Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

This trek, also called Annapurna Base Camp trek, goes into the Annapurna Sanctuary – a natural amphitheatre surrounded by some of the most spectacular Himalayan peaks. While Machhapuchare - the fish-tail peak - and Annapurna South dominate the horizon at the beginning of the trek, Annapurna I, which rises over 8,000m into the sky, captivates all trekkers at the Annapurna Base Camp. Despite being called the Annapurna Base Camp, most expeditions on Annapurna I choose to establish a base camp on the other side of the mountain near the Annapurna Circuit trail.

The trek passes through several Gurung villages. The Gurung people are one of sixty ethnic groups in Nepal and are the predominant Nepali recruits in the famous Gurkha regiment of the British and Indian army. On this trek, you will climb up and down the infamous, and seemingly endless, Gurung staircases along the Modi Khola. In the beginning, the trek goes through terraced rice fields, gradually ascending to old growth and bamboo forests to the Machhapuchare Base Camp and the Annapurna Base Camp. Machhapuchare is considered a holy mountain by the Gurung people and climbing Macchapuchare is prohibited.

This is a great first time trek in Nepal. Come join us on this spectacular journey and experience the culture and hospitality of the Gurung people!

Our Nepal and Tibet treks and climbs are operated by our sister company based in Nepal - Crystal Mountain Treks - managed by our founder's family. Crystal Mountain Treks has been in business for over two decades and employs only the best guides with a minimum of 15 years experience. We treat our staff with the utmost care and respect. Each staff member is provided high-quality equipment and paid higher-than-average wages. Our clients have commented that our treks provide a better value (we provide more for less) than other companies they researched, comparing services, quality and price. We are happy to provide references of people who have journeyed with us in the past upon request.

Highlights

• Explore monasteries and palaces in the Kathmandu valley.
• Engage with locals as you trek through numerous Gurung villages.
• Savor daily views of some of the highest mountains on earth.

Day 01 - Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during group dinner. Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Dinner)

Day 02 - Kathmandu
Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you'll likely witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.

Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. Overnight Hotel Tibet or simlar. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 03 - Kathmandu to Syauli (4,000ft./1,220m)
Transfer to the domestic terminal at Kathmandu airport. Fly to Pokhara (approx 30 minutes). After arriving at Pokhara (2,640ft/800m), transfer by private vehicle to the starting point of the trek at Naya Pul. Trek through terraced rice fields to Syauli. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 04 - Syauli to Ghandrung (6,400ft./1,950m)
Steadily ascend to Ghandrung. Trek to the large Gurung village of Ghandrung. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 05 - Ghandrung to Chomrong (6,900ft./2,090m)
Trek through terraced fields to Kimrong Danda (7,425ft/2250m). Descend steeply through forest, to the Kimrong Khola. After lunch ascend steeply to another Gurung village of Chomrong. Chomrong is the highest permanent settlement in the valley, although there are tea-houses beyond this point. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 06 - Chomrong to Bamboo (7,600ft./2,310m)
Leaving behind permanent settlements, follow the Modi Khola valley towards the Annapurna Sanctuary.  Overnight Lodge. (All  meals)

Day 07 - Bamboo to Himalaya (9,375ft./2,840m)
Enter rhododendron and oak forest and continue to ascend gradually. The trail continues through stands of bamboo, and beyond avalanche chutes and a few landslides to Himalaya Hotel. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 08 - Himalaya to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (12,200ft./3,700m)
Today, you will find yourself above the  tree line. The mountain views from here are marvelous: Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091), Annapurna III (7,555m), Gangapurna (7,454m), and Machhapuchhare are all visible from here. Spend your afternoon enjoying the spectacular scenery of these peaks. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 09 - Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (13,625 ft./4,130m)
It is approximately 2 hours trekking to Annapurna Base Camp – a collection of four hotels on a hillock. The views of the south face of Annapurna is fabulous from ABC! Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 10 - Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
Wake early to witness sunrise on the Annapurnas, a glorious event!  Today is all downhill. After lunch, you re-enter the bamboo forest. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 11 - Bamboo to Chomrong (6,900ft./2,090m)
Continue down through the forest to Chomrong. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 12 - Chomrong to Jhinu
Today is a short day of about 2 hours to Jhinu. We start out late and arrive Jhinu for lunch in time to take a dip in the Jhinu natural hotsprings. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 13 - Jhinu to Pothana (9,100ft./2,775m)
Descend to the river and begin ascent to the Pothana ridge. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Day 14 - Pothana to Pokhara (6,800ft./1,250m)
Descend to Phedi. Drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel Fairmount. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 15 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
Mid-afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Day free in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 16 - Final Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. (Breakfast)

Per Person Price - 2012

1 person: $2,250 USD (Includes Single Supplement)
2 - 4 persons: $1,945 USD per person
5 or more persons: $1,845 USD per person

Single Supplement: $200 USD

Contact us for private departures for two or more participants.

(Did you know that the price for Grand Asian Journeys' Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is about 30% less expensive than other major US outfitters' prices? It's because we run a Nepal office and have direct access to the best rates and most reliable staff - without the middleman. Other outfitters sell the same trek package for an inflated price. Just ask our previous clients and they'll tell you we provide more for less.)

Price includes:

• Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Motivated, well-cared-for staff
• All airport transfers
• Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments.
• 3 nights twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu
• 1 night twin sharing hotel accommodation at Hotel Fairmount (1 star) in Pokhara
• Round trip airfare: Kathmandu to Pokhara
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Lodge trekking as indicated in the itinerary
  
  • Three meals a day
  • Boiled water for your bottles three times a day
  • Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
  • Guide and staff insurance
• Annapurna Conservation Area Fee
• Trekkers Information Management Card

Price does not include:

• Your international airfare
• Nepal Visa
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you)
• Travel insurance (Required)
• Other expenses of a personal nature

2011 Dates:

December 19, 2011 - January 03, 2012

AVAILABLE

2012 Dates:

March 19 - April 03, 2012	AVAILABLE
April 09 - 24, 2012	AVAILABLE
April 30 - May 15, 2012	AVAILABLE
May 21 - June 05, 2012	AVAILABLE
June 04 - 19, 2012	AVAILABLE
October 08 - 23, 2012	AVAILABLE
October 22 - November 06, 2012	AVAILABLE
November 05 - 20, 2012	AVAILABLE
November 19 - December 04, 2012	AVAILABLE
December 17, 2012 - January 01, 2013	AVAILABLE

Cannot find a departure that fits your schedule? No problem. Contact us for private departures (two or more participants) for a date of your choosing. No additional charge for private departures.

Available:

Book this trip now as spaces are available.

Guaranteed:

This trip has the minimum sign ups required and is guaranteed to run.

Limited Availability:

Limited spaces are available so please contact us to inquire about the departure status.

Full:

This date is unavailable. please contact us to inquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as part of a Custom Itinerary.

Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.

Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.

Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA

Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.

If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.

Cancelation Policy

If you cancel:

• More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
• 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
• No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure