Annapurna Base Camp Trek (17 Days)

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Shavonne Short
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This is a fantastically scenic and rewarding trek that takes you from the beautiful lush green farm terraces of the Pokhara valley to the spectacular vista point of Poon Hill and then on to Annapurna

1 This is a fantastically scenic and rewarding trek that takes you from the beautiful lush green farm terraces of the Pokhara valley to the spectacular vista point of Poon Hill and then on to Annapurna Base Camp itself. The Annapurna Base Camp trek delivers spectacular mountain scenery and a glilpse into the charming villages of the local Gurung and Magar peoples. The route takes you through deep sub-tropical valleys dense with rhododendron forests full of birds and high into alpine glacial valleys and moraine fields. There are spectacular mountain views at every twist and turn of the trail. Some days you look in wonder at scared Mount Machhapuchhare and other days you are awed by Annapurna South, Annapurna I or Mount Dhaulagiri. There are just too many icy Himalayan peaks to count on this trek - each more stunningly beautiful than the last. The Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the legendary treks in Nepal and in the world. Be inspired by the power and beauty of the Himalaya and return home a new person. Duration: 17 days Price: $1099 Rating: 5 Star Group Size: 2 Grade: Challenging Destination: Nepal Activity: Trekking Region: Annapurna Date & Prices: Start Date End Date Price 06th Mar, 2017, Monday 22nd Mar, 2017, Wednesday $1199

2 Start Date End Date Price 03rd Apr, 2017, Monday 19th Apr, 2017, Wednesday $ st May, 2017, Monday 17th May, 2017, Wednesday $ th Sep, 2017, Monday 20th Sep, 2017, Wednesday $ nd Oct, 2017, Monday 18th Oct, 2017, Wednesday $ th Nov, 2017, Monday 22nd Nov, 2017, Wednesday $ th Mar, 2018, Monday 21st Mar, 2018, Wednesday $ nd Apr, 2018, Monday 18th Apr, 2018, Wednesday $ th Apr, 2018, Monday 16th May, 2018, Wednesday $ rd Sep, 2018, Monday 19th Sep, 2018, Wednesday $ st Oct, 2018, Monday 17th Oct, 2018, Wednesday $ th Nov, 2018, Monday 21st Nov, 2018, Wednesday $1199 Equiment Lists: Recommended equipment list: Trekkers need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us as like Down Jacke Footwear : Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes Clothing : Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit. Other equipment: Sleeping bag (5 seasons), lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare batteries, lip salve, gaiters. Other items: Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, memory cards, charger and personal medical kit. Itinerary: Day 1: Kathmandu arrival (1300m) overnight i hotel Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After your refreshment you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and driven to our Thamel office where you will be formally introduced to your trekking guide. We will go through all your trek itinerary and arrangements with you to insurer 2

