The Langtang Valley Trek

Near the top of Kyanjin Ri 

Amongst the three major trekking areas in Nepal, namely, Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, the Langtang valley is the most under trekked. Most of the big name peaks are in the Everest and Annapurna regions, so Langtang has always come third when selecting a trekking destination. In many ways this is real pity because Langtang offers pristine forests, rich bird life, monastic culture and above all some spectacular mountain views of the Langtang Himal topped by the shapely Langtang Lirung. The walking is also very enjoyable as there are large sections through the forest where the trekker is often alone surrounded by nature. The is a far cry from the Everest trek where the trails are crowded and often more than busy! A South Col team trekked the Langtang valley in November 2013.

HOW TO REACH SYABRUBESI

There is a direct bus which leaves Kathmandu at 7 30 am and reached Syabrubesi by 3 pm.  If you are a group of 5 to 6 trekkers you could consider hiring a four wheel drive vehicle (one way cost to Syabrubesi would be around USD 180 or so).

PERMITS

You need the Langtang National Park permit (NPR 3,000, SAARC citizens NPR 1,500, and the TIMS permit (USD 20 and 10 for individual trekkers and group trekkers respectively USD 6 and 3 respectively for SAARC citizens). The Langtang permit is available from Tourist Service Centre (01-4256909 extn 244; www.welcomenepal.com; Bhrikuti Mandap Kathmandu . Take a passport copy and two passport size photos. It is also possible to get both the two permits at the National Park Office before Dhunche.

 TREK  SCHEDULE

 Day 01 Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1470m) by road   

The journey should take 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and mode of transport.

Sukhothai, Thailand: Wat Mahathat

The World Heritage Site of Sukhothai used to be a flourishing kingdom during the 13th and 14th centuries. Wat Mahathat shown in these photographs in the largest and most impressive in Sukhothai. and this is considered to be the religious and administrative headquarters of the old capital. Sukhothai is about six hours drive north of Bangkok.

Photo Workshop at Atali Ganga Rishikesh - March 20th to 23rd 2014

Aquaterra Adventures (www.aquaterra.in) and South Col Expeditions (www.southcol.com) are pleased to present a three day photography workshop with Sujoy Das at Atali Ganga https://www.facebook.com/Activotel 14 km from Rishikesh. 

SCOPE
In the digital world today, everyone is a photographer. From an entry level camera phone to an Iphone to a $3000 D-SLR, every kind of equipment is capable to taking good photographs. However, photography is not just about picking up a phone or camera putting it to your eye and shooting. 
This workshop aims to hone the skills of the amateur photographer, teaches the basic photography techniques and through practical photo shoots and presentations make you a better photographer.

COSTS
The workshop provides the options to stay at Atali Ganga (Rs 24,963) or the nearby Camp Silver Sands (Rs 20,850). The cost above covers all accommodation for three nights, all meals, photo workshop costs, lecture sessions, photo shoots, critiques etc. 

For more detailed information and to register for the workshop please contact info@aquaterra.in or call 91-11-29212760, 29212641.

Bhaktapur Photos

Situated an hour's drive from Kathmandu, the World Heritage Site of Bhaktapur is possibly the jewel in Nepal's crown. It has three squares - The Durbar Square, Tachupal Tole and Taumidhi Tole studded with temples, palaces, frescoes and statues! Most tourists visit Bhaktapur for the day and leave in the evening but a night stay is well worth it at the charming Bhadgaon Guest House! Here are some photographs of Bhaktapur:

Durbar Square, Bhaktapur 

Potters Square 

Window of the wood carving museum, Tachupal Tole

King Bhupendra Malla's column

Siddha Lakshmi Temple

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