Trek the Annapurna Sanctuary, Fly Everest

The trek was really memorable, like the magical morning when we hiked through a steep, narrow canyon after a heavy snowfall during the night - rhododendrons in full bloom capped with snow, and the river winding its way through snowy cliffs lit by a bright sun.

           Robert Aumann
  Friends in High Places guest

Enchantment amidst the Snows

18 Days: 13 Days Trekking, Everest Flight
Optional 5 days White Water Rafting
From only $1,299 per person, fully inclusive
Trek-only from $799
Full Service Tented Trekking from $1,499

The best of the best.This trip starts with sightseeing in the ancient Kathmandu Valley, then wings you to Everest and the other great mountains for an hour of cruising the Top of the World. Every seat is a window seat on this flight, and the Captain makes two full passes, so every one gets a perfect view of the icy peaks.

Then trek through the lush middle hills, full of farms and forests and inhabited by sturdy Gurung and Magar peoples. Your goal is the exquisite Annapurna Sanctuary, a gem-like bowl set in and completely surrounded by the peaks of the Annapurna Massif. You will visit both Machhapucchare and Annapurna Base Camps.

Take the optional five day white water rafting trip after your trek, instead of returning to Kathmandu. The Kali Gandaki river is large and strong, but the pace on this fully inclusive program is moderate with class 3+ and 4 rapids alternating with calm water for peaceful paddling. Snow capped peaks, farm terraces, and a derelict "Indiana Jones" palace decorate the riverside as you go.

Trip Highlights Include...

Mount Everest, up close and personal, plus a host of other spectacular mountains.

13 days tented trek, including full camp, food, staff, & permits.

The treasures of the Kathmandu Valley: Dazzling temples, crafts, and fine arts.

Accommodations in good hotels, sightseeing, guides, and fees.

All domestic transportation by air and ground, in Kathmandu and to and from Trek.

Unforgettable Memories

One of our previous guests has written up her experiences on this route and the Annapurna Circuit, which she and her friend did as one trek. You might enjoy her journal.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Kathmandu. Airport pickup, hotel check-in.

Day 2

Morning sightseeing, afternoon free. Evening trek briefing.

Day 3

Everest flight early morning. Afternoon free to relax, shop, orÉ? Our staff will answer your equipment questions, and assist with hiring or purchasing any- thing you need.

Day 4

Fly to Pokhara, Nepal's "second city". Trek to the village of Dhampus, about 2 hours from town..

Day 5

Head north along the Modi Khola river, through forest and farms. Stay in Landrung, above the river.

Day 6

Farther north today, and gaining altitude, to the town of Chomrong.

Day 7

Cross 10,000 feet today, and camp at Bamboo.

Day 8

Climb higher today, still close to the river. Camp at the Himalayan campsite.

Day 9

Machhapucchare Base Camp today. Now you are totally enclosed in the great Himalaya.

Day 10

Trek two hours across the Sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp today, and then explore the area.

Day 11

Descend past both base camps and below 13,000 feet. Camp near Bagar.

Day 12

Descend more today, and set camp near Doban.

Day 13

Return to Chomrong today.

Day 14

A shorter day to Ghandrung. Time to explore this large and prosperous town, home to many retired British Gurkha soldiers.

Day 15

South to Birethanti, a small, pretty town set beside a boulder-filled river.

Day 16

In the morning, walk out to the road, and drive back to Pokhara. Afternoon flight back to Kathmandu.

Day 17

In Kathmandu. Sightseeing, shopping, or what-have-you.

Day 18

Transfer to the airport and depart. Baggage and check-in assistance, of course!

In Kathmandu

Two thousand years of culture overflow the spectacular Kathmandu Valley. On Day 2 you explore old Kathmandu, the temple-filled Palace Square and the hilltop temple of Swayambunath.

On Day 17 you time-travel back to the middle ages at Bhaktapur - the city of devotees . Then the riverside temple of Pashupatinath and the 5th century stupa at Baudhanath, respectively the holiest spots in Nepal for Hindus and Buddhists.

And there's plenty of time to explore on your own, with our suggestions.

Extend Your Trip

Special Feature for this Program

Rafting! 5 Days, from only $350 For those who elect, there's five awesome days of rafting on the Kali Gandaki River. Rafters will stay behind in Pokhara on Day 16. Days 17 through 21 are spent on-river. Return to Kathmandu on Day 22 for sightseeing, and depart Nepal on day 23.

India: 5 Days from only $675
Visit the Taj Mahal, ride camels in the desert, stay in a palace, and wander ancient bazaars.

Tibet: 8 Days from only $900
Journey overland to Lhasa thru high Tibet. 3 days sightseeing in Lhasa, and fly back to Kathmandu.

Both Programs include hotels, transportation, sightseeing with English-speaking guide, all permits and entrance fees.

Program Summary

18 Days: Annapurna Sanctuary, Everest Flight 5 days Kathmandu, 13 day trek, Everest flight, optional rafting