Alocacia indicum
Asparagus ------------------- Kurilo ------------------------------Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potato -----------------Sagarkhanda----------------------- Solanum tuberosum
Potato ----------------------- Alu ---------------------------------Solanum tuberosum
Ginger -----------------------Aduwa------------------------------ Zinziber officinale
Turmeric -------------------- Haledo, Besar----------------------- Curcuma longa
Cheat nut --------------------Katus -------------------------------Castanopsis hysix
Chestnut--------------------- Musre Katus ------------------------Castanopsis tribuloide

Religious Plants and their Nepali and Scientific Name

English Name----------------Nepali Name ----------------Scientific Name

Kusha grass---------------------- -Kush -------------------------Demotachya bipinata
Birch ----------------------------- Bhojpatra-------------------- Betula utilis
Chaunker ----------------------- --Shami ----------------------- Ficusbenjamina
Sandal wood --------------------- - Srikhanda ------------------- Santalum album
Indian hemp--------------------- - Bhang ------------------------Cannabis sativa
China rose------------------------ Japapuspi ---------------------Hibiscus rosasinensis
Oleander -------------------------Karvir------------------------- Norium inducum
Chinese date-------------------- - Bayer ------------------------- Zizphus mauritiana
Butter fruit--------------------- - Chyuri -------------------------Bassica butyracea
Betel -----------------------------Pan ----------------------------Piper bettle
Night jasmine------------------- - Parijat -------------------------Nyctanthes arbor tristis
Holyseed bead ------------------- Rudraksha -------------------- Elaecocarpus nerefolia
Lotus ----------------------------Kamal-------------------------- Ocimum nucifera
Bodhi tree---------------------- - Pipal ---------------------------Ficusreligiosa
Banyan -------------------------- Bar ---------------------------- Bel
Mango -------------------------- Aamp --------------------------Mangifera indica
Banana --------------------------Kera ---------------------------Musa paradisiacal
Bamboo ------------------------- Bans----------------------------Bambus spp
Thorn apple ----------------------Dhaturo -----------------------Datura stromonium
Bermunda grass ----------------- Dubo-------------------------- Cyodon dactylon
Betel nut ------------------------Supari--------------------------Areca carechu
Chaff folwer-------------------- -Apa-marga --------------------Achyranthus aspora
Easter lily ----------------------- Gun keshari -------------------Narcissus pecticus
Bamboo shoots ------------------Tama -------------------------Dendrocalamus
Lady's finger (okra) -------------Ramtoriya ---------------------Hibiscus esculentus
Bell peper Bhede---------------- khursani ----------------------Capsicum frutescence v grossum
Chilly ---------------------------Khursani---------------------- Capsicum frutescence varlongum
Mushroom ----------------------Chyau -------------------------Agaricus campestric
Yam ----------------------------Tarul --------------------------Dioscorea alata
Bauhimia ----------------------- Koiralo ------------------------Bauhini purpurea

Gorkha Trek

A 25 kilometer road off the main highway connecting Pokhara and Kathmandu brings you to an ancient Gorkha - the untouched and captivating town of Nepal! Some 300 years ago, Nepal was divided into 50 tiny states, and Gorkha was one of them. King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the founder of `Shah Dynasty' which runs Nepal today, unified Nepal into one kingdom. His Gorkha palace resides on top of a hill at an altitude of 3281 feet (about 1000 meter) The King would watch-over his people as far as his eyes could see from the tallest palace in the very center of Nepal! Gorkha is also the home of Gurkhas - the legendary brave warriors who fought with knives against guns.

Itinerary

Days 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
Days 02 : Full day Kathmandu city tour, hotel
Days 03 : Drive to Gorkha (Stay at Gorkha inn. hotel)
Days 04 : Visit to Gorkha Durbar and stay at same hotel
Days 05 : Visit to the Gorkha palace here to begin your sightseeing of the region.
Days 06 : Visit to Gorkha village
Days 07 : Trek to Gyampesal 1230 mt. 6 /7 hour walk over night at lodge
Days 08 : Drive back to Bandipur and stay at lodge
Days 09 : Trek to Raniban, Orchid trail, return to hotel and cultural show.
Days 10 : Sightseeing at Sidda cave, Ramkot village, return to hotel
Days 11 : Drive back to Nagarkot and stay at lodge
Days 12 : Sunrise view at Nagarkot, walk to Dhulikhel and stay at lodge
Days 13 : Drive to airport for departure.

