Walk of the Soul - Nepal Trek

With Fehrunnisa Moore and Casey Bledsoe

Travelers of the heart, we invite you to join us for a growth-centered trek in the vast and exhilarating landscapes of Nepal. The Annapurna Sanctuary in the Himalayas exhibits some of the tallest and most magnificent mountains in the world, amongst a people that are warm, welcoming, and gentle.

Our small group of 10 will journey from the sacred temples of Kathmandu to the relaxing lakeside town of Pokhara, then, after several days trekking, on to the heights of Khopra Ridge at over 12,000 feet. Each day takes us through beautifully diverse landscapes of rhododendron forests, terraced valleys, rock staircases, rushing streams, and waterfalls, as well as offering opportunities to connect with Nepalese people in their home villages. A special daylong pilgrimage to a holy lake will take us up even higher, before we descend back into the valley to finish our 9-day trek at a hot springs.

A Journey of Awareness

This 2-week trip is intended for those who love being in nature, have a deep desire to interact with the people, culture, and spirituality of Nepal, and are open to having a transformative personal experience. The sights, sounds, smells, and touching moments we have with the people and places we encounter can change us, take us out of our comfort zones, and create the possibility of greater realization of who we are and what life is.

To heighten our awareness and unite this adventure with our inner growth, we will spend time in meditation, chant, and group sharing over the course of our journey. We will consciously invite the challenges, inspirations, and connections we experience to broaden our perspectives and deepen our hearts. No specific spiritual orientation or practice is necessary, only the courage and willingness to listen, learn, and be transformed.

Details of the Trek

While this trek is best undertaken with hiking experience and physical training, it is not technical mountaineering and, with appropriate preparation, can be completed by anyone with a sincere desire.

We will walk an average of 5+ hours each day at our own pace, while also having ample opportunities to stop and enjoy the beauty, connect with each other, spend time in silence, and just be. Our accommodation during the trek will be in locally owned “teahouses,” small trekking lodges that offer meals and basic amenities. They have power (usually), running water, simple rooms, and beds for our sleeping bags. We each carry a daypack and benefit from porters who carry our additional gear.

Trek Leaders


About Fehrunnisa Moore

Since 2001, Fehrunnisa has been leading treks in Nepal, and 2020 will mark her thirteenth trek in the Annapurna region. Fehrunnisa has a great understanding of and love for Nepalese culture and people, and a great breadth of experience in both the details and the transformational power of trekking. She has been an athletic trainer/coach for 10 years, life coach for 25 years, and spiritual guide for 30 years.

About Casey Bledsoe

Casey’s has received intensive spiritual training from realized teachers of many faiths, has an MA in Counseling, and has served as a spiritual guide and teacher for over 12 years. Casey has had unique and freeing adventures in India, South America, Europe, Israel, and more. She finds great joy in the simple power of walking in nature and embracing the unknown. Casey works to increase harmony, kindness, and awakening through programs she offers around the US, Europe, and online.

What Fehrunnisa and Casey offer that makes this trip unique:

What you might take home from this trek:

Cost

$5050.00

Cost includes all lodging, meals, transportation in Nepal, guide and porter services, trekking permits, and entrance fees. Cost does not include international airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa (obtained upon arrival), or alcoholic drinks.

Registration

Your registration and health forms + deposit of $1000 by March 2020 confirms your space; maximum 10 travelers

To inquire or register, please contact fehrunnisa@gmail.com or casey@caseybledsoe.com

Download and Email forms back for Registration

Proposed Itinerary

Oct 16-17​ // Arrive Kathmandu

check in to Hotel Vajra, a garden oasis in the colorful, international capital and largest city of Nepal. We spend these two days visiting holy sites. Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, sacred to Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus, is a 15 minute walk from our hotel. We will also visit the Tibetan Buddhist neighborhood of Boudhanath and enjoy the atmosphere of this lively scene of pilgrims, shops, and ceremonies, mingling with the Tibetans as they circumambulate the large stupa. Start acclimating- Kathmandu is at 4600 feet

Oct 18 // Fly to Pokhara in morning

This very short flight offers breathtaking views alongside the Himalayan mountain range. In Pokhara, we stay in a peaceful hotel, Mum’s Garden Resort. We have a half day to explore the shores of Lake Phewa and the colorful bazaar and to ready ourselves for our trek.

