Nepal’s Royal Trek
Nepal is a small country with a huge heart. Home to the world’s highest mountains, it boasts an unmatched geographic diversity. In less than 200 miles it rises from just 300’ above sea level on the border with India to over 29, 000’ at the summit of Mt. Everest! Beyond its dramatic landscape, Nepal is a place steeped in the traditions of ancient cultures. Our journey begins with a trek in the Middle Himalaya in a stunning off-the-beaten-track area virtually untouched by the modern world. These are paths once taken by Nepal’s royalty as they traveled south to winter in India. In the subtropical jungle of Royal Chitwan National Park we travel astride elephants watching for rhinos, monkeys – even the elusive Bengal tiger. Then it’s an exhilarating helicopter flight up to the Langtang Valley near the Tibetan border for days of hiking amongst the breathtaking snowcapped, Himalayan giants. Our journey begins and ends in exotic Kathmandu. Join us for a most memorable exploration of Nepal, from south to north.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Nepal's Royal Trek Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs in Kathmandu you are met by one of your Nepali guides and transferred to your city hotel. The afternoon is left open to rest and explore on your own. This evening we gather to enjoy a banquet of traditional Nepali foods and a general trip orientation. Dinner included.
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Day 2
Early this morning there is an optional close-up sightseeing flight to Mt. Everest (additional fee - subject to change) with amazing views! After lunch we enjoy a half-day guided tour of the ancient city of Kathmandu. Visit Buddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu pilgrim site. Breakfast included.
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Days 3-6
We begin our four day, fully-supported camping trek in the remote Middle Himalaya. Our trail is the ancient and historic footpath Nepal royalty used hundreds of years ago to travel south to India for the winter. (This is not to be confused with the route in the Annapurna Range that Prince Charles once used that is also commonly referred to as the Royal Trek). Today these trails are used by local villagers and farmers to cross the miles from their homes to the nearest town. Ours is a route you won’t find in any guide book…we don’t anticipate meeting any other trekkers on our journey. Each day provides the unique opportunity to meet and interact with the local people whose rich Hindu culture has been little touched by the modern world. As we meander through rhododendron forests and over terraced hillsides we visit a major Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, stop at a Tibetan gompa that’s perched high on a hillside and offers magnificent views of the Bagmati River valley, meet Newari farmers plowing their fields, sip tea with a Tamang family and perhaps share an evening of traditional stories around a small home hearth. In addition, we have the opportunity to visit children and teachers at a local school. As stunning as the landscape is here, the culture is as just as colorful. Each morning, our guides and porters wake us with sweet hot tea at our tents before breakfast. In the evening, we pitch our camp on hillsides offering large vistas, immense quietness and endless starry skies. This is a slice of traditional Nepal at its very best! All meals included.
Trekking: 3-5 hours daily; Terrain: rolling hills with some steep sections; 1000-2000’ elevation gain / loss -
Day 7
We enjoy a final morning of trekking down and out of the hills to the small town of Kulikhani where we are met by our private vehicle. We then transfer to Royal Chitwan National Park (3 hour drive). We check into our comfortable jungle lodge, shower and relax before our first elephant foray into the jungle. All meals included.
Trekking: 1-2 hours -
Day 8
Enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing via elephant back, dugout canoe and nature walks with the park’s naturalists. This area is famous for its wildlife (it is elusive!) but a large part of the enjoyment here is being on an elephant and lumbering through the jungle. Keep your eyes open for the one-horned rhino, wild boar, langur monkeys, three types of deer, sloth bear, myriad birds and, of course, the very elusive Bengal tiger. (Note: Fall departures have the best opportunities for wildlife sightings.) All meals included.
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Day 9
We are up early for a final outing into the jungle before flying back to Kathmandu. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore on your own in Kathmandu. This is a good time to shop for gifts in the colorful Thamel markets. Breakfast, lunch included.
