SANCTUARY TREK

13 DAYS & 12 NIGHTS

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK The lodge trek to Annapurna Base Camp and the is one of the classic treks SUMMARY in . Magnificent mountain views, comfortable trekking lodges and much more.

Our ten day trek to Annapurna Base Camp takes the more scenic route via and , where you can enjoy the sunrise over the entire Annapurna Range. Before joining the main route at Chomrong. This makes the trek more interesting and enables better acclimatisation.

HIGHLIGHTS

 Watching the dawn panorama of the Annapurna Himalayan from Poon Hill.  Taking in the majesty of the Annapurna Sanctuary  Experiencing village life as you trek through the terraced fields of the Annapurna foothills  Hand-picked local trekking lodges, featuring handmade apple pie Tour: Annapurna Sanctuary Trek  The bustling streets and temples of historic Code: TNSAS Type: Trekking Discovering Nepali village life as you walk from lodge to lodge  Price: See Website Single Supplement: See Website WHY CHOOSE MACS ADVENTURE? When to Go: September to May Macs Adventure specialises in high quality walking, trekking and adventure tours in Nepal and around the Trekking Days: 10 world. Established in 2003 we arrange trips for over 10,000 adventurers each year and 98% of guests Duration: 13 Days & 12 Nights would recommend us to a friend. Start/Finish: Kathmandu Grade: Moderate to Strenuous Our experts carefully plan our trekking itineraries to ensure good acclimatization, interesting trails and using the best lodges. Our experienced guides and trekking crew will take care of all the details so that IS IT FOR ME? you can relax and enjoy every minute of your trip to Nepal. The trek to Annapurna Base Camp and All our trips are arranged just for you, you will not be joining a larger group, this ensures that we can tailor Sanctuary is the most accessible and re- make your adventure to exactly meet your needs. So whether you want to add an extra couple of trekking warding of the classic treks in Nepal. Given days, upgrade your hotel in Kathmandu or explore more of Nepal our Nepal Destination & Adventure the maximum height of 4100m AMS is not specialists are here to help. as much of a worry, the lodges are excellent and there are no concerns over Lukla flight delays.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Accommodation: 9 Nights trekking lodge, 2 nights deluxe hotel in Kathmandu, 1 night deluxe hotel in . Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on trek. Breakfast in Kathmandu & Pokhara, farewell dinner in Kathmandu Logistics: Transfers, internal flights, top notch guides, porters, trekking permits, National Park fees, ACAP permit, trekking and city maps and detailed info pack.

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK

DETAILED ITINERARY DAY 3 DAY 6 Trek to Ghorapani (2750m) Trek to Doban (2505m)

Day Route A cracking day of trekking as we slip into the The trail continues up the steep sided Modi rhythm of our trek and the snow capped Khola valley via Sinuwa and Bamboo to Doban. reveal themselves. The route winds 1 Arrive Kathmandu Trek: 4.5 - 5.5 hours, 700m ascent, 500m 2 Fly to Pokhara, trek to Tikhedhunga through rhododendron and oak forests before descent 3 Trek to Ghorapani reaching Ghorepani. 4 Poon Hill & trek to Tadapani Overnight: Doban trekking lodge (2505m) Trek: 4-6 hours, 1360m ascent 5 Trek to Chomrung (B,L,D) 6 Trek to Doban Overnight: Ghorepani trekking lodge (2750m) 7 Trek to Deurali DAY 7 8 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (B,L,D) 9 Trek to Doban Trek to Deurali (3250m) 10 Trek to Jhinu Danda DAY 4 11 Trek to Birethanti & Drive to Pokhara Poon Hill & Trek to Tadapani The day begins with the trail winding through 12 Fly to Kathmandu & Sightseeing bamboo forest before we climb gradually but 13 Depart Kathmandu (2590m) steadily until we emerge into the open spaces An amazing pre-dawn trek to Poon Hill reveals a above treeline. After hiking across a grassy stunning sunrise over the Himalaya. One of the pasture at Tomo (8,400' / 2545m), we reach the DAY 1 finest views you are ever likely to enjoy. narrowest point in the canyon, Panchenin Barha, Arrive Kathmandu the natural “gate” to the sanctuary, with its small After a well earned breakfast our trek continues trailside shrine. We will meet you at Kathmandu airport and to Tadapani through pine and rhododendron transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Relax at forests. Before 1956, no one of low caste, no foreigners, your hotel, explore the bustling streets of and no “impure” foods such as pork, beef, Trek: Poon Hill: 1.5 hours, 400m ascent/ Kathmandu and get ready for your trek. chicken, garlic, and eggs were allowed beyond descent. this shrine into the sacred confines of the Overnight: Kathmandu deluxe hotel To Tadapani: 5-6 hours, 550 descent, 710m Annapurna Sanctuary. ascent DAY 2 Trek: 3.5 - 4.5 hours, 750m ascent Overnight: Tadapani trekking lodge (2590m) Fly to Pokhara & Trek to (B,L,D) Overnight: Local trekking lodge (10,597 ft / Tikhedhunga 3250 m) (B, L, D) DAY 5 An early morning 45 minute flight past the DAY 8 Western Nepali Himalaya to Pokhara is a great Trek to Chomrong (2170m) way to start the day. From Pokhara a one hour Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) You can look forward to a varied day of trekking drive brings us to the start of our trek at Nayapul. today via either or Gurajun to join the The gorge widens as we climb towards Hinko Sublime trekking through green terraced fields main trail to Annapurna base Camp at Taglung. Cave and finally we feast our eyes upon the full and villages brings us to Tikhedhunga. A stone staircase brings you to Chomrong. glory of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Ahead of us Trek: 3-4 hours, 540m ascent lies the lateral moraine of South Annapurna Trek: 3-4 hours, 600m ascent, 900m descent Glacier, with the Modi Khola flowing to our right. Overnight: Tikhedhunga trekking lodge Overnight: Chomrong trekking lodge (2170m) We pass through the Machhapuchhare Base (1540m) (B,L,D) (B,L,D) Camp (12,150' / 3680m), site of a 1957 British Expedition to Machhapuchhare that climbed to within 200' of the summit. Because the peak is

sacred to the Gurung people and considered the ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK

home of a Gurung goddess, Nepal's government The final day on the trail contours through fields easier. subsequently declared it off limits to climbers and and villages to Birethani, where we meet our You should also consider adding additional it has remained unclimbed since. transport for the drive back to Pokhara. The nights in both Pokhara and Kathmandu to allow lakeside town of Pokhara is the perfect place to The trail then continues to Annapurna Base yourself extra time to explore. Other popular relax, enjoy a cold beer or browse the Tibetan Camp and contours the broad, grassy, and extensions include Chitwan National Park, curio market. sometimes snow-covered valley. When we reach base camp we are surrounded by a 360-degree Trek: 5 - 6 hours, 1000m descent, 300m ascent TRIP INFORMATION panorama of incredible Himalayan peaks: Overnight: Pokhara deluxe hotel (3750 ft / , , Fang, Annapurna II, Birethani and Seti River rafting/float. 1150m) (B, L) Roc Noir, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna, Accommodation Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhare. DAY 12 Walk: 3 - 4.5 hours, 870m ascent In Kathmandu you will stay at either Hotel Fly to Kathmandu, Heritage Tour Annapurna, Hotel Yak & Yeti or Hotel Shanker. Overnight: Local trekking lodge (13,550 ft / After breakfast we fly back to Kathmandu. Upon All of which are deluxe properties conveniently 4100 m) (B, L, D) arrival, we’ll visit Durbar Square, where the city's located for Kathmandu attractions. In Pokhara kings were once crowned and legitimized, and we use deluxe standard hotels such as the DAY 9 from where they ruled (Durbar means ‘palace'). Shangri-La Village Resort. As such, the square remains the traditional heart Trek to Doban Whilst on trek you will stay at traditional trekking of the old town and Kathmandu's most After we enjoy our last views of the Annapurna lodges, these are traditional mountain lodges spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. Sanctuary, we head out the “gate” and begin our operated by local Nepali's. The lodges have a We’ll then have lunch in a local restaurant, descent to the Modi Khola Valley, following our comfortable central living and eating room which before visiting Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist outward track back to Doban. is heated and individual twin share bedrooms. Stupa in Nepal. In the evening you can look Toilets and washing facilities are shared and hot forward to a traditional farewell dinner. Trek: 4.5 - 5 hours, 1720m descent showers may be available for an additional Overnight: Local trekking lodge (2505 m)(B, Overnight: Kathmandu deluxe hotel, (4265 ft. / charge in some lodges. 1300 m) (B, D) L, D) Meals DAY 13 DAY 10 Kathmandu and Pokhara accommodation Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780m) Depart Kathmandu includes breakfast. A farewell dinner in Kathmandu is included. Breakfast, lunch and We continue downhill, then detour off our former Transfer to the International airport for your final dinner are included while on trek as well as tea trail and head steeply down to the "New Bridge" departure from Kathmandu (B). Post and Pre- and coffee at meals. Food while on trek is simple on the Modi Khola. From here, the route flattens nights can be arranged in Kathmandu and/or but tasty. It does get more basic the higher you out somewhat until reaching the small settlement Pokhara. climb as fewer ingredients become available. of lodges, known as Jhinu Danda. There is a Extra nights and extensions Pancakes, bread and cereal form the basis for small hot spring so bring a bathing suit if you’d breakfast, lunch is normally a warming noodle like to take a dip! If you would prefer a more relaxed trek to soup at a convenient tea house on the trail and Annapurna Base Camp we would recommend the evening staple dish while trekking is dal Trek: 6 - 7 hours, 900m descent, 550m ascent adding an extra night on the way up at bhaat, this is a filling dish of lentil soup, rice and Overnight: Jhinu Danda trekking lodge Machhapuchhre Base Camp to aid curried vegetables. (4950ft / 1780m) (B, L, D). acclimatisation, an extra night at Annapurna Base Camp allows for some wonderful walks in Grade DAY 11 the area. On the way down an extra night at This holiday is graded moderate to strenuous, Trek to Birethani & drive to Pokhara Himalaya and Ghandruk make the descent much due to the fairly long days at high altitude. You ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY TREK

should be in good physical fitness and have trek are included. Your comfort and safety are breakfast experience of multi day trekking or walking prior our priority and all transfers and sightseeing is by  Full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu to undertaking an Annapurna Base Camp Trek. chauffer driven air-conditioned vehicles, which including entrance fees. The effect of altitude should not be are maintained to a high standard. Return  Return flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara with underestimated, The trails are generally well internal flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara are 15 kg luggage (10kg hold baggage and 5kg maintained and a good walking surface although included. hand baggage) the going can be slippery and wet in places and  All National Park fees, TIMS and trekking stone staircases steep. Flights to Kathmandu permit Flights to Kathmandu are available daily from the Equipment  1 Trekking sirdar/guide, 1 Sherpa helper for UK and Europe via the Gulf or India. Airlines every 4 members and 1 porter for every 2 While trekking you will only have to carry a day include Jet Airways, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways & members. bag with water, snacks, spare clothes and your Etihad Airways. Kathmandu is also very well  All Nepali staff and porters insurance and camera. Your main bag will be moved by a served from North America and Australasia. wages. porter. We ask you to limit your luggage to one  City maps and trekking maps. bag of up to 15kg per person. It is possible to Travel Insurance  Farewell dinner in Kathmandu store excess luggage at your hotel in Travel insurance which includes evacuation Kathmandu.  Detailed pre-departure information pack cover and covers trekking to the altitude of including guide book. We will supply you with a detailed equipment list Excluded as part of your pre-departure information pack. DATES & PRICES You will need normal walking and travelling gear  International flights to/from Nepal. as well as a sleeping bag and warm clothes.  Lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu. Trekking equipment is available to hire in Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) is a requirement Travel Insurance. Kathmandu. for this trip.   Personal equipment. Your Guide & Porters When to Go  Nepal Visa. The trekking season in the Annapurna region Quality guides make the difference between a  Extra drinks and snacks, hot showers, laundry. great trip and an unforgettable experience. Our runs from mid-September to May. The most Nepali guides are fully qualified and trained. All popular times are October/November, when the have many years experience of guiding trekkers post monsoon mountain air is clear and fresh, HOW TO BOOK in Nepal, and speak fluent English. and March to April when the weather is dry and pleasant and the rhododendrons bloom. Trekking  Excess baggage charges for internal flights. They bring a wealth of knowledge to your is possible from December to February but it can  Tips for your trekking crew (expected, but not journey, opening your eyes to the legends, be cold at night at high altitude. mandatory). culture, food, flora and fauna of the Himalayas. You can start this trek on any date during the When you are ready to book you can book online Additionally they are first aid trained and fully season. at www.macsadventure.com or by phone on +44 trained and experienced in dealing with cases of (0) 0141 530 8886 or 1-866-355-1037 (US Toll Altitude Sickness. Included: Free).

Your luggage will be transported by porters (1  All airport transfers porter between 2 people). We have a robust  2 Nights deluxe accommodation on a twin porter protection policy to ensure porter welfare share basis in Kathmandu. standards are adhered to.  9 Nights twin share accommodation in standard lodges during the trek on full board Flights, Transfers & Vehicles basis. All airport transfers and transfers to/from your  1 Night at Pokhara deluxe hotel including