Nepal is a trekker's paradise. The very organic rhythm of foot travel is a wonderful way to explore and make meaningful contact with the country. On average, trekking consists of walking daily 5 to 7 hours, 9 to 14 kilometers on a series of ascents and descents. The immense contrasts in altitude and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyle and wildlife. Nepal is a pioneer in the sport of trekking. Known as the Himalayan Kingdom, Nepal is dominated by eight of the world's fourteen highest mountains, including Everest. Each one is over 8000 meters (26,000ft). In all, there are 1,310 peaks of 5000 meters (16,900ft) or more. Annually, more than 200,000 tourists come here to trek. You will experience superb panoramic views of mountains, a diversity of landscape, flora and fauna, colorful cultures, friendly people and ancient history. Trekkers leave Nepal with grand tales to share with their family and friends.
Annapurna Sanctuary
Annapurna, at 8,091m, is the 10th highest mountain in the world and will be forever known as the first 8,000m peak to be climbed - by Herzog's French party in 1950. The climb was an epic of Himalayan climbing and has entered mountaineering folklore.
The trek into the area below the massive south face of Annapurna - known as the Annapurna Sanctuary - is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. The trek begins in Pokhara and leads up through the breathtaking Modi Khola gorge into the vast mountain ringed amphitheatre of the Sanctuary. As we trek through bamboo and rhododendron forests we have superb views of the Annapurna range. We eventually pass between the mountains of Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli which guard the entrance to the Sanctuary, and after 6 days reach our goal, the high glacial basin that is the site of the Annapurna south face base camp. This is a classic trek which allows access to the high mountains of the Himalaya within a reasonable timeframe and with a maximum altitude of 4000m. This trek is a fully equipped camping trek with accommodation in two person tents and food being cooked by our kitchen staff. Transport to Pokhara is by private coach and the return to Kathmandu from Pokhara is by air.
Detailed trek itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Arrival at Tribhuban International Airport and pick up you by our private
vehicle and transfer to the International Guest House 24 hrs hot and cold
shower facilities.
DAY 02: DRIVE WEST TO POKHARA (215KM. / 7 HOURS) AND THEN TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL.
This morning you will be driving to Pokhara (215km), depart in the early morning, approximately 8 hrs away by tourist bus Absorb a scenic route through the country lanes. You will be arriving at Pokhara in late afternoon. Pokhara Lakeside villages sits, "front row centre" to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machhapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. Enjoy yourself for the trek to Poon Hill in the evening. Overnight camp in Pokhara near the lake
DAY 03: DRIVE TO PHEDI, AND TREK TO TOLKA
We start by driving a short distance to Phedi where we begin the trek in earnest. Starting from an altitude of 1180m, we climb steeply to the ridge at Dhampus at 1750m and get our first views of the huge mountains that surround us. We continue on through a rhododendron forest to the village of Pothana, and eventually reach the small settlement of Deurali at the top of the hill at 2150m. From here we get superb views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. From here we make a steep descent on forested slopes into a side canyon of the Modi Khola, passing through the settlement of Bheri Kharka. The trail then climbs gently and emerges into the main Modi Khola valley, and finally reaches Tolka, a small settlement, at 1810m where we spend the night.
DAY 04: TOLKA TO CHHROMRONG
From Tolka the trail quickly reaches the flagstone streets of Landruk, a sizeable Gurung village at 1620m. From Landruk the trail descends and crosses the river at Shiuli at 1340m before climbing steeply up to Jhinu Danda at 1750m. After a long steep climb we reach Taglung at 2180m, where the trek joins the Ghandruk to Chhomrong route. Shortly after this we reach the Gurung village of Chhomrong at 2040m, where we spend the night. Chhromrong is a large village that is spread along a huge stone staircase which drops to the Chhromrong Khola. From Chhromrong there are tremendous views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
DAY 05: CHHROMRONG TO BAMBOO LODGE
Leaving Chhomrong the trail descends to cross the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs high above the Modi Khola on it's west bank. The trail then ascends through the villages of Tilche and Sinuwa and finally reaches Kuldi at 2350m. From here the trail descends a long, steep stone staircase into bamboo and rhododendron forests and eventually we reach the small settlement of Bamboo Lodge at 2340m, which is a collection of small hotels - none of which are made of bamboo !
DAY 06: BAMBOO LODGE TO HIMALAYAN HOTEL
The trail continues along the west bank of the Modi Khola valley through dense bamboo forest, occasionally dropping to cross tributary streams, but ascending continuously, and reaches the settlement of Doban at 2630m where there are several good lodges. The trail then continues high above the river to our resting place for the night, the small settlement of tea-houses known as Himalayan Hotel at 2900m.
DAY 07: HIMALAYAN HOTEL TO MACHHAPUCHHRE BASE CAMP
From here it is an hour's walk to Hinko Cave at 3160m, and a further half hour to Deorali at 3230m where there are good hotels. Above Deorali the valley widens and becomes less steep and at last we feel as if we are getting close to our goal. We can now see the 'gates' to the Sanctuary. The trail continues into the Sanctuary to meet the Modi Khola and follows the river to Bagar, a meadow at 3310m.
From Bagar we continue to trek upwards and eventually reach the area known as Machhapuchhre Base Camp at 3720m. This is a collection of tea-houses spread over a large area. From here the mountain views are fantastic and include Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchhre (6997m).
