Dates:
Dec 19-Jan 1, 2010
Privately Anytime
This trek in central Nepal brings you close to the high peaks without reaching to high altitude. Easy to moderate hiking through villages, pastures and forests gives your family superb opportunities to meet the friendly people of Nepal and appreciate Himalayan life First, explore the lively city of Kathmandu, which boasts more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. Then, during your eight days of hiking and camping, experienced kid-friendly leaders will guide you through the Annapurna region of central Nepal. Your trek includes moderate hiking with frequent stops to visit and interact in local communities and schools. After the trek, you can enjoy jungle elephant safaris and whitewater rafting, or extensions to other destinations in Asia can be easily arranged. You can select your own departure date at any time during the year.
Although previous family hiking and camping experience is helpful, you will not be "roughing it.” Hiking distances are based on slow-paced travel, and all travel is along well-used trails. Porters or pack animals carry most personal gear, food and equipment. Young children under 50 pounds will have the option of hiking or being carried in specially-designed porter baskets. All meals, camp chores and logistics are handled by JOURNEYS representatives and no mountaineering is involved.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 Kathmandu
Enjoy your first views of the Himalayas on a spectacular morning flight to Kathmandu. Our staff greets you and helps you settle into your hotel. In Kathmandu, and throughout your trip, we encourage you to interact with local people either through your guide as interpreter, or through participation in the activities that are all around you. While you explore, your staff gets all your food supplies and logistical requirements in order for your trek. Meals are on your own, though your guide will be able to offer suggestions for places to eat. They are also available for shopping and equipment rental advice.
Day 2 Kathmandu
Spend the day exploring this beautiful city: visit the colorful temples of Swayambhunath and Boddhanath (Monkey Temple) and take a walking or rickshaw tour of the Old Bazaar. You will see life going on as it has for hundreds of years against a background of sacred peaks, terraced hillsides and an exotic culture.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Pokhara
Fly to Pokhara, where you will join the staff and some of their family members. Travel by jeep from the airport to the trailhead, camping at a site with a beautiful view of Annapurna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Pokhara/Hyangja
Get an early start on your trek to allow for rest stops and cross-cultural interaction along the way. Our trail is at low to medium altitudes. Although there may be frost some nights, we expect temperatures to mostly be in the 60s and 70s - perfect trekking weather! Hike to a Tibetan refugee camp at Hyangja, where you can sample Tibetan food, bargain for curios, and learn a little about Tibetan culture. The local children here will be just as curious about your children as yours are about them, and they will enjoy learning about each other. (2 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Hyangja/Dhampus
It is an easy hike to Suiket, after which you will climb the ridge above the Yangri Khola Valley. You will then pass through Hyengjakot and Dhital, and the staff will set up camp near Dhampus. Here, the 6,000' elevation ensures you will enjoy incredible mountain views as you relax. (4.5 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Dhampus/Landrung
After climbing to a 7000' pass, descend to the Gurung village of Landrung. Beautifully situated above the Modi Khola river, you will have the opportunity to visit a school here. This is an easy walk, and there will be time in the afternoon for additional exploration. Again, you will have a wonderful mountain panorama before you at your campsite. (6 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Landrung/Ghandrung
After crossing the river, a set of stone stairs leads you into the maze of alleyways and terraces of Ghandrung, one of the most beautiful communities in this area. From here, you have an excellent view of Annapurna South. Camp at the outskirts of the village and spend the afternoon meeting local people. While the trail is steep, the actual distance is only a few miles. (5 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Ghandrung/Birethanti
Follow a well-kept trail wrapping around the Modi Khola valley to Mohariya. Descend through fields and forests to Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola. This is an excellent opportunity to observe Nepali agricultural activities in the terraced fields. (5.5 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Birethanti/Yarsa
Climb to the village of Chandrakot, perched high above the convergence of two gorges. Here, you re-join a major foot route linking central and western Nepal. Religious pilgrims, robust porters carrying every imaginable commodity, and Tibetan pony caravans are all common sights. Follow the ridge to a British-sponsored agricultural station. Your descent will bring you to Yarsa, where you camp in full view of the Annapurna Range. (5 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Yarsa/Shiva Temple
Continue along the ridge to a temple site with perhaps the most breathtaking panoramic view of your journey. At this point, you are far above the villages, and the meadows invite you to relax, watch soaring eagles, and explore the ridgetops. (6 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Shiva Temple/Phewa Lake
Descend the ridge and follow a little known route down the upper reaches of Phewa Lake. It is a long descent, and after reaching the lakeside, you will take a boat to your waterfront campsite, which rests near a grove of giant sacred Boddhi trees. (7 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Pokhara/Kathmandu
Return to Pokhara and take a late morning flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the home of our JOURNEYS Nepal director, Pemba Sherpa. (3 hours trekking)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Kathmandu
If you are delayed in Khumbu by flight cancelled, this is your contingency day, otherwise it's an open day for shopping and seeing the things that just didn't fit in your schedule on arrival in Nepal.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Kathmandu/Onward
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or continue your journey in Asia with one of our unique extensions.
Meals: Breakfast
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Child prices apply when sharing a room with two adults:
- Under 16 - $2195
- Under 12 - $1695.
Price Includes:
- Meals as noted
- Each night in double occupancy accommodations
- Land transfers between components
- English speaking guides
- Park or site entry fees
- Surface transport
- Equipment other than personal gear
- Government tax
- Airport transfer assistance
- In-country ticket reconfirmation and check-in assistance
- Complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance.
Price Excludes:
- Meals not noted as included
- Gratuities
- Beverages (except tea or coffee at meals)
- International or domestic airfare unless specified
- Airport departure taxes not included with air tickets
- Visas
- Itinerary changes after confirmation
- Any services not included in itinerary
- Any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights
- Acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
