Scotch College

Expedition To Nepal - January 2009

21 day Himalaya expedition
Includes 10 day trek, 3 day wildlife safari, 5 days Kathmandu.

This is a spectacular "off the beaten path" trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The scenery ranges from the fertile splendour of the Pokhara Valley with its panoramic views of the peaks of Machapuchare and the Annapurna massif, through splendid rhododendron, hemlock and fir forest, to the high alpine ridges and meadows that lead towards the greater Himalayan peaks. We trek high above the treeline where we get uninterrupted views of the Annapurnas, the Dhaulagiris and far up the Kali Gandaki into Mustang and Tibet. We will visit the villages of the various ethnic groups who inhabit the region, and who form the core of the famous Gurkha regiments. This trek provides a wonderful over-view of all that Nepal has to offer - mountains, forests and diverse village life.

We move from the mountains to the lowlands, and to the forest and jungles of Chitwan National Park where we stay in bungalows. We explore the park on foot, by jeep, and on elephant-back as we search for wildlife which includes Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, leopard and Bengal Tiger.

In Kathmandu we have time to visit the key historic and cultural sites, and to visit the Hollows Foundation and Childhaven Orphanage to learn of their work in Nepal. There is ample time to explore the bazaar with its huge range of goods from around the world, and to experience the charms and excitement of old Kathmandu.

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Check -in at Melbourne Airport around 10.00 pm.

DAY 2

Fly Melbourne to Kathmandu with either Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines. Arrive in Kathmandu. On arrival we will be transferred to the hotel where the pre-trek briefing will take place. Arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 3

Kathmandu Sightseeing. After breakfast we will visit Pashupatinath, a spectacular complex of Hindu temples, and Boudanath, a centre of Bhuddhism with its spectacular Stupa. This afternoon we will explore Kathmandu and its amazing range of fascinating highlights. Extensive markets, novelty shops and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance.

DAY 4

Kathmandu. Visit Hollows Foundation and Childhaven. Scotch College has a long-term association with the Hollows Foundation, and this morning we will visit their eye hospital on the outskirts of Kathmandu. We will then continue to Childhaven, a nearby orphanage of around 100 children, where we gain an understanding of their life, and join them in games. The afternoon is free to explore Kathmandu.

DAY 5

Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara 980 metres. We transfer to the airport for our flight westward to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city. Our flight follows the Trisuli River valley, with its amazing patchwork of villages and terraced fields, and we soon catch glimpses of the high mountain ranges of Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna. On arrival we transfer to our first night's camp is near the shore of Phewa Tal (Lake).

DAY 6

To Dhampus 1900m. Walk approximately 6 hours. We drive a short distance to visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp and commence our trek. We immediately leave the main trail and walk up the broad Mardi Khola (River) valley that extends out of Pokhara, passing fish traps at the riverside, and make our way up into the foothills. Following a ridge through fields and clumps of bamboo we soon arrive at a pleasant location for our picnic lunch. Villagers greet us with "Namaste", the traditional Nepalese greeting as we pass through Chhetri and Brahmin settlements and onto the ridge top. The scale of the imposing mountains astounds us as we reach the ridge top and gaze at the adjacent peaks of Machapuchare (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South (7219m). We trek along the ridge until we reach the Gurung village of Dhampus and our nearby camp, which offers great opportunities for sunset photographs.

To Landrung 1900m. Walk approx. 5 hours. This is an interesting day as we trek through forest and in and out of gullies as the path takes us toward the mountains. The rhododendron forests are lush and offer a protective canopy for the smaller delicate flora, such as primula and daphne. It also provides a haven for birdlife and we can hear their varied calls as we move through. The trail soon opens into fields as we approach the village of Landrung. The peak of Annapurna South is close, and the views from camp are excellent.

DAY 8

To Gandrung 2050m. Walk approx. 4 hours. Our destination today is easily seen across the valley, the attractive Gurung village of Gandrung. Unfortunately we must descend to the valley floor and then ascend to reach it! Slowly descending through rice terraces, we cross the steel bridge across the glacial river of the Modi Khola and commence our ascent. As we trek up the many staircases, we enjoy the beauty of the Himalaya at a relatively close range, and observe the glaciers flowing from the peaks to form the rivers below us. It really is a magnificent location and a photographer's delight. Our leisurely approach along the ridge with the fine mountain views ensures proper acclimatisation to altitude, and the un-hurried opportunity to fully savour this magnificent scenery. From the camp there are excellent views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South.

DAY 9

To Tadapani 2750m. Walk approx. 6 hours. Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into the forest of rhododendron and magnolia. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for many small ferns and delicate plants. Tadapani is a clearing in the forest and a rest place for porters. There is a market here and observe the local people as they travel by. We are deep in the rhododendron forest, with fantastic views of the Himalayan peaks.