SERVICE INCLUDES:
1. Kathmandu to Gorkha by Local bus.
2. Meals:- Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner.
3. Lodge accommodation on the trek.
4. One Guide and one porter.
5. Guide and porter salary, meals, accommodation and insurance.

If you need more information for managing your trek Please mail me at this E-mail address - arjunsyangbo@gmail.com

Annapurna Trek with Itinerary

Annapurna Region has most fabulous places for all kind of trekkers. The easy trails, praiseworthy range of the mountains, attractive waterfalls, and pilgrimage site of Muktinath are some of few attractions. This trek encircles the Annapurna massif that starts at either Bhote Order or Gorkha, west Kathmandu and ending at Pokhara.We will have close view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and the smiling Mt. Machhapuchhre( Fishtail). The Thorong Pass (5414 m) proves that it has offered all the trekkers to have an adventurous journey and perhaps it is the maximum height that one has to cross during the trek. The 500 m flat valley of Manang is the home of Tibeto-Buddhists. This region provides all with the knowledge of mixed cultures of the Manangi, Thakalis and Gurungs community dwelling here. The brief itinerary outlined here is just to show how we move ahead but our staffs never compel you to strictly follow this as long as they feel that you are safe. Further, we would request to all the trekkers to understand that the route sometimes can be changed due to the weather or due to the unavoidable circumstances like heavy snow fall or avalanche.

Itinerary for 18 Days

Day 1 - Kathmandu-Besisahar by Van & proceed to Ngadi
Day 2 - Ngadi-Jagat (1011 m)
Day 3 - Jagat-Dharapani ( 1943 m)
Day 4 - Jharapani-Chame (2713 m)
Day 5 - Chame-Pisang (3185 m)
Day 6 - Pisang-Manang (3351m)
Day 7 - Rest day in Manang
Day 8 - Manang-Yak Kharka (4000 m)
Day 9 - Yak Kharka-Thorong Phedi (4335 m)
Day 10 - Thorong Phedi-Muktinath ( the hloy site, 3798 m)
Day 11- Muktinath-Kagbeni or Eklebati (2800 m)
Day 12 - Kagbeni-Jomsom ( two hours walk to Jomsom and 3/4 hours drive to Tatopani)
Day 13 - Tatopani-Ghorepani)
Day 14 -.Rest day in Ghorepani
Day 15 - Ghorepani-tadopani ( Early morning proceed to Poon hill for view)
Day 16 - Tadopani-Ghandruk (1930 m)
Day 17 - Ghadruk-Nayapul- Pokhara ( by Bus)

Day 18 - Pokhara-Kathmandu by flight

If you need more information for managing your trek Please mail me at this E-mail address - arjunsyangbo@gmail.com

Detail Information about Annapurna plus Muktinath Trek

Right after the most beautiful city, Pokhara, you will reach in such places that are beyond your Imagination during the entire trek time. The most easy trail to lead you to the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 M) after the Base Camp of Machhapuchhre ( Fish’s Tail 3720 ) offers the breathtaking view of the Himalayas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges. The ethnic group’s settlement and the hills with the colourful rhododendrons are not less worthy viewing compared to the snow capped high mountains. The humble natured inhabitants warmly welcome you with a smile and friendliness if you have time to have a short time chat with them.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kathmandu-Pokhara by flight or road transportation
Day 2 - Pokhara-Dhampus ( 1750m)
Day 3 - Dhampus-Landrung ( Gurung settlement, 1620m)
Day 4- Landrung-Chhumrung ( 2040m)
Day 5 - Chhumrung-Bamboo
Day 6 - Bamboo-Deurali
Day 7 - Deurali- Machhapuchhere Base Camp ( 3720m)
Day 8 - Machhapuchhre BC- Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
Day 9 - Annapurna BC-Bamboo
Day 10 - Bamboo-Chhumrung
Day 11 - Chhumrung-Tadopani
Day 12 - Tadopani-Ghorepani ( 2790m)
Day 13 - Ghorepani – Chitre
Day 14 - Chitre-Tatopani ( Here you can have bath with natural hot water, 1189 m)
Day 15 - Tatopani-Ghasa (1970m)
Day 16 - Ghasa-Tukuche (2591m)
Day 17 - Tukuche-Jomsom ( 2800m)
Day 18 - Jomsom-Muktinath (3798m) or From Tatopani use jeep for Jomsom and next day drive to Muktinath and back to Jomsom if you are not permitted by time
Day 19 - Jomsom-Pokhara stay in pokhara or take flight to Kathmandu
Day 20 - Pokhara-Kathmandu by flight

This itinerary is set without giving other programs like sightseeing in Kathmandu and even in Pokhara. So you are free to make programs by yourselves checking the itineraries mentioned above and other and we are ready to move accordingly.

Itinerary for Annapurna Base Camp only

Day 01 - Fly to Pokahara & drive to Phedi, trek to Dhampus [1700m]
Day 02 - Trek to Landrung (1550m)
Day 03 - Trek to Chomrong (2040m)
Day 04 - Trek to Himalaya hotel (2850m)
Day 05 - A rest day
Day 06 - Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3720m)
Day 09 - Trek to Annapurna south base camp (4130m)
Day 10 - Trek to Chomrong (2040m)
Day 11 - Trek to Ghandrunk (1940m)
Day 12 - Trek to Banthanti (2410m)
Day 13 - Trek to Ghorepani (2880m)
Day 14 - Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara
Day 15 - Fly to Kathmandu

This itinerary is set without giving other programs like sightseeing in Kathmandu and even in Pokhara. So you are free to make programs by yourselves checking the itineraries mentioned above and other and we are ready to move accordingly..

If you need more information for managing your trek Please mail me at this E-mail address - arjunsyangbo@gmail.com

Swayambhunath

The famous stupa of Swayambhunath is located on a scenic hillock almost two miles west of Kathmandu city. Trees on the declivity with restless monkeys swaying and jumping from branch to branch creat a natural environment around here. Nepali Buddhists worship Swayambhunath as Adibuddha.

It is a wide-spread belief that when Kathmandu valley was a lake Adibuddha appeared on his own accord from among the lotus. As it appeared all by itself, it is called Swayambhu or the Self Existent One. A prayer wheel encircles the stupa of Swayambhu with the incantation Om Manipadme hum inscribed on it. In all the four directions of the stupa stand four images of Adibuddha Aksyobhya to the east, Ratnasambhunath to the south, Amitabha to the west and Amoghasiddhi to the north. The dome of Swayambhunath is surmounted by a square projection, each of the four sides of which bears a pair of unwinking eyes with a peculiar nose below. In the Buddhist treaties these are described as Tantradi, Mantradi, and Yantradi which are supposed to operate the whole universe. This square projection upon the dome is crowned by tympanums and thirteen rings, each smaller in size than the one below. Each of the tympanums bears the images of Adibuddha like the base of the dome. The thirteen rings, according to Mahayana Buddhist sect, indicate of thirteen heavens. And just above these rings sits a pinnacle. Manasteries, images, temples and stupas strewn about in this area also include the seventeenth century's temples in sikhara style. One can easily reach to Swayambhunath by taxi.

Gokyo Ri Trek

Gokyo Trek is a really strenuous trek. This trek is famous for G0kyo lake(4750m) and Gokyo-Ri(5483m). Mostly the visitors come to view the scenery of beautiful mountains from Gokyo-Ri. Cho-Oyu, Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu can view from Gokyo-Ri clearly and many more beautiful mountains and peaks also can view from here.

Mostly the trekkers come to visit here in the month of September and October. This trek is both Tea house and Camping as like the trekkers. In the duration of trek trekkers can observe the friendly Sherpa culture. On the trekking way trekkers can see the tree of Nepali national flower rhododendron(Lali Gurans) and the himalyan animal Yak.

