INTO THE HEART OF NEPAL'S BEAUTIFUL ANNAPURNA RANGE
18 days - Huge Himalayan Peaks - Traditional Culture - Picturesque Villages

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Barely 25 miles north of Pokhara, and concealed within the folds of two great southward projecting ridges of the Annapurna Massif, sits the secret mountain fortress of the Annapurna Sanctuary. So narrow is the gateway to this most spectacular high mountain amphitheater, at the head of the Modi Khola and squeezed between the peaks of Hiunchuli and Macchapuchare, that it was not until 1956 that any outsider penetrated its defenses. More recently, the Annapurna Sanctuary has become a popular trekking destination, and with good reason - It is easily accessible from Pokhara and offers tremendous potential for scenic walks and for alpine exploration, in a splendid high Himalayan setting. The ring of mountains which form the rim of the Annapurna Sanctuary includes no fewer than eight of over 7000 meters, including Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna 1 (8091 meters), Gangapurna, Annapurna 3 and Annapurna 5. The ring is completed by the peerless Macchapuchare, only 23 feet / 7 meters below the magical 7000 meters.

The walk in to the Sanctuary provides a taste of the great variety of landscape types which serve to make Nepal such a special trekking destination. Starting out at Phedi, we encounter sub-tropical heat, pretty villages and neatly terraced rice fields. Gaining height gradually, we enjoy several days of pleasant ridge walking with a mix of abundant forest and scattered areas of farmed land. Finally, beyond the last of the bamboo and rhododendron woodland, the valley narrows at the entrance to the world of ice and snow that is the Annapurna Sanctuary. Throughout the approach, there are always outstanding panoramas of the high peaks to the north and the contrast of the rice-fields and villages with the snow peaks above, making for very picturesque trekking indeed. We have allowed a day for exploration above our base camp in the Sanctuary. To increase the appeal of this excellent trekking itinerary, we take an alternative route on our return from the Sanctuary, turning westwards to follow a high ridge which leads to Ghorepani and a viewpoint overlooking the great rift of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the deepest gorge in the world. From Poon Hill above Ghorepani the dawn views of Dhaulagiri and nearby Tukuche Peak are legendary.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES:
The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Sherpa Guide and full support crew. We are able to arrange this trek starting on any day of the week during the months of March, April, May, September, October, November and December for groups of 1 to 12 people. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.

2012 LAND ONLY PER PERSON TRIP PRICE:
1 Person: $3565.00
2 to 4 People: $2665.00
5 to 8 People: $2510.00
9 to 12 People: $2405.00
Single tent and hotel room supplement: $415.00 per person

TRIP SNIPPETS:
Hotels: 4 nights hotels
Lodge Trek: 13 nights lodges/teahouses
Trek Grade: 14 days MODERATE trekking
Max. altitude: 4095 meters / 13,430 feet at Annapurna Base Camp

Moderate Trekking = suitable for most regular hikers as the trip involves relatively short days (4-7 hours) on well-traveled trails. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required as these trips can involve a considerable amount of ascent and descent at altitude and the occasional longer hiking day.

TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to group hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara and trek to Dhampus. 5,580 feet.
Day 3: Trek to Landrung. 5,315 feet. 4-5 hour trek.
Day 4: Trek to Chhomrong. 7,250 feet. 5-6 hour trek.
Day 5: Trek to Bamboo. 7,580 feet. 5 hour trek.
Day 6: Trek to Deurali. 10,400 feet. 5 hour trek.
Day 7: Machhapuchare Base Camp. 12,135 feet. 4 hour trek.
Day 8: Annapurna Base Camp. 13,545 feet. 3-4 hour trek.
Day 9: At Annapurna Base Camp for local exploration.
Day 10: Trek to Dobhan. 8,330 feet. 6 hour trek.
Day 11: Trek to Chhomrong. 7,250 feet. 5 hour trek.
Day 12: Trek to Tadapani. 8,690 feet. 6 hour trek.
Day 13: Trek to Ghorepani. 9,510 feet. 5 hour trek.
Day 14: Trek to Hile. 5,000 feet. 5-6 hour trek.
Day 15: Trek to Birethanti and drive to Pokhara. Hotel.
Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 17: In Kathmandu. Sightseeing. Hotel.
Day 18: Transfer to airport for departure.

Country Information: About Nepal
The Annapurna Range: About the Annapurnas