Royal Trek - 10 Days

• In this package, we have included 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu at 3 star hotels on BB plan, meals and accommodations during trekking, farewell dinner in Kathmandu, and all ground transportation by private car, an experienced guide and porter and all of the government taxes and necessary permits.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU, Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu you will meet our airport representative who will transfer you to your hotel. We will brief you on the trek this afternoon (or tomorrow morning if you prefer). Overnight at Kathmandu .

Day 02: REST / KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING In the morning, after breakfast, we will do some sightseeing of Kathmandu (known as Kantipur in earlier times). The tour highlights are the Living Goddess "Kumari" who appears on the balcony of her temple to greet her devotees, Kastamandap temple, a temple made out of single tree; also we will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (the heart and soul of Kathmandu) and a drive to Shoyambhunath which lies on top of a hill that is the Buddhist Sanctuary said to be nearly 2000 years old. The hill itself offers and awesome vista overlooking the entire Kathmandu Valley . The ‘all seeing’ eyes of Lord Buddha painted in prominent blue atop the dome are visible for miles from the city of Kathmandu. This is also a good day to pick up any last minute items. Overnight in Kathmandu.

DAY 03: KATHMANDU- POKHARA After Breakfast we will fly to Pokhara (you may travel by tourist bus but this adds 2 days round trip, it is 6/7 hrs. by bus). Check in at hotel in Pokhara. Tour of Pokhara (Mahindra Cave, Bat Cave and Seti River George). Next we will visit Bhidya Basini Temple and the Tibetan Refugee Camp (it’s actually a very happy place). Nepal takes in refugees from Tibet displaced by the Chinese (PRC) and they are wonderful people. We have many more places to show you but let’s not try to do too much in one day. This is about a 4/5 hr. tour which includes most of the places in Pokhara visitors wish to see. After lunch, you are free to visit the Lake Side District of Pokhara (a happening spot with cafes and bars and local color). I prefer to save Lake Side for the evening and take a boat ride on Lake Phewa in the afternoon. If the weather is clear you can see breathtaking views of Fishtail (Machapuchare), Annapurna South and other peaks of the Annapurna range. Overnight in Pokhara.

DAY 04: POKHARA- KALIKASTHAN We begin today with a sunrise walking tour to Sarankot Hill, then breakfast. Next we will drive to Bijayapur Khola to start the trek. We will walk about an hour passing flat rice fields and then cross the river. After crossing the river the trail starts to ascend to Kalikasthan. Lunch will be served at the middle of the climb. After arriving at Kalikasthan camp will be set up camp or teahouse at the top (4 hrs. trekking time). Overnight in Kalikasthan.

DAY 05: KALIKASTHAN- SYAGLUNG After breakfast, we will begin through the villages of Thulokot to Mati Thana where we can enjoy a teashop lunch. We will walk along the forested ridge of the foothills here with great views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. After ascending to Lipini we will arrive at Syanglung where we will set up camp or teahouse stay. Today’s trek is 4/5 hrs. Overnight in Syanglung.

DAY 06: SYAGLUNG- CHISAPANI Walk through Gurung (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurung_people ) Village with a small but lovely marketplace and next continue on through Rhododendron and Sal forests. Halfway through the walk there is a 400 meter descent and 600 meter ascent on an easy path before arriving at Chisapani, this is the best point to see the Himalayan Panorama. You will see Dhaulagiri (8167m.), and to the west, Annapurna. We set up camp a short distance from this village, or teahouse in the village. Overnight here.

DAY 07: CHISAPANI- POKHARA- KATHMANDU After breakfast we will walk half way down to Rupa Tal before climbing up about 200 meters to Suyndare Danda and then walk another 15 minutes down to Begnas Tal for a boat ride to catch our transfer to Pokhara. After lunch, we will drive over to the Lake Side District and check-in at the hotel Overnight in Pokhara.

DAY 8: Fly (or drive) Back to Kathmandu Today is a free day for shopping or whatever you desire (we can lead you or point you in the right direction, just ask).Tonight we will have our traditional farewell dinner; a time to laugh, share stories and take pictures. Many of the restaurants put on a cultural show with Nepalese music (my favourite was a sitar player practising ‘Stairway to Heaven’ during an intermission). Overnight in Kathmandu.

DAY 9: Departure We will arrange your transfer to (KTM) Tribhuvan International for you; or accompany you if you wish.

Note: Above itinerary includes FB (Full Board) which is Accommodations, Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners while on trek. BB (Bed and Breakfast while in Kathmandu). Drinks are not included but may be purchased along the way.

Special note: Above itinerary can be designed according to your preferences. Please let us know whether you would like to make it a shorter or longer trek. Also, if you would like to stay more than 9 days, we offer city guided tours of Kathmandu, white water rafting, jungle safaris or Everest mountain flights.