NEPAL
Annapurna Sanctuary
Highlights
Magic of the Himalaya
Exotic Kathmandu
Vigorous Sanctuary 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 10-day Annapurna Sanctuary trek, perfect for strong, experienced hikers 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: 17
Dates: Nov 3-19, 2022
(Can also be run as private trip for any group of 4 – 7 persons).
Land Cost: $2,595 (airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $325
Group Size: 4 – 7
Minimum Age: 16
Level: Vigorous
Trekking, 10 days, 6-7 hours daily at elevations from 5,000’ to 14,000’
Overview
Day 1: Kathmandu
Day 2: Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara
Day 4: Pokhara
Days 5-14: 10-day trek
Pokhara – Hille
Hille – Ghorepani
Poon Hill – Tadapani
Tadapani – Chomrong
Chomrong – Bamboo
Bamboo – Deurali
Annapurna Base Camp
Back to Bamboo
Bamboo – Jhunidanda
Jhunidanda – Pokhara
Day 15: Pokhara
Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 17: Return home
Important Notice
The trip begins in Kathmandu, Nepal on Day 1. Flights from the US cross the international dateline. This will 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.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1 - Kathmandu
Arrival to Kathmandu-pick up and transfer to hotel. Free to explore the city.
(elevation: 4,600 feet / 1,400 meters).
D = 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.
B, L
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 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)
B, D
Day 4 - Pokhara
Enjoy Pokhara. We will arrange a fun cultural activity for all.
B, L
Day 5 - 10-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).
(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’ / 2,874 m).
(Distance: 4.5 miles, Time: 6 hours, Elevation gain: 4,450’. 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 sun rise across a magnificent Himalayan panorama. After breakfast we follow a long 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 (8,900’ / 2700 m).
(Distance: 7.5 miles, Time: 5 hours, Gain: 550’, High point: 9,950’, End: 8,900’).
Day 8 - Tadapani – Chomrong
Descend steeply through a shaded forest trail, passing through the banks of the Modi Khola (‘Khola’ means river). Ascend steeply past terraced fields of maize and potatoes to Chomrong (7,100’ / 2,150 m), the last permanent settlement in the valley. From here we have fantastic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare (the ‘Fishtail’).
(Distance: 5 miles, Time: 6 hours, Loss: 1,400’, Start point: 8,500’ End point: 7,100’)
Day 9 - Chomrong – Bamboo
(7,600’ / 2310 m). This makes for a great acclimatization day.
(Distance: 5 miles, Time: 5 hours, Gain: 500’, High point: 7,600’)
Day 10 - Bamboo - Deurali
Short distance today, but we will take our time trekking to Deurali (10,500’ / 3,230 m). As we hike up the valley, we could see tops of the mountains on the horizon. Some have described it as like being inside a huge cathedral with the valley walls surrounding you, rising high above, the grassy meadows before you, and a large river running straight through the middle.
(Distance: 3 miles, Time: 5 hours, Gain: 2,900’, High point: 10,500’)
Day 11 - Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
Up, up, up.. Reach 'MBC', Machhapuchre Base Camp and take a long rest break. Then, as we finally near Annapurna Base Camp, 'ABC', the trail widens, sparkling snow-melt streams line our route. If you must, go ahead and photograph the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Soon, you reach Annapurna Base Camp – congratulations! Your breath is gone. Is it the altitude? Or, the 360 degree views of Annapurna range -- Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli and more.
(Distance: 4 miles, Time: 5 hours up, Gain: 3,050’, High point: 13,550’)
Day 12 - ABC – Bamboo
Sunrise at ABC… we won’t even TRY to describe it here in words! Your trekking poles will definitely come in handy for our 6-7 hour long descent to Bamboo. (7,600 feet / 2,310 m). What’s that sound? That’s the sound of you breathing much more easily!
(Distance: 7 miles, Time: 6 hours, Loss: 5,950’, Ending point: 7,600’)
Day 13 - Bamboo – Jhunidanda
Re-trace our steps until Chomrong where we take a steep trail of a thousand stone steps down crossing the Modi Khola river and ending at Jhunidanda village (5,840’ / 1,780 m). Enjoy a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.
(Distance: 6.5 miles, Time: 5 hours, Loss: 1,750’, Ending point: 5,840’)
Day 14 - Jhundidanda – 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 & laughter with the entire trekking crew.
Day 15 - Pokhara
An additional day to enjoy Pokhara. Explore, relax, or perhaps go paragliding with the entire Annapurna Range as your backdrop?
B
Day 16 - Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Free to explore the rest of the day.
B
Day 17 - Departure Home
Transfers to the airport for flights back home. B
B
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.
$2,595 land price
International airfare is NOT included. (Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double hotel and mountain lodge accommodations).
Single Supplement: $325
Save BIG!
Bring your friends! Join with 3 or more persons, and each person saves $100. If you have a full group of 6-7 persons, you can choose your own private dates (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
The spring and fall are the two trekking seasons for Nepal. In November, days are typically sunny and clear with moderate temperatures (60s) and the evenings are usually quite cold! (30s–40s).
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: Vigorous
Recommended for strong, experienced hikers. Travel at a moderate pace. Vigorous hiking 6 – 7 hours daily, at elevations which range from 5,000 – 14,000 feet.
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).
Women’s-Only Departures
Attention friends, mother-daughter pairs, Meetup or outdoor clubs.. groups of 4-7 can plan their own private women’s-only trek in Nepal.
Save BIG!
Join any set tour with 4-6 people (friends, couples, or a family) and each person saves $200. Or, organize a group of 6 friends, choose your own dates, and each person saves $200! (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 Vigorous. Recommended for strong, experienced hikers. Travel at a moderate pace. Vigorous hiking 6 – 7 hours daily, at elevations which range from 5,000 – 14,000 feet. You carry only minimum items and 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.