Forthcoming Events
Annapurna
October 2009
Following the tremendous success of the trek in the Everest region in 2005 we have decided next year to move across to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Whilst the area does not hold the extremes of Everest it is hard not to argue that it is by far the most beautiful area of Nepal (and that is really saying something!).
The area is more diverse, with sweeping panoramic views which take the eye from fast flowing rivers at the base of mile deep gorges, through to steeply terraced hillsides, on to the snow line and finally to the summits of the Annapurna range ( I can feel my heart speeding up just writing this as I think back to past trips!).
A key difference with next year’s trek will be that bringing partners and friends will be an option, but as we do want to keep the trek as intimate as possible we will limit numbers. We also (of course!) want to use the trek as a fund raiser for the charity (and we are going to take the hard work out of this by subscribing to ‘Justgiving’ a really great online site that helps take the pressure out of getting sponsors). The aim will be to take 10 – 30 people (we have 10 confirmed already) and as we have enough experienced trekkers already committed to the trip we can, if necessary, break down into smaller walking groups and gather together for rest breaks and overnight.
Below you will see the outline of the trek that we have edited down from one of the trekking companies that we are considering using. This is a guide only so please think of it as such! In addition we will be making trips in Kathmandu to some of the projects that the charity supports - fund raising is great but there is nothing so compelling as actually seeing what happens to the cash and what fantastic results can be achieved with relatively small sums. Beware! Some of the sights, especially the Children’s Feeding Programme, will melt your heart! We will also give the group a real flavour of the varied culture and history of Nepal by employing first class guides and taking in as much as we can during our short stay.
We can start by booking flights at the end of November and from that point we will be able to firm up dates, duration and costs but in outline we aim to travel in the last week of October 2009 for c. 18/19 days. A ball park cost for the ‘in country’ element of the trip is given below to which we need to factor in international flights and tips - but we would be disappointed if the all in cost was more than £1,600 per person (more of this in due course).
Right now we need some serious expressions of interest which we will confirm into bookings in November!
Please contact us via the charity’s email: info@streetchildrenofnepal.org
Or directly to me: mrc29@bath.ac.uk
Dependant upon the group and desire to do so we will, once again, organise training days/weekends to ensure that everyone is fit enough to enjoy the trip. We will also be able to advise on kit, much of which can be purchased very cheaply in Kathmandu.
Mike Carter
Chairman of Trustees
September 2008
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a moderate nature trek that starts at Phedi, a short drive of about 45 minutes from Pokhara, which takes you to the foot (Base Camp, 4130m) of Mt. Annapurna, one of the most magnificent peaks in the world. The trail takes you through fascinating traditional villages of Nepal’s ethnic communities of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali who will greet you very warmly if you cared to stop for a conversation. The hike continues through dense rhododendron forest with towering snowy peaks in the background. The return walk is even more interesting as the trek winds around different ridges towards Ghorepani where you witness breathtaking views of an early morning sunrise as a red halo seeps through glistening gaps over the snow capped peaks of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Mountains. The sceneries seen throughout this trek grace the landscape of the Himalayas where imagination defines the beauty of nature as an experience that can never be forgotten.
TRIP FACTS
Trip duration: c.18/19 Days
Grade: Moderate to fairly challenging
Activity: Trekking and sightseeing
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Day 2
Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighbouring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous
Day 3
Fly to Pokhara & drive to Phedi, trek to Dhampus [1700m] Your trip starts with your 45 minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During your flight, you will be sightseeing the most magnificent and sensational view of Himalayan range. As your flight lands on Pokhara, you will be mesmerized by the irresistible visual treat of Manaslu and the Annapurna mountain range. In Pokhara, a bus will take you to Phedi. From there onward begins your trekking in Annapurna mountain range. As you climb uphill, you will bask in the splendour of nature and your trails become more adventurous. Finally, after walking for 3 hours, you encounter several roadside teashops and at last your trail leads to the Gurung village of Dhampus. Here concludes your trip of the day.
Day 4
Trek to Landrung [1550m] Your path narrows as it skirts round a ridge snout. On proceeding further, you pass through Pothana and reach Deorali. At this point, you find yourself high up on the East side of the Modi Khola cascading down the Annapurna Circuit Sanctuary surrounded by complete ambience of nature. Continue with your trekking for four hours until you reach picturesque Gurung settlement of Landrung. Spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli instil more zest and excitement into your adventure spirit.
Day 5
Trek to Chomrong [2100m] From Landrung, you march along the mountain path of stone steps, pass through a hamlet, cross a suspension bridge and then you come across dense forest of bamboo. Finding yourself in complete isolation amidst the serenity of nature can be quite an experience. Your trek does not stop here. After trekking for a while, you approach teahouses at Jhinu where you can rest and enjoy a drink or snacks. Thereafter, you resume your trek to the north, descending Daaulu and after having walked for five hours you, will find yourself at Chomrong. From Chomrong you can have prominent and mesmerizing view of Machhapuchhare. There are many chalet-style wooden lodges and at Chomrong where you can get accommodation and food.
