NEPAL
Annapurna Highlights
Highlights
Magic of the Himalaya
Exotic Kathmandu
Great First-time Trek
Cozy Trekking Lodges
English-speaking Guide
Summary
Nepal is a must on any hiker’s wish list! Start in exotic Kathmandu where golden temples, fluttering prayer flags, and chants of Buddhist monks will delight all your senses. Lovely Pokhara is the starting point for our 5-day Annapurna trek, perfect for hike enthusiasts who always dreamed of exploring the Himalaya. Trek past terraced fields and giant rhododendrons. Stay overnight in guest lodges. Stand in awe as the peaks of the Annapurna range are displayed before you. As good as this sounds, it might just pale in comparison to the warmth and friendliness of the Nepalese people.
At-a-Glance
Vaccinated travelers welcome
Days: 12
Dates: Nov 3-14, 2022
Land Cost: $1,795 (airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $325
Group Size: 4 – 7
Minimum Age: 16
Level: Moderate – Vigorous
Trekking, 5 days, 5-6 hours daily at elevations from 5,000’ to 10,000’
OVERVIEW
Day 1: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara
Day 4: Pokhara
Days 5-9: 5-day Trek:
Pokhara – Hille
Hille – Ghorepani
Ghorepani–Poon Hill–Tadapani
Tadapani – Ghandruk
Ghandruk– Nayapul– Pokhara
Day 10: Pokhara
Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 12: Return home
Itinerary Note:
Day 1: Kathmandu
Arrival to Kathmandu-pick up and transfer to the hotel. Free to explore the city.
(elevation: 4,600 feet / 1,400 meters)
Dinner
Day 2: Kathmandu
Kathmandu valley sightseeing including Baudhanath Stupa, Sywambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Durbar Square. After Durbar Square, we will walk back to the hotel via old Asan Baazar.
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Day 3: Pokhara
After breakfast, take a 1-hour flight to Pokhara – with the entire Himalaya range spread out before you, this could (weather cooperating) be one of your most scenic flights ever. Meet your guide and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, we will be rowed across Phewa Lake and take a short hike to visit the International Peace Pagoda.(elevation: 2,900’ / 884m)
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Day 4: Pokhara
Enjoy Pokhara. We will arrange a fun cultural activity for all.
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Day 5: 5-day Trek Begins (Pokhara - Hille)
A 1-hour drive takes us to Nayapul (3,500’ / 1,070m) - the starting point of our trek. You carry only a day-pack and essentials, and porters help carry your additional items. We follow the river and then slowly ascend through terraced rice fields to Hille (4,850 feet / 1,478m) and stop for the night.
(Distance: 3 miles, Time: 4 ½ hours, Elevation Gain: 1,350’. High point: 4,850’)
Day 6: Hille - Ghorepani
We start our day with a steep ascent to Ulleri (6,800’ / 2,073 m) where we get our first view of the Himalayas. After a long rest break, we then continue through forests of rhododendron until we reach our destination - Ghorepani (9,400’ / 2,855 m).
(Distance: 4.5 miles, Time: 6 hours, Elevation gain: 4,550’. High point: 9,400’)
Day 7: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani
Early climb to the summit of Poon Hill (9,950’ / 3,030 m) to watch the sunrise across a magnificent Himalayan panorama. After breakfast, we follow the ridge through rhododendron forests to Deurali. We then walk through impressive river gorges with the chance to see Langur monkeys in the trees. Arrive at Tadapani (8,800’ / 2680 m).
(Distance: 7.5 miles, Time: 5 hours, Gain: 550’, High point: 9,950’, End: 8,800’).
Day 8: Tadapani - Ghandruk
We walk along a shaded forest trail, followed by terraced fields of maize and potatoes to Ghandruk (7,100’ / 2170 m). From here we have fantastic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. It is a major settlement of the Gurung, an ethnic group of Nepal. It is a very famous Gurung village with terraces and offers excellent mountain views. After arriving, it is possible to take a short walk to explore the village, visiting a cultural museum and monastery.
