Namaste! Welcome to Nepal.Please arrive by 14:00 on day 1 as we will have an important group briefing. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. It is recommended that you have lunch beforehand, as we will be heading out after the meeting to visit Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP), an Intrepid Foundation project. Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th Century. Its rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. If you arrive early we recommend you check out Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, who is considered to be a living goddess. It is also worth the climb to visit the Swayambhunath - the 'monkey temple'. Explore the network of street markets and alley bazaars and witness the burning ghats at Pashupatinath. For those with a few extra days in Kathmandu, the neighbouring towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are well worth a visit. After our welcome meeting on day 1 we will be heading out to meet KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that aims to minimise the negative influences of tourism by advocating and promoting 'minimum impact' trekking. Its aims are two-fold: to provide impartial and independent information to travellers; and to ensure the future ecological and cultural prosperity of Nepal through positive-impact tourism and outreach project work. At the organisation's information centre we will get practical advice about conservation, trekking, mountain safety, causes of deforestation, ecotourism, and the do's and don'ts of Nepalese society.The Kathmandu Guest House was the first ever hotel in Thamel, and used to be a 'Rana' (the 19th- 20th century oligarchy rulers of Nepal) mansion. It is located right in the centre of Kathmandu and boasts a famous garden and lovely restaurant.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:
Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatising to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.During your trip: While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:
http://d3oxn90f3yphmd.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/file_attach/52735_product_altitude-sickness.pdf

Guesthouse (1 nt)

Leaving Kathmandu, we head for Bandipur, first by local bus and then by Jeep; stopping along the way at Dumre (approx.5 hours). Located high on a ridge (1,000 m) above the road to Pokhara lies this little-known Newari trading village. At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which acts as the abode of the goddess Durga, Bandipur's guardian deity. The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu Valley.Bandipur is still not in many travellers 'to visit' list, so the likelihood of meeting fellow travellers is still very minimal. The views are stupendous, as is the warm local welcome. There is a terrace opposite the hotel in the main street from where you can view the other side of the valley and watch the goings on of the village - a great place to enjoy an afternoon drink. In front of the guesthouse is a café and bar serving simple, delicious meals from locally sourced organic ingredients. Be prepared for simple lodgings and food, but more importantly the genuine friendliness of the locals and the simply stunning views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges - the hallmark of this region. Bandipur is a basic village but the surrounding countryside makes for great walks and all the locals will want to talk to you and guide you on your way.Our accommodation for the night is a restored village mansion in the heart of the old bazaar. The rooms here are simple but cosy in traditional style with dim lighting, old wooden doors and thick brick walls. The timber and red brick building with carved beams and staircases has pleasant twin and double rooms in traditional style with separate shared facilities (towels provided, separate ladies'/gents' blocks). The facilities might be simple, but the staff are extremely friendly and helpful and the Nepalese feel of the place has been retained so it's a favourite of many of our travellers.

Guesthouse (1 nt)

