Three Weeks Exploring Mountains Temples and Jungles
Trek through the Annapurna’s, Chitwan and the Kathmandu Valley
21-Day Tailor Made Trekking Adventure for Phil and Christine
16th February 2017 – 4th March 2017
Experience the majesty of the Annapurna Sanctuary and trek far up close and into the high Himalayan alpine on this stunning teahouse trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
Begin on the doorstep of the world’s highest mountains before quickly ascending into a Himalayan wonderland. The ABC Trek follows valleys of rich, verdant forest and sparkling mountain rivers, trekking through traditional Gurung villages, before being rewarded with a natural amphitheatre surrounded by panoramic views of towering 7000m and 8000m peaks, including Annapurna 1, Gangapurna and the spectacular Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail Mountain). Soak in the glorious sunrise views on top of Poon Hill, walk in the footsteps of mountaineering history, and indulge in a relaxing dip in natural hot springs on our descent from the Sanctuary.
Beyond the mountains and the foothills, the jungle awaits and Chitwan National Park is an excellent destination to discover an abundance of wildlife in a stunning setting. There are over 500 species of birds in the National Park, as well as rhinoceros’, crocodiles, deer, and even the elusive tiger.
Venture back into the Kathmandu Valley, visiting its rich cultural history, abundance of temples, ancient squares and bustling streets, discovering why the entire valley is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Welcome to Nepal, let the adventure begin!
Highlights
- Annapurna Base Camp and Machhapuchhare Base Camp
- Stand right below the imposing south face of Annapurna
- The UNESCO Kathmandu Valley and Temples
- The hilltop village of Bandipur and its Newari architecture
- A fully supported and well-organised expedition
- 360 degree views of the world’s highest mountains
- Sunrise from Poon Hill
- The jungles and wildlife of Chitwan National Park
Dates and Prices
Allow £550-700 for return flights from London or Manchester.
We accept foreign payments, please click here for details.
For a complete list of what’s included and what’s not included please see the Annapurna Base Camp Trek Dossier. Please note this is for our standard 15 day itinerary but it will give you a good idea of what to expect.
For all of your flying requirements please click here.
If you are coming on a second or third tour you will get a loyalty discount of 5%
Will there be any surcharges or price changes?
We do not impose ‘local payments’ or have any hidden charges. There is a guaranteed ‘no price increase’ in the trip price after you have paid your deposit.
Itinerary and Route
All of our itineraries are meticulously researched and well planned. They are designed to give you the most amounts of fun and excitement, whilst also giving you ample time to relax. Lost Earth Adventures takes the hassle out of organizing your trip, leaving you to sit back and enjoy your adventure!
- Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
- Day 2: UNESCO Kathmandu Valley 3 temples tour
- Day 3: Bandipur – Experience traditional Newari culture and outstanding mountain views in Bandipur whilst staying in a beautifully restored Newari mansion.
- Day 4: Drive to Pokhara – a laid back lakeside town in the foothills of the mighty Annapurna’s
- Day 5: Drive to Nayapul (1.5hrs), Trek to Ulleri (2073m)
- Day 6: Trek Ulleri to Ghorepani (2856m)
- Day 7: Trek Ghorepani to Tadapani via Poon Hill (2625m)
- Day 8: Trek Tadapani to Chhomrong (2020m)
- Day 9: Trek Chhomrong to Dovan (2580m)
- Day 10: Trek Dovan to Deurali (3230m)
- Day 11: Trek Deurali to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m)
- Day 12: Trek Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp (4131m), O/N Machhapuchhare BC
- Day 13: Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Sinuwa (2340m)
- Day 14: Sinuwa to Jhinu Hill (2170m)
- Day 15: Jhinu Hill to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara (1070m)
- Day 16: Drive to Chitwan National Park
- Day 17: Chitwan National Park
- Day 18: Chitwan National Park
- Day 19: Chitwan National Park to Kathmandu, Patan tour in the afternoon
- Day 20: Bhaktapur & Nagarkot
- Day 21: Depart Kathmandu – the end of the adventure!
Ancient Temples of the Kathmandu Valley
Explore three awe-inspiring temples and discover why the entire Kathmandu Valley is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site! Along the banks of the Bagmati River is Pashupitinath. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the most important site for Hindus in Nepal. Cremations and acts of devotion can regularly be seen at this atmospheric place of worship. Located in a tranquil part of the city is the peaceful and majestic Bodhnath Stupa, where thousands of pilgrims gather daily to show their respect and faith. Climb the steps to Swayambutinath, high on a hilltop overlooking the city. Used by both Hindus and Buddhists, the temple is regarded for its many holy (and very cheeky) monkeys!
A Night in Bandipur
Nestled along a high ridgeline, rising above lush terraced fields and the Marsyangdi River Valley is the village of Bandipur. Rustic medieval buildings from the 18th century line the quiet, traffic free streets, as locals go about their daily lives. Steeped in Newari culture, Bandipur offers unrivalled panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manasalu and the Ganesh Himal mountain ranges. This excursion would break up the return journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu
There is plenty of opportunity to take short hikes around this scenic village. Walk to Thani Mal Temple or to Siddha Gufa, reputably Nepal’s largest cave! Alternatively spend the day discovering the hidden gems and temples of Bandipur and meeting the welcoming locals.
We spend the night in Bandipur in a restored Newari Mansion and make our way to Kathmandu the next afternoon.
Nagarkot and Bhaktapur Tour
Waking before dawn, you will begin your tour driving through the sleeping streets of the city and on through the country towards Nagarkot. A small community, it is well known for its fabulous views stretching out towards the horizon. As the sun rises you will be able to hear the peaceful sound of birdsong as you look out and see awe inspiring views of the Himalayan Mountains, from Annapurna to Everest.
Once the sun has chased away the shadows from the night you will descend to the valley and the medieval city of Bhaktapur. A very traditional town, and World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur is traffic free and therefore the ideal place for taking a slow meander through its cobbled streets. There is plenty to see, from the traditional craftsman doing their trade such as potters, woodcarvers and weavers to the ancient monuments, temples and courtyards.
Chitwan National Park
This beautiful nature reserve protects 932 sq km of sal forest, water marshes and rippling grassland. The park is one of the last refuges of the endangered one‐horned Indian rhino and there are sizeable populations of elephants, tigers, leopards and rare Gangetic dolphins, as well as over 500 species of birds. There are options for day walks on foot, jeep safaris, canoe trips down tranquil rivers.
Travelling via canoe on the river allows us to see the park in a quiet and unobtrusive manner, enabling us a unique perspective and opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.
With our expert local guides in the afternoon we’ll get off of the roads into the Chitwan wilderness, attempting to track animals and trek in the jungle. There are a few viewing towers that also allow us to get high above and see wildlife that otherwise may be camouflaged and hidden in the long grasses. The views from these heights are also outstanding and stretch for many miles in all directions.
We’ve not included the hikes, canoeing or any other excursions in Chitwan in the trip price. You can let your tour guide know what you’d like to do when you arrive in Chitwan and pay for it on arrival although we have suggested what we’d recommend above. We have listed the options for excursions below under the Optional Extras tab.
Photos
Click on the arrows to enjoy a photographic adventure through the Bandipur
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More Photos
Click on the arrows to enjoy a photographic adventure through the Annapurna Sanctuary
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Trip Grading
What’s Included
- 6 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- 10 nights teahouse accommodation during trek
- 1 night in Bandipur – Newari style hotel
- 3 nights comfortable boutique jungle lodge accommodation (Chitwan NP)
- Guided tour of Patan, Kathmandu Valley temples & Bhaktapur & Nagarkot
- Airport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last day
- All transportation for duration of tour (unless otherwise specified)
- Trekking permits
- Porter while trekking
- Thuraya satellite phone (to be used for organising logistics and in emergencies)
- Guides will check in daily with our UK office to get regular bespoke weather updates and confirm locations
- Financial protection: we are a fully bonded and insured UK based tour operator
- Pre-departure support and advice by email, phone and face to face meetings in York if you would like. After booking with us we will send you a highly informative and comprehensive trip information pack
- Remote medical support from specialist doctors
- 1 fully qualified, first aid trained English speaking local guide
- Meals as described in the dossier (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=Dinner).
