Compare Nepal: Himalaya Highlights by G Adventures vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek by Travel Max Guide
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 1,889 | $ 1,560 |
| Price Per Day | $ 202 | $ 111 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners |
14 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 9 Dinners |
| Description |
The Himalayan nation of Nepal boasts jaw-dropping mountain scenery and a vibrant culture to match. Wander the lively streets of Kathmandu, spend a night at a Buddhist monastery guesthouse, and take in astounding views of the Annapurna Himalaya in lakeside Pokhara. Then venture to Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest nature reserve, to seek out elephants, tigers, and a plethora of avian species. |
Annapurna Region, where you step into for Annapurna Base Camp Trek is not one of the best regions, but the region with the best trek that you can think of after Everest Base Camp Trek. With these, it has got all the aspects of the trek, such as hills, beauties, sub-tropical valley, glaciated alpine zone, hike, forest, sanctuary, and the base camps. If you think Annapurna Base Camp Trek is about the mountains and culture, then you have thought rightly, but what you do not know is, its trekking trails that are moderately easy. What you see while trekking is the majestic scenery that will trace on your mind. This includes the view of Mt. Machapuchare (22,943 ft.), Mt. Dhaulagiri (26,794 ft.) and Mt. Annapurna South (26,545 ft.). These are just some of the few mountains. As you reach the base camps during the trek, you will see the number of mountains more than you have estimated, and what could be the happiest moment to you than this. Another happiness is when you spend a night by these mountains. This is once in a lifetime experience. To have it, perhaps now is the time to imagine yourself doing Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trekking trail of Annapurna Base Camp from beginning to end takes you to a dense forest of rhododendron and bamboo, to fast flowing glaciated rivers, to suspension bridges, to the traditional village of the Gurung people and shows the old customs being followed even in the modern era. The scenery also changes from a lush forest to a grass pasture to rocky passes and ultimately includes only the breath-taking snow-covered mountains. In addition to these, you will also reach a viewpoint called Poon Hill which showcases 360-degree view of the Annapurna Ranges. |
Day 1 Kathmandu
Arrive any time. Arrival transfer is included. Enjoy a relaxing wellness experience with a sound bath demonstration followed by a six-course vegetarian welcome feast tonight, savouring the diverse flavours of Nepali cuisine.
Day 2 Kathmandu
Spend the day exploring Kathmandu, the colourful capital of this Himalayan nation. Pay a visit to Bodhnath Stupa, the holiest Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet, and explore the wood-carved temples, pagodas, and palaces of Bhaktapur, Nepal’s medieval capital.
Day 3 Kathmandu/Pharping
Venture to the ancient hilltop temple of Swayambhunath, decorated with vibrant prayer flags and home to troops of rhesus monkeys. Later, we’ll hear about National Geographic Grantee Chhing Lhomi’s efforts to preserve the weaving traditions of the Upper Mustang region through her work with the Himalayan Indigenous Society, a Kathmandu-based nonprofit. Then depart for nearby Pharping, known for its Buddhist pilgrimage sites, and settle into a tranquil monastery guesthouse for the night. Get an insider’s view of monastery life, and enjoy a chanting and prayer service; or opt to take a walk in the monastery’s peaceful grounds. Enjoy a cooking demonstration at local community restaurant and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste your delicious creations.
Experience the serenity of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery guest house offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting with balconies and private western-style bathrooms. There are approximately 200 monks in residence following the Nyingmapa tradition. This is a new monastery (2006), and income from the guest house directly supports it.
Please note that on select departures, the itinerary may be re-ordered to have the Monastery visit at the end of the itinerary.
Day 4 Pharping/Kurintar
Rise at dawn to listen to the monks’ morning chanting, and witness a stunning sunrise. Then drive to the small riverside village of Kurintar and hike to our lodge, nestled on a forested hill overlooking the Trishuli River. Opt to relax by the pool or take a guided walk through the surrounding countryside, stopping at local villages.
Arrive at our remote lodge, which sits on a ridge amidst the hills overlooking sandy beaches and a river. Forests cascade down the hillsides, enclosing tiny settlements of tribal people.
The lodge is only accessed by foot, so please expect a walk of approx. 30 to 45 minutes. Porters will be hired to carry our bags but please pack what you need for the night, as we will leave our larger bags in the vehicle.
