Nepal - Terrai and Annapurna
Tika - Vermillion powder
Nepal - Terrai and Annapurna
Nepal is truly one of the most amazing places on earth. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, yet boasts the highest mountain, the deepest valley, and an astonishing array of wildlife, bird life and plants. The extreme changes in altitude have created everything from lush steamy jungles inhabited by tigers, rhinos, and elephants, to deserted freezing mountains. The geography has also contributed to a large variety of ethnic and religious diversity. On this trip you will explore many of Nepal's interesting and beautiful landscapes as well as different ethnic communities. The highlight will be the time you spend in the community working on the school.
We will spend the first few days getting over jet lag, visiting our partners in Nepal. Maiti Nepal offers girls a place of refuge, healing and education after being rescued from lives of sexual slavery in the brothels of Bombay. We will also see some of the most interesting historical and religious sites in the valley including: Pahupatinath, the Monkey Temple, and the medieval city of Bhaktapur. From there we will journey to the village of Kavre for our homestay and service project work. After the home stay, we will visit the Chitwan National Park in the Terrai of Nepal. The trip ends with a four day lodge trek in the foot-hills of the Annapurnas.
Itinerary
October 3
Depart home
October 4
Overnight along the way- most likely Thailand depending on your carrier.
October 5
Monkey Temple (Photo: Jenny)
First day of program- Arrive Katmandu in the afternoon, rest, acclimatize and explore Thamel- evening visit to the Monkey Temple. Dinner in Thamel and evening orientation at the guest house. (D)
October 6
We will have a morning meeting with KEEP and learn about their work and the project. Directly after our meeting we will travel by private van to explore the nearby medieval city of Bhaktapur, which has been walled off and wonderfully preserved in time. You will have plenty of time to relax, take photos and explore. Bring your camera as this city is amazing with its famous carved wood windows, brick temples and markets. We will enjoy dinner in Bhaktapur and then transfer back to Katmandu to overnight. (B, L)
October 7
After breakfast we will see a film on Maiti Nepal and in the afternoon we will visit the campus to see dance therapy classes. Maiti Nepal rescues girls enslaved in the sex trade through raids. They bring them home to Nepal for healing and schooling or hospice if needed. There will be time today for packing and preparing for our homestay. The evening will be free. (B, L)
October 8 - 13
Our project site is in the village of Kunta in the Kavre District on the way to Helambu, Sindhupalchowk. It will take us 5 hours to get there. After arrival we will meet our host families and then have lunch. Welcome and orientation to homes. We will spend the next 6 days living and working with our host families. Today we will get settled in and enjoy a tour of village and getting to know your family. During these days you will be helping the villagers build a school for the community. You will have some time during the day to explore, and evenings will be spent with your family. Mornings will be assigned to a short language class. This will be the most culturally intense and rewarding part of our program. Be prepared to live simply. Our final evening will be a celebration. (B, L, D)
October 14
After breakfast we will have our final goodbyes and head back to Kathmandu. You will have the afternoon and evening free to shower, relax, email and shop. (B)
October 15-17
Late morning flight to the Royal Chitwan National Park, transfer to our safari guest house inside the park. The Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s first and full of an amazing diversity of wildlife including: rhinos, tigers, crocodiles, deer, and a large number of birds. We will explore the park by canoe, foot, and elephant. Although sighting a tiger is rare-the real fun is riding elephants around looking for rhinos-which are not hard to find. Our local guides will share their knowledge of the flora and fauna. In addition, Chitwan is home to the Tharu, a unique culture originally from India and naturally resistant to the once prevalent malaria. We will depart for Pokhara on the afternoon of the 18th and head for Pokhara by bus. The night we arrive you will have free time to explore, use the internet, do laundry and relax. (B,L,D)
October 18
Phewa & Machhapuchare (Photo: Sunil)
Morning free- and then we will board a bus to begin our trek. Porters will carry your gear. You will put what you need for the trek in duffle bags we will provide for you. You will leave your other gear at the hotel. Afternoon drive from Pokhara to Arghaun village (20 minutes). Trek to Thulokote (1,400m) 3 hrs. walk. (B, L, D)
October 19
Trek from Thulokote to Lipeni (1,540m) 6 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)
October 20
Trek from Lipeni to Chisapani (1,520m) 5 hrs. walk. (B,L,D)
October 21
Walk down to Begnas Lake (890m) along a small ridge that separates the Rupa and Begnas lakes. 4 hrs. walk. Drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara. (B, L)
October 22
Morning flight to Katmandu. Afternoon tour of Pashupatinath the most holy of Hindu temples in Nepal. Final celebration dinner at traditional Nepalese restaurant. (B D)
October 23
Morning breakfast at hotel. There is usually some time for final shopping. Transfer to airport in late morning. (B)
TO BOOK THIS TRIP:
To book the trip, please complete Crooked Trail's online form: http://www.crookedtrails.com/apply.php
About Crooked Trails:
Crooked Trails is a non-profit, community-based travel organization helping people broaden their understanding of the planet and its diverse cultures through education, community development and responsible travel.
In Nepal, we work in conjunction with Katmandu Environmental Education Program (KEEP) and Maiti Nepal. Part of the fees collected for this trip help fund projects supported by these organizations.
To learn more about Crooked Trails, visit their website: http://www.crookedtrails.com/about.php
QUESTIONS:
Email: info@crookedtrails.com
Phone
Land Line: (206) 383-9828
Fax: (206) 320-0505
Website: www.crookedtrails.com
Crooked Trails
PO Box 94034
Seattle WA 98124