Classic Annapurna Trekking to hidden alpine amphitheater of Annapurna Base Camp along with Poonhill 180 degree Panaroma.
Classic Annapurna Trekking to hidden alpine amphitheater of Annapurna Base Camp along with Poonhill 180 degree Panaroma following the traditional route.
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek, also known as Annapurna Base Camp(ABC) trek, is a powerhouse—it’s one of the shortest major treks in Nepal and gets up close and personal with some of the biggest mountains. There is a good mix of high mountains and Himalayan culture on this trek. The Annapurna Himal lies between the two river valleys of Kali Gandaki and the Marsyangdi forming a solid mountain bastion. In its span of 40 miles, it encompasses some twelve peaks higher than 7000 m and numerous other over 6000 m.
Your journey into this spectacular region begins with a drive to Pokhara city and trek start point of Nayapul. The fascinating trek starts from the lowland bamboo forests and rhododendrons before making it up through the Modi khola gorge into the mountain amphitheater. In its span of 40 miles this high glacial basin is wild Himalayan country ringed by ten of the most impressive peaks in Nepal, including Annapurna South 7219m, Annapurna I 8091m , Annapurna II and Machapuchare 6993m (aka Fishtail mountain). If you visit the Annapurna Sanctuary during the good weather months in the Fall and Spring , you can expect clear mornings and evenings and a glowing panorama of snow capped peaks and starry skies.
After the accomplishment of the Base Camp dream we head back the same route we hiked up, following the Modi Khola gorge up to Chomrong village, this is a geographical reality the only way up to the Sanctuary for trekkers. From Chomrong which is the junction, we traverse right towards the Gorepani Poon Hill region, the second phase of our trip. An early morning hike up to the Poon Hill view tower from Gorepani village is quite scintillating and worth the climb, as you are rewarded with a vista of a lifetime experience. The 220 degree Himalayan panorama combining two beautiful massifs of Dhaulagiri(8157m) the 7th highest along with the Annapurna massif in one straight line just separated by the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge is simply majestic. And at this view point you are actually standing on the south face of the Annapurna range completely on the other side of Annapurna Base Camp. So one could imagine what an exciting journey it could be in one short trek.
MNT office representative welcomes you on your arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu where pre-trek arrival briefing and other information will be given. For your kind information your group leader will be happy to assist you in any way he can. The evening will be highlighted by a traditional Royal Nepal welcome dinner accompanied with trek guide as a perfect end of your very arrival day in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.
Today you have time to explore Kathmandu-valley, which has more World Heritage sites than any other city in the world. This capital city has an amazing range of traditional fascinating highlights, whatever your interest. In our morning exploration of the cultural sights and sounds in Kathmandu, we will visit the Baudhanath stupa, a biggest Buddhist shrine in Nepal and Pashupatinath a most important Hindu temple, where you have chance to witness the cremation done in public way. After the guided tour afternoon arrangements are made today for the distribution of your kit bag, down jacket, sleeping bag etc and the GroupLeader will give you the detail trek briefing. After the orientation you are free to pack, purchase last minutes items for your trek or simply relax.
Drive to Pokhara (B.B) 980m, Approx 6-7 hrs.
Early in the morning we drive form Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest lake city. As we leave the capital city, our bus follows the winding road over the valley rim and descends onto the valley where the Trisuli River flows, the journey is slow and steady as the road winds through villages passing terraces fields and we soon catch glimpses of the high eye-catching mountain ranges of Ganesh Himal range. Normally, we arrive Pokhara by mid afternoon so you have time to explore this pretty lake city. You can even hire a boat to visit Island Barahi temple and get some great photos from middle of the Phewa lake, We will stay at hotel in Pokhara.
