Saturday, June 13, 2009

All Nepal Tour

Few people trek around the Kathmandu valley. Yet it offers a rich insight into the lives, history, culture and religion, together with the daily toil in the fields of its inhabitants. The valley rim lies around 1000/ 2800 m and in the spring offers early flowering rhododendrons and through the autumn and winter, wonderful mountain vistas which can, from certain view-points, stretch from Everest in the east to Annapurna in the west.

DAY 01 : ARRIVE IN KATHMANDUWhen you arrive in Kathmandu, you'll be taken to your hotel. While in Kathmandu you will have time fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's many charms on your own too. O/N in Kathmandu.

DAY 02 : KATHMANDU - CHISOPANIAfter breakfast driver to Sundarijal (Trekking Starting point) and trek to Chisopani (2194m). Chisopani is very good for walking through the forest and along the ridge with spectacular views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Jugal Himal which is offer outstanding views of the Himalaya and overnight camping in Chisopani.

DAY 03 : CHISAPANI - NAGARKOTWalk between the village and forest, continue our journey to Nagarkot 2300m above the sea-level. This spot provides an excellent view of the sunset and Mount Everest can be seen on a clear day. O/N camping in Nagarkot.

DAY 04 : NAGARKOT - KATHMANDUWe'll awake early to watch the spectacular dawn, the first rays of the sun firing the peaks a hellist red slowly lighting up the Himalayas from Kachenjunga and Everest in the far East of Annapurna and Dwalagiri in the West. Travel to Dhulikhel. Afternoon, we'll drive back to Kathmandu. O/N in Kathmandu.

DAY 05 : KATHMANDU - RAFTING - CHITWAN NATIONAL PARKAfter breakfast drive to rafting site (Trisuli River for White water Rafting) It takes approximately 2 hrs drive from KATHMANDU. This River is popular as access to the Prithivi Highway makes "breaking off" the journey easy. Trisuli River is also an ideal beginner's River . Lunch we'll be served after 3/4 hrs rafting in the riverside. After lunch, drive to Chitwan National Park upon arrival, rooms assigned and there will be a short briefing on the program and our facilities. 4:00 PM: Elephant-back safari: Guests will ride on an elephant to explore the jungle and wildlife you will be able to see the one-horned rhinoceros, several types of deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. This exciting ride lasts for 2-3 hours. 7:00 PM: Dinner in the central dining hall.

DAY 06 : Chitwan National Park5:30 AM: Wake-up call followed by tea or coffee, then proceed on a Nature Walk. This encounter on foot with the environment will introduce the main features of eastern Chitwan. Sal forest, open grassland and reverie jungle. Our guides will help you identify some species of birds, plants and other wildlife that you may encounter. 8:30 AM: Breakfast 9:30 AM: Elephant briefing program: Learn more about these fascinating animals during a visit to our elephant stable. (For the brave ones there is even a crash course in riding and leading the elephants) 1.00 PM: LUNCH. After lunch , Canoeing : A traditional dug-out canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti river to view aquatic birds and the animals of the river banks. Back to resort through the Jungle. 7:00 PM: Tharu Stick dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances. 8:00 PM: Dinner around the camp firing.

DAY 07 : Chitwan National Park - POKHARA5.30 AM: Bird Watching (or another elephant ride) after early morning tea/coffee.8.00 AM: Breakfast9.00 AM: Luggage down and departure at 9.39 AM. To Pokhara. The actual program for your stay, will be given to you on arrival at Resort / camp. The activities are adjusted to the season and weather conditions. Naturally, it may not always be possible to follow this schedule to the minute and the circumstances may force us to alter the program at short notice. On safari in the jungle you will be accompanied by expert naturalists who will advise on safety procedures and we request you to respect their judgment at all times. If you wish to stroll in the forest alone, a guide will have to accompany you for your safety. O/N in Kathmandu.

