NAR PHU VALLEY TREK
Overview
Explore the hidden valley of Nar Phu and trek along the "off the beaten path" crossing through challenging high passes of Kang La (5280m) and Thorung La (5416 m) – 22 days
A fantastic journey in a wild and unexplored area located north of Annapurna: the Nar Phu Valley. This trek is perfect for travelers who want to discover the Annapurna circuit as well as explore an untouched valley. A rough and wild trek, this trek takes you to the exotic Nar Phu valley that lies in the remote corner of the Annapurna region. Opened to visitors only in the year 2003, the Nar Phu valley remains untouched by modernity. The inhabitants, who roughly comprises of about 350 Nepalese Tibetans, have retained their age-old practices. Most of them are engaged in yak herding and farming.
This trek also offers fantastic views of the Annapurna massif, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre Himal, Manaslu Himal, Dhaulagiri range and Tilicho peak. As the trekking route is frequented by few trekkers, you can look ahead for a 'just the mountains, nature & us' experience.
TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 22 Days
Grade: Moderate to fairly challenging - Grade Explanation
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Trek type: FOT (Fully Organized Trek or Camping Trek)
Accommodation: Hotel and camping
Transportation: Flight and private car
Altitude maximum: 5416m
OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01 - Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02 - Sightseeing in Katmandu
Day 03 - Drive to Besi Sahar [820m]
Day 04 - Trek to Khudi [790m]
Day 05 - Trek to Bahundanda [1310m]
Day 06 - Trek to Jagat [1290m]
Day 07 - Trek to Dharapani [1920m]
Day 08 - Trek to Narphu valley first camp [2740m]
Day 09 - Trek to Sinhenge Dharamsala [3230m]
Day 10 - Trek to Upper Chaku Village [3720m]
Day 11 - Trek to Phu Village [3980m]
Day 12 - Rest day in Phu Village
Day 13 - Trek to Naar Campsite [3550m]
Day 14 - Trek to Kang La Phedi [4530m]
Day 15 - Trek to Munje [3330m]
Day 16 - Trek to Manang [3520m]
Day 17 - Trek to Letdar [4250m]
Day 18 - Trek to Thorung Phedi [4500m]
Day 19 - Trek to Muktinath [3800m]
Day 20 - Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
Day 21 - Flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara
Day 22 - Depart Kathmandu
Etourchannel.com as a reputed Nepal tour operator parallels you to the contemporary culture of Nepal through its exotic cultural tours packages. Explore the ancient bazaars and winding streets of the cities and villages of the Kathmandu Valley, with temples and sacred sites that remain symbols of vibrant culture. Drive through the foothills of the Himalayas to Chitwan National Park, search for one-horned rhinos from the marvelous vantage point of an elephant's back, glide by sunning crocodiles in a dugout canoe and go birding in the early morning to spot Nepal's rich bird life. Relax and explore beautiful Pokhara on the shores of Lake Phewa, surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks.
As our professional multilingual Guides take you on cultural tours in Nepal, you will undeniably gain invaluable insight into Nepali lifestyles, philosophy, socio-behavioral pattern and culture of Nepal. Interacting directly with ethnic communities will not only add excitement to your holiday but will also rejuvenate you spiritually. In our Nepali cultural holiday packages we have put our best effort to incorporate all cultural delights as well as natural beauty that Nepal has to offer, which you can chose depending on your time availability. All these Nepal tours offered here can be focused on a short visit to the Himalayan Kingdom or taken as an extension to trekking in Nepal or trips to Tibet, India & Bhutan.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Day 02 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.
Day 03 Drive to Besi Sahar [820m]
We drive for approximately 6 hours along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the rough road by the Marshyangdi river to Besi Sahar.
Day 04 Trek to Khudi [790m]
We start our first day's short trek from Besi Sahar, turning right at the canal on the outskirts of the village and descending the narrow path to the Pam Khola. We then cross the stream and climb to the village of Denauti with its traditional red-mud houses. From here we descend to the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola and then follow the trail through rice paddies and sub-tropical forests to the Gurung village of Khudi.
