ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

Kathmandu, the incredibly diverse capital of Nepal is a fascinating blend of centuries old Hindu and Buddhist shrines, traditional architecture and a city embracing the 21 century. Upon arrival, your leader will transfer you to your hotel from the airport. Your hotel is located in the heart of the city close to Thamel, a popular choice with tourists, with colourful handicraft stalls, trekking gear shops and excellent restaurants. In the evening, after your trek briefing, you have the option of going out for a group dinner with your trek leader

Flight: 25 minutes
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Pokhara. If the weather is clear there are fine views of the Himalayan range to the north. Upon arrival at the airport there will be a transfer waiting for you to take you to your hotel which is located close to the Phewa Lake.
Pokhara is one of the largest city of Nepal in terms of area, and the second largest city in terms of population. Due to its proximity to the Annapurna mountain range, the city is a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit through the Annapurna Conservation Area region of the Annapurna ranges in the Himalayas.
Meals included: Breakfast

Driving: 1 hour. Trekking: 3.5 hours
From Lakeside the road follows the valley before ascending to the ridge at Naudanda where there is a fine panorama of the Annapurna range and views of the lake at Pokhara. At Kade you meet your trekking crew before setting off ascending through forest for a climb to Australian Camp. From here there is a slight descent through forest to Pothana where you have lunch. From here, with a backdrop of the Himalaya you begin the trekking day following a beautiful forest trail that ascends gradually to the tea houses and lodges Pitam Deurali where you stop for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 6.5 hours
In the morning you descend though a forest of oak and rhododendron to reach Bichok Deurali. The trail then descends and undulates into the Modi Khola Valley to the village of Landruk. From here you continue to descend to the river and the imaginatively-named small settlement of New Bridge where you stop for lunch. From New Bridge it is a steady climb along to Chomrong as you walk past the small settlement of Jhinnu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 6 hours
The trail now leaves behind major permanent settlements and follows the Modi Khola valley towards the Annapurna Sanctuary. After an initial steep descent, on a stone steps, you cross the Chomrong Khola on a small suspension bridge and climb to the few houses and hotels at Sinuwa (2350m). From here you enter rhododendron and oak forest and gradually ascend to Kuldi Ghar (2540m) a former British sheep-breeding project started in the 1970’s. . The trail then descends through thick bamboo forest to a small clearing and a small group of hotels known collectively as Bamboo Lodge where you stop for lunch. After lunch the trail gradually ascends before traversing through riverine forest to reach the small settlement of Doban for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 6 hours
From Doban,the trail continues to climb through the thick forest high above the river to the small hamlet of 'Himalaya' where you stop for lunch. From Himalaya the trail follows sparse woodland to soon emerge above the tree line into a wild and glaciated valley at Hinko Cave (3100m), a huge overhanging boulder where views of the peaks are restricted by the towering valley walls. Beyond the cave you cross avalanche debris from a huge waterfall that cascades from a hanging valley above before entering a maze of large boulders to reach the small settlement of Deurali for the night halt.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 3 hours
From Deurali, the trail now becomes less steep and passes through further old avalanche debris. You cross the Modi River and walk along the bank on the eastern side to reach an open meadow that leads to the gateway of the Annapurna Sanctuary. From the river crossing it takes a little less than 2 hours to reach the lodges at Machhapuchhre Base Camp, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to enjoy the truly spectacular scenery of the surrounding peaks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 2 hours
You head into the heart of the mountains and follow the trail ascending to Annapurna Base Camp (4095m), a walk which should take you a little less than two hours. The scenery is continuously amazing. After settling into the lodge you have the chance to take lunch and the afternoon is free to enjoy the sensational views of the surrounding peaks - some of the best mountain views of the Annapurna region, if not the world. The towering south face of Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South seem almost within touching distance and are particularly impressive during sunset and sunrise.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 6 hours
It is hard to leave such an impressive and extraordinary location but it is time retrace your steps and descend into the 'thicker air'. The descent is far quicker and you will arrive at Himalaya Lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon you continue to descend through forests to reach the overnight stay at Doban.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 5 hours
Retracing your steps you continue down through the forest before a short ascent brings you to Chomrong where you arrive in the early afternoon and a chance to enjoy some of the great food available in your lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trekking: 6 hours/Driving: 2 hours
In the morning you climb out of the valley that houses the village of Chomrong and then contour around the hillsides before descending to the Modi Khola. You then follow the valley to Birethanti where your vehicle will be waiting for drive to Pokhara. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the lakeside area.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Flight: 25 minutes
After breakfast you are transferred to Pokhara airport for the short flight to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for shopping or further sightseeing. Enjoy a final evening out tonight.
Meals included: Breakfast

The trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. Meals included: Breakfast