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The Annapurna Sanctuary, Tour
The Annapurna Sanctuary is the name
given to a tremendous glacial basin which lies to the north of Pokhara.
The classic trek up the Modi Khola Valley and into the heart of this
vast natural amphitheatre culminates at Annapurna Base Camp, below the
awesome south face of Annapurna (8091m). Rising some 10,000 feet above
the glacier this is one of the world’s most famous mountaineering
challenges, and without any question one of the most spectacular
sights in the Himalaya. Our trek begins in Pokhara where we ascend
through breathtaking forests of oak and magnolia, which occasionally
part to give tantalising views of the mountains ahead. As we climb
higher, we glimpse the fluted peak of Machhapuchhare (6991m), known as
the Fishtail Peak because of its distinctive summit shape. As we trek
deep into the gorge of the Modi Khola, the walls of the mountains rise
so steeply above us that for a while all views are lost. But
eventually we emerge into the heart of the sanctuary and little by
little the vastness of this unique amphitheatre reveals itself to us.
Above our campsite rears a tremendous wall of ice and rock containing
eleven of Nepal’s major peaks, and at the centre of this magnificent
scene is Annapurna’s massive South Face, climbed by Chris Bonington’s
landmark 1970 expedition. Eventually we leave this rugged world of ice
and rock and descend to the verdant fields of Ghorapani. Above this
bustling village is one of the finest viewpoints in Nepal, and our
dawn ascent of Poon Hill provides a breathtaking panorama from the peaks
of the Sanctuary right across the Kali Gandaki Valley to Dhaulagiri.
Delhi>> Kathmandu>> Dhampus>>
Landrung>> Chomrung>> Dovan>> Machapucchare Base camp>> Annapurna Base
camp>> Chomrung>> Gandrung>> Pokhara>> Kathamandu>> Delhi
For the adventure seekers trekking in Annapurna is a must experience.
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
On arrival transfer to hotel, where we will be holding the rooms on
ready occupancy basis. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Delhi
Full day city tour of New & Old Delhi.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 - Delhi -
Kathmandu
Transfer to Airport to catch flight to
Kathmandu, On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon free. Overnight at
hotel.
Day 04 - Kathmandu
Full day city tour. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 - Kathmandu -
Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara, on arrival check in
into hotel. Afternoon free to explore the valley. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 - Pokhara -
Dhampus (5,413 ft)
Drive to the northwest through Yamdi
Khola valley to the trek starting point - Dhampes Phedi. From here a
02 hours trek would lead you to the lovely village of Dhampus, strung
out on a ridge, inhabited by the friendly Gurungs. Overnight at tents.
Day 07 - Dhampus -
Landrung (5,085 ft)
Passing through forests and villages
with the very welcoming tea houses, this day's trek keeps us on the
ridge with fabulous vistas until Deurali (6,890 ft), the high point of
this walk, then descending to Bheri Kharka - Sheep Pasture, high above
the Modi Khola valley for lunch Not far away lies Landrung where you
will spend overnight at tents.
Day 08 - Landrung -
Chomrung (6,726 ft)
A grand days walk which takes you into
the Modi Khola valley with views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli,
Gangapurna and Machapuchhare. The valley you will be trekking through
in the next few days is visible entirely. First a short descent to the
river then begins the climb of the day. Lunch is at Jhinu, Overnight
at tents. a place which not only welcomes it's weary travelers with
good food but also known it's hot springs.
Day 09 - Chomrung -
Dovan (8,530 ft)
Despite modest linear distance covered
the trail makes a constant switch back through the Modi Khola gorge.
In the initial stage of the walk the route gives the possibility of
views but later as the trailheads among rhododendron and bamboo
forests it gets scarce but here the birds and Languar monkeys abound.
You stop at Bamboo for lunch - a teashop amidst, one can guess -
bamboo. An hour's walk reaches you to Dovan a place with three
teahouses in a narrow, shaded valley.
Day 10 - Dovan -
Machapucchare Base Camp (12,139 ft)
Now as you walk in the deep Modi Khola
valley the trail winds up among bambook thickets and forest to the
famous Hinku cave that once housed a lodge. The cave lies separated
from Deurali, the lunch spot by a stream that flows right off the
Hiunchuli Peak that looms above you. Beyond Deurali the temperature
vegetation quickly transforms into short, stunted Alpine. Lying too
close to Machapuchhare and the surrounding Mountains the views from
Machapuchhare Base Camp may not be up to your expectation. But to be
able to enjoy the next few days. Stay of a night here is a wise move.
Day 11 -
Machapucchare Base Camp - Annapurna Base Camp (13,550 ft) - Dovan
In the morning drive to Bundi - A dream
remembered, on arrival check in into hotel. Afternoon you will be free
to explore the surroundings. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 - Dovan -
Chomrung
Trek up to Chomrung and spend overnight
there.
Day 13 - Chomrung -
Gandrung (6,362 ft)
This day you descend to Kimrong Khola
on a fairly steep trail through Oak Forest for lunch. Then it's up
again on the southern side to the picturesque village of Ghandrung
with the last close views of Annapurna South and Huinchul. This large
and prosperous village is also the headquarters of the very successful
Annapurna Conservation Area.
Day 14 - Gandrung -
Pokhara
For the last time you descend to the
Modi Khola valley as you first head south then southwest towards the
road head at Nayapul, half an hour away after crossing the Modi Khola
at Birethanti. You meet your transport here that will take you to
Pokhara. After you leave Ghandrung the mountains can only be seen on
your drive from the road head to Pokhara. On arrival check in into
hotel. Afternoon free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 - Pokhara -
Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu, On arrival
check in into hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16 - Kathmandu -
Delhi - Departure
Transfer to Airport for flight to
Delhi, on arrival transfer to hotel we will be holding a few rooms for
wash and change. After wash & change have your dinner and be
transferred to Airport to catch International flight.
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