Shaman Trek

Mode of Trekking (Organized Camping Trek)
13 Days Trip
8 Days Trek, 4 nights in Hotel
Introductory

Far in the remote south eastern region of Nepal, in the lap of mighty Himalayas lies the village of Deusa, where our Shaman Trek follows. The trek is designed for those who want to explore the remote regions of Nepal, understanding the unique Nepali culture and learn about Shamanism. As Shamans in the Nepali society plays an important role in curing illness and any kind of ghostly possessions. He acts like a privileged intermediary between spirits and men; between the past, present and the future; between life and death and in another perspective, between the individual and a certain social mythology. In the villages people believe in the Shamans, more than in the doctors. He can be of any caste and same as, he can take as pupil from any caste, in order to transmit to him his knowledge and his techniques. Explore this unique trek with us in style and luxury.

ITINERARY

Day 1. In Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. Your group leader or the office representative from Alps in Nepal will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to Hotel Yak and Yeti. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag and down jacket at 5 pm.
Welcome dinner is organized at 6:30 pm in one of the traditional Nepali restaurants and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the fellow group members before the trip.

Day 2. In Kathmandu
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organized sightseeing tour visiting Boudhanath and Pusupathi Nath, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and the most famous Hindu temple in the country. The early afternoon is free to relax in the spacious hotel garden or you may wish to visit Thamel for any last-minute shopping before the trek. In the afternoon you will be supplied with trek departure information.

Day 3. Fly to Phaplu and trek to Chelsa (4 to 5 hours)
We take a flight to Phaplu which is for 30 minutes. Occasionally the flight can delay due to the bad weather. After all this is mountain weather so we will have to understand the situation.

As soon as we land to Phaplu our eyes are captured by the stunning Numbur Himal. There are some of the good pictures to be taken as the Phaplu itself is quite scenic. Our trail heads straight towards Salleri which is a thriving local town and a head quarter of the Solu district. From here our trail climbs steeply to our lunch place with lots of switch backs and photo opportunities of an untouched village life. We pass by the local Monastery and the Salleri College.

After lunch it is a good combination of trail but mostly steep uphill till we get to Chelsa village. Chelsa has got a local monastery and all visitors are welcome to visit. A little donation to the Monastery is encouraged. Our campsite today is 15 minutes further out of the village located in a nice scenic place.

Day 4. Trek to Sarangi Danda (5 hours)
Our walk today is mostly through the forest. Initially the walk is gradual uphill for about an hour and then the trail is undulating. It is a good opportunity for the bird lovers and those who enjoy walking in the forest. We will meet lots of local villagers going towards Salleri to get the resupply. As we proceed further the valley starts to broaden and the view gets more stunning. We will pass some of the Tibetan houses on the way. Our lunch is located in a nice picnic spot. After lunch it is 2 and half hours for our camp to Sarangi Danda.

Day 5. Trek to Bogal (Dou) (4 hours)
Today is a mixture of gradual downhill and steep downhill. It takes about 4 hours to get to Bogal. The trail is not well defined with lots of intersections, so stick with your guide. Our Shaman house at Bogal rests peacefully in solitary with three neighboring houses. Here the Shaman will perform his ritual. We will have a choice of staying at Shaman house or sleep in the tent, which ever suits, you choose your way. The view from here is just amazing.

Day 6. Bogal (Dou)
In the morning after breakfast we will visit the Dorling Danda to get some good views of the mountains. The mountains we could see are Mera Peak, Numbur Himal, Thamserku and may others in the Everest region. Enjoy the views with a steaming cup of coffee. We descend down to our Shaman house to attend the ritual. This ritual almost takes a full morning and in the afternoon if you have energy then we can visit the local village or just enjoy the beautiful scenery from our campsite.

Day 7. Cultural show at Bugol
Today is a day spared for cultural show. There are two main communities in the villages one is Rai and another one is Tamang. Rai’s are the original inhabitants of Bugol where there lands are transferred to them from generations to generations from their forefathers. Later on in the years about 150 years ago the Tamang’s migrated from the North to this area in search of wild cows. Those days there was a strong belief among Tamangs that in Bugol village there are plenty of wild cows. So we will get a chance to see both Rai and Tamang cultural dance. There will be a lot of photo opportunities.

Day 8. Trek to Neley
The walk from Bugol to Neley is pretty interesting and enjoyable. We will be walking along the pasture lands occasionally. We retrace our trail with a combination of steep and gradual uphill for 40 minutes and after that the trail is pretty flat and gradual downhill. The walk is not too strenuous. After walking for 3 hours we get to our lunch place and after lunch is another an hour to our today’s camping place which is 15 minutes before Neley. We will visit Neley in the afternoon. Neley has got police check post, health post and a higher secondary school.

Day 9. Trek to Thoring
We start with a downhill to Neley Bazaar and pass by the health post. From here we get to a different valley and get a chance to see the village life. We pass through many different roadside villages on the way. Our lunch is after the downhill just before crossing the suspension bridge. After lunch we cross the bridge and our trail leads up and very soon we will be in the villages again. We finally get to Thoring which is a very small village. However, the camping site here is just fantastic. You will have a nice view of the valley from here.

