The Lhasa to Kathmandu ride could be classified as `one of the most demanding rides` open to cyclists. You have to deal with high altitude, long distances, various kinds of weather, bad road conditions and change of life style. The Lhasa to Kathmandu ride could be one of the highest in the world. Proper acclimatisation is vital to anyone hoping to complete this expedition. For this purpose we spent four days acclimatizing, while sightseeing and enjoying the city and surroundings of Lhasa.
We begin with a flight of one hour from Kathmandu to Gongar International Airport in Tibet and drive to Lhasa, the main capital and starting point of our expedition. We have to cross 6 high passes and descend from the Tibetan Plateau before reaching our final destination, Nepal. The majority of our time we will spend on the Tibetan Plateau at heights above 4000 meters. Exploring various side valleys such as the route to Everest Base Camp, will involve cycling on much rougher dirt & stony tracks. Daily distances will range from 50 up to 110 kilometres. This may not sound particularly great, especially not to road-orientated cyclists, but the high altitude, difficult terrain, head winds and tough ascents will make cycling in this region a challenge for everyone. During this ride we will definitely take enough time to embrace the magnificent sights and discover the people and their culture, which altogether make this tour an unforgettable experience.
All Inclusive Bike Tour:
Our all-inclusive tour includes: all supplies, camping, food, support jeep, truck, cook. All will be ready for you in a deluxe style, you just bike and be there.
Self Camping Bike Tour:
Guidelines can be provided to assist you on these tours, but this is meant to be a tour that is framed up by the group traveling. An itinerary or travel plan is given as a recommended guide and from there you have a large degree of freedom to complete your tour within the guidelines of what is legal under Chinese travel laws in Tibet. Camps and duration of your biking day etc are mostly at your discretion. This is self-camping and cooking.
Tea House Bike Tour:
Guidelines can be provided to assist you on these tours, but this is meant to be a tour that is framed up by the group traveling. An itinerary or travel plan is given as a recommended guide. On this tour you will spend your nights at Tibetan local tea houses on bed and breakfast basis and you will choose your lunch and dinner.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Trekking in Far Wild Western Nepal
Far Western Nepal can be described as "unexplored” region of Nepal, it has a large population of both Hindus and Buddhists, most of the homes are Tibetan style, Their flat roofs covered with packed earth are well suited to the region, this is the only place in Nepal where Hindus live in such obviously Tibetan-style houses. It is remote and unknown for the tourists due to its relative inaccessibility and its distance from Kathmandu. Many of the trails in the west continue to the northern side of the Himalayan ranges, making it easy for trekkers to continue into Tibet.
These regions are mostly bypassed by development and tourism marketing. Although a few anthropologists and geographers had explored the region, many places were closed to trekking groups before.
So it’s the best region to Experience the unique ancient culture and traditions, along with it will create employment for the local communities to upgrade the local economy. Firante Treks & Expedition is only company operating adventure treks in these region. Check out there website www.firante.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Mt. Everest Base Camp Treks via Jiri
Trek Facts:
Duration: 21 days
Starting from: Jiri
Ending at: Lukla
Grade: Moderate and difficult
Highest access of the trek: Kalapatthar 5545 m.)
Culture: Sherpa
Mode of trekking: Guest House
Himalayan sights: Khumbu Himal, Thamserku and Kantega with Amadablam in the distance, dominating the skyline ahead are Everest and Lhotse.
Most attraction of the Trek: Mt. Everest and more.
This trek commences overland to the road heading to Jiri (6 hrs). We follow the original route of the early expeditions through some truly beautiful alpine scenery.
This region is relatively underdeveloped compared to the trail from Lukla onwards. The trek provides an insight into the many traditional aspects of the lives of the different ethnic groups of the area -- Tamang, Kami, Brahmins, Kshetri & Sherpa.
One of the highlights on the way to Lukla is the overnight stop at Junbesi, the oldest Sherpa settlement in the Solu Khumbu. An hour above Junbesi lays the monastery of "Tupten Chholing" with the villages of Mabung and Pangkarma, which are places to visit on route.