DAY 10

To Gorepani 2850 m. Walk approx. 6 hours. We rise early to savour the magnificent sunrise on Annapurna South and take the opportunity to explore the many vantage points before heading down through the forest where there are many Rhesus and Langur monkeys. As we continue we climb a ridge that affords magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri range and follow it to Gorepani on the main trail to Jomsom. This is a busy trading town and the hustle and bustle is a shock after the quiet of the forest. Large trains of mules and donkeys, dressed in bright colours and draped in bells that echo through the valley, greet our arrival at the main trail

DAY 11

To Ramche 2570m. Walk approx. 5 hours. We start early, and after a 45 minute climb we reach the summit of Poon Hill. The views here offer a great overview of the trek so far. Many would consider this to be the best view of the trek, and one of the best in Nepal. The entire Annapurna range unfolds before us, and to the West the huge summits of the Dhaulagiris fill the skyline. We descend to Phulbari and enjoy our lunch away from the main trail. We continue to descend the ridge in the afternoon through forest and make camp just outside Ramche village. This is a very pleasant location for an overnight stay as we are nestled on the ridgetop between the Kali Gandaki and Ramche valleys, and sunset and sunrise views should be at their best.

DAY 12

To Lespar 2000m. Walk approx. 6 hours. We descend this morning to a stream by the village of Nah (approx. 45 minutes) which we cross and make our way over the next foothill by slowly climbing and traversing its ridges. These trails are a delight to travel, offering a variety of forests, villages and small settlements. The local people attend to their traditional tasks and welcome our visit with interest. There are excellent mountain views today as we meander through the forests on little known trails. Terraced fields and grazing lands are interspersed with neat houses. We pass through the village of Sailijan, crest the forest-covered ridge, making a stop for lunch nearby and continue on through rolling country to our camp near Chupani.

DAY 13

To Naya Pul 1100m. Walk approx. 6 hours. We descend to our camp on the banks of the river at Naya Pul. It is quite a change to be dropping down and into warmer climes. The best way to tackle this is 'slowly, slowly' as our porters do, stopping for a rest or to admire the view. We pass some Magar villages with their well-tended fields and make our camp by the Modi Khola.

DAY 14

To Bhadure 1500 m. Walk approx. 5 hours. We ascend steadily all morning through terraced fields to gain altitude for our final mountain top camp at Bhadure. We pass clumps of bamboo and skirt terraced fields as our trail passes through well kept Gurung villages as we ascend to our camp on a ridge above the town. This is an outstanding site for our last trek night, and offers a panorama of hundreds of peaks of the Nepal Himalaya.

DAY 15

To Pokhara 980 m. Walk approx. 4 hours. This morning we visit the local school. Scotch College has assisted the education of these children for a number of years, and our visit will be eagerly awaited. After our visit we trek downhill through forests and remnants of jungle to the cleared fields where we have lunch. It is then a short walk to the road where we join our bus and drive into Pokhara and our camp.

DAY 16

To Chitwan. Drive approx. 5 hours. This morning we drive to Chitwan National Park. We will have to make the final leg of the journey into the lodge by 4WD or on elephant back. Upon arrival we are briefed on the activities planned for our stay and on the park in general. Then there is time to relax and clean up before the first jungle walk. Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to see wildlife so the late mornings and early afternoon tend to be for activities such as briefings on elephant training.

DAY 17

In Chitwan National Park. A full day's activities are available including jungle walks, elephant rides and canoe rides. You will see more wildlife if you travel quietly and wear subdued colours. The species sighted will vary but may include rhinoceros, deer, boar, bear, monkeys, multitudes of birds, and perhaps one of the elusive cats such as leopard or tiger. Asiatic animals are generally nocturnal and often solitary in nature, so a bit of luck is involved in sighting some of the less common animals.

DAY 18

Fly to Kathmandu. After an early morning breakfast and another elephant ride, we prepare for our departure and are transferred by coach to the airport. We arrive back at our hotel in Kathmandu in the early afternoon.

DAY 19

Day in Kathmandu. We have a day to explore sights in Kathmandu such as the Monkey Temple and Durbar Square.

DAY 20

Depart Kathmandu. After breakfast we will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures for our flight to Bangkok. On arrival we transfer to our Melbourne flight.

DAY 21

Arrive Melbourne

Price inclusions

• Economy airfares and airport transfers as advised.
• Hotel accommodation at one of Kathmandu's best hotels on a twin share basis with breakfast for the nights listed in the trip itinerary.
• All internal transport by private bus, jeep, car or air.
• All group airport transfers.
• Gear package including kit bag, sleeping bag and liner, insulated sleeping mat and down or fibre filled jacket on trek.
• All meals while trekking, at Pokhara and at Chitwan
• Two-person tents with sewn in floor and fly sheet when trekking.
• Porters to carry all personal and group equipment.
• Porter's insurance and protective clothing.
• Group leader, sirdar, guides and kitchen staff.
• All park entrance fees and trekking permits.
• Emergency medical kit.
• All accommodation in twin share bungalows at Chitwan
• All activities and elephant safaris at Chitwan.
• Trek Pre-departure Information Guide, with all you need to know for your trek.

Travel Insurance is provided by Scotch College.

Not included

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. Allow $10 per meal.
• Aerated drinks on trek.
• Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
• Tips. (Allow $30)
• Airport and departure taxes. (Allow $300)
• Visa. (Allow $70)