Gandruk (1950 m) walk approx 5hrs
This morning we take about an hour drive to the trek starting point, Nayapul. We start walking by crossing a small township of Birethanti bazaar. We cross the glacier river of Modi Khola coming from the Annapurna glacier. After walking along the motor road and passing nice farmlands we stop for lunch at the teahouse in Syauli bazaar. After lunch we ascend the foothills passing through the terraced farmlands witnessing the locals harvesting or ploughing their ancient fields. As we go up , the sacred mountain of Machhapuchhre (Fish tail ) pops up to surprise you. After a slow and steady walk, we reach Gandruk a beautiful settlement inhabited by the Gurung tribe, know for their services in the British and Indian Gurkhas. We spend our first night in the teahouse and in the morning you can expect to see some beautiful mountains of the Annapurna range such as Annapurna South (7893 m), Hiunchuli (7219 m) and the magnificent Fish Tail (6993 m).
Chomrong (2060m) walk approx 6hrs.
Soon after breakfast we start our days walk. But before leaving the village we visit the Gurung museum. Walking across the village is very scenic in itself. Leaving the town the trail drops up and down from Gandruk through the dense rhododendron forest taking you into the valley of the Modi khola river. The walking is gentle and offers great mountain views. We enroute the first village of Kimrong Danda high on the hill where we take a short morning break before descending to the Kimrong Khola for lunch. After lunch is one big switchback climb then the trail to Chomrong gets gradual and relaxing. Chomrong is another big Gurung settlement. It falls in the main junction to ABC trek. It has quite a number of good teahouses and bakeries. It has a permit check post for all trekkers and a school for small children.
Dovan (2600m) walk approx 6 hrs
Today we start our walk descending through a long stairway of big rocky slabs all the way down to the bottom of the village. Here we cross the Chomrong Khola by a suspension bridge. The trail now begins a twisting climb up and round a hillside spur. Despite the modest linear distance quoted above for this stage, it is very strenuous day walking through a constant switch back. We enroute through the village of Sinuwa situated at the top end of the uphill climb. A short break here and then we continue th a gradual walk to Bamboo through a lovely rainforest to stop for lunch . After lunch it is just around an hour walk to Dovan. Since we are surrounded by a narrow river valley with high rocks the place is bit colder than expected.
Deurali (3225m) walk approx. 5 to 6hrs.
Today the walking up to the first village of Himalaya is bit undulating gaining elevation gradually. In this stretch of the forest walk we go pass by a sacred temple , a home of the Baraha deties, the guardian of the valley. Our first stop at Himalaya is quite early for lunch but we take it to break the days walk in a much nicer way for acclimitisation.
After lunch the trail starts to climb gradually to the rocky shelter place of Hinko cave, we take many rests as possible as it is very important in altitude. From here infact one can see today’s destination, Deurali, not so far away.
Machhapuchare Base Camp (3700 m) walk approx. 3hrs.
We take it very easy today as it is very important in altitude. Take lots rest and drink plenty of fluid at least 3-4 liters a day. After Deurali the valley widens and you see a change in the vegetation from trees to alpine scrubs. The trail meanders across a fairly level section where Mt. Ganagapurna (7485 m) shows itself ahead, framed by the steep walls that form the gateway to the Sanctuary. Little ahead in front rises a steep, vegetated bluff on top of which is settled a lodge and many more little beyond this one. We stop by one of the teahouses for lunch and the night. Spend rest of the afternoon relaxing or reading books and get ready for tomorrow.
Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) walk approx. 2-3hrs
Today we reach our final destination to Annapurna Base Camp. The trek to the base camp ascends at a very steady gradient, never very steeply but the altitude is likely to have a tiring effect. Do not hurry, but ascend slowly and enjoy the expanding panorama. It should be noted that this Base Camp was used by Chris Bonington’s 1970 expedition. The panorama out here is nothing short of spectacular where you get a chance to have breakfast outside enjoying the amphitheatre view.
Bamboo (2890m) walk 5-6hrs.
