Compare Annapurna Sanctuary by G Adventures vs Nepal Trekking in the Himalayas by Adventure Women
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 787 | $ 4,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 52 | $ 312 |
| Highlights |
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Experience Nepal hiking amidst the splendor of the Himalayas and the Nepalese ancient culture on a low-altitude (7,500 feet) Nepal trekking vacation in the spectacular Annapurna region, with porters to carry your gear. Enjoy wildlife viewing and 2 nights in Royal Chitwan National Park. Safari by elephant into the world’s best habitat for viewing the Bengal Tiger! Raft the beautiful Seti River and stay in safari-style tents at the Seti River Camp. Take an optional scenic flightseeing tour around Mount Everest. Stay in comfortable traditional-style lodges on trek, with solar-heated showers, flush toilets, and electricity. Explore Kathmandu’s ancient city of Bhaktapur and the Buddhist Temple Complex of Boudhanath. |
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 1 lunch |
12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 11 Dinners |
| Description |
Don't just visit the roof of the world — climb all over it. Take a 10-day trek through the remote and imposing mountains of the Annapurna Range. Begin and end the journey in Kathmandu with its colourful temples, city squares, and great shopping. With the support of a team of expert Sherpas, the challenging trails of Annapurna will reward you with a stunning combination of towering peaks and dramatic valleys. Rest and relax overnight in tea houses, where you’ll reconnect with ancient ways long forgotten by the modern world. |
We are honored to be able to support the Nepalese people and help bring back tourism to the country after the destruction associated with the Nepal earthquake in April 2015. In October 2016, we return to the mountains of Nepal for our low-altitude, lodge-based Himalayan trek. Our Nepal adventure travel trip combines mellow river rafting, a safari by elephant-back into Bengal tiger habitat and for more fun, Kathmandu sightseeing and shopping. WHAT could be more adventurous and more rewarding? Nepal's towering mountains and verdant valleys, ancient cities and villages and the exotic Nepalese people fascinate all who are lucky enough to visit this culturally and geologically rich country. AdventureWomen has crafted a unique low altitude, comfortable, and less physically challenging Nepal trek (at 7,500 feet instead of 14,000 feet) just perfect for women who wish to experience the splendor of the Himalayas and explore her ancient culture. Our Nepal trekking trip is also lodge-based (instead of a camping trek), which allows for an easier pace and produces less impact on trails from porters and pack animals. Our Nepalese lodges are of modern construction in traditional style. All have private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and offer excellent local food. After all, why scrimp when you are at the top of the world! |
Day 1 Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting today and enjoy a brief orientation walk around Thamel.
Day 2 Kathmandu
Today after breakfast, we start our walking tour towards Kathmandu Durbar Square where the group will enjoy a guided tour. Then, enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during an authentic local lunch.
Opt to wake up with the birds and climb to the Swayambhunath Temple. Later, walk through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, considered to be a living goddess. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Day 3 Kathmandu/Pokhara
Today the group will take a mountain drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive takes about 7 hours along the Prithivi Highway, which connects Kathmandu with other major cities of Western Nepal. As the group approaches Pokhara they will be able to see truly stunning views of the Annapurna Range. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk of Lakeside.
Leaving the Kathmandu valley behind, head for the enchanting Nepalese town of Pokhara. Depending on our arrival time, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset.
Day 4 Pokhara/Tikhedhunga
Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga. Enjoy 10 days of trekking through alpine meadows, isolated villages, dramatic glaciers, and inspiring mountain vistas. The drive from Pokhara to Nayapul takes about 2 hours. The route goes along the bank of Seti River and offers stunning views of Annapurna Range. As the group nears Nayapul – the trekking starting point, the road starts to climb up the hills offering even more beautiful scenery. At Nayapul, meet the trekking support crew and begin trekking towards Tirkhedhunga. Today the trek is relatively easy and just a warm up walk for your days to come.
