THE WALKING AND CLIMBING COMPANY
NEPAL CHRISTMAS TREK
2011 December 20th – 29th 2011
ITINERARY
This trek will take you to Annapurna, one of the most beautiful trekking regions in the world. It is well suited for trekking beginners as well as those who have limited time but still want to savour the fascinating culture and natural surroundings that make up the real Himalayan experience.
Day 01
Depart home country
Day 02
Arrival Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu and meet your guide at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and for the rest of the day you are free to relax, sight see, shop or whatever you like. A guide will be available to accompany you if you prefer.
Day 03
Kathmandu | Pokhara [820m]
Today you will travel to Pokhara, taking about half a day. The drive gives you an interesting journey through some beautiful terrain giving you another insight into Nepal. Upon arrival there will be time to settle in to your hotel before a trek briefing in the afternoon. The rest of the day you are free for trek preparation, exploring the beautiful town of Pokhara or just sit by the lake at a café and take in the mountains and surrounding scenery.
Day 04
Pokhara | Nayapul | Tikhedhunga [1540m]
A scenic one-hour drive from Pokhara takes you to the starting point of your trek. You will cross the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola River and then ascend slowly through terraced fields and classic mountain villages. Along the way you will encounter mule or goat caravans carrying supplies to the mountains, they are distinctive by the musical bells they wear. The stunning peaks of Machhapuchare and Annapurna visible over the green ridges will greet you from time to time as you continue up to Tikhedhunga.
Day 05
Tikhedhunga | Ghorepani [2775m]
Today you will have a steep ascent first thing before a more gradual uphill walk takes you to your camp at Ghorepani. You will pass through delightful villages and see the beautiful, dense rhododendron forests that are so characteristic of Nepal at these altitudes! On a clear day you will see stunning mountain views from Ghorepani, making the climb well worth it! At Ghorepani you are on the main Annapurna Circuit route and there are likely to be other travellers passing through this ridge-top settlement in both directions. Ghorepani literally means "horse water" and it is a popular stopping place for the mule trains on the route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. The impressive peak which can be seen across the broad valley of the Kali Gandaki to the northwest is the famous Dhaulagiri.
Day 06 CHRISTMAS DAY
Ghorepani | Sunrise at Poon Hill (3200m) | Tadapani [2650m]
For everyone staying at Ghorepani it is a must to walk up to the stunning view point of Poon Hill, which overlooks the village. Dawn is the best time to go, so you will have an early wake up call and head up the well marked track by torchlight. Witness the spectacular sunrise at first light of dawn which illuminates Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with a surreal pink glow before the sun slowly climbs up. It is an unforgettable view and well worth the early start. Return to Ghorepani for a Christmas Day breakfast, before trekking to Tadapani through the rhododendron forest. If you are lucky you will encounter some wild animals such as monkeys climbing through the trees. From Tadapani you will have excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare. The evening will be spent celebrating with a group Christmas dinner together.
Day 07
Tadapani | Ghandruk [1950m]
From Tadapani the trail descends through beautiful forests to Ghandruk. This is a stunning village of Gurung people, one of Nepal's most famous ethnic groups, known for their distinctive dialect, culture, costume, and lifestyle. Ghandruk is also home to many soldiers from the famous Ghurkha regiments. From the village you can have stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Fishtail.
Day 08
Ghandruk | Nayapul | Pokhara
The last day of your trek will take you on a nice downhill walk through forests and villages to Nayapul, where your trek ends. From here you drive back to Pokhara where you can enjoy a shower and relax on the stunning lakeside town, letting the memories of the trek sink in!
Day 09
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Today you will travel back to Kathmandu with the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 10
Depart Kathmandu
Your guides will take you to the airport and bid you farewell
Price: £600 per person
| PRICE INCLUDES: | PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: |
| • Kathmandu hotel & breakfast | • International flights |
| • Accommodation | • Airport tax (currently not charged) |
| • Airport transfers | • Personal Insurance |
| • Return travel to Pokhara | • Visa fee (£30) |
| • Pokhara hotel | • Additional visits |
| • All trek food | • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu |
| • Sherpa Guides, Porters & local helpers | • Pokhara meals |
| • National Park fees & TIMS permit | • Optional Sherpa / Porter bonus |
| • Sherpa / porter Insurance |
Optional flight to Pokhara: Cost £120
(if you would prefer to fly to Pokhara this can be arranged for an additional cost)
Visits that may be of interest:
| Kathmandu | Nepal |
| Pokhara Boudha – the main Buddhist area of Kathmandu | Barahi Temple |
| The Monkey Temple | Bindhyabasini Temple |
| Pashupatinath Hindu Temple | mountaineering museum |
| Massage | Lakeside restaurants/cafes |
| Cafes | |
| Traditional and western restaurants |
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