We begin our exploration of Nepal with visits to the markets, temples and shops in the narrow streets  of old Kathmandu. Then we fly to Pokhara to begin six days of moderate trekking. Our baggage is carried by sherpas. Each of us  will carry only a small day pack. At the end of the trek, we descend to the Seti River for two days of easy rafting. Next we go to Chitwan National Park where we'll view wildlife from 4wd vehicles and elephant back. Then we fly back to Kathmandu for a last excursion into the old town before flying home, or to Thailand for an optional  four-day extension.

By the way, contrary to popular belief, Nepal is not the roof of the world. That's Tibet. Kathmandu's elevation is approximately 3600', Pokhara is 3300', Basanta Lodge at Dhampus is 5000', Sanctuary Lodge at Birethanti is 3600', and Himalaya Lodge at Ghandruk is 6400', our highest elevation. If you're concerned about altitude sickness, beware of the trails in California's Sierra Nevada and Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, not the trails that we will trek in Nepal.

ITINERARY

October 9  Sunday   Departure
Leave Los Angeles.

October 10 Monday
This day is "lost," crossing the international dateline. "Recover" the lost day on the homeward flight.

October 11 Tuesday Bangkok-
Kathmandu
Arrive in Bangkok at 12:40 a.m., that is, on the Tuesday side of midnight. Transfer to an airport hotel for the remainder of the night.
Night: Amari Airport Hotel

Leave Bangkok at mid-morning Tuesday for a short flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to our hotel and begin exploring interesting corners of  old Kathmandu, browsing in shops selling everything from Tibetan antiquities to local handicrafts.
Night: Shangri-La Hotel

October 12 Wednesday Kathmandu
Today we'll wander the streets of Kathmandu and see markets overflowing with colorful fruits and vegetables. We'll visit Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal, and ancient Bhaktapur, an enchanting township just outside the city.   Bhaktapur has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. If you wish, you can take an optional "Everest Experience" sightseeing flight today.
Night: Shangri-La Hotel

October 13 Thursday Kathmandu-Pokhara-Dhampus
Fly to Pokhara to begin trekking through the low foothills of the Annapurna range. Enjoy the magnificent views of Machhapuchhare ("Fishtail") peak as we approach Dhampus, located near the Phedi Valley. Our lodge is set amongst terraced hillsides and backdropped by mountains.
Night: Basanta Lodge

October 14 Friday Dhampus-
Birethanti
It's a refreshing, short trek today to Birethanti. We are heading toward the delightful Sanctuary Lodge, located on a promontory overlooking the Modi River, just a few minutes from the lovely village of Birethanti, where we meet local villagers and visit a neighboring school.
Night: Sanctuary Lodge

October 15 Saturday Birenthanti-Ghandruk
Trek to Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal and once a recruiting area for the famed Ghurkas. We'll stop often for the view and maybe for a cup of tea. Upon arrival in Ghandruk, we'll marvel at the beauty of the Annapurna Range, particularly the peaks of Annapurna South and Hiumchuli, while relaxing at the lodge.
Night: Himalaya Lodge

October 16 Sunday Ghandruk
Today is essentially a free day. Our guides will offer suggestions and lead activities, if we wish. Explore the surrounding foothills, or relax on the lodge terrace and try to take in the magnificent views.
Night: Himalaya Lodge

October 17 Monday Ghandruk- Birethanti
Before beginning our trek down to Birethanti, we visit a nearby village where weavers make traditional Nepali rugs. Then we follow a different trail from our upward trek, through unspoiled forest toward Sanctuary Lodge. Along the way, we visit the headquarters of the Annapurna conservation Area Project.
Night: Sanctuary Lodge

October 18 Tuesday Birethanti- Pokhara
Trek down to the trail head at the bottom of the valley. Transfer by minibus two hours back to Pokhara. The rest of the day is free. Canoe (optional) to the picturesque island in the middle of Lake Phewa, or explore the small shops that line the village streets.
Night: Shangri-La Village

October 19 Wednesday Pokhara- Seti River
Transfer by minibus from Pokhara two hours to to the Seti River. For the next two days, we'll discover the countryside and wildlife along the river from our raft. Our experienced crew and guides will do the paddling for us, or we can join in if we wish. After a stop for lunch, we continue to our secluded riverside camp, completely private since it is accessible only by water. We are comfortably housed in large, walk-in tents with twin beds and linens.
Night: Seti River Camp

October 20-21  Thursday- Friday  Seti River-Royal Chitwan National Park
We continue rafting down the river Thursday morning, then disembark and drive to Royal Chitwan National park. For the remainder of this day and the next day, we will search for wildlife in four wheel drive vehicles and from elephant back. We may see rhinoceros, wild boar, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, and if we're lucky, leopard and Bengal tiger. We'll see some of the four hundred species of birds in the park. An elephant safari is not only great fun, it's an ideal way to view wildlife in the park since the smell and sound of an elephant are familiar to the local wildlife. At night, we'll retire to our comfortable bungalows with private bath and shower.
Two nights: Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge

October 22 Saturday Royal Chitwan National Park- Kathmandu
This morning we make one more wildlife drive before flying back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free to explore the shops and experience the Hindu and Buddhist cultures of this wonderful old city. Our guides will offer suggestions and perhaps accompany small groups. This evening, enjoy our  farewell dinner.
Night: Shangri-La Hotel

October 23 Sunday Kathmandu- Bangkok
Free time in the morning to contemplate our Nepali adventure. This afternoon, fly from Kathmandu to Bangkok.
Night: Amari Airport Hotel

October 24 Monday Bangkok- Los Angeles
Depart Bangkok this morning for Los Angeles. "Recover" a day by crossing the international dateline. So we leave Bangkok Monday morning, fly overnight, and arrive in Los Angeles on--Monday morning.