At 8,091m (26,545.3 ft), Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any view point. This trek covers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, we stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. The expedition is not only visually superb, but also a chance to learn about local cultures. Along the way, see thundering waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers and high mountain passes, and reward ourselves with a soak in natural hot springs. While the trekking is challenging, averaging 4-6 hrs walking a day on steep terrain, our Annapurna Sanctuary expedition into the Himalayas allows you to experience 'the roof of the world' without major issues associated with high altitude. The highest point on the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m (13,550 ft).
Note - This is a trek that requires a very good level of fitness as there are plenty of ascents and descents (in fact there's hardly anything flat!) and the walking is strenuous. The weather can be harsh in December and January with snow and frosts. Our expedition is led by an experienced local guide who speaks English. We stop at teahouses where our basic mountain accommodation is twin or multishare, toilet and washing facilities are rudimentary, and the food is simple but filling, usually vegetarian and cheap.
Day 5 Tikhedhunga/Ghorepani
Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani along a trail with a mix of steep steps and gentle ascents through rhododendron and oak forests, and a suspension bridge crossing. Enjoy the epic views along the way as the group climbs up 1394m in elevation today.
Day 6 Ghorepani/Tadapani
Enjoy a morning excursion to Poon Hill for an unforgettable sunrise. The trail starts with a steep uphill climb through the rhododendron forest and offers panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges with sunrise over the peaks being the highlight of the day. After breakfast, the group will begin the moderate trek with some steep uphill and downhill trails all the way to Tadapani.
Day 7 Tadapani/Chhomrong
Trek mostly uphill today from Tadapani to Chhomrong. The hike will take around 6 hours and offers expansive views as the group climbs higher and higher in elevation.
Day 8 Chhomrong/Himalaya Hotel
Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel. Get an early start and catch the sunrise over the Annapurnas before heading out on the trail. Travel mostly uphill passing through dense forests and crossing several small streams and waterfalls on today's journey.
Day 9 Himalaya Hotel/Annapurna Base Camp
Trek from Himalaya Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp—the highest point of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. It is a challenging but rewarding day. The trail is surrounded by tall cliffs with the peaks of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare looming overhead. As the group approaches Annapurna Base Camp, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky.
Day 10 Annapurna Base Camp/Bamboo
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo along the same trail as yesterday. Pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp along the way. This is a mostly downhill, enjoyable descent with striking views of some of the most magnificent mountains in the world.
Day 11 Bamboo/Jhinudanda
Trek from Bamboo to Jhinudanda following the trail mostly downhill and crossing rivers and farmlands as the group travels lower and lower in elevation. Highlight of today is the natural hot springs in Jhinudanda where the group can soak and relax those tired muscles.
Day 12 Jhinudanda/Pothana
Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana along a relatively easy portion of the trail with gentle ascents and descents. Wander through lush forests, pass terraced fields, and see traditional villages while enjoying this pleasant and scenic walk.
Day 13 Pothana/Pokhara
Today the group will walk along the trail to Phedi, where the trek ends. From there, drive back to Pokhara and celebrate the adventure completed.
Day 14 Pokhara/Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu for a well-earned celebration.
Today we return to Kathmandu where you will have free time perhaps some last minute shopping, or simply wander around the beautiful old Durbar Square or visit Bodhinath.
Day 15 Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
Day 1 – 2: Depart USA
If you are flying from the west coast of the U.S., you will depart and Losing one day due to crossing the International Date Line
Day 3: Arrive into Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti
You must arrive today at the airport in Kathmandu by 2 p.m. After picking up your luggage and exiting customs, look for someone holding a sign with your name on it. Your private escort meets you at the airport and transfers you to the 5-star Hotel Yak and Yeti, our accommodation for tonight, and for two nights after our return to Kathmandu at the end of our trip.
This afternoon at 4 p.m. you meet your AdventureWomen Associate and our Nepal trip leader in the lobby of the Yak and Yeti Hotel. You then receive a full briefing on our adventure. We are issued our trek duffel bags and are told how to pack for the trek.
