11 nights
Experiencing the Annapurna region within a 2-week holiday slot
NEPAL TRIP GENERAL INFORMATION
OVERSEAS COURSES HOME
PLEASE EMAIL US IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, EITHER TO BOOK OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
The Annapurna Panorama Trek is also known as Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and is a week-long lodge trek in the Annapurna Foothills to the viewpoint near Ghorepani, Poon Hill. This trek offers all the best of trekking in Nepal, including accommodation in comfortable family run tea-house lodges along the way. Enjoy trekking in the spectacular mountain scenery through charming villages inhabited by the Gurungs, dense rhododendron forests full of birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, all set below the Annapurna mountains with the picturesque fluted peak of Machapuchare (Fish Tail Peak) dominating the skyline. At the climax of this trek you will climb Poon Hill at dawn to enjoy one of the most spectacular mountainscapes on Earth. As the sun touches the snowcapped summits the Himalayan Giants, Dhaulagiri 8,167m and Annapurna 8,091m along with a maze of other peaks slowly begin to appear, like magic, before your eyes. This very rewarding trek starts from Pokhara, and clients carry just a daypack and walk at their own pace. Trekking hours are about 5-6 per day.
THE ITINERARY
The following itinerary is for guidance only, as things are subject to change at the last minute. We will, however, endeavour to keep as close to this as possible.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet our staff and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner and briefing about the trek/tour. "D"
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing. Optional (price included) sightseeing trip to Bouddhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and then to Pashupatinath, the biggest Hindu Temple and finally to Bhaktapur, a typical Newar village where the culture has remained unchanged for many years. "B"
Day 03: Kathmandu to Lumle (drive) and trek to Tirkhedhunga (1,540m). By bus to Lumle. Then we start the walk through meadows and terraced fields, and after a while the trail reaches the confluence of the Bhurungdi Khola and Modi Rivers where Birethanta, a large village bazaar is situated. After the Annapurna Conservation Project entry registration, we continue on the trail past a few lodges and eventually reach the village of Hille. From here, a short walk takes us to Tirkhedhunga for the night. "B,L,D"
Day 04: Tirkhedhunga-Ghorepani 2750m. After the last suspension bridge at Tirkhedhunga, the trail ascends to reveal breathtaking views from the village of Ulleri. This pretty slate roofed village is largely comprised of Magar People. They are Tibeto-Burman in origin & very skilled craftsmen in stone & wood. From here you have good views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli as well as the Bhurungdi Valley below. Now the trail climbs less steeply and after an hour reaches to Banthanti where a few tourist lodges are situated. After the last lodge the beautiful rhododendron forest begins. The trail ascends gradually to Ghorepani where we spend the night. "B,L,D"
Day 05: Excursion to Poon Hill, 3193m and trek to Tadapani,2595m. After being woken early for an optional excursion to Poon Hill, 3193m, those who choose to make the hour-long walk will be rewarded with superb views at sunrise of a wide Himalayan panorama, stretching from Dhaulagiri 8167m (the world's seventh highest peak) to Manaslu 8156m (the world's eighth highest peak) in the east, with the mighty Annapurna range in between them. Once you have returned to Ghorepani and had breakfast, you start your day walk to Tadapani, passing through a forest of rhododendron and many excellent views before finally reaching Tadapani for the night. "B,L,D"
Day 06: Tadapani-Chomrong 2170m. We leave Tadapani on a path that drops through the rhododendrons, eventually reaching Chisapani. The trail then drops further to Chiukle, where few lodges are located. A maze of small paths leads down through the terraced fields to a big suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. From the bridge, the trail climbs past the school and along terraces to the little village of Klisigo Chiukle. After a series of waterfalls, the trail climbs and contours along the terraces to join the main Ghandrung-Chomrong route,from where we make our way to Chomrong for the night. "B,L,D"
Day 07: Chomrong-Pothana 1900m. Leaving Chomrong, we follow the main trail of Upper Chomrong to Summit View at Daulu. Down a steeply descending path is Jhinu Danda, and after here a large suspension bridge over the Modi Khola takes us to Landrung. After Landrung, the trail climbs a little to Tolka. It now continues on the level until it reaches a suspension bridge at Bheri Kharka, after which there is a stiff climb through the trees to reach Bichowk Deurali. There are views through the rhododendrons in several directions, and Dhaulagiri is visible from here. The path, now partly paved, descends gently to Pothana, where we stop for the night. "B,L,D"
Day 08: Pothana to Pokhara. From Pothana we trek through beautiful landscape and reach Dhampus and the road, and then drive to Pokhara for an overnight stay in our hotel. "B,L"
Day 09: Pokhara at Leisure. This day is for you to spend relaxing around Pokhara, perhaps boating, hiking to the World Peace Monastery or just relaxing in a restaurant by the lake.
Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu. Afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. (B)
Day 11: Kathmandu at leisure. Free day. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 12: Drive to the airport for your journey home. (B)
PRE-TRIP MEETING.
We wll be offering at least one informal pre-trip meeting, at a date and location to suit group members. This will be so that everyone can get together and meet prior to the trip, at a place where we can walk or climb, as well as having a meal and a beer or two in the evening.
FLIGHTS
This trip is priced excluding international flights. This is to allow a flexible approach for anyone wishing to travel out early, stay on later, or join from another country. We will, however, give you full help and guidance in booking an appropriate flight, and this often means that many of the team will travel together. Further details will be supplied with your booking confirmation, but as a guideline you should allow a cost of around £600 for a return flight from the UK.
COST
The cost for the trip KTM-KTM is £995.
To book, enquire about availability or for further information, please email Pete or call 01340 871071.
START DATES:
2008: September 28th.
2009: April 6th, September 27th.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
International and domestic airport pick-up and drop-off.
Welcome and farewell dinners.
3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Sightseeing with English speaking guide.
Sightseeing entry fee and transport.
Bus transport to trek starting and ending points.
Flight ticket from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Tea House accommodation during the trek.
Highly experienced and first-aid trained English speaking trekking guide.
Meals as detailed above (B,L,D).
Conservation permit.
Trekking registration certificate.
Required numbers of porters including insurance and equipment.
Meals/accommodation/salary/insurance/equipment for guide/cook/porters.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights.
Personal trekking equipment.
Meals other than mentioned above.
Drinks and bar bill.
Tipping.
Personal insurance, emergency evacuation insurance and visas.
Airport departure taxes.
Any other things that are not mentioned in 'included'.