Category: Trekking

5 Best Trek Destinations for Teahouse-Style Trekking

Posted on by Plan Holidays

With the increasing inflow of tourists for Best Trek, the major trekking routes have lodges dotted across their trails. These lodges are also known as tea houses. These tea houses have made trekking for beginners and advanced trekkers an ease during their stay in the trail. Tea houses are available throughout the trail in major trekking hot sports.

You can now trek for weeks by carrying only the essentials without worrying for warm bed and hot supper or lunch. The tea houses are accommodations offered by the local hosts who reside in the trekking regions. Due to which, you will be glad to know that the money you spent on trekking goes to these local peoples instead of some wealthy companies in Kathmandu or abroad. Tea house trekking also lets you meet other trekkers under the same roof and is kind of socializing house for trekking lovers.

Not all of the trekking trails in Nepal offer tea house- style trekking. So, here we have listed 5 best Trek Destinations for Tea House-Style Trekking in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp is a medium-hard graded 16-day tea house trek which has tea houses throughout the whole trail. The trail has the highest altitude of 5545 m.The tea houses in this trek have better facilities than many other trails as it is one of the most trekked routes by trekkers in Nepal. Trekking in Everest Base Camp is trailing the footsteps of great mountaineers like Reinhold Messner, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The 2015 earthquake led some minor damages in the tea houses in this region but, now they have been attended and fit to lodge the trekkers in this region. The preferred month to visit this region is from February to May and October to December.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit is a medium hard graded 12–18 days trek. This trek is second to none in terms of facilitating trekkers the lodging and comfort. The trail reaches the highest altitude up to 5,416 m. This tea house trek also offers side trips along the trail if you ever feel like diverging. The side trips also have the tea house lodge facility to serve you in the trek. The tea houses in Annapurna Circuit can be found every couple of hours. As for the cost, the ACAP has set the standardized price for the tea house lodging and its foods. However, expect the cost to increase as you trek further from the road. The same Dal Bhat that costs you 250 in the starting days of your trek will cost you almost double while reaching Thorung Phedi. All in all, Annapurna Circuit has been rated excellent in terms of Tea house availability and service. The suitable time to visit the Annapurna Circuit is from March to April and October to November.

Langtang Valley Trek

The Langtang Valley is one of the nearest treks from Kathmandu but is no easy feat for everyone. It has been graded medium with 7-8 days in the off beaten path. The trail passes through high alpine valley and glaciers with the highest altitude of 3,870 m. Although the 2015 earthquake brought havoc in this trail’s tea houses, most of them are maintained and up for service. However, many side trails are not yet ready to be trekked in this region. The suitable time to trek to Langtang valley is from September to May.

Mustang Trek

Mustang is a 10 day trek with medium-hard rated difficulty. The maximum elevation of this trek is 4,325 m. Also known as kingdom beyond the mountains, Mustang has been a hotspot for trekkers from very beginning of trekking history in Nepal with the likes of Jimmy Hendrix visiting this beautiful haven. After the earthquake in 2015, some lodge hosts have left the area and are suited in plains. So, some tea houses you stay might be crowded due to the limitations.

Mardi Himal Trek

The new yet progressive short tea house trekking has been quite the heart throb of every trekkers. The beautiful sceneries of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Series has mesmerized everyone in this trek. There are tea houses growing rapidly in numbers due to the increasing inflow of tourists in this trail.

So, these are the 5 best tea house-style trekking in Nepal which are suitable for the ones who want minimum of weight on their backpack.

Why is Gosainkunda a perfect destination for a short trek?

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Among the Short treks in Nepal, Gosainkunda trek has earned its place among the top. The accessibility, trail routes, topographical variations and a circuit trek are few of the many reasons in making Gosainkunda a perfect destination for short trek.

Gosainkunda lies in the north of Kathmandu Valley in the Langtang region. Although widely affected by the earthquake in 2015, the trail of Gosainkunda has now been restored and is available for the trekkers. Gosainkunda is a high-altitude lake in Langtang region, which is mostly referred by the Hindu pilgrims as the holy place where Lord Shiva drank water from. The place is flocked on by both domestic and international tourists during the month of August on the day of Janai Purnima. Without further ado, let’s see what makes Gosainkunda a perfect short trek.

gosaikunda trek
gosaikunda

Superb view of Himalayas

Gosainkunda Trek is the kind of trek where you can get the Fantastic views of Himalayas in short initiation of the trek. The superb views of Mt. Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna will be along your side when you are on this trek. After you reach Laurebinayak on your 2nd or 3rd (depends on from where you’ve started your trek), you will be setting your eyes on the breathtaking series of Mountains which includes Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and many other Tibetan Mountains. It will be even better to capture these magnificent Himalayas on your camera during sunrise and sunset.