Dinner is on your own tonight in one of the terrific local restaurants, or in the hotel. Then it is early to bed after our long journey to Nepal
Day 4: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Trek to Birethanti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Sanctuary Lodge
This morning we fly to Pokhara (3300 ft.), the rural capital of Western Nepal.
On arrival we are briefed at our outfitter’s head office, then depart with our guides and porters for the 1 hour transfer by road to the trek starting point.
Our first day’s trek follows a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas, with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. The route then drops to the Modi River Valley, home to Santuary Lodge and our first night’s stay.
Trekking time 4 hours.
Day 5: Trek from Birethanti to Ghandruk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge
After breakfast we leave Sanctuary Lodge and walk through outlying farms along the Modi River Valley. After an hour of easy walking, we begin to climb out of the valley and up towards the mountains. Snacks are provided en-route. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields, and forests. We arrive in the afternoon at the Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (6,600 feet) where we enjoy a late lunch while oogling the spectacular close-up views of the surrounding mountains.
Time to freshen up and take a hot shower, change from our hiking clothes, and enjoy the evening Annapurna panorama before dinner.
Trekking time 5-6 hours.
Day 6: Ghandruk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge
Today we have a free morning to explore the mountain village of Ghandruk, a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers. We meet and talk with the women of Ghandruk, who maintain a local industry weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.
This afternoon you may choose an optional walk to an altitude of 7,500 feet, or relax in the beautiful garden area of the lodge. Lunch and dinner are at the Himalaya Lodge today.
Day 7: Ghandruk to Landruk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Bee Village Lodge
After breakfast we depart the Himalaya Lodge and start our trek to Landruk. After leaving the village of Ghandruk, the trail descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River. Here, you’ll be at the base of the cliffs where the famed honey hunters of Nepal climb on ropes to collect the honey. From here is it about a hour’s trek up switch backs and steps to reach the village of Landruk, with more glorious views of the Annapurna range. We arrive in time for lunch and can take an optional exploration hike of this mountain village.
Trekking time 4 hours.
Day 8: Landruk to Gurung Lodge, Majgaun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Gurung Lodge
After breakfast, we leave the Bee Lodge and trek to Gurung Lodge. Today's trek contours the side of the hill, with small ups and downs, passing through villages and farmland. You’ll reach the Gurung Lodge in time for lunch and spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby picturesque villages of Majgaun and Patleket.
Trekking time 4 hours.
Day 9: Gurung Lodge via Chandrakot and Lumle, and on to Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort Hotel
Today is a busy day! After early morning tea and coffee served on your verandah, you have the opportunity to photograph the stunning scenery of the Annapurnas from several different locations around the Lodge.
After breakfast, we say farewell to the ever-attentive Gurung Lodge staff, and begin our trek back to the village of Chandrakot (5200 ft.), walking through forests with surrounding views of the valley and mountains. A half hour later we arrive at the village of Lumle, situated at 5300 ft., where a vehicle is waiting to transfer us to Pokhara and the Mt Kailish Hotel, just a one hour ride.
We arrive in Pokhara in time for lunch. This afternoon is free to wander among the shops on the lakeside or take a row boat out on the lake.
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level, 200 km from Kathmandu valley. The city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning anatomic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambiance of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Paragliding and fishing have also become popular in Pokhara.
Once at the Mount Kailash Resort Hotel in Pokhara, your extra raft and Chitwan luggage (which you left in Pokhara before your trek departure) is waiting for you, to pack for tomorrow’s departure. Our tour leader provides us with waterproof bags. All items for our 2 night raft trip are carried in the raft in these waterproof bags. The boats also have watertight drums to keep cameras, sun screen, and any other small items you may need during the day. The remainder of your luggage/clothes for Chitwan is transported in a vehicle to the raft finish point. Dinner is at a colorful local restaurant.
Trekking time 2 hours.
