Monday, April 16, 2007

Where the earth meets sky




Where Sky Meets the Earth...
Want to experience the intense pleasure of being alive, aware and adventurous...set yourself to a trekking and mountaineering expedition to the world's mightiest peak Mt. Everest. Set against the brilliant blue sky, the view of Mount Everest's radiant snow peaks is jaw dropping. And how it feels like being so close to the sky is a thrill beyond imagination.Fast Facts
Age of Everest
60 million years
Elevation
8,848 meters (29,028 feet)
Range
Khumbal Himal
Easiest Route
South Col (Nepal)
Nearest Access
Kathmandu
Normal Weather Conditions
5°C to 20°C
Medical / Emergency Facilities
Small Health Care Facilities available in most of the trail
Rescue Operations
Helicopter Flights from Kathmandu (Normally within 50 Minutes)
Communication Facilities
Telephones available at Ghandrung till Chhomrong
Season(s)
Spring: March - June
Autumn: September - November
Guidebook(s)
Trekking in Nepal Himalaya - Lonely PlanetThe Route Mount Everest, or the 'Mother of the Universe' (called by the Nepalese) is known as Sagarmatha in Nepal. Towering egoistically heavenwards, it is 8850 meters above the sea level. The route can be sensational only if you ward off all your fears and get ready to see the deepest ditches and touch the highest peaks. So come, let's feel the energy of the mountains and experience how it looks when the sky meets the earth. Arrive in KathmanduThe trip begins in the ancient and colourful city of Kathmandu. During day time, we can explore the 17th century splendours of the Monkey Temple, the Durbar Square and the old Kings' Palaces, as well as the ancient city of Patan.Fly to Lukla Early next morning we fly to Lukla at 2860 metres, where we meet the yak drivers, and porters. We can trek to Monjo (2652m) and spend the night there.Explore Sherpa VillagesWe will continue our trek up to Namche Bazaar (3446m), the capital of the Sherpa Kingdom. Here we rest for a day to acclimate and enjoy the hospitality of the fascinating people, then proceed up to Deboche (3757m) for a night, and finally to Lobuche (4930m), where we have another acclimatization day. Reach the Base Camp Finally, we make the last trek to basecamp at 5300 metres. After resting, organizing, and training in the basecamp for a day, we will begin our climb.Hiking at the Khumbu Icefall We start with a day hike through the awe inspiring Khumbu Icefall, followed by a trip to the plateau of the Western Cwm, for our first glimpse of Camp I, at 5800 metres.Reach Western CwmFrom Camp I at 6000 metres, the route traverses the flattish bottom of the Western Cwm, to 6200 metres where Camp II is located. Camp III is on the head wall of the Lhotse face at about 7200 metres. Known as the 'Valley of Silence', the Western Cwm is a relatively flat gently rising valley, marked by huge lateral crevasses in the centre. Ascend Lhotse Face From Camp II, we will ascend the Lhotse face on fixed ropes up to a small edge 7,470 m (24,500 feet). Then we will climb another 500 meters to Camp III on the South Col at 7,920 m(26,000 feet). From camp III to Camp IV we will have to face two altitudinal challenges: the Geneva Spur and the Yellow Band. The Geneva Spur is an anvil shaped, snow covered rib of a black rock named by a Swiss in 1952 Swiss expedition. The Yellow band is a section of sedimentary sandstone which requires 100 meters of rope for traversing it. Reach the Death ZoneOn South Col, we enter the death zone, where we will spend maximum 2 or 3 days before beginning our summit push. Within 10 to 12 hours, we'll reach 'The Balcony' at 8,400 m (927,700 feet). The Balcony provides spectacular views to the radiant peaks.Follow Cornice TracerseAt 8,750 m (28,700 feet), a small table-sized dome of is snow marks the South Summit. From South summit, we will follow the knife-edge southeast ridge along the 'Cornice Traverse' where snow clings to intermittent rock. This is the most exposed section of the climb as a misstep to the left would send one 2,400 m (8,000 ft) down the southwest face while to the immediate right is the 3,050 m (10,000 ft) Kangshung face. At the end of this traverse is an imposing 12 m (40 ft) rock wall called the 'Hillary Step' at 8,760 m (28,750 ft).

