Trip Dossier

An exclusive detailed Itinerary to gear you up before this wonderful trip:

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. 1,300m. we meet, greet and transfer to Hotel. 

On arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be received by our staff who will escort you to the Hotel, where one of our leaders or a senior Sherpa guide will give you a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trek/Camping, things you should & ought not to do and other related information that you might require while in Nepal. Our Tour Officer will ask for your International flight ticket and your passport for safe keeping and for reconfirmation of your out bound flight from Kathmandu to your next port of arrival. Do not hesitate to do this, as this is one of our routine services for your good welfare. Your valuable documents will be in safe hands while you are on the trek, and will be returned back to you after your trip. Your first Overnight in the abode of the gods

Day 2: Free at your own leisure

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about what to do in your next free day.

The choice is yours: either you can stroll around the nearby market on your own or you can opt for a half/full day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. The cost for this extra tour is not added in the trek cost and you have to pay extra depending on the places you choose to visit. This extra tour gives you deep insights into Nepal’s iconic monuments that have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites.  Sansui Treks will give you an orientation on your program & you will also get the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure. When this is done, you might find time to shop around the city in the evening time if you need any gears for the trek. Overnight at your hotel

Day 3: Drive to Barabise approx. 860m. 65 km. it’s a 4-5 hrs journey. 

In the morning after breakfast, we take the bus ride from Kathmandu heading towards the Bhote Koshi Valley where we reach Barabise, a large village and a bustling bazaar, situated merely 10 km from the Tibetan border, on the only motorable highway that connects to Lhasa, Tibet from Kathmandu. After a short preparation, we start our climb up from the bazaar heading to Simle. On our first day of the walk it’s always a bit sluggish for us to get started, as the porters and staffs have to sort out their loads and the first days of this adventure always begins with a short walk to our overnight camp. Our trek climbs above from the busy bazaar of Barabise for an hour then coming on the gradual path till we reach our night camp between the rural village of Simle and Budipa which is approx. at 1,130m after nearly 3 hours of good hiking.

Day 4: Trek to Dolangsa 2,510m. 4/5 hrs walks.   
 
We start our today’s walk following the path through number of small farm villages and terraced fields, and a small patch of cool forest & then we gradually begin climbing and crossing many small streams, until we reach Dolangsa, small villages on the bottom of the Tinsang-la pass with a primary school yard for camping. People in these villages are of Sherpa tribes and there is a small monastery just above the village. Our camp will be in the open clearings in the village itself. This would be a good opportunity to interact with the local village folks & get an idea into how they survive on these remote outposts in some of the most isolated regions in Nepal.

Day 5: Trek to Tingsang-la 3,319m. 4 hrs. 

Our route goes above Dolangsa village, starting with a steep climb passing by the Monastery and beyond through prickly-leaved oak woods and rhododendron forest coming to a clearing with a small settlement of cattle herders after two hours of steady walk, from here our walk continues further for another 2 hours to Tinsang La. We begin to notice there is a remarkable change in the vegetations, as the walk gains. Altitude every hour or so, till we reach the top ridge of Tingsang-la 

We get excellent views from the Pass looking over towards Gaurishankar and onwards to Tashi Lapcha. After a good hard climb to the pass, a short descent on the grassy meadow lead us to our overnight camp overlooking grand views of the surrounding landscapes and snow capped peaks. We set up camp where there are a number of old temporary shelters of the Shepards as this place happens to be a summer pasture. An early morning gala view from this campsite is well worth the effort of waking up earlier for an early morning sunrise. There’s nothing like it on these mountains!

Day 6: Trek to Bigu Gomba. 2,310m. 5 hrs walks.    

