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ANNAPURNA SANCTUARYKathmandu KathmanduFR$1,39915 DAYSINDIAN SUB-CONTINENTHighlights• Enjoy trekking without the altitude• See panoramic views and prayer flags• Visit tiny hamlets to meet yak herders• Trek to Annapurna Base Camp• Expert support from the Sherpa team• Stay in mountain teahouse lodges• Soak in restorative natural hot springs• Meet fellow travellers in KathmanduDepartures 2015START FINISHJan 04 Jan 18Jan 18 Feb 01Jan 25 Feb 08Feb 15 Mar 01Mar 01 Mar 15Mar 15 Mar 29Mar 29 Apr 12Apr 12 Apr 26Apr 26 May 10InclusionsSTART FINISHMay 10 May 24May 31 Jun 14Jun 07 Jun 21Jun 21 Jul 05Jul 12 Jul 26Jul 26 Aug 09Aug 02 Aug 16Aug 23 Sep 06Sep 06 Sep 20START FINISHSep 13 Sep 27Sep 27 Oct 11Oct 18 Nov 01Oct 25 Nov 08Nov 08 Nov 22Nov 15 Nov 29Nov 22 Dec 06Dec 06 Dec 20Dec 20 Jan 03Trip Style: Active Service Level: BasicPhysical Grading: 5 Age Group: Any ageAccommodation: Simple hotels/guesthouses(4 nts), teahouses (10 nts) Transport: Bus,minibus Meals: 1 lunch Budget: Allow USD$335-440 for meals not included GroupLeader: Chief Experience Officer (CEO),trekking support staff Group Size: Max 15,Avg 10 Tour Code: GAANASNEPALINDIAAnnapurnaPokharaCHINAKathmanduYou don’t just want to visit the roof of the world, you want to climb all over it! This mindblowingtrip will enable you to do just that. Confront your couch potato demons on a10-day trek through the mother of all mountain ranges, the Annapurnas, where challengingtrails reward you with unforgettable views of dramatic valleys and towering peaks. Top thisoff with captivating local encounters and you’ll not only see the view, but become part ofit. So take yourself out of your comfort zone, reconnect with a lifestyle the modern worldforgot and return home intoxicated by everything this awesome country has thrown at you.DAY01020304-1314-15ITINERARYKathmanduArrive at any time. Venture out to explore the narrow lanes and buzzing markets of Nepal’s capital.KathmanduEnjoy a guided visit to the Swayambhunath Temple, otherwise known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ dueto the fact that holy monkeys live in certain parts. Situated on a hilltop, the instantly-recognisablestupa with its Buddha eyes attracts a steady stream of pilgrims and the views out over the valley areoutstanding. You’ll also visit Bodhinath temple and Durbar Square and learn how to make traditionalNepalese momos (dumplings) then enjoy an authentic local lunch. (L)PokharaLeave the Kathmandu Valley behind as you journey towards alluring Pokhara. Sitting beside a lakebeneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Range, Pokhara is a true trekkers’ retreat and agreat place to get your energy up before heading into the mountains.Annapurna RangesAt 8,091m, Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sistermountains are equally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint. This trekcovers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciersand stunning views. In this rugged scenery, you’ll stay in teahouses in mountain communities andmeet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. The expedition is not only visuallysuperb but also a chance to learn about local cultures. Along the way, pass thundering waterfalls ofmelted snow, cross icy rivers and high mountain passes and reward yourself with a soak in naturalhot springs. Whilst the trekking is challenging, averaging 4-6 hours walking a day on steep terrain,this expedition into the Himalayas allows you to experience ‘the roof of the world’ without themajor issues associated with high altitude. The highest point on the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at4,130m. Spend 10 days completing this hugely satisfying trek before rewarding yourself with a wellearnedshower, cold beer and a hearty meal!Day 4: Trek to Tirkhedhunga approx. 3-4 hoursDay 5: Trek to Ghorepani approx. 6-7 hoursDay 6: Early morning excursion to Poon Hill approx. 90 minutes. Trek to Tadapani approx. 4-5 hoursDay 7: Trek to Chhomrong approx. 4 hoursDay 8: Trek to Himalaya Hotel approx. 6-7 hoursDay 9: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp approx. 7-8 hoursDay 10: Trek to Bamboo approx. 6-7 hoursDay 11: Trek to Jhinu Danda (Hot Spring) approx. 5 hoursDay 12: Trek to Pothana approx. 6-7 hoursDay 13: End trek at Phedi approx. 2 hoursKathmanduReturn to Kathmandu where you can enjoy a well-earned celebration in one of the many bars. Youalso have free time to do some last-minute shopping or further explore the city sights. Depart atanytime on Day 15.Kathesimbu Stupa, Kathmandu188 VISIT WWW.STATRAVEL.COM