RNS :- The Royal Nepal Spectacular Tour with Ker and Downey Nepal

  2007 - 2008 - 2009

THE ROYAL NEPAL SPECTACULAR

Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this 13 night / 14 day itinerary is considered to be one of the most comprehensive programs offered in Nepal. It allows guests to experience all aspects of this wonderful and exciting country. It has been designed so that the minimum amount of time is spent travelling between each destination, enabling one to enjoy the best that each activity can provide. The Royal Nepal Spectacular features the 5-star Yak & Yeti Hotel (in Kathmandu), the 5-star Shangri-La Village (in Pokhara), Ker & Downey Lodges (while on trek), Ker & Downey River Camp (on the Seti Gandaki River) and Tiger Tops Tented Camp (in Royal Chitwan National Park).

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, an altitude of 4265 ft / 1300 meters. Reception at airport and transfer to the centrally located Yak & Yeti Hotel. We will have a full briefing on our program followed by a sightseeing trip to Durbar Square. There will be a welcome dinner in Thamel, followed by a short walk back to the hotel.

Overnight Yak & Yeti Hotel (D)

Day 2: After breakfast, we will fly to Pokhara, the rural capital of western Nepal at an altitude of 3080 ft / 940 meters. We will be met by our trek guide and transferred to the Ker & Downey office. There will be a trek briefing by the Ker & Downey group leader. We’ll then transfer by road with guides & porters to our trek start point {1-hour}. Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located at 3470 ft / 1060 meters. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. Lunch is at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the nearby village of Birethanti or the afternoon is free to explore the surrounding river valley. (Trek time 3 hours)

Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3: In the morning, we leave the lodge walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. Soon we begin to climb out of the valley & up towards the mountains. We’ll enjoy snacks en route with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests. We arrive in the afternoon for a late lunch at Ker & Downey's Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk at 6600 ft / 2000 meters (Trek time 5 hours). It is from this lodge that there are magnificent close up views of the surrounding mountains.

Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4: We wake up this morning with tea and coffee served in the garden and watch the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the Fishtail. After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, our guide will take us on an exploration of this mountain village and the surrounding countryside. Our maximum altitude will be about 8000 ft or 2400 m. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.

Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5: After breakfast, we leave the Himalaya Lodge walking out through the village of Ghandruk towards the Modi River. Midway down, we pass through the village of Kimche. After about 3 hours, we reach the Sanctuary Lodge, in time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon can be spent relaxing by the river or in the garden, or take an optional trek to the village of Birethanti and the nearby waterfall.

Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6: After a leisurely breakfast, we leave the Sanctuary Lodge following along the Modi River until arriving at a cable bridge about 20 minutes up river. After negotiating the bridge, we ascend partly on well-paved steps and partly on switch-backs, until reaching the welcome sign of the Gurung Lodge after about 2 hours. We will spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby picturesque villages of Majgaun and Patleket. There will also be a visit to the school and should there be more than 6 guests, the school children will visit the lodge and perform a number of local dances and songs typical of the region.

Overnight Gurung Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 7: This morning we start out trekking through the unspoilt village of Tanchok. Our walk then takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Upon reaching the ridgeline, we pass through the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. After about 3 hours, we reach the Basanta Lodge in time for lunch. After lunch there will be an optional trek to the old village of Dhampus. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range.  The altitude of Dhampus is 5000 ft / 1525 meters.

Overnight Basanta Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 8:  After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Trek time 1 ½ hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the Shangri-La Village Resort in Pokhara (30 minutes). The rooms at the Shangri-La have are filled with ethnic touches. Surrounding the rooms are spacious, landscaped gardens, water features, a swimming pool and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We’ll arrive in time for lunch. The rest of afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan curio shops are located.

