COSMIC TREKKING, Pokhara

Bandipur is located at 27.56 N, 84.25 E and an elevation of 1030m on a mountain saddle (Mahabharat range) approximately 700m above the Marsyangdi River Valley, 143 km to the west of Kathmandu and 80 km to the east of Pokhara. Since 1998 it is connected by a 8km access road from Dumre (Kathmandu-Pokhara highway). Until then there was only an unreliable road, in monsoon usually not accessible or only by tractors. The mountain saddle, just 200m long, is barely wide enough to accommodate the main street lined by 2 –3 storey buildings on either side. At the backsides of these houses the mountainsides steeply descend and the gardens are only accessible by stairs.

Its medium elevation, excellent view of the Himalayas (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang Himal, the Marsyangdi Valley, Mount Manakamana and Gorkha with its high perching palace), relatively easy accessibility and, of course, old Newari town flair, make Bandipur an interesting tourist site from which a few guesthouses and a hotel at the northern end of the Tundikhel try to benefit. It may well be that the seclusion of Bandipur saved the Newari architecture of its buildings which otherwise would have been replaced by faceless modern types found in many other towns of Nepal. The and various Newari and Magar festivals, which until recently have been held for own purposes several times a year, can also be of interest to tourists. Sorathi and Chutka dances are very popular. Due to the distance and poor accessibility of many of the home villages of pupils at Bandipur schools a number of houses have been turned into boarding houses. Many Magar and Gurung men serve as Gurkha soldiers.

Other attractions include the Bindyabashini temple and the library in the village centre, Thani Mai, Tindhara(“Three Taps” washing place at the southeastern outskirts), Raniban (Queen's Forest), the downhill trek to the Siddha Cave and a hike to Ramkot village. On Mukundeswari, the elevation at the western end of the saddle is a little shrine and one has a view of Bandipur itself.

Some villagers have picked up growing oranges, which do quite well in the climate of that area. An hour’s walk to the west of Bandipur is a silk farm.

Nirmal Pokhari

Drive 6 KM towards to east of Pokhara through Dhunge Sanghu village where you can see best view of Annapurna ranges. Drive up to Modgauda cross Seti rever and start climb up to Nirmal Pokhari through terrace of rice field and jungle. It will take you about one and half hours to reach at Nirmal Pokhari(1450). Once you reach there,you will feel like Pokhara is in your handfull with view of long ranges of Dhaulagiri,Annapurna,
Machhapuchhare,Lamjung,Ganesh Himal,Manaslu and Fewa,Begnas and Rupa lakes. Then walk to wards to west ridge through different villages.Baji Pokhari,Shivalaya,Foksing and Dhopahare.
During two and half hours walk through ridge,you will enjoy different angle of mountains,Pokhara valley and village itself with full of culture and nature beauties. Make sure you have enough water bottle with you from hotel because no teashop,no cold drinks on the way.
From Dhopahare you have to walk down for about one hour and you will reach at Tashi Ling Tibetan village where 6oo Tibetan residents.Its own Gompa,SOS childrens village,Primary school and souvenir shops. You can drive back with local buses or taxi. This will take you about five hours full excursion.

Mattikhan

Mattikhan is a small village with a spectacular view of the Pokhara Valley including the Annapurna Range at a single glance. Its a one day trek from the Pokhara Valley.

Ghale Gaun

The main attraction of Ghale Gaun are Village cultural tourism concept development, real mil-hills traditional life style observation, splendid mountain views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, Fish Tail, Lamjung Himal and more, inhabited by Ghale tribal cast, colorful photographic opportunities, unforgettable short trip.

Accessibility
Drive to Bensisahar to trailhead from Pokhara or Kathamndu, by bus 6-7 hr. start the trek according to itinerary, after the trek drive back to Pokhara.

The Route
Easy trail, 5-6 hr. average per day walk, temperate climate, max. altitude 2000m.

Best season to visit Ghale Gaun
Aug. to May, Rhododendron blooms in the spring.

Sirubari village

Sirubari village is a totally unspoiled Gurung settlement set in the hills at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. The climate is ideal at any time during the September to June season with warm days and cool nights.

The village is a short drive and walk from Pokhara, the major tourist centre for the Annapurna region. It is reached from the road to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.

You will be welcomed into the community and invited to stay in the home of one of the village families. The accommodation is simple but comfortable with good bedding and clean toilet facilities. The food is delicious and you will be eating as one of the family. Each night there will be entertainment provided by the community. This will be in the form of traditional Gurung and Nepali dancing and singing, you can join in if you like!

As the locals are all Buddhist, the village gompa, a simple but beautiful temple, will be a feature of your stay. There will be the chance to get a blessing from the resident lama before you leave.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu - Pokhara
Day 03: Pokhara - Sirubari
Day 04: Sirubari Village Visit
Day 05: Sirubari Village Visit
Day 06: Sirubari Village Visit
Day 07: Sirubari Village Visit
Day 08: Sirubari - Pokhara
Day 09: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Day 10: Departure