Nepal

Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalayas, Nepal is a land of eternal fascination, ancient history, colourful cultures, superb scenery and some of the best walking on earth.

The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

View Slideshow

View 2009 Sanctuary Trek, NSP 91

Considered by many to be one of the most scenic trails in Nepal, the “Sanctuary trek” takes you into the dramatic heart of the Annapurna Massif.

The trek begins at Phedi and leads upward into the Annapurna foothills through terraced hillsides and tiny villages, bamboo and rhododendron forests and along the spectacular Modi Khola gorge. Eventually, the trail passes between the iconic mountains of Machhapuchhre and Himchuli to enter the vast mountain-ringed amphitheatre known as the “Sanctuary”. This impressive high glacial basin draws trekkers from all over the world. They come to experience the magic of this unique location, to stand virtually surrounded by towering peaks of 6,000-8,000m, in the shadow of dramatic rock faces and imposing glaciers. The magnificence of the Sanctuary is legendary!

Also included are,

• The Kathmandu Valley - home to the sister cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Kathmandu Valley is the cradle of Nepali culture. Visiting these cities is like stepping back in time, an indescribable experience. Ancient temples, narrow twisting streets, intricately carved architecture, and a way of life which seems trapped in the past.
• Rafting on the Seti - 1 night/2 days. The Seti, a grade 3 river winds its way through a remote and beautiful region and its waters are said to be the warmest in Nepal! Camp overnight on the river bank, all meals. Magical and such fun!
• Royal Chitwan National Park - 2 night / 3 day “Island Jungle Resort” stay, elephant safaris in search of rhino, crocodiles, tigers, birds and other wildlife.
• Pokara – Central Nepal's largest town has a stunning location, nestled on the shores of Fewa lake and backdropped by the glorious panorama of the high Annapurnas. A wonderful place to relax after the trek.

Trek Data

• 12 night /13 day tea house trek
• With porters to carry your pack you will only be carrying a light day pack
• Local Nepalese mountain guide and sherpa.

Draft Itinerary Outline

Day 1. Auckland to Kathmandu - fly, early morning departure, arrive midday,
Day 2. Kathmandu - sightseeing
Day 3. Kathmandu to Trek Pothana (1750m) – fly to Pokara, trek 4 hours
Day 4. Trek to Landrung (1550m)
Day 5. Trek to Chumrung (2100m)
Day 6. Trek to Himalaya (2920m)
Day 7. Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3700m)
Day 8. Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
Day 9. Trek to Dovan
Day 10. Trek to Chomrung (2100m)
Day 11. Trek to Ghandruk (1940m)
Day 12. Trek to Banthanti (2410m)
Day 13. Trek to Ghorepani (2880m)
Day 14. Trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m)
Day 15. Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokara
Day 16. Pokara – a free day
Day 17. Pokara to Seti Rafting
Day 18. Seti Rafting to Chitwan National Park
Day 19. Chitwan
Day 20. Chitwan to Kathmandu –fly to Kathmandu, free afternoon
Day 21. Kathmandu – free day
Day 22. Kathmandu to Singapore – fly mid afternoon
Day 23. Auckland – arrive late evening.

Criteria For Taking Part

The trek is graded moderate and is suited to walkers who are looking for something a little challenging and energetic. The trail is well formed climbing upward from the Pokara Valley floor at 900m to reach 4,200m. Although this itinerary is designed to provide a steady rate of acclimatization participants must be in good health, hiking fit and comfortable with extended hill walking of 4-7 hours per day, carrying a light day pack.

Although there is no hurry and you walk at your own pace, please check with your Doctor before booking if you have potential medical problems that may impair your fitness. Also please ask your Dr. about a regime such as diamox to assist you adjust to altitude. More details on health, preparation and gear will follow.

It is also important to understand that the way of life and standards of facilities and services in Nepal and especially during the trek, will be basic, however, if you are willing to cope with the unusual, the unpredictable, cultural differences and some local inadequacies then you will be rewarded with a very memorable experience.

Accommodation

In Kathmandu rooms are twin share, with private facilities but during the Trek the Tea House accommodation will be more basic with communal facilities and it is possible that in one or two places multi-share or dormitories may be all that is available. During the rafting we will camp in tents on the riverside. The Chitwan Jungle Lodge is an eco styled lodge with twin rooms and private facilities, no electricity.

Meals

For the trek period allow US$15 per day for food / water. For the period in Kathmandu allow a little more, around US$20 taking into account the breakfasts and other meals included. During the rafting and at Chitwan all meals are included.

Gear

In Kathmandu it is possible to hire or buy equipment, jackets, sleeping bags, hiking poles and other specialist gear, but you will need to take your own hiking boots, full thermals and layers of breathable warm clothing, warm pants, over trousers etc and a day pack. We will loan you a trekking bag for your gear. Greater detail on what to take will be available after Registration.

Nepalese Visa

Everyone must have an entry visa. These are available on arrival for most passports and the current cost is approximately US$30

Insurance

A full comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and must cover evacuation by helicopter in case of emergency. Please advise policy name, number and emergency contact phone number.

Price

Includes – group based flights Auckland to Auckland, 2 internal flights within Nepal, trek permit, trek guide / porters, 12 nights teahouses. Hotels 6 nights, 1 night rafting tent camp, 2 nights jungle resort, transports/sights/activities as per itinerary. Meals – 7 breakfast, all meals while rafting and at jungle resort. A US$50 tipping fund for the trek and rafting guides / porters, please note that this figure may need to be supplemented.

Excludes – any other service of any kind or any expenditure not mentioned above, travel insurance, any departure or flight related taxes payable either at ticket purchase or at check in, any visas or documentation required.

NEXT NEPAL TREK: EVEREST BASE CAMP, 9 Oct 2010

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for important general information. For more specific details about this trip (including an itinerary) please Contact Us.