A guide to the highest peaks in Nepal

Aasma Aryal

Nepal is a land of the exalted Himalayas and a home of the greatest mountain chain in the world. More than 250 peaks are found to be congregated in our beloved country and it is a unique cluster of giant and dazzling summits. There are approximately 800 km of the Himalayas in Nepal amongst which eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks fall under it. Nepal is considered to be the major highlight of mountain tourism(trekking in Nepal) as the spectacular mountain range overlooks the deep valleys with rambling pastures and the swarming Sherpa villages.

The western edge of the Himalayas prolongs up to the Indus River and the Nanga Parvat. It is considered to be the highest mountain in the western side of the Himalayas and is the 9th highest in the world. Whereas, the north-western section of the Himalayas are known as Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. In total both of these ranges cover more than 1300 kilometres.

The Himalayas have one of the largest ice accumulations in the world after the Polar Regions. The Himalayas have about 1500 glaciers and they hold up to 3000 cubic miles of fresh water and it is considered to be the source of one of the biggest tributaries in the world. Some of the major tributaries with starting points to reach the glacier deposits are: Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Ganges, Yamuna, Beas, Yarlung Tsangpo, Ayerwadi, Indus, Salween, Mekong, Chenav, Ravi, Yangtze and Huang He.

The mountains of our country have proved to be major sources of many rivers along with the glaciers which play an important role in the country's economy. About 9% of our total land is covered by Himalayas and there are many climbable peaks in that region. However, some of the peaks are left unclimbed and it is held sacred by the local ethnic group.

The giants are sacred to the religions of Bon, Jain, Buddhism and Hinduism. From historical point of view, Nepal is known as the home of the Himvat which is considered to be the father of Ganga and Parvati. Similarly, Kailash in the Tibet is known as the home of the Buddhist messengers, Hindu gods along with the root of Jain and Bon religion.

Nepal has the highest Himalayan ranges of the world and it wraps and protects the Himalayan lifestyle and culture. Various expedition programs are arranged for adventurous trekkers who come to prove their might by stepping on the giant peaks of the world. Some trekkers might want to venture simple trekking routes whereas daring trekkers can venture virgin lands with the help of skillful guides.

Everest is the place for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers. The giant of the giants lies in between the border between Nepal and Tibet and remains to be sacred for people of both places. It has proudly stood throughout history as the highest peak of the world.

Everest Base Camp trek is one of the popular multi-day trekking destination in Nepal

Kanchenjunga is the third largest mountain in the world and lies on the east of Great Himalayan Trails. The locals consider this summit as sacred. Kanchenjunga literally means "five treasures of snow" as it consists of five separate peaks.

Lhotse is the fourth tallest mountain of the world. Besides this main summit there are Lhotse Middle (8,414 m) and Lhotse Shar (8383 m). Lhotse is connected to Mount Everest via the South Col and the name signifies "South Peak" in Tibetan. As it is joined by a ridge to Everest, many climbers venture upon both the mountains.

Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain) is the most iconic and well known mountain of the Himalayan horizon. Visitors can admire this giant from the city of lakes, Pokhara which is only 25 km away. This mountain is considered holy and apparently no one till record has climbed it to the summit.

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An unexpected journey to paradise

In life, there aren't many moments that aren't many moments that are memorable as the ones made spontaneously. With this mindset, my dad and my friend and I decided to go on a trip to Jiri, which turned out to be anything but ordinary. In this blog, I have talked about our adventure in the highlands with a rejuvenating experience. The memory will remain with us and it will be cherished forever.

When confronted with the gorgeous hills of Jiri, we came to realize that Nepal is more than just the two peaks of himalayas. Visitors were cycling, running around the hills, immersing themselves in the environment. We shared a collective appreciation of nature, which gave me a warm feeling.

Turns out Jiri has been noted as the highly praised and popular trekking route to reach the Everest Base Camp. I told my dad may be we could also try, but he laughed and retorted that it was not possible as I couldn't even walk a mile. Upon further exploration, we saw a pond where fishing was made commercialized. A boy screamed with joy when his dad caught a fish, which probably will be their meal later on. The local people were more than happy to guide us around the place. While roaming around, I also saw vendors selling cheese and durkha, a special delicacy of Jiri, yum! Overall, Jiri is one of the big towns of Dolakha which is very strict about cleanliness and security. Unfortunately, the journey in Jiri only lasted few hours as we had to descend downwards to reach our next destination 'Charikot.'

We planned on staying one night in Charikot as it served to be a mid point on our road to Kalinchowk. After sleeping in a wonderful climate without mosquitoes, it gave us a fresh start to travel in the morning. The road was jerky and uncomfortable but the expectation of the glorious Kalinchowk kept us going. On the way up, I noticed white colored rhododendrons blooming, which surprised me. I thought that rhododendrons were only red in color. However, the entire valley was covered in white rhododendron. The walk to the top of Kalinchowk was going to be a long one so we prepared ourselves by stuffing ourselves with locally prepared food 'Chana' and chiya. At first, our bodies were shivering from cold, but eventually our body started adjusting to the cooler climate and we were pumped up for our adventure for the day.

