The basin of the Teesta river lies in Sikkim and its northern reaches are dominated by Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain. Fed by glaciers, the many streams of the Teesta river tumble through deep gorges, grassy alps and forests.  Past Gangtok, other main towns in the region are Kalimpong, Kurseong and Darjeeling. A fascinating toy train chugs its way up from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling through pine, oak, magnolia and rhododendron forests and an amazing variety of wild orchids. Famous Buddhist monasteries and pilgrim centres and Rumtek, Yuksom, Tashding and Pemyangtse.

SINGALI LA TREK - (Darjeeling Area) : Trek begins at Manebhanja through villages, small wayside huts and gompas to Sandakphu , the point on the trek and gives a full view of the entire eastern Himalayas from Chomolhari in Bhutan to Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, to Everest-the world's highest peaks can be seen from here and it offers a breathtaking experience to watch sunrise or sunset over these mountains. They are covered with rhododendrons, silver fir, spruce, chestnut, oak, and an innumerable variety of flowers.

 DELHI / DARJEELING / TREK / DELHI

Duration: 7 days Darjeeling to Darjeeling.
Average Trek: 7 to l2 kms/day .
Maximum Height: 9500 ft..
Grade: Moderate.
Best Time:  May to April and October to November.

SIKKIM RHODODENDRON TREK - ( Kanchenjunga Trek) : This trek begins from Pemyangtse through moss laden forests, abounding in a varied flora and fauna ,through scenes of grazing yaks, mountain sheep and settlements and villages. The trail leads through forested areas of Sikkim particularly beautiful during the spring when the dendrons, giant magnolias and a profusion of other flowers are in full bIoom Dzongri, one comes face to face with a magnificent view of Mt Kanchenjunga. A rugged terrain from Zemathang leads to Golcha La ( 5000 Mt.) , the point on the trek. On the return journey from Zemathang one can keep an eye out for rare high altitude pheasants and sheep.

DELHI/GANGTOK / PEMYANGTSE / YUKSOM / BAKIM /DZONGRI / ZEMATHANG /GOLCHALA / PHITHANG / YUKSOM / DARJEELING / DELHI
 

In the Nepal Himalayas are a galaxy of the world's highest mountains, Everest, Makalu, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, Manasalu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri. The weird formation of the three Annapurna summits all 8000 m looks like a huge marble platform, fifteen kilometres across. Beyond Annapurna, the great Himalayas dip down to the Gandak river gorge, making it one of the most fearsome sights in the world, with the range rising on the other side of the gorge to Dhaulagiri. Beyond Dhaulagiri is the maze of mountain systems of Kanjiroba Himal and Api. Until you come to the Garhwal Himalayas. More than half of the tourist visitors in Nepal are trekkers because trekking is an unrivalled attraction  offered by the mountains of Nepal, made even more pleasant by the friendly local people on the way and the never ending vista for the mountaineers. Pokhra is a popular base for treks into the valleys. Popular Nepal treks are the Helambu trail, Ghorepani trek, Sherpa village trek and the Royal  Pokhra trek, a popular trek first trekked by HRH Prince of Wales in 1980.
 

ANNAPURNA : Trek from Dumre through Marsyangdi valley, Manang and to Jomsom over Thoranglal (5335 m) is very fascinating. Low mountain range and tropical vegetation disappear as you reach higher elevation at Manang and Muktinath. As the trek circumnavigates the entire Annapurna massif you come across many villages of different ethnic groups, beautiful waterfalls and panoramic view of entire range from Dhaulagiri in the west to Manaslu in the east. The higher section has Tibet like landscape and Tibetan Buddhist culture and lower region are predominantly Hindu. Of all the treks, it is most popular despite the arduous climb from Phedi / Manang to Thorang pass. This trek terminates at Pokhara.
 

EVEREST : You follow the original route used by first Everest expedition from Jirit to the base camp of Mt Everest. Enroute you come across wide valley at Bhandar and beginning of Sherpa settlement. At Junbesi cross Takshindu pass and from Phakding enter into sherpa land of Khumu valley. There are Buddhist monasteries at Takshindu 13048 m, Thame 3811m and Thyangboche. Stop at popular tourist village of Namchebazar, remote settlement at Dingboche and Lobouje. There are blue pine, fir, juniper and rhododendron forests and villages settled by various groups.  Panoramic view of Langtang and Gaurishanker in the west, Makalu in the east are photogenic. Magnificent view of Mt Everest from Kalapatthar is high point on  this trek. Trek ends at Lukla with flight to Kathmandu.
 

