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19 DAYS AROUND THE ANNAPURNA HIMALAYA

HIGHLIGHTS: KATHMANDU CITY ● THRONG-LA PASS” THE HIGHEST PASS OF THE WORLD ● SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN SCENERY GOING NORTH OF THE MAIN HIMALAYAN RANGE TO DRY TIBET-LIKE TRANS-HIMALAYA

Namaste and welcome to Nepal!

Nepal is a small landlocked country with a diversity of natural and cultural wealth you will find in few places on earth. The land rises abruptly from the sweltering Terai plains in the south at 60 meters above sea level to the freezing heights of the Himalayan in the north well above 8000 meters culminating in the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8848 meters - with lush sub-tropical forests, green hills and valleys in between - within a distance of a mere 200 km.

Culture is embedded in the high peak s of Nepal, tradition flows with its rivers, art traverses through its valleys and religion lies in the heart of its people. Nepal, in short, is a country where art, culture and religion are a part of life of the inhabitants.

It is a dream come true to w alk around Annapurna Himalaya and through world's deepest Kali Gandaki gorge. This trek starts from the low - lands. As you gradually pick your pace, you will be greeted by the panoramic sceneries of the Himalayas. As altitude picks up you will experience the change of the landscapes, people and culture until you arrive “ Th orong-La Pass” the highest pass of the world. Now you are behind the Himalayas and the landscape turns arid. You will see fluttering flags, Buddhist stupas, and soul touching chyme. Throu ghout this trek, you will be escorted by experienced Sherpa guide.

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DAY 01: ARRIVAL – KATHMANDU (-/-/-)

Arrive in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and is described as “Racial Melting Pot” by the travelers. Kathmandu houses more temples then civic buildings. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 02: KATHMANDU (BREAKFAST/-/-)

After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur also known as ‘Bhadgaon’ is the third largest town in the valley. The stone embedded street links a string of temples, monastery, courtyards and monumen tal squares. You will quickly notice how vibrant the town’s cultural life is with strong communities of potters, woodcarvers and weavers. Explore the square, fames palace of 55 windows stretches off the east. Visit Nyatapola temple, this five -roofed standing 30 meters is the tallest temple in Nepal.The brick paved windings street, interesting side lanes and courtyards branching off it revels the heart of Bhaktapur.

Afternoon sightseeing tours of Pashupatnath and Boudhanath

Pashupatinath is one of the sacred Shiva temples on the Indian sub -continent. It draws devotees from all over India, including many colorful Sadhus (wandering Holy men). It is the largest temple complex in Nepal. Visiting Pashupatinath begins and ends a tr aditional pilgrimage circuit. Lord Pashupatinath’s supreme holiness stems from hollowed linga enshrined in the main temple and its location on the bank of sacred Bagmati River. Bagmati sanctity makes Pashupatinath Nepal’s most sacred cremation site.

Continue to Boudhanath.

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On the eastern side of Kathmandu is a huge stupa of Boudhanath. This is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. It is the sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims. Once you enter the stupa complex it resembles Bharkor street of Tibet with a considerable population of Tibetans, number of thriving monasteries and many small shops selling Tibetan artifacts. Boudhanath is one of the few places in the world where Tibetan culture is accessible, vibrant and unbound.Always remember to walk clockwise around the stupa.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 03: KATHMANDU – SYANGE/JAGAT (1330M) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

After breakfast drive to Jagat (7 hrs drive) through scenic mountainous highway.

Dinner and overnight at the local guest house/tea house in Sange/Jagat.

DAY 04: SYANGE/JAGAT – DHARAPANI (1960M) (6-7 HOURS WALK)(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today start your trek to Dharapani. The trail passes the valley floor then climbs a stone stairway before dropping down to another crossing of the Marsyangdi. You will enter Dharapani, which is marked by by a stone -entrance chorten typical of the Tibetan -influenced villages.

Dinner and overnight at the local guest house/teahouse in Dharapani.

DAY 05: DHARAPANI TREKKING – CHAME (2630M) (5 HOURS WALK)(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Start early, trekking through rocky tr ails until you arrive Chame , which is the headquarter of Manang district. Throughout the trek we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On today’s trek we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles. At the entrance you pass a large mani walls with many prayer wheels.

Dinner and overnight at the local guest house/tea hose in Chame.

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DAY 06: CHAME – PISANG (3210M) (5 HRS WALK) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Today the trail will pass through deep forest crossing the south bank of Marshyangdi river. The trail then climbs to Pisang.

The day starts through deep forest in a steep and narrow valley, crosses a river on a long bridge at 2910m. We then cross another bridge at 3040m, from there the view of the soaring Paungda Danda rock face really begins to appear. From there the trail joins to climb to Pisang, which sprawls between 3200m and 3300m.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge/tea house in Pisang.

DAY 07: PISANG – MANANG (3540M) ( 6-7 HOURS WALK) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

You will now already at the back of the Himalayas where the land is arid. Walk through the drier upper part of Manang district. The lifestyle here is totally different from the lowlands where people here herd yaks and raise crops for part of the year.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge/tea house in Manang.

DAY 08: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT MANANG (3540M) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

It is very important to spend a day acclimatization in Manang. The whole day we spend by doing some fine day walks and over viewing the magnificent views around the village also may walk around the Manang village with a short hke to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake. At the end the day, return back and have a night rest.

Dinner and overnight at the local lodge/tea house in Manang.

DAY 09: MANANG – CHURE LETDAR (4250M) (4 HRS WALK)(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

After breakfast, trek for Letdar. We leave Manang , and the trail makes an ascent of nearly 2000m to the Thorong La pass. We make the climb steadily through Tenki, leaving the Marshyangdi Valley. Continuing along the Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Le tdar at 4250m, there we see the vegetations steadily more sparse.

Dinner and overnight at a local lodge/tea house in Letdar.

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DAY 10: CHURI LETDAR – THORUNG PHEDI (4400M) (2 HRS WALK)(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

After breakfast, climb to Thoru ng Phedi. The trail descends to cross the river at 4310m we then climb up to Phedi at 4420m. At High Camp on the elevation of 4600m. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain.

Dinner and overnight at a local lodge/tea house in Throung Phedi.

DAY 11: THORONG - LA PASS – MUKTINATH (3800M) (7 HRS WALK)(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

You will start very ea rly this day. Today trail climbs steeply but as it has been regularly used and easy to follow. The altitude and snow can be the problem here. This is the highest pass of the world, marked by chorten and prayer flags. As you reach the top, you are rewarded by the magnificent view of massif Annapurna. Form the pass you have a tough 1600m descent to Muktinath. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Today you will be having night stay in Muktnath.

Dinner and overnight at a local lodge/tea house in Muktinath.

DAY 12: MUKTINATH – KALOPANI (2,530 M) (3-4 HRS DRIVE)(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

You will take a drive of jeep to Tatopani . The drive is little rough as you will be traveling through newly opened road rather it would be adventurous also. The trail follows the river through a world deepest George and have a very nice view one of the longest waterfall.

Dinner and overnight at a local lodge/tea house in Kalopani.

DAY 13: KALOPANI – TATOPANI (3 HRS DRIVE) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Drive from Kalopani to Tatopani.

Dinner and overnight at a local lodge/tea house in Tatopani.

DAY 14: TATOPANI – SIKHA (5HRS WALK) (3108M) (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Leave Tatopani, crossing a bridge just outside the village and heading to Sikha along a paved path that, at places, seems to be made of marble.

Dinner and overnight at a local lodge/tea house in Sikha.

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DAY 15: SIKHA TO GHOREPANI (2,785 M) (5-6 HRS WALK)(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Leave Sikha and arrive the beautiful Gurung settlement of Ghorepani. The views of Machhupuchare and the Himalayas from Ghorepani are absolutely spectacular on a clear day.

Dinner and overnight at a local lodge/tea house in Ghorepani.

DAY 16: GHOREPANI – POONHILL – TIRKEDHUNGA (3, 210 M)(BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER)

Early morning, hike to Poonhill, one hour climb above, is reputed to have some of the finest mountain views of Nepal and to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri , Tukuche Peak Nilgiri, Varaha Shikhar , Mt. Annapurna I , Lamjung Himal and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This hike is steep uphill through the stair. Later, trek down to Tirkhedhunga (6 hrs walk).

Dinner and overnight at a local lodge/tea house in Tirkedhunga.

DAY 17: TIRKHEDHUNGA – POKHARA (BREAKFAST/LUNCH/-)

Today, descend gently down to the banks of the Bhurgundi River and followed the trail along the river to Birethanti and then Nayapul. After having a quick lunch, drive back to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, transfer to the hotel in Pokhara.

Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

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DAY 18: POKHARA - KATHMANDU (25 MIN FLIGHT ) (BREAKFAST/-/DINNER)

After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport in Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel.

Evening, transfer to an authentic Nepali restaurant for dinner withcultural shows.

This is one of the wonderful experiences to taste typical Nepali food which we call “Dal Baht” with lentils. You will be surprised with the variety of Nepalese dishes that will keep on coming.

The server with a gentle smile in their face will name you every item in Nepali as well as in English language before serving you. Along with the food you will be kept entertained with typical Nepali folk shows. You will get a chance to see the dance performance of different ethnic groups of Nepal in theirs unique cultural uniform.

After dinner, transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 19: KATHMANDU – DEPARTURE (BREAKFAST/-/-)

Free till departure. Transfer to the airport in time to connect your onward flight.

<<End of program>>

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Inclusions:-√ 3 nights accommodation at the hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast√ 1 nights accommodation at the hotel in Pokhara with breakfast√ 14 nights accommodation at local guest house during the treks with all meals at the same lodge or along the way√ Airport transfer as per the program√ Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu √ Pokhara/Kathmandu private surface transfer with our chauffeur√ Private surface transfer to/from trek start and end points√ Annapurna conservation area permit fee√ Trekking permit√ Service of an experienced Sherpa guide and required number of porters during the trek√ All applicable entrance fees (except in museums)

Exclusion:-× Lunch/dinner (except during trek & farewell dinner))× International airfare× Jacket, Walking Sticks, Sleeping bags (if required//can also be rented in Kathmandu)× Travel insurance× Tips, gratuities, expenses of personal nature