Nepal is a land of
scenic grandeur and unbeatable scenic allures. One needs
not to be a mountaineer to trek in the hills of Nepal
where more than half of the total population of the
country live. A short trek will reveal picturesque hamlets
surrounded by elaborate terraced fields and forested
ridges; a longer trek may yield rich contrasts in people
and culture from one ecological level to another. The
rich variety in flora and fauna found within a short
distance is another rewarding experience of trekking
and, of course, there is always the prospect of viewing
some of the highest mountains in the world. Wherever
one travels, he or she finds the Nepali people friendly
and hospitable and the safe trails. Depending on the
season, one may meet on one's journey, local people
in their distinctive dresses, laden porters, caravans
of sheep and goats or Gurkha soldiers. Life in rural
Nepal is hard but simple; however, there are at the
same time many religious and social events that reflect
the rich cultural heritage of the people.
Kathmandu valley offers
short but interesting treks. These delightful short
treks near the Kathmandu valley, just within few hours
drive, the treks offer typical rural Nepal with magnificent
views of different Himalayan ranges. Few people trek
around the Kathmandu valley. Trekking around Kathmandu
valley offers a rich insight into the lives, history,
culture and religion, together with the daily toil in
the fields of its inhabitants. Kathmandu valley has
long been the center of culture, trade and learning
in Nepal. Among the major trekking routes of Kathmandu
valley, Balthali trek is one of them.
The small settlement of
Balthali village (1,730m.) is standing on a plateau,
just beyond Panauti above 40 Km away from Kathmandu.
The village is situated at the junction of Roshi and
Ladku rivers. This exceptional hamlet stands at an outstanding
place of isolation and relaxation amidst a surround
of typical Nepali countryside with terraced rice fields
and ochre thatched farm houses. With snowy peaks of
Dorjee Lhakpa, Langtang and whole range of mountain
rests clear and bright on the northern horizon. Whist
the backyard is dominated by high hills of lush green
Maharabharat Range. The region is thickly forested with
luxuriant growth of various floras. Colorful rhododendron,
Mangolia and Sal trees cover the hill that undulates
and opens out to terrace fields. Nature lovers and bird
watchers can spend days exploring and discovering some
exceptional species of wildlife, tradition and culture
untouched by modernity. This 'off the beaten area' has
endless trials leading to some ethnic tribes offering
excellent short hikes and mountain biking on the easy
trials. Many of the sacred and ancient temples and monasteries
such as Namo Buddha, Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, Brahmayani
Temple are located in this region.
Outline
Itinerary :
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1320m.)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be received by our
representatives and will be transferred to hotel.
Day 02:
Kathmandu to Changu Narayan (1500m.) and then to Nagarkot
(2175m.)
After breakfast, we drive to Changu Narayan (1500m.)
which is situated approximately 20 kms east of Kathmandu.
Changunarayan is said to be the oldest temple of Kathmandu
valley and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage monument
list. It is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta
in 323 AD and said to be the oldest temple in the valley.
We then trek to Nagarkot (2175m.). Walking through the
pine forest along the ridge through the villages with
splendid view of the valley and mountains we arrive
at Nagarkot. It is one the most panoramic destinations
of Nepal for landscapes, mountain views including Mt
Everest and magnificent sunrise and sun set view. Overnight
in hotel.
Day 03: Nagarkot to Dhulikhel (1440m.)
Early in the morning we would have sunrise view from
the hotel. After having breakfast, we would start a
gentle walk for the first hour and go through the pine
forest down hill enjoying the landscapes. Afterwards,
we would walk through paddy field and small villages
which offer us some knowledge about the people and their
life style. Approximate walk of five to six hours will
take us to Dhulikhel (1440m), an ancient town situated
30 kms east of Kathmandu. The Newar town of Dhulikhlel
offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular
views of the Himalayan range - with views of peaks like
Dorje Lakpa ( 6966 mts.), Gauri Shankar ( 7,145 mts.)
and Langtang ( 7,324 mts.).
We can have a complete
panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in
the east to Himalchuli in the west. The old part of
this town is an interesting area to wander around with
some fine old Nepalese buildings and several interesting
temples. From there you can also take a day trip to
the Tibet border or Tatopani, a place which is famous
for hot sulfur spring. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04:
Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha (1982m.) and then to Balthali
(1,730m.)
After breakfast at Dhulikhel, we walk to the Namo Buddha
(1982m), situated on hill above Panauti. It takes about
three hours to reach from Dhulikhel.. There is an amazing
legend related to the Buddha, which is commemorated
by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all-seeing
eyes of Lord Buddha. Later, we walk another three hours
and reach the enchanting Balthali village offering excellent
mountain views at an altitude of 1,730m. Overnight in
Balthali Village Resort.
Balthali Village
resort is certainly not an ordinary place as many hotels
and resorts have mushroomed extensively over the years.
It is a very simple, unconventional, yet comfortable
retreat centre with full modern amenities of western
style toilets and attached bath rooms, hot and cold
shower flows freely and tasty Nepalese traditional,
organic cuisine is served at large by the friendly,
hospitable and smiling local staff. The bar is fully
stocked with local wines and native brews.
Day 05: Balthali
Today you will visit a typical Tamang village, Dada
Gaun, where a Buddhist Community lives. It is very traditional
and secluded from the modern world. Here people and
animals live together side by side. We then walk to
Pada Gaun (2100m), from where one can have extremely
good views of the whole Himalayan range to north and
beautiful green forest of Mahabharat. The walk on to
Karnali, a hamlet of nature, and follow the banks of
the Ladku River back to the resort.
Day 06:
Balthali to Panauti (around 1400m.)and then drive to
Kathmandu
we take leisurely walk to the thriving Newari village
of Panauti. Panauti is wedged between the Punyamata
and Roshi streams. Panauti forms the shape of a triangle
with a serpent (naga) idol standing at each of its three
corners to protect from floods. Pride of this place
goes to the massive, three-tired Indreshwor Mahadev.
Some authorities believe this to be the original structure
that was raised here in 1294 AD, which would make it
the oldest surviving Nepal. The shrine area at the sacred
confluence called the Khware’, is one of those
tranquil spots that can intercept a dreamer for hours.
On the way one can have an opportunity to come across
lovely temples and interesting old houses, particularly
beautiful areas some fourteenth century wooden temple
struts. Having taken about six hours on foot journey,
we drive to Kathmandu transfer to hotel.
Day 07: Kathmandu worm
departure your home twon.
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