12 days trek + 4 nights in Kathmandu

"Annapurna Deothali" as the place is known to the Nepalese is considered sacred, though there is no documentation to show how long this state of affair has prevailed. It is, however, certain that it was so, long before the first trekkers appeared. The Annapurna Sanctuary forms a natural amphitheater, ringed by Annapurna South and I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare or "Fish Tail" as it is commonly known.

The Sanctuary fall within the area managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project and is an exercise in environmental and cultural protection accommodating the needs of both the visitors and the local inhabitants.

There is a good mix of high mountains and Himalayan culture on this trek. The Annapurna Himal lies between the Kali Gandaki and Marsyangdi river valley, forming a solid, mountain bastion. In its span of 40 miles, it encompasses some twelve peaks higher than 7000 m. and numerous others over 6000 m. And, as rhododendron forests give way to bamboo groves which in turn vanish into the high, desert landscapes, people of Aryan stock give way to those of Mongoloid stock and the dominant religion changes from Hinduism in the lower reaches to Buddhism higher up.

Day 01
Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be greeted by a representative of Himalayan
Journeys and transferred to your hotel.

Day 02
Free day in Kathmandu to make final preparations for your trek. If you feel that you
are adequately prepared and would like to have an escorted sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city, we will be glad to arrange it for you. Please ask for this service from our representative upon arrival.

Day 03
Drive to Airport for the flight to Pokhara. Meet your Sherpa Crew and drive to Nayapul. It's one and half hour scenic drive. The Lunch will be served here while your duffel bags will be packed with others made the load for the porters. After lunch climb gradually to Tirkhedhunga where you camp will be set up. Sometimes the flight Pokhara will be delayed. In that case the lunch will be at Himalayan Journeys premises in Pokhara.

Day 04
The moring steepest climb of two hours takes you to Ulleri. There are 3767 ascend to Ulleri. Then your enter lush oak forest and crosses several small streams. If you are a bird lover, it's a great place to watch the birds. Continue through the dense rhododendron forest to Nangetati. It continues as you ascend the mountain path to Ghorepani (2840m).

Day 05
Though the views are spectacular from Gorepani, it will still be worth while waking up early in the moring to climb Poon Hill for an even better views of Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna I , Annapurna south and Glacier Dome. You make a quick descent from Poon hill to Ghorepani for breakfast and then descend further to Tadapani through Deorali pass. Camp.

Day 06
From here head northeast to the Kimrong Khola and village of Khimrung. Passing through the village the trail crosses the Chomrong Khola and climbs high leading to the villages of Chomrong. Opposite the impressive south wall of Annapurna South.
This is the last major settlement before the Sanctuary.

Day 07
Continue to Khuldi as there are no difficult stretches, though there is some gain in altitude. The trail is high on the left bank of the Modi Khola. Khuldi is at the opening of the gorge, between Machhapuchhare and Himchuli, which leads into the Sanctuary.From Khuldi the trail acquires an altered character as you pass through dense bamboo forests under rocky overhangs. The Modi Khola flows far below you to the right and on your left are dramatic waterfalls cascading down the rock walls of Himchuli. Camp at Bamboo Lodge. Even though the place is called Bamboo Lodge, none of Lodge is built of Bamboo.

Day 08
The trail climbs steeply through the rhododendron forest to Doban. Now the trails becomes muddy and traverse high above the river. Beyond Dovan the traila traverse several avalanche canyon to the Himalaya Hotel where you will camp for tonight.

Day 09
Morning walk on a rocky trail through the forest to Hinku. Leaving Hinko Cave the route follows the river very closely and the trail is fairly easy. You will need to leave the camp very early (your guide will decide on the time), because there is the ever present danger of avalanches from a hidden glacier on Himchuli. Avalanches can pose serious problems on this section, especially if there have been rains recently. Still heading up the gorge of the Modi Khola you reach the Base Camp of Machhapuchhare. Turning north-west you will reach the Annapurna South Base Camp. You are surrounded by the summits of Himchuli, Annapurna South,
Varahashikhar, Annapurna I, Tarke Kang, Singu Chuli and Tharpu Chuli.
To the north-east, beyond Singu and Tharpu Chuli are the summits of Gangapurna and Annapurna III while Machhapuchhare provides a stunning backdrop over the trail from its Base Camp.

Day 10
Backtracking over the trail from Machhapuchhare Base Camp and Hinko you descend fast to the settlement at Kuldighar along the Modi Khola.

Day 11
From Kuldighar there is a level walk to Chomrong and then a steep climb to Khimrung village after crossing the Khimnu Khola.

Day 12
From Khimrung descend along the Khimnu Khola to its confluence the Modi Khola , then trek to Ghandruka, a Gurung Village, home of famous Gurkhas.

Day 13
The village just opposite of Ghandrug is Landrung which is across the Modi Khola. Morning descend to Modi Khola, then again ascend speeply to Landrung. Then once again walking through dense rhododendron forests as you climb towards the settlements of Tolka and Potana. From Potana the trail descends and you can move quickly to the ridge top village of Dhampus. You will also notice the change in the climate as warmer weather heralds your arrival to lower altitudes. This will be your last night camping and weather permitting, your crew might prepare a special treat for you. You would be expected to join in the singing and the dancing !!

Day 14
Descend to Phedi and board the jeep that will be waiting to take you to the Pokhara through Tibetan Refugee Camp. The Tibet Refugee Camp has a Tibetan Handicraft exhibit and outlet where if you have enough time you may purchases of souvenirs to take back home with you. The handicraft are all made at the camp and the proceeds from sales go to running the camp and helping its inhabitants. Continue your overland journeys to Pokhara airport and fly back to Kathmandu

Day 15
This is a cushion day that has been built into the itinerary to allow for delays due to flights or other reasons beyond our control. If you are able to complete your trek in time then this day maybe used for sight seeing around Kathmandu.

Day 16
At an appointed time, transfer to airport for the final departure.

SERVICES INCLUDED:
Transportation to start and from the end of trek to the city of departure, hotel in Kathmandu (B&B), two person tents including sleeping pads, porters, kitchen crew and commissary gear with all meals included on trek. Experienced local guide and support.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:
International flights - please ask for prices. Meals in the cities, alcoholic beverages, extras, tips, taxes, laundry service, additional tours, insurance, sleeping bags, hiking boots and other personal gear.

Minimum of 2 people
Price per person: £750 excluding airfares
Single supplement: £125

These are small group departures. A private tailor made itinerary for a group of any number (including solo trekkers but with a small supplement) can depart on any day.

Group departures in 2007: 13 March, 27 March, 9 October, 23 October

For further information please contact Footloose on 01943 604030
or info@footloose.co.uk