Nepal trekking with Ker & Downey Nepal

Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this 13 night / 14 day itinerary is considered to be one of the most comprehensive programs offered in Nepal. It allows guests to experience all aspects of this wonderful and exciting country. It has been designed so that the minimum amount of time is spent travelling between each destination, enabling one to enjoy the best that each activity can provide. The Royal Nepal Spectacular features the 5-star Yak & Yeti Hotel (in Kathmandu), the 5-star Shangri-La Village (in Pokhara), Ker & Downey Lodges (while on trek), Ker & Downey River Camp (on the Seti Gandaki River) and Tiger Tops Tented Camp (in Royal Chitwan National Park).

Note: Customized Trek, Raft and Chitwan programs of varying lengths can be provided on request.

US$ 2850 Per Person
Single Supplement US $ 650
Mount Everest Flight including transfers: US$ 150

April 6, 2008 - April 19, 2008
October 14, 2008 - October 27, 2008
November 11 - November 24, 2008
December 22, 2008 - January 4, 2009
January 12 – January 25, 2009 (15% discount on this departure!)
February 16 – March 1, 2009
March 5 – March 18, 2009
April 3 – April 16, 2009

DAY 1: KATHMANDU (4265 ft / 1300 meters): Arrive in Kathmandu; reception at airport and transfer to the centrally located Yak & Yeti Hotel. We will have a full briefing on our program followed by a sightseeing trip to Durbar Square. There will be a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a short walk back to the hotel.
Overnight Yak & Yeti Hotel, deluxe room (D)

DAY 2: TREK TO SANCTUARY LODGE: (3750ft/1150m) This morning we fly to Pokhara (3300 ft /1000 m). We’ll have a briefing at the Ker & Downey head office before we transfer by road with guides & porters to our trek start point {1-hour}. Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. A picnic lunch is provided with a late afternoon arrival at the Lodge. (Trek time 3-4 hours).
Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 3: TREK TO HIMALAYA LODGE, GHANDRUK. (6,600ft/2,012m). After breakfast, we leave the lodge walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. Soon we begin to climb out of the valley & up towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks are provided along the trail. Hot lunch is served on arrival at the lodge in the early afternoon. (Trek time 5-6 hours). It is from this lodge that there are magnificent close up views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 4: HIMALAYA LODGE: We wake up this morning with tea and coffee served in the garden and watch the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the Fishtail. After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, our guide will take us on an exploration of this mountain village and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.
Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 5: TREK TO SANCTUARY LODGE, BIREHTANTI: (3750ft/1150m) After breakfast, we leave the Himalaya Lodge walking out through the village of Ghandruk. Buffaloes and goats graze in the surrounding fields and you may have to make way for the donkey and mule trains that convey goods to and from the Gurkha settlements. You may also meet some of the trekkers coming down from or heading up to the Sanctuary itself. We continue descending for about 2 or 3 hours until we reach Shauli Bazaar. From here, we follow along the Modi River until reaching the Sanctuary Lodge. We’ll have lunch at the lodge followed by another opportunity to walk to the village of Birethanti. Or you may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the river bank. (Trek time 4 hrs).
Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 7: TREK TO BASANTA LODGE, DHAMPUS (5000 ft / 1525 m).This morning we start out trekking through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. After about 3 ½ hours, we arrive at the Basanta Lodge. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.
Overnight Basanta Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 9: SETI RIVER CAMP (1000 ft / 300 m) After breakfast, we transfer to Damauli, a journey of some 1½ hours through the countryside. Here we will be met by our experienced boat crew, who will give us a full briefing prior to launch. The Seti River has no road access so the river and surrounding valley remain pristine. Floating down the river gives us a chance to see village life along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds. There will be a picnic lunch on a sandy beach on the way to the camp. Today, there are 2 small rapids of no more than grade 2 and are no longer than 165 ft / 50 metres. The remainder of the trip is very much a float experience. Upon arrival, you will be shown to your safari style tent with beds, changing room, veranda and attached bathroom. Rafting time 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels.
Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)

DAY 10: SETI RIVER CAMP (1000 ft / 300 m) Today we will have a layover day at the Seti River Camp. This second day allows us time to truly relax. In the morning, we’ll hike through surrounding forests to remote nearby villages where no other travel companies go. After our hike, we can take a dip in the river. Lunch is at the camp. The afternoon is free to explore the landscaped gardens, riverbank, or just relax in a hammock or tree house. Evenings are spent around an open fire of driftwood, at this unique safari-style river camp.
Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)

