|
PROGRAMS
Treks - only the best for the best
 At
Shiva treks we believe in giving you the best. We offer an
exciting array of treks throughout the Himalayan ranges east of
the Karakoram. Our treks are unique in that we can also show you
the insider's view in every country. There is always the
opportunity, time and the means to meet and interact with the
people of the region and to see things done their way.
Given the altitude and comparative remoteness of most of our
treks, there is often scant modern infrastructure, like roads
and communications, and therefore few inherent material comforts
along the way. But we never want for adequate supplies of safe
food, clean water, and comfortable shelter.
We use only top-of-the-line trekking and camping gear, both
imported equipment and locally manufactured to international
specifications. The cuisine on our treks is the best obtainable
- healthy, nutritious & delicious. We use fresh staples,
vegetables and fruits whenever available, and when not, we
substitute with the best possible alternatives. We can also
provide ample opportunity to dabble in a truly ethnic 'a la
carte'.
Cultural Tours
 Even
as Asia modernizes beyond her cities toward the farthest reaches
of mountain, jungle and desert, the absolute diversity and
richness of her cultural heritage is still being uncovered and
revealed. There is yet so much to discover, to see and to
experience. But, as with all jewels, one needs to know where to
look.
At Shiva Treks we don't want to just "show you the sights". It's
not enough, and it's not our way. We coordinate our trip
calendar with all the significant national and regional
festivals, as well as with other more local religious and
cultural events, affording the opportunity to experience our
destinations at their best and most aesthetically diverse.
Whether your interest is participating in the customs and
traditions of religious and seasonal festivals, in admiring
ancient works of art or meeting today's urban artisans, we will
accommodate you.
Art, Cultural, Dance, Theatrical and Music Festivals
 We
have, and continue, great pleasure and long reputation in
helping to arrange, organize and coordinate all types of
specialized artistic events - from concept, venue-planning,
participants, logistics, through creating the right ambiance and
interaction, right down to the fine-tuning of last details.
Whether it be a unique inter-cultural specialized event, a group
with a special interest, or even an addition to a regular tour
group's other activities in our part of Asia - we have the
contacts, the experience and the expertise to arrange it for
you.
Pottery, Weaving, Carving & Casting
 The
Potters of Nepal are adept at making terra-cotta and glazed
earthenware. They equally supply life's mundane necessities
(terra-cotta bowls, cups, vessels and even water supply pipes),
to beautiful religious household adornments, and their own
personal artistic flights of fantasy and wonder. For those
interested in pottery, working with them, learning from them and
sharing with them is the experience of a lifetime. Simple tools,
simple materials, agile minds and extraordinary results.
Learn the casting of bronze, copper and brass statuary using the
ancient "lost-wax method", practice the moulding and engraving
of these malleable metals with artisans who still produce the
world's finest in Hindu and Buddhist statuary, symbols and
physical representation.
In weaving, you can learn to cast raw wool or to spin cotton
using a simple wheel, and come to grips with the intricacies of
pattern and design in hand-loom Tibetan and Nepalese carpets. Or
sit with woodworkers, whose skills have been honed from long
years of apprenticeship to the masters in intricate curve and
filigree of the traditional carved doors, windows and lattice
furnishings.
We also offer specialized classes in the ancient art of
religious scroll painting called Paubha (Thankha)
Women's Programs
Programs specially designed for organizations working with or
for women. We help arrange for programs on all issues that have
special significance for women and their general enhancement.
We'll handle all travel and tour arrangements, accommodation and
meals for participants in seminars, conferences etc.
World Heritage Sites
UNESCO has designated seven World Heritage sites within the
Kathmandu valley alone; Nepal is indeed a treasure chest of
architectural delights dating back hundreds of years. We make
all arrangements for visits to all or any of these sites.
Starting with the seven inside the Valley:
Museums and Antiquities
Let us take you in depth through the many historical, religious
and cultural museums and sites of the Kathmandu Valley. An
expert guide accompanies all tours and we'll also arrange
meetings with local historians and scholars for a more
meaningful understanding, interpretation and insight on our
past.
The Bronze & Brass Museum in Bhaktapur and the Patan Museum
that has a beguiling collection of bronze statues dating back to
the 11th century.
The National Woodworking Museum in Bhaktapur houses some
of the country's most exquisite woodwork including the famous
Peacock Window.