Day 05 Trek to Bahundanda [1310m]
Leaving Khudi we pass a school and a forest nursery, as the trail continues northwards up the Marshyangdi Valley. After crossing a suspension bridge at Bhulbule, the trail passes a cascading waterfall and rice terraces with the magnificent views of Manaslu serving as a backdrop. Following a gentle incline we come to the village of Ngadi with its shops and teahouses. From here, the trail continues to ascend towards Bahundanda. Bahundanda literally means "Hill of the Brahmins" and it is the most northerly Brahmin settlement in the Marshyangdi Valley. It is situated on a long ridge and we camp in terraced fields near the village.
Day 06 Trek to Jagat [1290m]
A steep trail descends from Bahundanda, through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and we follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley.
DAY 07 Trek to Dharapani [1920m]
The trail from Jagat descends until it almost reaches the river and then begins to climb again through a forest. The sheer cliff on the opposite bank plunges downward but this side is also steep. When the climb ends, we follow a level track to Chyamje. There is a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank. After descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, we begin a climb to Sattale on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley.
We continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, we see the level, plain of Tal before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just travelled on. We descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas seems hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. We cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone mani marking the entrance to Dharapani.
DAY 08 Trek to Narphu Valley First Camp [2740m]
As we cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the path consists of steep stone steps. Pausing for breath, we can look back for views of Manaslu. When the steep incline ends we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons to Ratamron and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before entering a pine forest. We then cut across a loose hillside to the hamlet of Koto (2600 m) from where we can look straight up at the magnificent Annapurna II. This is also where we leave the Annapurna Circuit, we cross the Marshyangdi river and enter the Narphu valley. From the bank of Narphu Khola we start climbing to our first camping site, which we reach about two hours from Koto.
DAY 09 Trek to Sinhenge Dharamsala [3230m]
Most of this first day in the NarPhu valley we walk on small jungle paths, which is quite a change from the bigger trail around Annapurna. The first part is up and down and then we have a short steep ascent to Choto (2840m). We then have lots of steep ups and downs and the path is quite exposed above the Nar Phu Khola. At the altitude of 3090m we cross a suspension bridge, here the valley is very narrow and just before the bridge there are some hot-springs. The rock carved path now becomes very exiting, both because of danger, but also because there are some big waterfalls. We climb to a two storied hut at Sinhenge Dharamsala, where we set camp for the night.
DAY 10 Trek to Upper Chaku Village [3720m]
We begin the day by crossing Methang Khola river and then start a breathtaking climb on a winding path to the Methang pastures. Here at Methang there is an ancient Chorten and marvellous views of Kang Guru. Further on we pass the abandoned Methang village (3560m), from the village there is a path to Kang Guru BC. The path to the next village Junan is easy and flat, Junan is also abandoned. From here we continue to have an easy walk to Lower Chaku village, which has about 15 houses. We continue to Upper Chaku on a steep trail.
DAY 11 Trek to Phu Village [3980m]
This day begins with a hard steep ascent to the abandoned Kyan village Vhaku, where there is a nice long mani wall. We continue on an amazing tunnel carved rocky path 70 meters above the river and then decent to the riverbed, we follow the riverbed and pass some Mani Chrotens. We then climb up from the riverbed to the Phu valley entrance door (Phuohi Yalgoe). About an hour from the valley entrance we cross the Phu Khola and begin climbing up to the village. Phu village consists of about 30 houses, which are home to 100-150 people. We camp near the river.
DAY 12 Rest day in Phu Village
We rest here for a day, have a look at the village and might go exploring a little further up in the valley.
DAY 13 Trek to Naar Campsite [3550m]
To get to Naar we have to go back down the valley, we pass Chaku and walk on for a couple of hours before we cross the Phu Khola at Naar Phedi (two bridges to Naar). From here we climb up to a very nice grassy campsite.
