Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge Trek 16 Days

VISIT NEPAL FOR LESS 2004-2005!
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
Season: October to December & February to early May.

Why Lodge Trek?

Lodge trek is cost effective and do not have to carry a lot of camping equipment. Moreover, the money you spend on lodges stays in the local community that contributes to the improvement of the local economy. Also, it is environmentally low impact trekking and is the ideal way to trek, particularly on the popular trek routes where established lodges are readily available. Itinerary provided below is a typical program. However, we can be flexible to trek a little bit off the main trek routes and explore the local lifestyle bit more in detail whenever possible. Discover Asia Travel is committed to preserve the nature and culture wherever it leads tours and treks as well as present the best travel options to its clients. We find the lodge accommodation more comfortable and affordable to our clients as well as meet the eco-tourism theme. Therefore, we request visitors to join us on our Nepal Himalayan treks that uses the lodge accommodation on the popular trek routes and help us promote environmentally sound tourism in the Himalayas.

Highlights of Pokhara Region:

Welcome to Pokhara and the Annapurna Himalayan Range! Pokhara is an extraordinary landscape and one of the most attractive destinations in Nepal. The treasures of Pokhara include the tranquility of Phewa Lake, spectacular views of Annapurna range and Mount Machhapuchhare (6,977 m), luscious green hills, terraced farm slopes, countless species of vegetation, rushing rivers in a tropical-like environment. Pokhara is, since ancient times, the traditional export center for trade with India and Tibet. Merchants from remote Himalayan regions of Nepal, such as Muktinath and Mustang still come here with mule trains.

The Gurungs and Magars are the aboriginal inhabitants and remain the majority in the hill regions. But the urban population is now made up of diverse ethnic groups seeking employment opportunities. The Gurungs and Magars have reputation as hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers.

This calm city of Pokhara serves as a base camp for trekking and rafting trips through the regions of Annapurna and Western Nepal. Baidam on the southeastern end of Phewa Lake and is dominated by restaurants, bars, hotels and shops, is the gathering place for travelers in the western regions of Nepal. The island temple of Barahi is accessible from Baidam by dug out canoes. This two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Ajima. On Saturdays, devotees paddle across the lake carrying live animals for sacrifice.

Bindhyabasini Mandir is a local Hindu temple on the northeast of Phewa Lake in the vicinity of the Old Bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati. Devotees perform animal sacrifices and have picnics in the courtyard on Saturdays. The Old Bazaar area is still the commercial hub of merchants from the remote Himalaya while Phewa Lake is a pleasure spot for holiday maker from around the world!

There are countless other sites of interests in this remarkable land for visitors with a desire to discover Nepal's natural splendor and the cultures of its diverse inhabitants. Our tours, trekking and rafting trips in Pokhara and neighboring regions range from 2 to 16 days and up. Trekking around the Annapurnas, crossing the Thorang Pass also end up in Pokhara and lasts from two to four weeks.

Itinerary: Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge Trek 16 Days:

Day 1 Arrive Kathmadnu.
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Kathmandu to Pokhara by Road
Early morning breakfast, drive to Pokhara, and camp by the Phewa Lake side. Kathmandu to Pokhara by road takes about 7 hours and is a scenic drive.

DAY 3 Trek to Dampus Village
We will have an early morning breakfast and begin trek in Pokhara. The morning part of the trek is mostly walking through terraced farmlands and villages and is an easy one. Lunch is served en-route at a local inn. After lunch, the trail climbs up for about two hours until we reach Dampus village. Today's trek is a very scenic one. We can see exhilarating views of the Annapurna mountain range from here. Dampus is situated on a hill slope and is a mix of Gurung and Magar ethnic settlement with guesthouses and teahouses. The mountain views and scenic valley seen from here is very spectacular. Overnight at lodge.

DAY 4 Trek to Landruk Village
Breakfast will follow once you are ready. The morning part of the trek is a gradual uphill and goes through a thin forest all along the trail. Some parts of the trek, we will see Himalayan orchids on the trees, different types of vegetation including some tropical broadleaf vines. We will also pass by teahouses, lodges and scattered small settlements as we trek. We will experience spectacular views of the majestic mountains and the valleys throughout the day. Lunch will be served on the way. Landruk is a small Gurung village with couple of guesthouses. Overnight at lodge.

Day 5 Trek to Chhomjung Village
We trek through scattered farmlands and slopes to Madi Khola. Then, the trail climbs up until we reach Chhomrong. Trek to Chhomrong is easy and quite scenic. Once we reach Chhomrong, it unfolds the spectacular views of the towering peaks above, mount Machhapuchhare (fishtail), Annapurna south, and Hiunchuli and of course the scenic evergreen gorge between these mountains. Chhomrong is a small Gurung village, and a superb resort destination. Overnight at lodge.

Day 6 Trek to Himalayan Hotel
Today, we wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Machhapuchhare peak. After breakfast, we begin our trek through a scenic slope, directly below and at the extreme lower shoulders of Annapurna South. Now, we are entering the Annapurna Conservation Project leaving all the village settlements behind. However, we encounter local inns along the trail every now and then. The trail is easy and short one. However, on occasions, we trek over steep slopes where we should be very careful. Since this being a mountain jungle trail, you will experience rough to slippery trails like any other Nepalese trails. So, watch for your steps, and ask your guide for help when necessary. The superb mountain views and green scenery will be constant until we reach the upper alpine environment. Overnight at lodge.

