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Journey into the Himalayas along the Annapurna circuit, staying in unique mountain lodges on this 14-day tour that travels past snow-capped peaks and spectacular mountain vistas along one of the world's most rewarding walking trails.
Depart the UK on your scheduled, overnight flight to Kathmandu, via Dubai.
On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, re-joining your group later tonight for a welcome dinner.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or have an early breakfast and set out on a flight that carries you over Mount Everest for a spectacular bird's eye view of the world's highest mountain (at a fee). A full day of sightseeing following in Nepal's stupa-studded capital. Begin at historic Durbar Square where you'll follow ancient streets to the temple of the Living Goddess. Continue on to the Buddhist stupa of Swayanbhunath and admire this gilded structure under the watchful painted eyes that adorn its sides. After lunch at a local restaurant, journey onward to the nearby city of Patan, a 3rd-century settlement enclosed within four stupas. Wander among its 136 monasteries and temples, visiting the ancient Krishna Temple and the Tibetan Refugee Camp and Handicraft Centre where you'll witness artisans weaving Tibetan carpets and moulding metal statues. Return to Kathmandu for your overnight stay.
Set out on a morning tour of Bhaktapur. Perched on a hill to the east of Kathmandu, the city is still untouched by urbanization and retains its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and old traditions. Visit Nyatapola, the tallest temple in Nepal, and the intricately adorned Bhairav Temple before exploring Pottery Square, the Palace of 55 Windows and the gilded archway of the Golden Gate. After lunch at a local restaurant, journey to the immense Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal. Return to Kathmandu for an evening of culture as you enjoy dinner and a Nepalese dance show in a traditional restaurant.
After breakfast, drive into the Himalayan foothills, arriving in the mountainous city of Pokhara for an evening at leisure in this picturesque lakeside settlement.
Today's trek has an ascent of approximately 770m. After breakfast drive from Pokhara to Syauli Bazaar (Trek starting point).. Then you begin our Trek from river bank of Modi river to Kimcha village, about a 30 min walk where you will stop for lunch at a local lodge. Then steep ascent on the stone steps for about one and half hours through the villages and paddy fields to reach the village of Ghandrung for the overnight stay in the lodge.
After breakfast, visit Annapurna Conservation Area Project Head Office, a Traditional museum, and the village of Ghandrung, which is the second biggest Gurung settlement in Western Nepal. Visiting Ghandrung also gives a snapshot of everyday local life in Nepal's mountains, especially that of the Gurung people. From here, one can see the panoramic close views of Mount Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchare (i.e. Fish-Tail), Annapurna III, and other snowy mountains, weather permits. After spending some time in the village, head back to the lodge for your overnight stay.
Follow an undulating trail that ascends and descends towards Jhinu Danda, your base for the night. Arrive at your lodge and break for lunch before you explore the surrounding area on foot, walking through forest-filled pockets to the riverside and some nearby hot springs. Lay back and relax in the rejuvenating waters of the hot springs for the remainder of the afternoon before returning to your lodge.
Depart Jhinu Danda on today's trek, descending to some nearby cliffs where the region's famed honey hunters scale ropes during their forages. Next, cross a suspension bridge that provides superb views of the valley and River Modi, stopping for a photo opportunity. Walk onward as you ascend to the village of Landrung where you will check into your mountain lodge and enjoy dinner in the evening.
Today's trail takes you through rolling paddy fields and villages on a flat, hour-long walk. Following a break, begin a steep ascent up a series of stone steps to the charming village of Tolka, reaching the upper part of the village after a short walk along level ground. Enjoy lunch in this peaceful setting then set out on your afternoon trek, going further uphill through forested woodland towards Pothana village. From here, the trail gradually descends to Dhampus, where you'll stop for your overnight stay.
Wake before sunrise this morning to soak in magnificent views of the mountain peaks bathed in hues of pink and purple. After breakfast, descend through farmland and wooded areas to reach Suikhet Phedi. Depart for Pokhara, stopping for lunch en route or on your arrival in Pokhara. The afternoon is at leisure, allowing you to explore the city sights or relax before dinner in your hotel.
Following your mountain trek, enjoy today at leisure or choose one of two optional excursions (at a fee). For the first excursion, drive up to the viewpoint at Sarankot for mesmerising sunrise views over the whole Annapurna range, with the option of a three-hour walk back down to the lakeside from Sarankot. Alternatively, take a stroll around the lake in the afternoon and a boat ride on its serene waters.
This morning, travel back to Kathmandu, stopping en route for lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival, check into your hotel for the evening/
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your extension.
In addition to wonderfully scenic walking trails, we've included a number of features with your comfort, convenience and safety in mind:
British passport holders do not need to obtain a visa for Nepal prior to departure. A Nepalese visa can be purchased on arrival into Kathmandu; you will need to complete and download a form from the Nepal Embassy website and present this completed form on arrival at immigration together with your payment (currently USD $30). You must print the form with the barcode and take it with you for arrival. The barcode is only valid up to 15 days after issue so please complete this form within 2 weeks of travel. You will also need to complete an 'arrival card' at the airport. When applying for the visa on arrival you will need to ensure you apply for a multiple entry visa. We recommend you check the following website before travelling for all the most up to date advice, requirements and any changes http://www.nepembassy.org.uk/visa.php. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity.
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of €300pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Flights are operated with Qatar Airways, departing London Heathrow via Doha. Each passenger is entitled to a 30kg case of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding (Max 7kg - 55cm/38cm/ 20cm) in size. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check- in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Flying insects including mosquitos are common in this part of the world, you may find it useful to wear long-sleeved, long-legged clothes and use repellents which contain DEET.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a fairly common condition that can occur when you ascend to a high altitude (generally higher than 2,500 metres above sea level) quickly. The decrease in atmospheric pressure can make breathing more difficult as the body is not able to take in as much oxygen. Most cases are mild with symptoms that can include: headache, nausea, dizziness and exhaustion. Several of the places on your trekking holiday are located at high altitude. Therefore, you may find you experience some symptoms at this altitude. It is advised that at these high altitudes, you keep hydrated and avoid alcohol. If you do experience symptoms of altitude sickness during your tour, ensure you tell your guide immediately who will be able to advise the best thing for you to do. It is advisable to consult your doctor before your holiday for any advice on the effects of altitude sickness and if you have any health problems that this could affect. It is advisable to carry the name, address and telephone details of your GP, in the event of becoming unwell your insurance company may require this information.
For this trekking holiday, previous experience and a good level of fitness & stamina is recommended. Trekking will be along well-worn paths with different levels of pace, you will need to be prepared to negotiate steep inclines and uphill treks climbing stone steps. Your treks will be between mountain lodges and daily distances will vary from 6 to 13 kilometres. You will be able to take short breaks during your treks and you can look forward to arriving at your lodge on average, in time for lunch. Please do consider the pace may vary depending on the abilities within the group. Most of the treks will take please in the morning allowing you to have the afternoons at leisure to relax or make the most of exploring the local area. It is important to note altitudes vary with most walks between 1170m and 1780m, the highest altitude that you will reach will be around 2000m. We recommend carrying a small backpack and if you are in any doubt as to the tours suitability, please speak to your GP as soon as possible as this is a physically challenging holiday.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 20. If in the unlikely event there are less than 7 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a backmarker on each of your treks.
The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee or NPR, divided into 100 paisa. US dollars and UK sterling are both also often accepted should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any lunches and dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £100- £200 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Dates | |||
| 22 Sep 2023 | 05 Oct 2023 | SOLD OUT | |
| 2024 Dates | |||
| 08 Mar 2024 | 21 Mar 2024 | €2463.00 | |
| 20 Sep 2024 | 03 Oct 2024 | €2463.00 | |
Nepalese Rupee
11 hours
The climate in the Nepalese Himalayas can vary, in winter days are warm, but nights and early morning can be surprisingly cool and even cold especially when at high altitude. The rest of the year temperature can exceed 30 degrees Celsius with clear skies, however at altitude the temperatures are lower, it is important to remember the strength of the sun. Heavy rain can also affect the region; however, this is uncommon outside of monsoon season which runs from June until September. Please see the 'What to Pack section' for more details on clothes recommended to take.
Relax at the end of your Nepalese trekking holiday with a stay in the charming village of Nagarkot. Situated on the edge of Kathmandu Valley its location offers spectacular sunset views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest.
View Tour + Extension
Once a famous hunting ground for the gallant rulers of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is spread over 1,344km2 and is one of the biggest national parks in India. Choose this extension to experience a variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, deer and much more.
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