Bill Russell's Mountain tours has joined a major Nepalese Trekking and Expedition Company to offer adventure trekking tours, treks and expeditions and vacations for all age and group in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. The company has been operating since 1990. Their unrivalled trekking & touring itineraries reflect their long experience in these areas, offering guided tours, treks ranging from introductory to challenging as well as a respected mountaineering program. We invite you to enjoy tours, treks and expeditions in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India with our specialists.
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath & Patan Durbar Square. Stay overnight at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhis Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone
The main attractions in Patan
Beside above mentioned places to visit there are other significant sites to be visited:
a) Golden Temple
b) Kumbheshwar
c) Krishna Mandir
d) Jagat Narayan
e) Mahaboudha
f) Ashokan Stupa
g) Machchhendranath Temple
h) The Tibetan Camp
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) which takes about six hours.
You depart for six hours drive to Pokhara (915m,), 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley, only to quickly descend again to the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyandi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Having pleasant weather, Pokhara is tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This drive will take most of the morning, leaving much of the afternoon to fall in love with its beauty. Stay overnight at lakeside hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Nayapul (1050m.) which takes one and half hours drive. Now you begin your trek from Nayapul (1050m.) to Tikhedhunga (1577 m.) via Birethanti (1065m.) which takes about four and half hours. After breakfast at hotel you could drive by car or van for one and half hours to Nayapul. Then you start your trekking. The first part of your trek is easy passing through numerous small villages and settlements. Afterwards you could ascend gently to the final destination of the day. The majority people here are Gurung and their religion is Buddhist. They are engaged in agricultural activities, tourism business and some in Gorkha and Indian regiments. Overnight at Tea House. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 05: Trek from Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2675 m.) and it takes about six hours. To begin your trek, you could ascend steeply for the early 2 hours and then ascend gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, Magar villages. On the way, you could see good view of Machhapuchhre or Fish Tail (6997m.), Huinchuli (6441m.), and Annapurna (7219m.) south. Now your trail is quite easier passing through forest and descends gently up to the final camp. You could see some of the wild life such as monkey and various species of birds. Overnight at Tea House. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 06: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) which takes about five and half hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast trek Ghorepani to Tadapani (2650 m.) through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds and green scenarios. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests which grants you a magnificent view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and Annapurna II and so on. Overnight at Tea House. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 07: Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Jhinudanda (Hot spring) (1800m.) which takes about six hours. Overnight at Tea House. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 08: Trek from Jhinudanda to Ghandruk (1950m.) and it takes about five hours. It is very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. You could hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way. This is one of the popular destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum. From this village you could see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Overnight at Tea House. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 09: Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.) which takes about six hours. First part of your trek is steeply down following stone staircase to Kimbu (Bee hive). Kimbu or Bee hive is located at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. Now your trail steeply ascends following the stone staircase up to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for early two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From this point you can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now the rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana village (1900m.). Overnight at Tea House. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 10 : Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) which takes about four hours. Your trail descends gradually for at least an hour and follows gravel road for two hours and then steeply descends to Phedi passing through Dhampus village, paddy fields and forest protected by local community. Upon your arrival at Dhampus Phedi, you could take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. Stay overnight at lakeside hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
Day 11: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. Stay overnight at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with breakfast.
Our Sweet Service: Farewell dinner at typical Nepali cultural heritage restaurant.
Day 12: Fly out from Kathmandu.
The total package cost for the above mentioned Nepal Tour with Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is US$ 1495 per person based on 2 persons travelling together.
The cost includes:
• Kathmandu based services
• Airport pick up and drop off services
• 3 nights hotel accommodation at 3 star category hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with breakfast
• 1 day sightseeing tour as per the itinerary mentioned above
• An English speaking tour guide
• A private vehicle for sightseeing tour
• Entry fees while sightseeing tour
• Services for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
• A guide
• A porter (One porter can carry the belongings of 2 persons up to 20 kilograms during the trek)
• Entry permit for Annapurna Conservation Area
• Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
• All land transportation by tourist bus
• All meals 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
• Rescue help
• First aid kits
• Insurance and equipment for the Nepali staffs.
• 2 nights hotel accommodation at lakeside hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing basis with breakfast
The cost does not include:
* Personal nature expenses such as drinks, beverages, hot shower etc.
* Tips
* Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Call us at (800 669-4453) or email us at (hiking@russelltours.com) for detailed descriptions of daily activity on all tours.