Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu

Day 3: Pokhara to Ulleri After eating breakfast in Pokhara, at 7:30 you will be driven in a van to Nayapul where the trek commences. The drive to Nayapul (42 km) takes around 1.5 hours. The trail from there leads up through the beautiful local rice, maze and millet farms.  Following the main trail of Birethanti, you will pass a small waterfall. The trail passes through Sudami where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will steadily climb the side of a valley until you reach Hile. After half an hour you will reach Thikhedhunga and continue climbing to Ulliri (2070m). You will stay the night at Ulliri.

Day 4: Ulleri to Ghorepani In the morning, breakfast will be served early at the guest house at 7:00 am in order to be ready for the trek to Ghorepani. The trail climbs steeply up on stone steps at which point you will be walking through cultivated fields. It continues through the blooming Rhododendron and Oak forest. The final climb of the morning will be to Nagethati, which will be the resting point for lunch. ‘Thanti’ is a Nepali word meaning ‘Rest House’ Dharmasala. In the winter, the trail can be covered with snow. You will rest for lunch about an hour and the continue climbing to Ghorepani, which is situated at 2850m above sea level. You will arrive at the top of the Ghorepani and spend the night there.

Day 5: Ghorepani – Poon Hill-Ghandruk Today you will need to wake up very early in the morning and start your journey to Poon Hill (3210m), which takes around 1 Hr, in order to provide for the best view of the majestic scenery and sunrise over the high mountains. Many white mountains can be seen from Poon Hill like Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna South (7119m) Fishtail (6993m), Nilgiri South, Singa Chuli, Annapurna(I) (8091m), and many more peaks in addition. After ascending, you will then descend to Ghorepani to have breakfast and trek to Ghandruk. This day will be a long day of walking. The trek leads mainly up and downhill through the forest. The trail reaches Tadapani, where you will have lunch.  After lunch, the journey continues on to Ghandruk, which takes about 4 hours to reach. This village represents some of the most traditional Nepalese culture as it is the home of the Gurung people. This trail leads mainly through forest and goes gently down. In the evening or early the next morning you can explore the Gurung museum in order to learn more about their traditional cloths and useful equipment. You will spend the night at Ghandruk.

Day 6 Today we will make our way to the mouth of the Annapurna Valley from Ghandruk to Bamboo.  It is a beautiful day of rolling hills as we slowly gaining elevation ascending to the beginning of the Annapurna Valley.  We will sleep in the beautiful little village of Bamboo overlooking the Modi Kholu River.

Day 7 Hike through bamboo forests with spectacular mountain views to the village of Deolari.  Now we are starting to gain quiet a bit of elevation as we climb another 1500 meters and sleep at over 3,300 meters above sea level.  The weather will start to become cool and crisp as we leave the jungle and enter into the Himalayan realm.

Day 8 From Deolari we will ascend to Annapurna base camp.  Along the way we’ll have lunch at Machapuchhare Base Camp spectacular views of the sacred peak along with Annapurna I, and Annapurna III.  Machapuchhare is considered a sacred mountain by the Hindu people and has been declared off-limits by the government of Nepal. The summit of Machapuchare has never been reached.  The weather will be noticeably colder and your breathing will be labored.

Day 9 Spend a day exploring Annapurna Base Camp at over 13,400 feet. This is the highest point of our trek, with a 360 degree view of the soaring peaks.  The morning is always the best time to be up and about at ABC.  Clouds usually set in mid day blocking the view of the summit.  For those more adventurous there will be a day hike offered to over 15,000ft to get better view of the surrounding range.  With luck we will be able to see a few climbing parties high on the mountain. Annapurna is one of the hardest 8000m peaks in the world.  Only about 150 people have made the summit while more than 60 have lost their lives trying. It is a spectacular experience to stand below this epic peak marveling at it’s size, listening to the avalanches and the living glacier grown beneath you.  After lunch we’ll start to make our decent to Dovan and spend the night there.

Day 10 From Dovan we will make our way down to Jihnu and a well earned rest at the natural hot springs. The air is warmer, the breathing is easier and the hot springs are wonderfully refreshing.

Day 11 After a restful stay in Jihnu we will make our way out of the Annapurna Sanctuary through Naya Pul.  In Naya Pul we will meet our van and drive back to Lake Side.  At our hotel in Lake Side we will celebrate our trekking adventure and our last night in Pokhara.

Note on Itinerary

We will do our best to adhere to the schedule above, however this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Price Includes

National Park fees, 1 night in Kathmandu and 3 nights in Pokhara, all meals unless otherwise specified in itinerary, expert local guides, airport transfers and in country airfare.

Not Included

Air transportation to/from Nepal, Bangkok hotel costs (if routing requires an overnight),  visas, any necessary emergency evacuation arrangements, optional tips to guides and staff, airport taxes, cost of obtaining a passport or medical immunizations, insurance, and items of a personal nature such as liquor, laundry fees or souvenirs.