The pious Gosainkunda

The main highlight of the trek as the name denotes is the calm Gosainkunda Lake. The lake Gosainkunda is highly regarded as the lakes of gods in Hindu Scriptures. Alongside Gosainkunda, there are several glacier lakes such as SaraswatiKunda and BhairavKunda. The Hindu mythology has mentioned that Lord Shiva had struck his trident in this region to pacify his burning throat after drinking poison. Thus, the glacier triggered by the thrust of Shiva’s Trident formed this holy Lake. Furthermore, Visitors from India and Nepal come for pilgrim bath in Gosainkunda in the month of August.

Sighting of Endangered Animals

Langtang Region has always been listed as the conservation area for two endangered species of animals. The possibility of seeing Red Panda and Snow leopard is high in the Gosainkunda Trek. After reaching Chandanbari, you will pass through the small bamboo shoots on your trek. Here, the reports on sightings of Red Panda has been mentioned by many fellow trekkers. Especially, if you are trekking in the morning and evening, you will have high chances of encountering the enigmatic Red Panda. As for the Snow Leopard, they are often sighted in the region of Phedi and Ghopte where the altitudes are higher than in other regions. There are high chances of seeing Blue Sheep and Other Mountain goats in your trek.

Get to see geographical bio-diversity

The trek starts from a mid-hilly region which includes lush forests and Rhododendron forests. Along the way, you will see a change in the bio-diversity with the inclusion of Juniper and Pine trees. Then you will see the beautiful shrubs and shoots of Bamboos as you ascend. The trek gradually comes to the barren region of the trek where only moraines and rocks will be seen. Here in the moraine area lies the beautiful Gosainkunda Lake.

Opportunity for seeing new culture and lifestyle

The Gosainkunda trek is not only known for the lake but also the tribes and their lifestyle in this region. In the hilly region, you will see the settlements of Tamang people who are indigenous people. As you make your way to the top, you will pass through the Sherpas and Tibetan settlements. Although the flocking of Hindu people is maximum during the month of August, the actual settlers in the region are Buddhists people. It is a great opportunity to see the Buddhist culture with their beautiful Gompas in this trek.

If you have limited time on your hands but want to experience trekking in Nepal the Gosainkunda Trek is the perfect choice for you. Bearing all the qualities of breathtaking views and easy graded trek, Gosainkunda Trek is undoubtedly a perfect short destination for short trek.

Five best summer destinations in Nepal

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Summer is great – travelers have a lot more of daylight to explore new places. Tans will eventually fade away but memories won’t. From watching orange sunsets to admiring the cool breeze on a cloudless day, summer has its own way of casting a spell on everyone. However, like everything else in life, it too has a few shortcomings. For instance, sweltering heat and dripping sweat. However, in Nepal, luckily, summer isn’t very harsh like everywhere else. The summer months stretch from May to August, with temperature rising to 35 degrees on a very, very hot day. Although autumn and spring are the peak seasons for tourist arrivals, summer has its own distinctive character and appeal, making it very worthy for a visit. Here is out list of five best summer destinations in Nepal.

Kathmandu

Since the country’s only international airport is in Kathmandu, virtually all travel journeys commence from here. Kathmandu isn’t just the administrative capital of Nepal but also the cultural capital. It is one of the greatest cities of the Himalayans – a unique survival ground of all cultural practices that died out a thousand years ago in Indian subcontinent. It is a carnival of cultures, traditions, and histories that are seamlessly engraved and entwined. It is the hotbed of communist revolution and an epitome of a failed democracy. The truth is that this city will never fail to shock you. This City of Temples is also home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousand others that failed to make the cut but are equally historical and ancient. There is an endless list of places to visit and things to see in Kathmandu.

Pokhara

Pokhara ticks all right boxes, from luxurious accommodation and food to stunning view of the Himalayans and serene lakes from the terrace top. With frequent rainfalls, summer is considerably cool in Pokhara. This Lake City has its own microclimate. The laidback charm of Pokhara has helped it reign as the number one tourist destination in Nepal for decades. Here, you can choose from a plethora of adventure sports to undertake. Soaring like an eagle on a paraglider or rafting all the way south to Chitwan, you can do anything. And on rainy days, you can visit the Mountain Museum, Annapurna Butterfly Museum, Planetarium and Science Centre, or just go spell some cash at the mall.