After panting and gasping for what seemed like forever, we reached to the top of Kalinchowk temple. The breath of icy fresh air, made it seem like paradise. Devotees were praying and offering sacrifices. I cherished my existence and opportunity to be in Kalinchowk as I felt like I was on top of the world. Although the views of the Himalayas were covered by fog, we did get a glimpse of it and it was a wondrous sight. Though we wanted to stay and marvel at the beautiful scenery, we had to return back to Charikot. The ride on the Bolero again became thrilling and our motion was out of control. Although, this rickety ride caused our body to be sore, the view made it worth it.

The journey only lasted two days but we experienced many places. We are so close to the touch of the heavens regardless of our occupation as city dwellers. The need to escape to such wonderland every once in a while could easily be fulfilled if we ventured outside our bubble. Even though the journey only lasted for two days, we travelled and saw many highs and lows. The mountain passes of Jiri and the picturesque hill of Kalinchowk were heavenly. For someone who was born and raised inside the walls of a city, this escape made me understand the expression, "Nepal is heaven on earth." I have so much to explore and so much of this beautiful land to see. Now I wait to get to my next destination.

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2019 Travel Destinations In Nepal

·         Everest Base Camp Trek

·         Kathmandu - Pokhara - Chitwan

·         ABC Trek : Ghodepani Circuit

·         Ruby Valley or Ganesh Himal Trek

·         Palpa, Tansen Bazar

·         Bandipur

2019 is around the corner, the new year brings a new chance, opportunities to explore and do something new. Let travelling this beautiful realm of Nepal be one of your resolutions for 2019. When it comes to Nepal, people usually scare themselves hearing the fact that they have to hike or trek,lack of accommodation but there are numerous places which can be visited in the comforts of 4 wheels and have good accommodation services. Mustang is now completely accessible by roadway, the elusive city of Bhedetar, the natural beauty of Koshi Tappu, the hillstation of Dhampus, Bandipur the living Newari museum, the Gurung village of Ghandruk and I can go on and on naming beautiful designations in Nepal.

For the thrill seekers trekking routes of Kalapatar, Ghode Pani Circit, Ruby Valley, Crystal Mountains, Shey Phoksundo in Dolpo, Tsum Valley, the hidden valley of Dhaulagiri and again I can go and on. So, here is a list of 5 destinations compiling the thrill seekers and wheel explorers.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everyone's got Everest base camp on their bucket list. Who does not wish to stand on the base of celebrated mountains like Everest? Everest Base Camp Short Trek takes us to the backyard of the world-famous Sherpas, their faith in Buddhism, Namche Bazaar, the Sagarmatha National Park, the mightiest viewpoint of Kalapatthar and the Everest Base Camp itself. It explores the highest monastery of Khumbu region Tenboche Monastery and at closest proximity to four of the world's six tallest peaks: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Cho-Oyu.

 Basic

·         Type: Trekking

·         Time: 16 Days

·         Max-Altitude: 5,545 m

·         Alternates: Take a Helicopter Tour of EBC, Everst Kalapathar Trekking, Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek

The Golden Triangle (Kathmandu Valley - Pokhara - Chitwan)

The golden triangle consists of 3 of the most beautiful valleys of Nepal. Kathmandu which is the cities national capital is also the cultural capital of Nepal. It is the melting pot where all diversities meet and have formed this urban mesh of cultural entanglement and social harmony.

Pokhara is a paradise that cannot be matched with any other. A valley surrounded by lush green and snow capped mountains, 3 beautiful lakes and a vibrant hub of mixed eateries and night life. Chitwan on the other hand is a ever green paradise filled with exotic wildlife and vibrant Terai culture.

Thus called the golden triangle, its the best way to experience what Nepal is and how the Nepalese people are.

Basic

·         Type: 4 Wheel Explorer

·         Time: 8 Days

·         Alternates: Backpack with a local map of Kathmandu, Local Bus to Pokhara and Chitwan.

·         Features: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan, Lumbini, Boudhanath, Swayambu, Pashupati, Kapan Monestary, Chitwan National Park, Phewa Lake and the People of Nepal.

ABC Trek: Ghodepani Circuit

Ghodepani is synonymous with Poonhill, the magnificent mountain viewing station literally takes ones breath away with surreal views of the Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Range. A strenuous trek of 5 days bears the fruits of beautiful opportunity to experience the Himalayan lifestyle and indulge in the beauty of the Himalayas.

The Ghodepani Circuit is part of the larger Annapurna Circuit which starts from Besiahar Lamjung and ends in the pareses known as Pokhara. The 21-26 day tour is a stretch that most cannot endure thus the Ghodepani Circuit though challenging is short enough for most to conquer and experience the Himalayas.

Basic

·         Type: Trekking

·         Time: 5 Days

·         Alternates: Ghodepani Jhinu Trek, Annapurana Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek

Ruby Valley

The Ruby Valley Trek also known as The Ganesh Himal Trekking Route is a trekkers paradise. The Ganesh Himal is one of the most sacred mountain of Nepal and is not allowed to be summited due to its religious importance. Only very few travel and tour agencies have acquired a permit to take travellers to this destination. It is one of the most untouched travel location in Nepal. The are is not highly developed for tourism thus most accommodation is done is local home stays and camping.

