The aim of the First International Yogatrekking Civic is to create friendships links between Nepali yogis and foreign trekkers involved in yoga, and to trek together around the Annapurnas.
The Nepali will be guided by their guru: Lila Nanda, a specialist of yoga civic at Kathmandu.

The foreign trekkers will be trained daily in Himalayan yoga and massage by Mr. Eric Lon. This is included in the global price. Individual treatments are possible, at extra cost.

Our selected Annapurnas  yogatrekking circuit offers several detours accessible to many trekkers: Milarepa cave, 4000 m. Icelake, 4600 m. is located on the other side of the Manang valley. Tilicho Lake, 4920 m., where Eric Lon did kayaking.

This yogatrekking circuit will be the same as during the 2010 First Himalayan Triathlon.
The triathletes are welcome to check our circuit at their pace.
Kayaking may be part of the 2009 trek to make scientific observations at different lakes, including the lakes of Thorong La, 5416 m., the highest lakes of the Annapurnas.

If you are interested to enjoy kayaking at high altitude Nepalese lakes, don’t do it without permission. Please contact eric@yogatrekking.com

HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the Annapurna region by following a new interesting route
- Kayak on the Tilicho Lake and become the first ones to do it.
- swimming and kayaking at high altitude lakes 
- 2 high pass to be crossed with amazing view of surrounding peaks
- benefit from the experience of Eric Lon and get 1 massage/yoga class every day
- good acclimatization process

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The price includes:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation in Lodge during the trek 
Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu airfare
Kathmandu/Besi Sahar transportation on private vehicle with driver
English speaking local expert guide, porters
Foreign leader and 1 massage/yoga session every day
National Park fees and Nar Phu permit
4 nights accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu on double sharing with breakfast
1 night accommodation at 3 star hotel in Pokhara on double sharing with breakfast
All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees.
Airport transfers and escort
Insurance of the guide and porters

The price excludes:
International flight & departure tax
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Day 2 Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley                                              
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath.

Day 3 Day trek at Shivapuri park near Kathmandu
As a certified medical masseur and physiotherapist, Eric Lon is aware of the importance of the body warm up at the beginning of any Himalayan trek. No other Nepalese trekking agency is offering such muscle clean up with yoga and trekking at Shivapuri national Park.
This park is located at the north of Kathmandu valley. His top, 2720 meters above sea level, offers a wonderful panorama of the snow capped Langtang range. His greenish forest protects many species of plants and animals, and it gives birth to several crystal clear rivers. When you are looking at the Bagmati river’ spring, you cannot believe it will be changed in a black drain crossing Kathmandu.
Trekking at Shivapuri National Park is like taking a Jouvence bath for rejuvenating your cells. In function of your fitness Eric Lon will choose the most suitable trek at Shivapuri.
During this trek Eric Lon will start teaching you some Himalayan yoga techniques in order to activate your acclimatizing.
It will start early morning. By evening you will be back to your hotel, at Kathmandu.
The next day you will travel to your main trekking destination.
In addition to the daily yoga and massage training which is included in the price, Eric Lon is available for individual treatments, at extra cost.

Day 4 Drive to Besi Sahar [820m] [drive approx 6 hours]
Some trekkers may start from Besisahar, around height hundred meters above sea level, but our choice is to drive further by the road, to the village of Syange.
From Kathmandu, in function of the traffic, it is a day drive. One hour trek only is possible by evening. Better to get a nice accommodation in a river lodge and to enjoy evening yoga to stretch and relax the body. Trekking the next day will be easier.

Day 5: Trek to Dharpani [1920m]
It is a day trek which will start with a morning Himalayan yoga session provided by Eric Lon. The trail is following the river, offering different kinds of landscapes, crossing several villages. We are entering the Buddhist part of the Annapurnas. The trail is wide and well maintained: it is a star trail with “chortens” and “mane” walls along the path.
This is the start of a great adventure for the Nepali yogis, mainly from Kathmandu, who are not used to trek. Sharing experiences on the trek will be very interesting for Nepali and foreigners.
By evening yoga civic will be organized both for Nepali and foreigners.
Accommodation at the lodges all around the circuit

Day 6 Trek to Chame [2630m]
We skirt through a narrow field from the village. The Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marshyangdi veers to the left. Sinuous trails of the. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi river enters a gorge and the trails follows rock-strewn path.

We can pause for a while and take in the splendor of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, from where we can capture the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarter of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and banks in Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place.

