The trek is renowned as one of the most spectacular and
diverse walks on the planet with lush green valleys and fascinating villages
that offer impressive snow-capped views of the White Himalayas since its
opening in 1977. It passes along paddy fields, subtropical forests, several
waterfalls, gigantic cliffs, and various popular villages with mountain
communities of Gurungs, Manangies, Thakalis and Magars. Two massive Marsyangdi
River and Kaligandaki River are to be crossed several times to complete this trek.
The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif
(Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna and Tilicho
Peak. Numerous peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range. The
highest point of the trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass (5416m) at the top of
the valley. Basically all trekkers hike the route counter clockwise, as then
the daily altitude gain is slower and crossing the high Thorong La pass is
easier and safer. The geographical structure along the trekking trail changes
dramatically around and rich diverse group of wild animals and birds such as
Danfe (Pheasant) long tail birds and animal like snow leopard, Jackal and blue
sheep can be entertained on the way.
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport with the
beautiful views of the valley, Himalaya and the terraced fields below. Meet
& be greeted by Donkeys Adventures’ (DA) airport
representative in the arrival section who will be holding the name card of the
group leader. He / She will guide you through the initial cultural shock of
Kathmandu narrow streets, cultures, people around and transfer to hotel. Then
DA will organize to meet in a
traditional Nepalese restaurant for a welcome dinner where we will have
introduction to DA staffs who will be directly involve during your stay in
Nepal. For the late night arrivals, we will either meet in the hotel lobby or
during lunch the next day. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: D
After breakfast, drive to the golden spire of
the 5th-century Swayambhunath Stupa which is adorned
with a colorful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the
Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu. The
stupa consists of a dome at the base which represent the entire world, above
which is a cubical structure painted with eyes of Buddha looking in all four
directions and between them, the number one in Nepali is painted in the fashion
of a nose which meant to be unity. Swayambhunath is also known commonly as the Monkey
Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the
temple. The
Swayambhunath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of
the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal.
Then, drive to Patan Durbar Square one of the three royal cities in the
Kathmandu Valley which has a rich cultural heritage known for its fine crafts,
evident in the elaborate architecture, stone carvings, and metal statues found
all over the city. A center of both Buddhist and Hindu culture, Patan is home
to more than 1,200 monuments. One of the most stunning is the Krishna Mandir, a
stone temple with magnificent friezes built in the 16th century. Patan Durbar
Square is also a good place to see beautiful examples of palaces, temples and
shrines, and the stunning stone carvings in the Sundari Courtyards. Nearby is the Patan
Museum which displays the traditional sacred arts of Nepal in an
illustrious architectural setting. Its home is an old residential court of
Patan Durbar, one of the royal palaces of former Malla Kings of the Kathmandu
Valley. Its gilded door and window face one of the most beautiful squares in
the world. The Museum’s exhibits cover
along span of Nepal’s cultural history and some rare objects are among its
treasures. Their meaning and context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained. The entire city of Patan was designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1979.
After lunch, drive to Pashupatinath which is one of
the most significant Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the
banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath
Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu its existence dates back to 400
B.C. One of the major Festivals of the
temple is Maha Shivaratri on which day over 800,000 devotees
visit here. Open air cremation is
done in the holy Bagmati River at Pashupatinath area. The temple is
listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Drive back to hotel.
Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
After breakfast we will pack our backpack and begin our
journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m). We will begin to drive exiting from
Thankot and dropping down to almost 400 meters on a narrow bending road of Prithivi
Highway, and soon we will be driving through the scenic foothills and ridge
line along the Trishuli River until Muglin and then Durme around lunch time
from where we will take a right turn and leave the highway to Pokhara. The
narrow road along the Marshyangdi River between the terrace field and green
hills with some glimpse of mountain view will take you to Besisahar (760m). We
will check in in the lodge and hang around the last big bazar in the region.
Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, we will begin our off road drive from
Besisahar which use to be starting point for the whole Annapurna Region Trek
for a long time. We will drive many ups and down along the Marshyangdi River
and crossing it for couple of times. We can enjoy a front view of many admiring
amazing Himalayas including Lamjung Himal,
Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7525m) and reach Bagarchhap (2160m), a Bhotia village
with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending
through forests of pine and oak, we pass through a valley surrounded by apple
orchards, Dhanakyu (2300m) before coming to a thundering waterfall.
Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trail follows a
rock-strewn path. Soon we will enter the pristine hamlet of Koto
(2600m), from where we can grasp the most enchanting view of Annapurna
II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated
iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame (2710m). Chame is the
administrative headquarter of Manang district. There is electricity, wireless
station, schools, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels,
lodges and banks that are found in Chame. The hot springs are the major
attraction of this place. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
Today we will wake up early in the morning for mesmerizing sight of the
glowing Lamjung Himal (6893m), have our breakfast and begin our trek. Our trail
meanders through barley field leading to Telekhu (2720m). No sooner we will
follow a relatively easy trail up through an apple orchard probably the biggest
in Nepal at the pristine hamlet village of Baratang (2850m). We will leave the road track and cross the Marsyangdi River to
follow the trail where a stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built,
we will also pass through the ruined buildings of old Baratang village and
cross the mighty river again. After leaving the forested village, we will start
advance trail through a steep and narrow valley to have our first view of Paungri
Danda, dramatic curved rock face and soon after crossing the Swargadwari bridge
another view of Swargadwari Danda, a massive sloping rock face that rises 1500m
above the trail. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II
rising up on the east with Pisang Peak on the north-east. We will cross the
Marsyangdi River one more time after a tiny village of Dhikur Pokhari (3060m)
and then ascend towards the traditional and cultural village of Upper
Pisang (3300m). Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, we will continue out trek further beyond Pisang leaving
the road track across the river and climb to the village called Ghyaru
(3670m). During the trek in those steep ridge trail, beautiful sights
of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak can be entrained. We will further
continue in the level trail with beautiful Mani wall on the way and no sooner
reach Nawal village (3660m), which is popular for the flat roof stone
buildings and monasteries and guarantees outstanding views of Annapurna &
Pisang Peak. This village lies just above the Humde airport (3280m),
which is the only airfield in the district and only operates chartered flights.
We will leave the Chulu Climbing Route behind and continue our trek and descend
until we reach Mugje village (3330m). Then we will again continue the road
track along the cultivated fields and after a while we arrive at the village of
Bryaga
(3360m) with a splendid monastery. Here we begin to notice a contrast
in the landscape and vegetation and cold and dry climate also creates a much
harsher environment. After a short visit to the Barge Gompa we will continue our trek along with the farming
terraces and reach Manang (3540m). Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
Today will be the rest day and we will go slow after
breakfast. In order to be fit for the rest of our trekking days we will hike
today to either, Bhojo Gumba for a panoramic beauty of the Annapurna mountain
range and the Manang Valley or we can hike down to the river to view marvelous
ice fall overlapping the mountain peaks. We also have option to hike to Gangapurna
Lake or hike to Ice Lake (4600m) above Braga village
and a short visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association aid post where we can
take some information and ideas about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is
always a best to gain altitude in day time and return back to our lodge for a
good night rest which makes you acclimatized in the area. Overnight in the
lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After Breakfast, we will trek out of Marshyangdi valley
turning northwest crossing a stream and climb to the village of Tenki
(3690m) up to the valley of Gunsang (3950m), a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead.
From there we will descend a bit until Ghyanchang Khola and then again take a
steep climb in the rich forests of barberry and junipers, where horses and yaks
graze until we reach Yak Kharka (4050m) for our lunch through
an ancient old Mani wall. We will trek beyond the lush green vegetation of
scrub juniper and alpine grasses with a spectacular vistas of the Annapurna
mountain range as it steadily gains elevation. We will continue out trek until
we reach the large stream that flows from Chulu West and Gungang Himal and then
further ascend towards Ledar (4200m). Overnight in the
lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast we will trek away from Ledar, we climb gradually to a ridge
before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and cross Kone Khola via
a wooden bridge. Wild horses and blue sheep grazing around can be visible at
this point. Just above the river we might get to drink the much needed hot tea
and coffee in the small hut. The vegetation starts to vanish and we will climb
in the Rocky Mountains until we reach Thorang Fedi (4525m). We will be
rewarded with one of the best vies of Gungang Himal in the right and Syagang,
Thorang Peak and Khatungkang on our front left view. We will take our lunch
there and steady walk upwards continuously to reach Thorang High Camp (4925m).