The Tribhuvan and Mahendra Museums provide a glimpse into
the lives of Nepal's Kings from1906 -1972.
The National Art Gallery in Bhaktapur & The National Museum
both have a vast collection of scroll paintings, bronze, brass,
stone and wooden images.
The National & Kaiser Libraries along with the Asa
Archives contain large collections of rare and antiquarian books
in English and Sanskrit.
The National Numismatic Museum traces the history and
influences on Nepalese coinage.
Wildlife, National Parks and Reserves
 There
are 16 National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and Conservation Areas
in Nepal that together occupy 16% of the Country. Nepal's
topographical diversity forms ideal habitats for a vast variety
of flora and fauna, and for exhilarating close encounters of the
wild kind - a foray into the lowland jungles of Nepal is hard to
beat. The Terai jungle's most famous residents are the Royal
Bengal Tiger, One-Horned Rhinoceros, Gaur Bison, and the Asian
Elephant. To the north and high into the hills there are panda,
wild yak and leopards. Nepal also has over 300 varieties of wild
orchids, and plays host to 848 species of birds - 10% of the
world's total!
We arrange a wide choice of safaris and stays in:
- Royal Chitwan
National Park
- Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
- Royal Bardia National Park
- Parsa Wildlife Reserve
- Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
The highland and mountain conservation areas are: Annapurna
Conservation Area Project, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area,
Khaptad National Park, Langtang National Park, Makalu-Barun
National Park and Conservation Area, Manaslu Conservation Area,
Rara National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, Shey-Phoksundo
National Park and the Shivapuri Watershed & Wildlife.
Educational Programs
Special programs for Professors & Scholars, Professionals and
Researchers:
These programs are directed and tailored to the inquiring
specialist in geology, geomorphology, zoological sciences,
wildlife preservation, ecology, agriculture or forestry. Nepal
has a unique physiographic setting with broad tropical,
temperate and alpine regions each containing its own distinct
microclimes. These wide variations in altitude and climate have
allowed for an immense botanical and zoological wealth. (As an
example, the zoological species variations in Nepal are:
Mammals: 181, Birds: 850, Fish: 185, Amphibians: 43. There are
640 species of butterflies and 5058 of other insects, reptiles
and lower invertebrates. Of the world's most endangered species
there are one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, snow leopard,
Asian elephant, swamp deer and red panda). Our specialist
treks/excursions are accompanied by an expert in the relevant
field, and the program includes discussions and meetings with
Nepal's most acknowledged leaders in the discipline.
Student Programs
Our student programs include treks, excursions, rock climbing,
cultural exchanges and introductory trips to remote areas that
are tailor-made to suit students of all age groups. Our various
core programs can be adapted to the school/college/institute's
or individual group's requirements.
Health Camps and Mountain Clinics
Every now and then international and accredited Private, NGO or
philanthropic organizations hold health camps in rural Nepal to
provide health care services to those who would otherwise have
little opportunity of finding specialised health care within
practical reach. We have been involved in these programs for
sometime now and consider it one of our worthier missions. To
facilitate the work of those involved, we provide all necessary
transport, (non-medical) supplies and material needed to set up
camp in remote areas or villages at high altitude. In arranging
all necessary logistics and amenities (even to interpreters and
local clerical help), we try to create as comfortable an
arrangement as possible to both health care receiver and giver.
Alternative Medicine Trips
These trips cater specifically to doctors and practitioners of
alternative medicine. They are particularly suited to those
interested in Ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture, local medicine
men and shaman techniques. We arrange meetings with practicing
specialists and visits with patients and cases in progress.
Herbs & Medicinal Plants Trips
Another program suited for those in the medical field is our
'Herbs & Medicinal Plants' trip. Nepal's unique topography and
climate, in the very centre of the 2400km long Himalayan chain,
encourages a wide range of rare and valuable medicinal plants,
and has afforded a long history of their use as herbal drugs.
According to the Ethno-Botanical Survey, there are 700 plant
species in Nepal used as medicinal herbs by Ayurvedic
practitioners, 200 of which are aromatic. We can also arrange
individual programs to suit every branch and discipline within
this field.