This morning starts with a blessing of a lifetime experience just in case we have missed the views the afternoon day before. The morning sun comes up glistening the golden rays to the top of some of the highest mountains on earth. We spend some time here savoring a lifetime moment, taking pictures and celebrating the accomplishment, one could possibly involve in some poetic thoughts as well. Soon after breakfast we, finally start our backward journey retracing our trail via Deurali, Himalaya and Dovan to stop at Bamboo for the night.
Tadapani (2650m) walk approx. 6-7 hrs
Today our heading back up to Chomrong is retracing the same trail back via Sinuwa. The nice forest walk feels soothing after coming back from the high altitude. Not to forget, there is a long stairway down and up to Chomrong. We have our lunch break here and chances are, also to enjoy a nice cinnamon roll while we stop. After leaving the village at the top west end, there is a trail intersection the one heading down south west leads to Jhinu Hotspring village for some ending the trek the next day. But for us here begins the second highlight of our trip, the trek to Gorepani Poon hill. Taking the east trail we have a gradual walk through the village of upper Kimrong Khola. Then the trail to Tadapani starts to switchback through the thick rainforest until we reach our teahouse in the middle of a small clearing to finally stop for the night. Even this place can be very busy and cold as it falls in the very touristic junction of Poonhill trek.
Ghorepani (2850m) walk approx. 5hrs
Tadapani village also offers a magnificent view of the mountains on a clear morning. Soon after breakfast our first walk is downhill along the rocky steps for half an hour and obviously a climb on the other side to reach a high ridgeline, where the walking becomes gentle and nice with the rhododendron forest. Ghorepani is actually a pass with steep climbs on either sides and has the most stunning view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m ) 7th highest in the world, the Annapurnas and Manaslu (8157 m) together with several adjoining mountains.
Early morning hike to Poonhill, half day trek and drive to Pokhara O/N hotel (B.B)
Today it is one last finest day in the Himalaya. Our early morning 45 mins hike to Poonhill observatory tower , a vantage point is mostly rewarding with a 180 degree panorama of two giant massifs of the beautiful Annapurna mountains together with the dazzling white Dhaulagiri range. We take stunning pictures and one more time see the Annapurna mountain this time of course from different angle, the south face.
Walk down to the teahouse where you have your breakfast. Soon after descending trek last for the road kind of up to the village of Ulleri for lunch. It is just a short walk after lunch to the Jeep point. From here we take a direct drive to Pokhara, the lake city with lots of ambience and relaxing opportunities.
Mountain flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Today we have a thrilling flight over the villages with the Himalays at the background.
Morning is free to explore the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara city, once a popular Hippi destination in 70’s. Lots of activities and sightseeing opportunities in offer here.
Not bad just to walk around and do some souvenir shopping.
Departure/ Trip Concludes:
It is time to fly back home keeping the exhilarating Mystical Nepal experience in mind. Arrangements will be made for your transfer to the international airport.
Airport pick up and drop in a private vehicle as per the itinerary.
Hotel accommodation on B.B Basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the itinerary.
Teahouse(lodge) accommodation during the trek.
Meals during the trek as per the Trip package. For Full Board all meals B.fast, lunch and dinner with a cup of hot beverage of choice.
Welcome Dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural show, beverages not included.
Use of warm gears such as Sleeping bag, Liner, Down jacket and Big Duffle bag.
Domestic flights as per the itinerary.
All applicable Permits for National Park entrance and tours to World heritage sites as per the trip package.
An experienced English speaking Group Leader and Guide for the Trek and Tours.
Service of Assistant Sherpa and Porters during the trek.
Staff Cost including the Insurance, Wages, Meals and Domestic flights during the trek and Climbing is covered.
All necessary Government and Local Taxes.
International Fare and Visa Fee ( US$25 FOR 15 Days, US$ 40 FOR 30 Days);
Note: No Visa required for Indian nationals.
Any Travel and rescue insurance.
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, also in some tours as per the trip package.
Personal expenses on laundry, beverages, cameras and gadgets charging and hot showers in treks and tours.
Excess Baggage charges at the Domestic airport.