Mustang

Mustang is the quintessential Himalayan Shangri-La. Located to the north of the Himalayans, this mountain kingdom lies in the shadow of the majestic Dhaulagiri, receiving little to no rain. Thus, it is the perfect alpine destination to travel in summertime, which is often accompanied by rainfall. The weather is warmer and the visibility is clearer. You can have some of the best views of the mountains that loom behind your back like they’re just a few hundred meters far from you. Since the weather is far more forgiving, you can even trek all the way up to Upper Mustang, cross the Thorung La and reach Manang. The opportunities are endless!

Nagarkot

Nagarkot, the premier hill station of Nepal, is located just 32 kilometers away from Kathmandu. It is a wee distance away from the city borders, into the heart of the Nepalese countryside. This quaint hilltop town is mostly famous for its spectacular views of mountains. You can see peaks ranging from the mighty Everest in east to the stunning Dhaulagiri in the west. Moreover, the sunrise and sunsets views, as the sunlight paints the mountain red, are other noteworthy highlights of Nagarkot. You can comfortably reach Nagarkot on a four-wheeler, get there on a dirt bike, or even hike all the way from Bhaktapur it is also the best trekking summer destinations in Nepal.. There is also a plethora of hotels ranging from moderate, economic ones to high-end, luxurious resorts.

Jiri

Jiri also known as the Switzerland of Nepal. It is the timeless gateway to the Everest. Since it is the closest road head to the Everest region, several treks into the Khumbu region commences from Jiri. A good 184 kilometers away from the capital, it will take an 8 hour long bus ride from Kathmandu to get there. From here, you can have excellent views of notable central peaks like Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, and Ganesh Himal as well as the Everest. A popular stop for trekkers, Jiri boasts of a great number of teahouses and hotels that offer all kind of standard, basic amenities.

These are some of the trekking summer destinations in Nepal.

4 Short Treks From Pokhara

Posted on by Plan Holidays

If Kathmandu is the cultural capital of the country, Pokhara is the natural capital. With its serene lakes, closeup mountain views, and milky white rivers, this is truly the most beautiful Nepalese city. Every year, thousands and thousands of tourists come down to Pokhara to have a merry time or venture into the mountains. This wide valley is surrounded by hills on all sides and is open to different adventurous trails of Western Nepal. All major treks in the Annapurna region commence from Pokhara, thus lending the “Gateway to Annapurna” name to the city. However, many don’t know that the city’s outskirts also boast of equally alluring but short treks that are suitable for visitors who are looking for just a short getaway. Here, in this list, we have 4 best short treks from Pokhara to explore during your next visit to the Lake City.

Dhampus Trek

Dhampus is a small but very beautiful Gurung village in Kaski. It is located in the northern face of Pokhara valley right behind the wet and lush terraced rice fields. If you are looking for a short getaway to the countryside without committing too much time and effort, this is undoubtedly the best trek for you. The highlight of the trek includes beautiful scenery of Mt. Machhapucchre and Annapurna range. On top of that, you can also enjoy views of sunset, sunrise, Pokhara valley, Phewa Lake, and World Peace Stupa from here. The trek also gives you the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung people and indulge in their delicious cuisine.

The trek can be completed in just 2 days, but if you want to spend some more time in this beautiful village, you can extend it to three days. It commences and ends in Phedi which is a 30 minutes’ drive from Lakeside, Pokhara.

Ghandruk Trek

Ghandruk is undoubtedly the most famous Gurung village in whole Gandaki zone. Its perfectly built lines of stone houses and splendid views of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range makes it one of the best short treks in whole of Nepal. This model village is a popular getaway and a resting point for all the treks in Annapurna region. Here, you can enjoy peaceful rural vicinity with green forests, shiny mountains, and picture-perfect homes. You can even visit the Gurung Museum and get to know and see everything about this popular indigenous tribe. You can even wear the traditional Gurung attires and click photos for a good time and good memories.

The trek can be completed in anywhere between 3 to 4 days and commences from Phedi. It is even possible to complete it in 2 days if you travel up to Pothana in a vehicle. The trail to Ghandurk is pretty much straightforward with no difficult ascents or descents and no risks of altitude sickness.

Begnaskot Hike

Begnaskot is a picturesque Hillock that is situate in the northeastern rim of the Pokhara Valley. This place offers an excellent overview of several mountain ranges including the Annapurna massif, Pokhara valley, undulation of lush green hills, and the serene Phewa Lake. During the trek, you will pass through Sundari Danda, which is an exemplary model of agritourism in Nepal. During the hike, you will walk through few rural villages and be able to witness the everyday life of simple, country people. On the top of the hill is a Hindu temple called Begnaskot Temple.

