Nepal   Kathmandu   Mount Everest Region   Annapurna Region   Royal Chitwan N.P.   People   Travel Tips   Travel Warning   Temperature/Weather   Reading List

Nepal Situated between India and China, the kingdom of Nepal is a country of great contrasts, as seen in its Himalayan peaks that include such legends as Everest and Annapurna, in its capital of Mount Everest (center) and Nuptse (center right), view from Gokyo Ri (Solu Khumbu Region, Nepal). Kathmandu with its colorful bazaars and hundreds of temples, and in its friendly and hospitable inhabitants. The kingdom of Nepal covers an area slightly smaller than that of the state of Michigan, and, surprisingly enough, its latitude is the same as that of Florida. Elevations in Nepal vary tremendously from about 600 feet in the tropical Terai region to 29,028 feet at the summit of Mount Everest. Nepal continues to be the most popular Himalayan trekking destination. There is a reason for this. The south faces of many of the world's highest peaks not only form Nepal's northern border with Tibet, but they are easily accessed as well. The treks we have designed in Nepal are crafted to give mountain lovers what we are sure will be the finest trekking experience of their lives. Peaks accessed on this trip include Cho Oyo, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and, of course, Mount Everest. Ease of access to these peaks allows us to accommodate those with time constraints who nonetheless wish to maximize their exposure to this grandest of mountain ranges. Trekking in Nepal is one of the most delightful adventures the world has to offer. A happy coincidence of circumstances combines to make this so. The country itself, of course, is breathtakingly dramatic, ranging from incredibly lush and deep river valleys to the rock and ice giants of the Himalayas. The intermingling of Hindu and Buddhist traditions throughout the country enables one to constantly experience the spontaneity of religion free of pretense.  Back to Top Kathmandu Kathmandu (4,400 feet), the capital of Nepal, is a melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist cultures and a treasure house of temples, shrines and medieval pagodas. While in Kathmandu, we will stay at the Hotel Manaslu. Most of the hotel staff is Tibetan, and many speak excellent English. Furthermore, all rooms have private baths with hot showers. Kathmandu possesses some very special qualities. Walking the streets in the early morning, you will see the city at worship, hundreds of people from all classes paying public homage to their School girl inside a temple (Kathmandu, Nepal). chosen deity. Hindus make offerings of fruit, rice, flowers, and coins at shrines, and Buddhists prostrate themselves again and again in front of temples. None of this is for the benefit of tourists or kept artificially alive by some heritage society. It is part of the powerful throb that makes Kathmandu the city that it is. You will have time to explore Kathmandu after your arrival and just before your departure. Your time in Kathmandu will most likely be spent sightseeing and shopping. To visit all of the famous shrines and temples would be a major undertaking (there are more of them per square mile than anywhere else in the world), but you will have a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the highlights: Durbar Square and the Temple of the Living Goddess; Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple); Bodhanath (one of the largest stupas/chortens in the world); Pashupatinath Temple on the holy Bagmati River (with burning ghats for Hindu cremations); the five-storied Nyatapola Temple; the medieval Bhaktapur with its exquisite wood carvings, including the Peacock window; and the remarkable temples of Patan. You may also choose to visit a Tibetan refugee camp with its rug factory or visit the Sleeping Vishnu at Budhanilkantha.  Back to Top Mount Everest Region As the highest point on earth, Mount Everest (29,028 feet, 8,848 meters) needs no introduction. Nepali boy selling cold drinks on trail (Annapurna Region, Nepal). The Nepali name of Mount Everest is Sagarmatha - literally translated as "The Top of the World". The mountain was first recognized as the world's tallest in 1840 when it was labeled Peak XV during the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India and the Himalaya. In 1865, after failed attempts to discover a local name, the survey named it Mount Everest in honor of the genius behind this huge project, Sir George Everest. Everest base camp is one of Nepal's most popular trekking destinations. The Everest region is the home of the world famous Sherpa caste who have conquered Everest several times, repeatedly setting new records. Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa, summated Mount Everest first with Sir Edmund Hillary. Trekking in the Everest region is an opportunity to admire a wide variety of flora and fauna, sweeping glaciers, and magnificent mountains as well as the unique Sherpa culture. Several monasteries, Stupas, and Chhortens containing heart-touching Tibetan arts make the journey to this region highly worthwhile. The easiest and shortest way to reach this region is by an exciting flight to Lukla where our treks begin. The major destinations of our treks include Kala Pattar, Gokyo (home of five holy lakes) and Everest base camp. Kala Pattar offers magnificent views of Everest. A combined trip to Kala Pattar and Everest base camp can be arranged if you'd like a most memorable adventure. There are several optional routes available to suit your interests, fitness, and time.  Back to Top Annapurna Region The Annapurna region is the most popular trekking route in Nepal. Every year, more than 60,000 tourists visit this area; twice the number that visit the Everest region. We offer three major treks in View of Machhapuchhare, the "Fish Tail" peak (Annapurna Region, Nepal). this region: our "Short Annapurna Trek" from Pokhara to Jomsom, our "Annapurna Sanctuary Trek" from Pokhara to Annapurna base camp and our "Annapurna Circuit Trek" which loops the region from Beshishar to Pokhara. With the exception of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, all treks begin from Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city. This is a lovely town nestled in a valley of Nepal's largest lakes. The entire Annapurna Range can be seen in the background. This town is very popular as it is a great spot to relax for a few days, before or after your trek. All of these trekking routes include the chance to watch the sun rise from Poon Hill as it lights up magnificent views of the Himalayas. From there, the trail leads you to Ghandruk, the homeland of the brave Gurkha soldiers.  