(Distance: 3 miles, Time: 4 hours, Loss: 1,700’, High point: 8,800, End: 7,100’)
Day 9: Ghandruk – Nayapul - Pokhara
Today we leave the mountains behind us. A 5-hour hike and an hour’s drive take us back to the relaxing Lakeside of Pokhara and our hotel. Share an evening of celebration, food, fun, and laughter with the entire trekking crew.
(Distance: 4 miles, Time: 5 hours, Loss: 3,500’, High point: 7,100’, End: 2,900’ )
Day 10: Pokhara Free Day
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Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu
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Day 12: Return Home
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Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information:
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on:
- Pricing
- What’s Included
- General Information
- FAQ
- How to Reserve
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
$1,795 land price
International airfare is NOT included. (Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double hotel and mountain lodge.
Single Supplement: $325
For those requesting their own single room for ONLY the 7 nights hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara (no single rooms during the trek, and based on availability). Meaningful Trips will pair same-gender persons as roommates. If a roommate can not be found, you are required to pay a reduced Single Supplement fee of $200.
Save BIG!
Gather your friends, family, hiking buddies. Join any set tour with 3 or more persons, and each person SAVES $100!
If you have 6 persons in your group, you can pick a private departure date (based on availability), and each person SAVES $200!
Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy:
Payment
Deposit of $500 due at time of reservation. Final balance due 90 days prior to trip departure.
Cancellation
If you cancel prior to departure (with written notice), cancellation fees are:
91 or more days… $0
61 to 90 days… $500
31 to 60 days… 50% of Trip Cost
0 to 30 days… 100% of Trip Cost
Included:
- Airport transfers
- Roundtrip flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- 3 night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, 4 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara, 4
nights mountain huts while trekking. - 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, all meals while trekking.
- National park entrance
- Ground transportation
- Organized activities
- English-speaking guide
NOT included:
- International Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Meals not noted on the itinerary
- Guide and camp staff gratuity
- International Airfare
- Medical Immunizations
- Nepal Visa on Arrival, $25
Trip Insurance
Meaningful Trips highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation. See our Link for Travel Insurance
Safety
Nepal is safe. It is always prudent to check with the US Dept of State for country-specific safety information. (see FAQ for additional safety precautions).
Visa and passport
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months beyond the tour end date. Nepal offers ‘Visa on Arrival’, purchase at the airport when you arrive, $25 for 15-day Visa.
Start & End Location
This trip starts and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal. Flights from the US cross the international dateline. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance, and some passengers may require an overnight in Delhi or Bangkok prior to arriving into Kathmandu. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.
Weather
Spring and Fall are the two trekking seasons for Nepal. In the spring (March, April), daytime temperatures are mild (the mid-70s) and evenings (40s –and even colder at the highest elevations). In the fall (October, November, beginning December), days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures (60’s) and the evenings are usually quite cold! (in the 30s).
Lodging
We use comfortable hotels while in Kathmandu and Pokhara. While trekking, we stay in basic but comfortable mountain lodges with beds, dining areas, and staffed kitchens.
Activity Level: Moderate – Vigorous
Recommended for fit travelers with a spirit of adventure and hiking conditioning. Travel at a moderate pace. Activity: moderate to vigorous hiking 5 – 6 hours daily, at elevations which may range from
5,000 – 10,000 feet. You only carry a day pack with essentials. Porters help carry most all other gear.
NOTE: Non-trekkers are welcome to join this trip. For the 5-days that the rest of the group goes trekking, we can arrange lower walks and cultural visits. (Additional hotel fees will apply).
Save Big!
Gather your friends, family, hiking buddies. Join any set tour with 3 – 5 persons, and each person SAVES $200! Or, organize a group of 6 friends, choose your own dates, and with 6 full-paying guests, you, the Organizer, 7th person, travel for FREE! (Land Price only, Airfare is not included, based on availability).
Additional Trip Information
Prior to reserving your tour, please carefully review our ‘Pricing’, ‘How to Reserve’ and ‘FAQ’ sections for helpful information on topics such as cancellation penalties, inclusions, food, water, and more.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully. Additional pre-departure information including a Packing List, Medical Form, and Liability Release Form is emailed upon sign-up.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Some answers to common questions. Upon Sign-up, travelers receive a Packing List, Pre-Departure Info and Important Forms
Do I Need a Passport for Nepal?