3 every detail is in place. We will also ask to bring your passport, extra passport photographs and a copy of your travel insurance so that we can organize permits required for your trek in the Annapurna Sanctuary. Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing (1300m) overnight i hotel After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide (can be provide any language speaking guide on request) the tour will give you a taste of our vivid Nepali culture and history. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey Temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Bouddhanath: Bouddhanath is a Buddhist religious complex with a history dating back over 500 years. Located on the eastern edge of Kathmandu it is now a site of great pilgrimage for Buddhist followers who circle its massive stupa, spin its many prayer wheels and visit its beautiful monastery. The main feature of Boudhanath is its huge hemispherical white stupa with central golden tower and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Visitors should circle the stupa in a clockwise direction and spin prayer wheels for good fortune and a good life. Visitors may also enjoy visiting the thangka painting school within the complex to see highly skilled artists at work on religious mandala paintings. Pashupatinath: This Hindu Temple is a very large complex and focal point for the Hindu religion in Nepal. This old and very revered complex of buildings and shrines is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. While Lord Shiva has multiple forms he is often seen as the destroyer. This has great significance for the Pashupatinath temple as it is the site of many Hindi ritual cremations each day. Pashupatinath is considered by Hindus to be an auspicious site for passing from one stage of life to the next through the purifying and destroying flames of cremation. However, on a happier note, visitors may also get to see the temple in a buoyant festival mode with one of the many Hindu festivals celebrated here through the year. Swayambhunath: You will first visit the Swayambhunath temple complex that sits atop a high hill overlooking Kathmandu and the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is perhaps the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. It consists of a very large white stupa with the all-seeing-eye of Lord Buddha plus many small stupa and beautifully carved stone shrines. This is a wonderful place to catch your breath and start to understand and appreciate the deep importance of Buddhist belief to the people of Nepal and the Himalaya region. Make sure you ring the many bells to awaken the gods and let them know you are in Nepal. Take the time to enjoy the view over Kathmandu and have your guide point out the many other highlights of the city. In the far distance to the east you may also be able to see the hills of Nagarkot. If you feel energetic you might also like to try some or all of the 350 steps that lead all the way from Kathmandu city up to your Swayambhunath temple vantage point. Kathmandu Durbar Square: The next stop today is the beautiful Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the royal palace square of the ancient Malla Kings of the Kathmandu Valley. This square and all its architectural treasures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some damage to buildings occurred in the 2015 earthquake the site still contains many stunning architectural gems. The original royal palace courtyards are open to visitors and you will marvel at the intricate timber carving and beautifully crafted brickwork of the palace. The open square outside the palace has many beautiful multi-storey pagodas and temples with ornate carving and carpentry artwork that tells some of the story of the ancient kings and their mystical time and beliefs. The square also contains many important Hindu temples and statues such as to Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Durbar Square also contains the unique and intriguing Kumari Chok. This is an ancient and ornate house where resides the Raj Kumari the Living Goddess. She is a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. If you are in the courtyard of her home at the right time in the afternoon you may see a brief glimpse of the Goddess at her window. 3

4 Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m) overnight i hotel Drive or fly to Pokhara. The flight is an optional extra for this itinerary. Pokhara is located about 200km west of Katmandu on the shores of the beautiful Lake Fewa. Pokhara is a mixture of restful and busy. It has the atmosphere of a relaxed resort town where visitors take it easy seeing the sights and resting before their Annapurna or Mustang trek and once again upon their return. But is also a busy place with all these visitors arriving, leaving and exploring the lake and nearby sights of Pokhara. The option to drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara provides an opportunity to experience more of the real Nepal beyond the national parks and trekking trails. The scenery and people you will meet on the drive is also worth the experience. Day 4: Short drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga overnight in trekking lodges A short and scenic twisting road takes you from Pokhara (915m) to Nayapul (1,050m) at the southern margins of the Annapurna Sanctuary. From there it is time to lace up the boots, pull on your day-pack and begin your trek to Tikhedhunga (1,577m) via Birethanti (1,065m). While the trail undulates you will have gained about 500m in altitude by the end of your four or five hour walk. The initial sections require little effort but the trail starts to steepen in the later section as you near Tikhedhunga. There are a few villages you pass through today and they make a great place to take a break and enjoy a cup of Nepali tea just the thing to boost your energy for the next stage of the walk. The villages you pass through are populated by the ethnic Gurung people and their religion is Buddhist, so you will often see carefully tended stupa along the way. Day 5: Ascend from Tirkhedunga to Ghorepani overnight in trekking lodges The trek from Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,675m) takes about six hours and some considerable effort. The first couple of hours is steep but the trails are very well made with good solid steps when the grade steepens. So take your time, rest when you need to at the villages of Ulleri (2,070m) or Banthanti along the way. The gorgeous scenery will help take you mind off all the steps. The stunning views of Mount Machhapuchhre or Fish Tail (6,997m), Mount Huinchuli (6,441m) and Annapurna South (7,219m) will inspire you forward and upward. The higher you ascend the better the views get. At times you will be walking through beautiful Rhododendron forests that may even be in flower. You may also hear and see monkeys and many species of birds in the trees as you pass by. The final section of the walk takes you up too many steps to count and delivers you to today s destination and some rest time in Ghorepani. By the end of the day you will have ascended over 1.1km in altitude. But the rewards of tomorrow are worth every step and sore muscle. Day 6: Pre-dawn walk from Ghorepani to Poon Hill then trek to Tadapani overnight in trekking lodges Today is the scenic highlight of your trek. You will depart Ghorepani before dawn and ascend to the vantage point of Poon Hill just to the south-west and looming above Ghorepani. Your goal is to arrive on Poon Hill just before the sun starts to rise over the Annapurna Massif and its many peaks. Poon Hill (3,232m) is about 500m higher than Ghorepani and the hilltop provides uninterrupted views in every direction. Watch the first rays of the sun hit the summit of Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m) to your west and the other icy peaks of the main Annapurna Massif Tukuche Peak (6,920m), Mount Nilgiri (6,940m), Varaha Shikhar (7,847m), Mount Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna III (7,855m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Lamjung Himal (6,931m) and many other gorgeous Himalayan peaks. Make sure you have fresh batteries in your camera, you re going to leave Poon Hill with lots of fantastic photos and memories that will last a lifetime. But once the sunrise show is over and you catch your breath it is time to descend the hill and trek on to Tadapani. 4

