Tharu village Trek (13 Days)

During this this trek, you’ll visit the cultural treasures of the Kathmandu Valley before travelling on through the dense jungle of the Royal Chitwan National Park. Perched high on an elephant’s back you’ll spot the endangered one-horned rhino and maybe, just maybe, the elusive Asian tiger. You’ll spend the day with the local Tharu tribe’s people, who will also take you on a jungle trek. You can experience Tharu village life, help them prepare dinner and spend the night in a jungle hut on stilts at the edge of the village. After this, your trip continues to the friendly town of Pokhara for the start of a spectacular trek. You’ll climb to the top of Poon Hill for a wonderful sunrise

 

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park
Day 04: Exploring The Chitwan National Park
Day 05: Chitwan National Park
Day 06: Chitwan National Park to Pokhara
Day 07: Pokhara – Tikhedunga
Day 08: Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani
Day 09: Ghorepani – Tadapani
Day 10: Tadapani – Ghandruk
Day 11: Ghandruk – Pokhara
Day 12: Kathmandu sightseeing and shopping
Day 13: Departure.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
You will be welcomed by the boss of  company at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1300m).After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with  a ours company display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, you will visit our office; meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Later in the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent Tourist Restaurant where you will enjoy  with a fine meal. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02:  Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Full day of sightseeing in the very famous capital, Kathmandu. We will be visiting of the famous heritage sites in Kathmandu Nepal.

Morning, we will start from your hotel by a morning walk in the blocked alleyways of Kathmandu. Your first contact with the smiling Nepalese people.We begins to cross the nice area of Thamel, full of nice shops, bars and restaurants.

We will see during this walk many temples and stupas: it will be for you the beginning of religious lessons, making the difference between Buddhists stupas and Hindu temples. You will discover with a great surprise how these two religions live together.

We will make a stop at Thahiti Tole, then in front of Kathesimbhu stupa. Always meeting statues and local shops (suits, spices, incenses, and so on) and listening the noise of bells (and of horns), we will see Asan Tole with wonderful Hindu temples. Then Indra Chowk and Pyaphal Tole.

After 2 hours of walk and of wonder, we will arrive at Durbar Square.

All the most important monuments of the city are in this area. You will be filled with wonder by all these numerous such majestic and so ancient temples registered in the Heritage of the UNESCO. It is possible to spend hours, sat on the walk of one of these monuments, admiring architecture, considering the animation of places, dreaming.

We will take lunch at the top of a restaurant in Durbar Square, with a great plunging view.

Afternoon, you will begin the afternoon by another walk in the streets of Kathmandu, to look at the real face of this city, with local buildings and narrow streets.Then we will arrive atSwayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). It is said that Swayambunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. At the summit of this hill, the painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist place where pilgrims from all over the world come.From this place we can have a wonderful panoramic view on all the capital. So great at the end of the day, with the sunset. We will come back hotel by bus.

 Evening: Time for you to prepare the trek and we introduce in front of you our crew members. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Kathmandu – Chitwan National Park

After breakfast drive to Chitwan National Park, It takes five hours. Today, after a short briefing there’s time to freshen up in your bungalow and grab some lunch in the restaurant. In the afternoon you’ll have your first elephant safari, an exciting part of the tour. You’ll share the basket on the elephant’s back with a maximum of 3 other travelers. Perched high on the back of these giant beasts you’ll be safely out of reach of all that lurks in the tall grass. If you’re lucky you’ll spot your first rhino, although there’s a better chance of seeing them on foot on your walking safari tomorrow morning. If a rhino does come into view your elephant will sound the alarm with an almighty growl, just to show the rhino whose boss… Overnight at Chitwan.

Day 04: Exploring The Chitwan National Park

Chitwan is most beautiful Town. The early morning golden light sweeps across the plains, giving it an other-worldly atmosphere. The river is even more magical. Working elephants stride through the water, battered ferries glide downstream and rhinos graze in the grass.

Today, you’ll hop into a wooden canoe with your guide for a tour of the Rapti River, where crocodiles sunbathe on the shores. After about 30 minutes you’ll go on a guided walk through the jungle. You’ll hike along narrow paths through the forests and plains where the high grass seems almost impenetrable. It’s a little scary knowing that this grass could be hiding rhinos, leopards and tigers, but don’t worry, your experienced guide knows exactly what he’s doing. Although the rhinos seem harmless enough, they shouldn’t be underestimated. Their poor eyesight often causes them to storm defensively into any unfamiliar noise or smell, so always follow your guide’s instructions very closely indeed.