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Day 10
Another early start today; at the Kathmandu airport we board our charter helicopter for a breathtaking flight north to the village of Ghora Tabela (9,450’), just below the high Langtang Valley. Our helicopter flight is always a visual highlight – floating high above the river valleys and ridgelines. Have your camera ready! Once landed, we settle into a local tea house and have the afternoon to hike a bit higher to aid with altitude acclimatization. This is a beautiful area of rhododendron and berberis dotted with the small stone homes of the local people. All meals included.
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Day 11
This is a vigorous day of hiking up to the Langtang Valley and the village of Langtang (11,480’). Our trail zig-zags higher and higher while offering tantalizing views of the Langtang peaks that await us. As we climb into the broad valley, we pass old mani-walls and goths, temporary shelters for herders. Langtang village itself is a community of stone houses, walled fields of buckwheat and potatoes, and an old gompa with its resident lama. The people who make Langtang their home are the Tamangs and the Sherpas who, for several hundred years, have crossed from Tibet to live in the high reaches of the Himalayas. We overnight in a local tea house. All meals included.
Trekking: 3-4 ½ hours; Terrain: continuous, gradual uphill with some level sections -
Day 12
Today is all about high mountain splendor. Snowcapped Himalayan giants surround the upper Langtang Valley. A delightful morning’s trek from Langtang to Kyangjin (12,600’) winds up and through ruggedly wild and exceedingly beautiful country offering fine mountain scenery. Ice-fluted Gangchempo (21,000’) dominates the eastern landscape. Wandering past icy streams and glacial pools, aside long mani walls and stone chortens draped in colorful prayer flags, our hike is entirely through the open valley until we top out at a rise above Kyangjin Gompa. From here the mountain views become even more spectacular with Langtang Lirung (23,700’) being the most dramatic. Porters carry our gear. Tonight we overnight at a tea house. All meals included.
Trekking: 4-5 hours; Terrain: gradual and steady uphill -
Day 13
Several hiking options are available to us today. Minor peaks such as Kyangjin Ri offer enormous views. The Lirung Cirque of hanging glaciers and the Langtang Lirung basecamp are beautiful treks, or take the up-valley walk toward Nubamtang (13,123’) with its justifiable reputation for mountain grandeur. Above Kyangjin we follow the Langtang Khola (river) on an easy path that passes a couple of yak herder’s settlements and pastures and cuts across rocky moraines and glacial streams. Here, one mountain after another draws our attention and pulls us onward. The walks in the upper valley are, quite simply put, magnificent! We overnight again in Kyangjin; this is the final evening with our Langtang trekking porters and support staff. All meals included.
Trekking: Various options ranging from 3–7 hours. -
Day 14
Today we bid farewell to this magnificent high mountain country and board our helicopter for a morning flight from Kyangjin to Kathmandu. After we transfer to the hotel, the remainder of today is free for rest, relaxation, or exploration. Breakfast included.
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Day 15
The morning is spent enjoying a guided tour of the medieval city of Bhaktapur. A farewell banquet with your guides of traditional foods is the perfect end to this spectacular Himalayan journey. Breakfast and dinner included.
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Day 16
This morning our journey in Nepal ends with a transfer to the Kathmandu international airport for your flight home. Breakfast included.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Our treks run during the best weather conditions of the year, however there is an extra day at the end of the trek should poor weather interfere with the helicopter flight. Flights to and from Langtang are not always dependable due to weather conditions, and there may be flight delays.
Accommodation and meals as noted in the daily itinerary; National Park fees; flight from Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu; guided city tours; private in-country transportation; skilled bi-lingual Nepali trip leader(s); trekking support staff (porters/cooks); camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking and eating utensils); baggage portage; tips to trekking support staff & local city guide; and airport transfers.
Air transportation to/from Nepal; Bangkok hotel/meal costs (if routing through Bangkok); helicopter flight within Nepal (mandatory add-on cost); 3 lunches, 3 dinners; optional Everest view flight; visas; optional gratuities to lead guide(s); cost for passport or immunizations; travel/medical/evacuation insurance; any necessary emergency evacuation expenses; items of a personal nature such as liquor or laundry fees.