Note regarding the Trek​: The precise route for our trek will be determined once we arrive. Routing will depend upon the weather, the trail conditions, fitness ability, and altitude adjustment. We are intending to do what is called the “Khopra Ridge” or “Khopra Danda” Trek. Each day we will stop for lunch in a local village, as well as having the opportunity to pause together to absorb, meditate, or spend time in connection with the mountains and each other.

Oct 19 // Day 1 of Trek

Pokhara to Tadapani (8727 feet). After a morning departure from Pokhara, we travel by bus with our porters to the trailhead at Nayapul, then commence our journey into the Annapurna region via jeep up to Kimche. We then move by foot uphill through terraced farmland and a final rock staircase to Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal. Here we stop for lunch, before the afternoon hike on forested trails, which are home to langur monkeys and which lead to Tadapani. Estimated hiking time: about 4.5 hours

Oct 20 // Day 2 of Trek

Tadapani to Dobato (10,990 feet). We rise early, as sunrise from our terrace patio in Tadapani is like watching the dawn of creation over the Himalayan peaks. After breakfast we start our day's adventure toward the village of Dobato. A gradual ascent through forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and oak opens to several vast mountain viewpoints, with the last hour’s walk taking us above the treeline. Estimated hiking time: about 6 hours

(* Optional Sunset or Day 3 Sunrise hike to Muldhai viewpoint, a spectacular vista of 22 peaks. Est hiking time: 1hr)

Oct 21 // Day 3 of Trek

Dobato to Chistibang (9842 feet). The morning’s walk of mixed ascent and descent gives us our last views of the Annapurnas for now. After about an hour, we will reach open pasture with beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri Range at close range. We overnight at a forest teahouse in the village of Chistibang. Estimated hiking time: 5-6 hours

Oct 22 // Day 4 of Trek

Upper Chistibang to Khopra Ridge (13,188 feet) Early morning hours allow us to continue enjoying the presence of Dhaulagiri, one of the most sacred mountains in Nepal.. Today’s walk is one of continuous ascent, with many streams and small waterfalls along the way. Estimated hiking time: 5 hours

Oct 23 // Day 5 of Trek

Layover day at Khopra Ridge. After 4 days of trekking, we take a day to rest, connect with each other, explore, and spend time in contemplation and relaxation. The view from Khopra Community Lodge is a panorama of beauty, that we can now take our time to absorb.

Oct 24 // Day 6 of Trek

Optional Day Hike to Khayer Lake (15,836 feet). Today is the summit day and longest day of the trek, for those who wish to visit this sacred Nepali pilgrimage site. This ridge walk is a mix of climbs and descents, affording us views of the deepest valley in the world, the Kaligandaki Gorge. We hike to an open field surrounded by barren mountains, then ascend on stone steps, until we reach the lake and a small temple. After taking time to experience this magical place, we return to Khopra Ridge via the same route. (Est hiking time: 8 hours)

Oct 25 // Day 7 of Trek

Layover day at Khopra Ridge. We take the day to recover from our summit journey, and breathe in our final meditations from the ridge, before beginning our descent the next day.

Oct 26 // Day 8 of Trek

Khopra Ridge to Tatopani (3904 feet). We descend through valleys and villages, stopping for lunch before we reach Tatopani, where we spend the afternoon at the hot springs. (Estimated hiking time: 5 hours)

Oct 27 // Day 9 of Trek

We leave the trail and journey by private jeep from Tatopani to Pokhara, about 5 hours. We return to Mum’s Garden Resort in Pokhara and have the afternoon and evening for showering, resting, and enjoying time at Lake Phewa, followed by dinner together.

Oct 28

Morning in Pokhara along the lakeside. We fly back to Kathmandu late morning, have a playful afternoon, and a final group closing circle after dinner.

Oct 29 // All depart Kathmandu

Cost

$5050.00

Cost includes all lodging, meals, transportation in Nepal, guide and porter services, trekking permits, and entrance fees. Cost does not include international airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa (obtained upon arrival), or alcoholic drinks.

Registration

Your registration and health forms + deposit of $1000 by March 2020 confirms your space; maximum 10 travelers

To inquire or register, please contact fehrunnisa@gmail.com or casey@caseybledsoe.com

Download and Email forms back for Registration