In the duration of trek trekkers may get a problem of high altitude. So, the trekkers need to have medicine to make their trek safe. If they get a serious problem their helpers and trekkers through company can rescue by helicopter taking the needed charge to them.

Outline Itinerary for Gokyo Ri Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Day to arrangement for Trekking gears
Day 03: Kathmandu-Lukla (40 min flight)
Day 04: Lukla-Phakding
Day 05: Phakding-Namche
Day 06: Acclimatization day in Namche
Day 07: Namche-Dole
Day 08: Dole-Machhermo
Day 09: Machhermo-Gokyo
Day 10: Tauching day to Destination of Trek Gokyo Ri (Excellent view of Mt. Everest and many more peaks and mountains including Cho-Oyu, Makalu 1st and 2nd)
Day 11: Gokyo-Thagna
Day 12: Thagna-Labuche (crossing the most challenging pass [Chola-pass 5420 m])
Day 13: Labuche-Pheruche
Day 14: Pheruche-Tyangboche
Day 15: Tyangboche-Namche
Day 16: Namche-Lukla
Day 17: Lukla-Kathmandu ( by flight)
Day 18: Rest day in Kathmandu
Day 19: Departure to home town

This is only outline itinerary. This itinerary can be changed as a interest of trekkers.

If you need more information for managing your trek Please mail me at this E-mail address - arjunsyangbo@gmail.com

Bouddhanath

The enormous and magnificent stupa of Bouddhanath stands about two kilometers north of Pashupatinath temple. One of the biggest Stupas in Asia, it is situated on the old bypass to Tibet from Nepal. It is believed that the Lichchhavi king Manadeva deserves the credit of its construction. This Stupa, also known as Khasti Chaitya, is related by some with the relics of Kashyapa Buddha, while others relate it with Khasa of Chinal. But its relation with Khasa is quite evident as it is seen in many respects these days. The Chief Priest of Bouddhanath is still called Chiniya Lama (Lama from China). The legend has it that while this monastery was being constructed, there occured a severe drought, so every night for twelve years pieces of cloth were spread out and the dew collected overnight was used for its construction.

This Stupa has been built upon a four stage plinth, but one can easily reach up to the dome ascending a flight of stairs. Because of the fame of Bouddhanath a number of Stupas have been built these days. A great many followers of Buddhism of Mahayana sect stay around this Stupa. On special occasions thousands of devotees including Tamangs, Rais, Sherpas, influx to light (made by twisting thread into many folds) at Bouddhanath. Tourist from all over the world come for a visit here. Buses and miniibuses for Boudhanath are available at Shahid gate and Ratna Park.

Khaptad Trek

Khaptad is unique trekking destination. Khaptad region, it carries the several places of religious and natural significance. Khaptad trek offers the journey easy hike to strenuous ones, pristine of its natural beauty, rich cultural experience of far west Nepal.

Main attraction of Khaptad is 'Khaptad National Park' established in 1984. The national park covers its 225 sq km of land. Khaptad national park at 3000 meter is covered by subtropical forest of chir pine at lower altitude, sub alpine forest of fir, hemlock, oak and rhododendron in the higher area. The national park is fully having with various of flora and fauna. There are more than 224 species of medical herbs, about 11 percent of flowering plants of Nepal, 270 species of birds, various species of animal like; deer, wild dog, wild boar, langur monkey etc.

The park also offers excellent bird-watching oppertunities, view of Khaptad Daha, Nag Dhunga, and Upper Tribeni. Khaptad is also famous place for pilgrims. Khaptad Swami settled here before 53 years ago for his meditation. The tourist can also visit the Ashram of Khaptak Baba. There is no entrance restriction for visitors in this meditation area.

Access to Khapta is fly to Nepalgung from Kathmandu. Then, drive to Silgari Bajar in Doti District and arround 2 days trek to Khaptad. Trekkers should be self suficient in terms of food because there are not sufficient of commercial lodges. Home stay will be possible this area if arrangements are made before hand. In addition, Government guest house and various camp site are available.

The best time to visit Khaptad is autumn and spring. In autumn several festivals are held here. A fair is held in Khaptad Daha in the end of summer and snow falls occures here in winter.