DAY 08 : POKHARA CITY TOURAfter breakfast we've sightseeing around Pokhara valley. Pokhara lakeside villages sits, "front row center" to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You're free in Pokhara Valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place like a boating in Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna Areas, David Falls, Mahendra Cave and some Temples. Evening you're free to explore the colorful town. O/N in Pokhara.

DAY 09 : POKHARA - KATHMANDUAfter breakfast you're return to Kathmandu by road. After arrive in Kathmandu you're free to shop and pick up some last minute souvenirs, rest and visit the shop etc.. O/N in Kathmandu.

DAY 10 : DEPARTUREAfter breakfast free for you until time to leave the international airport for your final destination.

Paragliding in Nepal


Paragliding is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal, and little information is available in tourist guidebooks. Paragliding in this Himalayan country can be a truly wonderful and fulfilling experience for the adventure-seekers. You can experience unparalleled scenic grandeur as you share airspace with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites, while floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungles, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayas.
The last three years have seen the activity flourish in Pokhara , and it now is an internationally recognized destination for free-flight enthusiasts.


BEST TIME TO FLY
Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the flying season in Nepal commences from November through February, the best months being November and December. By virtue of its latitude and monsoonal climate, the tree line in Nepal is at an incredible 3,900 m above sea level. With conditions milder than summer alpine, these are excellent and constant atmospherics.
The topography and climate of Nepal also make it an ideal destination for all levels of pilots- subtropical conditions provide plenty of thermals and combined with the long valleys common in Nepal, they produce perfect 'cloud streets' ideal for paragliders, inviting them to fly along this "sky highway". The local microclimate, controlled by the numerous lakes in the valley, is unique, which makes it even better for the glider.
The 98/99 season saw 88 out of 90 days flyable, while the 99/00 season went one better, when we were in the air 89 days out of 90. It would be hard to find anywhere else with such friendly and constant conditions.
The best months for flying are November, December and January. Cloud base varies between 2000m and 2700m. Come February the extremely short and hardly noticeable winter is over and the ground is very dry, the air hazy. Gone are the mild conditions of the previous 3 months. By March and April there is a mountain wind, coming off the big peaks and some days causes strong valley winds. Indeed you can windsurf in April on Phewa Tal, the biggest lake in the Pokhara valley. The heavy air is just waiting for the monsoon and the intermittent storms in April and May are only a forerunner for the spectacular break in the weather come early June.


WHERE DO WE FLY
The main area for flying in Nepal is the Annapurna region, more specifically the Pokhara valley. This lakeside town is Nepal's second "city", nestled at the foot of the Annapurna Himal, the views commanded from here, of 3 of the worlds 8000m peaks, are unsurpassed. At an altitude of 800m ASL the subtropical climate means that, year round, it is short and T-shirt weather. The micro-climate of the valley makes it an ideal area for flying, with far more constant conditions than the Kathmandu valley 150 km east.
There are several sites around Phew Tal (the lake) but the most accessible is Sarangkot (1500m ASL). A view point 700m above Pokhara, it is unique in that it has a road running to the top. A short walk brings you to the only purpose built take off in the country. Cut out of the slope is a 45m by 45m clearing. With regular cycles providing easy reverse launches, you could not ask for a more picturesque site. With the lake 2000 ft below, the mountains behind, and the unlimited potential for XC and out and returns, this has quickly become the main site for the area, and many pilots have based themselves in Pokhara for the season, flying from this mountain alone.
There are an abundance of other sites around the valley but all need to be walked up. With names such as Dikie Danda, Devi Falls, Poomdi and Matepani, all can be connected by air from Sarangkot.
Different types of flying deals-There are various deals for the paragliding enthusiast as well as those checking this sport out for the first time. There is a three-day introductory course for beginners, as well as tandem flights (where you fly with an instructor) for the inexperienced or less brave. At 6000 ft, you sit back in your seat as your qualified pilot takes you on an unforgettable journey. The take-off point