Annapurna trekking holidays
| country: | Nepal |
| location: | Annapurna, Chitwan |
| trip type: | Introductory trekking holidays |
| departures: | 2010: 21 Mar, 28 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct, 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 21 Nov, 28 Nov, 5 Dec, 12 Dec, 19 Dec, 26 Dec |
| price: | From £1090 (13 days) including domestic flights only, as per itinerary and all meals on trek. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| late availability: | Spaces available on our March and April departures. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Annapurna trekking holidays
The perfect trek for first timers to Nepal
The Annapurna ranges provide an ideal introduction to trekking in the Himalaya. Our well-planned daily stages ensure plenty of time for newcomers to trekking holidays to adjust to the trekking pace making this the ideal first timers trek in the stunning Nepalese Himalaya.
We offer the complete trekking experience where our ever-attentive guides and crew will lead you from one magnificent campsite to the next. En route we follow trails through traditional Hindu villages, forests of conifer, oak, bamboo and rhododendron that ascend to alpine campsites that afford inspiring views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Thanks to our fully supported camping programme we can explore well beyond the busier tea-house trails and explore this wonderful country along trails where you will not encounter any other trekkers. A true wilderness experience.
Chitwan National Park
The Annapurna ranges provide an ideal introduction to trekking in the Himalaya. Our well-planned daily stages ensure plenty of time for newcomers to trekking holidays to adjust to the trekking pace making this the ideal first timers trek in the stunning Nepalese Himalaya.
We offer the complete trekking experience where our ever-attentive guides and crew will lead you from one magnificent campsite to the next. En route we follow trails through traditional Hindu villages, forests of conifer, oak, bamboo and rhododendron that ascend to alpine campsites that afford inspiring views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Thanks to our fully supported camping programme we can explore well beyond the busier tea-house trails and explore this wonderful country along trails where you will not encounter any other trekkers. A true wilderness experience.
Chitwan National Park
Transferring to our comfortable lodge in the Chitwan National Park we explore the jungle and ride atop elephants in search of rhino, deer and the Bengal tiger.
Meals on trek
Meals on trek
For added comfort, convenience and safety we are one of the few operators to provide all meals on trek. Who wants to search for a hygienic & hearty meal after a hard days trekking? Our trained cooks will cater for your dietary requirements and ensure a high level of hygiene. You are free to go back for seconds - or thirds - which is not possible without incurring extra costs when purchasing meals.
what's included on our Annapurna trekking holidays
We aim to make our treks virtually all-inclusive by including: 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners, flight Kathmandu/Pokhara, airport transfers, expert bilingual guide, group medical kit, good quality accommodation in Kathmandu, 2 nights accommodation at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated mat, souvenir kit bag, private transportation, all park entrance fees and trekking permits, porters to carry all personal and group equipment, porter's insurance, sightseeing in Kathmandu, site entry fees.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Join Kathmandu: Group briefing around 5pm where you meet your leader and are provided with your complimentary kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. |
| Day 2: | In Kathmandu, sightseeing Kathmandu Valley: This morning a sightseeing tour has been arranged, taking in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. In the afternoon you have time to explore Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and the lesser known towns that dot the valley on foot, by bicycle or trishaw. Kathmandu has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. |
| Day 3: | Fly to Pokhara, trek to Australia camp (1990m) - approx 2 hours walking: On arrival in Pokhara, Nepal's second largest town (820 m) you are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna Range. The drive to the roadhead at Khara takes around one hour. Our trail then winds uphill through terraced fields and mixed oak and rhododendron forest. There is no need to rush. This is a short day with plenty of time to reach camp. At dusk we can appreciate the lights of Pokhara over a thousand metres below our camp. |
| Day 4: | To Landruk (1640m) approximately 5 hours walking: After a glorious mountain sunrise we follow the trail through rhododendron forest before continuing through a series of Gurung villages where lifestyles have not changed substantially over the centuries. After lunch we follow a well-marked trail to the prosperous village of Landruk where we camp for the night. |
| Day 5: | To Ghandruk (1740m) - approximately 4 hours walking: After witnessing another memorable sunrise we backtrack for an hour before following trails high above the Modi Khola gorge. This delightful stage heads through terraced fields and beautiful oak forest (with a few ups and downs to cross tributaries) before a gradual ascent to the substantial village Ghandruk. We have ample time to explore this ancient village and include visits to privately owned Gurung villages that provide a further insight into the lifestyles of villagers who have traditionally provided the backbone of the famous Gurkha regiments. |
| Day 6: | To Naya Pul (1000m) - approximately 5 hours walking: After absorbing even more spectacular views of Annapurna South we head down the Modi Khola valley along a secluded village trail that is rarely followed by other trekking groups. After lunch at the scenic village of Dansing we complete a short, steep descent to the village of Birethanti along the Modi Khola. We cross a substantial bridge before making our way to a serene campsite just below the bustling bazaar of Naya Pul. |
| Day 7: | To Bhadure (1550m) - approximately 5 hours walking: We appreciate the distinctive fluted peaks of Machapuchare before undertaking an early morning ascent through mixed oak and rhododendron forest. We are now off the established trails through farming settlements that rarely see foreign trekkers. After lunch we complete our trek to Bhadure and a fine campsite just above the village. That night we often celebrate with the local musicians and dancers who will ensure a memorable last evening on the trail. |
| Day 8: | To Bhanjyang (2100m) - approximately 4 hours walking: We ascend gradually for 1 hr through the forest and pastures of Bhadure enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalaya on the way. The trail continues through the forest with gradual flat ascents that leads us to Bhanjyang. |
| Day 9: | To Pame (900m) - approximately 4 hours walking, transfer to Pokhara: This morning we take a side excursion to Panchase Peak (2540), the highest point of our trek and one of the highlights. The one and half hour climb through the forest gives us time to appreciate the abundant bird life and wilderness of the foothills. The views from the summit are stunning. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges form a huge mountain barrier on the skyline. Three peaks with a height of over 8000m and numerous other snow capped mountains fade into the distance. We descend back to camp and continue through the forest to Pame. You will see many species of birds in this section of forest. The road head is just 20 minutes walk from Pame. We can transfer to Pokhara by bus or there is also the option to cross the lake by boat. This is an enjoyable way to end the trek and is 1-1/2 hours across the lake and 15 minutes walk to our camp on the other side. |
| Day 10: | Drive Pokhara to Chitwan approximately 4 hrs drive: This morning we transfer to Chitwan by road. On arrival we are briefed on the planned activities during our stay and on the park in general. Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to sight wildlife, so other times tend to be for less energetic activities. We will have lunch at the lodge and commence our activity program. Our accommodation is in 2-bed huts with a private bathroom. Solar heated hot water is available in the afternoons. |
| Day 11: | In Chitwan National Park: A full day's activities are available including jungle walks, elephant rides, canoe rides, bird-watching and four-wheel-drive excursions, as well as lectures on elephants and other fauna. Our concession area is the territory of many species of wildlife including 3 tigers, 5 leopards, 7 rhino, and many deer, boar, bear, peacocks, an extraordinary number of bird species and is occasionally visited by wild elephants. |
| Day 12: | Drive to Kathmandu approximately 5 hrs drive: We complete our last activity and after breakfast transfer by road to Kathmandu. |
| Day 13: | Trip concludes Kathmandu |
traveller reviews for Annapurna trekking holidays
The most memorable part of my holiday: waking up on trek and looking out of my tent at the Annapurnas with the rising sun catching the peaks and the truly charming and helpful Nepalese people. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society. Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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We stay in tents, not lodges and teahouses. Why does that make a difference? We want to support the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas. Many lodges and teahouses burn wood to heat their water for cooking and hot showers. This in turn contributes to deforestation, associated erosion and loss of biodiversity. That is why twenty five years ago, we pioneered the use of only kerosene above and below the tree-line to ensure that we are loyal to our policies of making a minimal impact on the environment. Also, we want to stay off the beaten track. We believe that you will get a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural beauty of your surroundings if you are away from the hordes which follow the tea-house trails.
Our pioneering Porter Policy Porters are an integral part of your trip, and we have a close association with the IPPG, IMEC and Porters Progress to improve the conditions for porters. As well as paying our guides out of season, and an above-average take-home wage, our porter welfare supplement includes insurance, all meals on trek, appropriate clothing and accommodation for ALL our porters on all our treks. Their safety and comfort is as important to us as our customers. We have committed US $3000 to sponsor the Porter Rescue Post at Machermo which has been set up by the IPPG. This facility is for the benefit of sick or injured porters in the Everest region and building has already started. Our Responsible Travel Guidebook Our philosophy since 1975 has been to leave only footprints and take only photographs. To reiterate this, every customer who travels with us receives a copy of our award-winning Responsible Travel guidebook. This detailed book outlines our environmentally sustainable principles, and outlines how each customer can minimize their impact while travelling. Global Warming and Carbon Balancing The root cause of Global Warming is society's dependence on emission creating fossil fuel. Planting trees is not going to reverse this trend or cancel our carbon emissions very quickly or effectively. We believe the way to reduce these dependencies is to create clean energy production. Therefore, we support renewable energy projects like wind and solar power, and we are aligned with Climate Friendly, the gold standard setter in effective, meaningful action addressing climate change. So, while we believe that tree planting can play a small role in greenhouse gas abatement, we have gone the extra mile in promoting a longer term solution. Is this cheap? No. Is it responsible? Absolutely. By joining this trek you can be assured that you will not be contributing to deforestation or the associated soil erosion and loss of biodiversity but rather you'll be making a significant contribution by supporting our efforts to set the standards for a sustainable trekking service. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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