- Map of the Annapurna Region
- We don’t force a fast or slow pace. We let you walk at the pace that is right for you.
- Our guides and porters are paid fairly, properly equipped and fully insured for rescue and medical emergencies
- Trekking kit bag
- Photo book
- If you’d like to meet some of our team and experience our services beforehand you can join us on one of our UK adventures.
What’s Not Included
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Items of a personal nature (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
- Airport transfers taken outside of the itinerary’s arrival and departure dates
- Nepalese visa (Available to buy from $30 USD on arrival in Nepal)
- International flights
- Please allow approximately £15/day for food and drink
- Excursions in Chitwan National Park (starting from about £10 per person)
- Scenic Everest mountain flight or any extras
- Tips to porters/local guide
For a full list of what is included download the Annapurna Sanctuary Dossier
What Our Guests Say
Optional Extras
Food
If you would like all food to be included whilst trekking then there is an extra charge of £20 per day whilst trekking. This does not include food whilst in Kathmandu apart from breakfast and the welcome and farewell dinners. We have decided to not include all-inclusive meals in our itineraries. The food in Nepal is incredible and we believe that you should be given the opportunity to discover the local cuisine. Kathmandu and Pokhara are a food lover’s paradise with the options being varied and plentiful.
Chitwan National Park
CANOEING AND VISIT THE ELEPHANT BREEDING CENTRE
2015 rupees per person – 2 hours, morning or afternoon program with guide
A relaxing way to explore the jungle is to take a canoe down the Rapti River.
The canoe trip takes about 45 minutes, during which you can spot various water birds and two different types of crocodiles, called Gharials and Marsh Muggers.
After the canoe, it’s a short walk to visit the Elephant Breeding Centre where you can enjoy watching the elephants and their babies.
BIRD WATCHING ON THE LONG CANOE TRIP AND VISIT THE CROCODILE BREEDING CENTRE
6325 rupees per person – full day, picnic lunch and guide included
Float along the river on a long canoe trip for about 3 hours enjoying spotting various water birds and crocodiles. Once back on land, we take a jungle walk stopping for lunch in a jungle tower.
After lunch we continue the walk until we reach the Long Lake in the middle of the park. Here you visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre.
Finish the tour with a jeep drive back to the resort.
JEEP SAFARI
Jeep rent full day 20,125 rupees – picnic lunch and guide included
Jeep rent half day 14,125 rupees – guide included
It’s possible to share a jeep with up to 6 people
The route can include a range of attractions from a visit to Long Lake, Tamor Lake, the Crocodile Breeding Centre or the Park museum.
A great way to see the natural beauty of the jungle and spot wildlife if you don’t want to walk.
JUNGLE WALK
2990 rupees per person for a full day with picnic lunch and guide included
2015 rupees per person for a half day with guide included
A fantastic way to get close to the wildlife with two local professional guides is a jungle walk. In this exciting jungle adventure you enjoy the green harmony of tall trees and an impressive range of animals.
Keep an eye out for tigers, crocodiles, wild elephants, monkeys and rhinos that all inhabit this area. It’s possible to see all of them, if you are lucky.
JUNGLE TOUR PLUS
Extra 230 rupees per person
Our jungle guide will together with you collect the food he collected when he was a young man living in the jungle. The local people know the jungle like it’s their garden. Spot the best of wildlife and nature, collect food from the jungle and have it prepared on your return to the lodge as an appetizer.
NIGHTWALK
750 rupees per person – around 1.5 hours with guide
An exciting night nature walks to come across great animals watching place. This silent, but extraordinary experience will be an unforgettable trip. Enjoy beautiful blue sky with full of stars while relaxing by the river
Exchange Rate – Rupees are 155 to 1 GBP at time of writing.
Upgrades
If you like to indulge and treat yourself every now and then (and who doesn’t?) we are more than happy to arrange alternative accommodation. We also appreciate how lovely a little bit of lavish comfort can be when you are away from home and can recommend the following hotels for a touch of 5 star luxury in Kathmandu.
Experience a breathtaking Mt Everest flight or explore a medieval city…