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

About Nepal and Rafting in Nepal



The Kali begins its journey high on the Tibetan plateau in the kingdom of Mustang. Plunging its way down through the Himalayas, the river carves the deepest gorge in the world between the two 8000m peaks Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The Kali Gandaki was first opened to commercial use in 1991. The journey descends through challenging white water, unique cultures and amazing beaches.
When not negotiating rapids, time on the river can be spent under cascading waterfalls and enjoying the backdrop of the Annapurna ranges. Both experienced and novice rafters will love it. Being one of the holiest rivers in Nepal, every river junction on the Kali Gandaki is dotted with cremation sites and above ground burial mounds. As the trip begins and ends in Pokhara you need to get there one day before the trip. There are few options depending on your budget and time schedule. All of them are relatively easy to arrange and if you want your tour operator can assist you.
Itinerary
Day 01
At around 7/8 am, we drive for around 3-4 hrs to the put-in point near Beni. Throughout this drive we have stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks as well as the sacred Machapuchare. Upon arrival, we unload all the equipment and you will receive a full safety briefing. Have lunch and then the guide will take you to the river starting point ready to begin your exciting 3 days raft trip. First day we begin with some class III rapids this is a warm up for the team, after 10/15 minutes you will be encountering 2 big class 4 rapids i.e. ‘Small Brother’ and ‘Big Brother’. Your guide will be making you work hard at doing exercises to work as a team maneuvering the raft efficiently. After scouting the rapid, the safety kayaks will go first then the raft. Soon after encountering these two big rapids we will reach the Modi Khola confluence where we will choose the beach for the evening campsite. We unload the rafts and one raft team prepares dinner and rum punch whilst the others play or relax and take in the scenery. (L, D, A)
Day 02
Once the rafts are packed we start down the river for a day mixed with adrenaline calm and spectacular scenery including views of Annapurna 1 and Himachuli. We will tackle many class III sections and the challenging class IV named REFUND. This section of river is abundant with vines, wildlife and lush vegetation hanging from the cliff faces. Our campsite is below the village of Purti Ghat. (A, B, L, D)
Day 03
Soon after being back on the water we reach the holy village of Seti Beni. The river has deposited a house size boulder in the confluence with a smaller tributary. Since confluence is considered holy places in the Hindu religion, this boulder has become an important shrine to the local river people. There is usually a great audience to watch and listen to the spectacle as each team negotiates the rapid that has formed around this holy place. Not long after this it is time for the journey to end. Our bus will be waiting for us. We load up the gear and prepare for the bus journey back to Pokhara. (A, B, L, D)
Day 04
Arrive in Kathmandu by bus. Rest in hotel, if you are interested for souvenir shopping in Kathmandu (B)
Abbreviation: (A = Accommodation, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Rafting at arun river



Nepal has four major river system with more than two - hundred fifty sizeable tributaries .The major rivers are: - The Sapta Kosi in the extreme eastern Nepali; the Narayani in the central Nepali; the Karnali in the western Nepal and the Mahakali in the far western Nepal. Arun rivers are one of the tributaries of river Sapta Kosi that flows in the Eastern Nepal.
Besides being the only Hindu country in the world with all to myths and mysterious character, Nepal has more than one hundred different dialects speaking people belonging to various ethnic groups. Meeting there different ethnic groups of people during the of rafting is all a part of adventure.

