Expedition » Nepal Mountainering Association NMA Peaks for Expedition in Nepal
Group "B" Trekking Peaks
Name of Peak Height Region/Area
Hiuchuli 6,441m/21,126ft Annapurna Himal, Pokhara
Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak) 6,501m/21,323ft Annapurna Himal, Pokhara
Mardi Himal 5,587m/18,325ft Annapurna Himal, Pokhara
Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak) 5,663m/18,575ft Annapurna Himal, Pokhara
Mera Peak 6,654m/21,825ft Khumbu Himal, Everest Area
Kusum Kangru 6,367m/20,883ft Khumbu Himal, Everest Area
Kwangde Ri 6,011m/19,716ft Khumbu Himal, Everest Area
Imja-tse (Island Peak) 6,160m/20,205ft Khumbu Himal, Everest Area
Khongm-tse (Mehra Peak) 5,849m/19,185ft Khumbu Himal, Everest Area
Lobuje East 6,119m/20,070ft Khumbu Himal, Everest Area
Pokhalde 5,806m/19,044ft Khumbu Himal, Everest Area
Pisang 6,091m/19,978ft Manang Himal, Manang
Chulu East 6,584m/21,596ft Manang Himal, Manang
Chulu West 6,419m/21,054ft Manang Himal, Manang
Paldor 5,896m/19,339ft Ganesh Himal, Central Nepal
Naya Kanga (Ganjala Chuli) 5,844m/19,168ft Langtang National Park
Ramdung Go 5,925m/19,434ft Rolwaling Himal, East Nepal
Pharchamo 6,187m/20,293ft Rolwaling Himal, East Nepal
Fee Structure for Trekking Peaks
Royalty for 1-4 members: USD 350.00
Royalty for 5-8 members: USD 350.00 + USD 40.00 per person
Royalty for 9-12 members: USD 510.00 + USD 25.00 per person
Note : Maximum number of members in one team is 12.
Garbage Deposit for all 33 Trekking Peaks
A Garbage Deposit fee of USD 250.00 payable to NMA is required to obtain permits for all 33 NMA peaks. Refunds on the Garbage Deposit shall be as per NMA provisions.
Note:
Expeditions have to be accompanied by a Climbing Guide registered with NMA.
TIBET
Tibet, the very name evokes feelings of awe and mystery. Aland of ancient Buddhist culture, awesome landscapes, artistic monasteries, exotic cities, hidden valleys and centuries-old caravan trails, Tibet offers a totally different experience. Known as the roof of the world, it is the destination for the ultimate thrill-seeker. And Kathmandu is the natural gateway to this amazing land. Once the center of the ancient trade route connecting India and Tibet, Kathmandu is perfectly positioned for its modern role as the hub of adventure tourism in the Himalaya.
Fine transport connections exist between Kathmandu and Lhasa, the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China .You can go overland on a scenic highway that retraces the old caravan trail or take a spectacular flight over the Himalaya .the one-hour flight to Lhasa is an adventure in itself. Taking off from Kathmandu, the plane flies alongside the eastern Himalaya as far as Mt. Everest and then turns north with gigantic snow peaks filling up the left-hand side windows. Soon, the mountains drop away and you are gliding across the barren Tibetan plateau to touch down at Gonggar Airport, 85 km from Lhasa.
LHASA
Regardless of how much pre-departure reading you may have done, Lhasa will overwhelm you with its extraordinary sights. And it’s not only the altitude (3650 m) that will take your breath away. The magnificent Potala Palace, former seat of the Dalai Lamas, presides over the city. Built in 1645 at the top of a hill, the palace contains a thousand rooms, 10000 shrines and 200000 religious statues.