After an early morning view of the superb vistas, our journey continues with an hour and half descent to the settlement of Ruphtang situated on a small hill top amongst the terraced fields. After a brief stop here, the walk follows on a downhill slope path to a small stream. From hereon, nearly two hours of gradual climb will bring us to our overnight camp on the large grassy field just a few minutes away from the Bigu Gomba premises. From the camp we can observe large stupas and a nunnery, each monastic stupa houses about 30 nuns and the nuns are mostly Sherpa women. Here we have ample time for a visit to Bigu Gompa, a fine and interesting monastery set among junipers on a terraced hillside. The building which houses a nunnery was built around somewhere in 1933.

Day 7: Trek to Bigu Khola. 1, 930m. 6 hrs. 

From here, our trek leads to a long descent through the terraced fields towards Sangwa khola (stream), which later joins the Tamba khola, coming to the warmer area after a good walk of two hours. The path then gradually climbs after crossing the bridge, the path winds up leading through Lading and continues to Chilangka after 2-3 hours of walks for the overnight camp high above the river. This is a quiet and lovely spot with splendid views across the terraced hillside, right down to the Bhote Kosi.

Day 8: Trek to Laduk. Or Bulung. 1, 890m. 

After Chilangka, our route heads east above the Sangwa khola, crossing several Tributaries of a stream till the path leads to gradual walk with a few ups and downs in between and then we hike into a Chautara {a shelter with a banyan tree that serves as a rest point for travelers}, with well decorated religious paintings. Chautaras are interesting structures that are found along trails through out Nepal which is a kind of cemented or wooden platform often stepped on for weary travelers and porters where they can easily rest their heavy loads without having to painfully lower it to the ground. 

Sometimes found in good spots almost in homage to the landscape, and perpetually they are built around two holy trees Pipal (Ficus Religious) and Bahar (Ficus Bengalise) whose spreading roots cling to the platform. After a short rest while we admire the surrounding views of the ecological landscapes, our trek from here leads to a meandering trail towards the corner of the Gyalsung Danda (ridge) above the river, and then goes downhill towards Bulung for our overnight stop in this widely spread village; we set up Camp near by the school yard of this village called Bulung.

Day 9: Trek to Gongar Khola. 1, 430m. 6 hrs. 

Our trek from Bulung village goes north east along the trail above the Tama Koshi Through the village of Yarsa and Warang, walking along a less used path at first, but after an hour of good trekking, the trail becomes something of a highway, on this broad winding road with excellent views of Mt.Gaurishanker. Traversing through intensively terraced farm fields, we then skirt past the village of Orang and wading through a few small ridges, our route finally leads to a steep downhill path to the junction of the Gongor Khola and Tama Koshi, and the small settlement of Gongor on the wide valley floor where we make our overnight camp by the river after a good walk of six hours.

Day 10: Trek to Simigaon. 2, 000m. 4-5 hrs. 

Leaving Gongar, the trail continues along the west bank of the Tama Koshi, which narrows into a gorge & then culminates at Chitchat and its gorgeous waterfall. Having descended to almost the same height as our starting point after an hour or more of hiking, the climate here is once again hot and slightly humid. Shortly afterwards we cross the Tama Kosi river and make a steep climb for an hour to the village of Simigaon, after the steep portion the walk leads to a gentle hillock up to the village of Simigaon, where we camp beside a Gompa 20 minutes above the main village with more extraordinary views of Gaurishanker.

Day 11: Trek to Dovan. 2,850m. 5-6 hrs. 

From Simigaon, our route leads towards north east. Beginning the walk on a gradual uphill slope passing through thick rhododendron and magnolia forests and pastures with numerous clearings that are used for summer grazing. In this area the change from lush Tama Koshi to the mountain side of Rolwaling Valley is very distinct, almost unique. 

Depending on the season, if the monsoon flood has washed much of the trail which usually happens sometimes in this case, we either take the high path that climbs steeply towards the ridge of the Sambur Danda, we cross the Daldung la instead at 3,976m as a safer alternative. Our walk continues contouring above the hill side and then descending to the river, we pass more huts in an area called Gyalche. After reaching the valley floor we cross a small wooden bridge to our camp at Dovan, a small unlikely clearing in the dense forest of the steep valley side. This is where we bunk out for the night.