The food and accommodation at that point will be highly appreciated. Overnight
in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
We will start early today for the ultimate crossing of Thorang
La Pass (5416m) one of the biggest in the world. The rocky ridge trail
gets steep immediately on leaving camp, but then the local folks have used this
trail for hundreds of years & the path is well defined. The gradient then
eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and
prayer flags of the pass with a relief to meet our final goal. With the
snow-covered mountains peaks surrounding and being at the top of our trail, we
are presented with a heavenly landscape, which will be stunning our eyes. After
a few photography break, we will descent from the head of the Kali Gandaki
valley with a brown and purple hills of Mustang. The descent to Muktinath is a
1600m trek but the excellent views of Dhaulagiri, more than rewards us for the
tiring journey. We will pass by Chambar Bhu (7180m) for our lunch. Eventually,
the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the
greenery of Thorang Khola Valley to Muktinath (3760m), with its shrines
and temple. It is an important pilgrimage
for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. Overnight in the lodge.
Meals: B / L / D
With the happy face and back to civilization after couple of days we
will visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa
if we missed yesterday and begin our drive to Pokhara. We will be driving
along the Kali Gandaki river bank and reach Jomsom (2720m) passing some
beautiful village like Ranipauwa (3700m), Lubra
pass (3772m) and Lupra village (2790m). Jomsom is spread along both
banks of the Kali Gandaki and from here we get superb views of the Nilgiri
peaks. It also has an airfield which have a daily scheduled flight from
Pokhara. We will further drive along the Kali Gandaki River passing through the
beautiful village like Marpha (2670m), a delightful Thakali
village with a well-planned drainage and road system. Its narrow alleys and
passageways provide good shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki
Gorge. It is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider, apricot and
peach wine. Further we will be driving through the village of Tukuche,
Kalopani, Lete (2480m) and then crossing the deepest Gorge of the world
at Ghasa
(2010m). We will further drive through other beautiful village like Narchang
(1510m) at Tatopani, Beni and take a good Beni Baglung Highway to reach at Pokhara
(825m) at evening. Overnight in the Hotel.
Meals: B / L / D
Wake up early in the morning around 4:00 am
and get ready to drive 5 km away and hike for half an hour to Sarangkot Hill (1592m). Within a moment we
will have great view of Pokhara Valley. Sarangkot is the small hilltop
which is famous for its breath taking view of sunrise and Annapurna
range with Fishtail (Virgin Mountain). From here, we can see a
panoramic sweep of Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167m) in the west to the
perfect pyramid that is Machhapuchare (6997m) and the rounded peak of Annapurna
II (7937m) in the east. Most people come here at dawn, when the sun picks out
the peaks in brilliant colors. Sarangkot is the highest view point for a
sunrise and it is just 1592m high. Drive back to hotel.
After breakfast, we will take a wooden
boat and visit island temple Barahi Temple
which is island itself in the middle of Fewa Lake.
This temple is the most important religious monuments in Pokhara. The Barahi
Devi is considered as the protector Goddess representing the female force. The
peaceful surrounding or typical structure of the temple does attract everyone
towards the temple. The temple is worth visiting for both spiritualist and
materialist. One can observe the Nepali culture, art and architecture and
spiritualist can satisfy their inner feeling and belief praying to Devi.
From there we will cross the
lake and hike for an hour and half to World Peace Pagoda which is also locally
know as Shanti Stupa. It was built by Nipponzan-Myōhōji
monk Morioka Sonin with local supporters under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii,
a Buddhist monk and the founder of Nipponzan-Myōhōji. Shanti is a Sanskrit word
meaning peace, also widely used in Nepali and Hindi language, and Shanti Stupa
means Peace Pagoda. Shanti Stupa is the shrine build as symbol of peace. The
spot situated at the height of 1100 meters on the Ananda Hill was chosen by Nichidatsu
Fujii and he laid the foundation stone as well with the relics of Buddha on the
hilltop on 12 September 1973. Nepal has two of the eighty peace pagodas in the
world: Shanti Stupa in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and Shanti Stupa in Pokhara.