Basic

·         Type: Trekking

·         Time: 14 days

Palpa, Tansen Bazar

Tansen was once the capital of the Magar kingdom, which was once the most powerful kingdom in the mid central Nepal. Legend has it that the Magar kings once invaded Kathmandu and conquered, they then lost local influence. Tansen bazar was a rich trading host for traders who traded with India and Tibet through the Kali Gandaki River and the Kingdom of Lo (Mustang).

The Tansen Durbar has been converted to a museum other sites include Rani Mahal, Sital Ban and various temples dedicated to numerous Gods.

Basic

·         Distance: 278.3 km from Kathmandu

·         Type: 4 Wheel Explorer

·         Features: Tansen Bazar, Tansen Durbar, Tansen Bhairav, Rani Mahal

Bandipur

When you enter Bandipur, you feel this odd sensation that something is not right. The houses look like old Newari architecture, the streets are not made of asphalt and the city has this majestic and archaic aura that takes you back in time. Also called the living Newari Museum,Bandipur is a hill station about 150 km away from Kathmandu. It offers majestic views of the mountains, a complete Newari home stay experience and a look at what Newari lifestyle truly is.

Basic

·         Distance: 148.4 km from Kathmandu

·         Type: 4 Wheel Explorer

·         Features: Newari Homestay, Siddha Cave, Mountain View from Tudikhel

Most underrated travel destinations in Nepal Part I Aasma Aryal

Nepal is a country known worldwide for its picturesque mountains, diverse wildlife and abundant natural treasures. There is so much to explore in Nepal but due to the lack of proper management and and coverage, we are unknown to them.

Along with natural beauty, the warm and friendly hospitality of the Nepalese people is what makes our country unique. The ancient cultures and heritage is passed down from one generation to another. When you are asked about Nepal, the first thing that comes in mind is undeniably the mountains. Our country is a synonym to huge mountains. Approximately, 100 different castes and societies of people live peacefully among each other. The concept of “Unity in diversity” exists in our country and they live within the boundaries of this small piece of heaven maintaining tolerance.

These following destinations are very unique and breathtaking and they can hold special place in our hearts. You should take a chance at the road less travelled and experience the true beauty of Nepal.

The Barun Valley in the Makalu Barun National Park

The Barun Valley is a Himalayan valley located at the base of the Makalu Himal. It is a hidden treasure for our country that has its resemblance to a beautiful paradise. It is quite serene in nature and is an Amazon-like hidden destination.

The glacial activity that helped create naturally lush green carpet that surrounds the valley is a gift from Barun Valley. This valley also provides a route-way to the Makalu Base Camp. It is a safe haven for diversified plants and animals along with many endangered species.

Khopra Danda

If you are ever looking for alternative trek destination other than Poon Hill trek, Khopra Ridge Trek is the choice for you. You will find the pathway similar to Poon Hill and it dips deep into the valley before you start ascending to the Khopra Danda. You can camp out on the open ridge and at the top of the ridge you can find a single tea house that serves good tea to the tourists. On the background of this glorious Danda you can see the magnificent Dhaulagiri, Annapurna1, Annapurna South, Nilgiri mountains. And as a special bonus you can also visit the blessed Khayer Lake on the way back.

You can feel the magic from the top of this hill with colorful sunrise and sunsets that has resemblance like paintings. One really needs to visit this Danda to experience the magic.

The Rupa Taal in Pokhara

This lake is the third biggest lake in the Pokhara Valley and it definitely counts as a hidden and underrated destination as the Phewa Lake outshines all other lakes of Pokhara. The soothing atmosphere created from the freshwater lake is an excellent gateway on a boat ride. This lake can be a blessing to anyone who wants to be amongst nature and enjoy being surrounded by many forests and hills.

Bungmati

Bungmati is a small village populated by a small group of Newari people. It is located in the Lalitpur district and is about 10km south of Kathmandu. Bungmati is renowned for being the hub of art and architecture in Nepal. It serves to be home to the skilled sculptors, wood carvers along with creative artists. Talking about the history of this village it came into existence as early as of the 7th century. According to famous historians they believe that this village came into existence as a religious center at about 300B.C. The Bungmati locals have not been influenced by the modern lifestyles and habits. Their lifestyle still has its roots in traditions and cultures.

Daman

Daman is located in central Nepal of Makwanpur district. It lies 77km southwest of Kathmandu on the Tribhuvan highway at an elevation of 2322 meters. Daman holds its pride on having one of the best views of the Himalayas. On a good clear day one can easily view Mt. Dhaulagiri in the West to Mt. Everest in the East.

Daman is the place for you if you want to escape the city life and are in need of some kind of solace. As Daman is found to be quite close to the Kathmandu city, the city dwellers visit Daman. Most people escape to Daman for picnics and recreational purpose. During winter, when the first snow falls in Daman, the beauty of the village gets augmented and people flock to see the snowfall against the backdrop of the Himalayas. There is also a religious site- Risheshor Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one can always visit it during their free time in Daman. Daman is also home to one of the biggest botanical gardens in Nepal. Different varieties of Rhododendron are also found here.

