This is one of the best treks in the world for getting close to very high peaks without going to very high elevations. Explore the Annapurna Conservation Area and enjoy Gurung Buddhist villages. October trekkers may catch the great fall eagle migration and March trekkers experience the full blooming of the rhododendrons. Combine visits to attractive Gurung villages with stunning views of some of the most beautiful peaks in the Himalayas.
Brief Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu/Pokhara.
Day 4: Pokhara/Dhampus.
Day 5: Dhampus/Ghandruk.
Day 6: Ghandruk/Chomro.
Day 7: Chomro/Bamboo Lodge.
Day 8: Bamboo Lodge/Hinko Cave.
Day 9: Hinko/Annapurna Sanctuary.
Days 10-12: Annapurna Sanctuary.
Days 13-16: Annapurna Sanctuary/Pokhara.
Day 17: Pokhara/Kathmandu.
Day 18: Kathmandu.
Day 19: Kathmandu/Onward.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our staff member at the airport and transferred to your Western-style hotel. Your guides will be available for advice on everything from how to bargain to choosing restaurants to learning a little bit of the Nepali language. You will have some time to just relax, or to nibble at the feast of new experiences in this exotic city. Brief orientation.
Day 2: Kathmandu.
Your second day in Kathmandu includes guided visits to famous temples of Swayambhunath, Pasupatinath or Boddhanath. You will see life going on as it has for hundreds of years against a background of sacred peaks, terraced hillsides and an exotic culture. In Kathmandu, and throughout your trip, we encourage you to interact with local people either through your guide as interpreter, or through participation in the activities that are all around you. While you explore, your staff gets all your food supplies and logistical requirements in order. Includes: (B)
Day 3: Kathmandu/Pokhara.
Travel to Pokhara by road today, along the way experiencing your first taste of rural Nepal life. The terraced fields give insight in Nepalese farming methods. The road follows the broad riverbed, until your arrival in the early afternoon. Transfer to your lakeside hotel, where you will have the opportunity for swimming, nature hikes or boating on the lake. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 4: Pokhara/Dhampus.
Get an early start today because the lower sections of the trail can be very hot by mid day. You'll hike out past Tibetan refugee camp in Hyangja and then on to the village of Suikhet. Then you climb the ridge above the Yangri Khola Valley. Set up camp near Dhampus with an elevation of about 5,900m. This site offers an excellent view of the Annapurnas. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 5: Dhampus/Ghandruk.
This morning you reach a 7,085m pass and then descend to the Gurung village of Landrung above the Modi Khola River. After crossing the river, a set of stone stairs leads you into the maze of alleyways and terraces of one of the most beautiful communities in this area, Ghandruk, the second largest Gurung village in Nepal. From here you get excellent views of Annapurna South. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 6: Ghandruk/Chomro.
As you continue farther into the Himalayan range, the trail climbs and descends steeply as you cross over another pass and make your way down to the Khumnu Khola. Another steep hike eventually takes you through the forests of the Modi Khola Valley. Camp is set near the village of Chomro (6,395m), the highest permanent Gurung settlement in the valley. Annapurna South and Machapuchare can be seen from here. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 7: Chomro/Bamboo Lodge.
After crossing the river, you climb high above the Modi Khola on its west bank, passing through beautiful rhododendron, oak and hemlock forests leading to Kuldi (7,800m). From here it is downhill towards the Modi Khola. You camp in the dense bamboo forests, which supply raw materials to weave dokos, the woven baskets carried by porters, and mats for floors and roofs. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 8: Bamboo Lodge/Hinko Cave.
The trail takes you continuously uphill, along the side of the canyon, through the forests. Eventually, you reach Hinko (9,900m), known locally as "Hinko Cave" for the huge overhanging rock which shelters the only flat camping spot in this rugged valley. Camp will be set up in this vicinity. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 9: Hinko/Annapurna Sanctuary.
Beyond Hinko you leave the forest, the valley widens and the trail becomes less steep as you enter the sanctuary, surrounded on all sides by the Annapurna massif, Machapuchare and the upper reaches of the valley at 13,285ft. From here you see a large grass covered moraine ahead with more grassy slopes beyond. You will have the next three days to thoroughly explore around the sanctuary area. A number of peaks are accessible from here. Tent Peak, (18,204 ft) is a non-technical climb that offers a commanding 360 degree view of the entire sanctuary. Overnight at base camp. Includes: (B, L, D)
Days 10-12: Annapurna Sanctuary.
Spend these days exploring around the sanctuary area, either hiking the nearby peaks or exploring on your own. Includes: (3B, 3L, 3D)
Days 13-16: Annapurna Sanctuary/Pokhara.
You return via the same route for the first day, but then choose an alternative route back to Pokhara via Ghorapani, Uleri and Birethanti. This route offers a little more cultural and scenic variation and a bit less steep climbing. A final night is spent near Phewatal in Pokhara. Includes: (4B, 4L, 4D)
Day 17: Pokhara/Kathmandu.
Depart for Kathmandu at mid-day by flight or bus. The rest of the day in Kathmandu is free to explore or do some last minute shopping. Includes: (B, L)
Day 18: Kathmandu.
Today is for pursuing your own interests and wrapping up any last minute sight-seeing. An Everest Mountain View flight might be a good option (optional). Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 19: Kathmandu/Onward.
Transfer to the airport for your onward departure, or extend your trip further into Nepal. Includes: (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Cost Includes:
- Meals as noted
- Each night in double occupancy accommodations
- Land transfers between components
- English speaking guides
- Park or site entry fees
- Surface transport
- Equipment other than personal gear
- Government tax
- Airport transfer assistance
- In-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted)
- Complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance
Cost Excludes:
- Meals not noted as included
- Gratuities
- Beverages (except tea or coffee at meals)
- International or domestic airfare unless specified
- Airport departure taxes not included with air tickets
- Visas
- Itinerary changes after confirmation
- Any services not included in itinerary
- Any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights
- Acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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