Shanti Stupa in Pokhara has also become a tourist attraction. It provides a
panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city and the Fewa Lake.
After Lunch, we will drive to David’s Fall also known as Patale
Chango in Nepali. Patale Chango (Hell's fall), more commonly called
"Devi's or David's Falls" for the tourist with some melodramatic
story behind it. The water from this falls comes from the Fewa Lake flowing to
the Seti. The water plunges into a hole and disappears! In monsoon this sight
is most spectacular. The scenic and natural beauty near the falls is extremely
impressive.
Nearby, across the street of Davi’s fall is a
cave called Gupteshwor Cave. This
venerated cave contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva lingam. It allows
you to clamber through a tunnel behind the shrine, emerging in a damp cavern
adjacent to the thundering waters of Devi’s fall. It has some big hall-size rooms and some
passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value
for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the
condition it was discovered.
Than we will drive to International
Mountain Museum which was established to record document
and chronicle, past and present development of mountaineering activities in the
world in general and to preserve the saga of the momentous feats in the history
of mountaineering in the Himalayan peaks in particular. The foundation stone of
IMM was laid on 1 Dec, 1995. The soft opening of IMM took place on 29 May, 2002
where it was officially opened on 5 Feb, 2004. Drive back to hotel and
overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
Early morning after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive towards Sauraha, Chitwan National Park. Upon arrival our representative will meet and transfer you to resort. On reaching resort, our guest relations officer will brief the guest to give some information about jungle activities and then Check-in at hotel. We will get ready for one of the following jungle activities either Elephant Back Safari or Nature Walk through jungle to observation tower or Dugout Canoe Ride in Rapti River or 2 hours Jeep Safari. 70% of the vegetation is sal tree where more than 700 species wildlife is accommodated, 19 species of snakes, 113 species of fishes and crocodile, 543 species of birds, 68 species of mammals including Bengal Tiger, clouded leopard, sloth bears, golden jackals, leopard cats, one horn rhinoceros, wild elephant, sambar deer, hog deer, four horned antelopes and langurs can be encountered at any time We will return passing through the Tharu Village also famous as Tharu Cultural Tour, along the River Side Sunset View and finally enjoy Tharu Stick Dance Show followed by dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B / L / D
We will enjoy our breakfast with beautiful birds crippling
in the surrounding then check out from the hotel, we will still have some time
if we have missed the jungle activities previous day or if we want to add some
more Jungle activities as we will be driving further east to Kathmandu. Check
in in the hotel get fresh and hang around the narrow bending streets of Thamel
for shopping, night life and spend some leisure time in dining around the
touristic place near by your hotel.
Meals: B
After
breakfast, we will drive to Boudhanath
Stupa, which is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan
Buddhist temple outside Tibet. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha, located about 11 km from the center and
northeastern outskirts of Boudhanath is a stupa. Boudhanath was probably built in the 14th
century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told
regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of
Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the
most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. It was declared World Heritage
Site by UNESCO since 1979. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa
Buddha.
From above, Bodnath Stupa looks
like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. There
are other symbolic numbers here as well: the nine levels of Boudhanath Stupa
represent the mythical Mt. Meru, center of the cosmos; and the 13
rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment,
or "Bodhi" — hence the stupa's name. At the bottom, the stupa is
surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall, with frescoes in the niches. The
mantra of Avalokiteshvara - Om Mani Padme Hum - is carved on the prayer
wheels beside the images of Avalokiteshvara around the base of
the stupa. The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing
in size. As at Swayambhunath, Bodnath is topped with a square tower bearing the
omnipresent Buddha eyes on all four sides. Instead of a
nose is a question-mark-type symbol that is actually the Nepali character for
the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach
enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is the third eye,
symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha. The square tower is topped by a pyramid
with 13 steps, representing the ladder to enlightenment.
