Himalayan Studies and Geography Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

• Activities:
  • Welcome briefing and introduction to the Himalayan region.
  • Visit to the Natural History Museum or the International Mountain Museum.
• Key Highlights:
  • Overview of the geology and biodiversity of the Himalayas.
  • Traditional Nepali dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Kathmandu Valley

• Activities:
  • Guided tour of UNESCO sites (Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur).
  • Focus on cultural geography and historical trade routes.
• Key Highlights:
  • Insight into the valley’s geomorphology and its cultural significance.

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (827m)

• Activities:
  • Scenic drive through river valleys with an overview of hill geomorphology.
  • Evening lecture: Himalayan glaciation and river systems.
• Key Highlights:
  • Stopovers for observing Trisuli River dynamics.

Day 4: Drive to Nayapul, Trek to Ghandruk (1,940m)

• Activities:
  • Begin trekking through terraced fields and traditional Gurung villages.
  • Study the cultural geography of mountain settlements.
• Key Highlights:
  • Interactions with local communities.

Day 5: Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2,170m)

• Activities:
  • Trek through mixed forests of rhododendron and oak.
  • Discuss vertical vegetation zones and their ecological significance.
• Key Highlights:
  • Panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Day 6: Chhomrong to Bamboo (2,310m)

• Activities:
  • Trek into a dense forested gorge, studying the Himalayan subtropical zone.
  • Lecture: Geomorphology of valleys and landslide dynamics.
• Key Highlights:
  • Diverse flora and fauna.

Day 7: Bamboo to Deurali (3,230m)

• Activities:
  • Ascend into the alpine zone.
  • Study of glacial landforms and the role of erosion in shaping valleys.
• Key Highlights:
  • First glimpses of glaciers and high-altitude terrain.

Day 8: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m)

• Activities:
  • Trek to ABC with a focus on high-altitude ecosystems.
  • Study glacier moraines and the effects of climate change.
• Key Highlights:
  • Surrounded by Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and other peaks.

Day 9: Explore Annapurna Base Camp

• Activities:
  • Full day for research and exploration.
  • Topics: High-altitude meteorology, glacial hydrology, and plate tectonics.
• Key Highlights:
  • Learn from local guides and experts.

Day 10: Descend to Bamboo

• Activities:
  • Trek down, reflecting on elevation zones and biodiversity.
• Key Highlights:
  • Observation of changing vegetation with altitude.

Day 11: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m)

• Activities:
  • Relax at natural hot springs.
  • Evening lecture: Himalayan rivers and their role in regional hydrology.
• Key Highlights:
  • Case study: Modi Khola River.

Day 12: Trek to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara

• Activities:
  • Final descent through terraced landscapes.
  • Drive to Pokhara and free evening.
• Key Highlights:
  • Insight into hill farming and erosion control.

Day 13: Return to Kathmandu

• Activities:
  • Scenic drive or optional flight back to Kathmandu.
  • Farewell dinner with a cultural performance.

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

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