Far West Heritage Trail Trek - 19 Days

Transcription

1 Far West Heritage Trail Trek - 19 Days The Far-West Heritage Trail is a newly developed trekking trail, located in the Far Western region of Nepal. The trail connects three must-visit attractions of this region: Khaptad National Park, the temple of Badi Malika and the wetland area of Ramaroshan. Stretching over the districts of Achham, Bajhang, Bajura and Doti, the Khaptad National Park, is a museum of natural history and a garden of herbs. This national park provides shelter to 567 species of flora, 23 species of mammals, 287 species of birds and 23 species of amphibians and reptile. The landscape exhibits a perfect combination of moorlands, steep slopes, lakes and streams and the area protects the fascinating story of the hermit (commonly known as Khaptad Baba), who lived, researched and meditated in this area for more than 50 years and became a renowned spiritual saint. Badimalika Temple, located at the altitude of 4,214m in Bajura District, is one of the major temples in the Far-Western Region of Nepal. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati. The temple is visited mainly during Ganga Dashara and Janai Pornima. It is believed that the wishes of anyone, who visits her temple with a pure heart will be fulfilled by goddess Bhagwati. Ramaroshan, also known as the heart of the Far West region lies in Achham district of Nepal. This area is very famous for its 12 wetlands and 18 pastures. It s also a home to various birds, including Nepal s national bird, Danphe. You can experience pristine nature unaffected, not even a bit, by modern development. The Far-West Heritage Trail trekking, by Amigo Treks and Expedition, in total is a 19 day package. The trail isn t fully developed; therefore, you will find very less accommodation options, notice boards and signs providing information about the route and the place. However, our 19 days Far-West Heritage Trail ensures bed and breakfast in cities and full board (meal and accommodation), during the trekking. It s both, tea house and camping trek. Additionally, the package also ensures the benefits of English speaking local guide, all ground transportation and domestic flights. However, the package can be customized to fit the requirements of the customer. Bring a group and enjoy a special group discount! This trek is recommended for trekkers looking to experience pristine natural beauty and explore the lifestyle, settlement and cultural attractions of the remote areas of Nepal. It s best for those looking to try the off-the-beaten-trekking-trail in Nepal. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to enjoy this trekking. The trip starts with a flight to Dhangadhi. From Dhangadhi, we will drive to Silgadhi and the journey ahead of Silgadhi is completely on foot. After enjoying the heritages, we will drive to Dhangadhi to catch a flight back to Kathmandu.

2 (Please note: This trip in Nepal can also be arranged with an arrival and departure from Delhi, instead of Kathmandu. From Delhi, we will drive to Dhangadhi and vice versa. The rest of the itinerary will remain the same.) Outline Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi (109m/357ft) 1 hour 15 minutes Day 3: Drive from Dhangahi to Silgadhi (1,340m/4,396ft) 8-9 hour Day 4: Trek from Silgadhi to Jhingrana (2,250m/7,381ft) Day 5: Trek from Jhingrana to Khaptad National Park (3,063m/10,049ft) 8-9 hour Day 6: Explore Khaptad National Park Day 7: Trek from Khaptad to Kanda (1,939m/6,361ft) 5 hours Day 8: Trek from Kanda to Maure (1,008m/3,307ft) 8-9 hour Day 9: Trek from Maure to Lamgada (2,100m/6,889ft) 6 hours Day 10: Trek from Lamgada to Chankili (3,500m/11,482ft) 9 hour Day 11: Trek from Chankili to Badimalika (4,214m/13,825ft) 5 hour Day 12: Trek from Badimalika to Tribeni (3,870m/12,696ft) 4 hour Day 13: Trek from Tribeni to Khalachak 10 hours Day 14: Trek from Khalachak to Ramaroshan (2417m/7929ft) 2 hour Day 15: Trek from Ramaroshan to Muja Bagar 5-6 hour Day 16: Trek from Muja Bagar to river Kailash (3 hour) and drive to Silgadhi (1,340m/4,396ft)

3 Day 17: Drive from Silgadhi to Dhangadhi (109m/357ft) 8-9 hours Day 18: Fly from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) Day 19: Departure day Trip Cost Include Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private vehicle 2 nights twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants with traditional, ethnic music and dance Airport transfer for domestic flight Kathmandu-Dhangadhi and return to Kathmandu flight tickets and departure tax Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek All accommodations on a trek (Lodge/Tea house/tent) Fresh seasonable fruits after dinner (while on a trek) Tea/Coffee (Served in a cup only) Purified drinking water (medicated safe to drink) during the trek Government licensed and well trained English speaking guide and his entire expenses Porters (One porter for each 2 members) and his entire expenses Insurance of Guide and Porter All required local and government taxes Down jackets and sleeping bags (if required) Amigo duffel bag if required Amigo Trekking T- Shirt Trekking route map Trip Cost Exclude Nepal arrival visa