In addition to the required $400 deposit to reserve your space on this trip (fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure), the cost of the internal helicopter flight (Kathmandu-Langtang) is also due at the time of registration. The helicopter flight fee is due in full at the time of your registration and is non-refundable unless REI Adventures cancels your departure for any reason. If you needed to cancel your participation on this trip for a reason covered by your optional Travel Insurance plan, this flight cost would be reimbursable by that plan.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures and may not be available in all lodges and tea houses.
This trip is rated as Moderate Plus [3-4] with 5 days tending towards a Vigorous [4]. Trekking in Nepal is for active people in good health who enjoy vigorous hiking. Nepal has an “up and down” topography, there is very little level walking. We expect participants to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Gear and supplies will be carried by porters, leaving members free to carry only a daypack. No technical climbing or other special abilities are required. However, each person should be equipped with a "spirit of adventure" and have prior experience with backcountry camping, sleeping in a tent and hiking 4 – 6 hours on mountain trails. Part of this itinerary spends time at altitudes between 10,000' and 12,500' (with optional hikes to higher elevations). The trails themselves are only moderately difficult, but at these altitudes hiking will feel more strenuous. A good physical conditioning program should be undertaken several months in advance.
From March until the first part of May temperatures are relatively warm (lows in the upper 50s to highs in the mid-80s); typically at least 10 to 15 degrees warmer than in the fall. Mornings are bright and clear with the air slowly becoming hazier as the day progresses. The forests of rhododendron in springtime are spectacular and the mountain views in the Langtang area are typically crystal clear. The fall season, October to December (lows in the lower 50s to highs in the upper 70s), is an ideal time for the clearest mountain views. Clear, crisp air greets the trekker each morning and evening. In the middle Himalaya, days can be hot and humid. Evenings in both seasons while on the Langtang portion of the trip (at high altitudes) will be cold (freezing temperatures are possible). The Chitwan jungle in southern Nepal is warm and humid all year long however mornings and evenings can be quite cool.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Nepal’s Royal Trek
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff. You will be traveling in extremes from the sub-tropics of the south to the snowcapped peaks of the north. There are a few items you will need that are exclusive to either use in the south or north. You can't imagine needing a down jacket in the jungle but you'll be glad to have it in the high Himalayas.
Weather
From March until the first part of May temperatures are relatively warm (lows in the upper 50s to highs in the mid-80s); typically at least 10 to 15 degrees warmer than in the fall. Mornings are bright and clear with the air slowly becoming hazier as the day progresses. The forests of rhododendron in springtime are spectacular and the mountain views in the Langtang area are typically crystal clear. The fall season, October to December (lows in the lower 50s to highs in the upper 70s), is an ideal time for the clearest mountain views. Clear, crisp air greets the trekker each morning and evening. In the middle Himalaya, days can be hot and humid. Evenings in both seasons while on the Langtang portion of the trip (at high altitudes) will be cold (freezing temperatures are possible). The Chitwan jungle in southern Nepal is warm and humid all year long however mornings and evenings can be quite cool.
Note: You will be traveling in extremes from the sub-tropics of the south to the high snowcapped peaks of the north. Some items on this gear list are required in order to be prepared for weather in the north and south. You will need these items as weather dictates.
Flight Weight Restriction
Helicopter flights to Langtang have a 30 pound luggage weight restriction, which includes your daypack. Please adhere to this list and bring only what you need. You can leave extra gear behind in our Kathmandu hotel.