Physical Qualifications

Trekking in Nepal is for active people in good health who enjoy vigorous hiking. Nepal has an “up and down” topography, there is very little level walking. We expect participants to be strong, experienced hikers in good physical condition. Gear and supplies can be carried by porters and/or pack animals, leaving members free to carry only a daypack (additional costs may apply). No technical climbing or other special abilities are required.  This trek spends several days at altitudes above 10,000ft. The trails themselves are only moderate, but at these altitudes hiking will feel more strenuous. A good physical conditioning program must be undertaken several months in advance to get into shape.

Weather

Nepal is a mountainous tropical country, which means it experiences climatic extremes. Night and day temperature differences can vary between 10C and 30C (50F to 86F) so you need to be prepared with a variety of clothing. The key to staying comfortable on a trek is layering.

• Valid passport

• Copy of first page of passport

• Airline tickets

• Visa form for Nepal (or obtain at Kathmandu airport)

• 4 extra passport photos

Luggage

• Trekking Pack – Preferably 30-45L

• Duffel bag – for non-trek items left at the hotel in Kathmandu

• Daypack to carry your camera, water bottles, extra clothing (ideal if you hire a porter)

• Luggage tags and luggage locks

Camping Gear

• Sleeping bag and stuff sack, rated to 15 degrees or less

Outerwear

• Rain jacket with hood, water repellent and roomy

• Rain pants

• Insulated parka/ski jacket, down or synthetic filled

• Backpack rain cover

Clothing

• Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater

• Fleece pants or tights (see ‘optional’)

• Midweight thermal underwear top & bottoms, synthetic or wool

• Expedition-weight thermal top & bottoms

• Hiking pants/skirt (1)

• Long-sleeve shirts (1 or 2)

• T-shirts, synthetic are best

• Underwear

• Hiking socks (4), wool or synthetic

• Liner socks

Accessories

• Wool or fleece hat (over ears)

• Bandana

• Wool or fleece gloves

• Thin liner gloves

• Snow gaiters (Winter treks only)

Footwear

• Hiking boots, sturdy, ankle-support, water-resistant, well broken in

• Camp shoes: trail shoes or running shoes (optional but nice)

City clothing

• Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel

• Comfortable shoes

Travel Accessories

• Reliable flashlight or headlamp, plus spare batteries and bulb

• Ear plugs

• Small quantity of favorite energy snacks

• ‘Potable Aqua’-type water treatment tablets or drops

• Hiking staff or trekking poles (recommended)

• Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system

• Sunglasses with strap

• Sunblock and lip balm – SPF 30+

• Toiletry kit

• Small quick-dry towel

• Personal first aid kit / medicines

• Hand sanitizer gel or Handi-wipes

• Several Ziploc plastic bags

• Large, heavy duty plastic trash bags (2)

Extra Field Gear

• Camera, film/memory cards, spare batteries

• Down or synthetic-filled pants (Fall treks these are a very wise addition)

• Down booties (Fall treks around camp at nighttime)

• Knee supports

• Altimeter

• Spare contact lenses or glasses

• Trekking poles

• Games and toys: Frisbee, cards, etc.

• Reading and writing materials

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.  Cameras should also be packed in your carry-on bag.
• Culturally sensitive dressing tips: For women, pants (or Capri length pants) and/or a skirt (mid-calf or longer) is recommended. Skirts are quite comfortable for trekking (mid-calf length is ideal). Tights, hiking shorts, sports tops or tank tops are inappropriate unless worn under other clothing. For men, pants are best. Men may wear hiking shorts, but they should be longer, near the knees. Men should never go shirtless.
• This gear list can fit into one large duffel. You may want to consider using an extra large duffel so that you have space to carry home all the great gifts and souvenirs you’ll be wanting to get. Most airlines allow for two bags with a maximum weight of 70 lbs each and linear dimensions not to exceed 62 inches. Additional charges may apply if you exceed these parameters.
• Some trekkers like to hike with a backpack and carry their belongings with them.  A 30-45L pack is recommend for this.  You will need to carry a sleeping bag, extra clothing and any other personal items needed.  If you prefer a porter can be hired and you can just carry a day pack.  If you are worried about the vigorous nature of the trek then this option is recommended.  Small additional fees may apply for hiring a porter ($5-$10/day).
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
• You may find that you will not use every piece of clothing that is on this gear list. However, the list has been created to provide for the full range of weather conditions that MAY be encounter during your trek. Should the weather be unseasonably cold or wet, you will appreciate having this gear.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
• Travel clothes, extra gear and purchases will be left in a storage room at our hotel. Please bring a small bag, luggage tag and lock for this purpose.