The Sailung indigenous people's trail trekking offers unique opportunity to explore of one of the most culturally diverse part of Nepal. The majestic Himalayas pose as the perfect backdrop for the trail and, Kanchenjunga, Everest, Rolwaling, Jugal, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna are some of the peaks that can be viewed during the cultural trail. The mail ethnic communities of the route are Sherpas, Newars, Thamis, Tamangs, Yolmos and Mahjis and the mail attraction of the trail is the culture, lifestyle, tradition of the communities. The virgin forests of Sailung, Rajveer, Augleshwori, Galba and Khandadevi offer habitat to numerous wildlife such as pheasant, deer and Langoor monkey. This trail offers to stay traditional homes as they have developed community lodges and home stay to welcome the tourist as this trail is perfect destination for those looking to have experience of the local culture as people are tired of the busy cities and the crowed trekking trails.
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
In the morning drive to Swayambhunath. Regarded as more than 2000 years old this stupa is situated at 77m above the level of the valley and thus has magnificent birdseye view of Kathmandu Valley. From Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square. With more than 50 temples and shrines within a few blocks of one another, the square contains one of the most concentrated groupings of historical structures in the valley. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon visit Pashupatinath - One of the holiest Hindu shrines situated on the banks of Holy Bagmati River. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, (or phallic symbol) of Lord Shiva. This is also a cremation site for Hindus, where the dead bodies are burned with ritual ceremony on the banks of the holy river. Just a few minutes drive from Pashupatinath is Boudhanath which is one of the biggest stupas in the entire world. With its four pair of eyes in four cardinal directions, it keeps watch for righteous behavior and human property.
Following road transportation from Kathmandu- Mudhe-Dhunge, commence the soft uphill trek from Dhunge to Thulo sailung enjoying its history and awesome Himalayan and Hill panoramas. Photograph the sunset on Mount Gaurishankar (7,134 mts) before retiring for the evening and overnight at the community lodge in nearby Kholakhaka.
After having our breakfast with some panaromic views we hit the trail. We pass couple of teashops where the locals stop for a cup of tea and then head gradually towards Sailung Danda. We pass by the Hindu Temple where the locals visit with pure devotion. Today the landscape changes dramatically from subtropics to alpine. We will be under the trees for a while then suddenly we are in exposed area. The views start to get better and better as we climb up. We reach Sailung Danda which is the pilgrimage site for both the Hindus and the Buddhist. Above all this the views are just breath taking from here. Once you are here you don't want to leave the place that easily. We spend ample of time taking pictures here as it is not a rush. Infact we would be able to see our campsite just on the otherside. We get to the valley bottom and pass through the Khola Kharka village and our campsite is just after the village in a nice open ground with beautiful views of Gauri Shanker, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Range and other snow capped peaks.
During the descent to Surke Village through the Sailung forest, you will see a wide variety of native tree, shrub and bird species down towards Surke. Tourist are welcome at Rajveer monastery and to receive a blessing from the lamas. Enjoy a soothing foot bath at the cooling waterfall near Surke. Your Homestay overnight at Surke Village is a Newari cultural experience.
Experience the Thami cultural programme at Tinghare Village before crossing into the doramba valley via the rhododendron filled forest around to the rolling terraced fields of Doramba Enjoy Tamang Home-stay culture program at Doramba.
Trek from Doramba to Dongme. During your trail the splendid views of the Himalaya and Mahabharat hills. The trail on this days passes through terraced landscape and pine forest to reach Dongme.
The next morning you get to enjoy an equally stunning sunrise before the final descent to the village of Lubughat on the renowned golden Koshi River. You will be enjoying the newly renovated eco trails while reaching the Sunapati hilltop. After arriving in Lubughat, you will meet the Majhi people, renowned for their fishing expertise and extraordinary culture. Roaming through the rivers, men, women and children repeatedly hurl nets in hopes of catching fish. You will spend your last day and night here in Lubughat participating in Majhi fishing and enjoying a cultural demonstration before rising early the next morning. The Majhi fishing and BBQ experiences at Lubughat and further down at Seleghat have additional business potential as standalone products for short duration tourists due to close proximity to Kathmandu. Seleghat and Lubughat can also be a nice stop for rafting visitors as well.
A 45 minute walking through the River valley takes you to Nepalthok. Catch the bus for the drive back to Kathmandu
In the morning sightseeing tour of Patan city. This sister capital is an ancient city also known as Lalitpur and is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati River and is 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. This city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. It is also known as the city of fine arts and for the superb craftsmanship of its artisans. In the afternoon drive to Bhaktapur. The urban city of Bhaktapur from the medieval period also known as Bhadgaon has an area of 4 sq. miles in a conch-shell shape. Bhaktapur also means the city of devotees. We also visit the Nyatapola Temple, which at 98ft. Height, is not only the highest temple in the valley but also one of the best examples of traditional Nepali Temple architecture.
Day free until departure transfer to the airport for onward journey.
