Trip Duration: 15 days

Trip Date: Oct 26 - Nov. 9, 2025

Group Size: 6 to 12 paxs

Trip Cost: $4,350/person

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TRIP DETAILS:

 

Life is busy and fast-paced. We try to maintain peace, acceptance and work with whatever arises. But few realize the toll of modern life on our spirits or the riches of cleaning our internal mirrors, caring for our mind, sharpening our perceptions, discovering our face before we were born in wilderness and in retreat. This pilgrimage offers an intimate journey to the heartland of the Himalayas; trekking to remote Dhud Kunda, (milk lake) a power spot dedicated to Seti Devi, (divine goddess), pristine ridge walks trails in view of Everest and surrounding Himalayas. We will witness the swirling colors of the Mani Rimdu festival and meet one of the greatest living Buddhist masters: Sang Sang Rinpoche, the incarnation of Lama Tenzin Chodar, Trulshig Rimpoche’s father. You will learn more about high Himalayan culture, photography, Buddhism, meditation and wilderness, and the deep joy of walking one’s mind clear; as we traverse some of the sweetest trails in all the Himalaya.

 

ITINERARY:

 

Day 1– Sunday, Oct. 26, Kathmandu (4593’, 1,399m)
 

Rendezvous in Boudha at Hotel Lotus Gem at 4:30 pm. Thomas will hold a meeting and orientation in the hotel regarding trek arrangements and stay in Kathmandu. Leave hotel to tour Bouddhanath Stupa.

Garden Village Kitchen (D)

 

Please note: If you wish to fly into Kathmandu a day early and recover from jet lag, kindly let me know. I can book you an extra night at Hotel Lotus Gem. You’ll need to cover all expenses.

 

Day 2– Monday, Oct. 27, Kathmandu (4,593’, 1,399m)

Early morning visit to Boudhnath, join Buddhist pilgrims circumambulating the stupa followed by Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu power spot dedicated to lord Shiva. Meet up with Himalayan Yogis, known as Sadhus. Observe sacred cremations along the banks of the Bagmati river, followed by a visit to Kriya Putri Bhawan where families spend 13 days in solitude performing Hindu rituals for their deceased family member.

 

Afternoon visit to the Kingdom of Patan, home to some of the most beautiful Hindu Pagoda temples in the world. Guided tour by Raju Roka, Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust. Visit Patan Museum. Return to Hotel Lotus Gem.

(B> Hotel Lotus Gem, L>Traveler Inn, Patan D>on your own in Boudha.

 

Day 3– Tuesday, Oct. 28, Kathmandu (4,593’, 1,399m) - Phaphlu (8,100’, 2,468m)

After breakfast, depart for the national airport, fly 35 minutes to Phaphlu. Phaplu is located in lower Solukhumbu region of Nepal. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your Sherpa guides and check into Phaphlu Guest House. After lunch, we’ll explore traditional Sherpa houses, a local school and have time to learn about daily Sherpa life. Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities and tips from Thomas Kelly. For dinner, we’ll be sampling delicious Sherpa steamed momos at a traditional sherpa ancestral home, organic salad and Kiwi distilled raksi. Phaphlu Guest House.

(B > Hotel Lotus Gem  L>Phalphu Guest House D> TBD

Please note:

If we are delayed due to weather, and cannot fly Kathmandu to Phalpu, we’ll travel overland by Scorpio jeeps. The journey in takes you across amazing landscapes. 8-10 hrs

 

Day 4- Wednesday, Oct. 29, Taksindu (9610 ft., 2,929m)

After an early morning tea or coffee, we’ll jeep thirty minute to Ratnangi danda. Thirty minute drive ascending through lush forest and past ancient Buddhist mani walls.  If weather is clear, view of Everest, and surrounding Himalayas. After being served breakfast at Ratnangi danda look out, we’ll start  trekking   to Changebee dhara. One and a half hours then down to Taksindu-2.5 hours. Pack lunch along the way. Overnight at Taksindu Hill Top Guest House.

(B> Ratnangi Dhanda L>Pack lunch, D>Taksindu) 

Walking terrain moderate to challenging. Approximately 8 miles, 12.87 kms - 6 to 7 hours walk.

