Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m) and transfer to Hotel
After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, we will be greeted by a representative of Alpine Adventure Club who will drop us off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and if time permitted visit our office to pay the rest of bill, collect the information and signup the trip agreement or not enough time office authorize person come to your hotel to collect the payment. Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and trek Preparation
We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At late afternoon, we introduced with mountain/trek guide. Overnight Hotel
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (850m)
Trekking staff will arrive at your hotel at 6:30 am to pick you up to tourist bus station for journey to Pokhara. Normally bus leave at 7:00 am from Kantipath and it takes about 7 hours from Kathmandu. Today, you can take a breakfast in your hotel that you order earlier night or request to manage packing breakfast that you eat in bus journey because on the way we are not stopping for breakfast as well not available good breakfast but we stop for a lunch so try to eat Nepalese food (Dal Bhat). Afternoon you arrive in Pokhara then check in your hotel and refresh and look around lakeside. Pokhara is a beautiful valley, with panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. The town of Pokhara is set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu providing the perfect starting point for our trek. Overnight at hotel
Day 04: Pokhara flight to Jomsom (2713m) then trek to Kagbeni (2800m)
Early morning transfer to Pokhara airport, fly to Jomsom. This is one of the world's exciting flights to see mountain closely through the tiny aircraft, Annapurna I 8091 meters, Dhaulagiri 8167 meters, fishtail 6997 meter and other numerous peaks. You begin your trek to Kagbeni following along the bank of Kali Gandaki River. En- route, you pass through arid part of Kali Gandaki River with beautiful Ekle Bhatti. Kagbeni people are influence with more Tibetan and also Kagbeni is gateway for Upper Mustang and Damodar Kunda trekking. After reaching at Kagbeni (2800m) there is oldest monastery so better to visit this monastery and look around Kagbeni village. Overnight at teahouse
Day 05: Kagbeni trek to Muktinath (3800m)
The Trail steeply ascends for couple of hundred meters. While gradually walking you can enjoy beautiful deserted landscape, caves, old Tibetan Style villages, apple garden, yaks herds, sheep herds and so on. You can look at Thorong La valley straight up to the Muktinath. You can take a small rest or take a break for delicious lunch at Jharkot and visit Monastery believed to be built in 15 century. Now you head towards Muktinath following steep ascent path about half an hour. Muktinath temple is situated in 3800m but you are staying little down where available teahouse facilities so you can visit the temple and monastery as your suitable time but pilgrimages are going there in morning time. It takes about 15 minutes walk to reach at Muktinath temple from your teahouse / hotel, where you can enjoy a holy bath of 108 taps. You can see splendid view of Dhaulagiri (8165m), Nilgiri (7061m.) and others from Muktinath and people of Kagbeni, Jharkot and Muktinath are close to the life style, culture, religion and idea of Tibetan people. Overnight at teahouse
Day 06: Muktinath trek to Marpha (2680m)
Today, trek is begin with the descent down hill to dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot (3500m) and Khingar (3280m), villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom through Ekle Bhatti (2740m) which is sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki .From here there are fine views of the Nilgiri peaks. You continue down to Marpha (2680m), a delightful Thakali village, complete with a drainage system beneath the flagstone streets. Its narrow alleys and passageways provide welcome shelter from the strong winds of the Kali Gandaki Gorge and Marpha is particularly well known for its apples, apple cider and apple, apricot and peach rakshi (wine) overnight at teahouse
Day 07: Marpha trek to Ghasa (2010m)
The trekking trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. The beginning part of the trail is stretched at almost flat level up to Kalopani and then your trail begins descending steeply to Ghasa. The first part of the trek passes through the windy area covered with pine forests, rhododendron forests and birches are seen. The surrounding area of Ghasa is famous destination for bird watching. Here you are quite amazed at the panoramic view of Mount Nilgiri North (7061m.), Nilgiri Central (6940m.), and Nilgiri South (6839m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.) overnight at teahouse
Day 08: Ghasa trek to Tatopani (1190m)
The trekking trail descends steeply up to Rupse Chhahara (Rupse Waterfall) which is amazing to look and enjoying with beauty. There is situated the deepest gorge of the world between two mountains Annapurna I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each other near Rupse Waterfall. Now the trail ascends slightly to Tatopani (1190m) through different human settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani as the word Tatopani is termed after the natural hot spring situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot Spring helps you to get rid of skin diseases. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 09: Tatopani trek to Ghorepani (2855m)
The trekking trail passes through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins ascending steeply for at least one hour. Now path goes up through different villages inhabited by the people of different caste and agricultural land. While on trekking you will see the best panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small villages like Ghara (1780m), Shikha (1950m), Phalate (2390m), Chitre (2420m) and so on. While trekking you pass through rhododendron forests and come across the wildlife such as monkeys and birds of various species. You are accompanied by more panoramic views of different mountains. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) are a small pass known as Ghorepani Deurali (2855m) so more tourists stay here than down hill situated Ghorepani for better views. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 10: Visit Poon Hill (3210m) trek to Tadapani (2610m)
Early morning ascend to Poon Hill (3210m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Bahra Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After enjoying the view in Poon Hill then descends Ghorepani. After breakfast we make climb along ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2960m) and after Deurali we descend to the Banthanti and continue descend till small river bank then after climb up to Tadapani (2610m) En- route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds and green scenarios. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests which grants you a magnificent view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and so on. Overnight at teahouse.
