15 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Overview
Annapurna sanctuary is one of the finest trekking available in the Annapurna region. This trek leads to the fabulous high mountains amphitheater also known as Annapurna base camp. The trekking route passes through many varied climatic conditions from sub-tropical to alpine providing the trekkers the fabulous view of many peaks like Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli and many more. The unique combination of heights and depths in the Annapurna Sanctuary give rise to an astonishing diversity of ecosystems. There is dense tropical jungles of rhododendron and bamboo in the south-facing slope, while there is a drier colder weather similar to that of the near-by Tibetan Plateau in the north-facing slopes.
The trek begins in Pokhara, drive to Nayapul and gradually ascend through the beautiful varied landscapes of cultivated terraced field and lust forest of oaks, magnolia and rhododendron to reach Ghorepani. The early morning hike from Ghorepani Poonhill give us the best possible panoramic views of sunrise on stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. The trail ascend to fascinating Machhapuchhre Base Camp beyond that the valley widens as it reaches the lateral moraine of Annapurna south glacier. The mountain views are simply astonishing and breathtaking from here. A further few hours steady climbing and the trail reach Annapurna Base Camp. A vast spectacular natural alpine amphitheater of spell bound surrounding of the Annapurna sanctuary. A truly wonderland of glistering peaks, snowfields and glaciers – an unforgettable Himalayan paradise.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), transfer from airport by private bus to Kathmandu Hotel. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.
After breakfast drive to Pokhara which takes 6 hrs from Kathmandu, it will stop on the way for lunch and short time for seeing view and rest.
Early morning drive to Naya Pul. Meet the trailhead and proceed down the hill from the road and follow a river to Birethanti (1025m). We will walk gently uphill for a couple of hours to Hille (1475m). All the streams, waterfalls, tropical vegetation, and green fields give this area a lush feeling. We pass a suspension bridge in Tikedhunga. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward will really prove a test of our stamina. We reach to our overnight stop at Ulleri (1960m).
A long uphill walk to Ghorepani (2750m). We walk up and down hills following the river for half an hour. Then, the stone stairs that seems to go on endlessly, passing by many homes and tea houses as it climbs. Part way up, you'll get the first view of Annapurna South. Higher up, enter a wooded area passing pink blooming trees and large bamboo plants. You'll come across a stream and past this, you'll be in Banthanti. Beyond Banthanti (2300m), enter a jungle with thick vegetation and mossy trees. Then, follow a stream up a narrow valley with more stairs to climb and emerge from the jungle at Nangathanti (2520m). From here on, another hour of climb will get you to Ghorepani.
Pre-dawn hike up to Poon Hill just in time for the view of the Dhaulagiri & Annapurna Range as it flaunts itself garbed by hues of the rising sun. Return back to your teahouse to collect your load and hit the trail to Tadapani. The trail from here wends its way east along the ridge line with magnificent views of the Annapurna. Our trail descends through rhododendron forests and waterfalls before we reach Tadapani.
Follow the trail down a steep hill through the rhododendron forest below Tadapani. The forest trail ends and the trail emerges onto terraced fields on the side of a deep valley. Further on, proceed along the terraces steeply down to the river at the bottom. Cross an unusually sturdy bridge and climb steeply up the opposite side of the valley, then follow the valley to where it joins the larger Modi Khola valley which leads up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. A short distance up the Modi Khola valley, you'll be in Chhomrong (2170m).
The next day the trail descends to cross the Chommro Khola, then climbs around into the Modi Khola valley and up on to the main ridge high above the river. Stands of rhododendron, oak and hemlock line the gorge, and the area is a delight for bird lovers. After another two hours of walking, mostly up steep hills, we reach the village of Sinuwa (2340m), the last town before Bamboo. We follow the valley through a bamboo forest, climbing gently uphill to Bamboo. Then, climb through rhododendron forest to Doban (2505m) in an hour. Our overnight destination, Himalayan Hotel (2920m), takes another two hours of walk.
