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The Annapurna Sanctuary / Base camp trek is a hike into the dazzling natural amphitheater formed by the staggeringly beautiful peaks of the giants Annapurna 1, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Fang and the fishtail peak of Machapuchare. Although there is only one entrance to the sanctuary itself, we follow lesser-used approach and exit routes.
The vast amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary is encircled by the famous Himalayan peaks – the 'fishtail' spire of Machapuchare (6997m), Gangapurna (7454m) Annapurna 1 (8091m), unclimbed Fang (7647m) and Annapurna South (7273m). The only approach follows the Modi Khola Valley through forests of Oak, Rhododendron and Bamboo, passing through and beyond Gurung villages to a world of soaring peaks.
The flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes us pass 3 8000m giants . We start our trek with a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. We walk to a village by the Modi River, Birethanti(1000m). Walking through oak forest we cross several side valleys, which run into the Modi Khola, and climb a stone 'staircase' to the Gurung village of Chomrong (2060m). Trekking past Hinku cave, we reach what is known as the 'gate' into the Sanctuary – a pass between the spectacular peaks of Hiunchuli and Machapuchare.
The glaciated and snow covered peaks of the Sanctuary form a spectacular barrier. Dazzling views confront us as we trek up through the last permanent settlements to the Machapuchare Base Camp (3729m) where we are rewarded with superb views of 'Fishtail' mountain. While here we will also visit the Annapurna South Base camp.
| Trekking Destination: | Annapurna Region |
| Group Size: | Min-2, Max 12, |
| Highest Altitude on Trek: | Annapurna Base Camp 4130M |
| Grade: | Challenging |
| Transportation: | Private Vehicle, Domestic Flight |
| Type of Tour: | Trekking, Hiking, Walking, Culture |
| Trekking Hour: | Approximately 5-6 hours each day |
| Total Days: | 16 Days |
| Trip Cost : | USD 1600.00 |
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 1 | - | KATHMANDU Arrive and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 | - | KATHMANDU Morning walking tour of the market area of Ason, Durbar Square and Swayambunath Temple. |
| Day 3 | - | BIRETHANTI (1,000m) Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara |
| Day 4 | - | BANTHANTI (2,300m) Our first day on the trail |
| Day 5 | - | GHOREPANI (2,850m) |
| Day 6 | - | POON HILL - TADAPANI |
| Day 7 | - | CHOMRONG (2,000m) |
| Day 8 | - | DOBAN (2,500m) |
| Day 9 | - | MACHAPUCHARE BASE CAMP (3,600m) |
| Day 10 | - | ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4,100m) |
| Day 11 | - | BAMBOO (2,500m) |
| Day 12 | - | JHINU (1,750m) |
| Day 13 | - | POTANA (1,600m) |
| Day 14 | - | PHEDI - POKHARA |
| Day 15 | - | KATHMANDU Drive to Kathmandu. |
| Day 16 | - | KATHMANDU Tour ends. International Departure |
| Day | Activities | |
| Day 1 | - | KATHMANDU Arrive and transfer to hotel. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your Trek Leader and the other members of the tour. |
| Day 2 | - | KATHMANDU Morning walking tour of the market area of Ason, Durbar Square and Swayambunath Temple. |
| Day 3 | - | BIRETHANTI (1,000m) Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive the pleasant riverside village of Birethanti, at the edge of the Annapurna trekking region. |
| Day 4 | - | BANTHANTI (2,300m) Our first day on the trail, we trek through oak and rhododendron forests and follow the Bhurungdi Khola (river) to Banthanti. |
| Day 5 | - | GHOREPANI (2,850m) We continue along the Bhurungdi Khola and ascend Ulleri Hill, eventually arriving at Ghorepani where there are perfect views of the Annapurna range. |
| Day 6 | - | POON HILL - TADAPANI Rise early to climb up Poon Hill to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Himalaya. From west to east you can see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurnas and Machapuchare - breathtaking! We then continue to Tadapani, trekking through open grassland and deep forests. On the way there are excellent views of Annapurna South and the Manaslu range. |
| Day 7 | - | CHOMRONG (2,000m) Today, we have a steep descent through rhododendron forest to the valley bottom, with fabulous mountain views. Later the path climbs steeply again before we arrive at the lively trekking hub of Chomrong. |
| Day 8 | - | DOBAN (2,500m) Our trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chomrong Khola before climbing through deep rhododendron and bamboo forests to Doban. |
| Day 9 | - | MACHAPUCHARE BASE CAMP (3,600m) The goal today is to pass through the gates of the sanctuary. We trek up the muddy surface of the Modi Khola, then along a rocky trail to Hinku cave. From here we climb towards the base camp of Machapuchare. There are stupendous views of the Hiunchuli, Annapurna I & III, Gangapurna and Machapuchare, the 'fish tail' mountain peak. |
