Day 01: arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

 You will arrive in Nepal at Tribhuvan International, Kathmandu. Tribhuwan International Airport is the only airport in Nepal. You can meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition outside the airport terminal. A signboard that “Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition” will help you find these representatives easily. You can check into your hotel with them. You have a couple of options as to how you spend your day/evening. Either you can relax in the hotel or you can go for exploring small towns likes Thamel on your own.

Includes: Bed & Breakfast

Day 02: Pre-Trip meeting in the morning and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.

You will meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition in the morning and discuss your Salleri (Phaplu) Everest Base Camp Trek. In this pre-Trip meeting, you will have plenty of information about the weather, difficulty, etc. during the trip. You can meet your guide and meet the various members of your trip.

You will get for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley after the briefing. The many UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu make it a beautiful place for an excellent sightseeing tour.

Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath Temple lies on the bank of the Bagmati River, is one of the holiest sites in Kathmandu. It is the biggest Hindu temple in the world. The main temple is two-storeyed. It also has smaller monuments as well as places for pilgrimage surrounding it.

Baudhanath and Swayambhunath

Baudhanath and Swayambhunath are the most famous Buddhist temples you will go to on this trip. The feel of the Buddhist culture as well as the peaceful setting of these two monasteries are making for a wonderful visit to these places.

You will also get to two Durbar Squares- Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Square- during this trip. Historical temples like Krishna Mandir, Hanuman Dhoka, museums, and other smaller temples make these two squares some of the most delightful in this trip. You can see the perfect representations of the medieval architecture of Nepal in these two squares.

Includes: Bed & Breakfast

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara-Beni ( up to the trailhead)

After breakfast around 7 o’clock in the morning, we drive to Beni passing through Phedi and Nayapul (trekking starting point for the Annapurna Sanctuary and circuit treks) on the way. The journey takes up to an hour or more. Beni is 8 Miles (13km) from Pokhara. Beni (823m/2705ft) lies in the Dhaulagiri zone at the junction of the roaring Kali Gandaki River and the Myagdi Khola and is the District headquarters of Myagdi. It is a hub for trans- Himalayan trade and for travelers heading northward along the western half of the Annapurna Circuit. Beni was selected for attack by the Maoist on March 20, 2014. Nearly 6000 Maoist (3000 soldiers and an equal number of supports) descended on the town under cover of darkness. The attackers incurred 109 casualties over 200 injuries and of 120 police on duty, 20 died in combat and 34 were captured and later released for bounty, a nearby army unit 13 losses. The district headquarters building was razed during the attack and a statue of King Mahendra was toppled and demolished. Capturing a major district center close to the city of Pokhara was a momentous achievement by the Maoists that jolted the nation. Most of the guerrillas gathered in Dhorpatan and came to Beni for the raid following the trail described below.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05: Trek from Beni to Darbang

Leaving Beni, we head for Darbang which takes about 7-8 hours to walk past scenic villages and accommodation along the way. The route follows a road up the Myagdi River and riverside hot springs. The rough road heads to the west along the north bank and can take two or more hours if intact, but likely you will have to cross steep sections on foot and change to vehicles waiting on the other side. The market area and lodges of Tatopani (980m/2920ft) and hot spring lie below the motor read near the riverside. The road after Babia Chaur (980m/3220ft) passes a steep section prone to landside which might necessitate crossing on foot to meet a vehicle at the other side for continuing to Darbang. During the Beni raid, Maoists maintained a weeklong at Laputa. 5-10 minutes beyond Babia Chaur, and allowed no one into or out of the area. Maoists controlled much of the area west of Babia Chaur and constructed the section of road between Babia Chaur to Darbang. We finally reach to Darbang 1070m/3510ft) which lies at the junction of two river valleys and has been a commercial nexus for the transition of goods between Myagdi with Dolpo, Rukum and Baglung districts. The settlement has many shops and simple lodging for overnight.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06: Trek from Darbang to Takam