Day 05: Chitwan National Park

Today after breakfast, you’ll start with an invigorating ‘elephant bath’. Armed with a brush you’ll get to work scrubbing off all the dirt. The elephants clearly love pampering and they’ll give you a thorough rinse with their trunks once you’re done! After you’ve dried off, you’ll head into the jungle with your guide. You’re guaranteed a very warm welcome in the local Tharu village. The Tharus are the indigenous people of this jungle and also Buddhist. The enlightened prince’s son Gautama Buddha was a Tharu himself. The Tharu will show you all about the jungle and their way of life. The fact that you really get the time to get to know these wonderful people is what makes this module so enjoyable. Together you will prepare the evening meal and, as the sun sets, the fire is lit, drums and rice wine appear and the party sometimes might continue into the early hours…

You’ll spend the night in a basic ‘jungle tower’ at the edge of the village (see images at the bottom of the page). This Tharu house is built on stilts – so don’t worry about any jungle wildlife paying you an unexpected visit in the middle of the night! Your room is basic but comfortable enough and you will soon find yourself lulled to sleep by the sounds of the jungle…

Day 06: Chitwan National Park to Pokhara

Wake up early morning if you want to catch the beautiful sunrise over the forest. Watch the jungle awaken as the mist disappears with the first rays of sun light and listen as an entire orchestra of birds serenades you good morning. You’ll have a good chance of spotting some wildlife at this time the day. When you arrive back in the village a tasty breakfast will be waiting, just what the doctor ordered after a morning hike through the jungle.

Towards noon, you’ll say your goodbyes to the Tharu and head off on the five hour drive to Pokhara with tourist bus. Here, you’ll spend the night in Hotel and prepare for the trek ahead of you.

Day 07: Pokhara – Tikhedunga

After breakfast our driver will pick you up for the 1-hour drive to Birethanti. On the way you will be able to see the high peaks of the Himalayas emerging in the distance as the road winds its way up to the starting point of the trek. Packed with your camera, warm sweater and some water, you’ll head off, accompanied by your guide and local porters. As the villagers wave goodbye, you’ll slowly begin your ascent.

The path leads through a thick bamboo forest to lush green fields where cows with red plumes on their heads graze contentedly. You can stop off for some pictures or a drink on the way. After about 4 hours walk you arrive in Tikhedunga, a small village with a couple of shops, a wobbly hanging bridge across the river and children that follow you with curiosity. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 08: Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani

 After a hearty breakfast it’s time to pack your things and head off on for the trekking part of your trip. The first stretch is fairly easy as you walk downhill into the valley. As you cross the Burungdi Khola River, make sure to stop and admire this spectacular mountain river which at times is a peacefully flowing stream but can fast become a wild churning rapid. The freezing cold melt water flows down from high up on the mountain. Then comes the most strenuous part of the trek. Heading up some stony steps you slowly make your way to 2000m.

During this strenuous climb, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of snow-capped mountains rising up through the surrounding hills. An incredible view. The last part of the trek is pretty level and leads through a colorful and aromatic rhododendron forest. Once you reach Ghorepani, you’ll be able to put your feet up, have a drink and relax. As you look around, you’ll see colorful prayer flags blowing in the wind at the many temples and Snowy Mountain peaks in the background. It takes six hours walk. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 09: Ghorepani – Tadapani

Wake up early this morning so you don’t miss the sunrise at Poon Hill, one of the most captivating moments during this trek. After breakfast you’ll start off on the 1-hour climb to the top – a pretty impressive 3190m. Once you reach the top, you can sit yourself down on a rock and watch as the sun slowly colors the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri a deep orange. It’s enough to give you goose bumps… , After sunrise the trek continues to Tadapai. It takes four hours walk. Overnight at Lodge.

Day 10: Tadapani – Ghandruk

After breakfast the trek start from Tadapani to Ghandruk. It takes four hours walk.Today, Along the way you’ll meet plenty of local villagers, many of who will be carrying very interesting items up the mountain. Everything is lugged up the mountain from sacks of rice to live chickens in big baskets, even large pieces of household furniture. The local men all wear simple flip-flops but they’re still a lot faster than us tourists in our posh hiking boots and can carry amazing loads of all shapes and sizes. On the way you pass through fertile fields where you’ll see farmers working the land. At the end of the afternoon you’ll reach a small Gurung village where you’ll spend the night in a basic lodge.