Than we will drive 14 km east of Kathmandu and explore the Bhaktapur
Valley. The valley is said to be
founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 AD. It is an inhabited museum of medieval
charm as it retains past glories and structures of the Malla rulers. Throughout
the city there are glorious examples of temples and pagodas dedicated to gods
and goddesses plus palaces, monuments, woodcarvings, sculptures and pottery.
The central area and main attraction is Bhaktapur Durbar
Square featuring The Lion Gate (1696 A.D.) guarded by two enormous stone lions.
Then, visit to The Golden Gate, also said to be the most beautiful and richly
crafted specimen of its kind in the entire world; some have said it's the
loveliest work of art in the whole Kingdom. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows built
in 1427 of brick displays a balcony containing fifty-five windows, each a
masterpiece of woodcarving. An amazing five-storied pagoda, Nyatapola
Temple built in 1702, 108 ft., dominates the Square. It is the tallest temple
in Kathmandu Valley and stands on a series of five terraces. Likewise, visit
another two temples in Durbar Square:
the three-storied Bhairab Nath Temple and the Temple
of Dattatraya. Dattatraya temple is believed, originally was carved out of the
trunk of a tree and subsequently renovated in 1458. Many temples, bahals
(monastery courtyards), and residences, the city is still a living proof of the
highest craft standards in this part of the world. As the visitor wanders
through narrow brick paved streets, many alleys will show hidden shrines and
statues. Clay craftsmanship as well as cloth weaving is still practiced here
very much as in the past. Fourteen kilometers east of Kathmandu, this peaceful,
conservative town stands in sharp contrast to the bustle of its two adjacent
cities.
After lunch, we will drive back to Kathmandu Durbar Square,
while browse around Kathmandu
Durbar Square you will visit Hanuman Dhoka, the old and historic
palace of Kathmandu named after monkey God, Hanuman, a historic seat of
royalty. The Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations also held inside
the court yard here. There is a statue of King Pratap Mall sitting on the stone
pillar in the front and temple of Jagannath from mediaeval period. Within the
walking distance you will find the tall temple of Taleju from 1549 AD, the
large stone statue of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction. The Big Bell
and Big Drum and Hindu Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati peeping from window.
Visit the temple of Kumari, the residence of Living Goddess
within the vicinity. Kumari means the virgin girl. The girl is selected from
Newar Buddhist family. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and
window screen.
Meals: B
Today will be the last day of
our Nepal visit and we will spend today packing
and maybe catching up on some last-minute souvenir shopping for your family,
relatives and friends back home. Check out from the hotel. Meet DA airport representative for farewell
and then drop to Airport for onward journey, with the last minute mountain
views from the sky.
Meals: B
Package Types | 1 PAX | 2-3 PAX | 4-6 PAX | 7-12 PAX | 13-20 PAX | 21-35 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamond | $ 7,221.31 | $ 4,266.36 | $ 3,390.55 | $ 2,980.52 | $ 2,707.24 | $ 2,547.65 |
Gold | $ 5,926.31 | $ 3,506.36 | $ 2,650.55 | $ 2,260.52 | $ 2,007.24 | $ 1,867.65 |
Silver | $ 5,181.68 | $ 3,069.36 | $ 2,225.05 | $ 1,846.52 | $ 1,604.74 | $ 1,476.65 |
Note:
Above prices are valid to book your holiday package until one year from the date of booking only.
Full board complementary for one Group Leader for 16 and above group.
The prices are net and all the applicable taxes are included in the above price (local taxes in Nepal).
All the above prices are subjected to change with prior notice.
Package Types:
Diamond 5 star hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Gold 3 star hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Silver Budget tourist standard hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Pashupatinath / Swayambhunath / Boudhanath / Bhaktapur Durbar Square / Patan Durbar Square / Kathmandu Durbar Square / Sarangkot / Fewa Lake / International Mountain Museum / David's Fall / World Peace Pagoda / Chitwan National Park / Thorang La Pass / Muktinath /