Annapurna
Sanctuary / Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Sanctuary/Base camp trek is a hike into the
dazzling natural amphitheatre 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.
Day to Day Itinerary (16 days)
| 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)
Drive from Kathmandu to 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 |
Fact Finder
| Duration: |
16
days |
| Trip
Details: |
- Experienced Nepalese guides & Leader
- Porters to carry personal gear
- Safe trekking due to low altitude
- 3 Nights in Kathmandu
- Safe food handling and hygiene on trek
|
| Activities: |
Cultural,
Touring, Walking, Trekking |
| Grade: |
 |
| 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 |
| Trip
Dates: |
- 27th September - 12th October 2008
- 11th October - 26th October 2008
- 25th October - 9th November 2008
- 8th November - 23rd November 2008
- 22nd November - 7th December 2008
- 6th December - 21st December 2008
- 20th December - 4th January 2009
- 21st February - 8th March 2009
- 7th March – 22nd March 2009
- 21st March – 5th April 2009
- 4th April - 19th April 2009
- 18th April – 3rd May 2009
- 2nd May – 17 th May 2009
- 26th September - 11th October 2009
- 10th October - 25th October 2009
- 24th October - 8th November 2009
- 7th November – 22nd November 2009
- 21st November - 6th December 2009
- 5th December - 20th December 2009
- 19th December – 3rd January 2010
|
Land
Costs:
Local Payment: |
USD
$1200
USD $400 |
| |
(Guaranteed
to run for a minimum of 2 clients ) |
Inclusions
Included:
5 Star Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara on full board basis,twin
sharing, all transfers, Responsible Adventures' Trek leader,
guides, porters, 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, domestic airfare.
Not Included:
International airport taxes, visas, all optional additional
tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of
the tour program, travel insurance, tips(suggested amount;
US$50 per week)and items of a personal nature. |
