Reignition Solokhumbu - running again in 25-26

---

Autumn 24 update: This trip ran successfully, with some brilliant and beautiful surprises!  We are looking to run this itinerary again  basing around different festivals and pujas in the region.

Please enjoy reading the trip description and checking out some of the images in the gallery. 

We are watching and waiting to find out when the next big pujas in this area will take place!  

This Reignition is the first in our Nepal series – it centres around the villages and gompas (monasteries) of Kurima in the Solokhumbu area, the foothills of the Everest region. At the heart of the trip is a few days residing amongst lamas, anis (nuns) and locals to take part in the Buddhist puja of baja guru, a 10-day series of blessings, readings and rituals aimed at cleansing and protecting the region. We will find our way to contribute to the pujas whether through helping out in kitchens, supporting the anis and lamas, weary after long hikes from their home monasteries…. ways to feel part of this community for a day or two. 

The rest of the time is spent in gentle trekking through the middle hills, taking in some incredible views of the Himalayan shining peaks. 

You can find out more about Kurima and the Sherpa people we will be walking and working amongst here.

Itinerary 

Treat this as a draft – things will change as we discover new opportunities on the way, as our group needs and hopes shift…. and it’s Nepal! However, we change we will do so in pursuit of reigniting hope, zest and the things that are needed.

Key: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1 - arrive in Kathmandu     Monday March 11th 2024

Meet up, get to know each other and the trip in more detail in a briefing session with Jo and our guide team. Dinner in the city. Hotel. D

Day 2 – getting into it, getting ready              Tuesday March 12th

We take a half day hike on some local trails around the Kathmandu Valley forests and hills ending up at the delightful Kapan gompa for lunch, some time relaxing in their sumptuous gardens and a (re)introduction to Buddhist ideas.

The afternoon is your to explore, relax, get a massage ….. whatever.

Dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel. BLD

Day 3 – heading out             Wednesday March 13th

Today is spent touring through the Nepalese middle hills as we head East to the start of our trek. Arriving at Nele Bazaar we meet our camp crew and settle in for our first night under canvas. Camp. BLD

Camping: this is a fully supported camp trek meaning everyone has their own tent (if you’d like) with mattress and sleeping bag provided. We bring a kitchen, dining, toilet and shower tent with us and have a team of kitchen assistants, guides and porters to organise and help prepare food and facilities. We have good coffee, bake fresh breads and will pick up vegetables and other essentials from the villages along the way – it’s simple, good quality cuisine that directly supports the local economy. Unlike regular trekking trips we strongly encourage you to get involved in food preparation, setting up the dining area etc. It can feel good to work alongside our Nepalese team and satisfying to know we’re all chipping in rather than being waited on hand and foot.

All food and drinking water is supplied on trek.

Day 4 – trekking to Sukhe Pokhari (1800m.)     Thursday March 14th

Each day we start with the option of stretch and strengthening practice to get our lungs and limbs moving and ready for the trek ahead.

A whole day wending our way through the hills and villages in this largely Tamang peopled area. We should get views of Everest, Mera peak and the Pangom area on the way. Camp. BLD

Day 5 – trekking to Lokhim   Friday March 15th

A half day trekking down through villages of the Rai and Khami (blacksmith caste) villages to the bustling village of Lokhim. Here we have time to wander round the village, to meet the people, maybe help out in ropain (communal planting activities) of the local sweet potato crops. We may also visit a local school for which we’ll be fully prepared with some games and activites to make the visit a meaningful encounter for all of us. BLD. Camp

Day 6 - trekking to Yonem gompa    Saturday March 16th

A whole day of ups and downs through lush forest and pastures stopping off to visit a Tamang monastery, a school supported by Italian donors and the stupa on the top of the Parma Ri hill.

We set up our camp, home for the next few days, in the Sherpa gompa at Yonem. Here we are just 10 minutes walk away from the village of Kurima and the ongoing pujas and festival activities. BLD. Camp.

Day 7 & 8 – Kurima festival day   Sun & Mon 17th & 18th March

Kurima area follows the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism (the ‘old order’) part of the ‘red hat’ sects. It is very different from the Gelukpa (yellow hat) Buddhism encountered at Kapa gompa. We’ll find out lots more about this ancient belief system and philosophy as we sink into the festival activities, taking time out to observe and wonder. We may have chance to help out in the kitchens or supporting the monks, anis and rimpoches as they go about their rituals. Expect colour, dance, chanting and lots of laughter. Camp. BLD

Day 9 – trek Dharmedunga view point.    Tuesday March 19th 

Topped up after our days of rest, we have a full day of trekking up to the 3200m camping area of Dharmedunga and magnificent views of the high Himalayan peaks. BLD. Camp

Day 10 – last days’ trekking to Deurali.    Wednesday March 20th

A full day moving down and along to the pass of deurali. Our last night camping and last evening with our trek crew. BLD. Camp.

Day 11 – jeep out.  Thursday March 21st

A slow morning getting some last views then we are into the jeeps and on initially bumpy trails, before hitting the road to the town of Halesi. BLD. Local hotel.

Day 12 – pilgrims’ cave and jeep to Kathmandu   Friday March 22nd

Halesi is the site of a very important Shiva cave, so we join the pilgrims for a short tour of this peculiar and colourful place. Then we’re in the jeeps and on the road to Kathmandu. We head out for a celebratory meal and farewells. BLD. Hotel. 

Day 13 – farewell  Saturday March 23rd

Trip ends in Kathmandu after breakfast. B

In sum

· 3 nights Kathmandu hotel

· 8 nights camping

· 1 night local lodge

· 5 days’ trekking

· 2 days’ festival

Trip price includes:

All in-country travel, transport and accommodation. All drinking water. All meals and snacks on trek. All trek staff salaries and insurances. All permits. All camping equipment including tent, mattress, sleeping bags and washing facilities. COVID test kits and masks. Group medical kit. Entry fees where relevant. Access to solar recharge. 

Trip price excludes:

International flights. Rescue, medical and travel insurance. Personal trekking gear. Money for souvenirs, tips for the crew, drivers and in restaurants etc. Personal medical kit. Massage, laundry and other additional services.