MERA PEAK CLIMBING

MERA PEAK climbing  & HINKU VALLEY
‘trek and climb in the hidden valley of Khumbu’

Encounters Nepal .COM trek and climb to Mera Peak & Hinku valley one of the most fascinating adventure which leads you to the top of Mera Peak at 6,461m / 21,190 ft, one of the finest and famous trekking peak around Himalaya and Everest region, due to its straightforward climbing route with little technical difficulty makes this climb to Mera Peak popular.
Mera Peak & Hinku Valley was not least climbed in the past decade, at present it is slowly becoming more popular, as the route of trekking to Mera Peak base camp is more adventurous than the climb as well, as the walk leads high over the ridge of Naulekh which separates the Khumbu area from Hinku Valley and western Makalu region.
Encounters Nepal adventure to Mera Peak & Hinku valley starts with a sweeping scenic short flight to Lukla at 2,820 m high, where our other field staff will meet after loading and final preparation, trek leads to a quiet area at Chuntaga with rest and then climbing high to a steep climb reaching a top ridge decorated with many Buddhist prayer flags at 4,450meters, the pass is Zatrwa Og, from here crossing over a boulder slope with impressive stunning views across Dudh Kosi river valley and peaks of Karyolung and Lumding Himal, after amazing scenery an hour downhill reaches to Tuli Kharka for overnight camp.
Journey continues to Mera base camp with rest day at Tangnag 4,360 m for proper acclimatization and short hike and adventure continues leading at Mera Base Camp at 5, 300m/17,384 ft.
Here with rest and acclimatization enough time to maintain health and physical shape for the adventurous climb to the summit of Mera Peak.
After good preparation our expert guide will lead with safe routes at early morning with a steep climb; where our guides will fix ropes on necessary sections, after a hard strenuous climb without any technical difficulty reaching to the top summit of Mera peak, enjoy the panorama of highest mountains with Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho- Oyu all the way Mt. Kanchenjunga towards further east.

To be on top at 6,461m / 21,190 ft will certainly makes you feel at the top of the world after a great achievement with experience of a life time and dream come true.

Slowly and surely descending back to base camp and heading back to Lukla on the same route passing several nice areas with overnight  in the hidden valley of Hinku through arid barren landscapes to verdant green forest area.
After few stops at Khothey and Thuli Kharka reaching at Lukla for the final night with the friendly crews for celebration, next early morning a great short flight of 35 minutes brings you back to Kathmandu after a high and exciting adventurous trip to Mera Peak & Hinku Valley with outmost great service of Encounters Nepal and its team of staff.

Paldor Peak Climbing

PALDOR PEAK CLIMBING  AROUND GANESH HIMAL

‘exploring around the least trekked region of Ganesh Himal’

One of the most noticeable peaks within the great bulk of massive chain of Ganesh Himal, where the main Ganesh I (7,405 meters), summit / can be viewed from Kathmandu valley also.

Ganesh Himal adjoining with Langtang Himal forms the part of Greater Himalaya which is the closest mountain range from Kathmandu. The first western to explore was Bill Tilman in the mid 1950’ around Ganesh and Langtang region. 

Bill Tilman made the first ascent of Paldor peak from then on it has become one of the best trekking peaks to climb. Around Ganesh and Paldor area awesome trekking where it is less touched by other western trekkers, on this remote and isolated area surrounded with enchanting forest of tall rhododendron, birch, pines, oaks and fir trees.

Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal trek offers tremendous views of Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), 08th highest Mt. Manaslu at 8,163 m, Ganesh Himal (7,405 m) Langtang Lirung (7,234 m)  Ghengu Liru(Langtang II 6571m / 21,560ft), stretching to Jugal Himal towards east terminating in Dorje Lakpa (6,980m/22,929ft) in a massive mountain wall, forming the frontier with Tibet.

Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal, one of the most unique region due to its scenic and cultural traditional villages with fabulous scenery, as the walk leads from the picturesque village of Syabrubesi, the trek is moderate with steep uphill for few days, where all interested trekkers can take part in this marvelous destination Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal in the comfort of lodge or home stay and camping along the route with warm hospitality of the native Tamang ethnic tribe of people.  

Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal starting with an interesting drive from Kathmandu heading North West around Langtang and Rasuwa area at Dhunche town, and then heading to Syabrubesi village the gateway to Langtang valley, Tibet border and Ganesh Himal.

Walk leads past traditional farm villages of Gatlang and Saldang and passing the zinc and magnesia mining areas to reach the barren arctic landscapes at Paldor Peak base, after walking through beautiful forested area.

At base camp 4,500m / 14,900ft with few days as rest day to explore and to acclimatize as well preparations Paldor peak climb at 5,896 meters high, offers great technical challenge in some sections as this peak climb is graded as PD+ as per Swiss and French Alpine climbing system, where our expert guides will make necessary arrangement for the climb pitching fix ropes and making ice ledges to make it possible for all group members to reach the summit top of Paldor offering tremendous scenery of Annapurna, Manaslu massive Ganesh Himal, Langtang to Jugal Himal range.

After a grand time heading back to the road head at Trisuli Bazaar in the warmer area, as the walk leads through lovely alpine forest in complete wilderness and crossing Pansing Bhanjyang Phedi 3,822m / 12,540ft and towards rural country and villages, on reaching at Trisuli Bazaar a scenic drive back to Kathmandu with remarkable and amazing adventure to Paldor Peak around Ganesh Himal trek with outmost excellent guidance and service of Encounters Nepal.

Langtang Valley Trekking

LANTANG VALLEY TREKKING 

“in and around beautiful alpine country of Langtang Himalaya range”

Encounters Nepal organize Langtang Valley Trek one of the most picturesque and amazing destination situated in the central Himalaya range of mountains the Langtang Himal straddles the border of Nepal/Tibet.

Langtang Valley Trek lies within Langtang National Park around Rasuwa district which is mostly inhabited by Tamang ethnic tribe of people of Tibetan origin, with ancient Bon /Buddhism culture and traditions.

Langtang Valley Trek is the nearest destination from Kathmandu and the whole Langtang area extends from 32 km north of Kathmandu to the Nepal - China (Tibet) border.

On this Langtang valley trek walk leads through beautiful oaks, chir pine, maple, fir, blue pine, hemlock, spruce and various species of rhododendron make up the main forest tree species.

Along with the existing forest provides habitat for a wide range of animals including wild dog, red panda, pika, munt jack, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Thar, goral, serow, rhesus monkey and common languor. The glacier fed Trisuli-Bhote Kosi River forms an important route for birds on spring and autumn migration between India and Tibet.

Langtang Valley Trekking  with Encounters Nepal starts from Kathmandu with an interesting and scenic overland journey leading higher hills to reach at Dhunche where the Langtang National Park begins from its entrance. Dhunche a large and headquarter town of Langtang and Rasuwa district.

From here drive descend to Syabrubesi, where our trek begins leading higher up through scattered farm villages to enter enchanting alpine forest of rhododendron, pines and oaks where in spring and summer the hills will be lighted with bright colors from the bloom of wild flowers turning this country into magic.

Walk leads to Langtang village where you can marvel the ancient Tibetan Buddhism culture of the Tamang people, from here heading higher as the river gorge opens up into a wide picturesque valley and slowly leads to our destination at Kyanjin Gompa at 3,770 meters, the highest point of this trek.

Langtang Valley Trek and at Kyanjin Gompa offers super views from Ganesh Himal (7,405 m) Langtang Lirung (7,234 m) 08th highest Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Ghengu Liru or Langtang II (6,571m / 21,560ft), Kimshun (6,745m) Shalbachum (6,918 m) to the south, includes Naya-Kanga (5,846m) Gangchempo, Tilman's beautiful Fluted Peak. Beyond it extends towards Jugal Himal, terminating in Dorje Lakpa (6,980m). To the east the upper meadows of the Langtang end in a massive mountain wall, forming frontier with Tibet.

At Kyanjin with extra day as rest to marvel the surrounding beauty or for short hike to add more heights to the adventure climb Tsego Ri of above 4,000 meters high.