Day 5 Kurintar/Royal Chitwan National Park
Today, we travel towards Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to 68 recorded mammal species, including the one-horned rhino and the Bengal tiger, as well as hundreds of species of birds. Check in to our lodge, located on the banks of the East Rapti River. After lunch, board a traditional flat-bottomed boat for a river safari, keeping your eyes out for aquatic birds, crocodiles, and other riverine fauna.
Spend two nights enjoying cultural and wildlife excursions in and around Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP), the oldest national park in Nepal. Established in 1973, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. Within its area of 932km² (579 mi²), RCNP is home to at least 43 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, including sambars, chitals, rhesus monkeys, tigers, and langurs.
The specifics and order of activities may change, depending on the season and local conditions. Your CEO will confirm the exact activities and timing with the naturalists upon arrival at the lodge.
Day 6 Royal Chitwan National Park
Spend the day exploring Chitwan National Park on a variety of excursions; activities differ depending on the season. Set out on a jeep safari through the grasslands and forests, seeking out rhinos, leopards, elephants, monkeys, and the elusive Bengal tiger. Meet with a “tiger technician” from the Nepal Tiger Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to the protection and conservation of these majestic cats. Visit a farming village bordering the park for a glimpse of rural life, and return to our lodge this evening in time for a dance performance by the local Tharu people.
The jeep safari is often prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities; monsoon season is from June-September, and sometimes it can last till October. When the park is inaccessible, we will search out wildlife in the surrounding forest which is unfenced and just as likely to view animals. Boating is also subject to the water levels and local conditions on the Rapti River.
Day 7 Royal Chitwan National Park/Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara, an enchanting town set on the shores of turquoise-hued Phewa Lake against a backdrop of snowcapped Himalayan peaks. Enjoy a guided walk around the city, and opt to have dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 827m (2,713 ft), beautiful Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. It's a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Day 8 Pokhara
Venture to Sarangkot village early this morning and hike to the famed Sarangkot lookout to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya. Back in Pokhara, climb up a lush forest path to the gleaming white Peace Pagoda, built by Japanese monks after World War II. Later, visit a Tibetan refugee settlement, established by the United Nations in 1964. Learn about the history of the community on a walk through their photo gallery, and enjoy a traditional Tibetan lunch. In your free time, opt to take a boat tour of Phewa Lake.
The hike up to the World Peace Pagoda can be quite strenuous and is all steps up and back down. If you are not feeling so energetic, please let the CEO know and you can opt out of this activity.
Day 9 Pokhara/Kathmandu
Catch a flight back to the capital, Kathmandu. Enjoy time to shop in the bustling Thamel district, or choose to visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple complex in Nepal.
Enjoy free time in the afternoon for exploring. Visit the burning ghats at Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, or the monkey temple. Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn, and some travelers prefer to just wander, seeing where the city may lead them.
Day 10 Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
Feel free to depart at any time today, but remember that check out time from the hotel is 12:00pm.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at a Hotel.
Welcome to the City Of Temples. As you arrive there, we will pick you up from the airport and drop you at the hotel. If you arrive in the daytime, you can roam in the streets of Thamel, if you arrive at night, taking a rest will be a good idea.
Day 2: Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at a Hotel.
On this day you will receive the TMG’s staff and move to the Kathmandu valley sightseeing with the private vehicle.
During sightseeing, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are in Kathmandu. Their names have been given below.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located at the heart of Kathmandu. It was a palace, and the locals call it Hanuman Dhoka. It was a palace where kings were crowned and have spectacular Nepali architectures. Now, this palace is a museum, and the monuments that you see here such as temples and statues date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Some are older than these.
Swayambhunath is more than 2,000 years old. It is also known as Monkey Temple and located on the top of the hill. It’s four sides bear the faces of Lord Buddha. It is also a stupa which has statues on its base, and they represent five Dhyani Buddhas – Vairocana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Aksobhya. Each of these represents the five qualities of Buddhist wisdom.
Pashupatinath is the temple of Lord Shiva and located not far away from the heart of Kathmandu. It is one of the holiest temples of the Hindus. Only Hindus are permitted to enter from the main gate to Pashupatinath Temple. As a visitor, you will enjoy the rich architectures of the temple from a distance. Inside the temple, there is a sacred Linga or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. If you are lucky, then you might see the Hindu Cremation taking place on the bank of the Bagmati River.
