Into the Heart of the Annapurna Himal

Hike to the Annapurna Sanctuary, a place that “marries natural grandeur, cultural immersion and relative luxury in a union found nowhere else,” according to the New York Times. On this 10-day trek, reach a spectacular mountain-ringed amphitheatre in only five days. Along the way, pass lowland villages of the Gurung and Tamang clans, cut through thick forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak, trek up and down intricately terraced hills, and finally reach the glaciers and high mountains. Take a morning hike (weather permitting) to Annapurna South Base Camp at 13,435 feet below the towering, near-vertical south face of Annapurna.

Activities

11 days moderate to strenuous hiking at medium elevation (maximum 13,435')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary, with its majestic Himalayan mountain views
• Hike to Annapurna South Base Camp in the footsteps of mountaineering expeditions
• Enjoy meeting some of Nepal's remarkable ethnic clans in hillside villages and along the trail

2011 Prices
$3,295 (10-14 members)
$3,695 (5-9 members)
$220 internal airfare
$500 single supplement

Duration: 15 days Start Location: Kathmandu End Location: Kathmandu Best time to go: March - April, October

Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 : Arrive in Kathmandu

  Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

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  Day 2 : Pokhara (2,800’)

  Morning visit to the key sights around the Kathmandu Valley, then fly to Pokhara, about 100 miles west of Kathmandu.

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  Days 3 - 4 : Begin trek / Ghorepani (9,400')

  Trek to Ghorapani (9,400'), with spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

• Day 5 : Tadapani (8,900')

  Early morning hike to Poon Hill (10,475') for sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, and Annapurna South. Continue to Tadapani (8,900')

• 

  Days 6 - 8 : Chomrong (6,759') / Doban (8,628') / Machapuchare Base Camp (12,204')

  Hike up and down through bamboo and rhododendron forests to Doban (8,628'), then continue to the Sanctuary and Machapuchare Base Camp (12,204').

• Days 9 - 11 : Annapurna South Base Camp – Machapuchare Base Camp / Chomrong (6,759') via Bamboo (7,675')

  A day to explore the Sanctuary and admire views of snowy summits and plummeting glaciers. Optional walk to Annapurna South Base Camp (13,435') below the towering, near-vertical south face of Annapurna. (This base camp was used by Chris Bonington’s famous 1970 Annapurna South Face Expedition, which made a spectacular ascent on this route.)

• Day 12 : Ghandrung (6,000')

  The trail climbs up to a ridge with a spectacular view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, and Annapurna III before making a gradual descent to the sprawling village of Ghandrung (6,000'), second largest Gurung village in Nepal. (6-7 hours hiking).

• Day 13 : Return to Pokhara (2,800')

  Hike down to the roadhead and meet vehicles; drive to Pokhara.Hike down to the roadhead and meet vehicles; drive to Pokhara.

• Day 14 : Return to Kathmandu

  Return to Kathmandu.

• Day 15 : Depart Kathmandu

  Depart Kathmandu, or join one of our extension in Nepal or to India, Vietnam, or Cambodia

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  Yak & Yeti Hotel

  Kathmandu, Nepal

  A 5-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu, the Yak & Yeti is the perfect blend of contemporary international standards and time-honored Nepali tradition. Guests will find refuge among antique fountains, gilded temples and emerald gardens, while enjoying a state-of-the-art gymnasium, spa, shopping arcade, atrium, tennis courts and swimming pools.

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  Shangri La Village

  Shangri~La Village, Pokhara is a discreet, compact resort which is a 5 minute drive from the airport and 3km from the Phewa lake, with 65 meticulously designed rooms surrounded by spacious landscaped gardens and a panoramic view from every room.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Lhakpa Norbu Sherpa

  Lhakpa Norbu Sherpa was born in Namche Bazaar to a mountaineering family. (His father was a climbing Sherpa and went to the South Col on several expeditions, including the 1963 American Everest expedition.) After completing his education, Lhakpa tried mountaineering on Kanchenjunga (the world’s third highest peak), but decided that he prefers trekking and now limits his climbing to trekking peaks like Mount Mera. Lhakpa has a deep interest in environmental issues and has been associated with Mountain Travel Sobek since 1983, first as sirdar and now as a trekking guide. He speaks Nepali, Sherpa, and Tibetan as well as English.

• Pranoy Rai

  Pranoy Rai was born in Nepal, studied in Darjeeling, India, and is a travel enthusiast who has always been keen on adventure. Working as a trekking leader since 1999, he has an enormous experience in the field, having led numerous treks and tours to Nepal, Tibet and India. Pranoy successfully completed his basic mountaineering course from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute of Darjeeling with grade 'A' certificate. He has been trained in wilderness medicine by Dr. Jim Duff, an expert in wilderness first aid and co-author of “First Aid and Survival in Mountain and Remote Areas.” In addition to being fluent in English, Nepali, and Hindi, he speaks basic Tibetan and Chinese. Pranoy is very keen on birds, plants, and flowers, and has acquired a very good knowledge in them that he looks forward to sharing with you on trek.

• Gyamcho Wangdi (N)

  Gyamcho Wangdi is a favorite of many of our Nepal trekkers (one of our guests called him “a man of vision, wit and sensitivity, a poet of the mountains and a product of his environment”). He studied botany and zoology and was a naturalist at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge for eight years. Gyamcho’s passions include seeing new places, off-road driving, interior design, and drawing cartoons (he has published a cartoon book on the Yeti called Mysterious Mystical Yeti, which became a hit among Nepal trekkers). His gentle, courteous manner, amusing anecdotes, and overall knowledge of Nepal are the key to the success of your trip.

• Sanjeev Chhetri

  Sanjeev Chhetri is a graduate of Delhi University, India, and has been leading treks in Nepal, Tibet, India and the Alps since 1990. He is an avid bird-watcher and very well traveled, with time spent in India, Tibet, China, England, Ireland, France, Thailand, USA and Switzerland. He lives with wife and son in Kathmandu. Sanjeev is very knowledgeable of the cultures, religions, and traditions of the countries he leads trek for and enjoys sharing his experiences with you.

photo credits: ©Christopher Bettencourt