Compare Annapurna Homestay Trek by Intrepid Travel vs The Sherpa's trail: trekking in Nepal by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 530 | $ 4,814 |
| Price Per Day | $ 106 | $ 301 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Travel to Nepal and hike through the Annapurnas, one of the most naturally beautiful regions on the planet, on this active adventure. Through rocky terrain, lush forests and fields of wildflowers, and under the shadow of snowy peaks, spend each day walking through the wonder of nature. Stop and rest at rural villages for a glimpse into a simple, traditional life. Reach a prime vantage point which offers panoramic views of the awesome Annapurna region – a true highlight of an unforgettable journey. |
With Mount Everest straddling its border, rare one-horned rhino roaming its jungles and pagodas studding its valleys, the tiny mountain kingdom of Nepal has an almost mythical quality. You don’t have to be an elite mountaineer to explore here, and our specialists can explain the wide variety of trekking options available, as well as experiences beyond the mountains, to shape a tailor-made holiday to Nepal that suits your interests. |
Day 1 Pokhara/Kalikasthan - Yangjakot trek (1440m)
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Meet your trek leader at the Pokhara office at 9.00AM ready to embark on a scenic drive to the outlying village of Kalikasthan. Enter a world of friendly villagers, terraced fields, alpine meadows and rhododendron forest set before a back-drop of snow-clad peaks. Begin with a walk down to the Modi river (2hrs approx). Along the way pass through delightful little villages and enjoy mesmerizing vistas of the Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II mountains. Cross over a long suspension bridge in the Modi Valley, pass through a densely shaded Sal forest, and ascend steeply to the village of Chachowk. Continue on to the village of Yangjakot where we spend the night in a homestay (3hrs approx.) (1440m). Trek Distance: 10 km Approximate Duration: 5 hours Ascent: 800 m Descent: 530 m
Day 2 Yangjakot - Tanting trek (1580m)
This morning take a gradually descending track down to the Modi Valley (1.5hr approx). Cross the river and follow the path on the western flank of the river to the village of Chasu (1.5hr approx). A long flight of steep but well-laid stone steps tests your fitness and takes you past verdant terraced fields to Tanting (2hrs approx). This Gurung village is typical of the raw beauty of traditional Nepalese hillside villages. We spend the night in a homestay (1580m). Trek Distance: 14 km Approximate Duration: 6 hours Ascent: 1150 m Descent: 950 m
Day 3 Tanting - Siklis trek (1980m)
This morning take the gradual descending track down to the river (1.5hr approx). After crossing, head to uphill to Siklis, where we stop for the day ( 2.5 hr approx) (1980m). You'll be hard pressed to find a more delightful place to spend your day than Siklis, a village with welcoming inhabitants, picturesque terraced fields, alpine meadows and views of the giants of the Annapurnas section of the Himalayas: Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna II (7,937m) and the monolithic hulk of Lamjung Himal. There are many activities with which to fill your time in this village. You can hike to viewpoints, explore the surrounding villages, and soak up the rhythm of local life. You can also help your host with the daily chores, perhaps getting your hands dirty in the farms! Trek Distance: 6 km Approximate Duration: 4 hours Ascent: 725 m Descent: 420 m
Day 4 Siklis to Ghale Gaun trek (1620m)
After a tranquil day in Siklis, set out on the longest section of your trek. Leave the village and enter deep woods trekking westwards with snow-capped peaks to your right. Make a steep climb up to a grassy wooded knoll known as Tara Top (4hrs approx) (2800m). This is the vantage-point for a spectacular 360-degree view that encompasses most of the Annapurna massif. Clear skies will allow for unforgettable memories of this majestic panorama. Descend through shady forests of rhododendron hung heavy with lichen and moss, with wild flowers on the sunnier banks and wild orchids attached to the branches above us, before arriving at Ghale Gaun (approx 3hrs), our stop for the night (1620m). Trek Distance: 13 km Approximate Duration: 8 hours Ascent: 910 m Descent: 1220 m
Day 5 Ghale Gaun to Bhurjung Khola trek/Pokhara
Head down to Bhurjung Khola, a tributary of the Seti River, following it south until you reach the road-head (2hrs approx) where your transport awaits to return you to Pokhara (1.5hr drive). Our trip finishes in Pokhara this afternoon around 1pm. Extra accommodation or a transfer back to Kathmandu are available. If you wish to leave today, you will need to book a flight as buses to Kathmandu all leave before 1pm. Please speak to your agent when booking.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Kathmandu.