DAY 11: The morning is spent rafting. There are 5 class 2 rapids. Again, each is no more than 165 ft / 50 meters. The remainder of the trip is a float when you can enjoy the surrounding countryside. Rafting time will be 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels. On completion of the rafting, we transfer by vehicle to the Royal Chitwan National Park, enjoying lunch en route (a journey of some 2 hours.) On arrival at the park, we are transferred to the Tented Camp by canoe and four-wheel drive vehicle. On arrival at camp, we will receive a briefing prior to an afternoon safari or nature walk. The safari-style tents at Tiger Tops have en suite bathrooms.
Overnight Tiger Tops Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Day 12: The day is spent game viewing on elephant back and on foot. There are also lectures on the wildlife of the Park. Boat trips are available on request.
Overnight Tiger Tops Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Day 13: After early morning game viewing and breakfast at camp, we will be transferred to the airfield. We’ll have a light lunch here before our 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll visit Boudhanath, home to the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and a great place for last minute shopping. We’ll then return to the hotel before enjoying our farewell dinner in Thamel.
Overnight Yak & Yeti Hotel, Deluxe room (B, L, D)

Day 14: After an early morning breakfast, we will have the option to experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. The plane departs Kathmandu and flies eastwards, alongside the Himalayas, giving us eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including Mt. Everest. The flight lasts one hour. After the mountain flight, we return to the hotel for breakfast (time permitting) before returning to the airport for our onward journey (B)

Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this 11 night / 12 day features what many consider to the be best of Nepal: Trekking in the Annapurnas and a Float Experience on the Seti River. Indeed the walk from the Seti river camp is consistently voted ‘favorite walk’ by our past guests. The minimum amount of time is spent traveling between each destination, enabling one to enjoy the best that each activity can provide. The Sacred Mountain Trek and Seti River Float features the 5-star Yak & Yeti Hotel (in Kathmandu), the 5-star Shangri-La Village (in Pokhara), Ker & Downey Lodges (while on trek) and the Ker & Downey River Camp (on the Seti Gandaki River).

Note: Customized Trek and Raft programs of varying lengths can be provided on request.

DAY 8: TREK TO POKHARA (3300 ft /1000 m) After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Trek time 1 ½ hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the Shangri-La Village Resort in Pokhara (30 minutes). On the way back to Pokhara, the vehicle can stop on request at the Tibetan refugee camp where you will have time to explore the temple complex. We’ll arrive at the Shangri-La Village in time for lunch. The rooms at the Shangri-La are filled with ethnic touches. Surrounding the rooms are spacious, landscaped gardens, water features, a swimming pool and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan curio shops are located.
Overnight Shangri-La Village Resort (B, L, D)

DAY 9: SETI RIVER CAMP (1000 ft / 300 m) After breakfast, we transfer to Damauli, a journey of some 1½ hours through the countryside. Here we will be met by our experienced boat crew, who will give us a full briefing prior to launch. The Seti River has no road access so the river and surrounding valley remain pristine. Floating down the river gives us a chance to see village life along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds. There will be a picnic lunch on a sandy beach on the way to the camp. Today, there are 2 small rapids of no more than grade 2 and are no longer than 165 ft / 50 metres. The remainder of the trip is very much a float experience. Upon arrival, you will be shown to your safari style tent with beds, changing room, veranda and attached bathroom. Rafting time 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels.
Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Today we will have a layover day at the Seti River Camp. This second day allows us time to truly relax. In the morning, we’ll hike through surrounding forests to remote nearby villages where no other travel companies go. After our hike, we can take a dip in the river. Lunch is at the camp. The afternoon is free to explore the landscaped gardens, riverbank, or just relax in a hammock or tree house. Evenings are spent around an open fire of driftwood, at this unique safari-style river camp.
Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)

DAY 11: The morning is spent rafting. There are 5 class 2 rapids. Again, each is no more than 165 ft / 50 metres. The remainder of the trip is a float when you can enjoy the surrounding countryside. Rafting time will be 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels. On completion of the rafting, we transfer by vehicle to Baratapur Airport, a 30 minute drive. The flight back to Kathmandu is just 25 minutes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll visit Boudhanath, home to the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and a great place for last minute shopping. We’ll then return to the hotel.
Overnight Yak & Yeti Hotel, Deluxe room (B, L)

Day 12: After an early morning breakfast, we will have the option to experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. The plane departs Kathmandu and flies eastwards, alongside the Himalayas, giving us eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including Mt. Everest. The flight lasts one hour. After the mountain flight, we return to the hotel for breakfast (time permitting) before returning to the airport for our onward journey (B)

Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this 9 night / 10 day features the main reason why most people come to Nepal: Trekking in the Himalayas. The minimum amount of time is spent traveling between each destination, enabling one to make the most of their time in Nepal. The Sacred Mountain Trek features the 5-star Yak & Yeti Hotel (in Kathmandu), the 5-star Shangri-La Village (in Pokhara) and Ker & Downey Lodges (while on trek).