Extra expenses due to flight delays and cancellations.
Extra Night in Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain ( due to any unforeseen reason ).
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu ( also in the case of early return from mountain ).
Gratuity and Tips for the Local trekking staff, guides and drivers.
Definitely! Our airport representative or your group Leader will be there catering you from day of your arrival till departure. Do check for MNT clip board on your arrival in Kathmandu airport outside the arrival terminal hall. Make sure you have provided your flight details to us in advance.
Yes, you can obtain Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. In fact for some countries Nepal visa is to be prearranged from their country itself prior to their entry to Nepal. For more details please check Nepal Visa and Entry Procedure in our website.
Any sort of vaccination is not mandatory while visiting Nepal. But we strongly suggest for a personal medical consent before you sign up for ‘ Visit Nepal’ packages if you have any pre medical history.
MNT has no overhead expenses on overseas offices. This means we can offer top quality service and facilities at a competitive price to exceed your expectation. No Hidden cost. The trip cost includes from your accommodation, local flight, private transportation, tours, trek permit, National Park or conservation fees to all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while on trek, for details link to Cost inclusion and exclusion. In every detail, we set the highest possible standards from safety to the high quality type of warm gears and food provided to meet the international standard. We balance of exploration and relaxation, comfort and adventure at its best.
To book your spot on any of our trips, please fill up the online booking form at our website www.mysticalnepaltreks.com and send it to us along with the trip Security Deposit of 20% per person. Deposit can be paid by bank swift transfer, please see details in the website. On receipt of your booking details we will send you Trip Confirmation Receipt of your booking.
Typically our trekking days involve 4 to 8 hours of walking per day, including a lunch stop.The trail varies from easy hiking on the lower elevation to the strenuous walking over 5000 meter in Himalayas. A common misconception is that if you are a slow walker you may hold people back – Not So. The group members string out and there will always be one local staff walking with the last one, usually the Group Leader stays last. You walk at your own pace and stop when you feel like. There will always be our Trekking Sherpa, the assistant to guide who will be leading from the front ensuring that no one gets lost.
Trekking Days are so designed that the walking is enjoyable and safe. The companionship of other trekkers and staff positive attitude creates great environment and many memorable events. The day begins early at 6.30 am with a wakeup call. Before breakfast pack your gears into duffle bag by keeping some essential things in your daypack. After breakfast, we are usually on the trail by 8am and following a good morning walk, we stop for lunch break for about an hour. Continuing our walk for the second part of the day we reach the days destination usually around 4.00 pm as the afternoon walk is usually shorter than the morning. Having afternoon tea you can relax, read or have some game activities involving the local staff. Dinner is usually served around 6.30 to 7.00 pm.
We book clean and comfortable teahouse which we know very well. Our standard trips are based on twin bedded sharing accommodation. We can book private room for you if you like to add a supplement cost as per your requirement.
We offer the OPEN AND CHOICE MENU in our teahouse trek where you can select the food on your breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the hygienic, plentiful and nutritious food. Most teahouse offer a variety if rice and noodle dishes, as well as seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally available for the breakfast.
We have our own experienced trek cook on all of the camping trips. We adhere to strict hygiene guidelines. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled egg with bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional bread. Dinner is a hearty 3 course meal, starting with soup followed by main course and sweet dessert, tea coffee etc. Your trek leader is generally taking good supervision of how things are done in the kitchen keeping in control for hygiene and safety.
We are aware about the protection of our fragile environment while organizing trekking and climbing trips. We discourage in buying the plastic bottled mineral water as currently there is no proper provision for waste management. For that matter in our Everest treks for anything over a group of 4 persons we provide boiled water every evening prepared and served by our Sherpa into your personal drinking water bottles. We also recommend use of purification stuff for your personal use. And for the Annapurna treks the villages provide Safe Drinking water at stations and teahouse.