Overnight Shangri-La Village Resort (B, L, D)

Day 9: This morning we transfer to Damauli, a journey of some 1½ hours through the countryside. Here we will be met by our experienced boat crew, who will give us a full briefing prior to launch. The Seti River has no road access so the river and surrounding valley remain pristine. Floating down the river gives us a chance to see village life along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds. There will be a picnic lunch on a sandy beach on the way to the camp. Today, there are 2 small rapids of no more than grade 2 and are no longer than 165 ft / 50 metres. The remainder of the trip is very much a float experience. Upon arrival, you will be shown to your safari style tent with beds, changing room, veranda and attached bathroom. Rafting time 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels.

Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)

Day 10: Today we will have a layover day at the Seti River Camp. This second day allows us time to truly relax. In the morning, we’ll hike through surrounding forests to remote nearby villages where no other travel companies go. After our hike, we can take a dip in the river. Lunch is at the camp. The afternoon is free to explore the landscaped gardens, riverbank, or just relax in a hammock or tree house. Evenings are spent around an open fire of driftwood, at this unique safari-style river camp.

Overnight Seti River Camp (B, L, D)

Day 11: The morning is spent rafting. There are 5 class 2 rapids. Again, each is no more than 165 ft / 50 metres. The remainder of the trip is a float when you can enjoy the surrounding countryside. Rafting time will be 2 to 3 hours depending on water levels. On completion of the rafting, we transfer by vehicle) to the Royal Chitwan National Park, enjoying lunch en route (a journey of about 2 hours.) On arrival at the park, we are transferred to the Tented Camp by canoe and four-wheel drive vehicle. On arrival at camp, we will receive a briefing prior to dinner. The safari-style tents at Tiger Tops have en suite bathrooms.

Overnight Tiger Tops Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Day 12: The day is spent game viewing on elephant back and on foot. There are also lectures on the wildlife of the Park. Boat trips are available on request.

Overnight Tiger Tops Tented Camp (B, L, D)

Day 13: After early morning game viewing and breakfast at camp, we will be transferred to the airfield. We’ll have a light lunch here before our 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we’ll visit Boudhanath, home to the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal and a great place for last minute shopping.  We’ll then return to the hotel before enjoying our farewell dinner in Thamel.

Overnight Yak & Yeti Hotels, (B, L, D)

Day 14: After an early morning breakfast, we will have the optional opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. The plane departs Kathmandu and flies eastwards, alongside the Himalayas, giving us eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including Mt. Everest. The flight lasts one hour After the mountain flight, we return to the hotel for breakfast (time permitting) before returning to the airport for our onward journey (B)

Royal Nepal Spectacular rates include:

Two nights accommodation at the Yak & Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu, deluxe rooms including breakfast

2 dinners in Kathmandu at local restaurants

One night’s accommodation in the Shangri-La Village full board

Six nights' accommodation in Ker & Downey's Lodges. Featuring:

*Solar heated showers, flush toilets and electricity

*All meals, snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee while on trek

*All laundry while on trek

*All local beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic while in Ker & Downey Lodges        

*Services of qualified Ker & Downey guides and porters

*The loan of Ker & Downey Trek Pack, which include duffel bags, daypacks, hat and   scarf (these items you may keep) walking stick, poncho

*Down jackets, warm hats and gloves are provided in the lodges.

*A comprehensive group First Aid Kit, carried by your guide

Three days, two nights rafting featuring:

* Accommodation at Ker & Downey's Seti River Camp

*All meals, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, local alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee

* all equipment including dry bags, spray suits and rafting booties

Two nights accommodation in Tiger Tops Tented Camp, including meals and activities

Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Durbar Square and Boudhanath

All internal air and land transfers in Nepal

All permits

Use of trained guides throughout your trip

Royal Nepal Spectacular rates exclude:

International air, departure taxes, insurance, gratuities, Mount Everest Flight

Rates:

US$ 2800 Per Person
Single Supplement US $ 650
Mount Everest Flight including transfers: US$ 145

Departure Dates
 

Payments has to be sent to our US office.

*** ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

 Head Office

Ker & Downey Nepal

P.O. Box 326, Pokhara, Nepal

Tel: 977-61-523701, Fax: 977-61-526174

 E-mail: Click Here

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