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Nepal / TibetBufo Ventures Ltd specialises in tailor-made holidays and expeditions in Nepal for groups and individuals. We can help you overcome the difficulties of Asian travel and smooth the way to an enjoyable, unforgettable and adventurous trip.
Trekking in the Himalaya is a strenuous activity which involves walking on rough trails up and down hills which are much steeper and longer than you would encounter in Europe. So you must be reasonably fit and used to mountain walking. Porters will carry heavy loads. The length of the day and distance covered is dictated by the steepness of the terrain, the altitude, difficulties to be negotiated and how far a porter can carry 30 kilos. As you go higher the pace slows down and routes are designed to allow time for acclimatisation. Snow may be encountered above 3,000m. Trekking ArrangementsDepending on the number of people and the trekking area, we can arrange two types of trek: camping treks and tea shop treks. For camping treks, including all trekking peaks and expeditions, we supply all food, fuel and equipment (except sleeping bags unless requested) including tents, mess tent and furniture, latrine tent(s), cooking and eating utensils. We hire, pay and insure all staff and porters and provide clothing and tents for them if necessary. Tea shop treks can only be done in areas where there is suitable accommodation for trekkers and with a maximum of four people. Most independent travellers prefer this kind of trek as it gives them the opportunity to meet other trekkers without being tied to a group. We arrange and pay for a guide and porter(s) including wages, insurance, living and travel expenses, and extra clothing if required. You pay all your own lodge expenses for food and accommodation. Other Activities
Suggested RoutesOur guide book 'Adventure Nepal' (UK price £7 including postage) gives brief details of possible treks (as well as a lot of other useful information). We can supply individual trek descriptions on request by e-mail. Click here to see a map. The best reference book for those requiring detailed trek descriptions is Stephen Bezruchka's "Trekking in Nepal" published by Cordee. Trekking peaks are described in Bill O’Connor’s book ‘The Trekking Peaks of Nepal’, published by Crowood Press: essential reading for anyone attempting these peaks which all require special permits. Because of the current political situation (see below) we only give details of four trekking areas which we consider to be the safe and these include the trekking peaks in each area. EVEREST REGION - SOLU KHUMBUThe Everest region is suitable for both camping and tea shop treks and is not as dirty and crowded as has been publicised. We do not currently recommend walking in from Jiri or Tumlingtar and it is best to fly in and out of Lukla, 2 days walk from Namche Bazaar. There are many different routes in the Khumbu, easy and hard, but all give fantastic views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Everest. There are five valleys to explore: the Bhote Kosi to Thami, the Dudh Kosi to Gokyo; the Chola Khola to Dzonglha, the Imja Khola to Chhukhung, and the Pheriche Khola to the Khumbu glacier. The last leads to Everest base camp but most people aim to ascend Kala Pattar from where there are better views of Everest. For those with mountaineering experience the valleys can be linked by high passes. There are 16 trekking peaks and a number of smaller summits for which special permits are not required.
LANGTANG, GOSAINKUND, HELAMBU, JUGAL AND GANESHA popular two week trek starts at Dhunche, visits the east-west Langtang valley and the sacred lakes at Gosainkund before returning to Kathmandu through the Helambu region. Helambu and Gosainkund offer short, fairly easy treks. For real wilderness trekking (camping only) other possibilities in this area include Panch Pokhari and the Jugal mountains south of Langtang, the trekking peak Naya Kanga which is reached via Ganja La, a high pass between Langtang and Helambu, and the Ganesh region to the west of the Bhote Kosi and Trisuli rivers, known mainly for the trekking peak of Paldor.
ANNAPURNAThe Annapurna region is the most popular trekking region in Nepal. It is not a national park but the Annapurna Conservation Area Project has made remarkable progress in protecting the environment and controlling tourist facilities. It is a very large area which includes the Lamjung range and there are many different routes. Camping and tea shop treks are possible. Popular treks range from short, easy rambles through the foothills, a trek up the Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom and Muktinath, the Annapurna Sanctuary and the demanding Annapurna Circuit which circumnavigates the entire Annapurna range crossing the Thorong La. There are seven trekking peaks in the area with three in the Annapurna Sanctuary and three in the Marsyangdi valley. Most treks end in Pokhara with its delightful lake, Phewa Tal.
MUSTANGMustang, the area north of Jomson which sticks up like a thumb into Tibet, requires special permits which are prohibitively expensive ($700 for 10 days; $70 per day thereafter) and the number of permits issued is limited. Most people fly between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Jomsom and trek to the capital, Lo Manthang, and back in 10 days (camping only). However, Mustang is one of the few areas where the best season for trekking is during the monsoon from May to October. The other attraction is its unique Tibetan culture.
TIBETWith flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa, Nepal is the gateway to Tibet. Most people fly in one direction and travel overland in the other. But, although modern vehicles are supplied, this is not a journey for the faint-hearted: patience, adaptability and endurance are required! Roads, lodging and food are poor but you will have the opportunity to visit Gyangtse (Khumbum stupa and Phalkor monastery) and Xigatse (Tashilhunpo monastery and seat of the Panchen Lama). Lhasa is 3650m and the overland journey crosses two passes over 5000m high. It is also possible to extend the trip by driving to Rongbuk (4980m) with a possible visit to Everest base camp. The best months to visit Tibet are May, June and September.
EVEREST MARATHONThe Everest Marathon is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest marathon in the world. The start line is at Gorak Shep 5184m (17,000 feet), close to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The finish is at the Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar at 3446m (11,300 feet) and the course is a measured 42 km (26.2 miles) over rough mountain trails. It is the world's most spectacular race and has been held eleven times since 1987. To acclimatise naturally to the high altitude all runners meet for a 4 week holiday in Nepal. This holiday combines sightseeing in the capital, Kathmandu, a 16 day trek to the start under medical supervision, an ascent of Gokyo Ri (5483m) and Kala Pattar (5623m) for the best views of Everest, and one of the most gruelling races in the world. Although the course is basically down hill, there are two steep uphill sections. There may be snow and ice on the upper part and there is considerable exposure along much of the route. For this reason the race is only suitable for runners with recent experience of cross country, fell or mountain running and endurance events. Experience of rough terrain is essential and road marathon experience is not sufficient. The race is a non-profit-making venture with all profits put into the Everest Marathon Fund, a UK registered charity (number 1005422). So far this has raised £400,000 to support health and educational projects in rural Nepal. Most of the money has been raised by the runners themselves and many divide the amount raised, with 50% to the Everest Marathon Fund and 50% to a charity in their home country. In this way the race has also raised large sums of money for a wide range of good causes around the world.
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| 3 Elim Grove, Windermere, LA23 2JN, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1539 445 445 |