 

Day 5- Thursday, Oct. 30, Sakari Pati (11,489 ft., 3,501m)

Acclimatization day. If we’re lucky, wake up to views of Everest and the Himalayan range. After breakfast, trek 3 hours to Sakari Pati. We’ll be gaining elevation today! Pristine environment. Camp at Sakari Pati. Optional explorations. And in the evening, enjoy Sherpa crew traditional songs. Camping in tents at Sakari Pati

B> Taksindu L> Sakari Pati D>Sakari Pati

Walking terrain challenging. Approximately 4 miles = 6.44 kms

 

Day 6- Friday, Oct. 31, Sarsare Beni (12,578 ft, 3,834m)

Trek 5 hours today through gorgeous pristine alpine terrain. Enjoy afternoon to rest and reflect. Visit local nomads milking Chauris, (female yak and male cow breed. Camp at Sarsare Beni.

B> Sakari Pati L> in -route D> Sarsare Beni

Walking terrain uphill & challenging. Approximately 5.5 miles = 8.85kms

 

Day 7- Saturday,  Nov. 1, Dudh Kund (14,960ft, 4,559m)

Wake up early, morning tea and bean coffee and trek to Dudh Kund. Sherpas will carry pack breakfast and lunch. If weather is crystal clear, b’fast at Sarsare Beni then trek 2 hrs to Dudh Kund. Enjoy this amazing scared power spot dedicated to Divine Dakini. Optional circumambulation of Dudhkunda lake. Return to Sarsare Beni camp.

(B> Sarsare Beni, L>Dudh Kund, D> Sarsare Beni)

Walking terrain uphill & challenging. Approximately 4.5 Miles = 7.24kms

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Day 8- Sunday,  Nov. 2, Thupten Choling Monastery (9,580’, 2,919 m)

Challenging trek day! Early morning departure! From Sarsare Beni, ascend 2 to 3 hours then downhill for approximately 4 hours to Thupten Choling Monastery Guest House. Thupten Choling is a monastic center, 80% of the nuns are Tibetan refugees. This is one of the first-contact points for the many Tibetans who find their way into Nepal each year. Although most refugees continue on to India, about 40 % of the nuns stay on and join the monastery.

(B>Sarsare Beni, L> Pack lunch, D> Thupten Choling Monastery)

Walking terrain downhill, long day. Approximately 15 miles = 24 kms

 

Day 9- Monday, Nov. 3, Thupten Choling Monastery (9,580 ft., 2,919 m)

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Get up early and meditate with nuns in main monastery. Visit traditional Tibetan medical clinic and get your pulse read by Tibetan Doctor, known as an Amchi. Learn about traditional Tibetan medicine and his experiences treating the Buddhist nuns at Thupten Choling. Explore the monastery, Sherpa Furba Gyalsen and I will introduce you to some of the Buddhist nuns living in simple retreat houses. Suggest visiting the main monastery kitchen to witness food and tea preparations for 285 nuns!

(B>Thupten Choling, L>Thupten Choling, D> Thupten Choling)

 

Day 10- Tuesday, Nov. 4, Junbesi (8,856 ft., 2,699m)

 

Early morning meditation with nuns in main monastery. After breakfast trek to Junbesi village, heart of traditional Sherpa culture, 2 hours. Enjoy hot shower. Explore Junbesi. Optional walk to Phorksha, Himalayan Retreat Center, or Selo Monastery above Junbesi, active Buddhist center for Buddhist Lamas. Overnight at Apple Garden Guest House.

(B> Thupten Choling, L> Junbesi, D> Junbesi)

Easy walking. Approximate 2.5 miles

 

 Day 11- Wednesday, Nov. 5, Chiwong Monastery (8,999 ft., 2,743m)

After breakfast, jeep to Chiwong Monastery. Settle into camp. First day of Mani Rimdu festival. Sit with monks in a Wang (a teaching from the Rimpoche). Followed by audience with Sang Sang Rinpoche, reincarnation of Trulshig Rimpoche’s father and His Holiness Kyabje Jigme Thinle Kunkhyap Rimpoche.

Camp (B, L, D)

Jeep ride to Chiwong Monastery Approximately 4 miles = 7 kms

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Day 12- Thursday, Nov. 6, Chiwong Monastery (8,999 ft., 2,743m)
 

Sacred Cham Festival dances and traditional Sherpa dancing for Mani Rimdu. 

 

(B > Camp, L> Camp, D>Camp

 

 Day 13- Friday, Nov. 7, Phaplu (8100 ft., 2,469 m)

 

Destruction of the Mandala, followed by Fire ceremony. Return to Phaphlu via beautiful forest walk. Overnite at Phaphlu Guest House. Farewell dinner.

