GOLDEN HILL TRAVEL

In eastern Nepal on the border with Sikkim lies Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain. At 8,598m Kanchenjunga was first climbed by the south-west face in 1955 by Charles Evans and has only been open to group trekkers since 1988. Recently this beautiful unspoilt region has been designated a conservation area. Our route gradually climbs through the rich farmland of the Limbu people famous for their distinctive tall topi or caps to the upland Buddhist communities whose inhabitants have their origins in Tibet. On higher ground we may see musk deer or blue sheep on the crossing from north to south base camp.

Our point of departure is the Limbu village of Taplejung, nestled in the hill region beneath the landing strip at Suketar, 500m above.

Eastern Nepal is a remote region that has remained largely unspoilt by tourism. There are few facilities for the trekker and most of our supplies will be brought from Kathmandu. It is a long but rewarding trek that is suitable for people who are confident about their fitness and used to extended walks in the British hills. Some days may involve 8 hours of trekking. High altitudes will be experienced and we have allowed time for acclimatisation. On the crossing between north and south basecamp snow may be encountered and we have the option of crossing the shorter but higher Lapsang La or the lower but very scenic Mirgin La.

Day 1. Arrive Kathmandu where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Please note that malaria has not been fully eradicated from the Terai and you should take prophylactic measures.

Day 4. We take the early morning flight to Taplejung where we meet our porters and staff who have trekked in from Basantpur four days away. Once loads have been sorted we begin our trek through terraced fields before descending steeply to camp by a school. Approx 3hrs.

Day 5. Chirwa 1190m. We follow an undulating trail keeping the Tamur Kosi (river) on our left. The trail passes through some small villages and across a landslide area to reach the small village of Chirwa. We camp by the river 10minutes beyond the village. Approx 6hrs.

Day 6. Sakathum 1640m. Today we follow the Tamur Kosi over a number of spurs before climbing over a ridge and dropping to the Ghunsa Khola valley. We camp here by the river near the Tibetan village of Sakathum. Local people can often be seen fishing in this river. Approx 6hrs.

Day 7. Amjilassa 2490m. The day begins with a steep climb up a narrow and somewhat exposed trail that leads to a waterfall and the small Limbu village of Ghaiya Bari. The climb continues on a gentler gradient, but still rather exposed, through an arid landscape to the Tibetan settlement of Amjilassa. In October and November it is often possible to purchase fresh yak cheese from the village. Approx 5hrs.

Day 8. Gyabla 2730m. After a short climb of 100m we enter a lush bamboo,oak and rhododendron forest where we may see langur monkeys. The trail drops to rejoin the Gunsa Khola, only to make a steep climb to camp near Gyabla. Approx 5hrs.

Day 9. Gunsa 3430m. We descend to follow the river through a forest of fir trees to Phere, a small village with an interesting gompa or monastery. A local craft industry here is the hand weaving of carpets which may be for sale. After lunch we continue up the valley which widens out before we cross the Gunsa Khola to the south side and the village of Gunsa. It is necessary to check permits here at the police checkpost. Approx 6hrs.

Day 10. Khambachen 4040m. The trail climbs gradually along the southern bank before recrossing to a large pasture area known as Rambuk Kharka. We have to cross a landslide area as the trail continues to climb offering good views of Jannu (Peak of Terror). Eventually we descend to the Tibetan settlement of Khambachen. Approx 5hrs.

Day 11. Khambachen. We spend a rest day here to acclimatise. It is possible to climb a nearby ridge for views of the high peaks near Kanchenjunga or make a trip to Jannu base camp.

Day 12. Lhonak 4790m. A relatively easy day but made more difficult by the altitude. It takes about 3hrs to reach the summer pastures of Ramtang before crossing the moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier. Lhonak is a large sandy plain on the north side of the glacier and provides terrific mountain views of Twins Peak (7350m). Approx 5hrs.

Day 13. Depending on the ability of the group to acclimatise we will either move on to Pang Pema and spend 2 nights there or stay at Lhonak for acclimatisation and reach Pang Pema tomorrow.

