A BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Annapurna Sanctuary is one of Nepal’s classic walks, on which you enter into the very heart of the mountains. The lower reaches of the trek take you through beautiful traditional villages where you can get a taste of typical rural life. As the itinerary is planned to gain the best acclimatisation, we take a westerly route up to Ghorepani. From here we will make an early start for sunrise at a fabulous viewing station, Poon Hill, before walking up and across a ridge takingus east to the main trail which then headsnorth to the Base Camps of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. We then ascend beyond the cultivated fields into the upland areas and begin to become surrounded by the Himalaya. At our ultimate destination – “The Sanctuary” - locally known as the “Abode of the Gods”, we are in a natural amphitheatre and the only decision you will have is which way to look! 

On the flight from Pokhara you will be able to see the mountain peaks, this time from a bird’s eye view. In Kathmandu you will have a chance to see the finest Newari architecture in the East, experience the hustle and bustle of the medieval type markets, and explore the cobbled streets and temple complexes.

TRIP DETAILS & COSTS

Departure date - Friday 26^th March 2010

Trip duration

15days ex-Kathmandu including 4 nights' hotel accommodation and 10 days’ lodge-based trek

Maximum no. of trekkers

14

Maximum Altitude

4130 metres

Daily walking

4-7 hrs

Fitness level

Medium. Good all-round fitness and stamina required, no specialist skills needed

Age limit

Minimum 15 years old, maximum…there is no limit as long as you’re fit and healthy!

COSTS 

Trekkers are asked to pay tripcosts and raise an additional Dhs. 3,500 in sponsorship money. 100% ofsponsorship funds go towards nominated projects for The New Youth Orphanage inKathmandu. (See details on this website)

Trip costs: Dhs. 5900 per person

Minimumsponsorship required: Dhs. 3,500 (per person in additionto trip costs)

What’sincluded:

- Flights Sharjah to Kathmandureturn – economy class Air Arabia

- 4 nights’ city hotel including breakfast (twin share)*

- 10 days mountain lodge accommodation (twin share)*

- Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and visit to the orphanage

- Road travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and return flight to Kathmandu

-Travel insurance. This covers trekking to the maximum altitude of your trek, plus full rescue and repatriation costs

- Trekking permit/entrance fees

- Porterage, guides, daily filtered drinking water, morning tea whilst on the trek

- Welcome meal and final celebratory meal (without drinks)

What’s not included:

- Entry visa: this can be obtained on arrival at the airport and we will notify you of current price closer to departure. (currently US$ 45)

- Incidental personal expenses

- Meals while on the trek are not included**

- Staff tips

- Waterproof and warm clothing, trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.***

Payment

Immediate payment in full is notrequired, but a non-refundable deposit of Dhs.1500 per person will secure yourplace on the trek. You will receive a receipt and booking confirmation fromTrekking For Nepal and also from our trek handlers**** in Kathmandu. Thebalance, including sponsorship funds, will be split into two payments spreadover the September – January period. We will send you a schedule of paymentdates to help in your planning.

    Payment can be made in cash, or through ourPaypal account on this website, or by cheque made out to The Market BuzzInternational. Unfortunately we don’t qualify for our own named bank account aswe’re not officially a charity.

Notes

*Single supplement accommodationis available at city hotels only @ Dhs.100 per person per night. However at thelodges and teahouses, accommodation is very basic, and rooms may range fromsingle, to double or dormitory, depending on location and availability. Thereforewe are unable to offer a single supplement rate for these.

**Meals at lodges are notincluded in the price. Each lodge has an a la carte menu with European andAsian cuisines both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Daily prices areinexpensive: perhaps Dhs.15 – 20 for dinner with a soft drink, and lunch orbreakfast around Dhs.10-15 daily.

***We will send you arecommended packing list. Many items, such as down jackets and sleeping bagsare available to hire, or to buy and very reasonable prices compared to theMiddle East. Price lists will be made available shortly.

**** The Responsible Travellers (UK registered company no. 5912731) isa non-profit making organisation. For more information on them, please visit www.trekkingforhnepal.com

MORE INFO?