The journey from Jiri to Lukla is up and down. People usually arrive in Lukla in very good shape expecting next to come by. And After Lukla we head north initially up the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar; the major trading hub of the region. From Namche the trail follows the Imja Khola, on route there are some spectacular views of the Khumbu Himal, Thamserku and Kantega with Amadablam in the distance, dominating the skyline ahead are Everest and Lhotse.
The trail ascends, climbing gradually up the Imja Khola eventually emerging above the tree line before Dingboche. Dingboche to Kalapatthar takes a further two days via the Everest glacier for a truly "hands on" experience of Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse which tower above.
A further five days are taken retracing to Lukla and the flight back to Kathmandu. An attainable trek for anyone who is reasonably fit with the itinerary set to minimize any affects of altitude.
Duration: 21 days
Starting from: Jiri
Ending at: Lukla
Grade: Moderate and difficult
Highest access of the trek: Kalapatthar 5545 m.)
Culture: Sherpa
Mode of trekking: Guest House
Himalayan sights: Khumbu Himal, Thamserku and Kantega with Amadablam in the distance, dominating the skyline ahead are Everest and Lhotse.
Most attraction of the Trek: Mt. Everest and more.
This trek commences overland to the road heading to Jiri (6 hrs). We follow the original route of the early expeditions through some truly beautiful alpine scenery.
This region is relatively underdeveloped compared to the trail from Lukla onwards. The trek provides an insight into the many traditional aspects of the lives of the different ethnic groups of the area -- Tamang, Kami, Brahmins, Kshetri & Sherpa.
One of the highlights on the way to Lukla is the overnight stop at Junbesi, the oldest Sherpa settlement in the Solu Khumbu. An hour above Junbesi lays the monastery of "Tupten Chholing" with the villages of Mabung and Pangkarma, which are places to visit on route.
The journey from Jiri to Lukla is up and down. People usually arrive in Lukla in very good shape expecting next to come by. And After Lukla we head north initially up the Dudh Kosi valley to Namche Bazaar; the major trading hub of the region. From Namche the trail follows the Imja Khola, on route there are some spectacular views of the Khumbu Himal, Thamserku and Kantega with Amadablam in the distance, dominating the skyline ahead are Everest and Lhotse.
The trail ascends, climbing gradually up the Imja Khola eventually emerging above the tree line before Dingboche. Dingboche to Kalapatthar takes a further two days via the Everest glacier for a truly "hands on" experience of Mt. Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse which tower above.
A further five days are taken retracing to Lukla and the flight back to Kathmandu. An attainable trek for anyone who is reasonably fit with the itinerary set to minimize any affects of altitude.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Camp @ Ghandruk
The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Respected and worshipped, Annapurna is truly awe-inspiring. Starting from Nayapul, this trail leads up to the Annapurna Base Camp and Machapuchare Base Camp, deep in the heart of the Annapurnas. Annapurna Base Camp is a natural ringed by Annapurna South and Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and the holy mountain Macchapucchre (Fish Tail). The first few days are spent traveling through quaint Gurung villages and lush forests before reaching more barren and rugged terrain.
The trail to Annapurna Base Camp threads up the valley into the sanctuary where it gradually gives way to a gray screen and scrub before reaching snow fields, there are no villages to speak of for five days. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a wonderful trek with some tremendous views, from base camp a labyrinth of mountains tower almost vertically above with Annapurna I in dominance. An hour or two is spent here taking in the high mountains before commencing the return journey. Five further days are taken returning to Pokhara. Annapurna Base Camp trek is a good introduction to higher altitude without being too strenuous.
Trek Facts
Duration: 17 days
Starting from: Pokhara
Ending at: Pokhara
Grade: Moderate
Highest access of the trek: Annapurna Base Camp 4130 m.)
Culture: Gurung
Mode of trekking: Guest House
Himalayan sights: Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna, Fish Tail etc.
Most attraction of the Trek: Himalayan views, unique Gurung village, Annapurna base camp, Rhododendron forest
Outlined Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival - Hotel transfer - tour briefing
Day 02: At leisure in Kathmandu
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara, sightseeing lake side, peace sutupa, Devis fall, hotel over night.
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedunga, Overnight Hotel
Day 05: Tikhedhunga - Ghorepani (2750m)
Day 06: Poon Hill for sunrise (3193m) - Tadapani (2590m)
Day 07: Tadapani - Chomrong (2170m)
Day 08: Chomrong - Bamboo (23350m)
Day 09: Bamboo - Deurali (2505m)
Day 10: Trek to Annapurna base camp (4230m)
Day 11: Annapurna Base Camp - Dovan (2505m)
Day 12: Dovan - Chhomrong (2170m)
Day 13: Chhomrong - Ghandrung (1940m)
Day 14: Ghandrung – Pokhara
Day 15: Fly Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 16: At leisure in Kathmandu, shopping, Hotel.
Day 17: Departure
PRICE: (Per Person)
US $ 993.00 (5-6 Pax)
US $ 912.00 (7-8 Pax)
US $ 837.00 (9 Pax & above)
PRICE INCLUDES
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea house accommodations during the trek
Experienced Guide
Sightseeing & Private transfers in Kathmandu
Treks porters/helpers
Annapurna Conservation fees
All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Airport transfers with an escort
Insurance of the guide and porters
4 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu in BB
Flight Pokhara to Kathmandu US $ 93
TIMS permits
PRICE EXCLUDES
International flight & departure tax
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance, entry fees for sightseeing
Flight excess luggage
Entry fees while sightseeing
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Mt. Kailash tour via Simikot (Nepal / Tibet)
In May 1993 the governments of Nepal and China agreed to open the border between their countries. From that time on, travelers are able to make tours to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar through Humla, Nepal’s most remote district in the Northwest of the country. This route is the shortest and most practical for trekkers in terms of elevation and distance. Besides that, it treats its visitors with astounding views and great richness in culture and history.
The tour to Mt. Kailash starts from Simikot, situated at an elevation of 2910 meters, and climbs up to Nara La pass (4530 meters) before reaching the arid Tibetan Plateau. From Simikot it takes a 6-day’s journey to reach the Tibetan border town (Zhang-mu). This gives you plenty of time to acclimatize to higher altitudes.
There is no direct air service from Kathmandu to Simikot. Travelers generally have to fly to Simikot via Nepalgunj, the regional hub of Western Nepal. Nepalgunj-Simikot flights only operate early in the morning, so we have one overnight in Nepalgunj to catch the early morning flight the next day.
The tour (Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar tour) normally finishes at Zhang-Mu. It requires at least 20 days, but we can also finish your journey in Lhasa or extend it to other destinations.
Saga Dawa Festival at Mt. Kailash
Saga Dawa Festival is observed as one of the most important festival in Buddhist society all over the world. This festival held each year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar (May / June). This festival is celebrated in honor of Sakyamuni's enlightenment. And this auspicious day coincide with three important events in Buddha's life, Birth, Nirvana and death.
Trek Facts
Duration: 22 days
Starting: Simikot, Humla
Ending: Zhangmu / Kodari border
Grade: Moderate / Hard
Highest access of the trek: 4345m Humla in Nepal, 5630m Mt. Kailash in Tibet
Culture: Chettries, Tibetans
Mode of trekking: Camping trek only
Himalayan sights: Mt. Saipal, Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurla Mandata
Most attraction of the Trek: Rich culture, adventure, scenic beauty, civilization, Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar
Outlined Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Organisation Tibet-visa - Sightseeing-Tour in KTM with guide/bus.
Day 03: Transfer airport, flight to Nepalgunj
Day 04: Flight Nepalgunj – Simikot; start trekking day 01 (Simikot – Dharapori).
Day 05: Trekking day 02 (Dharapori – Kermi).
Day 06: Trekking day 03 (Kermi – Yalbang).
Day 07: Trekking day 04 (Yalbang – Tumkot Khola/village).
Day 08: Trekking day 05 (Tumkot Khola/village – Yari below Nara La).
Day 09: Trekking day 06 (crossing Nara La – Sher); meet cars, transfer to Purang / Taklakot.
Day 10: Drive from Purang to Manasarovar-Lake
Day 11: Explore day at Manasarovar, Visit Chiu Gompa, hiking to Gossul Gompa
Day 12: Saga Dawa Festival in Darboche (If your date coincides with the festival)
Day 13: Kora Mt. Kailash, day 1 (Darboche – Chuku Gompa – Drirapuk).
Day 14: Kora, day 2 (Drirapuk – Dölma La – camp 1 ½ hours before Zutrulpuk).
Day 15: Kora day 3 (camp – Zutrulpuk (visit Gompa) – Darchen); lunch; leave Darchen, drive to Hor Qu, c
Day 16: Start for jeep-drive Hor Qu to Paryang
Day 17: Jeep-drive Paryang to Saga.
Day 18: Jeep-drive, Saga to Nyalam / Zhangmu.
Day 19: Drive Zhangmu – Kodari – crossing border and continue to Border Resort for relax
Day 20: After lunch drive to KTM; hotel.
Day 21: Free day in KTM
Day 22: Departure
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Trekking in Mt. Kailash Region
The holy mountain Kailash (6714m) and lake Manasarovar are situated on the artic Tibetan plateau of western Tibet. Tucked between the Gurla Mandata Mountain (7694m) in the southeast and Kunlung Mountain in the northwest. Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are worshiped by four different religions: Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Vaishnab. Mt. Kailash is one of the three pilgrimage sites in the area, collectively known as Kangri Tsosum. The other two are Ponri Ngaden and Lake Manasarovar. All are said to be at the heart of the ancient Shangshung kingdom.
Mt. Kailash is their soul mountain (lari), which they also call Yungdrung Gu Tse (the Nine story Swastika Mountain). This is the very place where it is stated that the sect legendary founder, Tonpa Shenrab, descended from heaven to earth. Lord Shiva, both creator and destroyer of life, is believed by Hindus to reside in the holy mountain.
Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar remained unknown to the Western World until the eighteenth century, hidden behind some of the greatest natural barriers on earth. The First European to travel through the region was an Italian Jesuit missionary, Father Ippolito Desideri. In the winter of 1715 he crossed Western Tibet, a vast, sterile and terrible desert, following the course of Tsangpo river all the way to Lhasa. On the way, he passed Lake Manasarovar and a cloud-hidden mountain (Mount Kailash) that he reported was sacred to the powerful Tantrik wizard 'Urghien' or Padmasambhava.
The best time to make a tour to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar region is between mid-May and mid-October. During this time the weather in Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is generally stable and clear, with warm temperatures during the days and cool nights. July and August are usually warmer, but this is when the monsoon pushes beyond the Himalaya. Swelling the creeks and coating the valleys with greenery and wildflowers.
There are 3 different major gateways to start the tour to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar; Zhang-Mu, Lhasa and Simikot (far western border of Nepal).
The duration of the Tibet Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour can be varied with starting from different points. It also depends on which places you would like to cover within your journey. According to your time frame or other requirements we can always customize the trip.
www.firante.com
Mt. Kailash is their soul mountain (lari), which they also call Yungdrung Gu Tse (the Nine story Swastika Mountain). This is the very place where it is stated that the sect legendary founder, Tonpa Shenrab, descended from heaven to earth. Lord Shiva, both creator and destroyer of life, is believed by Hindus to reside in the holy mountain.
Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar remained unknown to the Western World until the eighteenth century, hidden behind some of the greatest natural barriers on earth. The First European to travel through the region was an Italian Jesuit missionary, Father Ippolito Desideri. In the winter of 1715 he crossed Western Tibet, a vast, sterile and terrible desert, following the course of Tsangpo river all the way to Lhasa. On the way, he passed Lake Manasarovar and a cloud-hidden mountain (Mount Kailash) that he reported was sacred to the powerful Tantrik wizard 'Urghien' or Padmasambhava.
The best time to make a tour to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar region is between mid-May and mid-October. During this time the weather in Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is generally stable and clear, with warm temperatures during the days and cool nights. July and August are usually warmer, but this is when the monsoon pushes beyond the Himalaya. Swelling the creeks and coating the valleys with greenery and wildflowers.
There are 3 different major gateways to start the tour to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar; Zhang-Mu, Lhasa and Simikot (far western border of Nepal).
The duration of the Tibet Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour can be varied with starting from different points. It also depends on which places you would like to cover within your journey. According to your time frame or other requirements we can always customize the trip.
www.firante.com
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