Summit to Sea

29 days (Kathmandu)

Destinations visited: India, Nepal, Around The Kathmandu Valley, Maldives

Grading:

Introductory level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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Trek the Annapurna's, take a Chitwan Safari, cycle to the Taj Mahal and cruise the Maldives

There are few contrasts as great as trekking in the Himalaya and cruising in the Maldives - or for that matter cycling the country roads in northern India. With this in mind we combine our superb introduction to Himalayan trekking in the Annapurna foothills and ride elephants in search of wildlife at Chitwan. Next, we explore the cultural heart of India as we cycle through rural villages to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Finally, we head to the translucent waters of the Maldives to cruise aboard a Dhoni - a unique handcrafted sailboat. The combination of activities on this magnificent adventure throughout India, Nepal and the Maldives is not only captivating, you'll also enjoy substantial savings on this comprehensive itinerary than if undertaking them separately.

Highlights

Stunning views of the Annapurna Range
Fully supported camping based trek including 3 hearty meals per day prepared by our cooks
Himalayan Mountain flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Sightseeing in Kathmandu - Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath
Sightseeing in Delhi,Jaipur & Agra including the Taj Mahal
Fatehpur Sikri, Sariska Tiger Reserve & Baratphur Bird Sanctuary
Cruising the Maldives

Itinerary

Day 1 Join Kathmandu (1330m).

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the hotel where the pre-trek briefing will be given. Arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Sunday evening drinks are held in the hotel for all World Expeditions clients arriving today. Drinks and snacks will be served from 6:30 pm until 7:15pm, and this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner.

Day 2 Sightseeing Tour. Rest of day at leisure.

This morning a sightseeing tour takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. We will visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath, returning to the hotel by 2pm. In the afternoon you may have time to explore Swayambhunath, Durbar Square, Patan or Bhaktapur, and the lesser-known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. The area has an amazing range of fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. Excellent bookshops, extensive markets, and novelty and handicraft shops contrast with fantastic centres of cultural and spiritual significance - Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world.

Day 3 Fly to Pokhara, commence trek to Australia camp (1990 metres) - approximately 2 hours walking

This morning we take a flight west to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest town (820 m). On arrival you are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna Range. The drive to the roadhead at Khara takes around one hour. Our trail then winds uphill through terraced fields and mixed oak and rhododendron forest. There is no need to rush. This is a short day with plenty of time to reach camp. Australia Camp is located on a grassy ridge that affords inspiring views of the huge snowy face of Annapurna South and the sacred peak of Machapuchare. At dusk we can appreciate the lights of Pokhara over a thousand metres below our camp.

Day 4 To Landrung (1640m) - approximately 5 hours walking

After a glorious mountain sunrise we follow the trail through rhododendron forest before continuing through a series of Gurung villages where lifestyles have not changed substantially over the centuries. After lunch we follow a well-marked trail to the prosperous village of Landrung where we camp for the night.

Day 5 To Chomrong (2210 m) - approximately 5 to 6 hours walking

After watching sunrise on Annapurna South we follow the classic trail leading towards the Annapurna Base Camp. We descend through rice terraces to the glacial fed waters of the Modi Khola before a log haul (steady as you go and don't forget to take short Sherpa steps) to the ridge camp settlement at Taglung. From here we continue to the Gurung village of Chomrong where our campsite affords yet further wondrous views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare.

Day 6 To Ghandruk (1740m) - approximately 4 hours walking

After witnessing another memorable sunrise we backtrack for an hour before following trails high above the Modi Khola gorge. This delightful stage heads through terraced fields and beautiful oak forest (with a few ups and downs to cross tributaries) before a gradual ascent to the substantial village Ghandruk. We have ample time to explore this ancient village and include visits to privately owned Gurung villages that provide a further insight into the lifestyles of villagers who have traditionally provided the backbone of the famous Gurkha regiments.

Day 7 To Naya Pul (1000m) - approximately 5 hours walking

After absorbing even more spectacular views of Annapurna South we head down the Modi Khola valley along a secluded village trail that is rarely followed by other trekking groups. After lunch at the scenic village of Dansing we complete a short, steep descent to the village of Birethanti along the Modi Khola. We cross a substantial bridge before making our way to a serene campsite just below the bustling bazaar of Naya Pul.

