Annapurna Sanctuary Lodge Trek 12 Days
VISIT NEPAL FOR LESS 2004-2005!

Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
Season: October to December & February to early May.

Why Lodge Trek?

Because 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 because we use only the existing establishments 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 lifestyles 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 12 Days:

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

Day 2 Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight and trek to Dampus
Early morning breakfast, drive to airport, flight to Pokhara and trek to Dampus. Upon arrival in Pokhara, meet our trekking staff, drive to Phedi, have lunch and begin trek. The trail climbs up about two hours until we reach Dampus village. Today's trek is a very scenic one. The views of the Annapurna mountain range from here is exhilarating. 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 Trek to Ghandruk
Early wake up for sunrise over the Himalayas, breakfast and trek to Ghandruk, a Gurung village settlement. Today's trek is scenic and easy to moderate one. Views along the trek is superb. Overnight at lodge.

DAY 11 Trek to Lumle or Kanre and drive to Pokhara
Early wake up for mountain views, breakfast and trek to Lumle or Kanre, where we can catch a vehicle to Pokhara. Overnight at lodge or hotel.

DAY 12 Pokhara to kathmandu flight
Early morning wake up, pack up all the gears, have breakfast, and transfer to the airport for a scenic flight to Kathmandu or drive to Chitwan Jungle Park. Upon arrival, transfer to the chosen hotel and at leisure. End of trek.

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

Trek Price Includes:
One night hotel in Kathmandu at two star boutique hotel or a quality none star hotel, Ten night 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:
All 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,