(B > Camp, L> Camp, D>Phalphu Guest House)

Walk approximately 3 miles = 4.83kms

 

Day 14- Saturday, Nov. 8, Phaplu (8100 ft., 2,469 m)

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11:00a.m: Flight departue back to Kathmandu. Check into Hotel Tibet

Visit Kathmandu on your own. By western standards, the city is intimate. You can visit the many interesting sights, shrines and markets, or stroll in Kathmandu’s fascinating Asan Tole bazaar. Don’t miss the Durbar Square then there’s Thamel: backpacker’s area, many deals to be had. Located just east of Thamel is the magnificent Garden of Dreams, restored to its previous splendor, show cases the Rana period, 1850-1950. Lunch in the Garden or, choose Fire and Ice Pizzeria across the street. For the early bird, visit Swayambhunath (the “Monkey Temple,” overlooking the entire Valley; go at sunrise if you want to take in ritual time with the many Buddhist pilgrims. For shoppers, Millennium: whole sale jewelry/ Thamel, visit Nupa in Boudha for massage. A perfect gift might be a signed picture book by Thomas and Carroll: The Hidden Himalayas, Tibet: Reflections from the Wheel of Life, Sacred Landscape, Himalayan Pilgrimage to Tibet In Search of the Lost Kingdom of Bon, Himalayan Style. We gather for a final farewell dinner, with a new respect for the extraordinary geography we have traversed and a greater understanding of the Himalayan Kingdom.

6:30 pm- Farewell dinner

(B>Phalpu, L>on your own, D>TBD)

 

Please note:

If we are delayed due to weather, and cannot fly Phaplu to Kathmandu participants will need to cover additional costs as this is out of the control of trip guides. This means, airport transfers, room and board at hotel. Or, travel back overland by Scorpio Jeep. 10 hrs.

 

Day 15- Sunday, Nov. 9, Kathmandu (4593’, 1,399m)

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International departures. For the wise traveler, in case the Phaplu to Kathmandu flight is cancelled, consider staying one more day in Kathmandu and depart for USA on Monday, Nov. 10.  If you do this, you’re on your own. Kindly let me know and I can book the extra night at Hotel. If you stay on this day, suggest touring Bhaktapur.

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INCLUDED:

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Hotels (double occupancy); in-country transportation; entrance fees to museums; meals (B, L, D); in-country guide; leaders; porters; airport transfers; internal flights; all camping supplies except sleeping bags.

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* Single supplement =USD 400

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EXCLUDED:

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International Airfare; visa fees; insurance; items of a personal nature; over weight baggage to Phalpu (limited to 33 pounds 15 kgs per person, includes carry on) alcohol; sleeping bag, emergency evacuation, gratuities to Sherpas.

Please note: In the case of illness, resulting in a need to change accommodation or travel plans while in Nepal, it’s your responsibility to cover any additional costs outside of the regular trip plan. Those who would like to stay after trip dates will do so at their own expense.

We require that you purchase travel insurance. This is just a smart thing to do for overseas travel, and if there is a medical emergency, particularly an evacuation needed, you will need to have this coverage.

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PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT :

 

To secure your spot on a Wild_Earth_Journey trip lodge your deposit with ThomasLKellyphoto@gmail.com We'll then send you a 

detailed pre-departure trip planning packet. It tells you all you'll need to know about prepping for your trip, and then some. If we can't offer you a place we'll return your deposit within 14 days. 

We accept US$ in the form of personal or bank checks, or Wire transfer (contact us for bank details). The payment schedule is as follows: 

 

• US$500 per person upon booking (to secure your spot). 

• Final payment on the 1st of the month, in the 3rd month before your departure. 

If we haven't received your payment and no special arrangements have been made, we will assume that you've canceled and fill your spot from our wait list. If someone else is paying for any portion of your trip, you (the traveler) are responsible for payments and cancellation fees. 

Additional payments may be required on customized itineraries. We will inform you of these once you have placed your initial deposit. 

FINAL PAYMENT:

Once we receive your deposit, all our services included in the itinerary is to be proceeded. Final payment is payable, 3 weeks prior to arrival.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUND POLICY:

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At the time we receive written notice of cancellation of your trip, the following fees will apply for each person: More than 90 days before your tour departure date - $250.
30-90 Days - 50% of the land cost.
0-29 Days - 100% of the land cost. 

Cancellation terms may differ on customized itineraries. 

Trip Cancellation Insurance: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are healthy enough to participate in our trips. Once Wild_Earth_Journeys   has confirmed your place on a trip, cancellation fees will apply if you cancel your trip for ANY reason – even for medical issues.

