Nepal Trekking Itinerary 2013.pdf - Travel Experience

Real life Experiences are those moments when you’re really alive and experiencing something special. Itcould be the instant you see one of the world's great icons or find yourself hanging out in a village square orthe moment you find a new delicacy or two. These unexpected moments are what travelling is all about,giving you an adventure like no otherItinerary Departing Kathmandu 12 October 2013Day 1 KathmanduTransfer from airport to hotel. Pre-trip briefing at 1500hrs (3pm).Optional tour: Rickshaw Night Explorer: : 2-3hrs approx. Start your interesting ride on a cycle rickshaw,a.k.a. ‘street helicopters’, through the colorful tourist hub of Thamel, then on to the bustling vegetable andspice markets of Asan – the oldest market square of Kathmandu. Continue to take the backstreets into theDurbar Square. Devoid of tour groups and tastefully illuminated at night, you will certainly feel the soulfulside of the archaic Kathmandu. Cost: USD 42 per personDay 2 PokharaToday we depart Kathmandu and travel by private vehicle on to Pokhara (approx 6-7hrs)Days 3-12 Annapurna RangesAt 8,091m, Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains areequally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any view point. This trek covers a wide variety ofterrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. Inthe rugged mountain scenery, we stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as theygo about their daily lives. The expedition is not only visually superb but also a chance to learn about localcultures. Along the way we see thundering waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers and reward ourselveswith a soak in natural hot springs.

While the trekking is challenging, averaging 6-7 hours' walking a day on steep terrain, our AnnapurnaSanctuary expedition into the Himalayas allows you to get up close to the massive Himalayas withoutmajor issues associated with high altitude. The highest point on the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at4130m, which is optional. Those concerned about altitude sickness are welcome to remain in theMachhapuchhre Base Camp (or even lower) for an afternoon of rest.We stay overnight in small basic teahouses along the track. These remote teahouses are operated by themountain Nepalese to cater for trekkers, and they provide simple but delicious hot food.Details for the trek are as follows. (Please note, however, that the exact itinerary can vary due tounforseen circumstances including weather conditions or strikes called by the political parties.) All trekkingtimes are approximate.Day 3 - Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,540m/approx. 5 hours).An hour long drive (remember driving times are always approximate in Asia - patience is your closestfriend!) brings us to Nayapul where we commence our trek. We gear up and follow the Bhurungi Kholauntil we reach Tikhedhunga.Day 4 - Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,750m/approx. 6 hours).We ascend to Ulleri Village through a pleasant rhododendron forest, much more impressive than the treesyour grandmother has in the garden! We stay overnight at Ghorepani (check out the local disco - but don'tget your hopes up in case it's closed!).Day 5 - Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,700m/approx. 5 hours).Early birds can bounce out of bed to witness the sunrise over Annapurna from nearby Poon Hill (1 houruphill climb) - you have to do this at least once in your life, right? Then the adventure continues as we trekon to Tadapani.Day 6 - Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m/approx. 6 hours).We descend to Kimrung Khola before climbing again to Chhomrong village, at the base of Hiunchuli(6441m). There are breathtaking views of Annapurna and Macchhapucchhre from here, plus deliciouspizza! By now we will have realised that there are some items we could do without, so excess gear can beleft in Chhomrong as we will return through here on day 12.Please note the walk on days 8-12 is flexible according to weather conditions and how the group iscoping.Day 7 - Chhomrong to Doban (2,580m/approx. 6.5 hours).On to Kuldi Ghar for about 3 hours' walking, then down to the banks of the Modi River and up again toDoban.Day 8 - Doban to Deurali (3,231m/approx. 4 hours).Passing through Himalaya Hotel, we continue up the narrow valley to Deurali.Day 9 - Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/approx. 4.5 hours).Sticking to the west bank of the Modi River, we enter an open valley near Machhapuchhre Base Camp.This is where you can decide how your legs and your lungs are holding up. You may decide to remainhere or press on to the Annapurna Base Camp for the night. The views from both base camps arefantastic - all the hard work to get here is worth it!Day 10 - Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,335m/approx. 7 hours)After seeing the sunrise on the snowy peaks around us we head back down the valley the same way toBamboo (or further if the knees can handle it).Day 11 - Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m/approx. 5.5 hours).Passing back through the up and down staircases of Chhomrong we continue on down to Jhinu Danda.From here it's a 20 minute walk down to a hot spring by the Modi Khola for a well-deserved bath!

Day 12 - Jhinu Danda to Pothana (1,970m/approx. 7 hours).By now we have thighs of steel and are pretty good at carrying our packs. It's down to cross the river andan ascent to Landruk, Tolkha, Deurali and Pothana.Note - This is a trek that requires a very good level of fitness as there are plenty of ascents and descents(in fact there's hardly anything flat!) and the walking is strenuous. The weather can be harsh in Decemberand January with snow and frosts. Our expedition is led by an experienced local guide who speaksEnglish.Our accommodation along the way is at local lodges, better known as teahouses, which are comfortablewithout being luxurious, toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plainand filling. In a teahouse, we are provided with small private rooms with twin beds, mattresses andpillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are a limited number of teahouses, we mayhave some nights in dormitories. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity and dependon solar powered lighting. In remoter regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can meanjust a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in the majority of the teahouses for a pricealthough in most of the places, a hot shower just means a bucket of hot water!ALTITUDE SICKNESS:Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience someadverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happenedto Sir Edmund Hillary!Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude andbe difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative thatyou discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medicationsare reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.During your trip: While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medicalfacilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitoryour health and seek assistance accordingly. Please read the following document carefully and, duringyour trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and anysymptoms you may experience:http://d3oxn90f3yphmd.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/file_attach/52735_product_altitude-sickness.pdfDay 13 PokharaThis is the final day of the trek and it is a short downhill stretch all the way from Pothana to Phedi (approx1.5 hours) via Dhampus village... yes, we made it! After lunch it's only about 45 mins (driving!) to Pokharato check into our hotel for a well-earned shower and an end-of-trek celebration to enjoy the good things inlife - like cold beer and a steak, or vegetarian lasagne!Dinner party at our Pokhara base campDays 14-15 KathmanduThis morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight back to Kathmandu (approx 25mins). Your time inKathmandu is at leisure.There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out timefrom the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Inclusions…Intrepid leader to accompany the group throughout.Accommodation – Hotel (4 nts), Basic Teahouses (10 nts)Style – Comfort level for hotels only, Trekking is basic teahousesMeals – 4 breakfasts, 1 dinnerTransport – Private vehicle, planeActivities – Annapurna Conservation Area fees, trekking permits, services of guide, assistant guide/s,porters on the trekAdditional InclusionsComplimentary group airport transfer - arrival airport to hotel transfer on a group basis. Individual transfersat an additional cost.Exclusions…Visa fees – each member of the group must carry a valid passport (valid for at least 6 monthsbeyond the duration of your trip) and have obtained the appropriate visasOther meals not mentioned on the itineraryOptional activitiesAirfares and departure taxes unless specifiedTravel insurance (compulsory) - Please also note that comprehensive medical and travel insuranceis compulsory for all Intrepid travellers. You will need to give the policy number to your leader onDay 1Tips, personal telephone charges, excess luggage chargesEntrance fee during free timeMedical advice - Please refer to your GP or local travel clinic for up to date travel health advice forthe area(s) you are visiting.$1340.00 per person (Based on twin-share accommodation for a group of 10-12 people travellingtogether. If number falls below 10 people the itinerary will need to be recosted)A non-refundable deposit of $250.00 per person is due at time of booking.Land prices are based on current costs and exchange rates. While we try not toincrease our prices, sometimes this is beyond our control. We reserve the right toamend prices without notice at any time and ask you to reconfirm the cost withus at time of booking.