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Day 8 To Bhadure (1550m) - approximately 5 hours walking

We appreciate the distinctive fluted peaks of Machapuchare before undertaking an early morning ascent through mixed oak and rhododendron forest. We are now off the established trails through farming settlements that rarely see foreign trekkers. After lunch we complete our trek to Bhadure and a fine campsite just above the village. That night we often celebrate with the local musicians and dancers who will ensure a memorable last evening on the trail.

Day 9 To Naudanda – approximately 2 hours walking; transfer by road to Pokhara.

The views from camp in the early morning are some of the finest on the trek. We recommend however you undertake a ten-minute climb up the trail at the crack of dawn in order to appreciate sunrise that extends across the Annapurna Range to Dhaulagiri in the east and west as far as Manaslu. After breakfast we complete a leisurely walk to the roadhead just above the thriving village of Naudanda. From here our bus will complete the one-hour drive back to Pokhara and our well-appointed campsite. There will be ample time in the afternoon to explore Pokhara - with its multitude of shops and cafes - or alternatively take a walk by the lake for your last memorable views of the Annapurna Range.

Day 10 Drive Pokhara to Chitwan approximately 4 hrs drive

This morning we transfer to Chitwan by road. On arrival we are briefed on the planned activities during our stay and on the park in general. Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to sight wildlife, so other times tend to be for less energetic activities. We will have lunch at the lodge and commence our activity program. Our accommodation is in 2-bed huts with a private bathroom.

Day 11 At Chitwan

A full day's activities are available including jungle walks, elephant rides, canoe rides, bird-watching and four-wheel-drive excursions, as well as lectures on elephants and other fauna. We hope to see many species of wildlife including 3 tigers, 5 leopards, 7 rhino, and many deer, boar, bear, peacocks, an extraordinary number of bird species and is occasionally visited by wild elephants.

Day 12 Return to Kathmandu. Drive approx 5 hours

We complete our last activity, and after breakfast we commence our drive back to Kathmandu.

Day 13 In Kathmandu

While there is no shortage things to see and do in Kathmandu, we recommend you spend the day wandering the town and exploring the valley on bicycle or by taxi. The old Royal Palace, Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (a major Hindu shrine) and the giant Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath are absolute musts. Our WE staff can arrange a guide and/or transport should you wish or you can head off armed with a map and explore to your hearts content.

Day 14 Fly to Delhi

On arrival we transfer to our group hotel. This afternoon time permitting (subject to your flight arrival time) there will be free time to wander around Connaught Place in the heart of downtown Delhi. Our guide for this section of our trip will meet us at the hotel for a briefing.

Day 15 Train to Jaipur.

We transfer to New Delhi station to board the early morning Express train to Jaipur. The train takes five hours, reaching Jaipur by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon to wander the city. The famed "Pink City" of Jaipur is the capital of the state of Rajasthan, and was founded in the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh, who moved from Amber to this new site on the plains. We visit the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar - the remarkable observatory reflecting Jai Singh's passion for astronomy. There is also the Old City with its bazaars and the Hawa Mahal - the Palace of the Winds, originally built as part of the City Palace complex to allow the ladies of the Royal household to watch the everyday life in the city without themselves being observed. Please note, we may travel by bus to Jaipur, depending on train schedules.

Day 16 In Jaipur

We continue our programme of sightseeing in Jaipur.

Day 17 Jaipur to farm camp (50km)

Departing through the outlying settlements of Jaipur and with the Amber Fort as our backdrop, we commence the bike section of the trip. Instruction and bike adjustment will take place at this point of time. We then progress along the Ramgargh road, one of the quieter veins leading out of Jaipur. This twists through small farming settlements, where we provide endless entertainment to the villagers who are intrigued at the notion of westerners riding bikes through India. By lunch we arrive at Ramgarh Lake and enjoy a lunch respite under a huge Banyan tree. After lunch we cycle on to our camp spot; in a true rural setting, with small rudimentary dwellings and endless fields of various crops.Cycling is the best way to experience village India. We have been organising cycle rides in India for 20 years. This itinerary has been carefully researched to ensure we cycle the quieter country roads well away from the main highways. Please bear in mind that this is not the World Expeditions' answer to the Tour de France and no yellow jersey will be awarded to the winner at the close of each stage! The cycling section is just a great way to meet the people and absorb something of the village life that few appreciate during their time in India. There will be a forward vehicle, a back-up bus and an accompanying crew. All your gear, our camping equipment, food and supplies are carried on the bus and if you decide to take a break from cycling you can also ride on the bus or on the jeep that goes ahead of our group. Our group leader and assistant leader will cycle with you, while our cook and assistants will prepare a host of snacks and refreshments that are served throughout the day.At night the camp will be established and tea will be prepared, with plenty of time for a wash and a visit to the local village before the evening meal is served.

