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Trips Facts

Arrival/Departure

Kathmandu Nepal/ Kathmandu

Activity

Trekking

Maximum Altitude

Over 5,000m

Duration

15 Days 14 Nights

Grade

Modarate

The Annapurna Sanctuary is the name given to a tremendous glacial basin which lies to the north of Pokhara. The classic trek up the Modi Khola Valley and into the heart of this vast natural amphitheatre culminates at Annapurna Base Camp, below the awesome south face of Annapurna (8091m). Rising some 10,000 feet above the glacier this is one of the world’s most famous mountaineering

challenges, and without any question one of the most spectacular sights in the Himalayas. Our trek begins in Pokhara where we ascend through breathtaking forests of oak and magnolia, which occasionally part to give tantalising views of the mountains ahead. As we climb higher, we glimpse the fluted peak of Machhapuchhare (6991m), known as the Fishtail Peak because of its distinctive summit shape. As we trek deep into the gorge of the Modi Khola, the walls of the mountains rise so steeply above us that for a while all views are lost. But eventually we emerge into the heart of the sanctuary and little by little the vastness of this unique amphitheatre reveals itself to us. Above our campsite rears a tremendous wall of ice and rock containing eleven of Nepal’s major peaks, and at the centre of this magnificent scene is Annapurna’s massive South Face, climbed by Chris Bonington’s landmark 1970 expedition. Eventually we leave this rugged world of ice and rock and descend to the verdant fields of Ghorepani. Above this bustling village is one of the finest viewpoints in Nepal, and our dawn ascent of Poon Hill provides a breathtaking panorama from the peaks of the Sanctuary right across the Kali Gandaki Valley to Dhaulagiri.

Arrival at Kathmandu Airport.

You will be met at the airport by our Adventure Jaljale representative and transfered to your hotel in Kathmandu. Rest at the hotel and briefing about the trip. There should be time to explore the city's many charms on your own too. Overnight (O/N) in Kathmandu (breakfast included).
Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.

Leave at 9 am for full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley including the holiest site in Nepal: the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath (a UNESCO world heritage site) & the biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath. We can also visit the Shyambhunath a 2000 year old temple colloquially known as the "Monkey Temple" and visit Patan city of fine arts. In the evening there wil be a briefing at your hotel or at the office. O/N at lodge in Kathmandu (breakfast included).
Kathmandu to Birethanti.

Scenic drive over a small pass from where there is amazing view. We reach the valley bottom and follow the rivers to Pokhara, viewing typical rural life amidst cultivated terraced fields and mountain vistas. We drive over a pass at Lumle then down to Naya Pul. A short 30 minute walk will bring us to Birethanti. O/N camp or lodge in Birethanti. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Birethanti to Ulleri.

A pleasant walk following the Burundi, we climb to Tirkhedunga, a great place to stop for lunch. If you are a keen birdwatcher, there is a chance of spotting different kinds of redstarts, kingfishers, dippers, forktails, magpies and treepies. We cross the bridge and climb steadily through neatly terraced hillsides to Ulleri. There is nice view of Annapurna South and Hiu Chuli from here. Walking time: 4½-5 hrs. Final altitude: 2073m. O/N camp or lodge in Ulleri. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Ulleri to Ghorepani.

We climb, the terraces gradually fading away to give way to rhododendron forests. After lunch we continue up to Ghorepani on the col. There is a tremendous view from here of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges. Ghorepani, was traditionally used as a resting place on the trade route between Pokhara and the prosperous Kali Gandaki Valley. There are souvenir stalls along the trail. Walking time: 5 hrs. Final altitude: 2855m. O/N camp or lodge in Ghorepani. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Ghorapani to Tadapani.

Optional very early walk up to Poon Hill for the amazing sunrise. After breakfast we climb out of Ghorepani, through rhododendron forest and up to Tadapani. From here we have great views of Annapurna South (7219m) and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail 6993m). Walking time: 5 hrs. Final altitude: 2700m. O/N camp or lodge in Tadapani. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Tadopani to Chomrong.

The trail continues to Gurjung where we stop for lunch. The afternoon's trek undulates around to Chomrong, the last permanent settlement up this valley. Walking time: 4½-5hrs. Final altitude: 2170m. O/N camp or lodge in Chomrong. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Chomrong to Dhoban.