As we continue to gain altitude, the trail starts to become icier. Pass through a sacred forest and you'll encounter a big mossy cascade across the valley, near a small temple. Soon, climb onto an open area above the forest to Deurali (3170m) on a ridge above Hinko (3100m). Above Deurali, pass through the narrow entranceway into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Then reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which isn’t really a base camp since climbing Mt. Machhapuchhre is not permitted. Machhapuchhre is clearly visible just above across the valley. Avalanches are frequent phenomena on this section so extreme caution is advised.
The climb to the ABC (4130m) is best done early in the morning before clouds blow in and obscure the view and, more importantly, the risk of avalanches are at its minimal level. ABC lies at the foot of the Annapurna Glacier's lateral moraine, and if you hike up to the top of the moraine, you will see the gray, rock-strewn bulk of this glacier far below. The rumble of rock and ice slides coming off Annapurna South frequently breaks the silence of the Sanctuary. Park yourself on the lip of the moraine west of the lodges, and, with patience, you may see one of these thunderous slides.
Head back along the trail to Doban, retracing the upward route as far as Bamboo Lodge (2335m), but you can expect to make better time going out since it is mostly downhill.
You've to make two long ascends and two long descends to reach Chomrong. From Chomrong, the trail climbs a bit to a spur ridge that looks down on Jhinu Danda (1780m). Be sure to glance back over your shoulders for one last close-up glimpse of Machhapuchare, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. From here, take the trail to the right and contour up the valley of the Kimrong Khola. This stretch of trail is fairly level for a while and offers easy walking. Along this stretch of trail, you will find the junction with the route from Ghorepani. Above the village of Kimrong (1780m), the trail suddenly drops in short, steep switchbacks to the village. The trail descends quickly and then contours through open rock-strewn fields to the 'Gurung' village of Ghandruk (1940m), a village which has grown large and prosperous on the pensions of re-tired Gurkha soldiers.
From Ghandruk, the trail descends gradually at first on a wide flagstone-paved trail that is the superhighway of this trek. Keep to the ridge and continue descending slowly, passing through the small village of Kimche (1,670m). Eventually, the trail becomes steeper as it heads for the valley floor just below Shaule Bazaar (1,135m). The trail finally reaches the river from where the trail is once again quite level, but the going is rather difficult because you are walking on river rocks. In another 30 minutes or so, you will be in Birethanti (1109m). It is just a 30 to 45 minute walk down the river to the road. The trail to Naya Pul crosses the suspension bridge and immediately forks to the right, staying on the valley floor. Be sure to glance back over your shoulder at the excellent view of Machhapuchhre. Your ride back to the comforts and luxuries of your hotel will be waiting for you at the road-head.
Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, which takes 6 to 7 hrs.
Transfer to airport by chartered vehicle
Important Information
Include:
- Arrival/Departure
- 1 day tour in Kathmandu
- All Private transport
- KTM-PKR & PKR-KTM by tourist bus
- Guide for all tour/Trek
- Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- All meals in trekking
- Porters
- Tea house Accommodation, All permits
Exclude:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Tipping
- Personal equipment
- International flight
Cost:
USD 980 per person
Single supplementary: USD 300
Trekking season in Nepal: The usual trekking season starts from September to May. During the remainder of the year, Monsoon makes travelling difficult due to wet areas and offers little in the way of mountain views. Some treks that cross high passes are better attempted in months other than December and January because of the heavy snowfall in some parts of the country. The temperature rises considerably under altitudes of 3000 ft. in April and May in some parts of the country, therefore it is wise to plan accordingly.
Teahouses in mountain: Teahouses are in the mountains where you will be staying are simple yet hospitable with good enough food and stunning views. Compare to city area teahouses are very basic but after 5-6 hours walking in the mountain you will relish the comfort. Most of these lodges have 08-to 12 room can sleep 15 to 20 people, with good food and fairly high hygiene levels. The basics of conversation and ecology are now being practiced with some success.
Guide and Porters: All guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have considerable local experience. The guide concern is his group’s welfare, health, safety and he aim to ensure you are relaxed while providing the best possible food and accommodation. And he’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen for you to come to know and love Nepal.
And all the guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have guiding license from Nepal government, basic first aid training from red cross Nepal, wilderness training from SOLO outdoor school (locally known Initiative Outdoor), Child protection training and others.
