Keep Walk ing Nepal www.keepwalkingnepal.com BEST OF ANNAPURNA AND EVEREST - SEE WEBSITE FOR DATES - This lodge-based trek in the Annapurna and Everest offers some of the best scenery in Nepal with accommodation in comfortable family run trekkers' lodges along the way. At the beginning of trek you will enjoy trekking Annapurna amongst the spectacular mountain scenery through charming villages inhabited by the Gurung and Magar, Brahmin and Chetri people of Nepal, dense rhododendron forests full of birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, all set below the Annapurna range with the picturesque fluted peak of Machapuchare (Fish Tail Peak) dominating the skyline. The highlight of this trek is the climb up Poon Hill at dawn to enjoy one of the most spectacular mountain scopes on Earth. As the sun touches the snow-capped summits of the Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,788ft) and Annapurna (8,091m/26,538ft) a maze of other peaks slowly begin to appear, like magic, before our eyes. This is a scenic trek that will be enjoyed by lovers of nature and beautiful landscapes. We have planned this trek to allow you to enjoy the beauty of this area at lower altitudes and warmer weather. The trek starts and ends in Pokhara and includes all meals except Pokhara, road transport and English speaking guide with porters to carry your luggage. You are only required to carry a day-pack. It is an easy to moderate trek graduating from 900m (3,000ft) to 2,075m (9,760ft). We walk each day at an easy pace. Maximum altitude reached is 3,150m (10,500ft) at Poon Hill. After Annapurna trek you will drive to Chitwan national park. Chitwan means heart of the jungle and this Heritage Listed national park of some 932 sq. km is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. It is renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife. You can enjoy an elephant safari, nature walk, canoe trip, bird watching, and a jungle drive, and even help bathe the elephants if you wish. After 2 nights at Chitwan national park you will be flying to Kathmandu and Next Fly to Lukla and start trek in the Everest region of Nepal which offer you the opportunity to get closer views of the world s highest mountains including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu and many other peaks. From the base camp of Ama Dablam you can enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree mountain panoramic view. You can also experience the lifestyle of the Himalayan people, their customs, religion and traditions as we visit traditional Sherpa settlements and Buddhist monasteries route. The chance to see the golden eagle and walk through the rhododendron forest is a delight to nature lovers. We would be pleased to have you along on this adventure and to introduce you to our country and way of life while you travel as part of my extended family.
Keep Walk ing Nepal www.keepwalkingnepal.com Trip Summary Day 14 trek to Namche Bazaar (approx. 4-5hrs) Day 15 rest day at Namche Bazaar Day 1 arrive Kathmandu: meet and greet Day 16 trek to Deboche via Tengboche (approx. 5-6hrs) Day 2 fly to Pokhara, bus to Khari, trek to Australian Camp Day 17 trek to Mingbo (approx. 4-5hrs) Day 3 trek to Landruk Day 18 trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp then to Pangboche Day 4 trek to Gandruk (approx. 4-5hrs) Day 5 trek to Tadapani Day 19 trek to Phortse (approx. 3-4hrs) Day 6 trek to Gorepani Day 20 trek to Khumjung (approx. 3-4hrs) Day 7 early climb to Poon Hill: trek to Tirkedunga Day 21 trek to Benkar (approx. 5-6hrs) Day 8 drive to Pokhara Day 22 trek to Lukla (approx. 4-5hrs) Day 9 drive to Chitwan Day 23 fly to Kathmandu, rest of day at leisure Day 10 In Chitwan Day 24 in Kathmandu half day sightseeing & farewell din- Day 11 fly to Kathmandu ner Day 12 fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (approx. 3-4hrs) Day 25 trip concludes after breakfast Day 13 trek to Monjo (approx. 3-4 hrs) Daily movements Arrive Kathmandu, where you will be met by our local staff and transferred to your accommodation in Boudhanath. An evening meal will be held together so we can get to know each other.
