A well-said quote highlights that ‘One cannot travel by sitting at home, even if he reads hundreds of books about the place’. This quote applies to the Homestay trekking as well, in the sense that one cannot get real-life experiences by staying at lodges and hotels.
To know about the indigenous people, their lifestyle, their culture, their rituals and their sense of humour, one must be close to them. For that purpose, homestay trekking would be the best possible fit because you will have a chance to experience the lifestyle of the locals first-hand. Homestay trekking combines every possible option to help you get real-life experiences such as what it means to live in the hilly sections. What are the inspirations that allow the local people to live in limited resources? How did the ancestors celebrate and enjoy there? Why are people still following the centuries-old rituals today? What makes them so humble, kind, loving and co-operating? Why don’t they leave the mountains?
In this homestay trekking, we have managed to add up some of the exquisite viewpoints on the way. Other than learning about the culture, you will have so much to get inspired by the mountains, the waterfalls, the rivers, and the amazing landscapes.
This trek is best to do in March, April, May, June, September, October, and November. Anybody can do this trek unless they are physically and mentally fit. There is no age limitation. Make the most out of your trip by travelling with Trek Mania Nepal.
Drive from Kathmandu to Salyankot (1,300m): 8 – 9 hours
A drive to Salyankot from Kathmandu is full of surprises. You might have never expected such a glorious outlook of the mountains and the surrounding hills ever before.
As you leave Kathmandu, the views start to get interesting and mysterious. Unlike the popular route to Soti Khola, we will be travelling along the higher hills overlooking the mountains of the Langtang region in the North. The road is black-topped until the Taari Besi, our lunch station, and as you cross the bridge, spanning across the Trishuli River, the road turns bumpy and mismanaged. But this is what we call an adventure.
Once we arrive at the Salyankot, we will grab dinner and then, check in to our homestay house. Camping is also an available option for those who wish to flavour their night with something special
Early in the morning, we will grab a strong breakfast and then, head up towards our next fabulous destination, Baseri. Baseri is a sublime hill station in Dhading where the cultures and traditions of ancient Nepal are still untouched by modern-day influences. People of this region are very much connected to the god and are close to the godly principles mentioned in the ancient Vedic texts.
On the way to Baseri, we will be accompanied by the gorgeous mountains of Ganesh Himal and Paldor Peak. It is a nice walk through the rustic hamlets of Tamangs and Ghale. Their houses are red like a typical traditional Nepali house on the hills. By the time we arrive at Baseri, we will explore the sculpture taps and a few surrounding temples. Playing the Dandi Biyo (the name of the local sport) with the local kids will indeed create some reminiscing memories.
This day is one of the most rewarding days of the whole Manaslu trekking. We will pass by the ancient palace and forts of the Ghale Kingdom through the Nange chaur (literally translates to "Naked ground") before climbing up to the Tinsule Danda. This Nange Chaur got its name from the aridity of the soil because this ground has never witnessed grass growing above it.
In the past, the current Nange Chaur used to be the training ground for ancient Ghale warriors. They practised the marching and conducted several battle preparations at this place. This is supposed to be the reason for the desertification of the ground.
As there are no hotels or shops on the way, we will take the packed food and have lunch in the Tinsule Danda, overlooking the deep valleys and the snowy tops. The views are intoxicating on a clear day. After spending quality time on top of the Tinsule Danda, we will return to the Baseri for the overnight stay.
Day 1: Kathmandu to Khahare bazaar (by bus 7 h, by jeep 5 h)
Day 2: Trek to Salenkot (walk 4 h )
Day 3: Trek to Dada Gau (Baseri) via Ganga Jamuna (walk 7 h)
Day 4: Early Morning go to thinsule Dada highest point 3200m. Back to Baseri Durali (Walk7h)
Day 5: Trek to Arughat or Soti Khola (walk 6 hour )
Day 6: Arughat to Gorkha ( By jeep or bus) or Kathmandu
Day 7: Gorkha to pokhar or Kathmandu or chitwan
After having breakfast, leave Kathmandu as early as possible to reach Khahare Bazaar in the mid-afternoon. Until Dhading Besi, the road is fine and well paved. But, after that, it turns into a dirt and bumpy road. Traveling on these roads is very difficult unless you get distracted by something else on the way. In this case, the views of the gigantic rocky cliffs, mesmerizing snowy spires, and the elegant landscapes are enough to make you forget the discomforts caused by the bumpy road. Once you reach the Khahare Bazaar, explore the nearby villages and markets for refreshment.
Remember, the estimated time of arrival can be delayed by unpredictable traffic jams. But, these jams are not frequent.
From Khahare Bazaar, have breakfast and then, start your first day of the trek. The deep and massive valleys and the lush forests around are so appealing that the natural color green gets into your skin. The terraced farm-fields lined up and below the Hill-side trails are simply gorgeous. Within a while, as the trail climbs on to the top of the hill, the fleeting glimpses of the Ganesh Himal could be seen. These are just the introductory highlights of the trekking. Rests of the beauties are yet to be explored. Once you arrive at the Salyankot, enjoy the sunset views over the snowy mountains. For the night, you will stay at the Homestay in one of the houses at Salyankot.
The path to Dadagaun Baseri from Salyankot is very much rewarding. For the first couple of hours, you will pass by the several cultural hamlets. But then, the glittering peaks over the far-reaching Himalayas gradually show up. Watching these peaks shine with the beams of sunlight is indeed very much peaceful. Continue the journey through the uninvited surprises until you reach in front of the gigantic waterfall at Ganga Jamuna. This waterfall is very massive and natural. A few distances ahead, there lays a large overhanging rock, peering at the panorama of incredible snowy peaks. Pass by this rock and walk for about 2 hours to reach another wonderful village of Baseri. Spend the remaining time talking with the locals, which is the best way to understand the cultures and rituals of the local inhabitants. One of the local homestays will shelter you for the night.
From Baseri, a side trip to Tinsule Danda is worthy of everything. As you walk over the hill, the views of the landscapes below appear gorgeous. Within a while, you will come across a classic fort, which was once the royal palace of the Ghale Kingdom. The Nange Chaur (Naked Ground), in front of the palace, is where the soldiers got trained during battle preparation. Because of the continuous marching of soldiers and various bombing trials, the ground of Nange Chaur has never witnessed grass; it is still brown and naked. Higher up from the top of Tinsule Danda, the views are surreal and unbiased. Manaslu and Ganesh Himal are the distinguished peaks here, but who cares the name of the mountain when the view is so intoxicating. After spending quality time there, descend back to the Baseri for the overnight stay.
Leave Baseri in the morning after having a quick breakfast. For the first few couples of hours, the trail is descending, but then, it starts fluctuating up and down. On the way, the views are not much gratifying as was in the previous days, but still, they have the charm to entice the passersby. The chirping sounds of the birds and the colorful butterfly, flapping around, seem to add extra fragrance in the air making the trail more interesting to walk. Later, you will arrive at the Aru Ghat or Soti Khola, a wonderful station for a perfect night stay at a homestay.
From Arughat, we will catch a pleasant drive to Gorkha along the quaint hilly highways of Nepal. The raging rivers, gushing down the valley, add up an extra thrill in the air, making the journey more interesting to carry on. Once you arrive at the historic land of Gorkha, explore the nearby temples and marketplaces. If possible, sightseeing around the forts would be a wonderful option.
From Gorkha, watch the glorious sunrise over the mountains and then, get ready to leave to Kathmandu, Pokhara or Chitwan. The final destination would depend upon how long you would like to carry on the adventures.