| Day 10 | - | ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP (4,100m) We continue our exploration of the sanctuary and ascend to the Annapurna Base Camp. |
| Day 11 | - | BAMBOO (2,500m) Retracing our steps we return along the only route to Bamboo. |
| Day 12 | - | JHINU (1,750m) Descend to Chomrong, continue to Jhinu hot spring where we can enjoy a hot spring bath and soothe our trekking muscles! |
| Day 13 | - | POTANA (1,600m) Our last full day trekking, we follow the route to the village of Pothana. |
| Day 14 | - | PHEDI - POKHARA A short morning trek to pick up our vehicle for the journey to Pokhara. Rest of the day at leisure in this beautiful lakeside city. |
| Day 15 | - | KATHMANDU Drive to Kathmandu. |
| Day 16 | - | KATHMANDU Tour ends. International Departure |
| Duration | - | 16 day | |||
| Trip Details: | - |
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| Activities | - | Cultural, Touring, Walking, Trekking | |||
| Trip Grade | - | Challenging | |||
| Mode of Travel | - | Private coach, Domestic airfare. | |||
| Group & Staff | - | Min 2, Max 12, Responsible Adventures leader, local guides plus driver. | |||
| Accommodation | - | 4 nights boutique hotels, 11 nights teahouse lodges during trek | |||
| Land Cost | - | US$1600 Till 2010. US$1800 from 2011. | |||
| Trip Dates | - | Trip date for 2010 | Land Cost | Trip date for 2011 | Land Cost |
| 20th February - 7th March 2010 | US$1600 | 19th February - 6th March 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 6th March – 21st March 2010 | US$1600 | 5th March – 20th March 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 20th March – 4th April 2010 | US$1600 | 19th March – 3rd April 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 3rd April - 18th April 2010 | US$1600 | 2nd April - 17th April 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 17th April – 2nd May 2010 | US$1600 | 16th April – 1st May 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 1st May – 16th May 2010 | US$1600 | 30th April – 15th May 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 25th September - 10th October 2010 | US$1600 | 24th September - 9th October 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 9th October - 24th October 2010 | US$1600 | 8th October - 23rd October 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 23rd October - 7th November 2010 | US$1600 | 22nd October - 6th November 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 6th November – 21st November 2010 | US$1600 | 5th November – 20th November 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 20th November - 5th December 2010 | US$1600 | 19th November - 4th December 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 4th December - 19th December 2010 | US$1600 | 3rd December - 18th December 2011 | US$1800 | ||
| 18th December – 2nd January 2011 | US$1600 | 17th December – 1st January 2012 | US$1800 | ||
Note: -Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients.
Boutique Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara on full board basis,twin sharing, all transfers, Responsible Adventures' Expert Trek leader, Complimentary T-Shirt, Complimentary trek kit bag, guides, porters, good clothing for porters and crew, food for porters & crew members,insurance for crew and porters that includes helicopter evacuation when necessary and medical treatment, all permits, twin sharing room on trek, all meals on trek(best trekking meals in the whole of the Himalaya), domestic airfare.
International airport taxes, visas, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance (buy insurance), tips(suggested amount; US$50 per week for staff only), Leader's tipping up to your discretion and items of a personal nature e.g alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenir etc.
My husband and I went on a trek in Nepal this past August, and we had a fabulous time. It was truly the most unique, beautiful outdoor travel experience that either of us have ever had. For anyone considering trekking in the Himalayas, we highly recommend Raj Tamang as a guide. His company, Responsible Adventures (www.responsibleadventures.com) and (www.notjusttreks.com), is professional and customer-service oriented.
We were amazed at the ways that Raj and his employees went above and beyond to make this experience memorable for us. Raj is a 'walking encyclopedia' of information about the culture and history of Nepal, and his confident, welcoming nature put us at ease. He was experienced at facilitating positive, genuine interaction between Himalayan villagers and Western trekkers such as ourselves, and that made all the difference in our 10 days touring the Manang valley. His company offers a service that is truly a cut above the rest.
We can't wait for another opportunity to trek with Raj! Feel free to check out our story and pics at www.joshandelise2008.blogspot.com
Elise and Josh Drexler
Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Responsible Adventures rated "excellent" by 2 travellers
