Travel

Land cost and internal air are included.

Day 02: We will rise early for sunrise at Swayambunath or the Monkey temple. After a climb up the 365 steps (climbing is great conditioning for trekking!), beautiful views of the Kathmandu Valley, and a visit to this famous shrine, we will return to the hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast, we will explore the Hindu world of Pashupatinath, and then cross the Tibet road into the Buddhist realm surrounding the stupa of Bodhanath. Before dinner, we will have a short trek briefing. Overnight at the Tibet Hotel. (B)

Day 04: Today we have an easy walk down the hill and over to the lovely Sherpa town of Junbesi. There we will stay at the Junbesi Inn and get some sense of what it is to live in a Sherpa home. During the afternoon, we can visit the school, clinic, library, and perhaps the local lakh kham or village temple. (B,L,D)

Day 05: Today we will climb the hill to the monastery of Tuptencholing, the major religious site in the Solu Valley. Tulshe Rimpoche is one of the foremost Nyingmapa scholars in the Buddhist world, and Tuptencholing is recognized as a major site of learning both in and out of Nepal. After spending a day at the monastery, we will camp on a hill overlooking the valley. (B,L,D)

Day 06: In the morning we will rise for a long climb over the ridge northeast of Junbesi. At the top of the ridge, we will be greeted with sights of Shorung Yu La, holiest mountain to the Solu Sherpas, as well as Kanteiga and even Everest. Leaving our mark at the top of the ridge as an offering to the gods who are watching over our journey, we will contour around the hills in an area of low bushes and tundra grass. Our camp will be in an abandoned cheese factory with spectacular views of the entire Himalayan range. (B,L,D)

Day 07: Today is an up and down day, as we contour over to the Beni Khola (khola means river). The trails on which we are walking are used by herders, and the stone shelters or ghots are their summer houses. Finally, our path will take us down to the river bank, where we will make our camp for the night. All around us will be snow-capped mountains and the spirits of the many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims who have traveled this path to sacred Dudh Kund. (B,L,D)

Day 08: This morning, with a pack lunch in tow, we will hike up to Dudh Kund, at about 16,000 feet. Considered sacred by the Hindus and Buddhists, Dudh Kund is the site of a major mid-summer Hindu festival. Prior to festival time, the waters of the lake and the river are drunk with reverence by the Sherpa community. Following the Hindu celebration, the Buddhist Sherpas leave the waters alone for the next few months. We will try to reach the lake as early as possible, in order to circumambulate the shore, as religion dictates; drape a katak, or prayer scarf, on a rock; and explore the surrounding moraine. (B,L,D)

Day 10: We will descend the long hill below Tragshindo through forests of magnolias and rhododendrons, and then cut over towards Phaplu. There we will spend the night praying that the planes will fly the next day. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Rising early, we will drive out to the village of Changu Narayan, with its exquisite Hindu temple to Vishnu. In front of the temple is a large stone with some writing. This is the earliest piece of written history in the Kathmandu valley, penned by King Manadeva to his mother. While entreating his mother not to immolate herself after the death of her husband, Manadeva describes the history and deeds of the Licchavi kings. Beside the main temple are some small chaityas or stones with some extraordinary carvings – one of the cosmic Vishnu and one of Narsingh, an incarnation of Vishnu. Slightly down the other side of the hill is a lovely view of the valley and a small school that has received much help from Myths and Mountains over the years. From Changu Narayan, it is a short drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, and a visit to its Dhurbar Square, museum, and unique temples. Tonight, we have a farewell dinner. Overnight at the Tibet Hotel. (B,D)