We begin our trek from Besi Sahar at the end of bumpy Dumre Road. For almost three weeks we immerse ourselves in the spectacular mountain wilderness that encompasses the Annapurna Range. At 8,091 m, Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing, creating magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint. Throughout the trek we come across isolated mountain communities, each with different ancestral customs and traditions, resulting in not only a visually superb expedition but also a culturally rich one. We meet warm and welcoming locals herding yaks and goats on the grassy pastures and visit their monasteries and temples. We pass waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers, walk along broad plains and hike up high mountain passes. The trekking is challenging, averaging 6-7 hours walking a day, often at high altitude. The highest point we reach is the 5,416 m Thorung Pass.Given the dangers of altitude sickness, it is imperative that we take at least eleven days to ascend to this height. A couple of days are also allowed for rest and acclimatisation. Please note that the following itinerary can vary due to unforseen circumstances including weather conditions or bandhs (strikes) called by the political parties. All trekking times are approximate. Day 3 - Khudi/Bulbule (840 m) (approx. 3 hours)
Set-off to Besisahar after breakfast (50 kms/3 hrs). Start off the trek through the bazaar leading down the stream, climbing up the steps and making a way through forests and rice fields to arrive at Bulbule.Day 4 - Bahun Danda (1,310 m) (approx. 4 hours)
A gentle day's walk, if not for the heat, penetrating deep into picteresque mountain countryside with sub-tropical forests, rice fields and Gurung villages. Steep climb at the fag end to reach Bahundanda.Day 5 - Chamje (1,430 m) (approx. 7 hours)
Few dazzling cascades en route as the trail makes a way through a deep wooded canyon; no definitive mountain views, with villages few and far between, and some steep stretches.Day 6 - Bagarchap (2,160 m) (approx. 7 hours)
The trek continues through the deep wooded canyon embellished by stunning waterfalls as you venture into the Manang district. Much of the trail ascends throughout the day.Day 7 - Chame (2,710 m) (approx. 6 hours)
Marking the end of the great Marsyangdi gorge, make a steep climb to Timang, then the trail settles into gentler slopes as the vegetation transforms from dense pine forests to drier slopes. The district headquarters of Manang, Chame, is the largest settlement after Besisahar.Day 8 - Pisang (3,300 m) (approx. 5 hours)
A slew of breathtaking scenery this day as the trail goes through a deep gorge, then past the great sweeping slope of Paungi Danda. Mostly easy walk with few ascending stretches of trailDay 9 - Manang (3,540 m) (approx. 6 hours)
Trek the northern trail via upper Pisang and Ghyaru, an area renowned for its spectacular views. It is now drier and you are sure to come across local farmers herding yaks. (Tip: Tibetan yaks take a special interest in people wearing red!).Day 10 - Manang (3,540 m)
We spend a day here to acclimatise to the altitude by doing some high climbing then return to the lower altitude of Manang to sleep. Manang, a village of about 500 flat-roofed houses offers excellent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Chulu East.Day 11 - Manang to Yak Kharka (4,018 m) (approx. 5 hours)
Covering approximately 7 km, we steadily climb into the alpine region, taking around five hours.Day 12 - Phedi (4,450 m) (approx. 5 hours)
Due to the altitude, we'll take the next section of the climb at a leisurely pace, which means we'll have time to admire the magnificent views from this part of the route. Once at Phedi, there will be plenty of time to rest and acclimatise to the higher elevations ready for the next part of the climb where we will encounter the Thorung La Pass, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit. Day 13 - Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) (approx. 8-9 hours)
Setting off very early to cross the Thorung La Pass (5,416 m), the trail is steep but easy to follow. After between four to six hours climbing we'll reach the Pass's peak, adorned with prayer flags, a traditional stupa (chorten) and stone cairns built by travellers. Stop to admire the stunning views and marvel at how far you've climbed. Further along, the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath, a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both Hindus and Buddhists. Day 14 - Trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m) (approx 3.5 hours)
We make a late morning start from Muktinath to let you get some much deserved rest and for time to visit Muktinath's temple complex.Day 15 - Trek to Tukuche (2,590 m) (approx. 6.5 hours)
Trek to Tukuche taking the recently discovered route through Thini, without crossing over Kali Gandaki river to Jomsom and bypassing the motor track, and via Dumba Lake to Chhairo and Chokhepani before crossing the riverbed to Tukuche. In times of Kali Gandaki gaining in breadth and volume, we cross the trail bridge mid-way between Chhairo and Chokhepani to emerge on the motor track on the western bank of the river, following which we reach Tukuche in 45 mins.Day 16 - Trek to Ghasa (2,010 m) (approx. 6 hours)
Back down to the riverbed and across Kali Gandaki on make-shift wooden bridges to get on the trail that goes along the riverbed to Kokethanti. Diverting away from the mainstream trail, ascend to Titi Lake and later passing via Kunju descend to the next village, Chhayo, to cross the trail bridge which puts you on the motor track for the brief while before crossing another trail bridge on to the off-road to Ghasa. In case the swollen Kali Gandaki doesn't allow you to get take the way through riverbed, you'll have to walk on the motor track up to the trail bridge to Kokethanti.Day 17 - Trek to Tatopani (1,160 m) (approx. 5 hours)
On the motor track to start off with, shortly take the old walking trail through a village to cross the trail bridge to the high route above Kali Gandaki to Tal Bagar and then the knee-jerking descent to Kopchepani. Take the rising trail to Bhalebas, again to descend down to the river and follow the eastern flank of the river, with numerous minor ups and downs, to cross the trail bridge over Misti river and walk through lower Najing village past powerhouse to meet another trail bridge that puts you on the motor track for a brief while to Tatopani. Spend some time to relax much used muscles in the hot springs.Day 18 - Trek to Ghorepani (2,785 m) (approx. 8 hours)
Ghorepani, also known as Poon Hill, is a traditional stopping place for horses, mules and ponies that carry loads between Pokhara and Jomsom. The settlement forms the crossroads between various trekking routes and has become a favourite stop for travellers looking to have a quick drink or two at one of the many inns in the area. Day 19 - Trek to Birethanti (1,025 m) (approx. 7 hours)
For those wanting to, there's an optional early morning climb up to Poon Hill (3,195 m) to watch the glittering views of Dhaulagiri and the entire Annapurna Range in the gorgeous dawn pink light. Climb down in time for a good cup of tea and breakfast at the teahouse. Setting off on the trail, the path today is fairly easy-paced and descends via a winding stone staircase through the surrounding dense forest to the town of Ulleri. After passing another vertical section down to Hille next to the Bhurungdi River we then continue alongside the river to our penultimate destination - Birethanti.Our accomodation along the way is at local lodges, better known as teahouses, where accommodation is comfortable without being luxurious, toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, we are provided with small private rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are a limited number of teahouses, we may have some nights in dormitories. In some places, teahouses don't have access to electricity and depend on solar powered lighting. In remoter regions, teahouses don't have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in the majority of the teahouses for a price although in most of the places, a hot shower just means a bucket of hot water!

Teahouse (17 nts)

Returning from Birethanti by private bus (approx. 1.5 hours) we toast our achievement over a celebratory dinner in the character-filled Nepalese town of Pokhara (827 m). Pokhara is a peaceful lakeside location which rests beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Range. Sip on a cold brew and gaze up at the dramatic pass that you have just conquered. There are plenty of lakeside cafes where you can enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship. Take time to wander around the town and get to know its friendly residents.Our simple hotel in Pokhara is set 300m back from Fewa Lake and with a back-drop of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail mountain) rising beyond. It has twin-bedded rooms with attached bath and a hot shower facility.

Guesthouse (1 nt)

We return to Kathmandu by tourist bus (approx. 7 hours including stops) for further sightseeing or for some last minute shopping for friends and family at home. The options are plentiful - Kathmandu has many markets where Nepali specialties include clothes, embroidery, carpets and ceramics. On arrival in Kathmandu we'll check back into the Kathmandu Guest House.There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Guesthouse (1 nt)