Day 12: Trek to Bheding. 3,690m. 5-6 hrs walks. 

Today, crossing the Rolwaling khola we take a path leading through the jungles on the northern side, the walk heading to a gradual climb & then coming to a clearing passing along little settlements of Nyimare, Ramding and through the farm fields and reaching at Beding for the overnight stop after a good walk of five hours or more with time to visit Beding village where we can do some chatting with the local folks. It is the principal Sherpa village in the Rolwaling area. Situated in a narrow gorge, it is enlivened somewhat by its well-positioned Gompa, comprising of about thirty-six houses. There is a Hillary school in Bheding built for the benefit of the poor deprived kids in these remote outposts

Day 13: A day for rest at Bheding. 

This is a well earned day for rest; we can just stroll through the village and its monastery overlooking grand views of Mt. Gauri-Shankar and the peak of Melungatse. Or we could just give some time to the children in the village.

Day 14: Trek to Na Gaon. 4,180m. approx. 3-4hrs walk. 

From Bheding onwards, we can feel the increasing altitude and the cold chill from the surrounding high mountains getting into our bones. Our trek today will be a short walk of three hours or more along the Rolwaling River, as we take it easy on this high altitude terrain with its impressive vistas of the surrounding high landscapes and the snow capped peaks. Our walk continues slowly in order to acclimatize, just before Na the valley opens out into a classic, glaciated U-shape. On reaching our overnight camp at Na, which is a scattered village and a temporary settlement of the villagers of Beding and beyond, it is a summer yersa (grazing pasture) and potatoes are grown hereabouts. 

There is a roughly built monastery around here. Our camp is made on this grassy field with time to relax and marvel the beauty that surrounds us. Ahead, up the valley beyond Na, the majestic summit of Chobutse 6,689m rises above the Tsho Rolpa at the confluence of the Ripimo Shar and Trakarding glaciers. We just relax & relish these stunning surroundings.

Day 15: At Na Gaon.

A day for us to rest at Na Gaon, we can acclimatize and do some local exploration. There’s a lot to discover hereabouts and a nice place to rest and haul up.

Day 16: Trek to the Riverside. 5-6 hrs. 

We retrace the journey back on the downhill slope most of the way to the Riverside for our overnight camp.

Day 17: Trek to Simigaon. 5 hrs. 

We retrace the journey back on the downhill slope most of the way with a few uphill climbs to Simigaon for our overnight camp.

Day 18: Trek to Jagat. Approx. 1,150m. 4-5 hrs. 

From Simigaon, the trek goes downhill for an hour or more to the bridge, & from the bridge it is on the same trail for a few hours on a gradual winding path, where our route from near Gongor Khola diverts on the straight forward trail towards south following the River Tama Koshi all the way to camp at a farm village at Jagat. At Jagat we will have time for a walk and to refresh in the cool river near our campsite.

Day 19: Trek to Shigati. 950m. 5 hrs. 

The walk today is on a gradual path, passing through numerous rural villages and farm fields; the trek follows a gentle trail most of the way with few ups and downs. We take it pretty easy from here on.

Day 20: Trek to Ratomate. Approx. 900m. 5 hrs. 

We retrace our footsteps through the lush green forests of Ratomate amidst quiet and the chirping of birds to keep us company on our journey. This is where we haul up for the night before we make a beeline for Dolkha which officially ends our wonderful venture in the Rolwaling Valley.

Day 21: Trek to Dolkha & drive to Kathmandu. It’s a 5 hrs journey. 

Today, we will continue along the valley which has now become the Tamba Kosi. On the way, we pass through some very interesting forest which is home to some beautiful bird species, till we finally reach Dolkha for our onward journey to Kathmandu.

Day 22: Free day at leisure.