Day 10. Trek to Phaplu
After breakfast we bit farewell to Thoring. Our trail today is pretty undulating. We pass through several villages but mostly the Sherpa villages. We will see many locals coming from the market at Salleri. We stop for lunch after 3 hours of good walking and after lunch is just 2 and half hours to Phaplu. Tonight we will stay in a lodge. Our cook will prepare the meal for us.

Day 11. Fly to Kathmandu
A morning flight to Kathmandu with beautiful views of the Everest Range. Stay overnight in hotel Soltee Oberoi in B/B basis.

Day 12. In Kathmandu
Day in leisure exploring the mystical Kathmandu city. Overnight in Soltee Oberoi in B/B basis.

Day 13. Trip concludes
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

NEPAL EXTENSIONS

There are a variety of interesting extensions you might choose to add on either before or after your trek. These options include:

Chitwan National Park:
It provides excellent opportunities to view the rare species such as sloth bear, bison, rhinoceros, leopard and the exclusive tiger. Early morning jungle walks and safaris on elephant back are amongst the most popular activities. The jungle lodge can be reached from Kathmandu either by air or by private vehicle.

White Water Rafting:
On the Trisuli or Seti Rivers.

Mount Everest Scenic Flight:
An hour flight departs Kathmandu early morning and provides spectacular views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains.

Bhutan:
A five day cultural visit to Paro, Thimpu and Punakha.

Tibet:
A four day visit to Lhasa the capital city of Tibet.

Please contact the Alps in Nepal office if you plan to extend your trip and let us know in advance.

What's Included:
  • Expert Leadership
  • Accommodation at hotel Yak and Yeti in Deluxe rooms on twin sharing basis before and after the trek.
  •  City Map
  • All tented camping arrangements in the field, including branded tents for your sleeping, warm cushion sleeping mattress, sleeping pillow, kitchen tent, dinning tent with table and chair, shower tent, toilet tent with seat, community cook gear, services of camp commissary crew included camp and cook staff.
  • Porter for carrying your duffle bag and all camping equipments.
  • Sherpa’s to assist you in the trek.
  • Alps in Nepal provides you to use sleeping pillow, down sleeping bag and down jacket, inner liner and most importantly the hot water bag will be give every night to keep you warm.
  • All meals included in the trek; morning cup of tea/coffee with biscuits, lunch (three course meal), afternoon cup of tea/coffee with biscuits, dinner (three course meal)
  • National park entrance fees.
  • Alps in Nepal t-shirt, duffle bag and a memorable gift package as a souvenir.
  • Welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant.
  • Group medical kit.
  • Half day sightseeing tour.
  • City Guide.
  • Sightseeing tours entrance fees.
  • Domestic flight (Kathmandu-Phaplu-Kathmandu).
  • Domestic airport taxes.
  • All staff insurance.
  • Warm clothing and other required gear for porters like Gortex jacket and trousers, trekking boots, sleeping bags/blanket, woolen hat, woolen gloves, woolen socks, sun glasses etc.
What's not Included:
  • Your international flights
  • Visa fees and visa extension costs
  • Medical examination (if required) and vaccination costs
  • Personal expenditure, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls etc.
  • Tipping at the end of the trip which your group leader will suggest you.
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
  •  Personal clothing and equipment
  • Travel insurance. Make sure your insurance covers helicopter evacuation. This is in case of an emergency.
  • Optional trips.
  • Tips for the hotel staff in Kathmandu for carrying your luggage to your room.  For each luggage carry 50 to 100 Nepalese currency is more than enough.
  • Charges incurred as a result of flight delays or cancellation which is beyoiiund Alps in Nepa’s control. Although we provide insurance letter which you can claim to your insurance company.
  • Anything not mentioned in the trip cost includes list.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Expert Leadership
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. We have a very good selection of local leaders who are professionally trained and are among the most experienced in Nepal. Who better to look after you than your professional local leader, who speaks the language and knows the culture, intimately? The following people regularly lead this trek: 

SANJAY GURUNG: Sanjay is an experienced trek leader who has been in this profession for last fifteen years. Besides trekking all over Nepal he has also led several trips to India and Tibet. His profound knowledge and easy going personality make him an ideal choice to lead treks for Alps in Nepal.
 
PETER CHETTRI: Peter holds a very good sense of humour and adventurous spirit which has made him an asset to the company. He was born in Nepal and brought up in Sikkim. As a graduate in Arts, he has a good command over both spoken and written English. He has been leading treks with Alps in Nepal for four years. He has done a first aid training specialised in Acute Mountain Sickness. His excellent leadership has always earned a good reputation to the company. 
 
ASHIM SUBBA: Ashim is a travel enthusiast who has always been keen on adventure. He went to the University in Calcutta and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce. Apart from being fluent in Nepali and English, he also speaks Japanese and has been involved in trekking for last two years. He has completed the first aid training including high altitude medicine. His expertness as a leader is one of the keys to our success.

Why Alps in Nepal is your first choice for Adventure
Alps in Nepal, combines the best of international standards with the deep knowledge of local experts. It offers you services and an experience that surpass those offered by the large international companies; with the reliability that local outfits lack. With over 15 years of experience we have successfully organized tours and treks for several thousand patrons who can testify the unique class of service we offer. Please feel free to ask us about the selection of your trip or for any further information.

NMA NTB TAAN KEEP