The old city revolves around the Jhokhang Temple and the quaint Bhakor market that surrounds it. The Jhokhang , built in the seventh century , is the holiest Buddhist shrine in Tibet. Its mural paintings, finely worked golden roofs and other artworks are something to see .At a little distance from the old city core, Lhasa is also a modern capital of concrete high-rises, fancy department stores and wide boulevards. Sleek taxi zip about (an average trip costs 10yuan) and you can hop on a minibus (2 Yuan) to get various points around town.US $1=8 Yuan
Norbulingka, which means “the jeweled garden”, consists of 360000 sq m of wooden greenery and three palaces once used by the Dalai Lama as a summer retreat. The Drepung Monastery lies about 10 km from the city .Built in 1416 by a discipleof Tsong Khapa , it is the largest in Tibet .Its numerous Buddhist statues, ancient scriptures, scroll paintings and other cultural relics will keep you fascinated. The sera Monastery , about 5 km north of Lhasa, is another important center of Buddhist learning .Built in 1419, its most remarkable image is a nine- meter image of Maitreya.
Shigatse
An excellent excursion from Lhasa is a circuit that takes in the towns of shigates, Gynaste and Tsetang. Fine highways and stunning scenery on the way make this a superb trip. It also offers a comprehensive experience of Tibet in a neat itinerary.
Shigagtse (altitude 3900 m) lies some 274 km to the west of Lhasa and is Tibet’s second Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river passing through narrow gorges and broad river valleys. Farmers plowing their fields with yaks, sheep grazing on the vast plains, awesome sand dunes and rocky hills in the distance are the scenic rewards of this journey.
The Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, is Shigatse’s most important contains a huge 26- meter high statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha. Other buildings contain images of Shakyamuni (the present Buddha), white and green Taras and embalmed bodies of past Panchen Lamas.
Shigatse to Gyantse (altitude 3800 m) is 94 km of gravel but good road. Gyantse’s symbol is the Kumbum Stupa which is 32 m high and contains 77 rooms and 100000 images of the Buddha. A prince of Gyantse had it built in 1427 by craftsmen from the Kathmandu valley .It is the finest example of 15th century Newar art extant in the world. Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Fort (built atop a massive rock) are other major sights here.
The road from Gyantse to Lhasa (260 km) takes you over three mountain passes: Simala (4380 m high),Karola (5045 m) and Gampala (4794 m) .The road skirts the Yamdrok Tso Lake before twisting up the Ghampala pass from the top of which there’s a fantastic view of the lake on one side and the Yarlung Tsangpo river on the other. The scenery and the adventure of travelling on the old mule caravan route make this excursion an unforgettable trip.
Tsetang
Tsetang (195 km from Lhasa) is known as the cradle of Tibetan civilization .The ancient town offers a number of side trips that illustrate Tibet’s early history. The Valley of the Kings (ancient capital of the Yarlung kings who established the Tibetan nation), the Yumbu Lagnag Palace (built for the first Yarlung king), and the Tandruk Monastery (one of the three royal Buddhist temples) are some of the major sights.
Getting There
Travel agencies in Kathmandu (see list elsewhere in the magazine) are specialists in arranging tours to Tibet. They will organize all your visa, transportation, and sightseeing and accommodation arrangement
General Information
Altitude sickness is the effect of the thin air at great heights .Travelers to Tibet may suffer some discomfort like breathlessness and headaches before becoming acclimatized .Many hotels keeps bottled oxygen for emergencies. Accommodation, there are tourist standard hotels with modern facilities as well as no-frills basic accommodation. Season, the popular time of the year to visit Tibet is May through October. Light-weight clothes are recommended during this season. Warm clothing is required from November to April.
Tara Air adds six more aircraft
On sep 17 009 .Tara Air has added six aircraft- four DHC 6300 Twin Otters and two PC-6s from mid September .The Company has leased two DO 228 Dornier aircrafts from associate company Yeti Airlines. Tara Air started charter flights from two Pilatus Porter aircraft last month.
The airlines is planning to operate 15 flights from Kathmandu to Lukla per day and daily flights to Jomsom from Pokhara and to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu .The airlines also has flights to Bharatpur and Meghauli of Chitwan.
Tara Air is operating charter flights to remote destinations like Syangboche, Langtang, Dhorpatan and Jiri. It supports tourism through special purpose flights like skydiving, Photography and aerial survey.
Meanwhile, at least three new airline companies -Pumo Air, Muktinath Air, and Paranova Paragliding- are starting their operations soon.
