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Something New Magazine, October 2019
A new look at some of our favourite destinations
  • Taste something new: from delicious street food to little-known wines
  • Try something new: test out dog-sledding or cross-country skiing
  • Experience something new: introducing the e-bike
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Nepal – Himalayan Panoramas

The mystical hills of the Sailung Valley
 
Unforgettable views await as you walk with your own local guide in the Nepalese Mid-Hills while your luggage is transported. This accessible, authentic Himalayan experience features welcoming guesthouses and includes a night in a tented camp for astonishing sunset and sunrise panoramas.
Nepal – Himalayan Panoramas. 10 nights
+44 (0)1653 617002 Call now
Nepal – Himalayan Panoramas. 10 nights
+44 (0)1653 617002 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday in Nepal –

explore panoramic trails with your own guide
It has been truly inspiring to see how the communities of the Sailung Valley have recovered after the earthquake of April 2015 and we are delighted that they are able to welcome you back to share in this beautiful corner of the world again.

A few hours’ drive from Kathmandu and away from Nepal’s busy trekking areas, the hills and valleys of the little-known Sailung offer accessible walking and simply awe-inspiring scenery. Traditional villages are scattered across steeply terraced hillsides, separated by high wooded ridges and deep river valleys. With each ascent, ever-more breathtaking views of the Himalayas greet the eye, as memorable as the warmth of the welcome you receive on arrival at each mountain community. The people are curious about visitors yet supremely courteous; happy to let you enter their lives and keen to share their local knowledge.
Our walking holiday in Nepal has been created in conjunction with Village Ways. With your own local guide, you explore the mystical Sailung Valley in the so-called Mid-Hills of the Nepalese Himalayas, while staying in village guesthouses. The people who live here work hard to cultivate a remarkable array of crops yet never to the detriment of their natural surroundings. They are conscious of their place in the rhythm of life, creating an overriding sense of harmony which encourages you to relax into the slow pace of rural life.
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

We provide you with your own local guide who accompanies you on the walks and acts as interpreter. Because it's privately guided walking, you get to set the pace, and can pause as often as you like to take photos, look at the wildlife and admire the views. 

On average you will walk between 4 and 5 hours each day, arriving at each destination in time for lunch, with the afternoon to relax and explore your surroundings. 
  • Arrival in Dhulikhel 
    From Kathmandu airport, you will be driven (1h15) to the small town of Dhulikhel, at 1,450 metres. From here you get your first sight of the distant Himalayas, with the promise of ever more spectacular views to come.

    Night 1: at Dhulikhel Mountain Resort (where you spend one night).
    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of exploration.
  • Travel from Dhulikhel to Solambu
    After rising early to see the sun light up the distant mountains, enjoy a hearty breakfast before the 4-hour journey by 4x4 through the ‘mid-hills’ of the Himalayas. On the first part of the drive, the road winds down the valley to the town of Dolalghat situated at the confluence of the Indrawati and Sunkoshi rivers. Crossing both, the road becomes an unsurfaced track, now climbing steeply through forested slopes and cultivated terraces. The terrain then levels off before you descend to reach the small mountain village of Solambu (at 1,650 metres), its houses scattered across the hillside. Here, you will experience the first of many warm and friendly greetings before lunch is served in your guesthouse. Afterwards, you are free to explore or simply to relax on your veranda, enjoying the remarkable views dominated by the distant peak of Gauri Shanker (7,145 metres).
  • Explore Solambu
    You have a full day to explore Solambu and its surroundings, accompanied at all times by your English-speaking guide who will explain about the local culture and customs. Your guide will take you on a pleasant half-day walk past wooden yak sheds, and up and down the neat terraces where a huge variety of crops is grown, including millet, rice, sugar cane, vegetables, herbs, spices and filingee, a yellow-flowering plant used to make cooking oil. With little mechanisation, there is hardly any noise – all you hear are men encouraging their yaks in the fields, women chatting as they tend their crops, and children laughing as they play. The air is filled with aromatic smoke from the many open fires, adding to the exotic atmosphere of this tranquil land. It’s worth the short walk to visit the Buddhist monastery overlooking the village from where you can see across the Chauri Kohla River to Teksingh, tomorrow’s destination. Back at the guesthouse enjoy a cup of tea seated on the veranda, or climb the hill behind the houses to see the mountains ablaze in golden hues as the suns sinks in the west, before returning for dinner.
    Exploring Solambu
  • Solambu to Teksingh: 8km, 4.5hrs; 700m descent / 500m ascent
    Leaving Solambu on foot, you follow a path that initially descends through terraces and light pine woodland. Look out for barking deer flitting through the trees as you pass an ancient Buddhist mane (wayside shrine). As you descend, the views open up along the Chauri Khola River, which you soon cross by a 100-metre-long suspension bridge. (If you prefer, your guide will take you down to cross at river level.) Once on the far side, you climb through cultivated terraces passing the village of Taar on your way to reach your next guesthouse in the village of Teksingh (at 1,450 metres) – where you will be greeted by a welcome cup of tea and lunch.
    This area is renowned for growing oranges, and fruit trees abound all over the village. In spring the hillsides are painted pink with blossom, while the fragrant citrus aromas mingle with the smoke from oak-wood fires. You have the afternoon to explore with your guide but don’t be surprised if the entire village descends on the guesthouse after dinner for an evening of singing and dancing.
    On the walk from Solambu to Teksingh
  • Teksingh to Pasiban: 8.5km, 5hrs; 950m ascent
    It’s not long into today’s route before the distant mountains begin to reappear. Passing through forests of colourful rhododendron, you follow cobbled paths to the Shavi Cave which houses an ancient Hindu shrine – and a troupe of noisy macaque monkeys. Emerging from the trees, you continue to climb, soon reaching a high promontory between the villages of Pasiban, Kharpani and Kharsu Bathan. Here, you find your next guesthouse at 2,400 metres, overlooking the village of Pasiban, a ten-minute walk away. The views of the Himalayan range here are the most spectacular so far, encompassing 200 kilometres of mountains from horizon to horizon. The sunset and sunrise are not to be missed.
    On the walk from Teksingh to Pasiban
  • Pasiban to Kholakarka: 11km, 5hrs; 600m ascent / 50m descent
    Your route today starts with a steep, but short, ascent, taking you up through the forest behind the guesthouse. However, it’s not long before you reach the aptly-named Baskechaur – a ‘place to sit on the ground’ – which offers the welcome chance to get your breath back while enjoying the views. From here the terrain is less steep, and the thinning woodland offers views back down over the valley. You pass another ancient Buddhist mane before a short descent to the tiny Sherpa village of Kholakarka, staying the night in a camp of comfortable safari-style tents at 2,950 metres. In late afternoon, we thoroughly recommend climbing to the peak of Sailung (legs, lungs and weather permitting) to see the sunset. This mountain has been a mystical place of holy significance for both Hindus and Buddhists for centuries. It’s a 30-minute walk each way on a stone-stepped path that passes through the natural rock Tiger Gate before reaching the summit, where stone shrines are bedecked with fluttering prayer flags. This is what you came to see – an uninterrupted, 360-degree panorama of rolling hills leading north to the high Himalayan peaks – including those giants, Nuptse and Lhotse – and stretching as far as the eye can see south to the Indian border.
    On the walk from Pasiban to Kholakarka
  • Kholakarka to Pasiban: 11km, 4.5hrs
    Before breakfast, we suggest climbing back up to watch the sunrise, a hugely rewarding experience. You then begin the return walk, descending back to Pasiban by the same route you came – though it’s far quicker downhill! You’ve plenty of time, so enjoy the walk at a leisurely pace, perhaps taking time to explore the village further, or to stop and watch eagles soaring above.
  • Pasiban to Teksingh: 8.5km, 4hrs 
    Leaving Pasiban, you retrace your footsteps back to the guesthouse in Teksingh, again mainly downhill. You have another opportunity to visit the village school, where headmaster Kamal Bikram is always happy to talk with visitors.
    On the walk from Pasiban to Teksingh
  • Travel to Kathmandu
    Bidding farewell to your hosts in the mountain villages of the Sailung Hills, you embark upon your final walk (approx. 1hr) which takes you back down the hill to the village of Taar. At the road, you will be met by your driver for the return 6-hour drive to Kathmandu where you spend two nights at the Shambaling Hotel.
    On the walk to Taar
  • Explore Kathmandu
    You have a day to explore this exotic city and so we include a car and driver (for approx 5hrs) to ensure you get the most out of your time. This is a bustling place – a noisy mix of Buddhist monks, traditional peasant farmers, market traders, backpackers and tourists. Seek out one of the more secluded corners of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like Patan Durbar Square. There’s a small fee to enter but it’s quieter, giving you more time and space to explore the myriad temples and historic palaces, most notably the Golden Temple, that line the labyrinthine streets.

    A very short drive out of the city centre takes you to the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath which marks the site where bodies are cremated before their ashes are scattered on the sacred river. Moving on, you soon reach nearby Bodhnath, the largest and most important Buddhist stupa in Asia. Its gilded central tower is dominated by huge all-seeing eyes, while shaven-headed monks in their characteristic maroon robes mingle with the crowds in narrow streets festooned with colourful prayer flags.
    Kathmandu
 

Accommodation

Please bear in mind that your accommodation is much simpler than on other Inntravel holidays, and although the facilities are not what you might expect to find in Europe, this is more than made up for by the uniquely welcoming atmosphere.

In the mountain villages you will be welcomed as honoured guests, staying in village-run guesthouses and experiencing the rhythm of village life as few others see it. In all villages, expect some delicious, locally-grown food – delicately spiced dishes with rice, daal and the local speciality of buffalo cheese (Nepalese food is not hotly spiced). 
 

Prices

All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). Prices vary according to number of people in your party.

 
Prices (£ per person)
15 September - 10 December 2019, 1 March - 10 May & 15 September - 10 December 2020

Party of 4+
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2019: £1325
• 1 Mar - 30 Apr 2020: £1270
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2020: £1345

Party of 2 or 3
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2019: £1695
• 1 Mar - 30 Apr 2020: £1660
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2020: £1735

Party of 1
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2019: £2190
• 1 Mar - 30 Apr 2020: £2130
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2020: £2240
 
Currency converter
We can only accept payment in GBP, but you can use this converter to find out how much the holiday equates to in your own currency.
Currency converter
We can only accept payment in GBP, but you can use this converter to find out how much the holiday equates to in your own currency.
Please enter an amount Please enter a valid amount British Pound Sterling (GBP)
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NB: this should be used as a guide only. Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in significant variation by the time you come to pay.
 
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Kathmandu

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Kathmandu. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Kathmandu (via, Dublin & Abu Dhabi) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Kathmandu (via Dubai) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Kathmandu (via Doha) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Gatwick - Kathmandu (via Dubai) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Kathmandu (via Abu Dhabi) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Heathrow - Kathmandu (via Doha) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Heathrow - Kathmandu (via Dubai) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Heathrow - Kathmandu (via Muscat) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Kathmandu (via Dubai) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Kathmandu (via Abu Dhabi) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Manchester - Kathmandu (via Dubai) Various carriers (contact us) 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Kathmandu. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service (£60 for India and Nepal). Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

What is included
  • 10 nights
  • 7 dinners
    7 lunches
    10 breakfasts
  • own local walking guide
  • car & driver in Kathmandu (1 day)
  • all transfers
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 7 reviews
  • Anon
    01 November 2018

    I travelled alone on this holiday. I should like to say to anyone else considering doing this that I felt perfectly safe the whole time, even walking around at night in Kathmandu. Everybody gave me a wonderful welcome and looked after me exceedingly well. They did appreciate the fact that I tried to learn a little of their language.

  • Mr W Nutt
    Newcastle Upon Tyne
    23 October 2018

    Highlights included arriving at the tented camp in India and sitting looking at the Indian Himalayas and again sitting outside the tent with blankets and tea to see the sunrise the following morning. Sunrise from Sailung summit was another highlight.

    As all the people involved were from the local communities, we felt as if we were part of the community rather than tourists. We enjoyed being vegetarians for 3 weeks, with a variety of local foods.

    INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers enjoyed our Towards Snow-Capped Peaks guided walking holiday in India followed by our Himalayan Panoramas guided walking holiday in Nepal

  • Mr D Chippendale
    Bishop Auckland
    14 October 2018

    What a fantastic trip, from the friendliness of the villagers, to the stunning scenery, and the hustle of Kathmandu. The 2 car journeys are long and arduous but this only serves to emphasise the remoteness of the location. Local organisation was excellent. Would thoroughly recommend.

     

  • anon
    29 September 2018

    Whilst I've made some suggestions to improve this holiday, it goes without saying that this was the trip of a lifetime. My personal highlight was the people we met in the villages, they were so welcoming and we had such fun with the children. Teaching the two cooks in Solumbu some English and playing cards with the kids in Teksingh were probably my highlights. The walking was too easy for us but the scenery was outstanding. Tom our guide became a best friend.

  • Mr M Owen, Devon
    04 March 2018

    We had an amazing time visiting Nepal and India staying in the local communities in both cases. The arrangements were well planned and travel and accomodation was well organised.

    The Himalayan Panorama holiday in Nepal was particularly good as there was a purpose with the trek to Sailung and the balance of the holiday was just right with plenty to occupy us. The local manager, the guides and all the people we met were wonderful and welcoming.

    On the other hand, we felt the Deserts and Palaces of Rajasthan was not too well balanced. The travel arrangements mean that the one day each to see Jodphur and Jaipur were rushed and followed nights with little sleep. Five nights in the Thar desert is quite long for the amount there is to do unless you are happy sitting in the shade reading for a few hours each day. However if you are interested in bird watching, the trip to see the Demoiselle Cranes shouldn't be missed - but check the timing of your holiday. We were also well looked after by our hosts. We would strongly recommend adding two nights in Delhi at the beginning, not only to see a third city but to provide a better balance between seeing the cities and palaces and staying in the desert.

  • Mrs D Campbell
    Newry
    10 November 2017

    Holiday / experience of a lifetime, thanks

  • Dr R Timewell
    Sweden
    26 October 2017

    This was one of the most wonderful holidays we have ever had! So different. The whole area was stunning - beautiful walks, fantastic views - and just brilliant to be off the tourist track! Lovely and welcoming local people and it was also great to be living so close to the locals and so getting a really good understanding of how they live.
 

Prices

All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). Prices vary according to number of people in your party.

 
Prices (£ per person)
15 September - 10 December 2019, 1 March - 10 May & 15 September - 10 December 2020

Party of 4+
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2019: £1325
• 1 Mar - 30 Apr 2020: £1270
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2020: £1345

Party of 2 or 3
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2019: £1695
• 1 Mar - 30 Apr 2020: £1660
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2020: £1735

Party of 1
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2019: £2190
• 1 Mar - 30 Apr 2020: £2130
• 15 Sep - 30 Nov 2020: £2240
 
Currency converter
We can only accept payment in GBP, but you can use this converter to find out how much the holiday equates to in your own currency.
Currency converter
We can only accept payment in GBP, but you can use this converter to find out how much the holiday equates to in your own currency.
Please enter an amount Please enter a valid amount British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Currency is required
NB: this should be used as a guide only. Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in significant variation by the time you come to pay.
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • In some ways, walking with your own guide is no different to walking independently – it is you who sets the pace and decides when to pause. Of course, you don’t have to worry about route-finding, leaving you free to focus on the views and the fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna, customs and language offered by your guide as you walk. The guide is there to ensure you get the most from your holiday and arrive back safely at your base, and they act as your friendly interpreter throughout your stay.
  • After a quick chat with your guide about the day’s route, you set off along an inviting trail carrying only a few essentials for the day. A prompt start means you have plenty of time to pause to take in the views and admire the wildlife that your guide points out to you. When you’re ready for some refreshments, your guide finds the perfect spot to sit down, and you might swap notes about life there and back home, or what lies ahead on the second part of the walk. Suitably rested, you continue on your way, perhaps passing farm workers tending the crops or transporting produce.
  • All British citizens require a tourist visa to enter Nepal, which you can apply for in person at the Nepalese Embassy in London, by post (allow 2-3 weeks), or on arrival in Kathmandu airport. A 15-day tourist visa currently costs £20 (the 15 days start from the date of arrival in Nepal). You can find full details, including an application form that you can print out if applying by post or what is required if obtaining a visa on arrival, at uk.nepalembassy.gov.np. As well as having a visa, you must ensure that your passport is valid for a further six months from the date of entry into Nepal and that it has at least 1 blank page. If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non-British passport, you should check passport and visa requirements.
  • The NHS website www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk gives a general outline of the immunisations you are likely to need, though you should seek advice from your doctor or practice nurse in good time before your holiday for more tailored information. There are no reciprocal health agreements between the UK and Nepal. It is therefore all the more important that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you in the case of illness or an accident. You will need to take sensible health precautions while travelling in Nepal, and we will send you full details with your holiday documentation.
  • English is widely spoken in Kathmandu, but much less so in rural areas. Most villagers will be delighted to try to communicate with you, while your guide will act as interpreter and even instruct you in the rudiments of Nepali!
  • Nepal is five-and-three-quarter hours ahead of GMT all year round, and is therefore four-and-three-quarter hours ahead of BST.
  • As in any mountain range, the weather in the Sailung region can be unpredictable, with temperatures sometimes dropping suddenly at higher altitudes and rain showers occurring with little warning. For this reason, you should always pack jumpers, waterproofs and a small umbrella, whatever the time of year. Monsoon season is July and August, with temperatures and humidity building up in June, and then beginning to wane once again in September. October and November are excellent months to travel in many respects – the landscape is lush after the monsoon, there is very little rain from mid-October onwards, and days are typically warm and sunny, though temperatures decrease as winter approaches, with daytime maximums of no more than 18°C by the end of November. Nights are cold (there can be frost at higher altitudes) so bring warm layers for the evenings. December to February are the winter months. By March daytime temperatures are generally around the 15°C mark, rising to 25°C in May, but nights are still cool. This is the dry season, with plenty of colour thanks to the rhododendrons in flower, but conditions can be hazy, meaning the best views of the Himalayas are enjoyed in the early morning and evening.
  • We can book a wide range of airlines and routes from the UK. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. For Europe and Morocco, there’s a £30 booking fee per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). For India and Nepal, the booking fee is £50 per person. More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to buy our policy (if you live outside Europe you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK and EU residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.
  • The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.
    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
Last fetch time is : 11/20/2019 2:55:44 PM