LANGTANG - GOSAIKUNDA : This is the closest area near Kathmandu that has alpine weather, high mountain, Buddhist culture, monasteries at Kyanjin (3811 m) and Singgompa and snow glacier. As the trek gradually ascends higher elevation from Dhunche to Langtazng, the valley unfolds its natural grandeur. Walk to the alpine lake at Gosaikunda through rhododendron forests with backdrop of panoramic view of Mananslu on the west; it is an unforgettable experience. Cross Labrina pass 14640 m (to come out of the lake and enter Helambu region that has many sherpa settlements and villages. Enchanting view of Gaurishanker and rolling green hills in the horizon is something difficult to forget. In spring time wild flowers and varieties of blooming rhododendron trees are specially attractive. Return to Kathmandu from Sundaral.
 

MUSTANG : Above Kagbeni the vast barren and dull landscape used to be forbidden for foreigners. Now it is possible to visit this land. Govt. charges a high permit fees to preserve fragile socio - economic culture and ecology of the region. It is believed civilization of Mustang dates as for back as 800 BC. Large villages are located in the valley at the elevation of 33.00 to 4000 m. Major villages Enroute to Lo Manthang are Chhusang, Chilling, Ghami and Tsarang, the  monastery at Tsarang is a historical monument. It has       precious fresco paintings, thangkas and antique  ceiling. The cave at Rongbyung chorten has carving of many Hindu and Buddhist deities including statue of  Padmasambhav. It is predominnantely a unique Buddhist region. Ethnic composition are mainly Gurung and Bista, but they are different from similar ethnic groups in lower hill. Major villages around Lo Manthang has historic gompas and caves. Prayer wall, chorten and landscape along the route are very impressive. Trek starts and ends at Jomsom with flight to and from Pokhara. An overnight stay in Pokhara in  the beginning is in the programme.

It's name the "Roof of the World" is no idle statement. The valley bottoms of Tibet are higher than the highest mountains elsewhere. Its snow covered plateau are the highest in  the world. Apart from the Everest, which Tibetans see from the other side, many a mountain ranges are over 15000 ft. Meet here with chanting monks, stooped in prayer,  mingle and wade through prostrating citizens as they circumambulate monasteries on  their bellies while prayer wheels and prayer flags fan the burning incense as the smoke rises towards the heavens, to Gods who govern by a faith compassionate to all things living. Nepal Tibet Tour - 1
 

Day 1. Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (11850 ft). Transfer to hotel.

Day 2. LHASA : Full day sightseeing to Sera monastery, Jokhang temple and Barkhor Bazaar.

Day 3. LHASA : Full day sightseeing of Potala palace the Drepung monastery.

Day 4. LHASA : Morning sightseeing leads to Norbulingka palace. Afternoon free.

Day 5. Transfer from hotel to Gonggar airport to connect onward flight.

Nepal - Tibet : Tour - 2

 2. LHASA : Full day sightseeing of Sera monastery, Jokhang temple and Barkhor.

 3. LHASA : Full day sightseeing of Potala palace the Drepung monastery.

 4. Drive 249 kms from Lhasa to Gyantse (13050 ft.) Arrive Gyantse and check in at hotel. Visit Palkhor
     Choide.

 5. Drive 93 kms from Gyantse to Xigatse. Overnight at hotel. Xigatse (112600 ft) is most famous for its Tashihunpo monastery - the seat of the Panchen Lama.

6. Drive from Xigatse to Lhasa. Arrive Lhasa and check in for overnight at hotel.

7. Full day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

8. Transfer from hotel to Gonggar airport to connect onward flight.

LHASA HIGHLIGHT

This trip is planned to give cultural highlights of Lhasa. It is a short 4 day tour of Lhasa.

Day 1 Arrive Lhasa, day 2 and 3 sightseeing Lhasa, day 4 depart Lhasa. Sightseeing places includes Potala palace, Jokhang, Barkhor, and Norbulinka. This programme is based on return flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

OVERLAND TO LHASA

This is a popular overland tour to Lhasa. It departs every Saturday from Kathmandu.

• Day 1. Drive to Kodari border, stay at Zangmu (2500 m).

• Xegar (4350 m).

• Xigatse (3900 m).

• Gyantse (3950 m).

• Arrive Lhasa on Wednesday evening.

6 & 7. Two full day sightseeing tours of Lhasa.

8. Fly to Kathmandu.

This is fixed departure tour with option of budget class accommodation in Lhasa. You may join any date to depart from Kathmandu.