Day 7 Trek to Pisang [3190m]
After a mesmerizing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we head off for Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trekking trail meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter fascinating apple orchard and near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. A stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place.

After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us, the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rearing up on the east and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang.

Day 8 Trek to Manang [3520m]
As we continue with our trek, further afield from Pisang we head along a steep ridge savoring beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. As we descend through Manang's airstrip, we come to Hongde lying beneath the gigantic Annapurna III on the north-east face. The route further leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get the majestic view of Annapurna IV [7525m].

Further on, we cross a wooden bridge, as the Marsyangdi Khola gushes below us. We enter the beautiful village of Mungji. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of Bryaga with a splendid monastery. On trekking down to Manang, we enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m].

Day 9 - Exploration around Manang [3520m]
We are heading closer to Annapurna III and enjoy breath-taking landscapes and views from a viewpoint located at 4000 meters high. We stay at manag for the night.

Eric Will provide real insights into yoga teachings and will help you to develop new skills to relax.

Day 10 - Exploration of high lake
Many lakes are not visited in the Annapurna region but are worth going to. Today, we will visit a beautil lake located at 4600m high and on the Ganguprna glacier.
As yesterday, we have plenty of time to also indulge ourselves into a yoga/massage session with Eric.

Day 11 - Trek to Tilicho base camp
We are leaving the classic trail to go to the Tilicho Lake Base Camp where only few trekkers go to. We stay in the last Lodge available.

Day 12 - Trek to Tilicho Lake - KAYAK on the lake - back to base camp
Early morning, we go up to the Lake itself where you can either relax or visit the lake which is a true beauty. You will have the chance also to kayak on this high lake. This has never been done by a commercial group and you will bcome thus the first to do so. You can also swin in the lake but special swimming equipment is necessary. Eric will teach you how to strengthen the body and warm it up quickly and efficiently.
In the afternoon, we head back down to the base camp.

Day 13 - Trek to Yak Karka
In order to further improve our acclimatisation, we walk only in the morning and have plenty of time in the afternoon to relax and explore the surrounding area. Extra massage and stretching will bring additional ways to rest. Eric Lon will teach you various technics to get back energy faster and more eficiently.

Day 14 - Trek to high camp
As yesterday, we only walk up for half day to allow our body to rest and acclimatize. Yoga and massage will be the highlights of the afternoon.


Day 15 - Trek over Thorung La and to Muktinath
We have an early start today for the crossing of Thorung La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp, but as local people have used this trail for hundreds of years, the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang, which spread out before us, we are presented with a dramatic tableau. The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. But the excellent views of Dhaulagiri, more then makes up for the tiring journey. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple.

The climb over the Thorung La is a challenging pass yet possible for any trekkers who are well acllimatized. Eric will teach you different technics to activate efficiently the blood circulation.

Day 16 - Trek to Kagbeni
Since few years a road links Muktinath to Kagbeni. It is very useful to the pilgrims who are not fit enough to trek to the shrine, but the trekkers are not so pleased to walk on a gravel road with 4X4, trucks and bikes generating dust.
Our option is to trek down by the other side of the river, crossing small villages where very few trekkers are used to go. The trail offers gorgeous views from unusual angles like the exploration of the ruins of a village which collapsed in a earthquake and the hermit caves located on vertical cliffs.
Kagbeni is a medieval village with the ruins of a fort and a Buddhist monastery.
Kagbeni is the border between Lower Mustang, where we are trekking, and Upper Mustang, a restricted area where a special permit is required for trekking. Eric Lon are also proposing to trek in Upper Mustang…

Day 17: Trek to Jomosom via a high Buddhist cave, 4000 m.
Most of the trekkers are following the Kali Gandaki River with the 4X4, trucks and bikes. It is not nice. Our option is to cross the river at Eklabati and to trek trough three villages where few trekkers are used to go. It is the best way to know more about the traditional way of life. Above them there is a holly Buddhist cave with many yak skulls and Tibetan prayers hang on the ceiling of the cave. This holly cave is located at 4000 m.
Our way down to Jomosom, 2850 m. is to stay on that side of the “wind’ valley” to get other panoramas than the usual ones.

Day 18 - Flight Jomsom/pokhara
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. It is a spectacular flight along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and provides wonderful views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Day 19 - Flight to Kathmandu
Early morning flight to Kathmandu. Free afternoon in the Nepalese capital.

Day 20 Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay longer, you can go for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc.- ask us.

FLICKr Photo Gallery - Kayaking in Nepal & Annapurna