Towering ice-topped mountains sparkle with the colorful prayer flags, while the fanatical streets of Kathmandu are a ceaseless delirium of honking motorbikes, additionally the historical and religiously important 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered in different corners of Kathmandu: Nepal is  thoroughly a vibrant slice of Asia.

If there is a trekkers’ paradise, then beyond doubt Nepal is the first pick. Trials to the base of Himalayas in Nepal offer top-notch trekking terrain – from verdant Annapurna to eminent Everest – sprinkled with rural mountain hamlets, and hundreds of rolling trails that have been trodden upon for centuries.

But divinely and naturally blessed Nepal is indeed not only for mountaineers who set off to clamber the higher elevation; from the lime-green grasslands of Chitwan National Park rustling with the dark grey flash of One-horned rhino, to the eclectic cafés and unconventional vibe of Lake-side Pokhara, Nepal is truly an interesting and convivial destination for all.

As a part of company CSR, six Explore Himalayans toured and trekked around few prominent destinations of Nepal which included Chitwan, Pokhara and Poonhill Trek. The FAM trip involved more fun and of course little bit of work. Field work obviously was focused on visiting our service partners so that we could improve the level of our services offered to the clients. Fun part definitely boosted our work efficiency while on work table . Have a look at a photo essay which highlights the prime attractions of the trip.

Day 1: Drive to Chitwan and transfer to Tigerland Safari Resort

166 km South East of Kathmandu lies the first Wildlife Park of Nepal, Chitwan National Park

One of the biggest Ethnical tribes of Terai Lowlands of Nepal, Tharus have unique history and culture. The tharu stick dance at the resort is an insightful opportunity to peep into rich Tharu culture and history.

Day 2: Bird watching tour at the bank of Rapti River, Elephant wildlife Safari at Chitwan National Park and transfer to Hotel Water Front in Pokhara

Boating or Canoeing in Rapti River inside the Park is wonderful chance to spot different species of birds. Chitwan National Park is the home to 543 species of birds including 160 species of migratory birds.

The total area of 932 sq. km, Chitwan National park offers one of the best Wildlife Safaris in the world on the back of giant Asian Elephant. The Park comprises diverse species of floras in the form of wide grasslands and dense deciduous moist forest.

Birds like peacock and Braminhy Duck are easy spotting in the park whereas endangered bird species like Gould’s sunburn and Slaty-breasted Rail among others can also be spotted here which depends on traveler’s luck.

Chitwan National Park is the home to 43 species of mammals which includes one-horned rhino and Royal Bengal Tiger. Varieties of species of reptiles, insects and amphibians also share the wild habitat.

After the safari and lunch with wonderful hospitality at Tigerland Safari Resort, we drive 146km North West of Chitwan and arrive to TripAdvisors’ ranked hotel of Pokhara, Water Front Resort.

Day 3: Drive to Nayapool in a private vehicle, drive to Kimche in a public vehicle and then trek to Tadapani

Initial view of stunning Mt. Fishtail from Pokhara. The view changes as we climb higher.

One and half hour drive to Naya Pool from Pokhara followed by 1 hour drive brings us to our trek starting point Kimche. The massif of Mt. Fishtail at the backdrop.

Two hours long steep uphill climb on the stone staircases from Kimche brings us to wonderful Gurung hamlet, Ghandruk. The first glimpse of rural lifestyle at Ghandruk.

Almost 4 and half hours of ascending climb followed by the final part of the pleasant walk along the rhododendron and bamboo woods takes us to the major stopover point in the region Tadapani. Places to stop for tea and snacks between Ghandruk and Tadapani- Sitkyu and Bhaisi Kharka

Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani via Deurali

The morning view from Tadapani- From right to left- Fishtail, Gangapurna, Hinchuli and Annapurna South

Three hours of walk on the slippery, icy and rolling trial via Banthati brought us to Deurali 3105m. The view of Gurung Hill from Deurali. Gurung Hill is almost 150m steep uphill climb from Deurali.

One hour up and down from Deurali to Gurung Hill rewards with striking view of Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Dhampus Peak

One hour walk from Deurali and just before the final descend to Ghorepani the mountains open up even more. The view from the ridge of a hill between Deurali and Ghorepani. Ghorepani is just 45 minutes walk from this point.

Day 4: Early Morning Trek to Poonhill for the sunrise view, trek back to Ghorepani, and trek to Hille via, Nangethati, Banthati, Ulleri and Thirkedunga. Drive to Nayapool and drive back to Lakeside Retreat in Pokhara.

Colorful Nature- Dark Hills, silvern Himalayas, aureate sky and nigrescent cloud during the emerging new sun somewhere in the horizon- a striking view from Poonhill

Color changes in a flash at Poonhill. Wide Himalayan range sprawls right before the eyes.

The section of hills swarming to the wide Range of Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range, yet another contrast view from Poonhill- Anyone would call this place a paradise

Dhaulagiri witnesses the expression of love! Where else in the world people can find such a romantic place?

Day 6: Boating at Fewa Lake in Pokhara

A sacred Hindu shrine, Taal Barahi Temple in the middle of Fewa Lake

Tranquil Fewa Lake, colorful boats and sacred small island- A place to enjoy serenity in Pokhara

Flying to face the beautiful Fishtail- Pokhara is also an adventurous flying hub of Nepal

Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu

Explore Himalayans during the FAM Trip with their guide/porter Mr. Phool Man Kafle

Poonhill trek in the Annapurna region is the best opted soft trek for the novices. Anyone, who can fairly walk can experience the beauties of rural Nepal during this trek. Pleasant walk through the rhododendron forests, overwhelming Gurung culture and mesmerizing hilly landscapes are the trial highlights of Poonhill Ghorepani Trek. The scenic views of Himalayas including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Twache and unique Fishtail during the sunrise and sunset is the primary highlight of the trek.

Recently, Kirchner family from Denmark through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel had a wonderful trek to Poonhill. Kirchner family said few beautiful lines about their Poonhill Trek and services of Explore Himalaya.

“Our Tour Officer, Mr. Bharat was wonderful and informative. He briefed us very well before the trek. Sudang, was a very good guide. He was very helpful. He had very good English and also had good connections throughout the trial.”

“Hotels in the cities had nice rooms with very friendly staffs. The lodges during the trek were basic but they offered us a wonderful service. Though, the food menu was almost same everywhere but it had a big variety. Small bus or jeep used for transportation, best suited the road conditions.”

“We found very friendly people throughout the trek. The nature here in Nepal is fantastic. We had a very good impression of Nepal and mountains.”

Spring Trekking  in the Annapurna Region rewards you with clear skies, good weather, heavenly views of Himalayan peaks and a trail filled with rhodendron blossoms. It is aptly said that trekking in the Annapurna during spring is like  'taking a walk through paradise'. Samir from Sales recently   made that 'walk through paradise' and brought back pictures of his awesome trek. We share a few with you. 

Annapurna I,Baraha Shikhar, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Ganagapurna & Machhapuchhre

Annapurna South -7219m

Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus & Nilgiri

Machapuchhre (Fishtail) Peak

The village of tadapani with Huinchuli rearing in the background

Ghorepani

Upper Ghorepani & lower Ghorepani

Sunrise view from Poon Hill 

Sunlight  lighting up the massive  spire of Dhaulagiri

Poon Hill viewpoint

You may want to flip upside down after witnessing the breathtaking views! 

(Pics: Samir Shrestha)

Spend A Week Below Annapurna with Explore Himalaya

A trek to Jomsom and rafting adventure on the Trishuli River was recently organized by Explore Himalaya for a group of eight Israeli visitors. They trekked from Jomsom to Ghorepani, walking through the villages of Tukuche, Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani & Poon Hill en route. On their return trip to Kathmandu they stopped briefly at Royal Beach Camp on the banks of Trishuli River and had a splash rafting and Kayaking. Here we have some interesting  snapshots taken by our trek guide Lama Babu who had travelled with the group.

Trekking from Jomsom

Exploring the well kept streets of Marpha

Enjoying a game of Volleyball with village kids – Marpha

"This bridge is ideal to try out some of my Ninja moves", so a group member thought:-)!

Sunrise at Poon Hill- Purely Magical!

Snowy spires of Dhaulagiri & Annapurna peaks rear in the background in this group photograph

Taking a breather on the Ghorepani trail

"Yeah, check  out our  Dhaka topis!" – With traditional Nepali topis (caps) sitting tall on their heads & generous slices of ..what looks like chocolate  cake, the group celebrates the completion of their trek …