Day 11: Tadapani trek to Ghandruk (1940m)
It is very easy short trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. You could hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way. This is one of the popular destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village (1940m). There is a Gurung museum so afternoon you can visit museum and Ghandruk village then relax in teahouse. From this village you could see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Overnight at teahouse
Day 12: Ghandruk trek to Pothana (1900m)
Today, first part of your trekking is steeply down following stone staircase to Kimbu (Bee hive). Kimbu or Bee hive is located at the elevation of 1315 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. Now your trail steeply ascends following the stone staircase up to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for early two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2100m.) passing through Tolkha (1700m.) and Bherikharka. From this point you can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now the rest of the trail descends gently down to Pothana (1900m.). Overnight at teahouse
Day 13: Pothana trek to Dhampus phedi & drive to Pokhara (850m)
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi and it takes approximately three hours and drive from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara by private vehicle. The trail is gently descent up to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Now you trek through flat land for some distance and steeply descend to Dhampus Phedi. Now you take vehicle to drive from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara it takes about 35 minutes driving distance. Overnight at hote
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus
It takes about seven hours, while driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.
Day 15: Rest and Buffer Day in Kathmandu
Jomsom get occasional flight delays during the main season. This may cause missing your international flights as well so we recommend you to prepare accordingly. Lukla suffers from quick weather changes and that may affect inbound and outbound flights. We reserved this day for possible flight delays. In case we have timely flight on DAY 05, we can use this day as rest. We can shop around local markets and walk around the city.
Day 16: Depart Kathmandu or extend your trip
We will drop you at the airport by our private vehicle according to your airport time. It is recommended to reach the airport at least two hours prior to departure.
The Trekking Day
While you are on trekking, days begin with breakfast at the tea house you stay, you will need to pack up your duffle bags / trekking bag before breakfast, as porters will set off early. After breakfast approximately 2-3 hours of trekking you take a break for lunch somewhere in the trail. After a relaxing lunch, you typically spend around 2-3 hours or even more sometimes on the trail before reaching your stopping point. Throughout the day, you will take frequent rest beaks and take time to admire the fascinating mountains views. You take plenty of pictures of yourself with incredibly panoramic mountains, rivers, landscapes, prayer flags, temples, shrines, cairns, monasteries, etc. Once you arrive at your Teahouse, you take a brief rest or simply relaxing with a book and catching up on your diary. Dinner is generally around 7pm.
What you carry
Your baggage is restricted to 25kgs in two people. The duffle baggage is carried by porters and is not available to you during the day. Your day pack should contain all that you need during the day. This generally consists of warm clothing, water bottle, camera gear, sunscreen, lip salve etc. Your guide will let you know each evening of any extra items you will need for the following day. If you have a comfortable day pack you load will only be a few kilograms and hardly noticeable.
Food
Kathmandu part we include breakfast but trekking we include three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) a day in tea house / lodges that you can choose from teahouse / restaurant menu but if you are on big group at that time your guide / team leader will choose the food for you. Meals are generally available Nepalese and continental on different taste in everyplace but you have to eat the meals in same tea house where you are going to staying at night but if you are staying in tented camp (Camping) then our cook prepare food and provide to you.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Kathmandu is on a twin share basis with private facilities. Whilst trekking accommodation is in Trekkers lodges / teahouses and is of a basic (normal) standard. Twin Rooms or multi share with basic shared toilet facilities. Hot Showers are available in some places, but they will charge directly to client when they ask for hot shower and if you wish to book tented camp (Camping trekking) instead of teahouse we will provide two men tent for two people to share the accommodation on tent camp.