Day 10: Pokhara to the Riverbank Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast we leave the Mount Kailish Hotel for our 2 day raft trip on the Seti River. From Pokhara, it is a 1½ hour journey through scenic countryside. Upon our arrival at Damauli, our starting point on the river, we are met by our experienced boat crew, who give us a full briefing prior to launch.
The Seti River (elevation 1,000 ft) has no road access, so the river and surrounding valley remains pristine. Floating down the Seti gives us a chance to see village life along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds. On the way to camp, we stop for a picnic lunch on a sandy beach. Today, there are 2 small rapids of no more than grade 2 (about 165 ft long). The remainder of the trip is very much a float experience, all the way to our river camp.
Rafting time is about 3 hours, depending on water levels.
Day 11: Layover Day at Seti River Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today is just for relaxing at this beautiful, lush camp on the river. There are “treehouses” you can sit in and read a book. Or, you can choose to take a hike to one of the nearby villages. Many women from our past trips have found this to be a wonderful hike to the village of Darampani, about 2 hours above the river camp. Since no other trek companies hike to this village, it still remains quite untouched by tourism. 45 minutes above the village there is a spectacular viewpoint where you can see the entire Annapurna as well as the Manaslu Range of mountains.
Day 12: On the River to Kasara Resort and Royal Chitwan National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Kasara Resort
We spend this morning rafting and then journey by vehicle for 1½ hours to Royal Chitwan National Park. Our trip takes us through very interesting countryside and we eat a picnic lunch on our way.
For the next two nights we stay at the Kasara Resort, in the Terai area of Nepal, adjacent to Royal Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The essence of Kasara’s design is a blend of simple luxury in a lush and natural jungle environment. Kasara offers comfortably appointed rooms, carefully prepared fresh food, a range of healthy activities in a tranquil and inspiring environment, and meaningful interaction with the local culture.
The rich wildlife of Chitwan has been famous for centuries, and for the next two days we view wildlife from canoes, jeeps, and from the backs of elephants, who take us on safari through the towering grasslands in search of animals. Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, Greater One-Horned rhinoceros, gaur, four kinds of deer, two species of monkey, two types of crocodile, and 450 different species of birds all live in the park, adding color and music to the biological symphony in the jungle.
From the peace and tranquility of Kasara Resort, walks (escorted by trained naturalists) are an opportunity to enjoy the remote jungle. In addition, bird watching, jungle treks, wildlife viewing, and photography allow us to experience the wildlife on an intimate basis.
Day 13: Exploration of Chitwan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Kasara Resort
Today we have a full day of exploring the park and jungle. This is a day to immerse yourself in this natural tropical environment. We'll ride elephants in search of game. The elephants provide the only practical means of transport into the area because the grass is too thick and too tall for exploring on foot. The elephant is the king of beasts in the Asian jungle and our elephants and guide are trained to find tigers and hold ground should any confrontation occur. Rhino are also often found around the camp. Naturalists will lead guided nature walks, and you have a choice of other activities throughout the day.
Day 14: Chitwan to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti
After a final morning of game viewing and breakfast at camp, we are transferred to the air field for our short flight back to Kathmandu. While waiting for our flight, lunch is supplied. Upon arrival in Kathmandu we are met at the airport and on our way back into the city, we are taken on a special tour of the exceptional Buddhist Complex of Boudhanath.
After visiting the Stupa, the largest in Nepal, there is free time for shopping (a favorite pastime of all AdventureWomen!) in this marvelous city of bargains.
Late afternoon we are transferred to the 5-star Yak and Yeti Hotel, where we stay for the next 2 nights.
Dinner is on our own tonight in one of the terrific local restaurants.
Day 15: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti
This morning there may be time for those who made their reservations for the early morning (optional) flightseeing trip to view Mt. Everest (weather dependent). After lunch we enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing trip to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping and exploring.
Our fun Farewell Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant close to our hotel.
Day 16: Depart from Kathmandu
Our morning is free for further exploration, shopping, or cultural wanderings in Kathmandu. Based on departure times, you are transferred back to the airport for departing flights.