From Darbang, the road heads west to Burti Bang but although built, no vehicles use it for lack of a bridge. Another road is being pushed north towards Dhorpatan but much work has to be done including bridges over the Myagdi and Dang rivers. Until connections are erected vehicles cannot ply beyond Darbang on the east side of the Myagdi River. A road continues on the west side of the river to Morang Village perched on a shelf above the valley. From Darbang, you will cross the Myagdi River to the northwest and catch an inspiring although a brief glimpse of snowy peaks as you start over the bridge. On the other side is a small nettle (also) cloth production facility. Bolts of natural cloth made here are sold to regional tailors and pashmina wool is also processed in lesser quantity. We head north past Devi than in 15 minutes. The Dhaulagiri Range begins to peek over the high hill as you advance to Phedi with food and lodging. Cross the Dang Khola on a suspension bridge and begin a steep climb with excellent preliminary views of the mountains along the way to Dharapani (1560m/5120ft), reached in 2 Hours. Dharapani is an idyllic hamlet with broad mountain vistas. Several hotels and solar power are available here that might attract trekkers for a pleasant stopover. We gently ascend to an equally magnificent place called Takam (1675m/5500ft) in another 45 minutes overnight.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07: Trek from Takam to Moreni

From Mattikhanna we descend to Siang. If we come from Takam, we pass through Sinbang (1680m/5510ft) in 30 minutes, where food and lodging are available. We reach a junction in 15 more minutes. To the right (north) diverges a route that circumavi gates the world’s 7^th highest peak, Dhaulagiri and crosses high passes along the way, crampons and ice axes, as well as sufficiency in food, shelter, and fuel, are necessary and a knowledgeable guide is recommended and Tukche and Marpha along the Kali Gandaki River in the west valley of the Annapurna Circuit. We stay left (North West) to continue to Dhorpatan by ascending to Macchim (1885m/6185ft) in 10-15 minutes. We make round ridge to the Dar Khola valley and descend to Ghatta Khola village (1775m/5825ft) in another 15 minutes. Stay right as you leave and contour to the first house of Phalegaon in 5-10 more minutes. Contour below the main village of Muna and cross the Dar Khola to its north bank in 30-45 minutes and head left (west). Within 30 minutes we cross a tributary called the Naija Khola, over a suspension bridge near magnificent waterfalls. Climb to the large village of Lum-sung (2190m/7180ft) in 45 more minutes, with teashops and simple inns. From Lumsung, we descend again and cross the Dar Khola in 20 minutes and ascend to Moreni (2275m/7465ft) in 30-40 more minutes.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 08: Trek Moreni to Gurja Ghat via Jaljala

Today will be a long day trek with leased facilities route so we begin our trek early in the morning carrying snacks with us. We pass the upper house of Moreni in 45 minutes. After 30-45 more minutes, we cross a ridge near a Chautala as the snowy mountains appear through the trees. We reach Jaljala pass (3414m/11200ft) and a long, wide grazing meadow in 3 hours. The expensive views are astonishing. Herders occupy this high, broad meadow during the rainy month and a seasonal tea shop might be in operation. Gradually we descend through another large pasture meadow in 45 minutes and cross the Uttar Ganga River which will be followed on its right bank all the way to Dhorpatan. Pass through a magnificent valley which will be extravagantly covered in flowers during summer and post-monsoon. As you continue further much of the area has been scorched by wild and is slow to recover. The trail passes through rhododendron, pine and juniper trees. Then, we reach seasonally occupied Goth (herder’s huts) in 2 hours. The extensive pasture area of Gurja Ghat (3015m/9890ft) is another hour walk without lodge facilities. It will be bustling with livestock and the lowlanders who tend to them during the monsoon. Lodges in Gurja Ghat and beyond do not have signs and you will have to ask the locals. After the Maoist raid on Beni, the army pursued the guerrillas and blocked retreat at Niseldhor, a day’s walk to the west. Guerrillas attacked north to Maikot from this point as well as heading north from Chhentung and Syal Pake, hamlets that lie ahead.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 09: Trek from Gurja Ghat to Dhorpatan