The hike can be easily completed in just a day if you start off early, of course. The hike commences from Begnas Lake – the third highest lake of Nepal. You can even go boating first in this calm lake before commencing your journey. The route is very less trekked and unexplored, thus, leaving you with ample opportunities to trek in a quiet and peaceful environment.

Ghorepani Poon hill Trek

Due to easy accessibility and surreal mountain views, Ghorepani Poon hill trek is quickly becoming one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Ghorepani is a small Gurung village in Kaski and Poonhill is a very popular viewpoint. The trek offers some of the best views of the Annapurna region. From Poonhill, you can see almost 20 towering peaks in all directions. The trail passes through quaint Gurung villages and dense forests of oaks and rhododendrons.

The trek can be commenced in 4-6 days, but you always have the options to either lengthen or short treks from pokhara. It commences from Tikhedhunga which is a 2-hour drive from Pokhara. The highest elevation of the trek is at Poonhill at 3,210 meters. While returning, you can either walk down to Dhampus or Ghandruk, adding more diversity to the trek.

Mardi Himal Trek – Everything you need to know about

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Lying in the western region of Nepal, Mardi Himal is the trending route for all Foreign as well as Domestic tourists. The short itinerary and full of scenic view, Mardi Himal is now a sought after trekking route in the present days. A relatively new route, Trekking in Mardi Himal for only a week endows you with the grandiose views of Machapuchhre, Annapurna, Mardi Himal and several other peaks. The trek has been graded easy medium trekking standard by TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal). This route encapsulates rich biodiversity as well as cultural diversity. Along the route to Mardi Himal, you will have the opportunity to experience the beautiful Gurung community cultures of Kaski district. Mardi Himal is a full circuit trek with fantastic views for the ones with limited time.

When to Go

The tourist season for Nepal is from September last week to December’s end week. However, the month from October to November is reviewed by many as perfect season to trek in Mardi Himal Region. Expect fewer chances of snowfall at the high camp and base camp during this period.

It isn’t advised to trek Mardi Himal during the end of December as the temperature goes minus with snow blocking the route from High Camp to Base Camp.

Also, the March and April is the second preferred time to trek to Mardi Himal. The beautiful sight of blossoming Rhododendrons and several other flowers makes the trek full of contrasting colours. However, we advise you to bring a raincoat as there can be outbreaks of rain.

What to Expect

The route lies to the north-west of Pokhara with rich diversity in terrain. The range of this trek takes you from the forested area through to the coarse rocky mountain terrain. Also, the chances of snow are there in the Base Camp.

On the way to base camp, you will get to shoot the picturesque views of MachapuchhreHimal along the top ridge. The time period for this trek is between 4-7 days which solely depends on your pace and requirements for the trek.

Accommodation

The newly initiated trekking route, Mardi has yet to provide full fetched accommodating facilities to the trekkers who want a comfort trek. However, there are plenty of tea houses that provide bed and breakfast with shared bathroom and simple beds.

The room prices come cheap in this trek due to the new establishment. These room prices generally start around 100-300 Rupees. The price of a room in the high camp will cost 600+ Rupees. However, expect an increase in the room price in coming years.

The internet service provider will be available in most of the tea house trek but expect slowest of speed due to the altitude and climate.

We advise you to charge your gadget batteries in every chance you get in the trek. However, charging your batteries from Forest Camp up to High camp will be difficult as the tea houses will have battery themselves for their lighting. You might not even get chance to charge your devices in Forest and Low Camp.

Maps

The detailed Map for Mardi Himal is not available till now. The guides and team leaders will be using the Annapurna Circuit Maps and Annapurna Base Camp for reference and will gladly show you the routes.

As for the itineraries and stops during the trek, your guide will have their own routes and stops along the trek.

Permits

The Mardi Himal lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP); which means you will be needing a permit to trek in the Mardi Himal trek. You can get these permit in Kathmandu (same building as the Tourism Board). You can also get permits easily at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project office which is in the Dam side, Pokhara (Nepal Tourism Board building). These permit will cost you 2000 Rupees.

A TIMS permit is also required for trekking to Mardi Himal. This will also be available in the same building (Nepal Tourism Board) with a cost of 1000 Rupees. If you would like to travel independently then you need to take Free Independent Trekker (FIT) permit. These permits will be available in TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal).

Have an enjoyable Trek.

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