After a wonderful time at Kyanjin heading back to Syabrubesi village for the drive back to Kathmandu after a most remarkable and finest weeklong Langtang Valley Trek with excellent service of Encounters Nepal.

lower DOLPO Trekking

LOWER DOLPO Trekking & PHOKSHUNDO LAKE

‘country of blue sheep and snow leopard with Bon / Buddhist culture’ 

Encounters Nepal adventure to Lower Dolpo Trekking & Phuksundo Lake a mesmerizing trek leading to the high country of Nepal Far North West Himalaya with captivating sceneries of high mountains, rolling hills, valleys and amazing landscapes, walk leads within Nepal largest Phuksundo National Park with an area of 3,555 SQ.KMS covering whole Dolpo and Mugu Districts.

The Phokshundo National Park rich in vegetation with forests of blue pine, spruce, cypress, poplar, deodar, fir and birch, the Jugdula River valley consists mostly of Quercus species, as the walk reaches higher elevation on the Trans-Himalayan area with desert type landscapes and vegetation of dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs.

Around Lower Dolpo & Phuksundo Lake chances of seeing some wildlife the elusive snow leopard and the blue sheep. Other common animals found in the park are goral, Himalayan thar, serow, leopard, wolf, jackal, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow-throated marten, languor and rhesus monkeys.

Beside its rich cultural villages, wild life and mountains, one can observe some exotic bird life as well of many species of birds, Impeyan pheasant (Danphe the national bird of Nepal), blood pheasant, cheer pheasants, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow, snow partridge and many others.

Beginning this fantastic adventure taking a sweeping flight towards Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj with ever exciting panorama of mountains all the way on 50 minutes flight.

From Nepalgunj after an overnight in this warm sub-tropical city another flight of 45 minutes towards Dolpo at Jhupal at 2,320 m high, where our guides and trekking crews will meet for the trek onwards to Lower Dolpo & Phuksundo Lake.

First day walk or with an option drive on a gradual dirt trail reaching at Dunai at 2,850 m for overnight stop, Dunai the largest town and headquarter of Dolpo region.

After Dunai heading towards our main destination at scenic Phoksudo Lake around Ringmo village walk leads past villages of Ankhe and Sulighat to enter the beautiful Phoksundo Lake.  Here with time to acclimatize at 3,500 meters high elevation, exploring the local village of Ringmo with old Bon and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Journey heads back to Jhupal and Dunai taking an alternative route with high pass of Numa-la at 5,190 meters and Baga La 5,070m to reach the Tarap Khola (stream) at Dho Tarap and heading further to a nice village of Tokyu Gaon one of the flourishing area of Dolpo on this old Trans Himalaya caravan trade to Tibet.

Trekking downhill reaching another thriving village of Tarakot which was the capital and Fort during the Malla regime till 16th century, from here taking a pleasant trail to Dunai and then drive back to Jhupal to conclude this remarkable trek Lower Dolpo & Phuksundo Lake, next morning an early flight to Nepalgunj and then back in the hustle bustle city life of Kathmandu after a great adventure with Encounters Nepal and its fine team of staff. 

Upper Dolpo Trekking

UPPER DOLPO Trekking & SHEY GOMPA

“trekking around snow leopard trail to crystal monastery”

An awesome journey with Encounters Nepal fabulous trek to Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa, where you will be completely captivated by its amazing ambiance in complete wilderness on Nepal far wild west.

Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa starting with a panoramic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj city located in the Far South West Nepal near to UP in India, a sub-tropical place with strong Indian influence in culture and its way of life of the people around here.

During the 50 minutes flight to Nepalgunj one can observe unparallel views of snow capped mountains from the take off to landing which includes Langtang-Jugal- Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung, Annapurna to Dhaulagiri range of mountains.

With overnight in this warm city of Nepalgunj, our adventure continues with another short flight of 45 minutes towards Far North West Nepal to Dolpo landing at Jhupal airstrip at 2,320 meters high, here on joining with our fellow trekking staff of guides, cook, kitchen helpers and porters, a short drive leads to Dunai town.