An early start. Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara, 25mins. Have lunch in Pokhara and Drive to Khari (1hour). We then hike up to our lodge at Australian Camp for the night. (2hrs) Landruk (elevation 1640m)(5hrs). After a glorious mountain sunrise looking at Annapurna South and the sacred peak of Machapuchare we follow mountain trails through the rhododendron forest to the beautiful village of Landruk. We will have good views of Annapurna South from our lodge accommodation. Ghandruk (elevation 2050m) (4-5hrs). You can see our destination today across the valley. Leaving Landruk we descend through the rice terraces to the river, crossing the steel bridge we start our ascent up to the village of Ghandruk. Take time to rest and take in the views down the valley. Tadapani (elevation 2650m) (4 to 5hrs) Today you will be walking mostly in the mix forest with gradual up till you get to lunch spot at Baishikharka and after lunch you will enjoy walking through big forest of rhododendron till you get to Tadapan. Ovenight at lodge. Gorepani (elevation 2850m) (4hrs). Ghorepani is a sizeable town with many Tibetan wares on display. There are one or two great bakeries in town. Early morning climb to Poon Hill (elevation 3150m) to see the panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himalayan ranges as well as sunrise over the Himalayas. Experiencing the great views of Himalayan panorama from Poon Hill, we descend to Ghorepani. After breakfast, continue trek to Tirkedunga (5hrs). Drive to Pokhara (2hours). Tonight is our last night with our crew of porters and Sherpa guides and we will celebrate with a meal together. Drive to Chitwan national park 6 to 7 hours In Chitwan full day jungle activities. Fly to Kathmandu 20 minutes day at leisure. Fly to Lukla (2850m), trek to Phakding (2610m). Walk approx 3-4 hours. An early start flying Kathmandu to Lukla, 45
mins. This is the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and his friends to service the Everest Region when he began his work of building schools and hospitals for the Sherpa people. It is a scenic flight. Following morning tea we will trek to Ghat for lunch and then continue our walk to Phakding, our overnight stop. To Monjo (2835m). Walk approx 3-4 hours. Today we cross and re-cross the glacial river, named Dudh (milk) Kosi (river) because of its colour, whilst walking through pine forest and terraced fields growing a variety of crops. It is one of the main trading trails and we will see small groups of donkeys, dzopko and yaks carrying supplies. A dzopko is a yak -cow crossbreed while a yak is a full-blood long haired male, (nak being the female) more commonly used at higher altitudes. We see our first Mani walls today. These stone structures are made from many stone tablets, each with the inscription Om Mani Padme Hum which translates to Hail to the jewel in the lotus, and is mantra (chant) venerated by Buddhists. Buddhists will walk to the left of these mani walls and chortens, but many who have no knowledge of Buddhism will do the same. Overnight at Monjo. This is a short day to allow you to acclimatize. To Namche Bazaar (3440m). Walk approx 4-5 hours. Today we pass through the gates of the Sagamartha National Park. We follow the river to the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Bhote Kosi, crossing a spectacular high bridge before commencing our ascent to the village of Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of Nepal. It is a tough climb but we have our first view of Mt Everest today. Namche is a prosperous village spread in a horse-shoe shape around the valley. Following lunch you may like to spend time looking through the shops in search of a bargain. Rest day Namche Bazaar. Today we walk to the Everest View Hotel (2-3hrs) where spectacular views of Everest and Ama Dablam may be seen. Around us also as we walk are Thamserku (6618m), Kantega (6783m), Ama Dablam (6814m), Nuptse (7864m) and Lhotse (8516m) and the greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848m). We will take time to sit and look at the magnificent view from the hotel balcony. To Deboche (3860m) via Tengboche. Walk approx 5-6 hours. Today s walk along the ridgeline is spectacular. We will lunch at Phungi Thanga the junction of the Imja Khola and Dhud Kosi rivers, after which we cross the Dudh Kosi and begin the ascent to the top of a long ridge which flows from the summit of Kantega. Continuing our climb we reach the Tengboche monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Sherpa community. We will have the chance to visit the monastery. The views of Everest, as well as all the other major peaks of the area (Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam) are breathtaking. The monastery buildings stand on a knoll and provide a grandstand for the finest mountain scenery. Tengboche is considered the gateway to Mt Everest. To Mingbo (4500m) Walk approx. 4-5 hours. From Deboche we start our day by walking through forests of birch, conifer and rhododendron. We pass many mani walls in a deep rhododendron forest. After crossing the Imja Khola river the route climbs past some magnificently carved mani stones to Pangboche (3860m). After Pangboche we leave the busy Everest trail and descend to the Imga river. Crossing the river we again ascend through steep summer yak pastures. It is a steep climb but everytime we stop the mountain views are magnificent and it is peaceful and calm as it is not as busy as the main Everest trail. We camp overnight at a simple lodge at Mingbo.