Yes, a passport is needed and must be valid for 6 months after your trip date.
Do I Need a Visa for Nepal?
Nepal offers ‘Visa on Arrival’ at the airport. $25 USD in cash for up to 15 days.
Are any vaccinations required for Nepal?
No.
We highly recommend that all persons who travel internationally should be current on these three routine immunizations: Annual Influenza (flu) shot; Tetanus Booster (Tdap) (good for 10 years); and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Additionally, Hepatitis A is highly recommended for all international travelers. Meaningful Trips are not medical experts. Always consult your own doctor and always refer to the CDC website for updated vaccination and country-specific information.
Is Nepal Safe?
Nepal is safe. It is always prudent to check with the US Dept of State for country-specific safety information. And, follow these basic safety precautions: make copies of important documents, be wary of public Wi-Fi, use caution when using ATM, use hotel safes when available, be aware of your surroundings.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Meaningful Trips always highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation.
When is the best time to go to Nepal?
The spring and fall are the two trekking seasons for Nepal. In the spring (March, April), the lowland trails are lined with blooming rhododendron; daytime temperatures are mild (the mid-70s) and evenings (40s –and even colder at the highest elevations). In the fall (October, November, beginning December), days are
typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures (60’s) and the evenings are usually quite cold! (30s–40s).
How difficult is this Nepal Trek?
This trip is rated Moderate (with a couple of vigorous trek days). Recommended for fit travelers with a spirit of adventure and hiking conditioning. Travel at a moderate pace, hiking 5 – 6 hours daily, at elevations which range from 5,000 – 10,000’. You only carry a day pack with essentials. Porters help carry most all other gear. Your
Pre-Departure Bulletin will include information about Altitude Sickness and the best ways to stay healthy at altitude.
Where do I sleep while trekking in Nepal?
Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara were carefully selected for their comfort, service, staff friendliness, and commitment to sustainability kitchen, and dining areas. While trekking, the teahouses or guesthouses are simple and basic, but you will be well taken care of. There are typically 2 – 3 small beds per room, kitchen, and dining areas. Some guesthouses have inside toilets, whereas others may have an outhouse located outside.
What is the food like in Nepal?
Nepal has great food. Dal (lentils), bhat (rice), aloo (potatoes), tarkari (curried vegetable) are common. Kathmandu and Pokhara offer a wide range of cuisine including favorite western dishes too. While trekking: breakfast might be Tibetan bread – pan-fried bread served with mountain honey and butter, or muesli, or an occasional omelet. At lunch, usual hits are chow mein (fried noodles with vegetables), momos (steamed dumplings), or aloo (boiled potatoes with sauce). Dinners might be fried noodles, vegetable curry, dal (lentils), momos, and who knows… maybe even the occasional mountain pizza!
Is the water safe to drink in Nepal?
Hotel water is filtered and safe for drinking. While trekking, we will be drinking clean, filtered/boiled water.
STEP 1 – Click ‘Book Now’ and Complete Reservation Form to Hold Your Space(s)
STEP 2 – Mail $500 Deposit via Check.
Reservation is guaranteed upon receipt of a $500 deposit per person. Deposits are held in Trust Account. Deposits are fully refundable for any reason if you cancel before Dec 15, 2020. After Dec 15, 2020, regular cancellation policy applies. Final Payment is due 90-days prior to departure and payable by Check, Zelle, Stripe, ApplePay, Visa, Mastercard.
Mail Check Deposit to:
Meaningful Trips
1416 NW 46th St
Suite 105-343
Seattle, WA 98107
Upon reserving a trip and submitting a deposit, each traveler will receive:
- A Confirmation email
- Invoice
- Pre-departure Information
- Trip Application with Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
- Travel Insurance Information
- Packing List
- Medical Form
Terms & Conditions and Liability Release
At the time of Deposit, participants must read and agree to Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions and Liability Release Form. Please read this information carefully.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.