Happiness & its causes
Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Centre
A city centre for Buddhist study and meditation, established 1982 Keshar Mahal marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
‘Dharma and the city ‘programme 2009
Yoga for holistic health
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 9:30 am
Although yoga includes physical exercise, it is also a lifestyle practice in which exercise is just one component .Training your mind , body, and breath, as well as connecting with your spirituality, are the main goals of yoga. This is done through the practice of asanas (physical postures), pranayams (breathing practices), dhyana (meditation), and yogic kriyas (cleansing processes).
Dr Manoj Kumar Acharya studied his BA degree in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences in Dharmasthala, Bangalore, and south India from 2003 to 2008 .He has the combined knowledge of the ancient philosophy of Yoga, natural cure and modern science.
HBMC is delighted to offer this new specialized addition to our programme , come and start your day with an hour yoga session , on advanced booking required and enjoy one of our healthy vegetarian breakfasts from our Himalayan vegetarian garden café.
Special Weekend courses
Therapeutic yoga
Body detox programme
Drop – in classes: Rs 300/-
Special advanced priced tickets (5 and 10 days)
Join the hbmc residents’ yoga club, monthly rates available
Tia chi & chi Kung
Every Saturday 10:0am to 11:30 am
Taichi has been practiced in china for centuries as a martial art, as an exercise, as walking meditation, and as a means of improving the flow of internal energy within the body. Taichi is also a preventive and curative branch of Chinese medicine. Because of taichi’s emphasis on correct form and feeling each movement, it is practiced very slowly and gently .It is completely non-impact, yet involving the entire body.
Taichi promotes strength, stamina and flexibility, while tempering the joints of practitioners .As the whole body moves as one, Taichi cultivates the link between mind and body, enhancing balance and coordination, for the body it is an exercise, for the mind it is a study in concentration, will power, visualization, and a system of spiritual meditation.
Mr Macha Ratna Maharjan, Taichi instructor, joint secretary of the Nepal Taichi Chuan Federation and silver medalist of 10th south Asian Games 2006 has been practicing taichi since 1989 with shifu Karma Lama.
HBMC is delighted to offer this new specialized addition to our programme, come and start your Saturdays with a two hour taichi session , no advanced booking required .Please contact hbmc for drop in and special monthly rates.
ENDANGERED SPECIES OF NEPAL
Due to heavy poaching, Nepal has been facing extrem probem of endancered species.From 1950 to 1980 Nepal lost half of its forest cover to make room for its population that had doubled during the period. Today, less than 30% of the total land is covered by forests. Moreover, the practise of subsistence farming has put great pressure on the forest lands and wild animals. These, accompanied by the increasing problems of poaching have meant that several species of animals have become endangered in Nepal.
Tigers and leapards
Tigers and leopards are top most endangered species of Nepal and usually killed for their superb coats and bones. The bones are used in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine. There is a rising demand for tiger related goods. Tiger skins and bones are in strong demand. Poachers and smugglers have established a clever route by which tigers surface in the form of medicines and balms in Chinese markets as Chinese "medicine". Not a year goes by without stories of seizures of bones and skins by customs officials. But these seizures are only the tip of the iceberg and the poaching still continues.
Musk Deer
Musk deer are also endangered species of Nepal and they are hunted for musk, a powdery substance which the male musk deer secretes from a gland in the abdomen. This is a highly valued item for perfumes and medicines. Chinese use the musk as a folk medicine and believe it has aphrodisiac properties.
Himalayan Black Bear
The Himalayan Black Bear is also endangered species of Nepal. The animals are killed for their gall bladder, which provides the ingredients of one of the most coveted oriental medicines.
Other endangered species of Nepal include the one-horned Rhinoceros, the Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer, Pygmy Hog, Wild Elephant, Hispid Hare, Wild Yak, Snow Leopard, Red Panda and the Gharial Crocodile.
About Tansen
Tansen, a pristine hill town 110 km south of Pokhara, situated at an altitude of 1371 m about midway down the Siddhartha Highway linking Pokhara with Lumbini, it has a unique geographic location and climate, and very friendly people.
The hill station is populated mainly by Newars, who make up 60% of the population .Typical Newar houses, pagoda style temples and stupas line the steep cobbled streets of Tansen giving an echo of old Kathmandu. The main bazaar abounds with vibrant hill people all busy on their own.