Explore Ama Dablam Base Camp (4600m) then trek to Pangboche (3930m). Walk approx. 4-5 hours. Base camp is a grassy spot from which the majority of the climbing route up the mountain is visible. The views across the valley from the base camp area are excellent, we enjoy the view here before we descend down to Mingbo for lunch. In the afternoon we trek down to Pangboche village, our overnight lodge. Pangboche is the highest year-round settlement in the valley and the oldest monastery in the Khumbu region. We can visit the monastery in the afternoon, overnight at lodge. To Phortse village (3810m) Walk approx. 3-4 hours. Passing more seasonal villages our walk today undulates past numerous chortens and views of landslides and streams that have carved out the side of the valley. We enjoy magnificent views of Thamserku, Tengboche Monastery and along the river. We will stop at Phortse Gompa at the top of the village a historic monastery. Phortse village is a maze of small walled lanes. It is one of the oldest villages in the Khumbu region. To Khumjung (3780m), walk approx. 5-6 hours. Khumjung village is home to the only high school in the Khumbu region. Also known as Hillary School, its founder in 1961 Sir Edmund Hillary, cater for over 300 pupils from grades 1 to 10. A monastery in the village is purported to house a yeti scalp. You may also like to visit the Everest Baker, highest bakery in the world for an apple pie. To Benkar (2630m), walk approx. 5-6 hours. Today we head downhill through Namche Bazaar stopping to enjoy the view of Everest before we cross the Dudh Koshi river. Today s walk is easy and mostly downhill but you need to take your time and enjoy the views, still there is lot to see. We pass the Sagamartha National Park and villages, visit a local tea shop and overnight at Benkar lodge. To Lukla (2850m). Walk approx 4-5 hours. Today is the last day of our mountain trekking adventure. We gradually descend and walk along the Dudh Koshi river banks. Tonight, our last evening of the trek is a good opportunity for a small party with all the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. Appreciation in the form of tips may be expressed at that time to these people who make the trip such and enjoyable adventure. To Kathmandu by air (1330m). This morning we fly to Kathmandu, 35 mins. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. In Kathmandu. Half day sightseeing tour of the 2 major attractions in Kathmandu. We will visit Boudha stupa (the second largest Buddhist stupa in the world) and Pashupatinath (one of the most significant hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati river). Afternoon at leisure for last minute shopping or you may like to explore Durbar Square or the extensive handicraft shops in Thamel.
Journey formally concludes at Kathmandu after breakfast with transportation to the airport, unless other arrangements have been made. Note: This Itinerary can be changed by your group leader depending upon the client's fitness and weather conditions, your safety and staff safety is our primary concern Cost per person: US$ 4,030 ( joining Kathmandu) Cost Includes: Airport pick up and drop offs by private vehicle as per the itinerary. Accommodation in hotel at Kathmandu, including breakfast on twin sharing Domestic airfare Kathmandu-Pokhara, Chitwan- Kathmandu, Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu Drive to trek starting point and from ending point Transport Pokhara to Chitwan 2 nights at Chitwan national park on full board 1 night hotel in Pokhara including breakfast Accommodation in lodge during the trek on twin sharing basis. All Meals (i.e. breakfast, lunch & dinner while trekking when not in Kathmandu) Dinner 24 day included in Kathmandu. Highly experienced local trek leader and Sherpa porters. Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) permit fees. Annapurna and Sagarmatha (i.e. Mt Everest) National Park entrance permit and fees. Use of and access to a First Aid medical kit by trained and certified staff (if you require first aid assistance) Duffle Bag Sleeping bag Down Jacket Service Excludes: International airfares. Nepal entry visa fee Rescue & travel insurance. Items of a personal nature Alcoholic drinks, hot shower, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, and internet. Tips (average daily rate is USD 8 to 9 per person per day) Annapurna region Gurung People The Gurung people are an ethnic group who migrated from Tibet in the 6th century to the central region of Nepal. Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Manaaggi, Mustaaggi, Walunggi and many east Asian featured people of Nepal are the indigenous people of Nepal s mountainous valleys. Their ancestors practiced Tibetan Buddhism and Bön (shamanism). According to the recent 2007 surveys, most Gurung people are Buddhist. They live primarily in north west Nepal in Gandaki zone, specifically Lamjung, Kaski, Mustang, Dolpa, Tanahu, Gorkha, Parbat and Syangja districts as well as the Manang district around the Annapurna mountain range. Some live in the Baglung, Okhaldhunga and Ta-
plejung districts and Machhapuchhre as well. Small numbers are believed to be living in Sikkim, Bhutan and India s West Bengal. There are 686,000 Gurung (Τamu) (0.39% of Nepal s total population) of which 338,925 speak the Gurung language. Their ancestors, culture and traditions are traced back to Tibet. Though, Tibet is called Bhot in Nepali language, the word Botay is consider derogatory to refer to Asian featured Nepalis. They coexist well with other ethnic groups of Nepal such as Madhesi and Khas. Khas and Madhesi people are Hindu, Indo-Aryan group who have migrated to Nepal after 12th century and brought with them the Hindu caste system. Most Gurung and other indigenous Nepalese of Asian features are Buddhist and so they are not bound by the Hindu caste system. Nepali of Asian appearance refer themselves as Mongoloid. Sometime, the term Mongoloid gets mistaken by youngsters and they think their ancestors originated from Mongolia. No study findings have pointed Gurungs origin to Mongolia. Instead, many studies and historians had confirmed their origin to Tibet. Everest Region Sherpa People The best known and admired of all of Nepal s ethnic groups, the Sherpa migrated to the high valleys south of Mt Everest from eastern Tibet about 450 years ago. Their Tibetan origins are reflected in their language, customs and religion. Our staff and crew will all be local Sherpa people from Solukhumbu, the valley adjacent to the Everest region. The walk is in their back yard, so the many questions about the land and its people can be answered promptly and accurately. The Sherpa people were originally employed by the first mountaineers attempting to climb Mount Everest. It is from the courage and strength of these local people that the name sherpa has been collectively adopted and used to describe a climbing guide working across Nepal. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to organize your best of Annapurna and Everest trek