All of my treks in this region take place in the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is an area of natural stunning beauty and is supported by the Kings Trust for Nature Conservation. The management of land, alternative power sources and environmental protection are all supported by the Trust.
The area is 200km to the west of Kathmandu and directly north of Pokhara. It is easily accessible by road or by air. As strong as the lure of the Everest region is, this in my opinion is the better trekking area; it is greener, the rural life here is permanent (not reliant on trekkers) and it has a huge variety of treks both easy/moderate up to challenging.
Click here to go to the Everest Page
Treks available in the Annapurna Area:
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Annapurna Base Camp (out soon) |
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This convenient 2 week trip packs a lot in - perfect for first timers to Nepal
If you have not been to Nepal or are perhaps restricted to 2 weeks (or both!) then this is the trip for you. This convenient 16 day round trip gives you enough of this wonderful country to have you wanting to come back for more. Experience the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and the contrasting tranquility of Pokhara, from where the trek will start. After a short acclimatisation period in Kathmandu, a drive through the countryside will take you to Pokhara and straight out onto a half day trek.
For the next 7 days you will trek through some magnificent scenery with constant views of the snow capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before heading north up the Kali Gandaki valley. The early days of this trek show you just how well these very friendly people cope with living in this environment; self sufficient farming using the very extensive terraced hill sides, all dug by hand over decades. By day 3, you will be deep into the rhododendron forests of Tadapani and with luck you will see plenty of monkeys.
This trek has no major issues with altitude as the maximum sleeping altitude is ~2900m (Ghorepani). The 'not to be missed' side trip up to Poon Hill (dawn photographic opportunity) attains an altitude of 3200m.
By the time you descend to Tatopani, you will have earned the very welcome sight of the natural hot springs, which will no doubt ease any aches and pains that you may have! The final 3 days up the valley demonstrates just how deep this valley is with some of the biggest mountains in the world looking down on you.
It is amazing to believe but the 20 min flight from Jomson back to Pokhara flies right along your trekking route that has just taken you 8 days to complete! It is time to relax and enjoy the chilled out atmosphere of Pokhara.
Fantastic opportunities exist in Pokhara for paragliding, microliting, mountain biking and white water rafting. A further flight back to Kathmandu and the final shopping opportunity before heading back to London.
Booking form
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Details
25 Oct - 9 Nov 08
3 - 18 Apr 09
17 Apr - 2 May 09
Price: from £750
No of Days: 16 (UK - UK)
Min/Max Group Size: 4/16
Includes: All group accommodation in Nepal, all group ground transportation, return airport transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara, internal flights as per itinerary (including taxes), all trekking permit fees, Guide and Porterage fees.
Excludes: International flights, food, personal travel insurance, gratuities (Guides and Porters), Tourist Entry Visa (~£13), International (~£13) and internal (~£3) Departure Taxes (Nepal), personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Download full itinerary
Tourist Visa required for UK Nationals. |
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The natural hot springs
of Tatopani are a welcome
relief after 5 days trekking!
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| Brief Itinerary |
| Day 1 |
Overnight flight to Kathmandu. |
| Day 2 |
Arrive Kathmandu mid afternoon, transfer to hotel, evening free to explore. |
| Day 3 |
Culture tour of Kathmandu (optional). Late afternoon/evening free. |
| Day 4 |
Drive to Pokhara, straight into a half day trek. |
| Days 5 – 11 |
For the next 7 days the group will trek through some of the most stunning scenery in the world, ending at the mountain airstrip of Jomson. |
| Day 12 |
Early morning flight over the spectacular Annapurna range to Pokhara.
Remainder of the day to recover and explore this wonderful town. |
| Day 13 |
Pokhara – free day, maybe paragliding or microliting? |
| Day 14 |
Early flight back to Kathmandu. Remainder of the day to explore. |
| Day 15 |
Most of the day to explore, evening flight back to London. |
| Day 16 |
Arrive London early morning. |
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The famous Annapurna Circuit is long, spectacular,
goes over the 5416m Thorung La Pass
and is undoubtedly a challenge
- but an achieveable one.