DAY 14 Trek to Kang La Phedi [4530m]
From our campsite it is a steep couple of hours climb to Naar Village (4110m), we have lunch here near the village, so we can take a look at it before we walk on. We continue on a long but gentle ascent through the lateral moraine of Temdenzon Khola, on a nice path. At the bottom of Kang La, we camp on a nice grassy spot.
DAY 15 Trek to Munje [3330m]
Today we have a long and hard day ahead of us, however it is very rewarding. We have to cross the big Kang La pass (5280m). It is a very steep ascent to the top of the pass where there is a chorten and some great views of the Annapurna massif. Just before reaching the pass, there is a small lake where we take a rest before making the last effort to reach the top. From the top of the pass it is a very steep decent, but after an hour we take a grassy path that leads to Ngawal. There are restaurants and lodges in Ngawal. We continue all the way to Munje. On the way we pass beautiful forests. We camp there for the night.
DAY 16 Trek to Manang [3540m]
Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, we can see the village of Braga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak [7134m].
After a short steep climb we reach Manang, which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. We camp here for the night, amidst the fluttering prayer flags.
DAY 17 Trek to Letdar [4250m]
From Manang, we climb to the next village of Tengi. We are surrounded by magnificent peaks of the Annapurna Himal , Peak 29 and Himalchuli . We are now past the tree line. The vegetation consists of alpine grasses and scrub juniper. Climbing the path past the summer village of Gunsang, we cross the Gundon Khola via a wooden bridge. From here we can see ahead the mountains surrounding the Thorung La which we will cross tomorrow. The trail is up and down as the elevation gradually increases and we soon enter an alluvial delta where there are yak pastures. An hour beyond this, we come to the small settlement of Letdar.
DAY 18 Trek to Thorung Phedi [4500m]
Leaving Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable scree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
DAY 19 Trek To Muktinath [3800m]
We begin the trek early today for crossing the Thorung La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic, from the snow covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a tiring and knee pounding journey but it's compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
DAY 20 Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
We now begin the descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom and are rewarded with tremendous views of both Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Jomsom is a large town sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki River, and it is here we will spend the final night of our trek.
DAY 21 Flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. It is a spectacular flight along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and provides wonderful views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. We then catch a further flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 22 Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc).
General Information
TRIP GRADE
Moderate to fairly challenging treks
This is a long trek that goes right into high mountain country and over high passes. Physically quite tiring, involves approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. No previous experience is required, you should be moderately fit, used to some regular exercise and enjoy walking in the high altitude conditions.
TREK TYPE
Camping Trek (no lodge available)
Includes: Guide, Porters, Cook, All meals and tents
ACCOMMODATION:
Camping trek means sleeping in tents. On a camping trek, the tents provided are ‘Two men dome’ or ‘A’ shaped. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. If you wish, you can bring your own ‘Air pillow’.
We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection to this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website.
MEALS & DRINKING WATER
We provide three tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads.
After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain remarkably high standards of health over many years of trek organization - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for.
LUGGAGE WHILE TREKKING:
During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters. You simply carry a daypack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 kg, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors.
GROUP LEADER AND CREW:
We provide different options concerning leadership in order to match your requirements:
1) Western leader
2) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable)
3) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)
The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. On camping trek, there will be 2 or 3 porters for each member.
JOIN A GROUP OR PRIVATE TRIP
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our ‘2008/09 departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time).
If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.
GROUP SIZE ON FIXED DEPARTURE TRIP
If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 12 people.
PERSONAL EXPENSES:
On this trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas), tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places). Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 5 - 10% of the total tour cost as tips.
FLIGHT AND LAND TRANSFERS:
The starting point of the trek is Besi Sahar, which is connected by a 6 hour drive from Kathmandu. On your return, you shall fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. You can choose between flying or driving back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu). Please check with for price difference between flying and driving back to Kathmandu
COMMUNICATION:
While trekking in Narphu Valley, you may not have an access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, en route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working.