5 Day 7: Tadapani to Chhomrung overnight in trekking lodges Tadapani is a small village from there the trail divides for Chhomrung to the north east or Ghandruk to the south east. We will take the trail to Chhomrung and initially head north to the little village of Kimrong and its fantastic suspension bridge over the Kyumrong Khola river. Prepare for a thrill as you step out over the void on this amazing bridge. We then walk along the contour on the northern face of the valley for a relatively easy few kilometres to Chhomrung. From here you will have stunning views to Mount Machhapuchhre to the north and the valley we will ascend over the next few days. Day 8: Chhomrung to Himalayan Hotel overnight in trekking lodges We start the day by crossing another amazing suspension bridge just below Chhomrong. We then hug the western valley wall as slowly gain altitude while also making our way down to the valley floor and the Modi Khola river. The walk takes us through more wonderful rhododendron forests of Kuldi Ghar and then dense bamboo closer to the river as we pass the villages of Bamboo and Dhoban. We are now deep deep down in the bottom of a massive valley with Mount Hiun Chuli (6,441m) towering to our left and Mount Machhapuchhre (6,997m) to our right - the photo opportunities just seem to get better and better with every step. Day 9: Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhre Base Camp overnight in trekking lodges Today we trek higher up the valley where we pass the tree line and meet the South Annapurna Glacier. The walk continues along the west valley wall and we pass the little trekking village of Deurali - nice spot for a rest and cup of tea. As we continue to gain altitude we reach the lateral moraine of the glacier and see the Modi Khola flowing fast just to its right. We are now at about 3,500m altitude and perhaps breathing a little faster in the thinning air. Mount Machhapuchhre now towers high above us on the right and we feel like tiny ants far down in the enormous and very steep valley. The end of today's trek brings us to a ninety degree bend in the valley and glacier and Mount Machhapuchhre Base Camp just on the corner at 3,720m altitude. When you arrive you will just stare in wonder at the might and power of the mountains looming above you. This is one of the very special scenic locations in the Himalayas. Day 10: Machhapuchhre to Annapurna Base Camp overnight in trekking lodges We start our trek early today to try and reach Annapurna Base Camp in time to see the best of the morning sunrise as it spreads its rays over the countless icy peaks and the valley that surrounds us. On the way to Annapurna Base Camp from Machhapuchhre Base Camp the scrubby vegetation fades to just a little grass and lots of rock, snow and ice depending upon the season. We are now in the very heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary as the valley widens under the grinding power of the glacier. The multi-summit mountain wall of Annapurna South (7,219m) to Annapurna i (8,091m) now towers in front of us. We stand in a snowy mountain caldren of unmatched natural beauty. Take your time to soak in the scenery and take lots and lots of photos. Your guide will point out the main mountain peaks and the routes brave clinbers have followed to reach their summit. Day 11: Descend Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo overnight in trekking lodges But eventually we must depart and commence our return down the glacier valley. The descent will be much faster than our ascent and we will end the day at the village of Bamboo. The plan is to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over the many Annapurna peaks and after having breakfast retrace our journey back past Machhapuchhre Base Camp and down to Bamboo. There are still plenty of great photo opportunities as we trek the reverse route. 5