Transportation
Transportation within Kathmandu valley is done with Cars or Jeeps, Van, Hiace, Coaster bus, Mini bus, Coaches depending upon the group size. In trekking region, transportation mean is hiking and in some cases Yaks / horses / mules / donkeys are used for baggage carriage. In this trekking route, hiking is the major mean of transportation while your baggage will be carried by porters and/or animals.
Trekking Staff
The Guide is in overall charge of the trek and looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, high altitude medicine, and first-aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples, remember they are local guides and their English may be basic and limited to trek-related topics.
Porters
Transport your duffle bags / rucksack – one porter for every two trekkers in Tea house trekking and camping (Tent camp) trekking it is depending on luggages/equipments that we need for your camping trekking.
Trek Grading
It is impossible to have a ‘foolproof’ grading system as everyone has different expectations and perceptions of their own fitness level. Remember that no trek in the Himalaya is a stroll as all involve going up and down at altitude and that altitude affects everyone differently. Regardless of age or fitness, preparation before you arrive is essential. Aerobic activity, swimming, cycling or brisk walking is recommended or, at the very least, walk up and down stairs in your trekking boots but some can do this trekking without did any preparation of trekking.
Money
It is best to bring a mixture of cash and traveler’s checks in major currencies-In Nepal, some of the currencies are banned for conversion and you must find the convertible currencies in Nepal. USD, CAD, EUR, and AUD are generally convertible. Ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations.
You should exchange enough money into Nepalese Rupees to last the entire time of your trek before leaving Kathmandu. You can find the money exchange counters near your hotel and there are no exchange facilities in villages / trekking trails.
Tipping
Tipping is a personal and voluntary matter and tips are not included in the trip price but who will working for you, they are expect the trips so you can give trips directly to them at end of your trekking / tours and tipping is not any limitation so you can give trips as much you like if they will make you happy.
Insurance
Your Travel insurance is not included in the trip price. It is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to your trek. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation (including helicopter evacuation) and personal liability. We also recommend that it cover cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects but our company is included trekking crews’ against personal accident.
Health
There are no specific health requirements for travel into Nepal. However, for the trekking in the Himalayas, you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination, you can accomplish this trek successfully but you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information regarding vaccinations, high altitude medication and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling in Nepal. Some part of trekking have a small health post for emergency treatment with limited equipments, limited health workers and medication. Be aware that some drugs, including anti-malarial, have side effects at altitude. Please discuss this carefully with your doctor.
Please be aware that you will be in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip. We strongly recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
Altitude Sickness
AMS (acute mountain sickness) is a serious issue. It is the result of the failure of the body to adapt to high altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. It usually occurs above 1,800 meters and the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. The way to reduce the affects of altitude is to ascend slowly, 300 meters per day above 3,000 meters until you have acclimatized. Poor acclimatization results in headache, nausea, sleeplessness, difficulty breathing and swelling of fingers and glands. The only cure for AMS is to descend to lower altitude and your guide’s decision on this matter is final. When you are planning to trek above 3,000 meters we recommend not walks faster. If you get altitude sickness please consult with your guide to go down at least 500 meters to recover.
Nepal Visa
Multiple entry visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu airport and all land borders except the citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Palestine, Afghanistan. Multiple entry visas can be obtained from the immigration points costing US Dollars 25 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15 days multiple entry visas, US Dollars 40 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent there to for 30 days multiple entry visa, US Dollars 100 or other convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 90 days multiple entry visa.
Packing for your Trekking
You will need to bring a comfortable medium-sized day pack to carry the things you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt.
- Walking shoes / trekking boots
- Socks, several pairs of heavy wool outer socks and a few pairs of nylon inner socks.
- Some pairs of Pants, shirts, T-shirts
- Skirts med-calf to above the ankle
- Worm sleeping bag and jacket
- Water bottle and Trekker's bag
- Flashlight
- Toiletries (soap, towel, toothbrush, washcloth, paste, Comb and shampoos)
- lighter and Sunglasses
- Umbrella, raincoat (monsoon season)
- Hand bag / day bag
- Walking shoes with new waffle soles(monsoon season)
- Waterproof jacket.(monsoon season)
- Plastic sheeting for covering the bag (monsoon season)
- Shaving paraphernalia for men
- Woolen hat (high place or snowy place)
- Woolen sweater or down jacket (high place or snowy place)
- Woolen long Underwear (high place or snowy place)
- Good Trekking boots (high place or snowy place)
- Sun cream and Sandal for night
- Some other worm cloths.
- Some dry food