Note: Customized Trek programs of varying lengths can be provided on request.

DAY 6: TREK TO GURUNG LODGE, MAJGAUN: (4620ft/1,400m) Following a leisurely breakfast, we leave the Sanctuary lodge & trek to Ker & Downey's Gurung Lodge. The lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village. Every room has spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Trek time to the Lodge is just 2 hours. After lunch at the lodge, you will be escorted to the local village of Tanchok. There will be a talk at a local house, now made into a museum. The contents of the house illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life. There will also be a visit to the school and should there be more than 6 guests, the school children will visit the lodge and perform a number of local dances and songs typical of the region.
Overnight Gurung Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 7: TREK TO BASANTA LODGE, DHAMPUS (5000 ft / 1525 m).This morning we start out trekking through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. After about 3 ½ hours, we arrive at the Basanta Lodge. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.
Overnight Basanta Lodge (B, L, D)

DAY 8: TREK TO POKHARA (3300 ft /1000 m) After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Trek time 1 ½ hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the Shangri-La Village Resort in Pokhara (30 minutes). On the way back to Pokhara, the vehicle can stop on request at the Tibetan refugee camp where you will have time to explore the temple complex. We’ll arrive at the Shangri-La Village in time for lunch. The rooms at the Shangri-La are filled with ethnic touches. Surrounding the rooms are spacious, landscaped gardens, water features, a swimming pool and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan curio shops are located.
Overnight Shangri-La Village Resort (B, L, D)

DAY 9: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll visit Boudhanath, home to the largest Buddhist Stupas in Nepal and a great place for last minute shopping. We’ll then return to the hotel.
Overnight Yak & Yeti Hotel, Deluxe room (B)

Day 10: After an early morning breakfast, we will have the option to experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. The plane departs Kathmandu and flies eastwards, alongside the Himalayas, giving us eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including Mt. Everest. The flight lasts one hour. After the mountain flight, we return to the hotel for breakfast (time permitting) before returning to the airport for our onward journey (B)

Ker & Downey Nepal: Annapurna Base Camp
1 nights Kathmandu (Shangri-la), 10 night Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
using a combination of local lodges and Ker & Downey “luxury” lodges,
1 nights Kathmandu (Shangri-la)

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a high glacial basin lying north of Pokhara. Situated below a ring of eleven of Nepal’s major peaks, it has spectacular views of each of these giants. This magnificent amphitheatre is called a ‘sanctuary’ not because of laws that protect wildlife within its boundaries, but because of its natural serenity, beauty and the divine presence of the Hindu goddesses Annapurna and Gangapurna. One can sit in the Sanctuary meadows at 13, 200 ft / 4000m enjoying the views of these legendary mountains towering several kilometres above in all directions. This isolated cirque of peaks can only be approached by one route, a deep gorge that carves into the fortress of mountains between Machapuchare and Hiunchuli.

This special trek combines the best Lodges in the area….Our Ker & Downey Lodges and the best available T-houses. The trek will also be guided by our own trained staff.

Duration : 13 days/12 nights - 1 days Kathmandu, 11 days trek, 1 day Kathmandu

Grade : moderate-strenuous

Trekking style : Ker & Downey Lodges and best available local T-houses

Dates :

We are pleased to arrange this trek on a private basis on dates to suit your own dates. The priced based on a private departure with a minimum of 2 people travelling together is 2200$ per person. Single supplement of 320$.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (4265’ / 1300m)
Upon arrival you will be met and assisted by a Ker & Downey representative and transferred to Shangri-la Hotel which is

located 15 minutes from the airport and 5-10 minutes from the tourist district of Thamel. There will be a short briefing about your program on arrival.

This Hotel provides comfortable accommodation and excellent facilities as well as one of Kathmandu’s best gardens. In the afternoon, there will be a sightseeing trip to Durbar Square.

Day 02: Fly Kathmandu-Pokhara (3080’ / 940m) and begin trek
Transfer to the airport for the 30min flight to Pokhara. After arrival in Pokhara, transfer to the Ker & Downey Pokhara office where there will be a briefing by your trek guide (in the garden). This will also offer you the ideal opportunity to ask any last minute questions that you may have. After the briefing, transfer by road with your guide & porters to the trek start point of Lumle {1-hour}. The walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located at 3470 ft/1060 meters. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. Lunch is at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the nearby village of Birethanti or the afternoon is free to explore the surrounding river valley. (Trek time 3 hours). Overnight Ker & Downey Sanctuary Lodge.

