DATES 2008:
October 31 - November 23, 2008
November 28 - December 21, 2008
PRICE:
US $3900 per person
The Annapurna Range remains one of the most daunting in the world. Annapurna I, (8,091 m - 26'545 ft) first climbed by a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog, remains one of the most coveted and dangerous of the Himalayan 8000 meter peaks. The complete circumnavigation of the Annapurna Massif takes roughly three weeks and allows for a gradual climb to the high point of the trek, the Thorang La at 5,416 meters (17'768 ft) before descending the Kali Gandaki Valley.
The biodiversity of this trek is incredible. From the foothills of Kathmandu to the mineral world of the high Himalaya, the Annapurna circuit has it all. The first few days are spent hiking through the sub-tropical areas where rice paddies and banana trees dominate the landscape. From there, the well-maintained trekking trails allow for a gradual climb through many villages and hamlets and stunning views of the Himalayan range on most days. The highest point of the trek is the Thorang La, a stunning view point above the hamlet of Thorang Phedi from which we can look out towards Tibet far in the distance. Another ten days allow for a gradual descent back to Pokhara on Lake Fewa to relax and enjoy a fine meal from the terrace of our lake-side hotel.
All of our nights are spent in the relative comfort of mountain lodges called tea houses, where all of our meals are taken. Porters are provided to carry everything but a day pack with water and the essentials for a day's walk. The level of comfort on the Annapurna Circuit has changed incredibly over the last decade and on most nights, a shower is the norm. Our rest days are situated in larger lodges with hot showers and the best apple pie in Asia. This trek is for both the beginner and the advanced trekker but all you really need to know how to do is put one foot in front of the other. We hope to see you on the trail.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel and afternoon briefing
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu, sightseeing, temples, shopping
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, overnight stay in a lodge
Day 4: Hike from Besisahar - Bahundanda
Day 5: From Bahundanda to Tal
Day 6: From Tal to Bagarchap village
Day 7: Bagarchap village to Chame
Day 8: Hike from Chame to Pisang, short day
Day 9: From Pisang to Manang, this is a half-day trek
Day 10: Rest day in Manang to allow to acclimatize
Day 11: Manang day-hike towards Tilichho (optional)
Day 12: From Manang - Thorang Phedi
Day 13: Today we are crossing the famous Thorang-La pass to Muktinath
Day 14: Hike from Muktinath to Marpha
Day 15: Well-deserved rest day in Marpha
Day 16: From Marpha to Kalopani
Day 17: From Kalopani to Tatopani
Day 18: Hike from Tatopani to Chitre
Day 19: Hike from Chitre up to Ghorepani
Day 20: From Ghorepani to Ghandrung village
Day 21: Half-day hike from Ghandrung to Naya Pul, then drive back to Pokhara
Day 22: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 23: Rest day in Kathmandu
Day 24: Departure from Kathmandu
Accommodation: Upscale hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, tea houses/lodges (double rooms) throughout the trek. Showers are available in all tea houses, however, temperature wise they range from cold to mostly tepid, with the occasional hot shower.
Trip Leaders:
* All our treks in the Himalaya are led by a certified 'Western' guide plus a team of 3 high-altitude guides.
* Working with Russell Brice's company in Kathmandu allows us to hire only the best multi-lingual, high altitude Sherpas. Russell Brice is a UIAGM high mountain guide, who organizes high altitude expeditions. When not climbing Mount Everest or Cho Oyo, Chhuldim, Phurba and Lobsang put their combined knowledge of the Great Himalayan Range at your disposal. Speaking English fluently, along with Nepali, Sherpa and Tibetan, they will allow you to experience Nepal with an insider's perspective. Granted, one can never comprehend a culture in such a short time, but having someone interested in transmitting the love of his country and culture can only enhance a walker's experience.
* All of our guides are professionals, and are skilled at transmitting their tremendous knowledge of the region/country to you.
* All our guides speak fluently English and at least another foreign language. Wherever you go with us, your guide will be able to communicate at ease, enabling him/her to take care of any problem/special wishes that might occur.
Trip Difficulty: Level 4 (From 1=easy to 5=very strenuous)
Strenuous walking on marked trails. Scree slopes, boulder-hopping, snow patches, ridge-walking with some exposure. 6-8 hours of daily walking, consecutively for 20 days. 400-500m (15'000ft) maximum elevation gain per day. Day-pack only. Maximum altitude: 5400m (16000ft).
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, mountain lodges (full board) throughout the trek
- Trekking guide fees
- Sherpa guides
- Porters for your personal belongings
- Transportation from Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu
- National Park Fee, insurance fees for Sherpa guides and porters
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Tibet
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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