Most porters come from rural areas and farmers for 6 to 7 months of the year. These porters work hard and with care and have aims to progress into guides. Typically, they live hard and frugal lives and they are used to carrying heavy loads.
Meals-Food on mountain region of Nepal
A large variety of food is found in the mountain region during trek. Even our clients say there is better food in mountain than in hotels of city. The food variations are defendant on the culture and region background but the tea-house have a menu and they do have varieties of food. Some common day meal are as follows:
Breakfast
Porridge, eggs any style-usually scrambled, boiled or fried eggs, toast local bread (Gurung bread), chapatti (Indian flat bread), honey or peanut butter, organic fresh tea, coffee and many more.
Lunch
In many regions, the chef will provide a simple common hot meal in lunch. That could be potatoes, noodles, curry, salad, rice and lentil, fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes when walking through high passes, there will be a packed lunch which may consist of common packed able lunch like bread with jam and honey, sandwich, boiled eggs, fruits, chocolates, bottle of juice. While arriving to teahouses there will be tea, coffee.
Dinner
With basic equipment they manage to make excellent cake, apple tarts, pizzas, fried potatoes, chips, spaghetti, pasta. Chefs in tea-houses are well trained in producing a variety of food and almost always ready to serve the food of specific request.
While trekking in Nepal our chefs and assistant guide are well trained to serve and take order of the food in hygienically way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easily catered for.
Transportation: Skylark Himalayan using a best transport company for our clients. Before departing on a trip, using vehicle, we always check insurance of vehicle, good condition of vehicle (seatbelt, seat, wheel, looking glass, all windows etc.), Driver (driver attitude, make sure drunk or not, smartness, driving speed etc.)
Airlines: In Nepal, we have more than 10 Airlines Company but at Skylark Himalayan we only use 3 airlines which we recognize at the most reliable, safest, good companies, 1 airline company (Tara Air) for rural area like short length runway. And another 2 airlines companies (Yeti airlines & Buddha Airlines) for urban area like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan etc.
Insurance: As strongly recommended by Skylark Himalayan Travel to the clients agree to effect what they consider to be adequate Travel Insurance to cover their person and their personal effects for duration of the tours, Trekking, Rafting or any of activities in Nepal
Health and Safety: Fundamentally we have experienced staffs that have been trained in how to look after clients safely, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Almost all the company’s staffs are experienced, all leaders have done advanced first-aid training from Initiative Outdoor school, Nepal (authorized by SOLO WILDERNESS MEDICINE SCHOOL), Child Protection training, and they are well aware of the high standards that we want in maintain. We also have strong relationships with local communities, health care facilities
Responsible Travel: Skylark Himalayan completely follow tall rules, regulation and code of Nepal responsible trek organizer of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism is an action based on a sustainable idea. We work under eco-friendly environment and we want you to follow and help to save the environment. Skylark Himalayan are keen to preserve and protect the historical places and mountain to show the value of those things to coming generation.
Skylark Himalayan Travel are always aware to operate tours, trekking and other activities in eco- touristic destination to preserve natural and cultural heritages. Skylark Himalayan always aim to make extensive use of the local available products to help local communities. Skylark Himalayan staffs and guides are also employed from local communities, which helps more authentic experience for travellers. We believe that all the staffs including guide, porter, Sherpa are the back bone of organization so it is our responsibility to make them happy by providing protections insurance, good salary and outdoor gear. So that, they are happy to serve good service. Without them organization can't serve the costumer need.
Customizing a Trip: The itineraries of all the trips on our website have been organized and put together by us however it does not mean you have to follow the program. If you have your own itinerary or you want to add or decrease number of days or place, we are more than happy to design your own unique itinerary with your entire favorite elements. Choice is yours with the flexibility of our tailor made itineraries.
For the more advice, please contact us via e-mail or telephonically – contact details below.
Skylark Himalayan Travel & Treks
Lakeside-6-Pokhara, Nepal
Contact no: 061-464946
Mobile: +977-9856010460 / 9801050460
Whatapps: +9779801050460
Skype: tara.gautam2
E-mail: sales@skylarkhimalayantravel.com
skylarkhimalayan@gmail.com
Visa Information: Nepal Government makes things easy for foreign travellers. The easiest way to get a tourist visa in Nepal is by applying on arrival in Kathmandu at international airport (TIA) or at any of the land border crossing open to foreigners (each has immigration offices). But you can also apply in advance at one of Nepal's foreign consulates from abroad.