Rise to it! |
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Details
22 Oct - 16 Nov 08 (good to go)
26 Feb - 22 Mar 09
21 Mar - 14 Apr 09
17 Apr - 11 May 09
Price: from £790
No of Days: 25 (UK - UK)
Min/Max Group Size: 4/16 Includes: All group accommodation in Nepal, all group ground transportation, return airport transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara, internal flights as per itinerary, all trekking permit fees, Guide and Porterage fees.
Excludes: International flights, food, personal travel insurance, gratuities (Guides and Porters), Tourist Entry Visa (~£13), International (~£13) and internal (~£3) Departure Taxes (Nepal), personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Download full itinerary
Tourist Visa required for UK Nationals. |
The Annapurna Circuit is reputed to be the best long distance trek in the world - and it has a 5* claim.
This is not just a trip.....it's one of life's great experiences; there is little to compare with setting off on this challenging 18 day circuit of the Annapurna range of mountains. This itinerary takes 18 days, it can be done in 16 days with no rest (apart from the acclimatisation day in Manang) but it is wise to keep 2 days in hand to counter adverse weather conditions, any illnesses/injuries and to even break up one or two of the longer days.
After a short settling in period in Kathmandu, you are out onto the Circuit to experience several vast changes in terrain, culture and altitude. The rate of ascent is nice and slow to Manang, where you need to acclimatise for a day before moving up into the higher and of course more potentially dangerous altitude. The Thorung La is the highest Pass in the world and after reaching it (pre-dawn start) you rapidly descend into Muktinath. Muktinath is special in itself in that it is one of the two prime Hindu/Buddhist shrines in Nepal.
This area of Muktinath, Kagbeni through Jomson and onto Marpha is heavily Buddhist for you are now on the border of Upper Mustang, formerly of Tibet. This is complete contrast to the Manang area and for some reason, it appears much warmer! You are heading into the Kali Gandaki valley now and it's all downhill (well almost) for a few days to Tatopani before ascending once again to Ghorepani (and Poon Hill). The exit comes too early although by now you will be tired! Look back over your shoulder as you do, you surely will wish that you were back in amongst those hills!
Pokhara is the perfect place to recharge your batteries; it is tranquil and yet full of life. There is plenty to do whether it be microliting, paragliding or just lazing about in the excellent resort. Finally, it's back to Kathmandu, final shopping or browsing around before your flight home. If you were to choose just one trek - this should be it. Booking form
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| Day 1 |
Overnight flight to Kathmandu |
| Day 2 |
Arrive Kathmandu mid afternoon, transfer to hotel, evening free to explore. |
| Day 3 |
Culture tour of Kathmandu (optional). Late afternoon/evening free. |
| Day 4 |
Transfer to the start point by bus or flight/bus and begin the trek |
| Days 5 - 20 |
For the next 17 days, you will trek through spectacular mountain scenery, lush in forests slowly rising to the regional captial Manang. You will acclimatise here for a day and then continue rising up the valley to Thorung Phedi from where the ascent over the Thorung La Pass will begin in earnest. By the 11th day, you will reach Jomson assuming all is well! You are now on the western side of the Annapurnas and you will notice an immediate change in the scenery and indeed culture. The trekking style changes too for you now trek down the flat river bed of the Kali Ghandaki before descending further into Tatopani where the natural hot springs await your arrival. You will be tired by now and you may well choose to use up one of your spare days in breaking up the long ascent to Ghorepani. There is an excellent chance here to get up to Poon Hill pre-dawn for a cracking photo opportunity of the mountain ranges around you. From Ghorepani, once again the scenery changes as you begin the final day(s) of the Circuit. The road journey from the end to Pokhara is just 90 mins. |
Days 21/22 |
48 hr rest in Pokhara |
| Day 23 |
Fly to Kathmandu, free day |
| Day 24 |
Free day before an evening flight back to London |
| Day 25 |
Arrive London early morning |
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Rhododendrons and Monkeys! |
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This is a lovely leisurely paced 8 day trek using the mountain tea houses in the lower regions of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
As the name suggests, this trek is designed to coincide with the full bloom of the Rhododendron forests in this region, which also attract (and is home to) many colonies of wild grey monkeys. These are not the sort that come down and feed from your hands; these are wild and shy although at a decent distance they are very visible and a joy to watch for a while.