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WILD EARTH JOURNEYS TOUR DISCRETION: 

Wild Earth Journeys requires trip members to be prepared physically, psychologically and to have the correct equipment for all our trips. If we must cancel or change a trip, we will do our best to provide you with a full or partial refund for the Wild Earth Journeys trip

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PACK LIST: 

Traveling to Nepal requires special consideration due to the climate. Your packing list will depend on the type of activities you plan to do while in Nepal and the time of year you travel. Temperatures range from the low 40F to the mid/70 in the late fall. Packing the right kind of clothing is essential. There is limitation on your luggage on internal flights, they allow only 15kg including backpacks, hand bags, you would have to pay 1.3USD for every extra kg. But that is not too bad, for an example if you have 25kg in total you would have to pay 13USD for your extra weight. 

The following general packing list gives recommendations on the type of equipment or clothing that we think most practical. 

CLOTHING 

Isothermic clothing is perfect for Nepalas it traps the warm air and body heat helping you stay warmer. Consider wool long underwear as your base layer. Fleece pullover shirts are comfortable year round for an insulating layer. Use Isothermic clothes for sleepwear during overnight in gers. Pack Smart Wool socks for your feet. Plan to layer your clothes for maximum warmth. Come prepared for wind, and some colder nights and mornings. There are also many beautifully clear and sunny warm days with bright blue skies. 

SLEEPING BAG - rated comfortable down to 15 Fahrenheit (comfort zone) for pre-winter trips. However it is guideline only, it also depends on how sensitive you are for the cold weather. Please let us know if you are going to bring your sleeping bag. Wild Earth Journeys can support with sleeping bag upon request @ $10/day.

DAY PACK – recommend OSPREY brand or similar quality which will fit a Camel back water bag. 

HEAD LAMP/FLASHLIGHT – good quality head lamp – must bring
SPARE BATTERIES WATER BOTTLES WITH WIDE MOUTH - Good for using sterie pen. 

PERSONAL MEDICATIONS – our first aid kits are equipped with basic first aid supplies... according to Nepalese law we are not allowed to dispense any medications. You should bring common medicines for headache, stomach upset, colds or 

allergies, based on your experience and your knowledge of what you might require. Bring a sufficient supply of all prescription medications. 

TOWEL – a travel towel that is compact, very absorbent, and fast drying is the best kind.
SMALL TRAVEL PILLOW - We are not providing any pillow on this tour. So please bring one if you use pillow. Sleeping bag 

liner - you can consider to bring one. 

WATERPROOF, WELL WORN-IN WALKING BOOTS - Good quality for cold weather, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet the most important thing is warm and comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended. 

WATERPROOF PANTS

FLEECE JACKET OR WARM SWEATER/JUMPER – we find a fleece jacket with a full length zipper in front to be the most practical, and wind-stopper fleece the best for spring and autumn. 

COTTON T-SHIRTS – two to three T-shirts will usually suffice. 

LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS – one light weight, fast drying, light colored one, preferably with buttons down the front so you can wear it open over a T-shirt for sun protection – and one medium weight for cool evenings. 

LIGHTWEIGHT TROUSERS – breathable warm thick trousers recommended.

WARM HAT –which can cover your ears, even some part of your face. SOCKS – socks should be of a material that keeps your feet dry 

UNDERWEAR – fast drying. Sports/athletic bras offering good support are best for countryside portions of all trips – roads are bumpy here! :) 

GLOVES –warm enough.
SUN GLASSES – should be dark and offer UV protection 

SUN CREAM – choose one with stronger protection (SPF 20 or more) if you are light skinned. A Neutrogena sunscreen stick for easy application to lips, nose and cheeks. Altai weather is very dry, with cold wind. 

SPARE GLASSES – carry them in a sturdy case. 

RESEALING (ZIPLOC) PLASTIC BAGS – bring enough to protect your documents, money, camera, binoculars, and other items from wetness, sand, and dust. A few extra bags are handy for repacking wet clothing until you reach your next camp and can dry them out 

BINOCULARS/CAMERA – carry in a soft padded case if possible
WET TISSUES – choose unscented ones that will not attract insects
MONEY BELT/POUCH – it is preferable to have a flat pouch that can be worn inside clothing 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER – must be left on file with Thomas Kelly.

CASUAL CLOTHES FOR TRAVEL/CITY – you may want to bring an extra folding duffle bag so you can leave any spare items either in Kathmandu.

It is a good idea to try on clothing at home to ensure that what you bring is sized for comfortable layering. Weather in Nepal is unpredictable, and layering your clothes for warmth is a practical alternative to packing bulky items you may never wear.