For those temptedto sign up with us, we will have lots more information winging your way, from help on fundraising events, to tips on training and information on health matters and kit lists. For UAE residents, we will be organising a few walks over the next few months – uphill of course! – and there will be a couple of meetings, including a talk on the trek itself and what to expect.

In the meantime please feel free to call Carol Hyland on 00971 50 559 7359 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or leave a message at our Trekking For Nepal mailbox at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 ITINERARY IN DETAIL

Day 1: Arrival inKathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu (GMT + 5hrs 45mins)

Transfer to the hotel from the airport. After an early morning flight from Sharjah (4hrs), we check into our hotel mid-afternoon. In the late afternoon there will be a full trip briefing by the leader and a chance to check and try on any kit you have ordered.

Evening will be spent settling in and relaxing in the hotel, with a group dinner to welcome everyone.

Accommodation:city hotel bed & breakfast

Day 2: Kathmandusightseeing and orphanage visit

A guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s major sight - the country’s most important Hindu temple - Pashupatinath. The temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River in the outskirts of the city. The cobbled streets are bustling with ladies selling flowers, incense and other offerings, and colourful Sadhus (holy men) roaming the surrounds of the temple. Pashupati, lordof the animals, is a manifestation of Shiva and is believed to still roam the forests in the form of deer. The temple, dating back to many hundreds of years, makes it one of one of the most important Shiva locations across the Indian subcontinent. As well as a place of worship, it is also the most important cremation sites for Hindus in Nepal.

In the afternoon we visit the orphanage to meet the children and deliver clothes, books and toys we have been collecting throughout the year.

Accommodation:city hotel bed & breakfast

Day 3: Kathmandu toBirethanti

We leave early this morning on a very scenic drive to Pokhara, travelling westward over a small pass from where there is amazing view of the Ganesh Himals, the Manaslu range and even the Annapurnas on a clear day. The road drops from here until we reach the valley bottom and follow the TrishuliRiver. Aproximately 3 hours into the drive, at Mugling, we cross the bridge and follow the Marshyangdi River for about 1 1/2 hours and then carry on to Pokhara. The journey provides plenty of opportunity to view typical rural life amidst cultivated terraced fields and mountain vistas.

We continue through Pokhara and drive over a pass at Lumle then drop down to Naya Pul. A short 30 minutes walk from here will bring us to Birethanti situated on the confluence of the Modi and BurundiKhola. This will be our home for the night.

Accommodation: mountain lodge 

Day 4: Birethantito Ulleri

It is a pleasant walk in the morning. Following the Burundi we climb gradually toTirkhedunga, a great place to stop for lunch. If you are a keen birdwatcher, there is a chance of spotting different kinds of redstarts, three varieties of kingfishers, dippers, forktails, magpies and treepies. We cross the bridge after lunch and climb steadily up a stone staircase through neatly terraced hillsides to Ulleri. There is nice view of Annapurna South and Hiu Chuli from here.

Walkingtime: 4 1/2 to 5 hrs

Finalaltitude: 2073 metres

Accommodation: mountain lodge

Day 5: Ulleri toGhorapani

We carry on climbing and the terraces gradually fade away to give way to lush, mossy forest of rhododendron. At a clearing called Nangethanti we stop for alunch. We continue climbing in the afternoon through the forest, steeply at times until a stone staircase leads up to Ghorepani on the col. There is a tremendous view from here, on the left is the Dhaulagiri Range (Dhaulagiri I –8167 metres) and then the Annapurna range (Annapurna I – 8091metres).Ghorepani, the village name means horse watering place.

Traditionally this point used to be a main resting place on the trade route between Pokhara and the prosperous Kali Gandaki Valley leading up to Mustang; today it is ajunction of several trekking routes and enjoys a good economy. There are stalls along the trails selling souvenirs.

Walkingtime: 5 hrs

Finalaltitude: 2855 metres

Accommodation:mountain lodge

Day 6: Ghorapani toTadopani

Thereis very early start this morning for those who opt to walk up to Poon Hill. It is about forty five minute of climb and is best done before dawn to allow enough time to arrive there for sunrise. It is an amazing experience watching daybreak over the mountains, waiting for the first ray of sun to emerge over the mountain tops, whilst the world below is just awakening. This is one of the best mountain vistas and is well worth the effort.

