Join ETC in Nepal in November 2023!

Together with Nepal Sanctuary Treks, one of Nepal’s leading trek outfitting companies, ETC is offering a travel and trekking opportunity specially created to provide an experience that cannot be found on traditional tours of Nepal. Our journey will take us from the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, with their Newari cultural and architectural sites, to small and relatively isolated villages; and from the low plains along the Indian border (Tarai) where ETC is currently working up into what Nepalis refer to as the Middle Hills.

In the Eastern Tarai, we’ll stay at a wildlife reserve on a major river. We’ll also visit ETC’s completely untouristed current working villages, where you’ll meet ETC project staff and women’s group members and experience for yourself what ETC does and why it is so effective. From there, we’ll go to a relatively new and uncrowded trekking circuit offering spectacular views of Mt. Everest and its neighboring peaks. Our easy-to-moderate route will take us through rhododendron and bamboo forests and meadows, along ridgelines, rivers, and hilltops from which we’ll enjoy a variety of marvelous vistas.

This is a fundraising activity, as indicated in the pricing given below. Altitudes given in the itinerary are in feet/meters above sea level and refer to approximate altitude at each day’s end unless otherwise specified. Meals included for each day are indicated in parentheses.

 

Itinerary:

November 1, 2023 (4,596 ft./1,401 m.): Arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, where you will be met by a representative of Nepal Sanctuary Treks and driven to Bhaktapur, an ancient Newar town in the Kathmandu Valley. You’ll be given a trip briefing and have the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers. Lodging at Hotel Heritage Malla or similar in Bhaktapur.

November 2 (4,596 ft./1,401 m.): Enjoy a guided cultural tour in historic Bhaktapur, one of three medieval cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Visit a traditional potter and try making pottery for yourself! Meet the ETC Director and Education Officer, both residents of this lovely town. Lodging at Hotel Heritage Malla or similar in Bhaktapur. (breakfast)

November 3 (246 ft./75 m.): Fly to Biratnagar and drive from there to the beautiful Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, where you will stay at the Koshi Camp Resort for the next two nights. If time permits, we’ll stop by the ETC field office in the afternoon to meet the staff. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

November 4 (246 ft./75 m.): Enjoy a day of walking, bird-watching, and wildlife spotting at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

November 5 (1,145 ft./349 m.): Drive to Ramdhuni Municipality and visit some of ETC’s current working villages. This area is entirely untouristed, and you will have a unique opportunity to see real village life and meet some of the wonderful people who are directing, supporting, and benefiting from our programs. In the evening, we’ll take a short drive to Dharan and lodge at the Hotel Gajur Palace or similar. (breakfast)

November 6 (5,249 ft./1,600 m.): Visit the charming old hill town of Bhojpur, a 5-hour drive from Dharan. Observe craftsmen, shop, and explore on your own. Lodging at the Bal Guest House or similar in Bhojpur. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

November 7 (7,972 ft./2,430 m.): First day of trek (Mundum circuit). Drive to Suntale Baghkhor and from there hike 5-6 hours on a mostly level trail with stairs and benches along the way on the inclined areas. Enjoy beautiful distant views of mountains, forested ridgelines, and animals grazing in meadows. Glamping accommodations at Ekrate. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

November 8 (9,750 ft./2,972 m.): Second day of trek. Hike approximately 4 hours to Maiyung Hill (elevation at top 10,935 ft./3,333 m.) and again enjoy outstanding views. Glamping accommodations at Hans Pokhara, known as a rehabilitation and resting place for migratory ducks. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

November 9 (9,029 ft./2,752 m.): Third day of trek. Hike approximately 3 hours through bamboo forests, stopping for lunch at the riverside village of Jaljale. Glamping accommodations in Dotre. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

November 10 (7,545 ft./2,300 m.): Fourth day of trek. Hike approximately 4-5 hours on a mostly level trail along ridges offering spectacular views of the mountains of Khotang District. Glamping accommodations in Chakhewa Bhanjyang. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

November 11 (5,249 ft./1,600 m.): Fifth and final day of trek. Hike approximately 2 hours through a rhododendron forest and take in marvelous distant views of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) and other majestic peaks, and of India, Bhutan, and Tibet. Drive back to Bhojpur and lodge again at the Bal Guest House or similar. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

November 12 (4,271 ft./1,302 m.): Drive from Bhojpur to Biratnagar and take a short flight to Kathmandu. Lodging at the Timila Hotel or similar, in the heart of old Patan Bazaar, for the next two nights. (breakfast)

November 13 (4,271 ft./1,302 m.): Take a guided tour of medieval Patan, also known as the City of Artisans. Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Durbar Square, attend a traditional Laxmi Puja ceremony, and enjoy delicious Newari food. (breakfast)

November 14 (4,271 ft./1,302 m.): Transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight. Alternatively, if you wish to stay longer and make even more unforgettable memories, you may make your own arrangements. (Nepal Sanctuary Treks can help you with any additional arrangements.) (breakfast)

Included in the cost:

• Airport transfers
• All surface transportation (private cars and/or buses)
• Domestic flights between Biratnagar and Kathmandu
• All lodging and meals described above
• Costs for trekking guides, kitchen staff, and porters
• Guided sightseeing tours in Bhaktapur and Patan, including entrance fees
• Duffel bag
• Tax-deductible* donation to ETC of $2,500 per person (if you are able and willing to donate more, we thank you!)
• Total: $4,114 per person, including tax-deductible donation and based on double occupancy, if there are 11 or more participants. (For 9-11 participants, $4,184 per person; for 6-8 participants, $4,310 per person.) Single supplement $442.

Not included in the costs given above:

• Meals not mentioned in itinerary, snacks, and any additional/alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, activities not listed, purchases at pharmacies or stores, etc.)
• International airfare (sample ticket prices as of February 2023, subject to change: starting at $1,075-1,200 per person, economy round trip from Dulles, San Francisco, or JFK to Kathmandu)
• Visa fee: US$ 30 for 15 days, US$ 50 for 30 days, or US$125 for 90 days multiple entry
• Trip and liability insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
• Tips/gratuities

Next steps:

• If you are interested, please e-mail Lisa Lyons at director@etc-nepal.org or Teressa Naylor at info@etc-nepal.org by April 1, 2023 so that we can add you to the list. Let us know how many are in your party and whether you will require single occupancy or are willing to room with another participant if appropriate. Expressing interest at this time does not commit you to participating.
• We will contact everyone on the list in early April and request that a non-refundable down payment of 25% of the total be made by May 1, 2023 if you do plan to participate. We cannot guarantee that there will be spots available later on if we do not receive your down payment by May 1st. (We aim to keep this trip size to approximately 12-15 people maximum, not including ETC board or staff participants.)
• Thereafter, we will provide additional information, including packing lists.
• The remaining 75% will be payable by September 1, 2023.

* tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law