Day 11: Ghandruk – Pokhara

This morning have a breakfast after; you’ll head out on the last part of the trek, about a two hour hike to Nayapul. When you arrive, you’ll find your transportation waiting for you for the 2-hour drive to Pokhara. This friendly town is the starting point of several treks. Most of the hotels are situated around the lake and this is also where you’ll find plenty of warm and inviting bars and restaurants. Many of our travelers choose to spend at least 2 nights here to recuperate from their journey. The restaurants in Pokhara offer plenty of western and local food too so you can also enjoy burgers, pizzas and fresh fruit juices. On a clear day you can see the snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. If you like you can rent a boat and go out on the lake or visit the golden Barahi temple.

Day 12: Kathmandu sightseeing and shopping

After breakfast, we will take local bus to go Pashupatinath. it takes 40 minutes then we visitPashupatinath. This temple, classified in the heritage of the UNESCO, is very famous among the Hindus of the whole world. We discover the ghats where take place in the rituals of cremation, according to Hindu tradition, along the sacred river Bagmati. This river throwing itself into the Ganges, a cremation in this place get the same symbolic value as in Varanasi. Stakes and bodies are orientated northward, towards the Himalayas, which is the cradle of the Hindu Gods. Don’t take pictures: meditate simply some minutes in the sense of this earth life, and impregnate you with this ambience, so strange according to our Western values.

The access to the Golden temple is only reserved for the Hindus, but it is possible to discover it on the bank of opposite, easy sat on one of the terraces. Both footbridges which cross this river allow to achieve a big series of stone terraces, adorned with dozens sanctuaries of Shiva. We will cross there surely numerous sadhus.

Then we take the hill up, in the middle of monkeys’ cloud. We go down towards the imposing temple of Guhyeshwari, where only the Hindus can visit it.

After the crossing of a small hanging bridge, we walk to another site of worldwide heritage:Boudhanath. During this walk, we can see the various lifestyles and styles of houses of this city. We also cross numerous shops: here is the true life of the inhabitants of the capital!

After 30 minutes, we arrive at Boudhanath, which is the seat of the Tibetan community having run away in Nepal in 1959″,. Millions of Buddhists visit every year this sacred place. Will be possible to us remain insensible to the extraordinary charm of this very spellbinding place!

This large esplanade is encircled with many shops and thirty Tibetan monasteries with marvelous gilding. Let’s make turn at pleasure mills, the smallest and the biggest! Which extraordinary vision to see all these believers, young people and old, turning continuously around imposing stupa, by singing mantras, by lighting lamps with oil, and by prostrating itself.

This Stupa, of 100 meters of circumference, was undoubtedly constructed at origin in the 7th century. This huge mandala is of an absolute favor. The dome whitened persistently in the lime constitutes the plinth of the gold arrow (to 13 degrees) adorned with the fabulous eyes of Buddha. Every thing makes an absolute harmony.

It is possible to enter inside the surrounding wall of the Stupa and to walk on one of the terraces.

We take lunch in Boudhanath, on the terrace of a panoramic restaurant, with plunging view on the Stupa and you will be again fascinated by the eyes of Buddha which encircle you at all times! Here is a celestial environment for you!

In the afternoon, leisure to go shopping in search of different gifts for your family and your friends, in Boudhanath and in Thamel.

In the evening, we perform a “farewell dinner” with all members of this walking.

Night at hotel of Kathmandu.

Day 13:  Departure.

You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. You will be transferred to the Airport before 2 hours of flight with nice farewell. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Prices reported  include:
Treks in Lodges and meals with Hotel Standard While the trek in full board. Accommodation and meals in Lodges ( local food  good quality, meals will be proposed by the guide). All transport (Return to the scene of the trek and during the trek ). Accompaniment by a professional English speaking guide and a porter for 2 people  to carry your bags (maximum 20 kg for 2 people) reception at the airport, transfer hotel / airport, reconfirmation of return flights . Deluxe hotel in heart of Kathmandu with breakfast. Shower with hot water . Very quiet hotel with restaurant, 2 minutes from Thamel center . English speaking professional guide ( Supplement professional guide for French). Trekking permits and national parks entry fee.
Prices do not include:
Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast),  drinks during all stay or trek, ( except teas and coffee for breakfast). The entrances of monuments, cities and museums , Nepali Visa ($ 40 in cash), your insurance gratuities and airport tax.

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