If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, E-TOURCHANNEL.COM can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
TREKKING GEARS & EQUIPMENT
Trekking: You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (4 seasons/ -20C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack.
Comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip or check CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST LINK.
GEARS AVAILABLE IN KATHMANDU
It's not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bought or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu. E-tourchannel.com owns a gear shop in Kathmandu selling and renting out climbing and trekking gears, both Nepali made and original. Please check out www.trekkinggearsnepal.com
TYPICAL DAY ON TREK:
Your typical day begins with a hot cup of tea brought to the tent at about 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After packing all your bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the morning’s walk. All you need to carry is a small day pack containing water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket and a warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of your gear for you. After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we arrive at camp in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby villages, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at the camp by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and talking with the crew, or perhaps even joining in some singing and dancing, before heading off to the tent for a well-earned sleep.
MEETING AND GREETING IN KATHMANDU:
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. You just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘E-tourchannel.com’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet and welcome you with a traditional garland.
CLIMATE AND BEST TIME TO GO:
The best seasons to trek in Nepal are Autumn, (mid September to November end) and Spring, (beginning of March to mid May). Temperature will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. The nights are cold (between -20 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking in the winter is possible; however, it is much colder that Autumn and Spring. March, April, October and November are most popular and favored months for traveling. Please choose the time that is convenient for you.
ITINERARY CHANGES:
Depending on prevailing situation, you can modify to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.
You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases we or your guide will suggest best alternative similar to your original.
TREK DURATION:
We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the project period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels and services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.
VISA
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph. So, please download form from the link below (visa form) and get ready while you are passing through the immigration Point.
Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries
Visa Fee - Gratis visa for all tourists who visit Nepal for 3 days or less. Gratis visa for tourists of SAARC countries and People's Republic of China.
Single entry- US$ 30 days for 60 days
Multiple entries- US$ 50 + US$ 30
Visa will be extended subsequently for 30 days each upon payment of US$ 30 for a maximum period of 150 days in a visa year (Jan-Dec).
HEALTH ISSUES
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio. The main health consideration in high altitude is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and to handle the low oxygen rate. For your service, we carry a medical kit with standard prescribed medicines along with a users’ manual which you can use upon your own risk. We do not take any medical liability since our staffs are not qualified to prescribe medicines. If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. Age is no barrier to take an unforgettable high altitude trekking experience.
FIRST AID KIT
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.
RESCUE / EVACUATIONS
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance that should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At E-tourchannel.com, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible.
As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strew with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry out all our garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help, protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.
TRIP EXTENSIONS
In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tours .If you wish, you may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan. Since the trek ends in Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, it would be nice and relaxing for you to spend a day or two taking in the sights and sounds of this scenic city.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
E-tourchannel.com works with the motto” Development through Tourism”. Keeping in line with this motto, E-tourchannel.com Community Service Project (EHCSP) was conceived to empower underprivileged, marginalized, poor and minority segments of Nepal.
Since its inception, EHCSP has been incessantly facilitating and advocating for school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agriculture, culture preservation and fund raising. E-tourchannel.com encourages its clients to contribute for the development of Nepal.
CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFF
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. We are the first ever company to supply high-altitude porters with crampons. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porters Protection group (IPPG-WWW.IPPG.NET).
BOOKING CONDITIONS:
1) It is fundamental you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We can not be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, E-tourchannel.com shall be responsible for providing suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, E-tourchannel.com shall only be responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.
2) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we have received the deposit of USD 300 and the signed copy of booking form and contract.
The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 month prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
3) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
2 months before departure-loss of deposit (USD 300)
29 days to 2 months before departure -30% of total trip cost
10 to 28 days before departure - 60% of total trip cost
less than 10 days before departure -100% of total trip cost
BOOKING PROCEDURE
If you still have any questions regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us. We answer all enquiries within 24 hours. If you want to book a trip, you can e-mail us at info@e-tourchannel.com or contact us directly by Phone: +977-1-4363912 / 4364040