Annapurna Mountains & Wildlife

Annapurna Mountains & Wildlife 14 Days

From $1740 USD

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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 14 Days
Comfort: 66.6666666666667%
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Trip ID: 58912
Start Location: Bhrikuti Mandap, Nepal
End Location: Bhrikuti Mandap, Nepal

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Primary Activities: Trekking
Other Activities: Safari, Bird Watching, Religious and Spiritual Sites, Wildlife, temple, Urban Exploration, elephant ride, national parks, Local Culture
Activity Level: Intermediate

This exciting trip combines our 'Annapurna Adventure' trek with a jungle safari in one of Asia’s premier wildlife reserves. A relatively easy trek in the heart of the beautiful Annapurna region takes us through sweeping fields and verdant forests and is a great way to absorb stunning mountain views and spend time in quaint and remote villages. The lakeside town of Pokhara is Nepal’s prettiest and most relaxing town. Afterwards, we travel to Chitwan National Park, with its incredible wildlife experiences. We go in search of rhino, deer, crocodile and possibly leopard or tiger! Exploring by elephant-back and canoe only adds to the excitement. This unforgettable adventure is the perfect introduction to trekking as well as experiencing the wildlife of Nepal.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu (1360m): Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Our airport representative will be waiting outside the airport terminal a few metres from the exit door. Look out for the Peregrine signboard. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes. A briefing given by our group leader is scheduled for the late afternoon. He will discuss our trekking program and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. The evening is free, but usually our tour leader will organise an evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants. Alternatively you can enjoy a dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu (1360m): Meals included: 1 breakfast
In the morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour. We visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. We also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. In the late afternoon you will be issued with your Trek Pack and departure information for the next morning.
Day 3: Shyauli (1160m): Meals included: 1 breakfast
(Flight time: approx 30 min; driving time: approx 1½ hours; trekking: approx 2.5 hours) An early departure from the hotel this morning, as we are transferred to the domestic terminal at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport. From here we fly to Pokhara, with a flight time of about 30 minutes and often spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. After arriving in Pokhara we are transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. Here our porters will be waiting for us and so after a brief stop to stretch our legs and for the porters to organize the load, we set off on our walk. We walk through the busy trading post of Nayapul, usually crowded with van, trucks and mules. We cross a small stream on a suspension bridge and continue to traverse on a dirt road to reach Birethanti after crossing a bridge across the Modi River. At Birethanti, the trekking permits are checked at the Annapurna Conservation Check Post. We continue to traverse following the Modi Khola upstream passing through settlements inhabited by the Chettris and Brahmins. The trail continues to traverse and one can see the Machhapucharre (6993m) on a clear day looming majestically in the distance. We reach the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar where we stop for the day.
Day 4: Ghandruk (1940m): In the morning From Shyauli after a pleasant tea stop we start the climb to Ghandruk. The trail gradually climbs out of Syauli and we cross a steel suspension bridge after which the trail climbs up on stone steps. The trail steepens and continues to climb passing through settlements of Klieu, Kimche and Chane and one can see the beautiful scenery and the village life. From the small village of Chane the trail traverses and then climbs up to the big Gurung village of Ghandruk, where we stop for lunch and spend the night. Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung village in that area and one can see the difference in the lifestyle of the Gurungs to that of their neighbours in the lower areas. Ghandruk is well known for the number of its menfolk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments. From our lodge at Old Ghandruk, we have spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Machapuchhare (6993m) and Hiunchuli ( 6434m).
Day 5: Tadapani (2450m): (Trekking: approx 4 hours) Another day ascending, but an easier walk now that we have found our trekking legs! Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind we enter oak and rhododendron forest. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk, the forest often alive with the sound of birds, the small tumbling waterfalls and if you visit in spring, (late March to April) the rhododendron in full bloom. There are no villages on today’s route, but there are a few teahouses at Baisi Kharkha providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There are fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way. Our lodge at Tadapani is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views.
Day 6: Bayli Kharka (3450m): (Trekking: approx 6 hours) We leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani and instead follow a rarely used trail initially through a thick rhododendron forest that leads to local water buffalo pastures. The climb is gradual and we soon emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. We take lunch by a small stream and, in the afternoon, continue to climb gradually though open countryside to reach a small pass, where our trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Bayli Kharka and our lodge. From the lodge there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal.
Day 7: Upper Chistibung (2950m): (Trekking: approx 5 hours) In the morning we descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where we take lunch. In the afternoon we continue to walk through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herders’ settlement, known at Upper Chistibung, where we stay in the small community lodge. For the next week we will stay in lodges run by the local communities. We have contributed to the construction of these lodges, which is all part of a series of local projects. Being off the beaten track the villages have previously not enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges, profits are going to benefit local projects and schools.