Itinerary
Day 01
Kathmandu to Tumlingtar: - An hour's flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. The Tumlingtar flight if scheduled in the afternoon, the camp shall be put up in Tumlingtar itself. The afternoon could be spent in visiting this tiny village with its small teashops and airstrip. Briefing for the next day's trip in the evening. (L, D)
Day 02
Savaiya Khola Breakfast will normally be served at 8: 30 AM. Trek for about two hours at a gradual pace until Sabiya Khola. Briefing for the next day's schedule. Get the equipments ready to start early for the following day. (A, B, L, D)
Day 03
Megan Besi As soon as we get on the river. From Tumlingtar, we get started at 9:30 AM after breakfast. Today is pretty smooth except for little rough ones of grade III/IV. (A, B, L, D)
Day 04
Today could be more challenging than the previous days. We come across quite a number of rapids one after another. The first encounter is a left- bend rapid, before the suspension bridge at Ranighat. A number of rapids follow after this, one after another we finally camp nearby blithe rapid. (A, B, L, D)
Day 05
Today is pretty smooth and relaxed compared to the previous days. The Arun River now merges with river Sunkosi to form in to a confluence of river Saptakosi, one of the major rivers of Nepal, which further flows to merge with the famous Gange in India. Float along Saptakosi for another half an hour and we reach the site of a temple in Bara Chettra a Hindu temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. From here, float for another half an hour to Chattra . Drive back. (A, B, L, D)
Day 06
Arrive Kathmandu . (B)

Friday, April 6, 2007

Trek in Nepal


How can you trek in Kakani Nagarkot Area ?Kakani Nagarkot Trek can be organize only camping (Tented Camp). On a camping trek you will sleep in tents. The staff includes a guide, cook, Sherpa and sufficient porters to carry all trekking gear. Even if you have never camped before, there is no need to worry that you won’t enjoy the experience. The tents we provide are roomy, the sleeping pads/ mattresses are comfortable and international style food of a high standard is freshly prepared and served. On all of our treks a bathroom tent is provided as well as a dining tent with tables and camp stools, providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere to eat and chat with fellow trekkers during the evening.
How Camping Trek is Operated?  In a typical Camping Trek, day starts around 6 a.m. with a cup of hot tea or coffee followed by a bucked of warm water for their washing and cleaning. After packing up their stuff and daypack, the trekkers are requested to leave their camp and meet at the dinning table for breakfast. The trek started around 7.30 - 8 a.m. and the kitchen staffs go ahead of the group. Our well trained staff pack all camping equipment and gears and the porters carry them to the next camping site. The trekkers should carry only personal belongings that they may need for the day like water bottle, rain gear, camera, etc.The Trekkers can decide on their own on time for viewing the beautiful landscape, taking photographs and resting or making a short pause. The walk to the lunch spot normally takes 3 hours. Our cook and assistant serves hot lunch upon arrival. The afternoon walk takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach at the night camp around 4/5 p.m. Tea and snacks are served while our sherpa pitch the camp. The dinner is served around 6/7 p.m. in the dining tent lit with a pressurized lantern and furnished with table and camping tools. We provide high quality tents, foam and mattress, and a simple toilet tent in every camp for once comfort.Our well - trained and experienced cook, and assistant prepare a variety of healthy, hygienic and clean food which is carried for the entire trek. Fresh Fruit and vegetable may taste on the way to trek.


Nagarkot of nepal

Countless Himalayan Peaks including Gauri Shankar, Langtang ranges, Ganesh Himal, Dorjelakpa, Everest ranges. Highlight : The great Himalayan Ranges. You will visit the historic and cultural town Sankhu along with the local farmers and farming field with seasonal crops on the way. Nagarkot is a widely enjoyed hill resort. It has been a weekend spot for mountain viewers in quiet and comfort. You shall finally reach Nagarkot which is our destination.
The sunrise viewed from this hill present you the ever-refreshing memory of the majestic panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges from Dhaulagiri in the west and Mt. Everest in the east. On the way you can observe the historic and cultural town at Sankhu. Drive to Nala (30Km. north-east) of Kathmandu. Start your hiking from village. Take the graveled road to Nagarkot. You shall pass through the pine forests, terraces and the typical Newari Villages. Stop for the lunch at the Ghimire Gaon. From here you can see the Bhaktapur Village very near to you and the beautiful Kathmandu Valley at the far distance. Resume your hike. Take the splendid view of the Himalayas from here. Drive back to Kathmandu. This hike consists of about 4 hours walk.
Itinerary: