ITINERARY
DAY 1 Kathmandu | Historic Boutique Lodging in Heart of Ancient City
Arrive Kathmandu. Welcome dinner and orientation.
DAY 2 Besisahar | Scenic drive by private jeep to central Nepal
It’s a half day’s drive to Besisahar in the lush mid-hills of Gurung country. Travel beside rushing rivers, past terraced rice fields, and through happy little villages. We’ll stop for a unique lunch, and in the evening you’ll have opportunity to wander town or swim in the pool.
DAY 3 Koto | Jeep up the raging Marsyangdi River Valley
The adventure begins. Today we follow the route of the classic “Around Annapurna Circuit” as high as 8500 feet. As our jeeps crawl along precipitous ledges, ford streams, and crawl over stones, we have to remain in the spirit of adventure as we may face landslides or other obstacles along this wild corridor.
DAY 4 Trek Day 1 | Trek to 11,700 feet
Our first day on trail is a long one with over 3000 vertical feet of elevation gain. We climb through a steep valley along narrow ledges above the gushing torrent before exiting upon a flat surrounded by glacier topped peaks. Hot tea and hearty food await our arrival. Simple teahouse lodging.
DAY 5 Trek Day 2 | Trek to 12,500 feet
Today the gradient mellows out and we follow a broad valley surrounded by imposing cliffs. Photography opportunities abound and we reach our teahouse with plenty of time to explore the tiny village or visit the villagers in the fields. Simple teahouse lodging.
DAY 6 Trek Day 3 | Trek to Phu village at 13,400 feet.
Excitement mounts with each step today as we traverse along a trail carved from the cliff face, have opportunity to spot Himalayan Blue Sheep, and cross old stone and timber bridges. As we enter the once-kingdom of Phugaun we cross through one of the most impressive entrance gates anywhere in the Himalaya.
DAY 7 Trek Day 4 | Ancient monastery; Day hike
We’ll take a free day in Phu to explore the narrow stone alleys, visit the ancient Phu monastery or climb to solitary Himalayan heights. Also, an incredible opportunity to photograph crumbling chortens reminiscent of the days when animistic Bon religion prevailed here. Overnight in Phu again.
DAY 8 Trek Day 5 | Descend to Nar Phedi Monastery at 11,450 feet
Tracing our steps back down valley we cross an impressively high swing bridge and arrive at the beautiful monastery of Nar Phedi. Here we’ll spend the night in the monastery’s guest quarters and dine with monks.
DAY 9 Trek Day 6 | Climb to 13,500 feet
A twisted trail brings us past towering mani walls and stupas to the traditional village of Nar. Like stepping through a portal to past times we cross into this wheat filled valley with monasteries perched delicately on the ridge above. Free afternoon to explore Nar village. Simple teahouse lodging.
DAY 10 Trek Day 7 | Cross Kang La Pass (17,200ft) or return via approach
Today we have the option of either climbing steeply over the Kang La to incredible views of the Annapurna Massif, or depending on energy and weather, we can trace our steps back down valley.
DAY 11 Trek Day 8 | Descend to 8500 feet; Jeep down valley
Our last day on trail, we will finish the descent to our starting point where we will meet our jeeps and start the descent down the Marsyangdi River Valley.
DAY 12 Bandipur | Mountaintop Lodge
Today we finish the jeep ride out of the mountains and back to Nepal’s verdant Middle Hills. In Bandipur we experience delightful lodging in a traditional Newari townhouse turned quaint B&B. Hike to the sunset viewpoint for stunning panoramas.
DAY 13 Pokhara | Lakeside Adventure Capital
After breakfast we’ll take a couple hour drive into Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital. Options for afternoon paragliding, floating on the lake, a whitewater kayaking excursion, or just relaxing and shopping around town. Lakeside hotel.
DAY 14 Kathmandu | Kathmandu sightseeing
Morning flight to Kathmandu. Spend the afternoon on walking tour of Bouddha Stupa, Monkey Temple, and back streets of Kathmandu. Handpicked hotel accommodation.
DAY 15 Depart | Final day in Nepal
Take advantage of you last day in Nepal with a sightseeing excursion to Bhaktapur, or just last minute shopping time. Transportation to airport.
PRICING & WHAT’S INCLUDED
FROM
2-3 people $6,295 per person
4 + people $5,595 per person
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INCLUDED
- Airport transfers
- All in-country transportation
- 14 nights delightful lodging
- All meals
- Domestic flight: Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Entrance fees for all listed sights
- Licensed and insured guide and porters
- Personal Trip Leader and Cultural Liaison
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NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare to / from Nepal
- Nepal visa fee
- Any drinks other than complimentary drinks
- Snacks
- Personal equipment
- Trip insurance
- Emergency evacuation if required
- Other personal expenses
- Tips for guides, staff, drivers, etc…
DATES
DEPARTURE DATES 2020
Sept 05-19 | Sept 19 – Oct 03
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FLEXIBLE DEPARTURE DATES
Don’t see dates that work for you? Contact me to plan dates that fit your schedule.
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