HIMALAYAN JOURNEYS

The hills of Nepal offer some of the best hiking and trekking in the world. In fact, organized trekking for tour groups was invented in Nepal. However, not many have the time or energy required for a multi-day trek in Nepal, which often involves flights to remote mountain airstrips that are subject to the whims of Mother Nature. This short hiking trip has been designed to give you a taste of “bigger” things that are possible, but at the same time ensuring that you are never far from the lap of luxury. Although you walk during the day along trails, nights will be spent at resorts in Dhulikhel, Nagarkot and Gokarna.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be briefed on your trip and will have the time to make any last minute preparations. Following a day of sightseeing in Kathmandu"s historic quarters you will travel overland to Dhulikhel via the ancient city of Bhaktapur along the main highway leading to the border to China. Setting out from Dhulikhel, it is a moderate uphill climb through small villages and some forests to Nagarkot with a total walking time of approximately 6 hours. A hot lunch will be served picnic style on the way roughly at about the half way mark (in hours, not in distance traveled!) near the village of Kashi Bhanjyang. The whole hike is marked with the presence of the central Himalayan giants and if the weather is right you should be able to catch glimpses of Mt. Everest once you near Nagarkot. Nagarkot is an especially good vantage point for viewing both sunset as well as sunrise over the central and eastern Himalaya.

From Nagarkot it is mostly downhill through villages and fields to Gokarna, via the small settlement of Sankhu. The pattern roughly follows the walk of the previous day except that it is mostly downhill and the views are mostly of Kathmandu valley and the small villages you pass along the way. Entering the sanctuary of the Gokarna Forest Resort and Spa affords you the opportunity to forget the hardships of the previous days and pamper yourself in the lap of luxury. Using this spectacular resort with its equally spectacular golf course and Spa as your base you will visit the Boudhanath Stupa, the largest of its kind in the world and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site as well as the Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism – both of which are UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites. Following this half day excursion, hurry back to the resort for some more pampering at the Spa or even indulge in a round of golf. Alternatively you could use the spare time for shopping in Kathmandu"s famous bazaars.