6 Day 12: Bamboo to Jhinuwa overnight in trekking lodges After breakfast we hit the trail again and head initially for Khudi Ghar and then further down the valley to Sinuwa. After Sinuwa the trails goes down to Chhomrong Khola and below Chhomrong village. Just an hour of descending brings us to Jhinu Danda. Here we can visit natural hot spring down on the river bank and enjoy a wonderful hot bath. Make sure you have packed your swimmers. Day 13: Jhinuwa to Ghandruk overnight in trekking lodges After an easy descent to the river you then have a steep climb to the Gurung village of Ghadnruk. The trail takes us up a steep ridge almost to Tadapani before turning sharpley over a high pass and descending to Ghandruk. This is a fantastic and welcoming trekking village with some great terraces to relax away the late afternoon hours as the sun sets on the many icy peaks of the Annapurna region. Make sure you also take a look at the local handicraft centre and Gurung museum. Day 14: Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara(900m) overnight in hotel Today the trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul descends about 900m so it is a bit easier walking than the initial days of the trek, however it still requires about five hours of walking. There is plenty of opportunity to take a break for a Nepali tea or snack along the way in the pretty little villages of Kimshe, Shaulo Bazaar or Birethanti. Once you arrive back in Nayapul and your group is all together your guide will organize the short drive back to Pokhara. You will stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara and no doubt celebrate the end of your trek in one of Pokhara s great restaurants, perhaps even overlooking Lake Phewa. Day 15: Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1300m) overnight in Earthkind Cottage ( After breakfast in the morning you say goodbye to Pokhara and head back to bustling Kathmandu by road. You may also choose to fly back to Kathmandu as an optional extra to your itinerary. You will be delivered back to your Kathmandu hotel at the end of today s travels. Day 16: Free Day in Kathmandu overnight in Earthkind Cottage This is the free day to explore a little more of Kathmandu and complete your gift shopping. In the evening you will be collected from your hotel for a fun farewell dinner and Nepali cultural dance so don t forget your dancing shoes! Day 17: Departure for home Kathmandu Airport We will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport in plenty of time to meet your flight home. Cost Include: Airport pick-up & drop-off transportation by private vehicle Two bed/double sharing accommodation at Kathmandu in 2-3 stars hotel with breakfast Sightseeing in Kathmandu. Escorted with English speaking guide. Private transportation. Entrance fees Kathamandu / Pokhara / Kathamandu tourist bus Pokhara /Nayapul / Pokhara Transportation Private Vehicle Accommodation in Normal tea house during trek Meals (Breakfast with 2 cup of Tea & Coffee), lunch, dinner) during trek Sleeping bag Annapurna trekking map for group All necessary paper work & permits Annapurna conservation permit fees & TIMS 6

7 A First Aid and Eco trained & government licensed English speaking guide One porter between each two members during trek Accommodation, meals, salary, equipment, transportation & Insurance of trekking staff First Aid Kit Travel & rescue arrangement All government taxes Farewell dinner Cost exclude: International airfare Nepal Entry Visa fee (US$ 40 per person for 30 days) Lunch/Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara Drinking water, Tea Coffee, Hot Shower during trek Medical evacuation in case of emergency Personal gear & clothing - these may be available for hire Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance Soft/hard drinks Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual Anything not specified in the Cost Include section 7

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