Its Specialties
The hand –woven pashmina cloth typical of the place is famous all over the kingdom. Many houses have both men and women weaving the famed Dhaka cloth. The specialty of this cloth is the many intricate patterns painstakingly woven by expert hands. The cloth is used for making topi (Nepalese cap) , shawl. Dhaka also makes excellent material for the traditional Newar blouse and children’s wear .The whole process of weaving the cloth is very fascinating.
The potters of this region are also famous for their skill in making earthen pots. The potters at work at Ghorbanda –Khorbari , situated a few kilometers north off the highway , is an interesting sight indeed. Tansen is also famous for its brass craft. Nepalese all over the country covet the typical Pal-Pali Karuwa, or bronze water jars , which are made here. These water jars are distinguished by the peacock figure on the lid. Also popular is the artistic bronze oil lamp stand, twa- dewa which makes and excellent decoration piece.
Its charm
Mahachaitya Vihar, a Buddhist monastic courtyard known for its intricate brass and bronze works, is situated at Taksar Tole and was built during 1930-40.There are many other Buddhist shrines like Ananda Vihar ,is one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in the palpa region where as Mahabodhi vihar is a new one where monks frequently preach and meditations are held. Parileyak Ban is a garden bearing one of the important aspects of Lord Buddha’s life .Here are images of Lord Buddha with a monkey and an elephant who were his companions during his three month’s wandering in the forest .This is also an ideal place for meditation.
The Amar Narayan temple, an important land mark of Tansen , is built in typical Nepalese pagoda style. A one –meter wide stone wall surrounds the temple complex which houses a temple of Lord Mahadev, ponds, parks, rest houses and a natural water spring. Another temple bearing similar architectural features is the Amarjung Ganesh temple. The Bhagwati temple built to mark the victory over a colonial British India force is located near the Tansen Durbar and is a pilgrimage site of Palpalis. There are plenty of other temples around the town along with a few courtyards and small stupas.
The most striking image in the heart of town however is the Tansen Durbar. Built in 1927, it was once the seat of the Rana governors. The north gate or the Baggi Dhoka is the biggest gate of its kind in Nepal and is often compared with the architecture of the Mogul Empire in India.
Other Attractions
Besides being an attraction in itself, Tansen is the launching point for short treks in Western Nepal. A trip to the surrounding villages gives an insight into the customs and tradition of the Magar community. Two typical Magar villages are Baugha Gumba and Chilandi situated to the northwest and southeast of Tansen respectively. A magnificent view of the virgin twin peaks of Machhapuchhre (6977 m) can be observed from Srinagar hill. The 1525 m hill ascending from the temple of Siddhi Ganesh, provides a breathtaking view of the Himalaya all the way from Kanjiroba to Langtang in the north and the plains of the Terai in the South. Ruins of summer houses of the Ranas can be found here. An added attraction is a huge Newar-style bronze lamp stand. Srinagar hill is a mere 30 minute hike or a 10 minute drive from the town of Tansen.
The famous Bhairavsthan of Tansen,the temple of the god of terror Bhairav, is situated 9km to the west .It is marked by the largest Golden Trident in Asia. A panoramic view of the Himalaya and the surrounding hills can be enjoyed from this temple situated atop a hill. Chadihan Bhairav, another Bhairav temple, crowns the Chandi Bhanjyang hill and is located 200m above Tansen .One of the major pilgrimage sites here; it also makes an excellent picnic spot because of the magnificent view of the Himalaya.
Another pilgrrmage site, famous all over Nepal, is the Rishikeshav shrine consisting of an image of Vishnu. It is situated in Ridi at an altitude of 700m on the banks of the sacred kali Gandaki River. The town of Ridi Bazaar is situated on the banks of the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Ridi rivers. A longer trek would be to Ranighat situated 7km north of Tansen and built in the memory of a Rana governor’s wife. The two-hour scenic trek is worth its while to see the summer house designed by the British and built by Nepalese soldiers. An attraction on an alternate route to Ranighat is a holy place for Hindus, Ramdi, and located 30km north of Tansen. Among the many big and small caves around Ramdi is the famous Golden Cave.