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for south Asian country, the first 30 days is free. The cost of visa is depending upon the days you stay. The multiple-entry visa valid for 15, 30 and 90 days costs $25, 40 and 100 USD. It is good idea to keep a number of passport photos with your passport. Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa Extensions
You can extend your visa from immigration office in only Kathmandu and Pokhara up to 150 days per calendar year. It will cost $30 USD for 15 days and $2 USD per day after 15 days. Visa extension required your passport, the fees, one passport sized photo and an application form to complete the process.
And for more information about visa please click below link: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html
Feedback Please: If you have any complains to report, comments or any question about the trip (food, tea-house, guide, porter, management of office or anything) you took with Skylark Himalayan, please send us your feedback because we would like to solve problems that arise uplift our company. If you don't have a specific question, we’re always eager to hear what visitors think of this company.
High Altitude Sickness:
1) What is altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude on ones health, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude.
- The exact cause of AMS is not exactly known. It is thought to be a response of the brain to the lower oxygen levels in the blood at higher altitudes. This produces some swelling of the brain.
2) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
- AMS is also called altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect on the body of being in a high altitude environment. Especially while people are trekking around the Himalayas they face problem related to moving in high altitude areas. AMS is common at high altitudes, that is above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Three-quarters of people have mild symptoms of AMS over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The occurrence of AMS depends on the altitude, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility and activeness.
3) Acute mountain sickness common symptoms?
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and include
- Headache (not relieved by medication)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased coordination (Normal activity is difficult.)
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise.
- Inability to walk
- Decreasing mental status
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in urination
#These symptoms tend to be worse at night when respiratory drive is decreased.
4) Prevention of AMS?
- Take special care if you have previously had acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- If symptoms of AMS develop, delay further ascent.
- -If symptoms become worse, move down (descend) as soon as possible.
5) Treatment of AMS?
- The most important treatment if you start to develop symptoms of mild AMS is to stop your ascent and to rest at the same altitude
- For most people, symptoms will improve within 24-48 hours with no specific treatment.
- Simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help the headache.
- Anti-sickness medication may also be used. (Acetazolamide)
- Treatment with oxygen and the medicine nifedipine may also help symptoms but does not replace the need for descent.
Note- all the trekking leaders and guide from skylark Himalayan are well trained about altitude sickness, AMS and other related sickness in mountain. You should mention, if you previously have any health problem.
TREKKING SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
(Up to 5,500 m.)
- 1 Pair strong mountain / hiking boots (well worn-in and with ankle support)
- 1 Small daypack
- 1 Sleeping bag (comfortable to -10C)
- 1 Down jacket / all-weather Anorak
- 1 Light water & windproof jacket
- 2 - 1-litre water bottles
- 1 Inner sleeping sheet (?)
- 1 Torch / flashlight & spare batteries
- 1 Medium sized travel towel (quick drying)
- 1 Washing kit: include Personal toiletries
- Talcum powder, Blister plasters, Toilet paper
- Bio degradable soap / shampoo
- Anti-bacterial gel for 'washing' hands
- First-Aid kit (please make sure it is trek and wilderness specific) and any personal medication
- 1 Pair sport shoes/sandals (for the time off the trek)
- 2 Pairs lightweight trousers
- 2 Pair shorts
- 1 Fleece / warm sweater
- 1 Sweatshirt / light sweater
- 2 T-Shirts
- 2 Long sleeve cotton (or polypropylene) shirts
- 3 Pairs heavy wool socks
- 2 Pairs light socks
- Walking poles
- Underwear (including thermals)
- Cotton Headscarf / bandanna
- Sunglasses (with side shields and UV protective lenses) and sunhat
- Sunscreen Lotion (30-50 SPF), Money belt (?)
- Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof)
- 3 to 4 Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes)
- Water purification tablets/ solutions (preferably iodine)
- Insect repellant
- Adapter plug (for charging camera batteries and other electronic devices)
Trip Gallery