Day 14. Pang Pema 5140m. It is a short walk to the basecamp at Pang Pema though due to the altitude and the glorious mountain scenery it is not to be rushed. The views are dramatic and our camp site lies at the lip of a vast cirque surrounded by Wedge Peak (6750m), Ramtang (6700m), Kambachen (7902m), Yalung Kang (8505m), Kanchenjunga (8598m), The Twins (7350m) and Cross Peak (6510m). For those who are sufficiently acclimatised a rewarding climb can be made part way up the ridge behind the campsite where even more peaks come into view such as Tent Peak (7365m) and Pyramid Peak (7123m).

Day 17, 18 and 19. From Gunsa we will decide which pass to cross over to reach the south side depending upon local conditions. Either way it will take 3 strenuous days through spectacular high mountain scenery to reach Ramche at 4620m.

Day 20. Tseram 3870m. From Ramche we can explore towards the Yalung Glacier for outstanding views of the surrounding mountains. The south face of Kanchenjunga towers above and from Oktang at 4624m we can see the spectacular icy east face of Jannu. Approx 8hrs.

Day 21. Toranton 2990m. We descend through forests alongside the Simbua Khola past Buddhist shrines, rock cairns and prayer flags to a collection of small caves known as Toronton. Approx 7hrs.

Day 22. Yamphudin 1690m. Today is a long day with an initial climb on a sometimes muddy trail through forest to Lamite Bhanjyang at 3410m. From here it is a steep climb down to the Omje Khola where thee is a welcome tea shop. We follow the river downstream before gradually climbing to Dubi Bhanjyang . From this ridge we descend through meadows and fields of barley and corn to reach Yamphudin at the junction of the Omje and Kabeli Kholas, about 2-3 hrs beyond the crossing of the Omji Khola. Approx 8hrs.

Day 23. Khesewa 1960m. Another day of ascent followed by descent and yet more climbing over a series of small ridges through the prosperous Limbu village of Mamanke. Corn and barley begin to give way to rice terraces as we reach the scattered village of Khesewa. Approx 8hrs.

Day 24. Lali Kharka 2220m. A gradual climb brings us to the Gurung settlement of Bhanjyang before descending steeply through wheat fields to Kunjari at 1700m. We continue to descend and cross the small Phawa Khola before climbing through forest to camp at Lali Kharka. Approx 6hrs.

Day 25. Suketar 2300m. In the morning we climb through forest to a small pass where there is a small cluster of tea shops. From here we can see the holy mountain of Pathibhara where animals are sacrificed in the months of October and November. From here it is a gradual descent to Suketar. Approx 4hrs.

The day begins early with a wake-up cup of tea and bowl of warm washing water. Kitbags are packed and made ready for the porters who leave before breakfast. Meanwhile breakfast is served in the dining tent and consists of porridge or muesli, omelette, fried or boiled egg and chapatti, parantha, or the delicious Tibetan bread.The mornings walk lasts for 3-4 hours with a hot lunch served en route. The afternoons walk is generally shorter and allows time to relax in camp or explore the surroundings. Dinner is taken at around 7.00pm and consists of soup,followed by a pasta, rice or potato based dish, and dessert. Catering for vegetarians is no problem.

A detailed kit list will be provided on confirmation of your booking. Essential items include a sleeping bag liner, lightweight leather or synthetic waterproof boots, torch and a warm fleece jacket. We provide sleeping bags and a kitbag in which to store your gear. Remember you only need to carry a daysack whilst on trek.

Located just outside the tropics, the days in Chitwan are generally warm for most of the year and require only light clothing. However, from November to February the early mornings and evenings can be very chilly, requiring a warm sweater or jacket. Early morning elephant rides can be particularly cold before the sun rises and warms the air enough to dispel the damp morning mist.

Light - weight, loose-fitting trousers and long-sleeved shirts are recommended for elephant riding as they give protection from cuts and scratches while moving through the tall grass and forests. Canvas shoes or lightweight boots are ideal for walking or elephant riding as they give protection from thorny vines, insects and prickles. Bright colors are very conspicuous in the jungle and we advise that you wear neutral-colored clothing. A sunhat or light neck scarf and suncream are necessary for preventing sunburn and perhaps insect repellent for use out of doors in the evening. A pair of binoculars can be useful for wildlife viewing.

