PRICE
$3,995
SCHEDULE
Fall
November 2 – November 14, 2020
Lead Guide: Terray Sylvester
DETAILS
13 days in Nepal
Trekking Grade: Intermediate
$3,995
Fall
November 2 – November 14, 2020
Lead Guide: Terray Sylvester
13 days in Nepal
Trekking Grade: Intermediate
apurna Massif and some of the most storied terrain in mountaineering history. The Annapurna Sanctuary is a vast, mountain-ringed amphitheater situated below the massive south face of Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world. Annapurna I (8,091 meters) was the site of the first successful 8,000-meter climb when a French team led by Maurice Herzog touched its summit in 1950, a feat chronicled by Herzog in his classic book, “Annapurna.”
The beautiful Machhapuchare, or “Fish Tail,” Peak towers over the southeast end of the Sanctuary. It is one of the most iconic peaks of Nepal, but because Nepal’s Hindu population reveres it as sacred to the god Shiva, climbing it is forbidden and it has never officially been summited.
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek leads deep into the most stunning terrain of the Annapurna Massif, far away from the busy jeep tracks of the Annapurna Circuit. With unrivaled scenery and rich cultural offerings, this trek is ideal for both new and experienced trekkers and will leave you with wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
Our trek begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful second city, set on the shores of Phewa Lake below the snowcapped peaks of the Himalaya. After a short drive to the outskirts of town, we begin hiking through lush, terraced farming villages home to Nepal’s Gurung people, renowned for their courage in the Gurkha divisions of the British Army. We sleep in the village of Ghorepani, then rise before dawn to climb Poon Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal. From its summit, we watch the rising sun illuminate the immense south face of Dhaulagiri, the seventh tallest mountain in the world, and filter into the depths of the Kali Gandaki River Valley, the deepest gorge on the planet.
From Poon Hill, we continue to the village of Tadapani, then enter the breathtaking Modi Khola Gorge on our way to Chhomrong Village, the final settlement before Annapurna Base Camp. As we trek through lush bamboo and rhododendron forests, we enjoy superb views of the Annapurna Range rising high above us. Eventually, our trail leads between the sacred mountain Machhapuchare (22,943’) and its neighbor, Hiunchuli (21,132’), twin sentinels guarding the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
In the Sanctuary we explore a wild landscape of ice and rock, surrounded by 10 peaks taller than 6,000 meters. The silence around Annapurna Base Camp is immense, broken only by the sound of distant avalanches. Finally, we retrace our steps back to Pokhara and onto Nepal’s bustling capital, Kathmandu. Before flying home, we have a chance to explore the beautiful waterfront districts of Pokhara and Kathmandu’s ancient temples and vibrant streets.
Related treks: Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Base Camp Sherpa Trek
Tent Peak rises more than 5,000 vertical feet above Annapurna Base Camp in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. From its 18,684-foot summit, climbers enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna I and its snowcapped neighbors. Known in Nepali as “Tharpu Chuli,” Tent Peak’s climbing consists of moderate, non-technical terrain that is nonetheless an excellent challenge for mountaineers of all experience levels. Mountain Gurus offers the Tent Peak climb as a four-day extension to our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Tent Peak Climb
Enjoy two nights at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge and Tent Camp deep in the heart of Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal. Explore the jungles of the Terai Region from the back of an elephant and try your luck at spotting a rare tiger or rhinoceros.
Day 1 • Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 • Flight to Pokhara • Ulleri
Day 3 • Ghorepani
Day 4 • Poon Hill • 10,531 ft • Tadapani
Day 5 • Chhomrong
Day 6 • Himalaya • 9,850 ft
Day 7 • Machhapuchhre Basecamp
Day 8 • Annapurna Basecamp • 13,550 ft
Day 9 • Jhinu Danda
Day 10 • Pokhara
Day 11 • Flight to Kathmandu / Contingency Day
Day 12 • Kathmandu
Day 13 • Depart Kathmandu
Day 1 – 8 • Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp
Day 9 • Tent Peak Base Camp
Day 10 • Tent Peak High Camp
Day 11 • Tent Peak Summit • 18,684 ft
Day 12 – 15 • Dovan – Pokhara
Day 16 – 17 • Pokhara – Kathmandu
Trek begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal (KTM). A Mountain Gurus representative will transfer you to our hotel in the bustling tourist district of Thamel. Our trek begins here, in Nepal’s vibrant capital city, surrounded by shops selling Nepali handicrafts, restaurants and ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples. In the late afternoon we gather for a trek orientation and welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner (D)
We transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for our morning flight to Pokhara. The views from the airplane are nothing less than remarkable, providing amazing scenes of the terraced Nepalese hillside as well as the Annapurna and Dhalagiri mountain ranges. Once in Pokhara we drive to the village of Nayapool and trek steep stairs to the village of Ulleri. (B, L, D)
The trek continues through Rhododendron forest, passing numerous villages along the way to Ghorepani meaning “Horse Water“. (B, L, D)
Today we rise early to climb Poon Hill, this outlook is considered one of the best viewpoints in all of Nepal. We’ll watch the magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal. After brunch we cross Deurali Pass (10,137 ft) and trek through tropical forest to Tadapani meaning “Far Water“. (B, L, D)
Today we descend through a jungle-like forest where the tree branches are draped with hanging mosses and the air is filled with the scent of flowering trees. Eventually we emerge past a woodcutter’s saw-station and onto terraced fields on the side of a deep valley. From here we follow the valley down past cowsheds and small houses, stopping to watch local farmers working on the terraces. At the river we cross a bridge, before climbing up to the other side of the valley. Here we round the shoulder of the hill and join the much larger Modi Khola Valley. It’s only a short distance along the valley before we get to Chhomrong. The village of Chhomrong is relatively large and spread out along a steep stone staircase down the side of the valley. Chhomrong is the last major inhabited settlement we encounter before returning from basecamp. (B, L, D)
Following a well-worn trail, we rejoin the Modi Khola Valley. The route travels through rhododendron forest gently climbing uphill and past bamboo forests populated with monkeys. We eventually reach a divide in the trail and bear right to the lodges of Bamboo near the river and take a much welcomed break. Leaving the river, we again walk though wet rhododendron forest and begin climbing to the lodges at Dobhan. After some more steep sections of trail we arrive at the Himalaya Hotel. (B, L, D)
Much of the day is spent enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds us. The huge south face of Annapurna I (8,091m) provides an impressive backdrop, while the closeness of 10 peaks over 6,000m, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre, is simply awe inspiring. Sunrise is particularly special as the rising sun slowly illuminates the snow-capped Peaks. Walking through the sanctuary, the views are spectacular as you feel almost completely surrounded by the nearby mountains. The silence is crushing and only occasionally broken by the distant roar of avalanches. (B, L, D)
Leaving the towering peaks behind, we make our descent back down the valley and through the rhododendron and bamboo forests again reaching Himalaya. We soon reach Dobhan where we stay the night. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we continue back along the Modi Khola Valley, leaving the bamboo and rhododendron jungle towards Chhomrong. From here it’s a short walk to Jhinnudanda, and descent towards Landruk. (B, L, D)
This morning we trek to the roadside village of Phedi and return to Pokhara. After lunch we can explore the local shops and bazaars, visit the lakeshore of the Phewa Tal and gaze towards the remarkable peaks of the Annapurna Range. (B, L)
Today is an extra contingency day if needed for acclimatization, weather or delay.
If we arrive early in Pokhara, we can enjoy the day exploring the city. (B)
After saying farewell to our staff we depart to Kathmandu on an early morning flight. The rest of the day remains flexible depending on the desires of the group. There are many opportunities to tour Kathmandu’s world heritage sites. Pashupatinath Temple one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal and the Buddhist temples of Boudhanath are recommended. Some in the group may simply want to relax and shop in Thamel. (B)
Transport to Tribhuvan International Airport for flights home. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner
$3,995
Tent Peak Climb: $1,995
Rates are quoted based on double/twin sharing hotel accommodations while in Kathmandu, Pokhara and lodges during the trek. Single room fees apply. An American co-guide is based on 4 or more trekkers.
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your trip will be sent to you in the PreClimb information upon reservation.
Program Location:
Begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visa/Entry Information:
Passport must have six months or more validity remaining at the time of entry. American citizens may obtain a visa prior to travel or upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. 30 day multiple-entry visa ($40), or 90 day multiple-entry visa ($100)
Health & Immunizations:
Immunizations are not required for entry into Nepal
Flight Travel Information:
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Nepal
International Departures:
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in the countries destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.
Meals and Food:
All meals are provided as per meal schedule. See itinerary.
Gear:
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your program will be sent to you in the pre-departure packet upon reservation. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.
Trekking Grade: Intermediate
The approach trek requires 5-7 hours hiking per day carrying a 20 lbs. pack, utilizing porter support for personal gear. We will spend each evening in local tea houses to rest and recharge. Good physical conditioning and experience at altitude are ideal to make this trek a pleasant experience.
Prior to the expedition we recommend running, hiking local peaks, backpacking and trekking to gain strength and stamina for the climb.
Here’s a suggested progression of treks before attempting the Annapurna Basecamp Trek
For this trek, you must be able to hike for 6 to 8 hours per day with a small daypack. We may gain as much as 2,000 feet of elevation in a day. Strong hiking skills and excellent physical fitness are required.
Our Annapurna treks are led by a professional American mountain guide with experience leading international mountaineering expeditions. Your American guide will be assisted by a staff of highly experienced Nepalese guides and porters.
Nepal’s trekking seasons are dictated by the annual monsoon, which brings heavy rain and snow from June to September. Trekking conditions are excellent from March through May, before the monsoon arrives, and in October and November, after it ends. The winter months are very cold in the high mountains.
During the trek you will carry only the gear you’ll need for each day. Porters will carry all your extra clothing and overnight gear. At no point will you carry your own camping gear or any group expedition equipment. For your comfort, your daypack will not weigh more than 15 to 20 pounds.