Pokhara –Poonhill Yoga tour with Barefooting option has much like the same elements as in its list A itinerary except the fact that it has a slightly different route and the option for barefoot walking.
Pokhara –Poonhill Yoga tour with Barefooting option has much like the same elements as in its list A itinerary except the fact that it has a slightly different route and the option for barefoot walking.
Combined with daily Yoga and Meditation practices, this tour takes us through Nepal’s most enchanting cities – Kathmandu and Pokhara with moderate hike to Poonhill in the Annapurna region. After an initial sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley’s major attraction, we either fly or drive to Pokhara and then to New bridge from where we actually have our first leg of trek to Ghorepani –Poonhill. During the course of our hike, we stay in beautiful teahouses eating local delicacies and taking in the mesmerizing scenery. The hike also provides us the opportunity to explore and study diverse Nepalese society, their different ways of life and uniquely intact tradition. After an unusually early morning start (4 am) from Ghorepani we ascend an hour and half to reach the viewpoint in Poonhill from where there are dramatic views of the northern most flank of the great Himalayas including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. The sunrise views from Poonhill and dynamic Yoga lesson in the backdrop of majestic Himalayas form the major attraction of this trip before concluding in Kathmandu again.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport- T I A (1300m) and transfer to hotel- The Thamel Eco Resort.
Day 02: Early morning Yoga / Meditation class at the Thamel Eco Resort followed by breakfast. After, we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valleys cultural, historical, religious (world heritage) sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site. The whole area of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home to Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition. In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure with live Nepalese culture show.
Day 03: Early morning Yoga / Meditation class at the Thamel Eco Resort followed by breakfast and we start a day long sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur cities.
Patan
Patan is separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati River and is the second largest town in the valley. It has historically been known by its Sanskrit name Lalitpur (City of Beauty) and its Newari name, Yala. Patan's Durbar Sq is full of temples, with a far greater concentration of architecture per square meter than in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. There are more than 600 stupas and 185 bahals scattered throughout the fascinating backstreets making the city a perfect choice for the discerning visitors.
Bhaktapur
Known as the city of Devotees, Bhaktapur is the third major town within Kathmandu valley. This traffic free and traditionally intact town is also in many ways the most timeless and is certainly more pleasurable walking in. The cobblestone streets link a string of temples, courtyards and monumental squares, and the sidestreets are peppered with shrines, wells and water tanks. The town's cultural life is also vibrant, with centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship and strong communities of potters, woodcarvers and weavers. Look for rice laid out to dry in the sun, people collecting water or washing under the communal taps, dyed yarns hung out to dry, children's games, fascinating shops and women pounding grain - there's plenty to see.
Today, we will have a lunch break either in Patan or Bhaktapur itself and return to the hotel in the early evening. After some rest we will then assemble in a special hall for meditation discourse from Dr. Chintamani Gautam, our Yoga teacher. And after dinner we will assemble again for classic meditation practice as taught by Dr. Gautam, for an hour before retiring to the bed.
Day 04: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Morning Yoga / Meditation class at the Thamel Eco Resort followed by breakfast then we either drive (7hrs) or fly (35min) to Pokhara. Upon our arrival, the rest of the day is kept free for you to explore this beautiful lakeside city on your own or if you would like you can just sit back and relax. Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 915m, Pokhara is a place of natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and tranquility. The most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range.
Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks - creating the ambience that has made it such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Relax in a café, hire a boat and float around the lake, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops.
In the late afternoon we will assemble for the group meditation taught by Dr. Chintamani Gautam followed by dinner in the most delightful setting. Overnight at one of the finest hotel of Pokhara.
Day 05: Pokhara – New Bridge- Tikhedhunga (1577m):
After an early morning Yoga session and breakfast we will then drive for about an hour along the Seti River valley from Pokhara to the trek starting point called Naya Pool (new bridge) and have our trekking permit checked in Birethanti (1,100m) shortly. From Birethanti, the path follows through sub tropical valley forest. After lunch the route then descends towards Modi valley through bamboo and terrace farmland before arriving to Tikhedhunga where we stay overning. In the evening we practice our meditation course and have dinner before retiring to bed.
Day 05: Tirkhedhunga - Ghorepani (2855m.)
After morning Yoga session and breakfast today we could ascend down gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) From Ulleri we continue our ascent to Ghorepani village. The name of the village “Ghorepani” in English literarily translates to Ghore (horse) Pani (water). In old days this place used to be a major trading centre where the traders used to take rest and let their horse drink the water so it gained the name as such.
Ascend from Ulleri becomes gentle as compare to the previous day and arrives shortly to Banthanti. From here on we mostly pass through the rhododendron forest before arriving to Nagthanti where we have our lunch. From Nagthali the forest becomes even denser leading to the path with stone steps and arriving to the lower part of Ghorepani. After ascending for about 20 minutes we finally arrive to the check post- the gate way to the upper village where we will stay overnight and from where there are mesmerizing views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges as well as Nilgiri. After some rest we have some refreshment and assemble in the main hall for today’s session of meditation as taught by our expert Dr. Gautam. Dinner in the evening and overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Ghorepani – Poonhill (3193m)-Tadapani (2700m/8,860 ft): 6-7 hrs:
Today we trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and then to Tadapani. We cover the distance within five and half hours of normal trek. Early morning, we start our trip to Poonhill (3180m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and numerous other snowcapped mountain peaks.
This morning we have an open air Yoga session at Poonhill before returning back to Ghorepani. Having breakfast at Ghorepani, we then start our trek to Tadapani through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, one can observe waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, birds and green valleys. Upon arrival at Tadapani we have some rest and refreshment before assembling in the hall for an hour long meditation practice. Dinner and overnight at Tadapani hotel.
Day 07: Tadapani - Ghandruk (1940m) 3-4 hrs:
Morning Yoga class / breakfast and we commence our hike to Ghandruk. Comparatively, today is the easiest trek of all days. One has to trek through the forests of Rhododendron and oak One could hear soothing chirp of birds on the way. This trek also offers best alternative for birds lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum. From this village you could observe good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. In the evening, typical Gurung Cultural program will be organized on request. As we arrive quite early we should have enough time to wind down and explore this traditional Gurung Village before assembling in the main hall for today’s session of meditation. Dinner and overnight at Ghandruk hotel.
Day 08: Ghandruk - Pothana (1990m.)
Morning Yoga class / breakfast and we commence our hike to Pothana. The first part of our trek is quite steep up to Kimbu (Bee hive in Gurung language). Kimbu is situated at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. One has to ascend following the stone staircase to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for nearly two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From here, one can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Evening session of Meditation, dinner and overnight at Pothana.
Day 09: Pothana - Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) – Pokhara
Morning Yoga class / breakfast and we commence our hike to Trek to Pokhara via Dhampus Phedi, taking us about four hours. The trail descends gradually for at least an hour and follows gravel road for two hours and then descend to Phedi passing through Dhampus village. Upon arrival at Dhampus Phedi, we take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. We arrive in time in Pokhara for us to have plenty of time for rest and refreshment before assembling in the hall for group meditation. Dinner and overnight at one of the best hotel in Pokhara.
Day 10: Pokhara – Kathmandu:
Morning Yoga class / breakfast and today, we either fly or drive back to Kathmandu. Depending on the mood of arrangement (transportation) we will schedule today’s evening session of meditation accordingly. . Dinner and overnight at Thamel Eco Resort.
Day 10: Morning Yoga class and day at complete leisure at Kathmandu followed by farewell dinner in the evening hosted by Makalu Adventure.
Day 11: Morning Yoga class / breakfast and transfer to the Airport for final departure