EXTENSIONS

THAILAND

Enrich your cultural exploration in Asia by adding an optional extension in Thailand. We'll investigate the riches of Bangkok and explore cultural sites north of the city. The extension begins on our arrival in Bangkok.

October 23 Sunday Bangkok
We'll be met upon arrival by our guide and transferred to the Amari Hotel for a welcome dinner. This evening, we'll visit Bangkok's night markets before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Night: Amari Watergate Hotel

October 24 Monday Bangkok-Ayuthaya
After breakfast at the hotel, depart to Bang Pa-In for sightseeing at the Summer Palace. Proceed to Ayuthaya, the royal capital for four centuries. We'll visit the Old City, temples, and museum. Ayuthaya Historical Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Night: U-Thong Inn

October 25 Tuesday Ayuthaya-Khao Yai National Park
After an early breakfast, depart to Lopburi where we will see palace and temple ruins spanning twelve centuries. Continue to Khao Yai National Park, judged one of the finest parks in the world. We'll have our lunch in the park and walk along hiking paths. The park is home to elephants, deer, bear, tigers, leopards and the largest population of hornbills in Thailand.
Night: Jaladis Khao Yai Resort

October 26 Wednesday Khao Yai National Park-Bangkok
After another early breakfast, return to Bang Pa-In for more sightseeing, including Thai Pavilion, before transferring by boat on the Chao Pha Ya River to Bangkok. We'll have lunch aboard. Afternoon sightseeing in Bangkok includes Grand Palace and Wat Po Temple.
Night: Amari Watergate Hotel

October 27 Thursday Bangkok
Following breakfast at the hotel, we we'll visit more of Bangkok's attractions, including the Vimarnmek Palace. After touring the Palace, we will witness a classical Thai dance performance on the lawn. After an included lunch, the afternoon will be on your own. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner with our guide guide aboard a rice barge.
Night: Amari Watergate Hotel

October 28 Friday Bangkok-Los Angeles
Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for our Thai Airways flight to Los Angeles. "Recover" a day by crossing the international dateline. So we leave Bangkok on Friday  morning, fly overnight, and arrive in Los Angeles on--Friday morning.

EVEREST

To continue your Nepal adventure, sign on for an optional nine-day trekking expedition in the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalaya, close to Mt. Everest, up to 12,880'. For information, write to David DeVore at Thomson Adventures, or call him at (800) 354-6030. Those who are going on the Everest extension will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla on Sunday, October 23, and will return to Los Angeles on November 3.

COSTS

Nepal $4,390 from Los Angeles
Thailand extension $590
Everest extension $1,575
Everest Experience flight $125/hour

Prices include:

• Round-trip international airfare from Los Angeles
• Internal airfare within Nepal
• All accommodations based on double occupancy
• All meals
• Services of experienced trip leaders and sherpa guides, trekking, rafting, and wildlife viewing as described, and park fees
• Baggage handling

For add-on air costs from your city to Los Angeles, write to me, or write to David DeVore at Thomson Adventures, or call him at (800) 354-6030. For example, here are some sample round-trip add-on fares:

     Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego $50
     Portland, Seattle $150
     Dallas, Denver $275
     Houston $300
     Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland,
          Miami, New York $350

ARRANGEMENTS

All arrangements are by Thomson Adventures, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The tour is being formed and escorted by Harlan  Hague, Ph.D., writer and retired history professor. For information on my background and experience in organizing and escorting tours, see my home page. For a description of tours that I have led and others that are upcoming and in the planning stages, see my Tours page.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, write to me. If you want to contact someone directly at Thomson Adventures, write to David DeVore, or call him at (800) 354-6030.

READY TO SIGN ON?

This is going to be a fantastic adventure. Join us.

If you are ready to register, read the Thomson Adventures Booking Conditions, then call David DeVore directly at Thomson Adventures, (800) 354-6030, to reserve your place. Be prepared to give a $200 non-refundable deposit by credit card. If you would rather write a personal cheque, that can be arranged. Check with David. Then write to me so I can give you a proper welcome to the group. If you do not receive a prompt reply from me, it will be due to my absence, not neglect. I will respond on the day that I see your email.

Important: If you plan to apply for trip insurance, it is important that you buy it within seven days of putting down your deposit so that pre-existing conditions are covered. If you have questions, ask David or me.

Shortly after registration, you will receive a predeparture packet, which will contain clothing recommendations, reading lists, travel document requirements, and health advice.

Unless otherwise credited, all photos are by David DeVore.

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