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the high mountains beyond

Himalayas Trek - NEW for 2024 10 days • Nepal

Trek
Trek Communal
Communal Altitude
Altitude Terrain
Terrain ORANGE 2
Grading

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About the Challenge

This wonderful trek offers the ultimate combination of fascinating culture, great trails and the spectacular scenery of the Himalayas!

We walk through thick rhododendron forest and continue up out of the tree line, where awe-inspiring views of the great peaks and glaciers of the Himalayas await us. On the way, we take in waterfalls, dense forest and hospitable mountainside villages, providing an authentic glimpse into local life.

This is a challenging trek in mountainous terrain, but we remain at relatively low altitudes (by Nepalese standards anyway!) while being rewarded with some of the most magnificent mountain panoramas in the world! Starting only an hour’s drive from Kathmandu, this trip packs in the trekking, without long hours of travelling. With time to explore Kathmandu and the old-world charm of Bakhtapur, this is a challenge not to be missed!

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Himalayas Trek


OPEN • 10 DAYS

  • Transfer to hotel to freshen up. Time permitting, we enjoy an afternoon city tour by rickshaw and on foot, via bustling backstreets, bazaars and chowks to colourful Durbar Square and the royal palace. This is a wonderful introduction to the ancient heritage and modern chaos that is Kathmandu. Back at the hotel, we have a trip briefing and dinner. Night hotel.

    (Lunch not included if not in-flight)

  • An early start sees us driving to Sundarijal, an hour northeast of Kathmandu, where our trek begins. Today we’ll ascend almost 1000m, so it’s straight into the challenge, but we take it steady and enjoy marvelling at our surroundings! Sundarijal means beautiful water, and this region supplies much of the water to the Kathmandu Valley; we’ll see numerous streams and waterfalls as we hike. Stone steps and forest trails take us up into Shivapuri National Park, and we cross the small village of Mulkharka. Continuing uphill, we trek through rhododendron and oak forests to the top of the ridge. After some time to enjoy the magnificent mountain views, we take the trail downhill to Chisopani. After a rest, you can explore this authentic village. Night teahouse (2300m).

    Drive approx. 1 hour; Trek approx. 4-5 hours

  • After an energising breakfast, we ease out any aching muscles on an initially downhill trail, before an undulating stony path takes us over fields and meadows, with fabulous views. At the hamlet of Gul Bhanjyang, we tackle the long trek up to another pass, and then it’s downhill again – on legs that are starting to get used to the constant ascending and descending that is trekking in Nepal! – to our teahouse at Kutumsang. Night teahouse (2470m).

    Trek approx. 7-8 hours

  • Probably the most challenging day for many! A long trail takes us gradually uphill through pine, fir and rhododendron forests, passing an impressive 25m-high waterfall en-route. We pass through several small settlements, enjoying the small glimpses they give us into local life high up here in the Himalayas, and finally come to Thadepati Pass, our highest point at 3690m, above the tree-line. After some time to soak up the views of snow-capped mountains that are our well-earned reward, we descend to Thadepati, below the pass, where we spend the night. Night teahouse (3650m).

    Trek approx. 6-8 hours

  • An easier day after yesterday’s big challenge! We head back into pine forests on a predominantly-downhill trail which sees us crossing suspension bridges over the mountain rivers gushing below us. Melamchi is a friendly Sherpa village surrounded by beautiful forests, and we have plenty of time on this short trekking day to explore the village and its monasteries. Night teahouse (2530m).

    Trek approx. 3-4 hours

  • Setting off downhill towards Melamchi River, we cross the river and enjoy a rare flat section, a welcome treat! After walking through forest and crossing several streams, we climb again to the beautiful Sherpa village of Tarkeghyang, and then it’s more downhill through forest before yet another uphill stretch as we contour through the foothills. A final descent brings us to Sermathang, where we discover more of the famous Sherpa culture and hospitality. Night teahouse (2590m).

    Trek approx. 6-7 hours

  • The last day of our trek, and we savour the views and the friendly villages as we descend gradually through meadows and cultivated fields, passing gompas, temples and mani walls, a constant reminder of this fascinating culture. We finally come to the village of Kakani, the end of our Himalaya trekking. From here, we drive to Bhaktapur, an ancient town in the Kathmandu Valley. Night hotel. 

    Trek approx. 3 hours; Drive approx. 3 hours

  • We enjoy a morning tour of this medieval town, which is a very different experience to Kathmandu, and the Himalayan villages we’ve becomes used to. Wonderfully-preserved, Bhaktapur still oozes old-world charm in its temples and squares, with crafts and customs going back centuries. After lunch, we drive to Kathmandu and back to our hotel, where you are free to explore the surrounding district of Thamel and enjoy the many souvenir-shopping opportunities! In the evening, we gather together for a celebratory meal to mark our many achievements! Night hotel.

    (Lunch not included)

  • Transfer to airport for the flight home.

    (Lunch not included if not in-flight)

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Dates & Prices

Prices may vary depending on date.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Return flights from London to Kathmandu
  • All local transfers as part of the itinerary
  • All meals except where specified
  • All accommodation - hotel in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek, all on twin share basis
  • Discover Adventure crew (number dependent on group size)
  • local guides, porters, cooks and drivers
  • Local support and back-up equipment
  • Trekking permit and any other sites included in the itinerary

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

  • Any meals specified 'not included' in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Personal spending money, souvenirs and drinks
  • Tips for the local guides and support crew 
  • Fees for any optional sites, attractions and activities
  • Contribution to Airline taxes of £250.00
  • Any applicable surcharges as per Terms and Conditions

Detailed Information

  • Your trip will be led by experienced Discover Adventure leaders. Our leaders are selected for their experience in harsh wilderness environments, knowledge of travel in remote areas, friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. They are also trained in expedition first aid. You are in very safe hands with a Discover Adventure leader. Usually leaders are based in the UK or other English-speaking countries and lead for us regularly throughout the year in many different countries. In some instances, trips are led by in-country guides with a wealth of knowledge about the region; they have been trained by us to provide the level of support expected on a Discover Adventure trip.

  • An expedition doctor or medic accompanies the group (dependent on group size.) Their role is to look after the well-being of the whole group and deal with any medical incidents. They help the crew to ensure the trip runs smoothly, and encourage you when things get tough. The total number of crew looking after you will depend on the final size of your group.

  • Our local support crew is made up of local guides, assisted by drivers, porters, cooks and other support staff, depending on the type of trip. Local guides know the area well, and are a great source of knowledge about local customs and lifestyles. Not all support crew will speak English well, but are very friendly and approachable. The Discover Adventure crew work closely with the local crew to ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely. 

    Your leader will arrange a collection of tips for the local support crew at the end of your trek, and you will be provided with a guideline amount in advance. Tipping is not obligatory, but once you see how hard they work on your behalf you will be happy to donate something! All our local crew are paid wages, but bear in mind that the average wage in many countries may be less than you would spend on an average night out.

  • Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with communication devices (eg phones, radios and/or emergency satellite phones), medical kit and other safety apparatus appropriate to the destination. Our leaders always have access to our 24-hour emergency UK back-up. They are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary, should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration - such as medical questionnaires and travel insurance as appropriate - is all done with your safety in mind.

  • Altitude adds to the challenge, and affects people differently. Most travellers experience no more than headaches and shortness of breath (typical symptoms of being at altitude, and not usually a concern.)

    Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or 'altitude sickness' occurs when you ascend to high altitude quickly. The best way to avoid it is to allow time for the body to adjust - our itineraries are designed with this in mind - and to walk at a slow pace (which our leaders will set). We also recommend avoiding alcohol and smoking. Problems usually begin at heights of around 3500m - 4500m.  More severe symptoms are usually quickly remedied by descending to a lower altitude and taking more time to acclimatise.

  • For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

  • Group flights usually leave from London Heathrow or Gatwick on scheduled airlines and are booked through Discover Adventure Ltd under ATOL licence 5636. By travelling with Discover Adventure you are protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

    Your journey may involve a transit en route; details of route and flight times will be confirmed several months before departure.  We do not always use the same airline for each destination; if you wish to know the probable carrier and flight times, please call for details. You will usually receive confirmed flight details several months before departure. Our itineraries are always based on current flight schedules and are therefore subject to change by the airline. If you prefer to book your own flights please ask us for a land-only cost.

  • Accommodation is in teahouses (simple but comfortable mountain lodges) when trekking, and hotels or guesthouses when in cities. City accommodation is comfortable with private, twin-share facilities. Tea-houses are generally simple, and are run by individual families. The most common ‘best memory’ of a trip to Nepal is the warmth and hospitality of the local people and the evenings spent in the teahouses along the route. 

    The tea houses vary, but please be prepared for rustic conditions, especially if you are only used to nice hotels! Being out of your comfort zone adds to the challenge and makes your achievement all the sweeter.

  • Some accommodation will be twin-share. Please tell us if you know somebody else on the trip that you would like to share with and we will try our best to accommodate your request. If you don't know anyone else in the group don't worry, we always pair you up with someone of the same gender, and a similar age where possible. We do not charge a single supplement if you are a solo traveller in a shared room.

    On some nights we are likely to sleep in more communal accommodation such as dormitories/hostels, huts, local homestays or monasteries, depending on the trip, and you may be sharing with a larger number of participants or the whole group; this type of accommodation cannot always be single-sex.

  • Your booking is part of a group challenge, and the tour costs and fundraising targets listed on our website are based on a minimum number of participants which is shown on the challenge  Our typical groups run with approximately 15-25 participants; however you may find your group is smaller or larger than this.

    We will confirm at least 12 weeks prior to departure that your challenge is guaranteed to run. Occasionally it may be possible to still run the challenge with less than the minimum numbers, subject to a small group supplement.  If we think a small group supplement may be necessary, we will discuss this with you as soon as possible, usually 5 months before your departure date. 

    Minimum numbers and groups sizes may vary on Bespoke Charity challenges.  If you are booked onto a bespoke challenge please contact your charity for full details.

  • The food provided is plentiful, often local in style and freshly-cooked, and will give you plenty of energy. Sometimes we enjoy a buffet-style lunch-stop, other times we might have packed lunches. On some trips we stop at small local restaurants. Dinners are generally eaten at our accommodation each evening. In some regions there may be less variety than you are used to, and in others fresh meat or produce can be harder to come by. Any meals not included are listed in the itinerary and are generally on travel / free days, giving you the opportunity to explore and try other culinary experiences! There is always something to suit different budgets.

    Being vegetarian or having other dietary requirements is not usually a problem provided you let us know well in advance. Please do not expect as much variety as you would have access to at home – we may be in very rural or remote areas, or among people of a different culture who may not understand your requirements, however willing they are to help. If you know there are plenty of foods you cannot eat we strongly recommend you bring extra snacks from home so you can top up your energy supply. Please feel free to ask us for advice.

  • Your luggage, food, water and equipment is transported for you from one night-stop to the next. If there is easy road access this is done by vehicle; if not porters, mules or even camels might carry your bags, depending on the terrain.

    Space is limited and hard-sided luggage is not suitable, so it is essential that your kit is packed in a soft bag, rucksack or expedition kitbag. Ask us about our specially-designed low-cost kitbags if you don’t have one already. You should also bring a small daypack to carry for items needed during the day as you will not have access to your main luggage until the evening.

Preparing for the Challenge

  • This is designed to be a challenge, and it is vital that you train sufficiently for it. We will supply you with a thorough training guide once you have registered. We expect all participants to train hard in advance, but we respect everyone’s limits and do not expect everyone to maintain the same pace. Inadequate training is likely to have an impact not just on your chances of completing the challenge, but enjoying it too - and we want you to have the time of your life!

    Our challenges attract people of all levels of experience, fitness and ability as well as all ages and backgrounds. We design our challenges so that everyone can go at their own pace: this is not a race. If you have concerns about your fitness or if you have reduced mobility please do contact us for a confidential chat about whether this challenge is appropriate for you.

    For logistical and safety reasons we sometimes need to re-group, so the front-runners may find themselves waiting for the slower ones. Please relax, and remember that this is a team effort that enables people to achieve their personal goals and earn sponsorship.

  • Entry requirements vary depending on your destination and nationality. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid, and any visas are obtained in good time. Check the FCO’s advice on entry requirements for your destination to be sure. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to apply for your visa; we will provide you will all necessary information 6 weeks prior to depature to assist with your application.

    Your routine UK schedule of vaccinations should be up-to-date (especially tetanus). We recommend you check Fit For Travel for further details. You should always check with a GP or travel clinic for up-to-date travel health advice as it does change.

  • We plan our trips around the optimal weather conditions, but could still be exposed to bad weather at any time. It is vital you are prepared for all conditions. We provide you with a detailed packing kit-list on registration, with plenty of information, and we are always available if you need advice.

  • Travel Insurance is compulsory on all of our challenges outside of the UK; we strongly suggest that you arrange insurance cover as soon as your booking with us is confirmed, or as soon as you're able to purchase some, and at least 8 months prior to travel. Should you need to cancel prior to departure, you will need insurance to cover the costs involved (registration fee and any trip costs depending on cancellation date). 

    We all hope never to need it, and thankfully most of the time we don't, but on those rare occasions when you do, you want it to cover you as best it can. Whilst it's a fairly boring admin task relating to your trip of a lifetime, it is really important you ensure that you have adequate cover for the type of challenge you are taking part in as well as medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation, so make sure you're happy with the level of cover. There are lots of suppliers out there, with a wide range in levels of cover; generally speaking, you get what you pay for! Get and pay for the right level of cover and then you can go on your adventure not having to worry about the what-if's. For more details click here.

    Once your travel insurance is arranged, just remember to let us know the policy number and 24-hr medical emergency phone number provided by your insurers.

     

  • For most people, the main attraction of travelling to a different country is to see new sights and enjoy new experiences. Sometimes those new experiences can make life harder or more inconvenient than you may like, such as toilet hygiene or different food, or simply a different attitude to solving problems. This is all part of the challenge you are signing up for! We are very privileged to live in a country with a high standard of living, and travelling exposes us to different challenges – all of which help broaden our horizons. We can guarantee that coming face-to-face with experiences outside your normal ‘comfort zone’ will help you bond with your fellow participants and provide you with plenty of things to laugh about! A sense of humour and sense of adventure are two of the most important things to bring with you!

  • In the unfortunate circumstance that you need to cancel your booking, we would ask that you notify us in writing either by post or email.  Your cancellation will be considered effective from the date the notice is received. Registration fees and amendment fees are non refundable and, depending on your payment option and how close it is to your challenge departure date, you may be liable for a cancellation charge.

    Full details of all cancellation charges may be found in the Terms and Conditions of booking.

  • We have a Passenger Portal which will give you more details of the challenge itself. It also enables you to see any outstanding information we need, the countdown to your challenge departure, see your outstanding balance, make payments and update your contact details. You can access this via the following link - Passenger Portal Log in.

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