Question by Gregory on September 17, 2008:

Buses leave for Besisahar from New Bus Park in Gongabu. Micro buses leave for Besi sahar from the east side of the Bus park, not inside the bus park. There are several micro buses that wait for passengers on the open space next to the bus park. Micro buses to Pokhara also ply from the same area.

If you want to know the location of New Bus Park and the micro bus stand near it, please look at the placemarks that we have put on the map link given below:

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The Everest Base Camp Trek starts in Jiri or Lukla. Buses leave Kathmandu for Jiri (cost about 4 dollars) between 5.30 am to 8 am and take around 10 hours. There is an ‘express’ bus that leaves the Kathmandu Bus Station for Jiri at 6 am (cost about 4.5 dollars). Make sure you guard your luggage well on such bus trips.

To start the trek from Lukla (shorter trip), either fly from Kathmandu in domestic airlines, like Yeti air to Lukla airport or walk from Jiri to Chablung, the nearest place on the trail from Lukla. The trail from Jiri to Chablung requires 7 days to complete. If you are flying in to Lukla, walk past Chablung to Phakding for the overnight accommodation.

on the way to view everest

Day 1: Jiri to Shivalya (If you start the trek from Jiri)
The trekking starts from Jiri with a climb to the ridge at an altitude of 2370 meters and a descent to Shivalaya at 1750 meters.

Day 2: Shivalya to Bhandar
To go to Shivalaya from Bhandar, you should trek to Sangbadanda (2150 meters), Kosaribas (2500 meters) and then to Deorali (a pass at an altitude of 2705 meters). You could either stop over at one of the hotels on the pass or descend to Bhandar (2150 meters).

Day 3: Bhandar to Sete
The trek passes to Likhu Khola and crosses the river at 1490 meters and passes to Kenja (1570 meters) from where the long ascent to Lamjura Bhanjyang (3530 meters) begins. The initial part of the climb is steep and then it passes over Sete (an abandoned gompa) at an altitude of 2575 meters.

Day 4: Sete to Junbesi
From Sete you will pass Goyom (3300 meters) and reach the Lamjura Bhanjyang (pass) at an altitude of 3530 meters. Then from the top of the pass you can descend to Tragdobuk (2860 meters), which has a monastery and some hotels. Then you reach the sherpa village of Junbesi.

Day 5: Junbesi to Nuntala
The trail climbs to Khartung and then to Salung, at an altitude of 2980 meters. The trail descends to the Ringmo Khola from Salung. A short climb from Ringmo will take you to Trakshindo La at 3071 meters. The trail then drops down to Nuntala, where there are numerous hotels offering a variety of facilities and standards.

Day 6: Nuntala to Bupsa
The trail first descends to Dudh Koshi River and crosses to follow the eastern bank of the river. Then the route climbs gradually to Jubing (1680 meters), Khari Khola (2070 meters). If you are early, then you could reach Bupsa, at an altitude of 2300 meters. There are several hotels on top of the ridge and a few other hotels at Kharte, 20 minutes walk beyond Bupsa up the trail to the north.

Day 7: Bupsa to Chablung
The trail climbs gradually from Bupsa until it reaches a ridge at 2840 meters overlooking Puiyan (Chitok). The trail is very narrow as it makes its way down to Puiyan, in a side canyon of the Dudh Koshi river. Climb to a ridge at an altitude of 2750 meters and from the ridge descend to Surkhe (Buwa) at an altitude of 2290. Just below the Surkhe is the turnoff to Lukla with the airstrip. If you are flying in to Lukla, you will walk along this turnoff and will be making overnight stay at Pkakding which is away from Chablung on the trail.

The trail continues to climb through Mushe (Nangbug), Chaunrikharka (Dungde), at an altitude of 2630 meters and to Chablung (Lomdza).

Day 8: Chablung to Namche Bazaar
From Chablung, the trail passes along the side of the Dudh Koshi Valley and then descends to Ghat (Lhawa), at an altitude of 2530 meters. The trail then climbs up to Phakding (2800 meters), where there are around 30 lodges. From here, the trail crosses the Dudh Koshi River on a bridge and leads you along to Benkar (2700 meters). The trail climbs to Chomoa after crossing Dudh Koshi River on a suspension bridge. From here, Monjo (2800 meters) is a short climb. From Monjo, Jorsale is a short distance away and then the trail crosses back to the east side of the river before climbing to the high suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. Namche Bazzar, at an altitude of 3480 meters is a steady climb from here.

Namche Bazaar is the center of activity in the Solukhumbu region. It has shops, police station, restaurants, hotels, bakeries, money changers, a bank and internet services.

Day 9: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar
In order to acclimatize, you could complete a day walk to a higher altitude from Namche Bazaar. You could also consider the day long walk to Thimi.

Day 10: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
There is a direct route from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. However, the slightly longer route from Namche Bazaar via Khumjung and Khunde is more interesting. You could start the route via the Khumjung and Khunde by climbing up to Shyangboche airstrip. You then continue to Khumjung (3790 meters) and then rejoin the direct trail to Tengboche. The trail descends to the Dudh Koshi (3250 meters). From Dudhkoshi, a steep ascent brings you to Tengboche (3870 meters).

Day 11: Tengboche to Pheriche
From Tengboche, descend to Devuche, cross the Imja Khola and climb the stones depicting the Tibetan Buddhist chants to Pangboche, at an altitude of 3860 meters. The monastery at Pangboche is worth visiting and you can stop at the village for the lunch.

Then the trail climbs to Pheriche, at an altitude of 4240 meters. At Pheriche, there is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) trekkers’ aid post where you can receive medical assistance. There are number of hotels and restaurants for accommodation and food.

Day 12: Acclimatization at Pheriche
Spend the day in Pheriche for acclimatization. We advise you to walk to higher grounds and return to Pheriche for the night. Dingboche and Chhukung (4730 meters) are probable destinations.

Day 13: Pheriche to Duglha
The trail from Pheriche climbs to Phalang Karpo (4340 meters) and then to Duglha (4620 meters). The HRA doctors advise you to make an overnight stop in Duglha to acclimatize yourself.

the highest mountain and surroundings upclose

Day 14: Duglha to Lobuje
The trail then goes directly up the Khumbu Glacier which takes an hour to reach from Duglha. Once in the Khumbu Glacier, turn left into the memorial area after which you will reach the village of Lobuje (4930 meters).

Day 15: Lobuje to Gorak Shep
The trek climbs to Gorak Shep, at an altitude of 5160 meters, from Lobuje. You can arrive in Gorak Shep in a couple of hours which leaves enough time to visit Kala Patthar (5545 meters) on the same day or you could visit that on the next morning. Kala Patthar provides the best views of the Mt. Everest without climbing the mountain.

Day 16 - 21: Gorak Shep to Lukla to Kathmandu
From Gorak Shep, you can trek to the Everest Base Camp which takes around six hours for the round trip. There are not much exciting views to be seen from the base camp. If you want to have best views of the mountains, you might want to go to Kala Patthar (5545 meters). Then you could climb down to Lobuje after trekking to either the Base Camp or the Kala Patthar.

From Lobuje, you could make an overnight stay in Dingboche, instead of Pheriche where you stayed earlier. There are several lodges in the summer village of Dingboche, at an altitude of 4410 meters. From Dingboche, you could reach Lukla in three days by stopping over Tengboche, and Namche Bazaar.

Reconfirm your tickets on the airlines’ offices, if you had already booked the flights else get a ticket to Kathmandu. Then you could fly out to Kathmandu from Lukla.

Find more about other popular trekking routes in Nepal and also the competent travel agencies listed in our website to help you organize your trip.

The Rajpath from Kathamndu biking route starts from Kalanki in Kathmandu and takes downhill along the Kathmandu Pokhara (Prithvi) Highway to Naubise, which is 27 kilometers away. In Naubise, the Rajpath (Tribhuwan Highway) intersects the Prithvi Highway. From Naubise, ride 35 kilometer uphill along the Tribhuwan Highway to Tistung at an altitude of 2030 meters and from Tistung, descend 7 kilometers to Palung valley. Finally, ride for 9 kilometers to Daman, where you could make an overnight stay. The whole ride takes around six to nine hours. Daman will be the place to stay for the broadest Himalayan panorama in Nepal.

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The pass at an altitude of 2488 meters is the highest elevation reached by riding 3 kilometers uphill from Daman. From the pass, the ride is downhill and you could descend the elevation of 2300 meters in 60 kilometers from there. The town of Hetauda is reached after riding 150 kilometers from Kathmandu.

From Hetauda, you could ride towards the Indian border along the Rajpath or take the road towards the Chitwan National Park (80 kilometers away).

Read the Mountain Biking Routes for exploring other biking routes in Nepal.

This trail starts from Kalanki in Kathmandu and passes along the Prithvi Highway to Naubise, 27 kilometers away from Kathmandu where Tribhuvan Highway intersects the Prithvi Highway. Then it reaches Mugling around 120 kilometers ride from Kathmandu where the road splits to the one going to Pokhara and another heading towards Narayangarh. Ride on the right as you reach the end of the town and within 300 meters you will cross the bridge over Trisuli River. From Mugling you will gain an altitude of 550 meters while riding 96 kilometers to Pokhara. You could also consider making a detour to Gorkha from Abu Khaireni (24 kilometers) or to Bandipur from near Dumre (7 kilometers). The total length of the route is 216 kilometers and takes 2 days (12 to 14 hours) to complete.

Read the Mountain Biking Routes for exploring other biking routes in Nepal.

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From Lobuje, you could make an overnight stay in Dingboche, instead of Pheriche where you stayed earlier. There are several lodges in the summer village of Dingboche, at an altitude of 4410 meters. From Dingboche, you could reach Lukla in three days by stopping over Tengboche, and Namche Bazaar.

Reconfirm your tickets on the airlines’ offices, if you had already booked the flights else get a ticket to Kathmandu. Then you could fly out to Kathmandu from Lukla.

Please read  Everest Base Camp Trek for comprehensive itinerary.

Nepal is an exciting venue for the mountain biking and cycling. The venues range from the one that test your skills and stamina to the ones that are leisurely and fantastic for the scenery. You can do mountain biking on your own or get it organized by the tour companies. Here are some of the mountain biking routes in Nepal:

The Scar Road from Kathmandu:
This route starts from Balaju (2 kilometers north from Thamel) in Kathmandu and heads towards the road to Kakani, which, at an altitude of 2073 meters, is 23 kilometers away. From Kakani the route heads to Shivapuri where foreigners need to pay Rs. 1000 (around US$ 15) as entry fee to the National Park. Then the Scar Road is in front of you. You need to drive 25 kilometers of this road before descending the 7 kilometers long road to the valley. The trip ends in Budhanilkantha, where you can see the sleeping statue of Vishnu. The whole trail is 70 kilometers long and takes around six hours to complete.

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Kathmandu to Dhulikhel:
The route starts in Koteshwor - the starting point of the Araniko Highway- in Kathmandu. The trail passes through Bhaktapur to Banepa to Dhulikhel which is 32 kilometers long and is enough for the first day. On the second day, take the trail from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha to Panauti to Banepa. From Banepa, you could ride around 4 kilometers to Dhulikhel or return via the Araniko Highway to Kathmandu. The total length of the trail is 90 kilometers.

The Back Door to Kathmandu:
The trail starts from Panauti and proceeds to Lakuri Bhanjyang which is at an altitude of 1960 meters. Then take the route to Sisneri and Lubhu. The biking ends at the ring road near Patan. The route is 30 kilometers long and takes around half a day to complete.

Dhulikhel to the Tibetan Border:
The Dhulikhel to the Tibetan Border route, along the Araniko Highway, is 83 kilometers long and takes 2 days to complete. On the first day, ride from Dhulikhel to Dolalghat to Lamosangu , where you make an overnight stay. Then proceed to Tatopani and then to Kodari via Barabise. You could stay in Tatopani and enjoy the hot spring or return to Borderlands Resort for overnight accommodation.

On returning, you could follow the same trial to Dhulikhel or Kathmandu or ride on a bus with your bicycle.

The Rajpath from Kathmandu:
The Rajpath starts from Kalanki in Kathmandu and takes downhill to Naubise, which is 27 kilometers away. From here, ride uphill along the Tribhuwan Highway to Daman, where you could make an overnight stay. The maximum altitude of 2488 meters is reached by riding 3 kilometers away from Daman and you could descend 2300 meters in 60 kilometers from there. The town of Hetauda is reached after riding 150 kilometers from Kathmandu. And from there you could ride towards the Indian border or take the road towards the Chitwan National Park (80 kilometers away).

Hetauda to Narayangarh and Mugling:
The ride starts from Hetauda and along the East West Highway to Narayangarh in Chitwan. You will see the sub tropical vegetation along the way. Watch out for the signpost and resorts on your left along the way. After riding for around 80 kilometers, you will reach the Tadi Bazaar from where Sauraha is 6 kilometers ride. Narayangarh is 20 kilometers away from Sauraha on the banks of Narayani River. From Narayangarh, you could ride to Mugling (35 kilometers) on your bicycle or on a bus with your bicycle as per your preference. The total length of the route is 91 kilometers to Narayangarh and 105 kilometers via Sauraha.

Kathmandu to Pokhara:
This trail starts from Kalanki in Kathmandu and passes Naubise, Mugling along the Prithvi Highway and reaches Pokhara. You could also consider making a detour to Gorkha from Abu Khaireni (24 kilometers) or to Bandipur from near Dumre (7 kilometers). The whole length of the route is 216 kilometers and takes 2 days to complete.

Pokhara to Sarangkot and Naudanda:
Take the road from Pokhara to Sarangkot, the hill directly visible on the north of Lakeside. From Sarangkot, take the road via Kaski to Naudanda. The road from Pokhara to Naudanda is around 22 kilometers long and an uphill route. From Naudanda, it is 6 kilometer downhill to Mardi Khola and a gentle slope to Pokhara. You will see the excellent views of the Himalayas from the route.

Please find out about some of the biking tour companies to help you organize your trips.

JAZZMANDU PEACE FLAG PAINTING
Date: Wednesday, October 22nd 
Time: 12:30am - 2:30pm
Venue: Hyatt RegencyPeace is always underrated and the need of the day around the world. The festival kicks off at the Hyatt Regency with a call for peace through music and art. Artists, national and international musicians, and children will paint their symbol for peace on the Jazzmandu Peace Flag  and will be followed by the vintage cars and The Enfielders Peace Rally to Bhaktapur.FREE JAZZ
Date: Wednesday, October 22nd 
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Venue: Bhaktapur, Dattatraya Square
Free entry

Schedule Courtesy: Jazzmandu 2008

Salsa Dance Academy Pvt. Ltd. is organizing Spicy Salsa Dance Party.

Date: Friday, June 20, 2008
Venue: Yak and Yeti Hotel, Kathamndu
Time: 6 pm onwards
Fees: Entrance is free

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SALSA DANCE ACADEMY (P) Ltd is organizing a dance workshop on Salsa.

Date: June 23 to June 28, 2008
Venue: Salsa Dance Academy, Bhatbhateni, Kathmandu
Fees: Rs. 1,500 (rupees one thousand five hundred only)
Phone: 44 20 564, 9803192370

For the workshop schedule, please visit Salsa Dance Workshop Schedule.