Day 2 : Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu. If you have time this afternoon, you might like to explore the cafes around your hotel - try a local momo, a traditional dumpling.
Day 3 : Birethanti
Early morning flight to Pokhara. You'll be picked up and driven to the trek start point from Pokhara, which takes about one hour. After arriving at the trail head, you'll start your walk along fairly level terrain. Trek along a ridge which ends in the Modi Khola Valley. Reach the small village of Birethanti, where you'll cross the iron bridge, bedecked with prayer flags, over the Modi Khola River. Here you'll walk parallel to the river on a dirt track before arriving at Sanctuary Lodge, which is set close to the river.
Day 4 : Ghandruk
From Sanctuary Lodge, walk alongside the river before bearing left and starting the slow climb up to Ghandruk. You will be climbing fairly steadily upwards on well-paved steps, and at times will traverse across the paddy fields, where you will see rice and crops being grown, and the occasional goat or ox being driven by the local people. A picnic lunch on a shaded terrace will be a welcome refreshment. After five to six hours, you will reach the village of Ghandruk, which has fantastic views of the valley below. Himalaya Lodge is at one end of this village, and has the most wonderful views of the beautiful Annapurna mountains.
Day 5 : Tanchock
Today you can rise early to watch the sunrise illuminate the surrounding peaks, before breakfasting and setting off for the descent into the valley. After two to three hours you will reach Shauli Bazaar next to the river. Picnic lunch can be taken near here. After lunch, the trail continues parallel to the river. From here on you will be climbing fairly steadily upwards on well-paved steps. There is more shade on this side of the valley, as the land has been less-widely cultivated. After two to three hours, you will reach the small village of Tanchock and the welcome sign of Gurung Lodge.
Day 6 : Kathmandu
Finish the trek and drive to Pokhara to catch your flight to Kathmandu.On arrival in Katmandu you will be met and driven to your hotel in the city. You can relax in your hotel or explore some of the nearby markets.
Day 7 : Everest Region
Early morning flight to Lukla in the Everest region. On arrival you will be met and begin your trek to Phakding. A good introductory trek, you will arrive at your traditional tea house lodge in time for dinner.
Day 8 : Everest Region
Today's trek is a challenging one, so make sure you are well rested and have a good sized breakfast. The first hour or so of the trek today is on undulating paths, and you will pass many beautifully carved mani stones. Soon after you enter the national park you will go over a high steel cabled suspension bridge and begin the climb up to Namche. The path here becomes steep, uneven and rocky, and you will be climbing through a mixture of pine forested and open terrain. About two thirds of the way up you will have your first glimpse of Everest if the weather permits - ask your guide to point it out to you. Once you reach Namche Bazaar the best advice is to relax for the rest of the day.
Day 9 : Everest Region
Day at leisure to acclimatise. It's a good idea to do a little walking in the local area to get accustomed to the altitude.
Day 10 : Everest Region
Today's trek to Thame ia a three to five hour trek that takes you through villages that have trading links with Tibet. You'll be rewarded with spectacular mountain views right across the everest range today.
Day 11 : Everest Region
Trek to Khumjung Sherpa Villages today. You will have the chance to stop and take refreshments in a local tea house along the way.
Day 12 : Everest Region
Today you will trek to the small village of Monjo, this is a four to six hour trek that takes you via Syangboche Everest View Hotel and Namche Village.
Day 13 : Everest Region
Today is a relatively easy day as you trek back to Luckla. You will enjoy your last night in a tea house lodge before flying back to Kathmandu.
Day 14 : Kathmandu
Fly back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is free, you might like to visit Bodnath stupa - an important buddhist pilgrimage site and the funeral ghats at Pashupatinath. Both sights offer a unique and interesting taste of the religious diversity of the capital.
Day 15 : Kathmandu
Today is free to explore Kathmandu. You might like to take a walk around the ancient Durbar square, with it's atmospheric temples and intricately carved buildings, and a hilltop 'monkey' temple complete with stunning views over the city.
Day 16 : International return flight
Today drive to the airport for your onwards flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
