Annapurna Holy Lakes and Glaciers
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28 April 2017—17 May 2017 Annapurna Holy Lakes and Glaciers Escorted from Adelaide by Geoff Simpson Join Geoff Simpson, founder of Peregrine Travel Centre, on this exciting and rewarding trek high into the heart of the mighty Annapurna region, exploring some of the wild glacial areas below Annapurna South where few trekkers have gone. Annapurna Holy Lakes and Glaciers 20 days departing 28 April 2017 This is an exciting and demanding trek high into the heart of the mighty Annapurna region, exploring some of the wild glacial areas below Annapurna South where few trekkers have gone before. The trek is one of great contrast, encompassing everything from the terraced village lowlands, through the forests and agricultural areas of the middle hill country, to the glacial basins of the Annapurna mountains The trek starts from the sub-tropical Pokhara Valley and passes through paddy fields before gradually ascending through terraced hillsides of wheat and barley. At each of the villages along the way you are warmly received by the local Gurung and Magar people. The walking is sensibly paced so we have ample opportunity to experience and absorb local lifestyles that have changed little over centuries. From the start we enjoy ever-changing views of the stunning, snow-covered Annapurna mountains. Halfway through the trek we leave habitation behind and walk through rhododendron and oak forests, alive with exotic birds and beautiful flowers, to finally emerge above the tree line at Kopra Danda. Here you will experience the stunning wilderness scenery beneath the towering peaks of Annapurna; to the west lies Dhaulagiri and far below lies the Kali Gandaki River Valley, which is the world’s deepest. As you climb higher above the tree line you will enter a mountain wilderness visited only by local shepherds during monsoon. The vista is dominated by Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m), the highest peaks in the area. This unique trek concentrates on the unexplored wilderness around Annapurna South (7237m), a remote and magnificent area that is rarely visited. An exploration of this rugged area is sure to be the highlight of your journey. What’s Included? • Escorted from Adelaide By Geoff Simpson • Return Economy class airfares including taxes • 16 Day Trek with English speaking local tour leader • All meals included • Kathmandu airport transfers • Trek Pack for use on trek • Twin share accommodation $5095.00 per person * Itinerary Friday 28th April, 2017 Today you will depart Adelaide upon a Singapore Airlines flight bound for Singapore, where you will spend your first night. Upon arrival in Singapore you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Accommodation: Actual hotel to be advised Saturday 29th April, 2017 This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Kathmandu. Arriving into Kathmandu, whether your first visit or your hundredth this is a view not to missed. You will see small villages and farming terraces, and of course the majestic Himalayan Mountains that surround the Kathmandu Valley. On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with a Peregrine sign outside the terminal. After you settle into the hotel there’ll be a group briefing with your tour leader in the late afternoon. He will discuss the trek details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. The evening is free, but the tour leader will organise dinner (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants. Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu Sunday 30th April, 2017 This morning you will explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour which includes Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where you can observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. You will also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of your afternoon in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. In the late afternoon you will be issued with your Trek Pack and departure information for the next morning. Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu Meals: Breakfast Monday 1st May, 2017 Ulleri (2070m) Travel time: Flight time: approx 30 min; driving time: approx 1½ hours Trek time: approx 4 hours Meals included: 1 breakfast Activities: You will have an early departure from the hotel today for your flight to Pokhara. The flight often boasts spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north.In Pokhara you will be transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. Walk through the busy trading post of Nayapul. You will cross a small stream via suspension bridge and continue on a dirt road before crossing the Modi River to reach Birethanti with fine views of Machhapuchhare, the ‘fishtail peak’ to the north. At Birethanti your trekking permits will be checked and you follow the Bhurungdi Khola to the village of Tirkedunga. From here the trail crosses a small suspension bridge across the before ascending 500 metres up a stone staircase to our lodge in the village Ulleri. Bodegas Portia Winery Tuesday 2nd May, 2017 Ghorepani (2860m) Trek time: approx 4-5 hours Activities: From Ulleri you ascend gradually through forest passing the small settlements of Banthanti and Nangethanti. The trail leads to a pass at the village of Ghorepani where you may enjoy spectacular mountain views of the Dhaulagiri Himal. Here we check into our lodge and take lunch. In the early evening there is the first opportunity to ascend Pun Hill (3210m) for sunset. If conditions are clear one can see three eight thousand metre peaks Manaslu in the east, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, as well as a sea of other snow capped mountains. This is one of the major highlights of the trip. Wednesday 3rd May, 2017 Swanta (1950m) Trek time: approx 3-4 hours Activities: In the morning we again have the opportunity to rise early and enjoy the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Pun Hill. It is really worthwhile making the effort to get out of bed and head uphill by torchlight to experience this magnificent vista. You return to your lodge for breakfast and then make a liesurely start for your descent through beautiful rhododendron forest to the village of Chhitre where you leave the main trekking trail. The trail now continues descend, on a less defined trail, through terraced fields to reach the Swanta Khola. You cross the river on suspension bridge and make a short ascent to the village of Swanta, where you overnight in the community lodge. Our local operator has long supported the school in Swanta. The village has only 150 people and the primary school was threatened with closure before initiatives to save the school were implemented. Thursday 4th May, 2017 Upper Chistibung (2950m) Trek time: approx 5 hours Activities: You walk through cultivated fields to enter a thick oak and rhododendron forest. You ascend gradually passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herders’ settlement, known at Upper Chistibung, where we stay in the small community lodge. The lodge faces south and whilst there are no major mountain views the rolling hills of central Nepal can be seen stretching almost to the Indian border from this elevated location. Friday 5th May, 2017 Kopra Ridge (3870m) Trek time: approx 5 hours Activities: To reach the ridge at Kopra you will have a steady climb on a small trail that takes you above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife and you should keep your eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time and rest as often as you wish. You will reach the lodge on Kopra Ridge in time for a late lunch and will be greeted with spectacular views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above you and only six kilometres away, and Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north, while across the depths of the Kali Gandakhi Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. The Kopra Community Lodge is the highlight of our work in the region. Profits from this lodge have contributed to developing the schools at Nangi and Swanta. Saturday 6th May, 2017 Kaire Khola (4200m) Trek time: approx 4 hours Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Activities: From Kopra Ridge you will ascend gradually to the stone huts built to shelter pilgrims who attend religious ceremonies at the holy lake. In the monsoon months shepherds move large flocks of sheep into this area to graze on the grassy hillsides. This is a hauntingly beautiful region with the huge peaks of Annapurna South and Fang towering above the campsite. You will rest up in the afternoon, acclimatize to the altitude, and get ready for the next day's excursion to the lake. Sunday 7th May, 2017 Kaire Khola (4200m) Trek time: approx 4 hours Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Activities: To further help with acclimatization you will remain at Kaire Khola for another day and night. During the day you will take packed lunches and follow a well-defined trail up a stone staircase to a lake known as Pautarko Kaire. This lake is the site of the Badau Purnima Festival, held annually in August and September. Villagers from the surrounding area converge here to pray to Lord Shiva, bathe in the icy-cold waters of the lake and offer sacrifices of sheep.