This is your free day in Kathmandu, please let our staff or tour officer know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for a scenic mountain flight or a jungle safari. It would be a wonderful change from our arduous trek on totally different territory. A solid elephant ride on its sturdy back would be rewarding yourself after all the gritty hiking done on the mountains. This can be worth your weight in gold. Our prices are designed to suit your budget because we know you have already spent a lot. The kind of holiday you are doing will probably be once in a lifetime, it’s worth making the best of it to go back home with wonderful memories of a lifetime. Feel free to let us know your thoughts. Overnight Kathmandu

Day 23: Transfer to Airport for your International departure.

Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy. Our Tour Officer will take you to the airport for your final departure from amazing Nepal.

Note: The above itinerary should be taken only as a guideline; it could change due to fluctuating weather patterns, availability of clean water and campsite, trail or any other unforeseen conditions related to the environment. In case of any trek Itinerary alteration or if it needs to be re-routed to other areas, your Group Leader or senior Sherpa Guide will make the final decision after consulting the group.

Trip Information

Accommodation

A ‘TH [Teahouse Lodge] is a term used for sleeping in teahouse lodges on the trails. These teahouses are pretty basic but provide all the comforts that you would expect when hiking in remote conditions, they are cosy and warm – you’d like the homely environment. We crash out in single rooms wherever available, but often times we sometimes have to adapt to sleeping out in dormitory type rooms for a night. Generally, it’s just a bed with a pillow and blankets. It’s a matter of choice, if you want, you bring your own ‘Air pillow’ and freak out anyways, this is adventure in the wild…the rougher it gets the better. We accommodate our trek groups in local lodges available each day. Our porters hike ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please note, that some of them are very basic and a spirit of adventure is the call of the day. It is cheaper to stay in lodges rather than organizing a camping trek.

We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3-4-5 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection with this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website. Accommodation is never a problem, the choice exclusively yours.

Dining     

At ‘Incentive Holidays’ – its zero tolerance on cutting of cost when it comes down to feeding our trekking guests, because we know how tough it is on the trails; we ensure that the lodges provide three tasty, bountiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast is ‘king size’ [the first meal of the day] consisting of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereals followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. After a lengthy gritty day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetables, meat, rice and pasta dishes completed with a simple dessert. Don’t be surprised if the delectable ‘apple pie’ lands on your plate, it’s literally ‘yummy’’, even better than the ones you come across in Thamel.

Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. The lodges always use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The local trek leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with focus on personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain extremely high standards of health over many years of planning treks - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. ‘Gluttony is a sin’ but there are no restrictions on the grub we serve to our guests on the mountains; we leave it up to our trekking guests who are the best judge of their own appetites…Bon Appétit!!

Cost Inclusion / Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

• 4N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis at KTM                                                                       
• 17N Tea Houses in the trail
• One English speaking guide
• Porter (1Porter for 2Pax)
• 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) during Trekking
• National park fees
• TIMS
• Airport pick up and drop (international & domestic)
• All ground transfer as per itinerary

Cost Exclusion

• Daily Meals (Lunch & Dinner) during Kathmandu
• Tips to Guide & Driver
• Entrance Fees
• Bar Expense
• Telephone, Laundry and Internet
• Personnel Insurance
• Emergency Evacuation
• All other personal expenses
• Nepal Visa Fee

Popular Sightseeing places in Kathmandu:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• Patan Durbar Square
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Boudhanath Stupa
• Swayambhunath Stupa

Half day sightseeing includes visit two of these places and full day sightseeing includes three of these places inside the ring-road of Kathmandu. Besides the above mentioned places, the charges will apply depending on the distance accordingly.

Travel Date

The best time to visit for a trip of this kind would be in the Spring and Autumn.  It is wonderful during this time of the year when an overall beauties of the landscapes found in these trips are so distinct & stunning, due to clear weather pattern & sunny blue skies. Our program could be changed to accommodate individual group choices and preferences in order to give you proper holidays that become signature ventures for a lifetime.