Gear Checklist
- Three-person tents (used by two people)
- Stoves and fuel
- Cooking and eating utensils while camping
- Sleeping pad
- Trip leader first-aid kit
- Valid passport
- 2 copies of first page of passport
- Airline tickets
- Visa form
- 4 passport photos
- Suitcase or rolling duffel for international travel; will leave in hotel storage while trekking
- Duffel bag(s), 7,000 cu. in. (no wheels or handles) for use on treks
- Plastic garbage bags (2) to line duffel bag if it rains
- Daypack, 2,000 cu. in., to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing, etc.
- Waterproof rain cover for your daypack
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Sleeping bag rated to 15º F or below and stuff sack (this is warm for the Middle Himalaya but you’ll appreciate it in Upper Langtang)
- *Rain jacket, lightweight, waterproof and breathable
- *Rain pants, lightweight, waterproof and breathable
- *Down jacket or equivalent
- *Fleece jacket
- *Fleece or down vest
- *Expedition-weight thermal top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- *Midweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Fleece or down pants (recommended for early spring or late fall trips)
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts (men only; longer, to the knee)
- Travel skirt (mid-calf length is ideal)
- Long-sleeve shirts (2)
- Synthetic T-shirts (2)
- Underwear
- Hiking socks (4 pairs), wool or synthetic
- Liner socks (2 pairs)
- Sun hat with brim (baseball cap is fine)
- Warm wool or fleece hat (should cover ears)
- Bandana
- Wool or fleece gloves
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and sightseeing
- Comfortable shoes
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Camp shoes (tennis shoes or sandals)
- Two one-quart water bottles or hydration system
- Trekking poles – highly recommended
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Favorite energy snacks
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm with high SPF
- Toiletry kit (toothbrush, travel size deodorant, etc.)
- Toilet kit: ditty bag containing 2 rolls toilet tissue, Ziploc bags, and hand sanitizer gel or Wet Ones
- Small quick-dry towel
- Personal first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer gel/Wet Ones
- Several Ziploc plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes
- Camera, memory cards and spare batteries
- Electronics/battery charger
- Small binoculars
- Watersport sandals for Chitwan National Park
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Motion sickness remedies
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Water purification tablets
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots), camera, film and medications in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed.
- Culturally sensitive dressing tips: For women, pants (or Capri length pants) and/or a skirt (mid-calf) is recommended. Tights, hiking shorts and sports tops are not advised unless worn under other clothing. For men, pants are best. Men may wear hiking shorts, but they should be longer, near the knees. Men should never go shirtless.
- Wind chill can be a significant factor while trekking. Air temperatures are not very cold, but when the wind is constant, and when you combine this with altitude, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Layers of warm clothing and rain gear are very important.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Trekking poles are highly recommended. They will save your knees both up and down the trail while aiding in balance over rocky, uneven terrain and shallow river crossings.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Chitwan National Park: Early morning elephant rides can be particularly cold before the sun rises to dispel the damp morning mist. Lightweight, loose-fitting pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended, as they give protection from the tall grass and forests.
- The terrestrial leech typically emerges during the rainy season in areas like Chitwan National Park. This is not a time when we typically visit the Park but it's possible to encounter them on rare occasion. Covering your skin and tuck your long pants into your socks will be helpful.
- For trekking & sightseeing, it is recommended to pack your own "toilet kit," a small ditty bag that includes a Ziploc bag of clean toilet tissue, a spare Ziploc to dispose of soiled tissue, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Note that toilet tissue must be discarded in a waste basket and not along a trail.
- It is difficult to obtain feminine health supplies in some areas of Nepal. Women are advised to bring these items from home.
- Hydration systems. Drinking lots of water while above 10,000' is extremely important for acclimatization. Using a system such as a Camelback allows for easy and continuous hydration (you don't have to stop and pull your water bottle out of your daypack).
- Altitude and alcohol do not mix well. When at altitude, it is recommended to limit your alcohol consumption as it will inhibit the ability to acclimatize and jeopardize your enjoyment.
- Gifts: Please don't bring extra gifts, as these are a burden to you and the staff while trekking. The best gift is a conversation or tips where appropriate with staff.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