How To Get There
There are regular bus servive to tansen from Kathmandu and other major towns in Nepal .Taxis can also be hired at Pokhara .The road passes through many Magar villages.Tansen can be included in a circuit trip covering major destinations of western Nepal starting from Kathmandu and moving towards Royal Chitwan National Park,Lumbini, Tansen and the Pokhara.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit ,Machhapuchhre (6977 m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic .At an elevation lower than Kathmandu , it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course, the world famous views of the Himalayas.
Pokhara is part of 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. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis , another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
Place to See
Mountain views: clearly the most stunning of Pokhars’s sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from the east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna south. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I(8091 m), it is Machhapuchhre which dominates all others in this neighborhood. Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needle –pointed mountain.
Phewa Lake: The second largest lake in the kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara .It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of pokhara .the eastern shore, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam,is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake: they are located about 15km from Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north form the highway to Kathmandu. Divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion .Splendid boating and fishing opportunities can be had here.
Seti Gandaki: Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination-over 20 meters. Mahendra pul , a small bridge near the old Mission hospital, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
Devi’s Fall: Locally known as Patale chhango (Hell’s fall), Devi’s fall (also known as Devin’s or David’s fall) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2km south –west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David…) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Gupteshwar Gupha: A sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city .the entrance is right across from Devi’s fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall –size rooms, five lakes and a view of Devi’s fall and there are some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered .an entrance fee of Rs5 is charged and taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.
Mahendra Gupha: another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Guha. This large lime stone cave is locally known as the house of Bats. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara , it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.
The old Bazaar: Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu valley. Located about 4 km from Lakeside, the market’s original charm is alive and well.
Bidnhyabasini Temple: It is the center of religious activity In the old bazaar .It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, yet another manifestation of shakti .the park-like ground offers a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays and Tuesday s when devotees folks there to offer sacrifices, take on a festive local flavor.
Museums
Pokhara Musueu, located between the airport and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, thakali and the tharu are attractively displayed. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly-discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang .Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10am to 5 Pm. Entrance fee is Rs 5 and there is an extra Rs10 for cameras.
Annapurna Museum, also known as the Natural History Museum, is located at Prithivi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar. Managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various precious and semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks. Open daily, except Saturdays and holidays, from 9am to 5pm.
Adventure sports
Boating: Pokhara‘s diverse natural wonders make it an excellent setting for adventure sports. Sailing or paddle boating on Phewa Lake’s emerald expanse is something no visitor to Pokhara would like to miss. Boats and boatmen can be hired on an hourly or daily basis or you can row yourself.
Paragliding: Fly freely amongst the magnificent Himalaya with eagles and griffin vultures to join you as you soar over lakes and villages. Novices get introductory courses before you go for the actual fun and experienced pilots get to fly deep in the Himalaya, between some of the remotest villages in the world.
Surrounding Areas
Pokhara is the starting and or finishing point for some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom Trek. It also offers a number of short treks for those who cannot opt for long, challenging ones. The most popular destination among them is Sarangkot (1592m), a former Kaski fort lying atop a hill five km west of the old bazaar. Golden stupa which is situated at 1100m height. Kahundanda (1520 m), to the north- east of Pokhara, has a ruined fort on the summit as well as a view tower with spectacular scenery. Another must for nature lovers is Ghalchowk, a five-hour walk to the north of Pokhara .This typical Gurung village is the site of one of the region’s oldest settlements. The ancient fort of Nuwakot, 15 km south of Devi’s fall, is also ideal for savoring the splendors of nature. Naudanda is a five-hour walk and a favorite with those wishing to get away from it all.
Getting There
Pokhara is located 200km west of Kathmandu .The journey between these two fabled cities is certainly part of the unique Pokhara experience. Flying alongside the snow-capped Himalaya to the north and the green Mahabharat range to the south is thrilling, while the overland journey past sparse rural settlements nested along the Trisuli River provides a view of life particular to Nepal’s middle hills. Daily flights and bus service connect Pokhara with Kathmandu.
