Trekking in this region means an exploration of the wild. Recently reopened this thrilling region shows its long kept secrets, like the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest Gorge in the world !! Dhaulagiri means "white mountain" though many mountains over the world have names which translate to white mountain, this is without doubt the most astonishing one. The trekking in this area is relatively strenuous but the trekkers who are willing to spend their holidays with nature and natural surroundings full of peace and tranquility choose this better “off the beaten track” as trekking destination.
You will be trekking deep into the Dhaulagiri Himal to the Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri north base camp, offering a wonderful view of gigantic north face of Dhaulagiri I. You will cross two high passes, the French pass (5240m) and Thapa pass (5155m) providing more spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Throng peak, Annapurna and Kali Gandaki River. You may encounter semi -wild yak herds, mountain sheep or the elusive snow leopard in the remote valleys of this region. During these days you will walk along cobblestone paths, over suspension bridges and through dense forests, enjoying the vistas of some of the worlds most beautiful mountains. The vast area screens the hidden river up stream, ferns and forest of Oak and other deciduous trees and juniper forest. The rhododendron forest and many species of flowers are abundantly found on the trail. Tiny alpine flowers are found dotting the windswept ground even in the high mountain passes above the tree line.
Once again you will find yourself among mountain people and their villages. After long descend you will arrive in Marpha, popular city of Mustang district. You follow the Annapurna classical trek and pass the worlds deepest gorge. The hot springs at Tatopani offer an excellent retreat after a strenuous trek surrounded by the majestic peak of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare. From Tatopani you make your way back to Pokhara, visiting, on the way, several monasteries and sites of religious importance. Once in Pokhara you can enjoy a few bottles of cold beverages while looking back at this unforgettable experience.Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 22: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu
I had the pleasure last January of having the most wonderful trekking guide around Kathmandu and then the Annapurna circuit. Rajandra Khandal was not only knowledgeable about Nepalese history and trails, he was also patient, efficient, very smart and witty, spoke excellent English and always seemed to have a good rapport with whoever we encountered, both local Nepalese and tourists. He was an extremely strong guide who carried some of my belongings along with his own, and never appeared tired, always as energetic and agile as a mountain goat. I remember one instance where we did a steep climb, and I as usual was moving very slowly. When we reacched the top of the mountain I realized I did not have my money pouch, and had probably dropped it way back on the trail where we had stopped. As soon as I told him he was off, running down the mountain at top speed. I watched him reach the bottom and take off like lightning down the trail. We had passed a group of boys walking in the direction of where I had dropped my pouch, and of course, if they found it that would be the end of that. But he reached the pouch before the boys, and came running back down the trail and up the mountain in 15 minutes, the same steep climb that had taken me much longer!! He arrived smiling and happy that he had suceeded. I was very, very grateful, and impressed!!! He was always good natured and hapy!! After that I let him carry my money. At the end of the trek I found out how frugal he had been, and that he had negotiated lodgings so skillfully that he had save me quite a lot of money. We remain good friends and I look forward to the time when I can return to Nepal and trek again with this wonderful young man. If you are planning to visit Nepal, don't miss the chance to trek with Raj, it will be nothing short of a great experience!!Peggy Cabbab.
I would highly recommend Raj as a guide of Nepal. He is truly an amazing young man, with exceptional customer service skills. I met Raj on my very first day in Nepal, and he took such good care of me. He guided me around the most common sites of Kathmandu. He not only physically showed me these places, he had so much knowledge about each and every place we visited, which was really informative. Raj and I had a lot of great conversations during the few days he was guiding me, and introduced me to the beautiful Nepal. Nepal is a place I will forever hold in my heart, and Raj has become a dear friend, whose kindness and friendship will remain with me always. Raj will show you beautiful sights of his home country, and will do so with such a passion for life! He is an amazing person, and does a fantastic job with guiding people. Rebecca NZ.