Sarangkot

Sarangkot is the most popular place to visit in Pokhara. It is Pokhara’s sunrise viewpoint. This destination is popular among tourists who want to view the Himalayas without having to walk much. We can easily see Annapurna ranges like Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. We can see the valley of Pokhara right below the height of Sarangkot with the reflection of it all in the sparkling water of the Phewa lake. This spot serves to be perfect place for paragliding in recent days. It is a great spot for takeoff and landing. The weather of Sarangkot is almost predictable by nature. For most days we can always get the clear views of the Himalayas.

Continue Part-Two

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The Kalinchowk Trek Part 2

You, of course, carry on along the main trail, and two hours or so later, you’ll arrive at Thangsa, and then, another half hour takes you to Gairidanda (2,540 m), a ridge point that gives excellent views (danda means ridge). If the weather is clear, the northeastern Himalayan range offers a splendid sight for hungry eyes. However, one cannot expect everything to go as one wants, and the clouds up at these heights can be quite disturbing, so you have to be ready for anything, including disappointment at not seeing the magnificent Himalayan peaks. However, you’ll be somewhat compensated by the sight of Chayuris (cow and yak crossbreeds) grazing on the lusciously green hillsides, which is also a pretty picture. You may as well take a lengthy break at Gairidanda, because after that, for the next four-five hours, you’ll not come across any settlements. So, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get adequately nourished with tough grilled yak meat and thick tea made of chyauri milk. Now, up ahead, the trek begins to be a back breaking one, with the trail climbing steeply uphill through thick forests of a variety of high altitude trees, as well as Rhododendron, the national flower. This part of the trek consists of a four-hour climb that will surely test your stamina, not to mention your back and legs. After reaching the top, where there is a stone deity image (as is usually is on most ridge tops), you are advised to make a longish halt, which will help to acclimatize you to the higher altitude. The trail then descends to a small valley, from where some distance ahead is Kuri Kharka (3,200 m), where you spend the night in one of the shack-like ‘guest houses’ around.

A good night’s sleep, hopefully, and a sunny morning, again hopefully, paints a more enthusiastic and inspiring picture of magnificent mountains all around. Nice sight, but not much fun to climb! The trail now carries straight up again, this time across a mountain face, which naturally results in pretty ragged breathing all around, and an extremely slow pace. But, when you reach the top, you get a fantastic view of Gaurishanker, the goddess mountain, which stands apart from the other peaks on the horizon, with Melungtse Himal (7,023 m) beside her. From here, it’s only 200 meters more to the Kalinchowk Temple, but is a slow climb, since the track is narrow, and then there’s that deep gully on one side, and the high mountain on the other. So, it is a scary sight, yes—looks quite dangerous, doesn’t it? So, it is no surprise that it can take you more than two hours to reach the temple. Before you arrive there, however, there’s one more bridge to cross. Literally! An iron stairway across a chasm between the two opposite crests is what awaits you, and you’ll have to somehow pick up the courage to crawl across it. Reminds you of Indiana Jones, does it? Anyway, having done so, you then climb to the very top, which is barely 200 or so square feet in area, and here is where stands Kalinchowk Temple, dedicated to Kalinchowk, another form of Goddess Bhagwati, that powerful Mother Goddess of the Hindu pantheon. She is symbolized by a natural spring arising in a small pit, and all around the site, you’ll find many tridents, that three-forked weapon of the goddess. It should all inspire you. Even if it doesn’t, the awesome panoramic views from here definitely should!

The Kalinchowk Trek Part 1

It is the Arniko Highway that most trekkers drive on to get to their respective take-off points for quite a few treks in regions north of the capital. It’s a good road, so that’s a good thing, because you reach your destination faster, saving you precious time. And so, that’s how you start your Kalinchowk trek, it’s a pleasant beginning. However, you might be less pleased to know that you’ll be trekking in an isolated area and hiking through some pretty dense forests on the way, one of which, especially, has seen its fair share of robberies. So, be warned!

Anyway, you first drive to Charikot, which should take around five hours. This picturesque town is 133 km northeast of Kathmandu, atop a hill at 1,733 meters. The trek to Kalinchowk from here mean you will be climbing to a height of 3,782 meters, and so it is bound to challenge your mettle, both physical and mental. At the same time , it need not be said that the scenery you encounter will be really lovely, the route passing across terraced fields of millet and mustard, forests of sweet smelling pine trees, hemlock, and what not, and thick droves of gracefully swaying bamboo. Soon after you start hiking, you’ll get splendid views of the Tamakosi River way down below, to the south, while to the north are of course, the mighty Himalayan peaks, Gaurishanker (7,134 m) being, without a shred of doubt, the most prominent and impressive.

As you near Chothang village, which is also called “Hotel Danda”, you will observe chortens with Nepali inscriptions and stone memorials with Tibetan inscriptions all along the trail. Such memorials to the dead is a common tradition for the largely Sherpa, Magar, Lama, and Tamang villagers who live around here. Carry on hiking, and now you’ll notice that there’s a clear change in the geography, with the rhododendron and pine forests becoming denser as you climb, and at some point, you’ll find the tall trees almost completely blocking out the light. This is where many robberies apparently have occurred, so you’ll be walking a bit faster through this part of the woods, right?

All going well, and no Robin Hoods having made their presence felt, you emerge onto a lovely setting that’s pretty enchanting. It has as its centerpiece, a heart-shaped, moss-covered pool of water, that’s known as Simpani. You can rest easier now, and take your time enjoying the beautiful scenery, since your next stop will be at a place only a half hour later; it’s called Deurali (2,350 m), and it has some very welcome teashops. And, hot tea is what’s most welcome, what with the chilly weather up here. A fork up ahead has tracks going down to some villages. Chhyamamwati and Makaibari have Tamang, Magar, and Sherpa inhabitants, while Shuspa village has an ethnic group called Thami.

Continue Reading - Part 2

The Humla Trek

This trek introduces you to one of the remotest regions of the country, and you’ll be hiking on some salt trade routes that are pretty ancient in origin, and on which you’ll see mules, many of them in caravans, heavy loads on their sturdy backs, yet managing to scamper down sure-footedly on steeply descending rocky trails and scrambling uphill, equally sure of foot. These are sights rarely seen in today’s world, and thus makes the Humla trek a novel one.

Humla is the country’s northernmost district. It is also the gateway to Mount Kailash, a very sacred site, the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mount Saipal, at 7,031 meters, is the highest mountain in Humla. You’ll also find Limi Valley here, a virgin valley, as it were, with almost no signs of modernization around. Your trek starts at Simikot (2,190 m) which you reach by flight from Nepalgunj in about 50 minutes. Nepalgunj, on its part, is a one-hour flight from Kathmandu.

Once in Simikot, you hike on a salt trading trail to arrive at a town on the Nepal-China border known as Hilsa (3,720 m). You’ll be making many steep ascents and equally steep descents, which makes it a tough trek. The landscape is wild and rugged, and the awesome scenery is unbelievably beautiful—pine tree forests, terraced paddy fields, wonderful waterfalls, deep gorges, shimmering lakes, and many rock strewn trails all around. As you plod on, you’ll be in sight of the Karnali River most of the time, and on the horizon will be a number of snow-capped peaks. Add to all this, the sight of yaks grazing on the meadows and the sheep in caravans with 10-12 kg bags of salt on their backs, and yes, you will be transported back in time, no doubt about that!

On leaving Simikot, you’ll have to hike uphill most of the time on a salt route that goes along the valley wall. Waterfalls cascading down make for fantastic scenery. You’ll also encounter nomads on the trail, as well as some small villages around the hilltops above the gorge. Villages like Tumkot, Yalbang, Majhgaon, Kermi, etc. The descents are as trying as the ascents, and punish your legs equally. The foot of the Chongsa basin makes for a good campsite for the day, but the weather can be quite unpredictable here, so be prepared for rain.

Tamang Heritage Trail Trek

There is an interesting village called Gatlang in Rasuwa district,to the north of Kathmandu, which is inhabited by people of the Tamang community, and which suffered great devastation during the 2015 quake. To reach there, you have to first travel by bus for an entire day, a distance of about 130 km, from the capital to Syabrubesi. This is the starting point of your trek to Gatlang. The narrow trail goes quite steeply uphill, reaching 2,300 meters in height, and this is when you get good views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, and the Gosaikunda range, as also the Kerung range in far off Tibet. The landscape is enchanting. From Gatlang, you get to have panoramic views of Langtang Lirung (7,256 m) and Langtang II (6,561 m). The sunsets over distant mountain peaks are truly spellbinding. If simplicity is what you are looking for, then Gatlang is just the place for you. A warm welcome awaits every visitor, the Tamang people are as hospitable as they are simple, and you can also enjoy intermingling with them all the more by staying at a homestay. Other options include a community lodge also assured of comfortable lodgings at one facility or the other, be it a homestay, a community lodge and a private boarding house. The people here, despite the substantial number of tourists going their way, have managed to hold on to their traditional way of life, which includes a unique culture and distinctive identity. All the houses in this village are built of stacked stones and the roofs are of wood. The dresses worn by the local are of Tibetan style, and one of the most distinctive features of the women’s accoutrement are the large round gold plated earrings that adorn their ears. Similarly, a unique part of their culture is the custom of making mits and mitnis (best friends for life) by boys and girls, respectively, at a communal ceremony. Religion plays a big part of life here, the Tamangs being predominantly followers of Tibetan Buddhism. The Tamangs also have their own dances, some of which are popular all over the country. Shamans are also a part of life for them, and watching them exorcise evil spirits is pretty spellbinding, what with the jingling of many bells worn on a belt over the shoulders, the hypnotic beat of one-sided hand held drums, rhythmic chants, and so on. All this points towards a rich and ancient heritage, which is what you experience on a trek on the Tamang Heritage Trail. The trail goes through numerous villages like Langtang village, Thang Shyap, Ghore Tabela (about 3,000 m), and Kyangjin (3,900 m), besides Gatlang. As you hike uphill from Ghore Tabela to Langtang, the Langtang Himals to the north offer themselves as a splendid sight, and when on the way to Kyangjin, you’ll be crossing the outer margins of the Ledrup Lirung glacier. Some interesting and lesser known Himalayan peaks to be viewed from Kyangjin are Kyangjin Ri (4,770 m), Brana Chumso (4,350 m), and Menchmasu (4,650 m). In case you have enough stamina, and the interest, you can also hike up to Tsergo Ri (4,984 m), a four-five hour trek. Langtang, naturally the biggest village in the valley, has a significant role as a regional trading center. You’ll not fail to notice a rather large complex of mani-stones and mani-walls near the village, and the elaborately carved doors and numerous prayer flags on the houses. The sight of herds of grazing yaks will certainly grab your attention, as well. The other big village, Kyangjin, has a large number of lodges, twenty in number and counting. But, you’ll not find another lodge on the trail after Kyangjin

Barahabise to Charikot Trek

A relatively new trekking route, this trek begins west of the Rolwaling and Khumbu trekking regions, to the east of the capital, Barahabise being the take-off point. This five-six days’ trek ends at Charikot of Dolakha district, which is nestled on Gauri Shanker Himal’s southern slope. Gauri Shanker (7, 134 m) is a revered peak, as is obvious from its name itself. If you have a week of free time at hand, you should go on this trek, one that is easy to reach. You drive on the Arniko Highway, heading northeast from Kathmandu, to reach Barahabise in just about two-and-a-half hours.

Then, you start trekking on the trail along the Sunkosi River watershed, going east up to the Tamakosi river valley. The first day is easy, and you’ll reach a village called Karthali soon enough, then, it becomes more of a regular hiking trail, one that’s dusty and rough. And, you won’t find any shade for quite a few miles, so, hat on, folks! Karthali village, lodged between two ridges, can provide comfortable dormitory-type accommodations in a lodge operated by an organization called Eco-Himal. From here, you can see the Sunhkosi River far below, its flow tranquil and serene. All around are huge mountain ranges. The following day, you hike to Dolangsa, a Sherpa village, at a height of some 2,500 meters, where houses are built all over the hillsides. Here, there’s a lodge propped up near the monastery located at quite a height. The trail carries on to Bigu, and getting there is pretty challenging. The trail is pretty narrow, and it’s cut into the rock face, and what’s more, it’s steeply uphill to the Tingsing La pass (3,300 m). However, your strenuous efforts will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Gauri Shanker peak. You’ll also see Chhoba Bhamare to the west and Pigpherago and Numbur Himal to the west if there are no clouds. The descent is easy enough on a winding trail down the hillside. On the way, you’ll see some chalets decorated with carved windows. Soon, however, you got to undertake a sharp climb up the hillside on a dusty path before arriving at Bigu.

Sleep well here, you’ve deserved it, and there’s comfy arrangements at the Bigu Lodge, which is near the Bigu Gompa, a 75-year-old Kargyapa-sect nunnery that has many marvelous images of Avalokiteshwara, a multi-armed, multi-headed deity, along with rows of elaborately embossed chortens. The next day, you hike to Loting, passing through Laduk, on a trail leading to the river. A night-halt is called for at Loting, and the following morning you trek on to Sinagti on a trail that descends steadily. You get to walk across a swaying suspension bridge before you come to Solung Khola. Then on, the trail goes along the left bank of the river, and finally reaches Singati, from where you can get a bus ride to Charikot, a rough one, it must be said! The final part of your adventure sees you on a bus back to the capital.

Trek of a Lifetime in Nepal

The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) was launched in 2011, most fittingly, on the occasion of the 32nd World Tourism Day. This most challenging 2,800-km trail of many different interconnecting trails goes across Nepal, India, China (Tibet), Bhutan, and Myanmar—quite the international route! Completing the trail means you get to see all of the world’s ‘eight-thousanders’, that is, all fourteen of the highest peaks in the world. These are: Mount Everest (8,848 m), K2 (8,611 m), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,462 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), Gasherbrum I (8,080 m), Broad Peak (8,051 m), Gasherbrum II (8, 035 m), and Shishapangma (8,027 m). Eight of these peaks are in Nepal, including of course, Everest, five are in Pakistan, and one is in China. The Nepal section of the GHT is some 1,700 km long, begins near Kanchenjunga in eastern Nepal, and carries on west along the shadows of the country’s eight eight-thousanders (ranging from Makalu to Everest). It is indeed a long stretch by any means, and all the more grueling because of the high altitude, but you get to witness fantastic diversity, both ecologically and culturally, along the route. It takes you to places like Taplejung in far-east Nepal to Humla and Darchula in the far-west. Needless to say, you’ll be amazed at the many different kinds of culture and lifestyle you see on the way, since Nepal has a hundred and more ethnicities and a similar number of languages! No doubt, rare is the individual who can complete this trail at one go; thus, the Nepal GHT is divided into ten connecting treks, meaning, you can trek one or more at a time. Your fitness level, the time at your disposal, and of course, your desire, are the deciding factors. On average, one can complete a section in about two to three weeks, and you also have a choice between the high route (traversing 3,000 to 5,000 m) and the lower route. The latter brings you up-close with villages and their inhabitants, which means experiencing first-hand local lifestyles of various ethnic groups. An outstanding highlight of your trek will certainly be the great views on the way as you trek through areas like the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, with its alpine meadows, pristine forests, and high-altitude wetlands, and towering over all, the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Rich in flora that includes over 2,000 plant species, if you are there around April, you’ll see the hills turn red with the blossoming of the rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower. Starting from Tumlingtar, you’ll be passing through villages of the Rai and Limbu clans, who are renowned for their martial prowess, followed by Sherpa, Tamang, and Bhutia villages. Another outstanding area is the Makalu Barun National Park, where the climate ranges from tropical to alpine zones, thus promising great diversity in its ecology, including its forests. There are 25 rhododendron and 47 orchid species to be found here, along with 75 animal species and 440 kinds of birds. This is the habitat of the rare red panda, the clouded leopard, and the Asian golden cat, so keep a sharp eye out! The Sagarmatha National Park is, of course, one of the most exciting areas you will be trekking through; it is after all the highest national park in the world! And, a World Heritage Site, too! You’ll be meeting a lot of Sherpas, so famous for their fantastic climbing skills that no Himalayan expedition is complete without their guidance. This is where you will also see the tallest peak on Earth—Mount Everest, of course! In addition to all these riches, the park has tranquil turquoise lakes and exotic monasteries. And, now, on to the region of sacred valleys and holy lakes, meaning Helambu, one among the 108 beyuls (sacred valleys) of the Himalayas. You get to visit Langtang National Park, and you get awesome views of the vast Tibetan plateau from the Tilman Pass (5,308 m). On the way, you’ll get a chance to take holy dips in a number of sacred lakes, Gosainkunda being the most sacred. It is a really popular pilgrimage destination for Nepalis and foreigners alike, and you’ll find them in their thousands there during the full moon of August, a day when Brahmins change their janai (sacred thread). A holy bath beforehand is, of course, called for, and what could be holier than a dip in Gosainkunda? Paanch Pokhari (Five Lakes) is a group of lakes that are also in this area, and sacred, too. The GHT also entails a visit to the Tsum Valley, where a strict code of non-violence is followed by its inhabitants; no animals can be killed. Among the villages in this area is one that provides great succor to tired muscles, that is, Tatopani (‘Hot Water’), which is famous for its hot spring water gushing out from stone spouts. This is predominantly Tamang country. Another great region is where you will be walking on one of the world’s most popular treks, the Annapurna Circuit. The views are stupendous, and include large glaciers and deep valleys and the mysterious kingdom of Lo Manthang in Mustang. You’ll also see the Kali Gandaki Valley, which is said to be the deepest gorge in the world.