Back to Top Royal Chitwan National Park The southern lowlands of Nepal are known as the Terai. This area is covered in dense tropical Trekking Across a Suspension Bridge (Annapurna Region, Nepal) jungles and is home to thousands of bird and animal species, including some of the world's most exotic and endangered species. Due to increases in population, deforestation, and illegal poaching, the natural habitats of animals like One-Horned Rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Blue Bull, and the Gharial Crocodile are being destroyed, and leading these creatures to extinction. This loss of wildlife must be stopped so that future generations will have a healthy and balanced way of life. Fortunately, efforts are being made by the Nepalese government to preserve these natural wildlife sanctuaries and to maintain balance in the local Eco-systems. A number of conservation areas, national parks, wildlife reserves, and hunting reserves have been established in Nepal. Today, there are 14 national parks and wildlife reserves in Nepal, including the Royal Chitwan National Park, world heritage site.  Back to Top People Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of Nepal is the Nepali people themselves. Volumes can -- and have -- been written about these diverse people. You will be inspired by their warmth and proud independence, a characteristic of mountain civilizations the world over. The Nepali have a spirit for life that draws you to them and makes Namaste (a customary greeting that translates to "I salute Nepali woman spinning yarn (Annapurna Region, Nepal). the divine within you") part of your vocabulary for life. Nepali people are a fascinating and heterogeneous group. Some of the main ethnic groups we are sure to encounter are the Tamang, Newar, Gurung, Lepcha, and the legendary mountain Sherpa. For the most part, these gentle people practice Hinduism and Buddhism. Religion, as you see from the moment you step off the plane, plays a large role in nearly every aspect of Nepali life. This is most readily apparent in the sheer number of temples and shrines found in every village. Our travels will permit us to encounter some, if not all, of these people and gain a glimpse of their ancient traditions.  Back to Top Travel Tips Nepal is not like home. It is exotic and wonderful, but it is different from home. Great elevation Resting at camp after the long day of trekking (Annapurna Region, Nepal). changes, differences in customs and language, menu variations, camp limitations, and the many other mysteries and wonders of travel in an exotic land are all conditions for which you must be physically and mentally prepared before your visit. Trekking expeditions are not tours where everything can be planned in advance. We cannot assure that everything will run like clockwork. Accordingly, our daily trip itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions and opportunities (or difficulties) that unexpectedly arise. Adjustments often are made in the field. We want you to participate in the trip with the clear understanding that our day-to-day situation may be fluid, and that things can, in fact, occasionally go wrong. Adventure travel requires a willingness to accept certain risks, both emotionally and physically. The ability to be flexible and the ability to maintain a cheerful attitude are two of the most important things that you can pack in your bags for your trip to Nepal.  Back to Top Travel Warning In early June, 2001, Nepal's Crown Prince Dipendra shot and killed King Birendra and eight other Cooling off after a summit climb (Annapurna Region, Nepal). members of the royal family. Although relative calm has replaced the widespread civil unrest that immediately followed the massacre, there is still much political uncertainty. Visitors to Nepal should remain cautious, keep an eye on developments and avoid public gatherings, particularly in Kathmandu. The strife caused by the royal killings further has compounded an already-volatile situation in Nepal. Six years of Maoist rebellion against the government extended in mid-2001 to violent attacks on tourists. Despite a ceasefire in August 2001 Maoist armed robbery and violence is continuing, and does pose some risk for Western tourists, particularly in remote and rural areas. Trekking and travelling at night in the regions of Rolpa, Rukum, Gorkha, Jajarkot, Dolpa and Salyan is not recommended.  Back to Top Temperature/Weather Remember that Nepal has the same latitude as Miami so daytime temperatures will be warm at the lower elevations. Nights will be cool (and maybe even cold, depending on the elevation). Daytime temperatures in the lower elevations will be in the 50s to 60s for fall trips, and in the 60s and 70s for spring trips. In the higher elevations, you can expect daytime temperatures to be in the 30s and 40s (and maybe even in the 50s), while nighttime temperatures may fall into the teens. The weather during the spring and fall is generally sunny, although an occasional storm can occur. Snow at the higher elevations is not unusual as well.  Back to Top Reading List In order to make the most of your trip to Nepal, the following reading lists will help you gain a better understanding of the landscape, culture and people. Here you can also purchase any books you might need for your Global Adrenaline trip! Nepal Mount Everest & the Himalayas Annapurna & Nepal Northern India & Nepal  Back to Top Africa | Asia | Australia New Zealand | Latin America | Polar Home | Contact Us | Back to Top Global Adrenaline, Inc. 25 East Washington Street, Suite 1458 Chicago, Illinois 60602 USA Tel: +1-866-884-5622 (toll free in USA) Tel: +1-312-863-6300 (outside USA) Fax: +1-312-873-4440 Email: info@GlobalAdrenaline.com CST 2074630-40 © 2001-2006 Global Adrenaline, Inc. All rights reserved. Global Adrenaline and the Global Adrenaline logo are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.