Compare Nepal Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek by Travel Max Guide
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 10 days | 14 days |
Price From | $ 1,775 | $ 1,560 |
Price Per Day | $ 178 | $ 111 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A |
14 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 9 Dinners |
Description |
Capture the spirit of Nepal on a stupa-endous journey rich in history, culture, and spiritual exploration. Witness the wind catch prayer flags amid mountainous backdrops, trek through changing landscapes to beautiful Buddhist monasteries, explore ancient trading towns deep in the Kathmandu Valley, and relax in a village retreat surrounded by Himalayan vistas. Then, before you get too zen – experience the thrill of rafting down the Trisuli river and spend a night camping under the Nepalese stars. From the labyrinth of bustling bazaars that crowd Kathmandu to the tranquil ambiance that encircles hill-top temples, it will be hard not to feel enlightened on this breathtaking adventure, Namaste! |
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
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. If you arrive early today, why not explore Kathmandu – an incredible mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornately carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Buzzing markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life, where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not get to know your new travel buddies over a plate of momo – Nepal’s answer to dumplings.
Day 2 Kathmandu
This morning, take a walking heritage tour of Kathmandu’s old bazaars – Hanuman Dhoka and Durbar Square. The labyrinth of backstreets and alleys leading from one bazaar, or ‘chowk’, to another is a true highlight of the city. Visit one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world – Pashupatinath – and let your leader bring the fascinating story behind this temple to life. Nearby is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Follow the pilgrims' circle around the stupa, spinning the prayer wheels and if you like, take the opportunity to offer your prayers to Lord Buddha by lighting a traditional butter lamp at the main entryway. There may be the option for lunch at a rooftop restaurant with an enticing view over the stupa, followed by free time this afternoon to continue exploring Kathmandu at your own pace.
Day 3 Bhaktapur
Journey further afield from chaotic Kathmandu to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur preserves the old-world charm of the Kathmandu Valley. Its timeless craftsmanship is evident in its temples and squares, and its people are still fiercely devoted to the ways of life and faith passed on from their ancestors. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the town, including the temples of Taumadhi Tole and Durbar Square, then spend the rest of the time exploring on your own. Tonight, you’ll stay in Bhaktapur.
Day 4 Balthali
Head to the fringes of the Kathmandu Valley, stopping at the ancient town of Panauti before reaching Khopasi. From here, you can stretch your legs on a 1-hour hike through the thick forest or continue by 4WD to the hill-top village of Balthali. A world away from the ‘Coca-Cola’ hub of Thamel, this peaceful community nestled within a setting of verdant hills and lush rice paddies remains largely undiscovered. Soak up the tranquil ambience as you relax in your accommodation for the night, with its commanding views of villages and farms and the mighty Himalayas rising on the horizon.
Day 5 Namobuddha
Pack a daypack ready for your hike today, while your main luggage is transported to your next destination – Namobuddha. Make your way off-road, cutting through the vast terraced fields, followed by a sharp descent. Continue along the trail bridge, where you’ll meet a steep, uphill winding track through open pastures and onto the dirt track that leads to Panauti. Pass a few villages, briefly entering a dense forest, then prepare to be wowed by the revered Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha. Visit the stupa and impressive Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Day 6 Trisuli River
After breakfast, leave Namobuddha and follow Kathmandu Road to the Trisuli River – the launching place for your two-day rafting experience. Meet the crew who will run through the safety briefing and prepare you for the adventure. Trisuli River is an ideal introduction for first-time rafters, with reasonably calm waters and only minor rapids – meaning you can relax and really enjoy the ride! Soak up the scenery (and the splashes) as you traverse impressive gorges and beautiful valleys. Depending on the water conditions, you’ll be on the river for approximately 4 hours, with a stop for lunch. Tonight, you’ll stay in a permanent tented camp on the riverside and enjoy a group dinner.
Day 7 Trisuli River/ Chitwan
After breakfast, continue your rafting adventure and drift along clear Himalayan white water, occasionally battling the rapids (and maybe your fellow rafters). Your rafting experience will finish around lunch. Say goodbye to your crew and put on your safari hat as the group drives down to the lowlands and onto Chitwan National Park. UNESCO declared this park a World Heritage site in 1984, and it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Asia. Look out for rhinos, deer, monkeys, beers and a wide array of birdlife here, including the infamous Nepalese wild chicken. Your accommodation here is a real treat – built in traditional Tharu village style, you’ll be surrounded by nature and the exotic sounds of the jungle.
Day 8 Chitwan National Park
Today is all about exploring Chitwan National Park and discovering the wildlife that lies within. After breakfast, hop aboard a jeep and take a 4-hour safari drive through the park – if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the Shere Khan-esque Bengal tigers that call the park home. After your safari, you’ll float down the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, keeping an eye out for the great Indian rhino as well as deer, exotic bird life and the marsh mugger crocodiles that inhabit the riverbanks. A birdwatching walk through the forest and across the grasslands is also a great way to connect to the land. Later, you’ll attend a cultural performance before heading to your jungle resort for dinner.
Day 9 Kathamndu
After breakfast, this morning is free to explore the jungle or go birdwatching. This afternoon, take a transfer to Kathmandu. When you arrive, you can join a walk through the backstreets and the vibrant local markets of the city to Ashan Bazar and Indra Chowk near Kathmandu Durbar Square. See the old royal palace and numerous beautiful temples nearby, and browse the stalls of merchant's wares. Hunt for the perfect souvenir (Tibetan prayer flags, Thanka paintings, singing bowls and pashmina shawls are popular) and perfect your bargaining skills. Tonight, maybe grab your group for a farewell feast of momo (dumplings) to celebrate an incredible trip.
Day 10 Kathmandu
Your trip ends after breakfast today, and you can leave any time after checkout. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.
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.