ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
TRIP NOTES - OCT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most legendary treks in the world, and encompasses some of the most spectacular high TRIP DURATION: 16 days mountain scenery the Himalayas have to offer.
DATES: 15 - 30 October 2018 On this 16 day trek, we begin at a very comfortable altitude, and gradually ascend to the Thorong La Pass at a height of 5419m. Not to be underestimated this is a challenging trek even for the HIGHLIGHTS: well prepared. • Climb the famous Thorong La Pass (5416m) Being one of the worlds most popular treks, we plan to take continual side tracks through the valleys to avoid the larger and • Visit the room Jimi Hendrix busy road that have been developed to Manang and beyond. This lived in, in 1967 will allow us to view the region as it once was many years before it’s popularity. • Take in the beauty of the Annapurna Range, some of The end goal is to ascend and acclimatise safety to a height of highest peaks in the world nearly 5500m, and to take in the beautiful Annapurna Ranges along the way. We plan to ensure each trekkers success through • View Machupuchare, the sacred the difficult Thorung La pass and the steep ascend to Muktinath. ‘Fishtail Mountain’ From here, we will continue to Jomsom them return to Pokhara • Visit remote villages and via a flight to relax for a few days before flying on to Kathmandu monasteries to conclude the trip.
• End the trip with an optional This trek is an incredibly varied and extraordinarily beautiful Paragliding session in beautiful journey. Dramatic deep gorges, bleak high mountain passes, Pokhara Buddhist temples, picturesque farming villages and all the major mountains of the Annapurna Massif.
We look forward to experiencing it with you!
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRIP NOTES
AT A GLANCE
DAY 1 Arrive in Kathmandu DAY 2 Kathmandu DAY 3 Drive Beshishar, trek to Bhulbhule DAY 4 Bhulbhule to Jagat DAY 5 Jagat to Dharaphani DAY 6 Dharaphani to Chame DAY 7 Chame to Upper Pisang/Lower Pisang DAY 8 Pisang to Manang DAY 9 Acclimatisation Day DAY 10 Manang to Yak Kharka DAY 11 Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi DAY 12 Throng Phedi to Muktinath (via Thorong La Pass) DAY 13 Muktinath to Jomson DAY 14 Fly Jomsom to Pokhara DAY 15 Pokhara DAY 16 Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu DAY 17 Depart
WHAT’S INCLUDED: WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: • Airport transfers • International Flights • Private van to Benshishar • Entry Visa for Nepal (40USD) • Flight Jomsom - Pokhara, Pokhara - Kathmandu • Insurance: (Life Medical and Evacuation) • Guided tour in Kathmandu & Pokhara • Any rescue costs or costs of delays/early departure • 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (twin share) from the expedition • 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara (twin share) • Lunch & dinner in Pokhara & Kathmandu • Accommodation in teahouse/guesthouse during • All bar bills (soft, hot, alcoholic drinks) during trek trek (twin share) • Personal expenses during trek (wifi, charging etc) • All meals while on the trek (B,L,D) • Tips for your guides and porters. • All trek staff, including guides & porter support. • Monument entry fees while sightseeing in • Medical Kits and safety equipment Kathmandu/Pokhara. • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation area permit) • TIMS Registration (Trekkers Information Management System) & Embassy Registration • All Goverment taxes & official expenses • Last night cultural dinner • Sleeping bag & Down Jacket (free rental)
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRIP NOTES
WHY BASE CAMP?
Specialists in preparing thousands of people for multi day treks & Mountaineering expeditions.
Global Leaders in providing education & skills training for trekkers & mountaineers.
You and your team mates have a high level of fitness (giving everyone the best chance to enjoy the whole trek)
You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people who you will meet in person (or online) prior to departure.
A Base Camp representative will be on the trek, they have extensive experience in trekking, mountaineering and wilderness first aid.
We only partner with highly qualified and experienced local guides and support team.
You’ll have access to a huge range of training and trekking resources so that you’re 100% ready.
Bespoke itinerary that will ensure you have the best experience possible.
To get an inside look of what it’s like to be on a Base Camp Expedition check out the Vlog from our Nepal Expedition in 2017.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kathmandu International Airport (KTM). We will arrange a private transfer to the group hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Himalaya Hub.
Day 2 Kathmandu - Explore & Prepare After breakfast we will go on a guided sightseeing adventure of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage sites: Monkey Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple & Bouddhanath Stupa. Pre-Trek Briefing, purchase any last minute items and in the evening get prepared for the trek.
Overnight at Hotel Himalaya Hub (B)
Day 3 Drive to Beshishar, Trek to Bhulbhule Elevation: 700m to 900m, Time: Driving 6 hours, trek 3-4 hours From Kathmandu we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then continue to Besisahar, the capital of Lamjung District. This is the starting point of our trek, today we will trek to the Gurung village of Bhulbule.
Overnight at Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 4 Trek Bhulbhule to Jagat Elevation: 1310m, Distance: 20km, Time: 6 hours Today we cross the Marshyangdi River and you’ll glimpse the first sight of one of the 8000m peaks Mount Manaslu (8161m) weather permitting. Our destination is the village of Jagat which is situated on a shelf that juts out into the Marshyangdi Valley.
Overnight at Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 5 Trek Jagat to Dharapani Elevation: 2140m, Distance: 20km, Time: 6 hours Descending from Jagat we’ll trek through a lush forest, before ascending to a sharp edge cliff facing the river bank. After crossing a suspension bridge, we will have a steep climb to Sattale (1680m) and then on to Tal (1700m). The path will then become rugged and will twist back and forth, taking us all the way to forested village of Dharapani.
Overnight at Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 6 Trek Dharapani to Chame Elevation: 2600m, Time: 6 hours We’ll ascend through forests of pine and oak, and pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a large waterfall. Where the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge the trail follows a rock strewn path. Once the steep incline ends we’ll be met by rhododendrons and then a pine forest. Fingers crossed we’ll have a clear day so you can get a view of Annapurna II. When you see the large white gate we’ve reached Chame, the admin headquarters of Manang District.
Overnight Guest House (B,L,D)
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT ITINERARY
Day 7 Trek Chame to Upper/Lower Pisang Elevation: 3000m, Time: 6 hours The first adventure today is a large suspension bridge that sits over the Marshyangdi River. The trail then leads us through fields to Teleku and Bratang. We’ll continue up steep trails to the south side and cross another suspension bridge where we’ll view Paungda Danda rising more than 1500m from the river. There is one final bridge and enter the village of Pisang.
Overnight Guest House (B, L, D)
Day 8 Trek Pisang to Manang (via Bhraka/Nagwal) Elevation: 3500m, Time: 5-8hrs On the trail today we will see magnificant peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7454m) and Tilicho Peak (7134m).
Overnight at Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 9 Acclimatisation Day Elevation: 3500m We’ll take a short hike up to Gangapurna Glacier Lake, Hundred Lama or ex- plore around Manang Valley to help us acclimatise in preparation for crossing Thorongla.
Overnight at Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 10 Trek Manang to Yak Kharka Elevation: 4000m, Distance: 20km, Time: 5 hours From Manang Village the trail crosses a stream before climbing to Tengi (3650m), then on to Marsyangdi Valley. The trail will then pass an ancient Mani wall before arriving in Yak Kharka.
Overnight at Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 11 Trek Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4400m)/ High Camp (4800m) Elevation: 4800mm, Time: 4/6 hours After less than 1 hour walking we’ll reach Chauri Ledar. From Ledar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent the route follows a narrow path, across a high, unstable slope path before reaching Thorong High Camp.
Overnight Guest House (B, L, D)
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT ITINERARY
Day 12 Cross Thorung La Pass, trek to Muktinath Elevation: 5416m, 3800m Time: 7-8hrs It’s an early start to cross Thorung La (5416m). Immediately after leaving camp the trail becomes steep. The gradient then eases and after approx 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the prayer flags of the pass. You’ll want to soak in the views here. Although the 1600m descent is tough, it will eventually give way to grassy slopes, where you’ll no doubt enjoy the walk along to Khola Valley to Muktinath.
Overnight at Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 13 Trek to Jomsom Elevation: 3500m, Distance: 15km Time: 6 hours We begin our descent down the Kali Gandaki Valley, initially through arid country in the same climatic and geographical zone as Tibet. We’ll pass through the villages of Jharkot and Khingar and follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom.
Overnight at Guest House (B,L,D)
Day 14 Fly Jomsom to Pokhara We’ll take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city. This day is dedicated to rest, warm showers and whatever your heart desires.
Overnight at Hotel Peninsula (B)
Day 15 Pokhara After breakfast, sightseeing around Pokhara Valley. Devi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, Bindabasini Temple, Seti Gorge, Gorkha/Mountain Museum, Boating in Fewa Lake. The afternoon is free, you can chill out, go paragliding, Avia Flight, Bungee Jump.
Overnight at Hotel Peninsula (B)
Day 16 Fly to Kathmandu We’ll take a morning flight back to Kathmandu, where we’ll be transferred to our hotel. You can spend the day however you wish in Kathmandu. Evening group dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Himalaya Hub (B,D)
Day 17 Departure Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward destination or journey home.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRAINING
TRAINING Team members will need to have a high level of fitness due to the altitude and long days on trail (some are 10+ hours). Previous trekking experience at altitude is not required.
Training with Base Camp either in Brisbane (with our training partner) or online (at least 10 weeks prior to departure) is a requirement of this trip.
This is to ensure all team members are able to meet the demands of the expedition. We pride ourselves on delivering trips with well prepared, fit individuals.
Terrain will involve remote and mostly well defined trails, some shale rock slopes which made be snowbound over the pass.
Expect cold conditions.
TRAINING DETAILS • Start training in July • Online training program - training 4-5 days/week • Online forum and group discussion • Guidelines on hikes and packweight • Open Q&A
The training program includes: • Strength sessions • Aerobic sessions • Hiking sessions • Instructional videos • Mobility & Stretching techniques • Hiking techniques • Trekking fitness test
Chase will be available to assist with any specific questions you have about training.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRIP NOTES
VISA & PASSPORT You will need to get a Tourist Visa on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. A single entry visa for 30 days is 40USD (as at June 2018). The ATM at the airport is often out of order, so we strongly recommend you travel with some USD (crisp & untorn post 2006).
Please double check that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the date of arrive in Nepal. You must carry your passport on the trek with you as it is required for internal flights.
TREKKING PERMITS Trekking permits will be organised by our local team in Kathmandu. Please bring a photocopy of your passport bio-date page and 3 passport photographs.
TRAVEL INSURANCE To participate in this trek you will need to take out personal travel and evacuation insurance. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in the itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy. For the Annapurna Circuit, this means you must be covered for trekking to 5500m.
Please email us your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer). We also recommend you have these details in your day sack.
It can be difficult to find insurance that covers trekking, personally we use Global Rescue.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS International flights to and from Kathmandu are not included in the trek price, as they vary depending on where you are departing from. It also gives you the flexibility to chose your preferred airline and add on extra travel if you wish.
Please ensure you arrive in Kathmandu on the 15 October 2018.
It is not uncommon for bad weather to cause internal flight delays. If possible, consider booking an afternoon/evening departure flight on the 31 October 2018 to allow some extra time.
Once your flights are booked please let us know your flight details (airline and time, for both arrival and departure) so we can organise airport transfers.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRIP NOTES
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS Internal flights in Nepal are included in the trek. Jomsom to Pokhara & Pokhara to Kathmandu.
If this is your first time in Nepal, here is a rundown:
The system for booking internal flights in Nepal is unlike anywhere else in the world as there is no such thing as a confirmed booking and departure time. Airlines run shuttle planes many times daily, depending on the booking volume.
When a booking is made you are allocated to the airlines passenger departure list for that day and then allocated a flight based on when you book. So we may be waiting for a short time or a long time.
It may seem like total chaos and it will probably test your patience but it it is the same for all tour operators and travellers. Bring a good book, some snacks and see it as part of the adventure.
ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is based on twin share. During the trek we will be staying in teahouses/guesthouses. These are fairly basic and will often have shared toilet facilities. Showers are not always available and it tends to be just the communal areas that are heated.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara we will be staying in hotels. If you require additional nights in Kathmandu either side of the itinerary please let us know.
FOOD On the trek all main meals are provided (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Food will be of the highest standard possible, given the remoteness of the situation. We recommend you bring snacks to eat in between meals, nuts, Clif Bars/At One Bars, dried fruit, dark chocolate.
If you have any dietary requirements please let us know.
Prior to the trek be cautious about where and what you eat, to avoid an upset stomach. You should avoid ice and only drink filtered water. Make sure you wash your hands prior to eating.
You must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRIP NOTES
MONEY The Nepali Rupee is a closed currency so you won’t be able to buy this before you arrive. There are ATMs in Kathmandu and we recommend you have sufficient local currency on the trek to cover wifi, charging and any additional snacks/drinks.
CREW TIPS Tipping is a standard practice that all operators support in Nepal. The decision on how much to tip should be determined by how well the team served you while you were on the trek. Tips are always discretion- ary and if you are not happy with the service you have received you do not have to pay tips. Tips are for the Porters and Guides.
The tipping guidelines of the Trekking Agency of Nepal and the Nepal Mountaineering Association, suggest the amount of $100-$150 per trekker.
The Base Camp Leader will discuss tips with the group before the end of the trek.
VACCINATIONS/MEDICAL ADVICE Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information. It is also recommended that you have a dental checkup prior to departure.
If you have any medical conditions such asthma, allergies etc please let us know.
ACCLIMATISATION To allow our bodies to adjust to altitude we have structured our itinerary so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur.
It is important that you are aware of the symptoms and how to reduce your risk of altitude sickness. Information can be found on our website and if in doubt, ask us for a run down.
You will have daily health check-ins while on the trek. It is important to be honest and report any changes in your health that may affect your ability to continue with the trek.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018 ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT PRACTICALITIES
THE GUIDE’S WORD IS FINAL On the trek your Lead Guide has overall responsibility for your health and welfare. If you have any concerns, you must voice them immediately. The Guide’s ruling is final, especially in relation to an early descent.
DESCENT PROTOCOL While we will do everything we can to help you complete your trek, the number one priority is your health.
If you are showing signs of ill health the guides will monitor the situation to see if things improve, before they make the decision for you to descend.
If your condition is mild you will be brought down on foot with a team member. For more serious conditions, an emergency evacuation by helicopter will be required. Helicopter evacuation must be covered by your travel insurance.
Any additional costs incurred as a result of descending early, including hotel accommodation, must be paid locally.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT GEAR
TREKKING BAG WEIGHT Internal flights in Kathmandu have a strict maximum limit of 10kg for your main equipment and a maximum limit of 5kg for your day bag. Your bags will be weighed at the airport so don’t exceed these limits.
Porters will be carrying your main equipment bag, you will be carrying a day bag.
The porters can carry up to 15kg, obviously the lighter the better. All items must be packed inside your bag i.e. not attached to the outside.
YOUR KIT All expedition members will receive a detailed list of all necessary clothing and equipment to be individually provided.
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc.
You may be able to purchase some last minute items in Kathmandu, it is preferable that you have all the crucial items with you before you arrive. (And have had time to test them out/wear them in!).
GEAR RENTAL If you need to rent a down jacket and/or sleeping bag please let us know. This will be at no additional cost.
KIT TIPS • Weigh your bag before you get to the airport • Use packing cubes/dry bags • Wear your boots and socks on the plane (ok, not the most comfortable but if your bags get lost, you have the most important item of gear with you, the rest you can buy in Kathmandu or rent) • You can leave a bag of non-trekking gear at the hotel (please ensure you have a bag and locks for this) • Buy the best boots, socks, backpack and gortex jacket you can afford, skimp on the rest. • What you carry in you must carry out. • There are a number of packing videos on our youtube channel.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRIP NOTES
PAYMENT
The price of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is A$3400.
HOW TO BOOK: 1. Complete the booking form here. 2. Pay a $500 deposit to secure your place.
Account details for direct debit payment:
Account Name: Big Mountain Training BSB: 014 274 Acc Number: 218708028
Please use your name as the description.
*If you would like to pay via credit card this can be done through our website, there is an additional fee from the payment provider. Deposit: $510 Balance: $2951
BALANCE: The balance of $2900 is payable on 1st August 2018
Please read the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. The deposit is non-refundable.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT SUMMARY
CHECKLIST Get travel insurance
Pay Deposit
Start training (if you haven’t already) - July
Pay Final Amount - 1st August
Travel Doctor/Vaccinations - August
Book International Flights - August
Start preparing clothing & gear - September
Dental check up - September
Pack - October
Photocopy passport & extra passport photos
USD for visa on arrival
Get on flight - October
INFO TO GIVE TO BASE CAMP
Travel Insurance (Policy provider, policy number, phone number)
Dietary requirements
Flight details (arrival & departure)
Emergency contact person & phone number
Rental of down jacket and/or sleeping bag?
CONTACT DETAILS The contacts for this trek are Chase & Megan. Please use this email to ask questions and send through the required info.
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TRIP NOTES
ITINERARY CHANGES Some changes may occur in the itinerary due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.
PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF FLIGHT DELAYS Adverse weather conditions can cause delays, in the event of a delay to flights this is the procedure we will follow.
If there is a significant delay at the end of your trek, we will endeavour to get you on the first fixed-wing flight to Kathmandu available. Priority will be given to those who risk missing their International flight.
Should helicopters be able to fly, our guide will discuss with the group the possibility of chartering a helicopter. Depending on the number in the group the extra cost payable can be between $300-$500pp, this also depends on availability and demand. Our guide will ascertain the best price and let us know as soon as practicable. If possible we will also use the partial refund from the flight to mitigate the cost.
Please be aware that in the event of a delay that affects your onward international flight, you will be responsible for re-booking and for any associated costs. These costs and any additional accommodation costs should be recovered under the terms of your travel insurance.
While we will do everything we can to miminimise the effects, Base Camp Training will not be held responsible for additional costs incurred that result from a flight delay and no refunds will be payable.
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY To book your place on the trip you need to pay a deposit.
An expedition team member may then cancel his/her participation on the following basis:
• Cancellations outside of 90 days will result in the loss of the trip deposit. • For cancellations made within 89-60 days of the trip commencement date we reserve the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. • For cancellations within 59 days of the departure date a cancellation fee of 100% of the full fee applies.
We strongly recommend your insurance policy covers trip cancellation.
Terms and Conditions
TRIP NOTES - ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT 2018