The Pokhara Dhampus Trek

Now that you are in Nepal, of course you’ll be visiting the lovely city of the lakes, Pokhara, to spend some idyllic days there. Having got a feel of the place, it’s a safe bet that you’ll end up wishing you could actually stay for a longer time, so serene are the surroundings, and so healthful is the environment. Know also that there are quite a few scenic treks from here that are, for the most part, of quite short duration.

One such trek is the one to the beautiful Gurung village of Dhampus that’s around 26 km from Pokhara. A most charming place, it is a gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area, and on the route of the famous Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek, the most popular trek in Nepal, second only to the renowned ‘must-do-in-a-lifetime’ Everest Base Camp trek. 

The trek’s starting point is the village of Phedi, which is a 15-minute drive from Pokhara. The trek as a whole is a moderate one, and suitable for most folks. However, initially, as you start off from Phedi, the trail goes uphill quite steeply for about ten minutes, then it meanders out of the woods, and you find yourself hiking on a narrow path. Gradually, you come to a small village called Chandrakot that’s surrounded by millet fields and rhododendron groves. Since the trek is of short duration, no need to hurry. Walk on at a leisurely place, and take a breather whenever you feel like it beneath the welcoming shade of one tree or the other. 

You’ll come across teashops on the way, where you can get light refreshments. The cool and soothing buttermilk is a good recommendation, as are the succulent guavas. If you are trekking in November-December, you will certainly meet many groups out on a picnic in the area. Adds to the cheerful ambience of your experience trekking on such a naturally beautiful locale.

By and by, in about three hours or so, you’ll arrive at Dhampus. It’s considered to be a vantage point from where to view the interesting range of Himalayan peaks on the horizon. These include Tukuche (6,920 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the two closest peaks from here. The sight of the magnificent Annapurna range and the massive Macchapucchre (6,900 m) is sure to dazzle your eyes, as well. It’s not just these regal peaks that captivate your eyes, the spectacular view of the Pokhara valley below is just as wonderful. 

Dhampus is inhabited mostly by people of the Gurung community. One of the village’s highlights is a lake that offers an excellent reflection of a picture perfect setting of Macchapucchre Himal, popularly known as Fishtail Mountain. Some distance from the village center is a lovely lodge called Tsukinoie, designed in such a way as to provide guests with panoramic views of peaks like Annapurna, Macchapucchre, and Hiunculi from every window, as well as from the terrace. 

The lodge is small, with only five rooms, but very well facilitated, offering great food and service, besides comfortable accommodation. It’s a Japanese-style lodge, and you get to soak in an interesting Japanese soaking tub that’s quite heavy, called a ‘goemonburo’. Nothing better to relax in, that’s for sure! 

About ten minutes away from the lodge is a view tower that’s worth the steep climb to the top, for the view all around is pretty mesmerizing, with Annapurna South, Annapurna II and IV, Macchapucchre, and Hiunchuli all towering majestically in the distance. The sunrise is bewitching, as you can imagine, so get up before dawn breaks, and make it to the view tower while the stars are still twinkling in the sky. Sunrise is generally around 6-6:30 a.m., with the sun first casting its rays over Macchapucchre, followed by Hiunchuli and the rest. The horizon becomes fiery red for some moments. A most inspiring sight!