Spiritual Tours
 The
Himalayas of Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim and northern India are
steeped in lore and legend of temples, monasteries and
mysticism. Indeed the very fabric of these mountain societies is
woven of strange legends and uncanny happenings - charted,
honoured and celebrated throughout their many spiritual sites
and shrines.
At Shiva Treks & Tours, we have developed a long interest and
strong familiarity with these places and can help make your
spiritual journey into a most meaningful one. We'll introduce
you to places where the 'adepts' and the learned men, both of
ancient legend and of recorded history, taught and meditated;
places where the chosen had mystical divinations or attained
enlightenment; places to which ascetics, seekers and pilgrims
still journey from every corner. You could meditate in remote
caves where yogis and monks have performed their austerities,
witness rituals steeped in mysticism and ancient beliefs, or
share the wisdom of learned gurus.
Painting Trips
Nepal and its immediate neighbors draw thousands of visitors
every year who wish for nothing more than to savour and drink in
the sheer physical beauty. Light and landscapes to nourish the
imagination, with vistas of snow-capped peaks, hills blanketed
in rhododendrons and alpine flowers, glittering turquoise lakes,
prayer-flags fluttering against a relentless wind - all make
indelible memories.
Working in tranquil, beautiful surroundings, and with all your
worldly needs taken care of, what else could the mind do but
create? Shiva Treks has compiled, with local and visiting
landscape artists, a list of places that we feel are ideal for
such painting trips. From our years of experience and our
discriminate but unbiased scouting we can advise you on the
right season and place to best fit your tastes and aspirations.
Ethno - Tourism
A strange term for what is in reality just the meeting, the
mingling and the impartial exchange of views and viewpoints
among different peoples. Nepal is justly famous for her
mountains and physical beauty, yet it is the people who make a
nation. Nepal is one of the world's most friendly and welcoming
people, accepting of the different way's of others, never
lacking in an inquiring mind and always ready to engage the
willing stranger in conversation. (Since we are of 40 different
ethnic groups ourselves, we are well used to this!).
Many visitors to Nepal only get a small glimpse into the real
lives of her people. But Shiva Treks & Tours offers the chance
and the opportunities to get to know them better. On our
ethno-tours you live with villagers as their guests, work with
them to build their community schools, health clinics and
fulfill their own 'grass-roots' projects. You will share and
gain insight and understanding on village customs, ways, beliefs
and daily lifestyles that few others have the privilege of
knowing. "Many come looking, looking; but there are few who see"
(attributed to a monk at Thyangboche Monastery after Nepal
opened the Everest region to trekking)
Walking Excursions
 Pleasantly
paced walking along the many scenic trails of the high country
is as soothing as it is rewarding. One need not be an aficionado
of nature to enjoy idyllic hikes to places like Shivapuri in
Nepal, Tiger Hill in Darjeeling and the Rumtek Monastery in
Sikkim. These shorter hikes provide ample time for resting and
to explore the surrounding area.
Mountain Biking
 Every
two-wheel adventure can be memorable for the right or the wrong
reasons - it depends on the right planning and preparation, the
route and support, the pace, the staff, the equipment, the food
- and a host of other small but important details. We know this
well, and so offer trips that have the widest choice in locale
and comfort as well as in degrees of difficulty. There are
scenic and easy one-day rides in and around the Katmandu valley,
or the ultimate ride from Lhasa across Tibet to Everest Base
Camp - and everything you could dream of in between. In the
Himalayas there is a route for everyone.
White Water Rafting
 The
Himalayan snow-melt feeds Nepal's rivers with a generosity to
make them forces to be reckoned with! Beginning in the glacier
fields above 5,000m, ending in the far off tropical waters of
the Indian Ocean, these watery serpents navigate their way
through the sometimes rugged sometimes serene wilderness country
of Nepal's middle hills. It is here that they become juggernauts
- growing in volume and speed, thundering over unseen boulders,
winding and foaming through narrow labyrinthine canyons…. then
calming their growl to rest and flow deep and slow, until the
next bend brings on another rush of bad temper. Nepal is now one
of the world's premier white-water destinations - rivers with
wide sandy beaches for camping, fantastic scenery, a wide
diversity of wildlife, and of course, world class rapids.