Bouddhanath is also a stupa. It is one of the holiest pilgrimages of the Buddhists. It has a white doom just like Swayambhunath and contains the bones of Kasyapa Buddha (Buddha incarnation), while others say it contains the bone of Lord Buddha. Around the base of the stupa are 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha.
As your request, you can make it happen by the private vehicle, cycling, rickshaw, by walk near the hotel. Other you need to take the vehicle or by cycling.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at a Hotel
Duration: 6 hours
Today we will head to our next destination as know as the Town of Lakes- Pokhara. TMG’s representative will arrive at your hotel and pick up to the tourist bus station. One the way we will get an opportunity to see the small towns, hill stations, rivers, terrace farming, and much more attraction. We will check in to the hotel. At the evening time, you can have a walk in Lakeside.
Day 4: Trek to Ulleri (2,050m/6725 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours
You drive from Pokhara to Naya Pul, the starting point of the trek. On the way, there are sub-tropical valley forests, steps, boulders, steepness, cliffs, bridges, and villages. There is also a village called Tikhedunga, and you reach Ulleri via it. When you reach Ulleri, it would be afternoon.
Day 5: Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,750 m/ 9,020 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 5 hours trek
After breakfast, you head to Ghorepani by reaching Banthanti and Nangethanti. In order to reach these villages, you have to walk through oak and rhododendron forest, and it is in Nangethanti, you will have your lunch. The trekking trail that you follow is easy and gentle. This is how you reach Ghorepani, the village that shows the perfect view of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Ranges.
Day 6: Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise (3,210m/10,529ft) then Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours
Poon Hill is a viewpoint, and it cannot be compared with other viewpoints of the Annapurna Region because it offers the rewarding and panoramic view of the mountains. In addition to seeing these, you will also see the amazing view of Mustang and Pokhara.
Day 7: Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m/7,120ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours trek
After breakfast, you follow a trekking trail that goes downhill, as well as to the forest of rhododendron and oak. In the afternoon, you reach Chhomrong, the village of the Gurung people. You will have a lot of time to explore the village. You will also see the fantastic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Day 08: Continue walking from Chhomrong to Himalayan Hotel (2,920m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 7 hours
The down trekking trail takes you to the Chhomrong Khola. This is followed by up trekking trail which takes you to Khuldighar at 2,380 m. There is a steep trekking trail, bamboo, and a gorge. There is also a rhododendron forest before you reach the Himalayan Hotel
Day 09: Himalayan to Annapurna Base Camp (4,230m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours
Today, you reach the Hinko Cave, Deurali and the Machapuchare Base Camp. The trekking that you follow goes up. It is after two hours trekking from the Machapuchare Base Camp that you reach the Annapurna Base Camp. From there, you see the Annapurna Ranges, the view is unobstructed and spectacular.
Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,300m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 7 hours
The trekking trail is easy in comparison to yesterday. From the trail, you will see the stunning view of Annapurna, as well as other mountains. You will reach the Bamboo and the Himalayan Hotel. On the way, there is a forest of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak.
Day 11: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,760m/5,770 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours
Retrace the trekking trail. This time, the trekking trail goes down. It then heads to the Modi Khola. Walking on the bank of this Khola, you reach Bamboo. There are lots of tea houses in this village. You will be staying in one of them.
Day 12: Trek to Naya Pul (1050m) then drive to Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at a Hotel
Duration: 6 hours trek, 1:30 hour drive
On the way, you come across the villages named Ulleri and Tikhedhunga. These are the prominent villages because some trekking companies add them to the itinerary of their clients. It is in these villages that their clients will stop for the night. The journey to these villages takes you to the sub-tropical valley, forests and thousands of steps.
Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at a Hotel
Duration: 6 hours
After we do check out from the hotel. TMG representative will pick up from the hotel to tourist bus station. On the way, we will pass through the towns, small markets, rivers, forest, villages and many more attractions that would be new for you. We will check in to our hotel in Kathmandu
Day 14: Final departure
Meals: Breakfast
From the haphazard city, as well as from nature's dramatic set, you fly out from Nepal. The proceedings of your flight begin by picking you up from the hotel. Where you trek was a paradise, and where you head is your nativeland. Prior to 4 hours, we pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport.
