This trek is a unique cross-cultural experience that is both an educational adventure and a moderate physical challenge, sure to delight your whole family!
M17099's objective is to make a very exotic and adventurous trip accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages. 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 Sherpas 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 our representatives and no mountaineering is involved. All in all, this is an easy and exciting family adventure!
Brief Tour Itinerary:
Days 1-2: USA/Bangkok.
Days 3-4: Kathmandu.
Day 5: Pokhara.
Day 6: Pokhara/Hyangja.
Day 7: Hyangja/Dhampus.
Day 8: Dhampus/Landrung.
Day 9: Landrung/Ghandrung.
Day 10: Ghandrung/Birethanti.
Day 11: Birethanti/Yarsa.
Day 12: Yarsa/Shiva Temple.
Day 13: Shiva Temple/Phewa Lake.
Day 14: Pokhara/Kathmandu.
Days 15-16: Kathmandu/Onward.
Detailed Itinerary:
Days 1-2: USA/Bangkok.
USA/Bangkok, overnight at Airport Hotel.
Days 3-4: 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. Spend the rest of this day and all of the next exploring Kathmandu. Visit the colorful temples of Swayambhunath and Boddhanath. Take a walking or rickshaw tour of the Old Bazaar. Meals are on your own, though your guide can offer suggestions for places to eat. Guides are available for shopping and equipment rental advice.
Day 5: Pokhara.
Fly to Pokhara and 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. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 6: Pokhara/Hyangja.
Get an early start to allow for rest stops and cross-cultural interaction along the way. Our trail is in low to medium altitudes. Although there may be frost some nights, we expect temperatures while trekking to be in the 60s and 70s most days. Hike to a Tibetan refugee camp at Hyangja. Sample Tibetan food, bargain for curios, and learn a little about Tibetan culture. Children are much in evidence here as they are in all the villages you will visit. Includes: (B, L, D), (2 hours trekking)
Day 7: Hyangja/Dhampus.
It is an easy hike to Suiket and then a climb to Dhampus. Next you climb the ridge above the Yangri Khola Valley. After passing through Hyengjakot and Dhital, the staff will set up camp near Dhampus. The 6,000m elevation ensures a pleasant view. Includes: (B, L, D), (4 1/2 hours trekking)
Day 8: Dhampus/Landrung
After climbing to a 7000m pass, descend to the Gurung village of Landrung above the Modi Khola River and visit a school. This is an easy walk, and there will be time in the afternoon for additional exploration. Again you have a great mountain view from the campsite. Includes: (B, L, D), (6 hours trekking)
Day 9: 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. Includes: (B, L, D), (5 hours trekking)
Day 10: Ghandrung/Birethanti.
Follow a well-kept trail contouring 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. Includes: (B, L, D), (5 1/2 hours trekking)
Day 11: 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. A descent brings you to Yarsa, where you camp in full view of the Annapurna Range. Includes: (B, L, D), (5 hours trekking)
Day 12: Yarsa/Shiva Temple.
Continue along the ridge to a temple site with perhaps the most breathtaking panoramic view of the trip. At this point you are above and away from the villages. The meadows invite you to relax, watch soaring eagles, and explore the ridge top. Includes: (B, L, D), (6 hours trekking)
Day 13: 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 ending at a lake where you boat to a lakeside campsite near a grove of giant sacred Boddhi Trees. Includes: (B, L, D), (7 hours trekking)
Day 14: Pokhara/Kathmandu.
Return to Pokhara and take a late morning flight to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner at the home of our Nepal Director, Pemba Sherpa. Includes: (B, L, D), (3 hours trekking)
Days 15-16: Kathmandu/Onward.
Afternoon or evening departure for Bangkok with next-day connections to the USA. Other extensions in Asia are also easily arranged.
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
Cost 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 & check-in assistance (where permitted)
- Complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance
Cost 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
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
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