Within 30 minutes the trail branches to the right to detour up a tributary to cross a suspension bridge 10-15 minutes upstream and then return for 10 minutes back down the tributary. Notwithstanding the detour, the direction of the route is straight, and to avoid the deviation to the suspension bridge, keep straight and wade through ice-cold waters to meet the trail on the other side. Then, we continue our trek through Khalta Khulte in 30 minutes and make a short ascent to Chhentung (2945m/9660ft) with comfortable lodging in another 15-20 more minutes. From Chhentung it is a gentle walk of 30-45 minutes to Chisapani. We continue our trek through rangeland with seasonally occupied dwelling and pass a settlement of Tibetans with an unoccupied Kagyu lineage Gompa 10 minutes above the trail that has a strikingly impressive mound of mane stones stretching behind it.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Trek from Dhorpatan to Niseldhor

From the former airstrip, we ascend to the shelf to the northwest and pass a police post to continue through Syal Pake and stay left at a junction in 15-20 minutes before descending to a bridge over the Uttar Ganga in 45 minutes (the trail on the other side of the bridge leads to Bobang, Burtibang, and Baglung; vehicle service is available at Bobang, a half day’s hike away). Head west along the river’s right bank (facing downstream) and pass through the next dwellings of Bhuji to across the Bhuji Khola and more of this settlement in 45 minutes, crossing the Masa Khola mid-village. Then we pass through the few houses of Gaba to a bridge to the left bank of the Uttar Ganga at Niseldhor (2620m/8595ft) with shops and basic lodging in 2 hours more.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Trek Niseldhor to Taka

The seasonal settlement of Niseldhor extends 20 more minutes beyond the bridge. Contour high above the river through a magnificent, isolated forest where water may be scare until reaching a cement water tap near the junction with another valley high above the river in 3 hours (on the way, we pass through Kore Dharamsala and upper Damchan to descend to lower Damchan in 2 more hours. Ghumili bang is the settlement across the valley and location of a Christian church built by a foreign missionary who lived in Taka village for many years with his family. Cross the Damchan Khola and the trail is much nearer to the banks of the Uttar Ganga now. The river here is popular for trout fishing by locals between March and April. We pass through Korelibang before reaching Apollo. A bridge is 15 minutes downriver (Tallo “Lower” Sera from Kankri village). We cross at the right bank to reach the large settlement of Taka, a large community with closely interconnected homes, 15-20 minutes from the bridge.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Trek from Taka to Lukum

This section is physically and the path can be di cult to follow. We start early in the morning carrying snacks as it is a long day of hiking through isolated areas. From Taka it is a 15-20 minute stroll to a bridge over the Uttar Ganga River and along the way pass by a Shiva Temple near a police post and other whitewashed shrines above that is feted during festivals.

From the west end of Sera, we follow a trail that ascends steeply into the gulley to the south. The hill becomes nearly a 45-degree incline. Climb to cross a ridge with a birds-eye vantage of Taka and Bacchi gaon far below to the north. Then, we descend to a stream and follow the route south up the valley and cross another bridge and ascend the hill on the other side while following upstream above the tributary. Keep climbing southwest to a stone gate-way at Tila Pass (3005m/9860ft) in 2 more hours. From the pass, Lukum village can be made out far below to the southwest. We descend steeply into a gully along the Jhari Khola to Lukum (2095m/6875ft) in 2 hours.

The village is inhabited by Magar and Kami castle. The French anthropologist Anne de Sales lived in Lukum for several years and has written extensively on the Kham Magar people and their unique culture and traditions. Lukum is well-known for Shamanism and hosts a large, lively gathering of Shamans between July and August with ritual singing, chanting, drumming, and dancing.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Trek from Lukum to Thawang

Again, this section is physically strenuous and the path can be difficult to follow. Leave early and pack food for along the way. From the west end of Lukum, we follow the trail to the west and within 5 minutes keep to a lower, left-hand trail (the upper branch continues to a road at Kankri village, also famous for Shamanism and home to a Kham Magar museum and site of the death of Dhan Maya Shrestha in March 1996, considered the rest female Maoist killed during the conflict). We descend to cross the Sedibeng, aka, Lukum, River on a log bridge below a school in 10 minutes. Then, we head into the canyon to the south to follow the Ruji Khola River upstream. We will pass below Ruji Khola village and the valley bottom trail can be a bit of a scramble. After 2 hours, we reach a tributary that comes in from the west.