- Trishuli River -the
kingdom's most popular raftable river. (Grade III - IV)
- Sun Kosi River -offers a classic multi-day wilderness
trip. (Grade III - IV)
- Tamur River -in east Nepal, newly opened for river
rafting. (Grade III - V)
- Bhote Kosi River -"Nepal's steepest action packed
rafting trip". (Grade III - V)
- Marshyangdi or "Raging River" - best whitewater runs in
the world. (Grade IV - V)
- Seti River -ideal conditions to learn & hone kayaking
skills. (Grade II - III)
- Karnali -Nepal's mightiest pristine river. (Grade III -
V)
- Kali Gandaki -one of the holiest rivers in Nepal. (Grade
III - IV)
Mountain Climbing
Certainly not hiking, but equally not expedition-severe. There
are 18 so called 'trekking peaks' in Nepal. These mountains are
all below 7000m but require absolute fitness and at least some
technical skill in rock and ice climbing. (You should be
familiar with rope techniques and in the use of ice-axes and
crampons). These peaks are the real thing - and so is the
experience.
We handle it all from start to finish - equipment, food,
experienced high altitude guides, support crew & porters,
transport, permits etc.
Family Vacations
A family getaway to the Himalayas has not been easy to plan and
arrange since few organisations or services have so far catered
specifically to their very particular needs. Shiva Treks and
Tours has now defined special programs as exclusively for
families. Depending on the family make-up, ages and interests, a
typical itinerary includes activities that both adults and
children will find enjoyable and fun, and to destinations that
are both safe and scenic. We use hotels that are
children-friendly and have services such as babysitting etc. You
can choose from a variety of guide-led and supported activities
such as easy-going wildlife safaris, scenic river rafting,
bicycling, lower altitude hiking, chauffeured car touring, etc.
Golfing
Golf is a relatively new sport to Nepal with records of an
actual Golf Club dating back just 30 years. But there has
recently been a great upsurge in interest in the sport,
especially with the completion of the new world-class course
just outside Kathmandu. There are three golf courses in Nepal:
Le Meridien Gokarna Forest Golf Resort (Kathmandu Valley)
Designed and developed by Gleneagles Golf Developments of
Scotland, this excellent full-length, par 72, 18-hole course
spreads across 140 well-tended acres surrounded by forest and
jungle teeming with deer, pheasant, peacocks and monkeys.
Royal Nepal Golf Club (Kathmandu Valley)
Adjacent to Tribhuvan International Airport, it is a par 67,
9-hole course that has the distinction of being the oldest green
in Nepal.
Fulbari Resort Hotel Golf Course (Pokhara)
A 9-hole course among 50 acres of landscaped gardens &
waterfalls.
Filming & Documentary
Over the past few years there has been a steady increase in the
number of interesting documentaries and films for international
distribution that have been shot on location here in Nepal and
its neighboring countries. With so many wonderful locales, the
shooting can be a pleasure and a blessing in itself - provided
only that the other mundane yet vital back-up logistics in
transport, supplies, communications, permits &
government-liaison, catering & accommodation etc are fully taken
care of. This is where we come in. Shiva Treks handles all the
logistics so that filmmaking can go ahead without a glitch.
Reliable liaison, smart scouting, efficient planning and
unequaled on-the-spot know-how - this is our experience base and
these are our fortes.
Incentives & Conferences
There is good reason behind Nepal & India's reputation as the
lands of difference and lands of diversity. Inter-Governmental,
multi- and unilateral organizations increasingly recognize the
attractions of holding their major regional conferences here. We
have some world-class conference facilities in our capital and
major cities, along with the best in hotel and allied
recreational opportunities - all at rates that are hard to
ignore. And what better venue than with the heights of the
eternal Himalayan snows as backdrop and backstop?
At Shiva Treks we can still recognize the difference between a
good and viable incentive program for your corporate staff, and
one that is - in real cost-effective terms - perhaps best
organized elsewhere. But if it's right for you - cultural
festivals, theme events - you name it, we can make it happen for
you.
Customized / Specialized Programs
Everyone has special needs; and at Shiva Treks we pride
ourselves in understanding and applying that philosophy better
than most. There is always flexibility in our programs and ample
leeway for us to work with you and to adapt and fit your own
special interests around our framework of services.
Bird-watching, painting trips, student programs, family
vacations, alternative medical trips, health camps and mountain
clinics, conferences, film making.… we outline a few below in
which we have proven experience and track record.
TOP |