Day 7 Trek to Machhapuchhare Base Camp
We wake up early, have breakfast and begin our trek. Today, we trek to Machhapuchhare Base Camp. The trail gradually climbs up along the Modhi River, directly below and extreme lower shoulder of Hiunchuli Peak. As we trek up, the gorge becomes narrower and the forest becomes thinner. From Bagar, where we take our lunch break, we begin to see spectacular snow capped mountain views. The trek is rather short and easy one, but it is a high altitude trek. So, we take it easy and trek at a slow pace until we reach the Machhapuchhare Base Camp and get up close and personal with it! Do not be surprised by the lodges and local inns here with micro-electric generators. Here, we will be surrounded by stunning views of the majestic mountains. Look around for mountain goats in the mornings and afternoons in the grassy mountain slopes. Ask your guide to show you if you cannot see them. They are very well camouflaged. However, we can show them to you if we see them first! Overnight at lodge.

Day 8 Trek to Annpurna Base Camp and Relax
Must get up early to see the sun rise over the high peaks. Then, after breakfast, with a pack lunch, we trek to Annapurna Base Camp to view the massif walls of the Annapurna peaks, the icefalls and the magnificent mountain scenery. Then, return to camp and relax the remaining day. The Annapurna and Machhapuchhare Base Camps are completely surrounded by towering icy peaks except the little opening to the southwest, the way we came up. The views are truly stunning and beautiful. Despite the high elevation, the trek is not actually that difficult. The mornings and evenings can be extremely cold while bright daytime can be quite hot because of the sun's reflection from the towering icy peaks.

Day 9 Trek to Dovan
Today, we trek back to Dovan. The same trail we trekked up. However, trekking down hill is much harder for some people. So, be careful and watch your steps. Overnight at lodge.

Day 10 Trek to Chhomrung Village
Trekking back to Chhomrung is fun and we renew the superb views of the valleys and mountains once again. Overnight at lodge.

Day 11 Trek to Tadapani
After breakfast and shooting photos of the spectacular mountains, we begin our trek to Tadapani (means the water is far away) on a hilltop, surrounded by dense rhododendron forest. Now, Tadapani has a few tourist lodges despite its name. The name is not mythological, but real that there is no water around Tadapani. To get the precious water, one has to go a few miles downhill or on the slope of the mountain to reach the nearest stream or well. The trek today is rather gradual uphill until you reach Tadapani. The trail is mostly through the forest. So, it should be a cool uphill trek. Overnight at lodge.

DAY 12 Trek to Gorepani
Today, we trek through heavy forest, but mostly rhododenron forests. You will have scenic views every now and then. At a later part of the day the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range appears and is spectacular including the beautiful surrounding valleys. The views from Gorepani and its top Poon hill are stunning. Overnight at lodge.

DAY 13 Trek to Tikhedunga, Birethanti or Naya Pool
Today, you will realize and appreciate that it was worth trekking the up hills of Nepal. The day to view the most mountains with stunning views. So, get up very early around 3:30 to 4:00 AM, have hot tea or coffee and trek uphill with your flashlight to pun hill and catch the sunrise over the mountains. Here, you will feel that it is worth trekking uphill in spite of the difficulties. After you have fulfilled your desire, we will trek down hill. It is an easy trek down and through the rhododendron forest and villages. The mule traffic with loads of winter food for Mustang can be seen along the trail. So, be careful! When you approach a mule, stay against the mountain, but not at the edge of the mountain or trailside. Overnight at lodge.

DAY 14 trek to Naudanda
Today's trek is a very lively one as you will see many local passerby, mule trains, and tourists. The morning part of the trek is easy gradual downhill along the river until you reach Birethanti, a riverside town and resort destination. Here, take a short break for scenic observation and fetch some cold drinks before or after crossing the suspension bridge. Then, trek along the river until the trail climbs up. It is about an hour and half-uphill trek until you reach Chandrakot. From here, the trek is gradual uphill through scenic villages. Arrive Naudanda and camp. The spectacular views of the Annapurna front yard unfold once again. Alternative option is that we take vehicle from Naya Pool to Naudanda. Overnight at lodge.

DAY 15 Trek to Pokhara
Again, we get up early to catch the sunrise over the mountains. The view we will experience today is breath taking. After breakfast, we trek through villages along the ridge to Pokhara by the Phewa Lake side.
Today is end of trek and you see of most of your trek staff. Overnight at lodge or hotel.

Day 16 Pokhara-Kathmandu by flight or road
Early morning wake up, breakfast if time permits, and transfer to the airport or bus station to Kathmandu.

VISIT NEPAL FOR LESS 2004-2005!
Trek Cost Per Person In US Dollars:

Trek Price Includes:
Two night hotel in Kathmandu at two star boutique hotel or a quality none star hotel, Thirteen nights accommodation in lodges with basic comfort along the trek route (best available lodges) with hot and cold shower,
All meals while on trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner),
Trekking guide and porters,
Transfers on arrival and departures and to domestic flights,
All local transfers from Pokhara,

Trek Price Excludes:
Personal travel equipment, personal expenses, travel insurance, and beverages, Kathmandu-Pokhara one way airfare US$80 per person and roundtrip Airfare US$160 per person, Tourist bus to US$20 one way and roundtrip US$40 per person, Annapurna Conservation Area Project entrance fee US$28 per person, Staff insurance as per government regulation, Hotel in Kathmandu after trek,