Descend a stone staircase to the Chomrong Khola then climb steeply up through an oak forest to follow the Modi Khola until the trail drops down to the river. We then steadily climb through dense forest to Dhoban. Walking time: 5hrs. Final altitude: 2540m. O/N camp or lodge in Tatopani. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Dhoban to Machhapuchre Base Camp.

We continue through the forest passing the lodge of Himalaya Hotel and Hinko Cave, (used by the first expedition to Base Camp) then climb steadily after lunch until we arrive at Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC). You could do a short climb up to the moraine behind the lodges later in the afternoon for fabulous views looking north. Today one starts truly to feel that one is amongst the giants of the Himalayas at the gateway to this natural amphitheatre. Walking time: 5 hrs. Final altitude: 3788m. O/N camp or lodge at MBC. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Machhapuchre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp.

We start early, climbing steadily to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) for the 360 degree stunning views of the mountains. There should be time in the morning to walk up to the ridge for photos of Annapurna I and the glacier. It is an amazing feeling being surrounded by a wall of rock and ice of up to 4000m high and 5km of radius. The panorama includes Annapurna South (7219m), Barrha Shikhar (7847m), Annapurna I (8091m), Gangapurna (7485m), Annapurna III (7855m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m). (If there is too much snow at ABC we would walk back down to MBC for the night.) Walking time: 2 hrs. Final altitude: 4095m. O/N camp or lodge at ABC or MBC. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo.

Leaving the Sanctuary we retrace our steps past MBC, Hinko Cave, Dhoban and further down into the bamboo thickets to the aptly named Bamboo Hotel. Walking time: 6-6½ hrs. Final altitude: 2310m. O/N camp or lodge at Bamboo. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Bamboo to Jhinu Danda

We walk down to Chomrong for lunch then continue through terraced hillside to Jhinu Danda. There are hot springs 20 minutes down from the lodge where you could soak your muscles later in the afternoon. Walking time: 5 hrs. Final altitude: 1780m. O/N camp or lodge in Jhinu Danda. (all meals and hot drinks included)
Jinnu Danda to Pokhara.

We descend further down to cross the bridge over Kyumnu Khola and climb steeply to follow the Modi Khola once again. The trail undulates along the river to Nayapul where our transport will drive us back to Pokhara. Walking time: 6½ hrs. O/N lodge in Pokhara (breakfast included).
We descend further down to cross the bridge over Kyumnu Khola and climb steeply to follow the Modi Khola once again. The trail undulates along the river to Nayapul where our transport will drive us back to Pokhara. Walking time: 6½ hrs. O/N lodge in Pokhara (breakfast included).

After breakfast you will journey back from Pokhara to Katmandu by tourist Coach (about 7 hours) or you can take a flight (25 minutes) and accomodation will be arranged for you in Kathmandu. O/N at guesthouse in Kathmandu (breakfast included).
Transfer to international airport for your final departure.

If you are interested in continuing on to the Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting Adventure or any other tours you can start today.

Inclusion

Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle in Kathmandu.
Four nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu in private vehicle as per itinerary.
Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period prepared by our cook with Tea and coffee.
Local fresh fruits where available.
Surface Transport to and from Kathmandu.
Twin sharing tented camp accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide waterproof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gears, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent etc.)
Trekking map, one in a group.
Trekking porter/Sherpa to carry your bags during the trekking 2:1, max 20 KG baggage/porter.
All camping gear and necessary staff for carrying, cooking and building camps.
A local government licensed English speaking Guide during the trek, the required number of cooks, porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation.
Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Boiled and purified drinking water for the trek.
All required special trekking permits and conservation fees.
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System).
All government taxes and our service charges.
Farewell Dinner before departure.

Exclusion

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Your Travel insurance (Mandatory).
International airfare and date change or ticket re issuance charges.
Nepal entry visa fee (you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu). You will require 2 passport size photos.
Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected but not mandatory).
Alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, and supplementary hot drinks
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls and internet service.
Personal trekking Equipments.
Sightseeing/Monuments entrance fees in Kathmandu.
Any others expenses not mentioned on package Includes section.