Cultural Adventure At the end of the first day of trekking when we came over the top of the hill and our guide said that down below was our campsite and that the tents we could see (already pitched) would be where we would be sleeping, it was a total surprise to us. None of us had thought that somebody would be pitching tents for us or that we would have such elaborate and delicious meals. Hannah Messerli Friends in High Places guest Under Icy peaks - Siklis 14 Days: 10 Days Full Service Tented Trekking, Everest Flight; Optional Jungle Safari From only $1,499 per person, fully inclusive Way, way off the beaten track but convenient to good transportation, this is the perfect trek for people with limited time but high aspirations. This moderate ten-day trek goes generally northwest from a roadhead near Pokhara, to Siklis village high on the shoulder of Macchapuchhare Himal, up Rambrong Peak (13,600 feet), and ends at Besisahar, a boomtown set at a primitive roadhead. There are superb views of the great mountains and excellent opportunities to see a variety of villages and peoples largely untouched by the modern world. There will be few if any other westerners on this route. Much of the way you will trace along the boundary between cultivation and wilderness, with great mountains to one side and terraced hillside farms and villages spreading away to the other. In this world manufactured goods are in use but travelers are rare, and the people go about their lives as they have for time immemorial. See it with your own party of friends and family, at your convenience, and in high style, with us. Highlights Include: Experience the real Nepal - far, far from the crowds. 10 days tented trek, including full camp, food, staff, & permits. The treasures of the Kathmandu Valley: Dazzling temples, crafts, and fine arts. Accommodations in good hotels, sightseeing, guides, and fees. All domestic transportation by air and ground, in Kathmandu and to and from Trek, and a spectacular mountain flight to Everest Unforgettable Memories Itinerary Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu. We'll meet you and take you to the Hotel. VIP check in, orientation walk. Day 2 Pre-trek briefing with your guide, then sightseeing while we do trekking permits Day 3 Morning flight to Pokhara. Drive out of town to Lamachur and commence your trek. The trail climbs steadily to Galegaon and camp at the village school. Day 4 A beautiful day in the forest, with wonderful views of the mountains, especially Macchapuchhare, when you reach each crest. Camp amid Spanish moss in a forest clearing. Day 5 A short walk to Parche, today's stop. In the afternoon, climb to the shrine of Ban Devi, the local forest Goddess. A little farther up the hill you get a view of Annapurna II, seemingly close enough to touch. Day 6 Siklis is just a short walk, and you should stop for a bit to look at this interesting town and the market. Then descend to the Madi Khola and climb up the other side to Tangting, on the valley wall opposite Siklis. Day 7 Climb today through rhododendron forest (beautiful even if not in bloom) and camp at almost 10,000 feet. Day 8 Up again today, as the vegetation gets sparser and the views more spectacular! Tonight's camp is the highest of the trek, slightly less than 13,000 feet, in a saddle under the lip of Rambrong Peak. Day 9 Up very early to climb Rambrong Peak (13,600), if you feel good. It's not a difficult ascent - no technical hazards - and the top can be reached in a couple of hours. Then down, down, down and back into forested country to a camp at Telbrung. Day 10 Out of the forest and into open, cultivated country. Lunch in Ghanpokhara, a prosperous Gurung village with great views, then through more terraced farmland to Baglungpani to camp with views of Annapurna and Manaslu. Day 11 Down to the roadhead at Besisahar, a boomtown by the Marsyangdi Khola river which may remind you of Dodge City! Overnight here in a plain but pleasant village inn. Day 12 Head down to the main road in Jeeps, and then transfer to a comfortable minibus for the road trip to Kathmandu. Stay there for the night. Day 13 Morning mountain flight followed by a late breakfast. Sightseeing in the afternoon. Day 14 Morning sightseeing, afternoon free. Day 15 Departure. We'll take you to the airport and assist. Facilities The facilities on trek include an English-speaking Sherpa guide with years of experience, and two or three additional English-speaking Sherpa staff, an excellent cook and kitchen staff; and first class equipment including large two-person sleeping tents (designed for four), foam mattresses, dining tent with folding chairs and table, bathroom and bathing tents, gas lights, and a few extras. A crew of a dozen or more porters will carry the camp, supplies, and your gear. You need carry only a day pack with your water bottle, camera, and a sweater or jacket. Special Option for this Program Safari! 3 Days, from only $450 including airfare Fly to The Chitwan National Park from Kathmandu on day 14 for three days all inclusive jungle safari at the Chitwan Jungle Lodge. Ride elephants, jeeps, and canoes to see the wildlife. Meals, Lodging, all activities included, along with trained naturalists guiding and assisting you full-time. A great nature adventure. Extend Your Trip India: 5 Days from only $575 Visit the Taj Mahal, ride camels in the desert, stay in a palace, and wander ancient bazaars. Tibet: 8 Days from only $900 Journey overland to Lhasa thru high Tibet. 3 days sightseeing in Lhasa, and fly back to Kathmandu. Both Programs include hotels, transportation, sightseeing with English-speaking guide, all permits and entrance fees. Program Summary 14 Days: Kathmandu, Siklis Trek, Mountain Flight 4 days Kathmandu, 10 day trek, Everest flight, optional Safari