Itinerary

Day 1

Kathmandu - Chisapani
Today you will be picked up by our driver for the one-hour drive to the village of Chisapani, where you'll meet your guide. Then, it's time to lace up your hiking boots and start the trek along a steep mountain path and then across the Nepali countryside. All around you, the views will be breathtaking. On your way, you'll pass a water basin and several small Tamang villages where the children will run out to meet you and stare in curious amazement. After a short break, the trek continues through oak forests filled with rhododendrons and then ends back in Chisapani, where you will stay in a lodge built especially for trekkers. Chisapani is perched at a height of 2300 metres.

Day 2

Chisopani - Kutumsang

Today, you will hike through beautiful terraced fields and a couple of idyllic villages. The local children love it when you stop to play with them for a while. Whether it's hide-and-seek or a quick kick around, they'll beam and giggle in appreciation. Although it may be very tempting, we don't recommend giving them any money. You will spend the night in the friendly village of Kutumsang. This is a traditional Tamang village with a great rural atmosphere, at an altitude of 2130 metres.

Day 3

Kutumsang - Tharepati
Today it's a long climb to the highest point of the trek - a whopping 3490 metres. As the vegetation becomes more sparse, you'll soon be rewarded with beautiful views across the surrounding mountain ranges and the sweeping valleys below. At the top of Tharepati, you can catch your breath and enjoy of the view of the snow-capped peaks all around you. You will spend the night in Tharepati in a completely unique lodge built into the rock face. After dinner you'll hit the sack. Snuggled up nice and warm you'll have no problem falling asleep...

Day 4

Tharepati - Tarke Gyang
This is one of the most spectacular days of the trek. At dawn, you'll enjoy some magnificent views as the soft morning light slowly colours the mountains. Then, you'll descend through a forest with giant trees where you can see the Himalayan peaks glistening through the branches. After heading downhill for a couple of hours, the temperature will become a lot more comfortable and, after crossing a couple of hanging bridges, the path heads steeply downhill and ends at the river flowing through this narrow valley. You can catch your breath here before starting the steep climb to the village of Tarke Gyang at 2600 metres. You will be generously rewarded for all your hard work. Tarke Gyang is a very pretty, historic settlement with narrow streets and a Tibetan temple with a traditional prayer wheel. Tonight, you'll be the honourable guests of none other than the mayor himself. He speaks excellent English and he'll tell you many fascinating stories about life in the villages. It's a great experience.

Day 5

Tarke Gyang - Sermathang

Today is the most relaxing day of the trek. The trail remains fairly level throughout the journey, and on the way you can see local farmers working the fertile land. After passing a couple of streams and waterfalls, you'll end up in the village of Sermathang at 2620m. There is an unusual monastery at the highest point of the village, which has allegedly been home to a very strict elusive Buddhist order for the past few decades. The members of the order are very rarely seen, but in the evening you'll hear their meditative prayers echoing through the valley. Ask the guide to stay in the Mountain Lodge tonight - it's a cosy lodge run by a very friendly family. The mother of the house is a fantastic cook but more importantly, they take care of the child of a Tibetan refugee as well as a very poor young girl from a neighbouring village. By staying the night here you can do your bit for the family.

Day 6

Sermathang - Melamchi Pul Today you will say goodbye to your hosts and prepare for the hefty 2km trek downhill. Don't forget to look back on the way down. In the distance you'll see the majestic silhouette of the Himalayas and you can catch a glimpse of the river far below. For the major part of the descent it is very gradual. Later on you'll head upwards again for a short climb before your final descent. Once you reach the bottom you'll cross the river to Melamchi Bazaar at 830m, which is essentially the end point of the trek. Melamchi is a lively trading town with a rural character, though after all the tiny villages you passed on the way it'll seem like a huge town. You will spend the night in a friendly guesthouse with views across the river. The evenings are surprisingly warm here compared to the cooler nights you experienced high up in the mountains.

Day 7

Melamchi Pul - Kathmandu

After a refreshing night in the lowlands you will head back to Kathmandu. Passing through some beautiful rural areas you can see the local farmers working with their bales of hay and rice mats. Tourists rarely visit this area. The road starts to ascend steeply and, via a bumpy road downhill, you'll reach the Kathmandu Valley. We will arrange one or more nights for you in you in one of our selected hotels or perhaps you want to travel on to see the elephants and rhinos of Chitwan National Park, or visit Poon Hill. Just let us know and we can arrange this for you.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

6 nights accommodation including breakfast, transport, english-speaking guide and porter

Exclusions -

Other meals, sleeping bag