We ascend from the Ruji Khola along this tributary up the gully to the right. The path can be overgrown with vegetation as it climbs to the gateway, Syaubari (Apple Orchard) pass (2670m/8780ft) in 2 hours. A few minutes ascent to the south of this gateway leads to an open ridge that provides commanding views of the surrounding valleys as well as Mount Sisne and a short cut route to Thawang that is not recommended without a guide). Leave Rukum district behind as you cross through the gateway into Rolpa District and then Mangara Khola valley to the west. The trail reaches the valley and crosses the Mangra Khola in 2 hours to the left bank (facing downstream). We continue downstream and the trail is pleasantly level as the stream drops below the path. Pass several tributaries and a power plant and after 30 minutes, the Mangra Khola valley opens to the wider Thawang Khola Valley.

The trail heads east up this valley and crosses more tributaries to a new bridge over the Ri Khola. We ascend stone steps to be greeted by Marx, Eagles, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao at the top, a giant, a black and white mural at the entrance to Thawang (6480ft/1975m) in 30 minutes. Thawang is one of the oldest communist centers in western Nepal and experienced some of the heaviest gatherings during the war when army helicopters frequently arrived in waves of 3-4. Many dwellings were burned to the ground and destroyed at that time, and recently, the settlement has seen many improvements and the lands of this village are uncommonly wide. There are Dalit and Magar majority in the village.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Trek from Thawang to Sukul Bang via Rolpa Jaljala

 This will be yet another long day over a remote, high pass. We begin our trek early in the morning carrying some snacks. We cross the Daut Khola on the way ease out of Thawang, and after crossing the next tributary, the Fiba Khola, the path diverges. The main route to Jaljala continues across the Rachi Bang Khola (northeast or left) and the Gong Khola (southwest or right). We ascend to a ridgeline that straddles both streams to a pair of Dharma-Sala (rest shelters) and Chautara (2125m/6970ft) 2 hours from Thawang. The route to Jaljala Pass, high above to the south, heads right.

From the two Dharamsala and Chautara, we continue high above the Gong Khola before dropping rather gradually to cross it (2235m/7330ft) in 30 minutes. Again we ascend uphill from the west side of the river. Just above are two dwellings of Teji bang and on the ascent pass a Goth (herder’s huts) at Bhedi Kharka and the rest of Harping before reaching Jaljala (3090m/10140ft)  an open grassland, seasonally inhabited by herders in 2-3 hours. There are many Goths and two small rock temples as well as a stone-walled, central pond. We ascend any of the smaller hills to improve views of the snowy Himalayan peaks. The area and environs was a former highland training ground for guerrillas. Dharampani the name of a ridge top (3527m/11572ft) to the southwest has a Maoist memorial.

The trail continues to the southeast passing a newer, multi-storied temple, Bujuthan with three water taps to a stone laid path in 20 minutes. 5 minutes up this path is Bhangma Pup (Torch Cave) a large cavern that also serves as a shrine. We continue to follow the stone laid trail down to cross the Galphu Khola and ascend to the southeast. The stream drops below as the trail contours with minor ups and downs, passing through two boulders, referred to locally as Parmeswori Dhoka (Gateway of the Sun God) before descending steeply along the Jumja Pakha (Zigzag Slope) to cross again the Galphu Khola in 1-2 hours contour through an area known as Sukul Bang and the rest of houses of Jemthan and another cluster of homes known as Sirbang (2110m/6925ft).