Day 6
Trek to Himalaya hotel [2850m] Crossing Chomrong Khola, you continue trekking along steep stone steps. On your trails, you bypass rhododendron-covered ridge path, mountainous terrains and forests of bamboo. As you savour awe-inspiring views of Annapurna mountain ranges and Machhapuchhare, you gather more energy and enthusiasm to explore further. During your five-hour walking, you cross Modi Khola, pass through Khuldigar, Bamboo and Dovan and finally reach Himalaya Hotel where you wrap up your trip for the day.
Day 7
Trek to Machhapuchhare base camp [3700m] Your next destination is to reach Machhapuchhare base camp. You ascend and descend as your route opens up new trails. On climbing steeply for a while, you approach Hinku Cave. This course follows zigzag paths of stones. After walking for 3 to 4 hours, you enter the Annapurna circuit Sanctuary, a huge amphitheatre enclosed by a solid wall of snow-capped peaks which include Annapurna I, II, III and IV and the fish tail spire of Machhapuchhare. Several lodges and Annapurna inns are spotted at Deorali and Bagar. Finally, you will find yourself at Machhapuchhare Base Camp, a grassy moraine platform. You can rest at one of the lodges, and treat yourself with hygienic food.
Day 8
Trek to Annapurna south base camp [4130m] On hiking the Annapurna circuit trail for 2 hours, you descend a small ridge branching out from the mountain pass to mountainside with widespread terraced fields showcasing tranquil meadows and lush fertile farming land. As you reach Annapurna South Base Camp, witness awesome picturesque landscapes, majestic panoramic view of snow-capped mountainous peaks and varied Himalayan cultural settings tucked beneath the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif. Thereafter, you head back down to Himalaya Hotel.
Day 9
Trek to Chomrong [2100m] As you continue climbing along the forested ridge residing in the vicinity of chains of cloud-snaring hills, a grass-covered slope opens up leading to a course descending across a rock-strewn area to the riverbed of Kali Gandaki. Kali Gandaki is the world’s deepest river gorge of great bio-geographical significance regarded as demarcating Eastern and Western avifauna. The trail up the Modi Khola passes through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo across Annapurna mountain range. After trekking for 5 hours, you reach Chomrong. From Chomrong you can have prominent and mesmerizing view of Machhapuchhare. There are many chalet-style wooden lodges at Chomrong which provide accommodation and food.
Day 10
Trek to Ghandrunk [1940m] From Chomrong, we take an alternative route back to Pokhara, via Ghorepani. As you skirt through flatland, forests and terraced fields, a suspension bridge comes your way. On crossing this suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, you enter beautiful village of Ghandruk after walking for 3 to 4 hours. You get to witness unique culture, tradition and custom of Gurung community. Ghandruk offers excellent views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhare. It accommodates several hotels and teahouses. Camping in its terraced fields can be very exciting and adventurous.
Day 11
Trek to Banthanti [2410m] Leaving the terraced fields of Ghandruk, we tread along the zigzag path on a steep slope. As you ascend steeply, you pass through dense rhododendron forest to Tadapani which is an ideal vantage point to glimpse heavenly sight of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare. After having walked for 3 hours, you finally reach Banthanti.
Day 12
Trek to Ghorepani [2880m] From Banthanti, you proceed further along steep trails. Nature spreads exotic sight of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and rich plant life before you. You climb through rhododendron forest to Deorali [3100m] and reach a hamlet and cultivated fields. Continue walking for 3 hours and finally you will find yourself in Ghorepani which also houses lodges to provide food and accommodation to trekkers.
Day 13
Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara After savouring the mesmerizing sight of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the popular vantage point of Poon Hill [3195m], you leave Ghorepani and march ahead for Nayapul. You further descend towards Birethanti. Birethanti lies stretched beside the Modi River and has resourceful town. On your trails of stone steps, you pass through dense forest and a small village of Ulleri. From Ulleri, a very steep section [with 3767 steps!] leads down to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola. Forty minutes beyond Birethanti, you come to the main road. Now you can easily access any means of transportation to drive to Pokhara. In the evening, you are free to wander by the lakes of Pokhara. [6 hrs walking]
Day 14
Fly to Kathmandu . From Pokhara you can either fly or drive to Kathmandu.
Day 15
Depart Kathmandu The Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking etc).
Trek type: TH (Tea House / Lodge)
Accommodation: Hotel, lodge (tea house)
Transportation: Flight & private car
Maximum altitude: 4130m
ESTIMATED COST OF £800 PER PERSON INCLUDES:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation in lodge during the trek
- Kathmandu/Pokara/Kathmandu airfare
- English speaking local expert guide, porters
- National Park fees
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu on double sharing with breakfast
- All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and entry fees.
- Airport transfers and escort Insurance of the guide and porters
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- International flight & departure tax
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
- Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client's insurance.