4 Meals in the city except breakfast and other mentioned special dinner Personal expenses like all kinds of drinks including mineral water, and alcoholic and soft beverages Extra porter if you required (it cost USD25 per day) Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation Any other extended trips and accommodation Tipping to staff (as an appreciation) Useful Information: Transportation during the Far West Heritage Trail Trek: The trip starts with a flight to Dhangadhi from Kathmandu and ends with a flight from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu (if your arrival and departure point is Kathmandu, Nepal). However, if your arrival and departure point is Delhi, India, then the bus will be used as a transportation option to and from Dhangadhi. Local bus will be used as a transportation option from Dhangadhi to Silgadhi (starting point of the trek) and from river Kailash (ending point of the trek) to Dhangadhi. Private airport transfers will be used to transfer guests to and from the airports. The bicycle will be used to visit the attractions in Dhangadhi. Accommodation and Food during the Far West Heritage Trail Trek: In cities like Kathmandu and Dhangadhi, your accommodation is arranged in tourist standard hotels. However, during the trekking accommodation options are guest houses, tea houses, lodges, Homestays and camping. The rooms are on a twin-share basis, where you will have to share your room with another member of the group. Triple share can be arranged on request. Single supplements are also available, but at extra cost. The rooms are very basic with shared amenities. The standard package by Amigo Treks and Expedition ensures the benefit of bed and breakfast in Kathmandu. However, while you are in the Far-West region, you can enjoy full board meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee). The food served will be typical Nepali and will be very basic, made using local ingredients, but will be plentiful. Communication during the Far West Heritage Trail Trek:

5 Landline phones and internet services are available in Kathmandu and Dhangadhi. However, a cellphone will be provided to the Guide, from the office to regularly be in contact with the off-site team in Kathmandu. In emergencies or if trekkers want to send any message to their families or friends, they can use the cell phone provided to the Guide to call or send a text message to the company, which will further be directed to the concerned person. Health and Fitness requirements for the Far West Heritage Trail Trek: Any physically fit person with good stamina (some days require 10 hours walking) and health can easily complete this trek in Nepal. Nevertheless, we recommend you to seek advice, medication and permission from your doctor or GP, before booking the trip. While seeking advice, we recommend you to focus on the necessary guide walks required to prepare your body before the trek. This trekking in Nepal does not require any prior hiking, trekking or camping experience, however, running, cycling, and a few hours of uphill hiking, before the trek can always aid in successful completion of the trek. Although, our guides carry a set of First Aid Kit, we recommend you to carry your regular medicine. The medical facilities in the Far-Western region of Nepal is very rare, therefore, we recommend you to buy all required medicines, while in Kathmandu. Group Leader Description: All Far-West Heritage Trail Treks in Nepal are led by one of the best, experienced, trained and licensed trekking/tour guides. These leaders will also provide; 1. Interesting facts (history, culture, religion, society, community and the lifestyle of people) about the places you are travelling through 2. Suggest things to do and see 3. Recommend great eating options and venues 4. Introduce you to the local people and act as a facilitator to help you directly communicate with the local people. 5. Take care of the necessary formalities, tickets, passes and permits. Travel Insurance: If you are planning the Far-West Heritage Trail trek any time soon, we suggest you get a travel insurance. Make sure your insurance covers; 1. All unforeseen expenses that might result due to various health issues, injuries or accidents 2. The cost of air ambulance, helicopter rescue or other treatment costs, like the cost of the medicine, hospital charges, doctor s fee and repatriation cost. 3. All extra activities that you are planning, during your stay in Nepal. 4. Death, misplaced luggage, theft and liability, cancellations.

6 5. Treks that go over 4000m Solo Travelers: All solo travelers are recommended to join our existing groups. If you join the group, you will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation of the same sex for the accommodation, during of the trip. This will save you a lot. Also, joining a group is a very good idea as it will keep you safe, during the entire trip. What should I bring? Although the company provides one porter for every two traveler, we suggest you to pack as lightly as possible. Our porters carry all the trekking gears in a shared water-proof duffle, provided by the company. Some of your extra luggage can be left in a hotel in Kathmandu (free storage available). We recommend you to carry a lightweight cotton or plastic bag to keep your trekking gears separate. Kindly follow the checklist below to pack the required stuff during the trip: Checklist for all seasons: Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, passport sized photo Hand Sanitizers Reading/writing materials Travel games, like chess, backgammon, scrabble Binoculars First-aid kit (containing lip balm, Aspirin/paracetamol, Band Aids/plasters, bandage for sprains, iodine or water purifier, Moleskin for blisters, antiseptic for cuts, anti-bacterial throat lozenges, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for diarrhea, re-hydration powder, Norfloxacin or Ciprofloxin, antibiotic for Girdia, Diamox and any extra prescription drugs you are currently taking) Protein bars, chocolates, dried fruits, candies and snack foods Money- cash Money bag Swiss army knife Sleeping bag Light weight Towel Toiletries (quick drying towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face and body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror

7 Day pack (with waist straps) Alarm clock and torch/flashlight/headlamp Lighter Insect repellent Ear plugs and eye mask Small padlock Small wash towel Refillable water bottle Sunhat, sunglasses, scarf Bag liners Sewing kit Wind and waterproof shell jacket & trousers (preferably breathable fabric) Comfortable walking shoes Running shoes or sandals Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination Lightweight thermal gloves Underwear and Shorts T Shirts 2 or 3 Long sleeved shirt Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces Lightweight long trousers (no jeans) Special Checklist for winter Layered clothing /Thermals and Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweight wool jumper/sweater/fleece jacket Fleece wind-stopper jacket (optional) Down jacket or down vest

8 Fleece or wool trousers/pants Heavyweight gloves or mittens wool or fleeced with a waterproof shell outer A four season sleeping bag/sleep sheet Thick, warm wool hiking socks Gaiters (optional) Special Checklist for summer Lightweight wool jumper/sweater/fleece Umbrella/water proof jacket and trousers (May to September) Sunscreen lotion with maximum SPF Water bottle Extra Money (Personal Expenditure) The trip cost does not include the cost of your extra expenses like drinks, shopping and tipping. Therefore, we request you bring some extra money for these purposes. Emergency Fund and Optional Activities We also request you to set aside USD 200 (or an amount equivalent to USD 200) as an emergency fund. This fund is kept as security money during the trek and will be utilized in the case of any changes in the itinerary caused by unforeseen natural disaster (which is very rare though). Tipping Tipping the service provider in Nepal is customary. This shows the expression of gratitude and satisfaction. In Nepal you can tip your service providers like guides, porters, drivers, and waiters. The tip amount entirely depends upon your wish. Safety and Security Your safety and security is our greatest concern during the trek. Therefore, during the trek, your team leader is given full authority to amend or cancel the itinerary, if it concerns your safety. The amendment or cancellation might be required in the case of unforeseen circumstances, like sudden weather change, natural disaster, bad health of a group member, or any kind of violent protest and demonstrations. For the safety and security of your belongings, like passport, air tickets, travel checks, cash and other valuable items, we recommend you bring a neck wallet or

9 money belt to carry these stuffs, while travelling. Do not bring your valuable jewelry along with you. Most of the hotels in Kathmandu provide safety deposit boxes, where you can safely store your valuables, while you are on a trek. However, for the security of your luggage, we suggest you bring a lock. Please note, neither the team leader nor the company will not be responsible for the security involved during any extra activities that you want to undertake which is not included in the itinerary. Therefore, calculate the risk before attempting any such activity, especially water based (do not go alone; take the help of your guide). Also, do not force our team leader to make arrangement on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Additional rules: We strongly recommend you not to contravene the laws and rules of the country. Do not carry illegal drugs and do not get involved with sex workers. Local Dress When packing your luggage, we recommend you to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing to help you stay cool in the hot and humid climate of Asian summer. Dress standard in Asia is more conservative, therefore, we recommend you to avoid very short dresses like shorts/skirts/singlet/tank tops especially, while visiting holy sites. Best season to Plan Far West Heritage Trail trek: Although this trekking can be planned any time of the year, Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best season to plan this trekking. Emergency Contact Detail If you need to urgently contact us, then we recommend you either call our local representative given below or directly contact our office. If in case you do not receive an immediate answer, we request you leave a detailed message and contact information, so that we may get back to you as soon as possible. Contact Detail Mr. Tika Regmi From outside of Nepal: From outside and within Kathmandu: OR

10 Contact our office at: From outside of Nepal: From within Kathmandu: From outside Kathmandu: If you are using NTC, Ncell or any other mobile networks in Nepal: