An enchanting mid-hills trail located entirely in the Mahabharat Lekh (also known as the Lesser Himalaya) with broad, jaw-dropping vantages of the frosty Greater Himalaya peaks at hilltop lookouts and along much of the route. The highest elevation of the 6-7 day trek is 10,325 feet (3,147 m), and near the beginning. Thus, the top-down journey is easygoing and good for all seasons. The culturally diverse region has seen few tourists. Ethnicities prevalent along the way include Sherpa, Tamang, Thami, Majhi, Newar, and Yolmo. Among these groups, the Thami and Majhi are rarely encountered on trekking trails. The Thami are unique to this region. With a total Nepalese population of about 30,000, their culture is considered endangered. The Majhi, with a Nepalese population around 75,000, traditionally make a living near rivers through fishing and boating, mostly in the inner tarai along the southern fringes of Nepal. *Route descriptions includes exclusive new routes *Side trips not found in other guidebooks *Detailed, day-wise maps *Cover painting by Nicholas Roerich

This pristine trail (5 to 9 days) is an ideal choice for those seeking cultural interaction away from the popular, commercialized routes and can be conveniently combined with a visit to the World Heritage Site (Natural) of Chitwan National Park. The scenic route passes through mainly Chepang villages in the mid-hills that receive considerably fewer tourists than the traditional trekking areas. Himalayan panoramas from select viewpoints and village vistas are sensational and home stay enables a deeper cultural experience than can be had on more established routes. This book provides the essentials for entering the heart of Chepang country. Chepang have a distinct language that is of the Tibeto-Burman family and is one of a few, rare languages of the world that follow the duodecimal counting system with a base of twelve (rather than the decimal with a base of ten). Other ethnicities predominant along this route include the Giripuri (a subgroup of Chhetri which is a warrior caste that includes the former royal family), Magar, Bahun (Brahmin), and Newar. *Route descriptions includes exclusive new routes *Detailed maps *Side trips not found in other guidebooks *Glossary with practical vocabulary and key phrases *Cover Painting by Nicholas Roerich

Trekkers wishing to meet few other foreigners will enjoy The Gurung Heritage Trail. Village panoramas with a Himalaya backdrop offer unparalleled beauty, and the cultural interaction can be even more rewarding than the views. This book provides the essentials for entering the heart of Gurung country and an inroad to the lifestyle of Nepal's mid-hills. This trek can be done on its own, or combined with the world-renowned Annapurna Circuit, details are outlined within. *Route descriptions includes exclusive new routes *Side trips not found in other guidebooks *Detailed, day-wise maps *Cover painting by Nicholas Roerich

INCLUDES LANGTANG & HELAMBU The Tamang Heritage Trail lies west of the Langtang Valley. The scenic route passes through mainly Tamang villages in the mid-hills that receive considerably fewer tourists than the traditional, adjoining Langtang trek. Himalayan panoramas and village vistas are sensational and home stay enables a deeper cultural experience than can be had on more established routes. The Tamang ethnic group comprises 6 percent of the total population of Nepal, and Tamang are the predominant inhabitants of Rasuwaa District where this route and the Langtang Valley lie. Tamang have a distinct language and manner of dress, ornamentation and craftsmanship, and many homes have ornately carved wooden windows and porch fronts. This book provides the essentials for entering the heart of Tamang country. Also includes Langtang, Helambu, and Gosainkunda, popular trekking destinations north of Kathmandu Valley. --Comprehensive and easy to use --Route descriptions include the classic trails, alternate paths and exclusive new routes with detailed maps *Side trips not found in other guidebooks *Practical information and country background *Complete trekking reference *Cover painting by Nicholas Roerich

This trail is an attractive option for people with time to spare in Kathmandu, perhaps before a flight home or if a 'banda', a regional or national strike, brings vehicle transport to a standstill. Generally, it is a way to escape from the city, if only for a 3-4 day excursion. Sensational Himalayan panoramas complement the relatively fresher air once you reach the Shivapuri Ridge, to the northeast of the valley, and beyond. Lodging facilities are available along the route, with camping and home stay possibilities, too. Also included are descriptions to Kathmandu valley's two highest summits, Shivapuri (8963 feet, 2732 m) to the north, considered a sacred hangout of the Hindu deity Shiva, and Phulchowki (9039 feet, 2755 m) to the south which means "Flower Fortress." Both mountains are lavishly camouflaged in vegetation and offer magnificent vistas of the valley and the snowy Himalaya beyond. -COMPREHENSIVE, COMPACT AND EASY TO USE -PRACTICAL INFORMATION AND COUNTRY BACKGROUND -DETAILED ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS -EASY TO USE MAPS FOR KATHMANDU AND ALL NEPAL -VISA, PERMIT, HEALTH, AND GEAR DETAILS PLUS RECOMMENDATIONS -RESPONSIBLE TOURISM GUIDELINES -USEFUL WEB LINKS -COMPLETE TREK PLANNING REFERENCE -COVER PAINTING BY NICHOLAS ROERICH