Temperatures during the day are very pleasant and can range from 6 - 30 degrees centigrade at Pokhara.. However in the mountain environment this may not always be the case. At higher elevations night time temperatures can very occasionally drop close to freezing in Dec/Jan. The skies are usually clear with excellent visibility, the best time for photography being in the morning.

The trek will be led by an experienced English speaking Sherpa Guide, supported by a well trained team of Sherpas and porters. The cook will have successfully completed courses in Cook Training conducted by the Hotel Management Training Centre in Kathmandu and the cookcrew are all experienced in meeting the needs of trekkers. All our staff pay strict attention to matters of hygiene at all times. In Chitwan you will be accompanied by fully trained field guides and/or naturalists who know the Park intimately. All sightseeing will be accompanied by an officially appointed guide.

Detailed advice on health matters and vaccination requirements will be sent upon confirmation of your booking however, you will need to be protected against Hepatitis A, Typhoid,polio,tetanus,and Meningitus. In addition you should take malaria prophylactic pills during your trek and for four weeks after leaving Nepal. Please consult your doctor for up to date advice. We recommend that each person carries a basic first aid kit and a list of suggested contents will be sent to you at the time of booking.

Single entry visas cost $30 are valid for 60 days, and cover all our Nepal only treks. Full details of application procedure and a visa application form will be sent to you at the time of booking.

Our treks and tours include all the services/facilities as stated in our brochure. Where hotel accommodation is on a B&B basis you should allow at the most $15 - 20 per day to cover meals, allow $16 for Kathmandu Airport Departure Tax and approximately $25 -30 for trek crew tips. The amount of extra money you bring is a matter of personal choice but $200 should be more than sufficient to cover monastery donations, the purchase of soft drinks on trek and most souvenirs

In Kathmandu we stay in either the Hotel Marshyangdi or Manang. Both are rated 3 star and are situated on the edge of Thamel within walking distance of the bazaars and restaurants. In Pokhara we stay in the Hotel Snowland or equivalent in the Lakeside area close to shops and restaurants. Accommodation is on a twin share basis and includes breakfast. Single rooms are available upon request and payment of a single supplement as quoted in our price list. At Dhulikel we stay in the luxurious Dhulikel Mountain Resort. In Chitwan we stay in the Machan Wildlife Resort.

On trek our camping departures use two person tents with sewn in groundsheets and separate flysheets. Dining tent, toilet tent, table and camp stools are provided. Single tents are available but are subject to availability and payment of a supplement as stated in the price list.

All sightseeing tours and transfers are by private minibus. Internal flights to Pokhara are on the scheduled services of one of the airlines operating within Nepal.

Flights to Kathmandu are often booked up months in advance; we strongly advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

For flight information and fares to and from the USA contact Cheapfares from the Destination Resources on our website at

Before booking, please read the brochure description, and booking conditions carefully. We accept payment by International bank transfer to Golden Hill Travel Trust Account.

Lloyds Bank, Taunton Branch, 31 Fore Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1HN, England

Alternatively you can pay by Visa, or Mastercard directly into our Trust Account. We do NOT add a surcharge to your invoice if you pay with a credit card or charge card. We also offer the option of a no surcharge guarantee if payment is made in full at the time of booking. Please complete the booking form and enclose a deposit of £200 or approx $320 per person.

Please indicate on the booking form any extensions or equipment hire requirements. On receipt of your booking, we will send your confirmation together with an information pack that includes details of:

If you book within eight weeks of departure the full amount is payable upon booking.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to making your holiday a memorable and rewarding experience.

The information above is given on good faith and reflects an average range of conditions. Mountain weather is unpredictable and conditions may necessitate a change in the itinerary which should be viewed as a statement of intent and not as a contractual obligation on behalf of GHT. The group leader will make any changes that are necessary after consultation with the group. A flexible open minded approach is essential to gain maximum enjoyment from adventure travel.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION

Golden Hill Travel is an approved member of the Travel Trust Association, TTA Number R4164. By booking with Golden Hill Travel you can be sure that your travel plans are totally secure