With their origin in the mighty Himalayas, snowfed rivers descending from icy heights, turbulent and  foaming, cutting through deep gorges and canyons, as they gush through the great lndo-Gangetic plains. Crashing against huge boulders they fall churning and swirling, breaking into white water rapids. The awesome might of the river in these parts and their apparent navigational invincibility has attracted the adventurer to the     challenging sport of river running . Learning river running experts have opined that lndian rivers have the potential of having some of the most exciting stretches of river running in the world.  The most popular river running in lndia are the Ganga (Grade ll-lV), the Bhagirathi, (Grade lll-lV), the Alaknanda (Grade lll-IV ). River

running expeditions by Wanderlust are organised and managed by  professionals who have trained abroad in some of the most difficult water stretches and have won prestigious international awards. We use Avon rafts which are reputed to be the best in the trade. Wanderlust adventures is committed to providing the  safest trip possible.

1. FLOAT TRIP ( Day trip. Grade - II ) : A gentle raft ride for two and a half hours covering a  distance of eight river kms. We float past temples, ashrams and yoga centres, through the city of Rishikesh made famous by the Beatles. At Rishikesh, the Ganga river leaves the  Himalayas and enters the Indo-Gangetic plains on its 2525 km journey to the Bay of Bengal.

2. OVERNIGHT "BUZZ" RUN ( 2 Days and 1 night. grade II, III ) : A quick getaway from civilization into the lap of the Himalayas. We spend 2 days running some of the most exciting rapids on the Ganga including Three Blind Mice, Crossfire, Return to Sender, Roller Coaster and Golf Course. Overnight in our tented camp close to the Ganga river, you are welcome to try your hand at kayaking on a placid stretch of the river close to camp.

3. WHITE WATER AND WILD LIFE ( 4 days and 3 nights. Grade IV ) : A more relaxed trip covering the entire stretch of the trip 2 and rafting the most exciting rapid on the Ganga called "The Wall." On the second day, we drive for one hour to Chilla National Park for a game drive/elephant safari. The park is famous for wild elephants. Other game includes Cheetal  (spotted deer, Nilgai ( Blue Bull ), Kakar ( barking deer ), porcupine, wild boar, a plethora of avifauna and rarely the panther and tiger.

4. GANGA EXPEDITION ( 5 days and 4 nights. Grade II - IV ) : The expedition trip starts at Deoprayag where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge to form the sacred Ganga. This is a fully self supported trip and we carry tents, food and drinks on the rafts.The first night halt is on an isolated beach just below Deoprayag. The next three days are spent covering a distance of 60 kms to Rishikesh and negotiating the many challenging rapids enroute.

5. BHAGIRATHI / GANGA EXPEDITION ( 7 days and 6 nights. Grade IV ) : The Bhagirathi river trip is reputed as one of the best river expeditions in Asia. It combines a series of white water adventures with a brief glimpse of life in isolated Himalayan villages. Wanderlust Adventures is the only company in India offering expeditions down the Bhagirathi. After a day's training the expedition starts at Tehri 150 kms downstream from the river's glacial source. The next three days are spent running wild rapids (including a 15 ft waterfall ensconsed within the picturesque Bhagirathi gorge. At Deoprayag, Bhagirathi merges with Alaknanda to form the sacred Ganga. We finish the expedition in Rishikesh. An optional trek to the source can be arranged as an extension.

6. ALAKNANDA/GANGA RIVER EXPEDITION ( 5 Days & 4 Nights. Grade lll-IV ) : In 1977 Sir Edmund Hillary led the "Ocean to Sky" expedition up the beautiful Alaknanda gorge. We put in at Srinagar 30 kms upstream of Deoprayag. This is a relatively mild trip as compared to the Bhagirathi river. It is possible to extend this trip by starting the expedition at  Rudrapayag.

7. Other Rivers : River running can be organized on the Sutlej, Teesta, Sarda rivers. We run the Beas river in May / June, the Indus in July / August and the Yamuna through the year.

Day 1. Drive to Rishikesh riverside cottages and beach camp (6 hrs ). Arrive by lunch. Post lunch free to explore the beautiful environs of the exclusive and fascinating riverside rafting resort and its private beach, India's most eco-friendly resort. Time free for kayaking, swimming, volley ball. Evening enjoy an outdoor bonfire and bar-be-cue. Overnight Camps.

Day 2. Drive up 18 kms upstream for an exciting run on the Ganga starting with the "Daniels Dip" and "The wall". Arrive at the Ganga beach by lunch. Evening free for bird watching or fun trek on the leopards trail. Overnight Camps.

Day 3. Commence your trip from Camp encountering some of the most exciting white water rapids like the Golf Course, Roller Coaster etc. On one of the riverside "snack and drink" stops, try a "Tarzan's leap" from a riverside rockery. Trip ends at Rishikesh after a  riverside lunch. We have your bags and vehicles waiting to transfer you back to Delhi or continue your onward journey.