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Trek from Sirbang to Jelbang

From here, Jelbang can be seen below to the south. Contour through a slide area and follow a ridgeline steeply down, passing Nimkung (a legendary location where a bear was long ago known to hibernate to cross the Nai Bang, aka, Jelbang, Khola in an hour). Ascend to the left to Jelbang (1635m/5370ft) in 5 to 10 minutes the site of a skirmish between the Army and Maoists in 2002. The German aid organization, Deutsch Gesell schaft fur international Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) has an outpost here.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Trek from Jel Bang to Suli Chaur

We descend from Jelbang and cross a tributary to then follow the Nai Bang, aka, Jel Bang, Khola downstream on the right (south) bank. We cross a suspension bridge in 15 minutes and pass Rul bang and follow the valley downstream as you contour around many tributaries route. Cross a ridge named Kenganath Chheda, also known as are Bhanjyang (1245m/4085ft) with a tea shop in 3 more hours to the Lungri River valley. We follow the road down all the way to Suli Chaur (a shortcut drops down to the road from the right of the shop at the pass). Suli Chaur has several hotels and many facilities and is 2-3 hours downstream along the road.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Drive from Suli Chaur to Kathmandu

Today we catch a night bus to Kathmandu, a 13-14 hours journey depending on route and traffic conditions. We reach the large town of Bhalu Bang at Mahendra Raj Marg (the main east-west highway of Nepal) 50 miles (80 km) from Suli Chaur. From Bhalu bang, there is frequent bus service to Kathmandu, Pokhara and other destinations.

Includes: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Departure to home country

After breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home. At Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition, meeting you has been a great honor and we pray for your Safe journey home and will reflect on the wonderful times we spent together. Bon Voyage!!! We hope to see you again someday…

Includes: Bed & Breakfast

COST INCLUDE

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle. (for both international and domestic flights).

• Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show.

• 2 Night standard twin-sharing accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.

• Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.

• Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.

• A Highly experienced, Helpful, Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained Government license holding English-speaking trekking guide.

• We provide an assistant guide for walking with the group to support where necessary as per group size.

• National Park entrance fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card).

• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)

• Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.

• Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.

• Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.

• Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company).

• All applicable government taxes, vat, tourist service charges as per Itinerary.

 COST EXCLUDE

• Your Nepal Visa Fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)

• All the International airfare to and from Kathmandu ( no need to pay departure tax for international flight)

• Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu

• Personal travel and Health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation

• In case of extra night’s accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in the city due to early arrival or departure as well as early back/return from Mountain/Trekking(due to any reason) than the given time period of Itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.

• Your personal expenses such as (soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, bar bills, Extra porter, etc.)

• Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.

• Medical expenses and trip cancellation.

• Any other extended trips and accommodation.

• Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.

     # Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.

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Important Note:      

Your safety is our paramount concern while traveling with Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition. In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. for rescue. The charge must be paid by the client or their travel insurance company.

 Please note that your leader/guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

In case the if the trip delays/cancellation happens at the start of the trip and it goes so long that it disturbs your onward travel schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip such as a trek in the Annapurna, Langtang or any other region. If you are not interested in the alternative trip and would rather wait for your original preferred trip, you are welcome to wait in Kathmandu for as many days as it takes to get a situation better. However, please note that there will be no refund if you lose time waiting at the airport and do not take an alternative tour or you only do a short trek later due to time limitation. If the cancellation happens before the trip, we will provide you accommodation and Breakfast in a guest house in Kathmandu. In case of the flight delay/cancellation after finishing the trek, you will be responsible for all your expenses. Please also note that you will not be entitled to any refund for the services (such as hotel, transport, flight, etc.) included in the package that you would not use later.

CONCLUSION

Dhorpatan Gorilla Trek will provide you with different new exciting experiences. You should go for this trek if you are seeking for wonderful adventures. It is best you prepare yourself before leaving for Shey Phoksundo Trek.

Equipment and Gears

• Duffle Bag\Rucksack Bag\ Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Swagat Holiday Duffle Bag that is to be returned after the trip)

• One pair of a walking stick

• Trekking Shoes

• Sports shoes or sandals

• Sun Hat/Cap

• Basic Medical Kits

• Head Lamp

• Hand Sanitizers

• Trekking towels

• Sunglasses (UV Protection)

• Warm Hand gloves ( Inner & Outer)

• Warm woolen cap

• Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket

• Waterproof Gore-Tex layer

• Pullover or warm sweeter

• Raincoat

• 5/6 pairs of good quality socks

• 2\3 pairs of trekking trousers

• 3\4 pairs of trekking shirts

• 5\6 pairs of underwear( non-cotton preferred)

• Water bottle

• Good quality Sleeping Bag

• Camera and Batteries