There’s another interesting place you could hike to that’s about one hour’s walk from the lodge. It’s called the Australian Camp, a name derived from the fact that sometime in the past (about forty years ago) a group of Aussies had camped there. Simple. Its original name is Thulo Kharka. This hike takes you on a flat trail for some time, before going uphill, going through a forest. From the Camp, the Annapurna range appears to be a bit closer, and you also get to see Manaslu and Peak 29. 

All in all, the Pokhara Dhampus trek is ideal for those on a short visit, as also for the less-than-perfectly-fit folks, unlike the more strenuous ones that require loads of stamina and tons of endurance. 

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The Guerilla Trek

The only constant, it is said, is change. In the last few years, Nepal, too, has undergone great change. A 250-year-old monarchy is no more. An army of Maoist insurgents who were at war for ten long years has made peace and won elections, and their leader has become the prime minister twice, including in the present time. One cannot predict the future, more drastic changes may occur, but it is unlikely that the Maoists will ever again go back to the jungle. 

This fact makes the ‘Guerilla Trek’ all the more an adventure. You’ll be walking on trails used by the Maoist guerillas not long back when they were conducting an insurgent struggle against the government. This trek will also give an idea of why the communist ideology still works here, even if it the dawn of democracy had occurred a long time back. When on the ‘Guerilla Trek’, you’ll be walking through many villages and towns of far-western Nepal, an area that has been neglected for far too long in the development aspects. An area where infrastructure is woefully inadequate, and people are very poor for the most part. An area where the lure of communism still holds strong.

You will come across many indigenous tribes that have been downtrodden and poor for ages.  The trail goes through the remote districts of Myagdi, Rukum, and Rolpa, centers of the Maoist ten-year insurgency (1996-2006), where their sway was firm during that decade. This history of not so long ago makes this region interesting, and a source of knowledge for the curious. It is not that the far-west is devoid of natural resources. It has plenty of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests, caves, etc. But, as said before, due to negligence, the region is steeped in poverty and backwardness. 

The starting point of the ‘Guerilla Trek’ begins in a small town called Beni, and travels along the boundary of another mountain town, Baglung. It then passes the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, one of the country’s three hunting reserves, which was in the news recently for having a dismal hunting season this past year, with barely half a dozen game being killed, thus incurring significant loss of royalty for the reserve. 

The trek then takes you to Rukum and Rolpa, the strongholds of the Maoists during the insurgency, with the latter being their headquarters. While trekking on these trails, spend some time at teashops, and try to engage the locals in conversation. You might hear some pretty interesting stories; now that the Maoists have come into the national fold, people will not be afraid to relate what they have seen and experienced in the recent past. Be aware that if you were here during those days, you would have been viewed with strong suspicion, and people would certainly have avoided all loose talk. Tight-lipped was the name of the game then, let me assure you!

Here’s what a two-week-long ‘Guerilla Trek’ entails, as planned for by trekking agencies:

On day one, you’ll travel by bus from the capital to Beni, a ride of about nine hours. Day two will see you trekking some six hours to the village of Takam (1,665 m). Day three takes you to Lamsung (2,250 m), about six hours again. The next day, you walk through scenic landscape for seven hours or so to reach Gurjaghat (3,020 m). Remember that, in some places, you’ll be staying at homestays, while in some places, you may have to pitch up your tent. The homestays are an excellent opportunity to get up close with the local lifestyle. 

On the fifth day, you walk for about five hours, before arriving at the famous Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (2,860 m). Keep an eye out for the mountain goats and the bharials (blue sheep), as well as a variety of deer. If you are a birdwatcher, you’ll not be disappointed, either. Plenty of exotic birds around. The following morning, rise and shine, before starting the five-hour trek to Nisi Dhor, and then the next day, the seven-hour trek to Tallo Sera. All the while, you’ll be encountering the fascinating ecology all around you, and meeting different indigenous communities. The Himalayas, too, will not be far from you, with peaks like Gurjal Himal and the Dahualagiri range always in the backdrop.

The trails you are walking on were used extensively by the Maoist guerillas during their ten-year war, and this knowledge is sure to add some more excitement to your adventure. The eighth day sees you walking for about six hours from Tall Sera to Rujhikhola, and the ninth day you’ll again walk for a similar amount of time to reach Thabang. Now, you are really into deep Maoist territory. Just imagine, if you had been here during the insurgency, you would be coming across numerous heavily armed military personnel at checkpoints, and they would probably have stopped you from going any further. Too dangerous. Anyway, this is just imagination, in the first place, no one would have been foolhardy enough to go on such a trek.

Day ten, and now you will be walking for another five hours to one of the best known names of the insurgency, that is, Jaljale. In fact, rumor had it that ‘Jaljale’ was a secret password used by the Maoists during those years. Just mentioning that name in public anywhere in the country would have got you into trouble with the authorities. The next day’s trek is to the village of Jelbang, while day twelve takes you to Suliochaur, from where you take a thirteen-hour bus ride back to Kathmandu. Well, congratulate yourself on having been the few lucky ones to have experienced the famous ‘Guerilla Trek’!