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Details
21 Mar - 4 Apr 09
Price: £720
No of Days: 15 (UK - UK)
Min/Max Group Size: 4/16
Tour Begins/Ends: Kathmandu
Includes: All group accommodation in Nepal, all group ground transportation, arrival airport transfers in Kathmandu, airport transfer in Pokhara, internal flight as per itinerary, all trekking permit fees, Guide and Porterage fees.
Excludes: International flights, food, personal travel insurance, gratuities (Guides and Porters), Tourist Entry Visa (~£13), International (~£13) and internal (~£3) Departure Taxes (Nepal), personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Download full itinerary
Tourist Visa required for UK Nationals.
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Acclimatise in Kathmandu with some sight seeing before driving to Pokhara and straight on to the start of your 8 day/7 night trek to see some wonderful villages tucked away in this area. The scenery is truly stunning, not least for the almost constant view of the Fishtail mountain and the mighty Annapurnas. The early part of the trek demonstrates just how good these resourceful people are at managing their precious land; the terracing stretches for miles! After 3 days we begin to hit the forests themselves, which are full of life including the grey monkeys and of course the rhododendrons.
Whilst visiting trekkers are commonplace, the Tea Houses in this area do not exist because of them. It will be plain to see that this region is their true home; they raise animals, work the land and share resources to live a simple but happy life.
You will trek to Chomrung, which is where the ascent to the Annapurna Base Camp begins (just 3 days away), then up through the delightful Tadapani and eventually onto Ghorepani. This is the highest village you will ascend to from where you can trek up to Poon Hill and catch a spectacular sunrise early in the morning (weather permitting!). You will not want to leave these hills even after just 8 days; this area will just steal your heart.
Cap it all off with a relaxing 2 night stay at the Lake View Resort in Pokhara (no trekking!), or try your hand at microliting or paragliding. Finally we fly back to Kathmandu prior to your journey back to the UK.
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A leisurely morning stoll through the tranquil Annapurna countryside! |
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9 - 29 Aug 08
Price: £1599
No of Days: 21 (UK - UK)
Min/Max Group Size: 5/10
UK leader
Includes: All group accommodation in Nepal, all group ground transportation, return airport transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara, internal flights as per itinerary (including taxes), all trekking permit fees, entry fee to Upper Mustang, Guide and Porterage fees.
Excludes: International flights, food, personal travel insurance, gratuities (Guides and Porters), Tourist Entry Visa, International Departure Tax (Nepal), personal spending and excursions not detailed in the itinerary.
Full downloadable itinerary will be available very shortly.
Tourist Visa required for UK Nationals.
Both trekking permits will be obtained on your behalf (ACAP and Upper Mustang) |
Upper Mustang is a small region locked back in time; precisely how they like it.
It remains today a restricted area and as if to emphasize that fact, a US$700 (~£360) entry fee is payable for a 10 day visit!
You cannot enter this enclave alone or as a group without an authorised Guide
and it is well controlled. |
Where is Upper Mustang?
Mustang is a district that lies in the Annapurna region.
The district runs from the village of Ghase, north on the Kali Gandaki river, through Jomson and Kagbeni and right up to the base of the Himalaya, over which lies Tibet. Kagbeni lies in a narrow passage (pictured left), which effectively guards the route into what is known as Upper Mustang.
It is a restricted area of strong Tibetan influence that was only opened for 'outsiders' in 1991. Mustang is in the Himalayan rain shadow and subsequently has less rain than the rest of Nepal and as such is very barren, much like Tibet. The culture and traditions in Upper Mustang are incredibly old and has to be witnessed to be believed.
Why So Pricey??
The price of this trip appears on the high side compared to others because of two reasons:
It's location requires 2 return internal flights (4 flights in total, but good ones at that!) in order to keep this trip down to a reasonable time frame.
