Humanitarian Trek in Nepal

Humanitarian Trek in Nepal

Sustainable Community Eco-Tourism 2006 (Nov 7-19)
”Celebrate Giving on Thanksgiving”

Itinerary (can be combined with our 9-day Tropical Thai Retreat) 

Day 1 (Nov. 7, 2006): We arrive in Kathmandu & meet at the hotel for a brief introduction. In the late afternoon we visit nearby Swayambhunath (monkey temple), a World Heritage Site on a hill overlooking the city. We dine  together!
Day 2: Sight-seeing at other World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley (A full day – we start Early!): Travel to the oldest Hindu temple (ChanguNarayan) & Bhaktapur (Durbar Square & Thanka School). After lunch, we return to the city and visit Boudhanath temple and Pashupatenath (Shiva temple, where cremations take place). Free evening in Thamel’s colorful market - eat on your own or join the group, go shopping, use the internet, or listen to music…
Day 3: Morning in Thamel, shopping and preparation for trek. We then drive from Kathmandu to Gorkha Bazaar, where we stay in a modest hotel and walk around the market, visit Gorkha Ayurved Company, and ascend to the famous Gorkha Palace, the ancient seat of the Shah dynasty that unified Nepal. At the top you might view the Himalayas…
Day 4: Descend to Daraundi River and ascend to Chhoprak (altitude: 900 m). Once we reach the village, people will be waiting for you and welcome you into their community (Approx. 6 hours walk, with several breaks for rest).

Day 5: Climb up to Chitre (altitude 1200 m.). Once we reach the top, you may be rewarded by a breathtaking view of the Himalayas! We pass through several villages and thick forest along the ridge to Chipleti (altitude: 1500 m,) and descend a few hundred meters to the village 'Thotneri' (approx. 7 hours walk, with several rest stops).
Day 6: Enjoy the close-up views of Himalayan Peaks (weather-permitting) during the whole day along the ridge. An easy day walk to Bhachchek (altitude: 1850 m.) Optional: Walk to Sirandanda (2200 m), visit the Buddhist gompa (temple) at Sirandada. Steep descent to Lamidanda, a typical Hindu Brahmin village (1400 m.). Visit the Community School and the Community Bank, both managed by the community themselves (6 hours walk, plus 2 optional hours).
Days 7 and 8: From Lamidanda we follow a scenic trail to Batase. We have our lunch close to the village school and continue to Bhirsing (1200 m), an extraordinarily beautiful Gurung village where we will spend two nights, experiencing Nepalese village life. On day 9, we participate in a colorful Fund Race (Fun Raise!) event organized by CCODER, to benefit the area’s villages.
Day 9: Steep descent to the Chepe River. Walk an easy but hot and long day (alleviated by a quick swim) in the Chepe valley along the river’s path. Cross the river at Borang Khola and arrive at Ghure, another Brahmin village. (6-7 hours).

Day 10: Continue the easy walk through the terraced field, village and forest. Arrive at Turture to catch the van (4-5 hrs.). Arrive at our Kathmandu hotel in the evening (5-6 hrs drive).

Days 11-12: Free time in Kathmandu for shopping, relaxing, and additional sightseeing on our own

Day 13 (Nov. 19): Departure. Optional: You may stay a few more days for river rafting or other adventures, at minimal additional cost, arranged through our contacts in Kathmandu. Or you may stay to volunteer at CCODER!

This itinerary is subject to changes by the organizer (CCODER), if deemed necessary and to our benefit.

NOTE: Accommodations during the trek are in tents, with mattresses, clean sleeping bags, and liners that are all provided and set up by our trekking agency. Occasionally, we may sleep in village guestrooms. All food (satisfying vegan cuisine) and drinks during the trek are expertly prepared and served by our friendly mobile kitchen. Our luggage (except small day-packs and water bottles) is carried by local porters who are happy to receive the extra income to support their village families. This is a true eco-trek, benefiting the local villagers and their sustainable organizations.

This itinerary is subject to changes by the organizer (CCODER), if deemed necessary and to our benefit.

For More Information About The Nepal Trek

• Visit www.ccoder.org  to learn about CCODER, and www.ecopolitan.com for a list of what to bring and how to prepare, also contact Dr. Tel Oren by email or at 612-870-2974 .

• Meet the other trekkers and discuss eco-tourism concepts and preventive health issues pertaining to the trek, Sunday Oct. 22, 2006, 7 pm, at Ecopolitan Restaurant (upstairs’ meeting room), 2409 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis.  Bring your questions, and try some excellent vegan cuisine!

To join the tour, fill the nepal trek registration form (can be combined with our Tropical Thai Retreat).

You should make roundtrip airline reservations to Kathmandu (Arriving Nov. 7) as soon as possible. Contact Joycee at Melrose Travel (toll-free 1-866-722-6440 or cheapfare@aol.com) and say you are joining the Nepal Trek with Dr. T. She can help you combine this trek with the Tropical Thai Retreat (maximizing your travel value), and assist with overseas health / travel insurance.