Day 8: Kopra Ridge (3600m): (Trekking: approx 3 hours) To reach the ridge at Kopra we have a steady climb that takes us above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife and we should keep our eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take our time and rest as often as we wish. We reach our campsite on Kopra Ridge in time for lunch and we will be greeted more fantastic views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above and only six kilometres away, and Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north, whilst across the depths of the Kali Gandakhi Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. The Kopra Community Lodge is the highlight of our work in the region. Profits from this lodge have contributed to the secondary school at Nangi, which we visit in a few days time.
Day 9: Swanta (2220m): (Trekking: approx 5½ hours) From Kopra Ridge we descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. We retrace our route back to Chistibung, then on to the village of Swanta, where we overnight in the newly constructed lodge. We have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit, and perhaps interact with the kids.
Day 10: Ulleri (2070m): (Trekking: approx 6 hours) From Swanta we descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here we cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre. Here we join the main trekking trail and it is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where there are great views of the Dhaulagiri massif. After a well earned rest it is all down hill for the rest of the day. The walk passes through beautiful rhododendron forest and we will take lunch at the village of Nangethanti. In the afternoon we continue to trek through the forest and for those trekking in late March or April the rhododendron should be in full bloom. We arrive at Ulleri in the mid afternoon with plenty of time to explore this picturesque village.
Day 11: Kathmandu (1360m): Meals included: 1 breakfast
There is the option of an early morning bird watching safari for those interested - it is well worthwhile. After breakfast we drive on to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. The evening is free but usually our group leader will organise an evening meal (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.
Day 12: Kathmandu (1360m): Meals included: 1 breakfast
Our trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is not included and Kathmandu has so much to offer, so we recommend that you consider booking pre-tour or post-tour accommodation and a departure transfer before you commence your travels.
Day 13: Krakow: Covering a distance of around 400 kilometres, we have a long, but interesting travelling day. Our journey takes around six to seven hours and we pass through fascination regions rich in history, culture and tradition, from northern Hungary to Slovakia and finally into Poland. Our brief stop in Slovakia enables us to pick up some lunch (optional) in one of it's loveliest cities, Banska Byrstrica. Torn apart three times, squeezed between two worlds and long considered a gateway between east and west, Poland has been one of the success stories of the 'new' Europe. Our destination is the wonderful city of Krakow where, if we are not too tired, a wonderful place to enjoy a traditional Polish evening meal together. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner.
Day 14: Krakow: A three-hour walking tour with our leader is the best way to discover Krakow’s historical treasure trove. We begin in Rynek Glowny, the market square and in fact the largest medieval square in Europe. Krakow was once the capital of Poland and the only city whose architectural jewels survived World War II intact, as we soon appreciate during our walk through its streets. We visit the inspiring twin-towered St Mary’s Church – one of the finest Gothic structures in the country and the city’s symbol. Our walk ends at Wawel Hill, where the cathedral and Wawel Castle stand proud over the city. The afternoon is then free for further exploration of this most grandiose city. The energetic amongst us may consider a climb up the 70m high Town Hall Tower, which is topped by a Baroque spire. Those that make it up here are rewarded by some wonderful city views. Tonight is a free night and another opportunity to discover another local restaurant and try more Polish specialties. For those who may be interested there is an option of joining a guided tour of the Auschwitz 1 and Birkenau sites on the afternoon of Day 14 in Krakow. This tour lasts approximately 5 - 6 hours. Your tour leader can organise this excursion for you. There is also the possibility of joining this tour after breakfast on day 15 instead. Consult your tour leader for further details. Meals included: 1 breakfast.

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

The services of an expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites
Return local flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara
10-day trek with accommodation in comfortable lodges as well as newly constructed Community Lodges – a joint venture between Peregrine and the local community, whose profits benefit local schools and village projects
Porterage on trek
Trek Pack while on trek valued at over US$500 – kitbag, high quality sleeping bag designed for sub-zero temperatures, inner sheet and high-altitude jacket
Trekking off the main trail in remote alpine terrain heading to Bayeli, Kopra Ridge, Swanta and Danda Kharka
Visit to the secondary school at Nangi which benefits from the profits from Kopra Community Lodge
Sightseeing (and entrance fees where applicable) in Kathmandu including Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath and the holy Bagmati River
Time to unwind beside Lake Phewa in Pokhara
Transfer by private bus to the starting point of the trek and back to Pokhara at the end of the trek

Trip Excludes

International flights
Airport departure taxes
Airport departure transfer
Visas
Insurance
Meals not listed
Any optional tours and activities during free time
Camera fees
Excess baggage charges
Showers on trek (if available)
Tips
Gratuities and items of a personal nature
Please allow US$190 for meals

Trip ID#: 58912

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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