Annapurna Dossiers

ANNAPURNA EXPEDITIONS

INSTANT, VILLAGES, SANCTUARY, ADVENTURE AND CIRCUIT

7 - 22 DAYS

CODE XPD100, XPD101, XPD036, XPD037 and XPD010

GRADE – MODERATE TO STRENUOUS

ITINERARY – COSTS – INCLUSIONS

Click the following link for more General Information about our Nepal expeditions.

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

The Annapurnas provide the adventurer with a complete package in a relatively small area. One can walk beneath some of the highest and as far as the Annapurnas is concerned, most dramatic mountain ranges in the world within days. The Annapurnas also has fantastic glaciers, high altitude lakes and breath taking gorges. The entire area is well serviced by lodges along the way. We utilize these extensively, favouring those that are starting to introduce ecologically sound practices and providing the owners and their families with a much needed income.

Instant Annapurna (7 Days) XPD100

This 7 day lodge trek is perhaps the best introductory trek for travelers looking for easy trekking in Nepal while staying at comfortable family-run lodges at each stop. One of Nepal’s best known ethnic communities, the Gurungs, whose charming villages dot the Annapurna foothills, have earned international recognition as the fearless and loyal Gurkha Soldier in the British and Indian armies. This walk, which will take you through terraced hillsides, charming slate roofed villages inhabited by the friendly Gurungs, dense moss-laden rhododendron forests, all set against a picturesque backdrop of the snowcapped Annapurnas, is one of the most well known short treks in Nepal. A charming walk through a beautiful mountain trail. Best also as a family trek as young children can enjoy it to.

Easy, low altitude trekking from 900m/3000ft to 2000m/6500ft with relatively short distances at a more relaxed pace. Accommodation in comfortable lodges run by local families. The trek component starts in Pokhara and includes all meals while on trek, roads head transport, services of experienced trek guide and porter to carry luggage. Clients carry a day-pack and walk at their own pace.

ITINERARY

Day 01    Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02    Relax and explore Kathmandu.
Day 03    Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara to Phedi.
Start trek to Dhampus village. 2-3 hrs.
Day 04    Trek to Landruk village. 5-6 hrs.
Day 05    Trek to Gandruk Village. 3 hrs. Afternoon visit to Gandruk and Gurung museum.
Day 06    Trek to Birethani. Drive to Pokhara. Overnight Pokhara.
Day 07     Drive to Kathmandu. End of Expedition.

Annapurna Panorama (10 Days) XPD101

Annapurna Panorama, also known as Poon Hill trek, is one of the finest short treks in Nepal. This introductory trek near the Annapurnas, unfolds dramatic panoramic profiles of some of the most beautiful and highest mountains in Annapurna region. We follow a route through lush forests and delightful Himalayan settlements of diverse ethnic groups. Due to the incredible altitudinal range and temperate mix of climate of the Himalayas, trekking around the Annapurna Poon Hill area is a naturalists' paradise. The panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Manaslu (8157m) and other mountains along with the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki, from Poon Hill is majestic.

Easy to moderate Annapurna Villages trek starting from 900m (3,000ft) to 2,975m (9,760ft) at an easy pace. Accommodation in comfortable lodges run by local families. The trek starts in Pokhara and includes all meals, roadhead transports, services of experienced trek guide and porter to carry luggage. Clients carry a light day-pack only and walk at their own pace.

ITINERARY

Day 01   Arrive in Kathmandu / O/N at hotel
Day 02   Cultural tour in Kathmandu
Day 03   Drive to Pokhara / visit the phewa lake, O/n at hotel
Day 04   Trek to Ghandruk
Day 05   Trek to Tadapani
Day 06   Trek to Ghorepani
Day 07   Morning hikes to famed POON HILL for the panoramic views of Himalayas and trek to Tirkhedhunga
Day 08   Trek to Birethanti and short drive to Pokhara / O/n at hotel
Day 09   Fly / Drive to Kathmandu and PM Free
Day 10   Departure / airport transportation

Annapurna Sanctuary via Poon Hill (16 Days) XPD036

The aptly named Annapurna Sanctuary also known Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most intensely scenic trek in Nepal. The Annapurna range is a vast massif with several peaks, which lies between the Kali Gandaki, and Marsyandi river valley, forming a solid, mountain bastion. Within its span of 40 miles, it encompasses dozen of peaks that are higher than 7000m and numerous others over 6000m. Leaving Pokhara, the beautiful lake city, we trek to Annapurna base camp as rhododendron forests give way to bamboo groves, which in turn vanish into the high desert landscapes, people of Aryan stock give way to those of Mongoloid stock and the dominant religion changes from Hinduism in the lower reaches to Buddhism higher up. Passing through the Machhapuchare and Annapurna base camp directly below the dramatic fishtail peak, our destination is the vast natural amphitheater of the Annapurna Sanctuary where we are ringed by glistening peaks.

Moderate to difficult trekking from 900m (3,000ft) to 3,700m (12,150ft). Accommodation in comfortable lodges run by local families. The trek starts in Pokhara and includes all meals, road-head transport, services of experienced trek guide and porter to carry luggage. Clients carry day-pack only and walk at their own pace.

ITINERARY

Day 01   Arrive in Kathmandu, Trek preparation, Welcome dinner, O/n at hotel
Day 02   World heritage cultural tour in Kathmandu
Day 03   Drive to Pokhara
Day 04   Trek to Ulleri
Day 05   Trek to Ghorepani
Day 06   Trek to Tadapani after Poon Hill morning excursion
Day 07   Trek to Chomrong
Day 08   Trek to Dovan
Day 09   Trek to Deurali
Day 10   Trek to Machapuchare base camp
Day 11   Exploration to Annapurna Base camp
Day 12   Trek to Bamboo
Day 13   Trek to Jhino Danda
Day 14   Trek to Nayapul and to Pokhara O/n at hotel
Day 15   Fly to Kathmandu / free time
Day 16   Trip end / Departure

Annapurna Adventure Dhaulagiri (16 Days) XPD037

Annapurna Adventure Dhaulagiri is one of our best camping treks in Nepal; nowhere else do you get such a rich feast of spectacular scenery, isolation and varied Himalayan culture. This moderate two week trek is both remote and scenic, and goes through many traditional villages, beautiful forests and rarely trekked high alpine pastures, offering magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From the Pokhara valley, we gradually ascend through tiny settlements and pristine forests to the alpine heights of Khopra ridge at 3800 meter. The views from our Khopra camp are incredible with the colossal ramparts of Dhaulagiri plunging to the misty depths of the Kali Gandaki - the deepest gorge in the world. Our trail leads further up towards the pristine Holy Kaire Lake situated beneath the awesome Fang Face of Annapurna I, where ancient pilgrim trails lead to the sacred water.

Moderate to difficult trekking from 900m (3,000ft) to 3,800m (12,500ft). Accommodation in comfortable lodges run by local families. The trek starts in Pokhara and includes all meals, road-head transports, services of experienced trek guide and porter to carry luggage. Clients carry a day-pack only and walk at their own pace.

ITINERARY

Day 01   Arrive in Kathmandu (1330m) welcomes dinner with cultural program
Day 02   Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu / preparation for trekking
Day 03   Drive to Pokhara (980m)
Day 04   Trek to Ghandruk (2000 meters)
Day 05  Trek to Tadapani (2650 meter)
Day 06   Trek to Bhaisi Kharka (3420 meters)
Day 07   Trek to Chistibung {3150 meters)
Day 08   Trek to Kopra Ridge (3890 meters)
Day 09   Trek to High Camp (4100m)
Day 10   Explore the Khaire Lake (4500m) and trek to Khopra Danda.
Day 11   Trek to Swanta (2270 meters)
Day 12   Trek to Ghorepani (2850 meter)
Day 13   Morning POON HILL (3212m) hikes and trek to Thirkedunga (1525 meters)
Day 14   Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara
Day 15   Mountain flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 16   Departure / Trip Concludes.

Annapurna Circuit (22 Days) XPD010

This classic 22-day trek completely around the famed Annapurna Massif offers the most diversity of any trek in Nepal: fascinating ethnic groups each with their own language, incredible views of many of the Himalaya's most famous high peaks, and constantly changing panoramas - from lush, tropical rice paddies and moss-laden rhododendron forests to Tibetan fortresses clinging to rocky cliffs.

Starting with a drive to Besisar we ascend along the Marsyangdi river valley. We pass beneath snow-capped Annapurnas II, III and IV and a range of 6,000m/20,000ft peaks stretching north to Tibet. Crossing Thorung La pass (5418m/17,770ft) to reach the holy shrine of Muktinath. We then descend into the mighty Kali Gandaki Valley - the deepest river valley on the face of the earth - 7000m/23,000ft deep between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. At the end we trek through a wonderful rhododendron forest on the Gorepani Ridge and the picturesque Gurung villages before finishing back in the Pokhara Valley.

Difficult to strenuous trekking between 2,000m (8,000ft) and 4,400m (14,500ft) with one pass crossing of 5,415m (17,700ft). Accommodation in comfortable lodges. The trek starts from Kathmandu and includes all meals, road-head transport, services of experienced local guide and porters to carry luggage. Clients carry day-pack only and walk at their own pace.

ITINERARY

Day 01   Arrival in Kathmandu / O/n at hotel / Welcome dinner
Day 02   Cultural Tours in Kathmandu / Preparation for Trek
Day 03   Drive to Besishahar (860m). Trek start, O/n at Teahouse
Day 04   Trek to Nyadi (930) On at Teahouse
Day 05   Trek to Jagat (1341m)
Day 06   Trek to Dharapani (1890m)
Day 07   Trek to Chame (2685m)
Day 08   Trek to Pisang (3475m)
Day 09   Trek to Manang (3535m)
Day 10   Acclimatizing rest day at Manang (3535m)
Day 11   Trek to Ledar (4200m)
Day 12   Trek to Phedi (4400m)
Day 13   Trek to Muktinath (3800m) via Throng Pass (5415m)
Day 14   Trek to Kagbeni (2800m)
Day 15   Trek to Marpha (2665m)
Day 16   Trek to Ghasa (3015m)
Day 17   Trek to Tatopani (1180m)
Day 18   Trek to Ghorepani (2830m)
Day 19   Trek to Tirkedunga (1550m)
Day 20   Trek to Pokhara (1100m) O/n at hotel
Day 21   Mountain flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu O/n at hotel
Day 22   Departure / Trip concludes.  

INCLUSIONS

• 3 star accommodation in Kathmandu and or Pokhara as indicated by Itinerary.
• Greeted at the airport transfer to their hotel
• World Heritage site seeing tour of Kathmandu
• Down jacket and sleeping bag (Except Instant and Village)
• All meals while on the expedition (not in Kathmandu)
• Guide
• Porters
• Eco-lodges selected for their environmental policies
• Rescue arrangement and staff insurance
• Equipment for porters and guides
• Experienced trekking staff
• First Aid and eco-trained staff
• Permits and conservation fees
• Climbing permits for expeditions
• Medical Kit Bag on every trip

EXCLUSIONS

• Personal insurance
• Bottled drink (these are personally purchased)   
• Meals in Kathmandu
• Visa for Nepal

EXPEDITION DATES

Check our we site for the latest dates at www.noroads.com.au

PRICE

XPD100 Instant Annapurna $1000 ex Kathmandu
XPD101 Annapurna Panorama $1299 ex Kathmandu
XPD010 Annapurna Circuit $2500 ex Kathmandu
XPD034 Annapurna Sanctuary via Poon Hill $2300 ex Kathmandu
XPD035 Annapurna Adventure Dhaulagiri $2300 ex Kathmandu
Note : Minimum 2 people for expedition to go.

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS

We are able to organize private expeditions for those that want familiar people to join them or our scheduled departures don’t suit.  We are also able to organize personalized itineraries.  

SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

We support a primary school in the Gorkha District  and we also distribute free first aid and medicines 2 times a year in the village where the school is located. We also adhere to guidelines that protect the porter’s interests such as insuring them from injury.

PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Once your expedition is confirmed we will send you detailed Pre Departure Information which includes a list of recommended clothing and personal equipment, along with many other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. Prior to the trip departure from Kathmandu, you will attend a detailed trip briefing and orientation meeting to make sure that you are well prepared for your river trip and trek.

Click the following link for more General Information about our Nepal expeditions.