Dunai 2,850 m the headquarter town of whole Dolpo which lies within Shey-Phuksundo National Park covering an area of 3,555 Sq.Kms. Situated in the mountain region of western Nepal, covering parts of Dolpo and Mugu Districts. It is the largest national park of Nepal.

From Dunai our real adventure start walking towards Thulo Bheri Valley, after a while it leads to a ridge at Phuksundo river valley at 2,499 meters, with magnificent views of Kagamara Peak, after few days of nice trek reaching at Ringmo around beautiful Phuksundo Lake after overnights in Ankhe and Sulighat villages.

In Phuksundo Lake and Ringmo village with rest day for acclamatsation at the height of 3,500 meters high, spending two nights exploring the village where the culture and way of life of Dolpo highlanders are similar of South West Tibet in Buddhist and Bon culture including ancient traditions.

From this charming place our next adventure of Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa leads towards

Phoksundo Bhanjyang with a steep climb and fantastic views of surrounding hills and valley with snow capped peak to reach Shey Gompa via Kang-La pass at 5,360 meters, the highest point of this adventure.

Shey Gompa at 4,500 meters high also known as Crystal Monastery a well deserved rest day after a hard walks, here explore the mystical old  Monastery, as Shey means crystal in native language, description of the area is well defined by Peter Matthiessen in his classic novel “The Snow Leopard”. The monastery just nearby stands Crystal Mountain one of the strangest mountains, as its contorted cliffs is laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. 

Our return journey heading back to Jhupal and Dunai, taking an alternative route through interesting villages of Namdun, Saldang, Yangze Gompa and Tokyu Gaon via several high passes of Saldang-la 5,200 meters and Jeng-la 5,090 meters high.  

Finally walking to Tarakot one of the finest village of Dolpo area this picturesque village with a nice terraced cultivated fields and an old fortress around this village. 

(past hundred years, before Gorkha dynasty, this beautiful was the capital and had Dzong meaning Fort of the Malla regime). 

This remarkable and finest adventure Upper Dolpo & Shey Gompa comes to an end at Jhupal, with flight back to Kathmandu with brief stop in Nepalgunj for transit flight to Kathmandu after 50 mins airborne with tremendous views of mountain range landing at Kathmandu domestic airport, Encounters Nepal staff transfer you to respective hotels with afternoon free at leisure.

Manslu Circuit Trekking

Manaslu Circuit Trekking & Larkya la Pass
“trekking on amazing landscapes with fabulous mountain views”
Manaslu Circuit & Larkya la pass trekking a wonderful destination in the heart of world 8th highest Mt. Manaslu at 8,163 m / 26, 781 ft, first ascent to the summit by Japanese expeditions in May 09th 1956 with Nepali Sherpa climbers.
Manaslu region and its environment located within Manaslu Conservation Area established in 1998. Trekking Manaslu Circuit & Larkya-la offers wonderful vista of Ganesh Himal or Yangra at 7,422 m / 24,350 ft with towering North Face of
Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m / 26, 781 ft extending towards further west with peaks of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna range of mountains. 
This fabulous adventure starts with a drive from Kathmandu leading towards mid hills villages of Dhading and Gorkha districts area at Arughat in warmer sub-tropical temperature with lush rice fields and terraces and farm villages of Magar and Gurung tribe of people.

Starting the walk from warmer area following the great raging Burigandaki River upstream right up to its glacial source of massive Manaslu range of peaks, heading higher to cooler alpine area on passing the village of Machha Khola, Jagat to enter at Dyang where the upper Manaslu area begins.

Walk follows through beautiful forested area of rhododendron, pines, oak, spruce, hemlock and fir trees and then the river gorge widens into a scenic wider valley as the trek approach at Samagaon after walking through Lo and Ghap villages.

In Samagoan with rest day for acclimatization before heading higher elevation with time to marvel the villages with its rich old Buddhist culture very similar to Tibet which is just across northern border.

Samagoan an interesting large village of strong Tibetan influence in daily life which is on the route to Manaslu base camp, Larkya-la pass and to Tibet frontier as well, after a great wonderful time heading higher to Larkya pass base known as Phedi in Nepali. The Phedi also known as Larkya bazaar due to its trade to Tibet in the early past years, after Chinese invasion the trade from this area is limited.
However, still trade with Tibet bringing Chinese goods in exchange with Nepali spices and food grains.

After an overnight stop at Larkya Phedi also called Dharmasala (guesthouse) early morning an uphill to the top of the pass with vigorous climb for 3-4 hours, the top at 5, 200 meters 5,200m / 17,060 ft high, festooned with prayer flags and religious items as offering. The pass offering stunning views of snow capped mountains of Manaslu and as far to Himlung of Narphu area.

Walk leads to a long descend to reach at Dharapani after few overnight stops at Bhimthang and Gho. On reaching Dharapani village located on route of Annapurna circuit trail with many fine lodges to stay in this nice village with forest surrounding.

Next day walk leads to warmer area following the Marsyangdi River downstream to reach at Chamje where this fabulous and remarkable adventure concludes with a scenic long drive back to Kathmandu.

Manaslu Circuit Trekking | 19 Days Kathamndu to Gorkha | Mt Manaslu 

| Trek | Manaslu Circuit

Tsum valley Trekking ,Tsum valley Trek,Tsum valley Trekking with manaslu circuit

TSUM THE SCENIC VALLEY..... Tsum Valley Trekking 

‘an amazing adventure destination to valley of happiness’

There are many beautiful places with high hills and valley in and around the vast and massive Himalaya region, most of the popular and famous route of adventure trekking in Annapurna, Everest, Langtang Himalaya as far to Makalu and Kanchenjunga has been trekked and well trodden.

EncountersNepal offers a great trekking in complete wilderness to enjoy the Buddhist culture and custom as it was for many past centuries to Tsum the scenic valley also known as the valley of happiness.

The word Tsum is from Tibetan language as the “Beyul  Kyimolung” meaning the ‘Holy Hidden Valley of Happiness’, this sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley of Tsum known as the "hidden valley and famous for its mountains, picturesque landscapes, glaciers, green valley-hills as well the land of Shangri-la. 

Tsum valley area located on the remote North Mid West Himalaya, in the hidden pockets of Gorkha district sandwiched between giant and massif Mt. Ganesh Himal ( Yangra) 7,422 m / 24,350 ft and the worlds 08th highest Mt. Manaslu 8,163 m / 26,781 ft. This valley encircled by Sringi Himal in the North, Ganesh Himal towards North East & Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli to the North West.

This trek starts with a scenic overland drive from Kathmandu on main busy highway for short while, and then towards the famous Gorkha (early kingdom of Shah dynasty) one can see from the town of Gorkha the ancient Fort Palace.

Drive continues past many farm land villages, terraced cultivated fields of rice, millets and wheat, after a good interesting ride arriving in Arughat bazaar and a town the gateway to many treks like Manaslu circuit, Ganesh Himal base camp and Tsum Valley.

From here starting the trek following raging Buri Gandaki River upstream for few days to Jagat village, from here the route of Manaslu and Tsum Valley diverts, on leaving the great river behind towards Tsum Valley and in complete wilderness and then as the walk progress reaching at Chumling 2,386 meters high, here onwards air gets cooler entering the alpine and arctic climate zone.

Around Tsum villages enjoy the warm hospitality and the rich old culture of Tsum people, the traditions and way of life is similar to Tibet custom and religion.

Walk leads higher visiting Chokhangparo 3,010 m and Nile 3,361m here a short hike to saint Milereppa cave (an 11th Century poet and tantric Guru of Tibet).

Our final destination and to highest point of this trip is exploring Mu Gompa 3,700 meters high. Here visit of interesting old monastery and the traditional Tibetan culture villages including at Rachen Gompa 3,240 m - 05 hours.

After a wonderful time around Tsum Valley the Hidden Valley our return journey leads back to Arugat as the walk leads downhill through interesting villages of Jagat, Philim and Soti Khola to reach at Arughat Bazaar for the drive to Kathmandu after a remarkable and wonderful trip to Tsum Valley the Hidden Shangrila with great service of EncountersNepal and its team of staff and porters.