Day 18 Farm house to Sariska Park (52km)

We continue riding through timeless India, with lush flowering mustard plantations flanked by overhanging willow trees, before reaching the gates to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. After a drink stop we continue on to our camp inside the park where we will have lunch. This was once home to a significant population of tigers, until a few season ago, when poaching reduced numbers. However there are many other animals in the park, and the atmosphere and natural surrounds make the visit very much worthwhile. Our camp overnight will be in the grounds of the Sariska Tiger Camp.

Day 19 Cycle to Rajgarh (38km). Drive to Bharatpur camp (90km)

We ride through a number of small villages to Rajgarh where we stop for lunch. After lunch we continue cycling another 15km before boarding the bus for the journey to Bharatpur via Mahua arriving at our camp in the premises of the Swaraj Resort.

Day 20 Bharatpur to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra – 54km

Today we cycle to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary where we will enjoy a packed lunch. Our bikes provide a wonderful mode of transport to move around and explore the park, where swamplands provide habitats for hundreds of bird species. We will then travel in our vehicle for about 20km to Fatehpur Sikri, to explore Akbar's deserted capital, before continuing on to Agra.

Day 21 In Agra, then train to Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram).

In the early morning we have a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan's mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. We continue to Agra Fort, a fitting testimony to the Great Moghuls – Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan – during the era when Agra was the capital of the Moghul Empire. From the Red Fort we'll have more views of the Taj Mahal. Later that afternoon we board the train to Trivandrum. Our sleeping berths are comfortable and in most instances we are able to reserve secure four berth compartments for our groups. However travelling on Indian trains is by no means luxurious. Bedding is supplied so a sleeping bag is not essential. During the journey you will travel the complete length of India through a wide variety of cultures and peoples speaking a multitude of dialects. The journey will be a fascinating experience.

Day 22 On train to Trivandrum.

Day 23 Arrive Trivandrum.

On arrival at Trivandrum, make your way over the platform to the taxi stand. There you will meet a representative from Clipper Tours who will normally be holding a sign saying "Summit to Sea". You will be transferred to your hotel for overnight accommodation.

Day 24 Fly to Maldives & commence sailing safari.

Transfer to Trivandrum airport for the flight to the Maldives. On arrival at the International airport at Male, make your way to the Voyages Maldives counter number 34, located in zone D. From here you will be transferred to your dhoni and meet other members of the group joining the Maldives section of this adventure. From Male we then sail to the inhabited island of Waagali or to a resort island. Lunch aboard.Activities include swimming / snorkelling.Night at anchorage.

Day 25 Sail to Felidu.

After breakfast we set sail to the nearby atoll and the fishing village of Felidu. Sailing time 4 to 5 hours. We spend the rest of the day in the village, meeting the local people and observing their life style. Overnight at the lagoon.

Day 26 Sail to Vashugiri.

Sail to the beautiful uninhabited island of Vashugiri with time to relax on the beach, skin diving, snorkelling or swimming. We have a barbecue on the beach. Overnight at anchorage.

Day 27 Sail to Felidhoo.

Sail to the inhabited island either Felidhoo or Keyodu, meet the islanders and have some time for local entertainment that evening.Night at anchorage.

Day 28 Sail to Male.

Departure to Male atoll with time to visit Male before sailing to a nearby resort island for overnight anchorage.

Day 29 In Male, trip concludes.

Trip concludes after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for onward arrangements.

Additional Information

Inclusions

26 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 17 dinners
flight Kathmandu/Pokhara valued at US$88
airport transfers
expert bilingual guide
group medical kit
good quality accommodation in Kathmandu/Delhi/Jaipur/Agra
trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated mat
souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
bicycles between Jaipur and Agra
Dhoni cruise including snorkeling gear
4 berth sleeper train in India^
private vehicles
all park entrance fees and trekking permits
porters to carry all personal and group equipment
porter's insurance
sightseeing & site entry fees
Note: Price does not include flights Kathmandu to Delhi or Trivandrum to Male
^ It is possible to fly from Delhi to Trivandrum instead of travelling this section by train. Price on application.

Summary

29 day trip
7 day trek
2 day wildlife safari
4 day cycle
6 day cruise
10 nights camping
9 nights hotels
5 nights dhoni
2 nights adventure lodge
2 nights train

Trip Main Activities

Trekking
Cycling
Cruising
Wildlife Safari

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.

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