Day 03: Sanctuary Lodge – Himalaya Lodge (6600’ / 2000m)
In the morning, leave the lodge walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. Soon you begin to climb out of the valley & up towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests. Arrive in the afternoon at Ker & Downey's Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (Trek time 5 hours). It is from this lodge that there are magnificent

close up views of the surrounding mountains. Snacks are provided en route with a late lunch served at the lodge. Overnight Ker & Downey Himalaya Lodge

Day 04: Chomrong/Sanctuary "Gates" (7120’2170m)
Our trail heads steeply downhill to the Kyumnu Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola, where we will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we climb to a ridgeline on the west bank of the Modi Khola, gaining a spectacular view of the Matterhorn-like spire of 23,000-foot Machhapuchhare. We continue along to Chomrong, the last permanent village below the Annapurna Sanctuary, set at the base of Hiunchuli (20,782' / 6300m). Overnight at a local Lodge.

Day 05: Bamboo (8333’ / 2540m)
Hiking through lush rhododendron forest festooned with ferns and orchids, we reach Kuldi Ghar, a small settlement perched on the steep-sided valley. We descend quickly across rock slabs into a bamboo forest. The trail continues through a dense bamboo forest, often over a tangle of roots and fallen bamboo that can be slippery when wet. Overnight at a local Lodge.

Day 06: Bamboo – Deurali (10,597’ / 3230m)
Following the trail uphill then downhill through bamboo forest, we climb gradually but steadily until we emerge into the open spaces above treeline. After hiking across a grassy pasture at Tomo (8,400' / 2545m), we reach the narrowest point in the canyon, Panchenin Barha, the natural “gate” to the sanctuary, with its small trailside shrine. Before 1956, no one of low caste, no foreigners, and no “impure” foods such as pork, beef, chicken, garlic, and eggs were allowed beyond this shrine into the sacred confines of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Overnight at a local Lodge.

Day 07: Annapurna Base Camp (13,550’ / 4100m)
The gorge widens as we climb towards Hinko Cave and finally we feast our eyes upon the full glory of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Ahead of us lies the lateral moraine of South Annapurna Glacier, with the Modi Khola flowing to our right. We pass through the Machhapuchhare Base Camp (12,150'/3680m), site of a 1957 British Expedition to Machhapuchhare that climbed to within 200 feet of the summit. Because the peak is sacred to the Gurung people and considered the home of a Gurung goddess, Nepal’s government subsequently declared it off limits to climbers and it has remained unclimbed since.

The trail then continues to Annapurna Base Camp and contours the broad, grassy, and sometimes snow-covered valley. When we reach base camp we are surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of incredible Himalayan peaks: Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna II, Roc Noir, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare. Overnight at a local Lodge.

Day 08: Himalaya ( 9580’ / 2920m)
After we enjoy our last views of the Annapurna Sanctuary, we head out the “gate” and begin our descent to the Modi Khola Valley. Overnight at a local Lodge.

Day 9: Chomrong (7120' / 2170m)
We have a number of steep ascents and descents today to Chomrong, passing through spectacular Rhodendron and Bamboo forest.

Day 10: Beehive (4450’ / 1340m)
We continue downhill, heading back to Chomrong, then detour off our former trail and head steeply down to the "New Bridge" on the Modi Khola. From here, the route flattens out somewhat until reaching the small settlement of lodges, known as Beehive. Overnight at a local Lodge.

Day 11: Sanctuary Lodge (6600’ / 2000m)
We join the main trail again today, trekking mainly along the flats until we reach the Ker & Downey Sanctuary Lodge for a final night on trek. Overnight Ker & Downey Sanctuary Lodge

Day 12: Pokhara (3080’ / 940m) to Kathmandu (4265’ / 1300m)
We walk down to the road head near Birethanti and continue by bus to Pokhara. Once back in Pokhara, we bid farewell to our trekking staff and return to Kathmandu by air. Upon arrival in Kathmanu, before returning to the hotel, we’ll visit Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and an ideal place for last minute shopping. Overnight at the Shangri-la Hotel.

Day 13: International flight
Transfer to the International airport for your final departure from Kathmandu.

Note: The routing of the trek may be modified according to local conditions and at the discretion of your trek leader.

Post and Pre-nights can be arranged in Kathmandu and / or Pokhara. If booking a post night in Kathmandu, we recommend a day trip to the Shivapuri National Park with lunch at Shivapuri Cottage. Please ask for details.

Contact information :

NEPAL:
Ker & Downey Nepal
P.O. Box 326
Pokhara, Nepal
Tel: 977-61-523701
Fax: 977-61-526174
E-mail: kdnepal@fewamail.com.np, Contact person: Rachel J. Baker