There is a beautiful saying that if you want to come up with any new ideas go walking. Trekking in the wilderness of Nepal has so much variation and also depends on the choice of your destination. Terrain varies from effortless to strenuous plus yet with a very well organized itinerary and enough time for adaptation makes a difference in the genre of trekking.
As for the level of fitness and trek preparation we suggest that trekking in Nepal mountains is not appropriate for someone with very weak ankles, knee, heart or lungs problems and for all these your doctor’s advice is obligatory. But even the kids of early age to the adults of 70 plus have walked to varied landscapes of Nepal. However Mystical Nepal Treks designed itinerary are flexible and attainable. Nevertheless trekking is not a walk in the park, it includes tremendous amount of ups and downs so to prepare for any trips in Nepal you need to train yourself with the everyday undulating walking with the amount of weight you could carry in your daypack.
We are committed on the welfare of our staff from trek Leaders/Guides to Sherpas, Cooks, and Porters. We ensure good wages, salary provident fund, proper insurance, to the equipment and clothing. They are the most valuable members of our organization and the people who make every trip a success.
You need general travel insurance and trip cancellation insurance, as well as rescue insurance. Read your policy’s fine print to make sure it covers you for trekking or climbing, depending on what trip you have booked, and that it covers you for helicopter evacuation.
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.
MNT trip itineraries have been professionally designed to minimize the effects of High Altitude sickness. Extensive medical kit is carried on all our trips. In addition Portable Altitude Chamber Bag ( a life saving device) is brought as a safety backup on high elevation treks and expeditions. All our Leaders and Guides are well trained in Wilderness Medicine and First Aid Course who are competent to recognize any mountain ailment and act accordingly on the spot.
Trekking in Nepal Himalayas is an adventure holiday thus do not expect shower each day. Now days, some of the teahouses up to 4000 meters have hot shower facilities depending on the trekking regions. Laundry services are available at limited place on trek.
You will be carrying your day pack with warm clothes, rain pocho, drinking water, snacks, sun block, camera etc. you need for the day. Generally it will be light around 3 to 4 kilos.
Most airlines fly direct to Bangkok from North America, Europe and Australia and New Zealand. From there Thai Airways fly direct to Kathmandu 10 times a week. Silk Air ( Singapore Airlines) and Cathay Pacific via Hong kong also has regular flights and there are many flights via Doha, Qatar, New Delhi, Hong Kong to Kathmandu.
All our trip itinerary have an arrival and departure day from Kathmandu so you can arrive and leave Kathmandu as per the program. You are also welcome and encouraged to arrive a day earlier or leave Nepal a day later to have a look around the vibrant Kathmandu Valley. MNT arrange any extra activities as per your interest outside the main package.
Yes, the facility is available almost each teahouse at a cost of usually about 2 to 3 US$ per hour. We use the voltages 220 – 240 volts to power and 2 point plugs is recommended to bring.
It depends if you are used to it is very handy. It is recommended for knee support and for down hills specially. The walk is manageable without them at times.
Yes there are dozens of trekking shops in Thamel area of Kathmandu. Our trekking guide will be happy to assist you in this regard.
It works in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with countries you are travelling to and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on. You can also buy a local mobile SIM card in Kathmandu.
It is notoriously difficult to predict the weather conditions in the Himalayas. Normally days are warm and nights are cold. There can be snow or rain storms at any time. Between 1000 and 3500 meters the temperature could go as high as 20 degree celsius to 5 degree. At higher altitude the temperature ranges from 20 degrees to -10 degree celsius. During winter month of December the days are 10 degree colder. Good polarizing sunglasses for high altitude and large brimmed hat are really helpful. Expect the unexpected.
Tipping is an accepted part of trekking although it is completely personal matter. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Up to 10% of the trip cost as tipping could be a guideline.
Before we depart for the trek all your left luggage and valuable is to be deposited in the safety store and safety deposit box at the hotel or you could also feel safe with MNT office for storage which you can claim effortlessly on your return after trek.
The maximum weight they allow you is 15 kilos that is including your hand carry bag.