Not only is Upper Mustang in the ACAP area (requires a permit), it also requires that whopping US$700 entry fee just to cross its border. Both fees are included in the price. |
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The barren plains in Upper Mustang |
The 'Kagbeni gap' beyond which
lies Upper Mustang |
Previously part of Tibet, it remains Tibetan in all but name. It's culture, traditions, language are all as they were decades ago. This is a very special place and the local high entry fee keeps it that way.
This fantastic journey begins with two internal flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then onto the mountain airstrip of Jomson. This is a wonderful way to begin the trip as the latter 35 min flight crosses much of the lower Annapurna area (including the ridge top village of Ghorepani) and then turns north up the Kali Gandaki river. On arrival at Jomson, you make your way along the ammonite littered river bed and to Kagbeni where the Upper Mustang experience really begins.
It takes the full 10 days to trek deep into this barren land, reach the captial Lo Manthang (which in Tibetan means 'Plain of Aspiration') and return. The route crosses several high Passes (max 4010m) as we stay on the west side of the valley. The monsoon season will have ensured that the river will have swollen much higher than the trekkers will have seen in the spring. The conditions here are basic, there are no hotels (let alone luxury ones!) so even though we will use Tea Houses throughout, expect nothing fancy except its charm and raw character. It is also remote, several days at it's furthest from civilisation as we know it.
To see this unique place at its best, the post monsoon season has been chosen so stand by for some fantastic scenery.
Booking form
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| Day 1 |
Depart London, overnight flight to Kathmandu |
| Day 2 |
Arrive Kathmandu mid/late afternoon, transfer to hotel, evening free to explore. |
| Day 3 |
Culture tour of Kathmandu (optional). Late afternoon/evening free. |
| Day 4 |
Fly to Pokhara, rest of day at leisure |
| Day 5 |
Fly to Jomsom (approx 25mins), trek to Kagbeni (2800m, approx 4hrs) |
| Days 6 - 16 |
For the next 11 days we trek through the totally unspoilt, barren and Tibetan stronghold of Upper Mustang. We follow the riverbed of the Kali Gandaki (probably swollen from the monsoon) and climb high above it on the western side through villages as we go. The highest point on the trek is day 2 as we go over the Yamdo La pass at 4010m; beyond this point you may see the mountain of Niligiri no more behind you. You really are quite deep into Upper Mustang now. Some settlements are just white washed houses; all of them isolated. On day 4 you will see what has to be the main contender for the longest Mani wall in Nepal. It is more than 400m long and stands 2.5m high.
Eventually, having crossed a desert like terrain you will reach the walled capital, Lo Manthang, where you will spend 2 days.
The return route, whilst going through the same places goes via an alternative route.
Route: Chele (3100m), Tama Gaon (3740m), Ghemi (3510m), Charang (3560m), Lo Manthang (3840m), Ghemi, Chele, Kagbeni and Jomson. |
| Days 17/18 |
Fly back to Pokhara and then rest and relax doing whatever you wish. You can sit by the lake and watch the world go by or just shop or make use of the world class paragliding and microliting facilities available. |
| Day 19 |
Early flight to Kathmandu, free time |
| Day 20 |
Free day, evening flight to UK |
| Day 21 |
Arrive UK |
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International flights. Whilst I do not include international flights in my prices, if you wish I will suggest a specific flight and airline between London and Kathmandu to suit your trip. You are free to choose your own of course and it gives you the flexibility to fly in and out of Kathmandu when you wish.
Food. Many companies include food in their trek prices (I do not), which is understandable when on a tented trek, there is no option. On a Tea House trek there is an option. If you have a pre-paid food trip then you must eat what they provide, when they provide it and how much they provide. If you don't like it - tough! Don't get me wrong, the food will be of an excellent standard, there will be plenty of it but it does not give you any flexibility.
In Tea Houses, the menus on offer are more varied than you would imagine and it is inexpensive. My policy is simply to allow you to eat what you want, when you want and how much you want. It allows greater flexibility particularly if you are not feeling too well or you need more of it to boost your energy levels!
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