Nepal's Royal Trek

Nepal's Royal Trek Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Namaste. Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! Meet our guide and enjoy a traditional Nepali banquet and orientation to our adventure.

  Our trip begins in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs at the Kathmandu airport, you are met by a representative and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest and explore on your own. In the early evening we gather for a banquet of traditional Nepali foods and a general trip orientation. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Circumambulate Boudhanath Stupa with Tibetan refugees and witness Hindu pilgrims at Pashupatinath Temple.

  Very early this morning there is an optional flightseeing tour (additional cost) to view Mt. Everest from the air - the views of the Himalayas are extraordinary! After breakfast, meet your group in the hotel lobby for a half-day guided tour of the ancient sites of Kathmandu. Our local city guide provides insights into Swayambhunath Stupa, known as the Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and one of Nepal's holiest Buddhist sites. This afternoon we visit a Tibetan refugee weaving center and Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most the most significant Hindu temples to Lord Shiva in world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, a tributary of the holy Ganges River in India. We return to the hotel late this afternoon with time to pack for tomorrow's trek. Breakfast included.

• Days 3-5 Our camping trek loosely traces the ancient footpaths Nepalese royalty used hundreds of years ago to travel to India for the winter.

  Our three and a half day, fully-supported camping trek in the Middle Himalaya begins today. Our trail loosely traces the ancient footpaths Nepalese 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 Prince Charles once took that has been called the Royal Trek). Today these trails are used by local villagers and farmers to cross the miles from their homes to the nearest towns. Far off the beaten path, ours is a route you won't find in any guidebook, and we don't anticipate meeting any other trekkers on our journey.

  Each day provides unique opportunities to meet and interact with the local people whose rich Hindu culture has been little touched by the modern world. As we make our way through stands of wild poinsettias and terraced hillsides of buckwheat and mustard, we will stop at a Tibetan gompa that 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. We will also take time to visit a local school where we meet the local students and teachers.

  Each morning our guides and porters wake us with sweet hot tea or coffee at our tents. Our dedicated cooking team prepares delicious meals that incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In the evenings our trekking staff sets up camp on a hillside offering large vistas, immense quietness and endless starry skies. This is a slice of traditional Nepal at its very best! All meals included.

  Trekking: 3-4 hours daily; Terrain: rolling hills with some steep sections; 1,000-2,000' daily elevation gain/loss at altitudes between 6,000' and 8,500'.

• Day 6 After a final morning trekking in the middle hills, travel to tropical Royal Chitwan National Park, home to the elusive Bengal tiger.

  We break camp and say goodbye to our Middle Hills trekking crew. Our final morning of trekking takes us downhill to the river valley where we are met by our private vehicle. Our drive winds through small villages on its way to Royal Chitwan National Park. While the wildlife is elusive, this park is home to rare black rhinos, Bengal tigers, and large herds of elephants. After checking into our comfortable jungle lodge this afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to shower, relax, and explore the local village before gathering for dinner. All meals included.
  
  Trekking: 3 hours. Terrain: Continuous downhill with some steep sections; 2,000' elevation loss. Driving: 4-5 hours.

• Day 7 On safari, keep an eye out for one-horned rhino, wild boar, langur monkeys, sloth bear, spotted deer, and a myriad of birds.

  A full day of wildlife viewing and jungle exploration in Chitwan National Park in on today's agenda! An early morning ride in a dugout canoe along the misty shores of the Rapti River is the perfect way to spot kingfishers, flycatchers, and many other species of waterfowl in addition to basking crocodiles and the highly endangered gharial, a member of the crocodile family with a long, slender snout. Step out of your canoe and onto jungle trails for an extensive nature walk with the park's naturalists. Keep your eyes open for one-horned rhino, wild boar, langur monkeys, three types of deer, sloth bear, myriad birds and, of course, the endangered Bengal tiger. We finish our day with a late afternoon elephant safari. Our unique perspective from the top of our surefooted elephants gives us the best chance of spotting rhinos, but the real enjoyment is the magical experience of lumbering through jungle, streams, and grasslands on these majestic animals. All meals included.

• Day 8 Visit the park’s elephant breeding center to learn about conservation efforts before flying back to Kathmandu.

  We are up early for a final outing in Chitwan National Park. Visit the elephant breeding center to learn about the park's elephant conservation efforts and training programs before transferring to a local airfield for a 20 minute flight to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. This is a good time to shop for gifts in the colorful Thamel markets. Breakfast included.

• Day 9 Take an amazing helicopter ride north to the village of Ghora Tabela. Hike through rhododendron forests dotted with small stone homes.

  Another early start as we return to the Kathmandu airport to board our charter helicopter for a breathtaking flight north to the village of Ghora Tabela (9,450'), just below the Langtang Valley. If the skies are clear, our helicopter flight is a visual highlight, floating high above the river valleys and ridgelines. Have your camera ready! Once landed, we settle into a local teahouse before setting out on a warm-up hike to aid with altitude acclimatization. We hike approximately 2 hours in sight of Langtang I, a high, snowy peak dominating the horizon, gaining roughly 900' of elevation before returning to our teahouse for dinner and an early turn-in tonight. This is a beautiful area of rhododendron forests and berberis dotted with the small stone homes of the local people. Porters carry all our gear. All meals included.

  Hiking: 2-3 hours; Terrain: rolling hills with some level sections; 800-900' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 10 On the trail to Langtang Village we pass long mani-walls, spinning prayer wheels, and goths, temporary shelters for herders.

  This is an invigorating day of hiking up to the Langtang Valley and the village of Langtang (11,480'). Our trail zigzags 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, spinning prayer wheels, 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 a resident lama. The people who make Langtang their home are the Tamangs and the Sherpas. For hundreds of years they have crossed from Tibet to live in the high reaches of the Himalayas. We overnight in a local teahouse. All meals included.

  Trekking: 3-5 hours; Terrain: continuous, gradual uphill with some level sections; 2,000' elevation gain.

• Day 11 Trek from Langtang to Kyangjin through ruggedly wild and exceedingly beautiful country offering fine mountain scenery.

  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 are even more spectacular with Langtang Lirung (23,700') being the most dramatic. We settle into our teahouse, our home for the next three nights. All meals included.
  
  Trekking: 3-4 hours; Terrain: gradual and steady uphill; 1,100' elevation gain.

• Day 12 Snowcapped Himalayan giants encircle Kyangjin. Hike one of the many options available to be fully immersed in the surrounding splendor.

  We can choose from a variety of day hike options in the Kyangjin region. The Lirung Cirque of hanging glaciers and Langtang Lirung basecamp are beautiful treks, or we might hike up-valley toward Nubamtang (13,123') with its justifiable reputation for mountain grandeur. Above Kyangjin we can follow the Langtang Khola (river) on an easy path that passes yak herders' settlements and pastures and cuts across rocky moraines and glacial streams. One mountain after another draws our attention and pulls us onward. The walks in the upper valley are magnificent! All meals included.
  
  Hiking: Various options ranging from 3-7 hours; up to 2,000' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 13 Hike to the summit of Kyangjin Ri for jaw dropping views of Lantang Lirung, Tserko Ri, Yala Peak, and Naya Kanga to name just a few.

  A rewarding option is a hike to higher elevation for 360 degree views of the immense peaks of the Langtang Range from the summit of Kyangjin Ri (15,200'). The trail climbs steeply, but our hard work is rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Langtang Lirung, Tserko Ri, Yala Peak, Naya Kanga, and Dorji Lapka to name just a few. Should weather or other conditions dictate, we can choose an alternate hike in the Kyangjin area. Or, grab a book and your camera and soak up the quiet splendor of Kyangjin from a sunny spot in the village. A visit to Llakpa's coffee shop and bakery is an afternoon treat not to be missed. This is the final evening with our Langtang trekking porters and support staff. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4-6 hours. Up to 2,600' elevation gain/loss.

• Day 14 Bid farewell to the magnificent high mountain country and return to Kathmandu. Spend the afternoon exploring this colorful city.

  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 our hotel, the remainder of today is free for relaxation or exploration. Breakfast included.

• Day 15 Wander narrow lanes of medieval Bhaktapur and marvel at carved temples in Durbar square, watch artisan potters, and Thanka painters.

  This morning we will tour of Bhaktapur. Located about an hour outside of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a treasure of medieval architecture, and our local guide knows all its hidden corners. We wander the narrow streets, marvel at carvings and temples in Durbar Square, and stop to watch artisans throw pots on a wheel using methods that span generations. Time permitting, we also visit a local Thanka school where we learn how the community of Bhaktapur is preserving this art form that is equal parts painting and meditation. Our farewell banquet of traditional Nepali foods is the perfect end to this spectacular Himalayan journey. Breakfast and dinner included.

• Day 16 Our exploration of Nepal from its tropical south to its Himalayan north ends.

  Our journey in Nepal ends with a transfer to the Kathmandu airport for flights 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.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

We have scheduled our treks during the times of year when weather conditions are typically at their best. However, conditions in the Langtang can be unpredictable, just as they are in any mountainous region. Flights to and from Langtang as well as from Chitwan are not always dependable due to weather or other conditions, and there may be flight delays.

Accommodation and meals as noted in the daily itinerary; National Park fees; 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); airport transfers.

Air transportation to/from Nepal; flight from Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu and helicopter flight within Nepal (mandatory add-on cost); 4 lunches and 3 dinners; optional Mt. Everest flightseeing tour; visas; optional gratuities to guide(s) and trekking support staff; cost for passport or immunizations; insurance of any kind; 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 flight from Chitwan to Kathmandu and the internal helicopter flight (Kathmandu-Langtang) is also due in full at the time of registration and is non-refundable unless REI Adventures cancels your departure for any reason. If you need 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 optional hikes on 2 days in the high Himalaya tending towards a Vigorous [4].  Trekking in Nepal is for active people in good health who enjoy 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 participants 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 3-6 hours on mountain trails on uneven terrain. Part of this itinerary spends time at altitudes between 10,000' and 12,500', with optional hikes to higher elevations up to ~15,000'. 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. The Chitwan Jungle visit is rated Easy Active [2].

This trip visits three different ecosystems within Nepal. Temperatures vary with altitude. In Kathmandu, daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to upper-80s with evening temperatures in the 40s and 50s. March to May: Mornings are bright and clear with air becoming hazier as the day progresses. In the Middle Himalaya, daytime temperatures range from the 70s to lower 80s with evening temperatures in the upper 40s. The forests of rhododendron are spectacular, and mountain views in the Langtang area are often crystal clear and daytime temperatures are usually in the mid-40s-upper 50s degrees during the day and can dip below freezing at night. October to December typically provides the clearest mountain views. In the Middle Himalaya temperatures are typically 15 degrees cooler than in springtime. In the Langtang, daytime temperatures are in the upper 30s to mid-40s with evenings well below freezing. Chitwan National Park, located in the Terai region along the border with India, is a tropical climate and is hot, typically in the upper 70s to upper 90s, and humid all year. However, during the winter months cool (40s-60s) mornings and evenings are common.

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.

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

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. We highly recommend neutral colored clothing for safari activities.
• 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.