After breakfast we climb out of Ghorepani and follow the ridge until we descend through the rhododendron forest down to the river before climbing up to Tadapani. From here we havegreat views of Annapurna South (7219 metres) and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail 6993metres).

Walkingtime: 5 hrs

Finalaltitude: 2700 metres

Accommodation:mountain lodge

Day 7: Tadopani toChomrong

The trail descends from here all morning to Kyumnu Khola. We cross the bridge and climb steeply, after which the trail undulates for a while until Gurjung where we stop for lunch. The afternoon leg of the trek starts with a couple of steep climbs before the trail undulates and contours around to Chomrong.

This is the last permanent settlement up this valley, after here there are temporary seasonal settlements and camps. Today Machhapuchhre is true to its name as you see the twin peaks shaped just like a fish tail.

Walkingtime: 4 1/2 to 5 hrs

Finalaltitude: 2170 metres

Accommodation:mountain lodge

Day 8: Chomrong to Dhoban

In the morning the trail descends from here on a stone staircase to the ChomrongKhola only to climb steeply up to Sinuwa through oak forest. It then follows the Modii Khola high above the valley past Kuldi through bamboo thickets until it drops down steeply to the river.

We then steadily climb through dense forest of rhododendron to Dhoban (meaning confluence of two rivers). We are now close approaching the Santuary, which was first christened as such by Lt. Col JimmyRoberts on his 1956 expedition to the Annapurnas.

Walkingtime: 5 hrs

Finalaltitude: 2540 metres

Accommodation:mountain lodge

Day 9: Dhoban toMachhapuchre Base Camp

We continue through the forest passing the lodge of Himalaya Hotel and Hinko Cave,(known to have been used by the first expedition to Base Camp for an overnightshelter) until we cross a stream before arriving at Deurali for lunch.

 The trail climbs steadily after lunch for about  2 hours until we arrive at Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). You could do a short climb up to the morainebehind the lodges later in the afternoon for fabulous views looking north.

You will notice a big change today as the valley broadens and vegetation becomes rare and the trail begins to navigate boulders. One starts to feel like being truly amongst the giants of the Himalayas at the gateway to this natural amphitheatre.

Walking time: 5 hrs

Final altitude: 3788 metres

Accommodation: mountain lodge

Day 10:Machhapuchre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp

We start early this morning climbing steadily for a couple of hours to arrive at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). On arrival we can enjoy the 360 degree, stunninglybeautiful view of the mountains surrounding us. There should be time in the morning to walk up to the ridge for photos of Annapurna I and the glacier leading up to it.

It is an amazing feeling being surrounded by a wall of rock and ice of up to 4000 metres high and 5 km in radius. The panorama clockwise – Hiun Chuli(6441metres), Annapurna South (7219 metres), Barrha Shikhar ( a series of 12 peaks– 7847 metres), Annapurna I (8091metres), Tharpu Chuli (5663 metres),Gangapurna (7485 metres), Annapurna III (7855 metres), Gandharva Chuli (6249metres) and Machhapuchhre (6993 metres).

NB In case there is too much snow at ABC to stay, we would walk back down to MBCfor the night.

Walking time: 2 hrs

Final altitude: 4095 metres

Accommodation:mountain lodge

Day 11: AnnapurnaBase Camp to Bamboo

Leavingthe Sanctuary we retrace our steps past MBC, Hinko Cave, Dhoban and furtherdown into the bamboo thickets to the aptly named Bamboo Hotel.

Walkingtime: 6 to 6 1/2 hrs

Finalaltitude: 2310 metres

Accommodation: mountain lodge

Day 12: Bamboo toJinnu Danda

We walk down to Chomrong for lunch. From here we climb a little to contour around before descending steeply through terraced hillside to Jinnu Danda. There are hot springs twenty minutes down from the lodges where you can soak your muscleslater in the afternoon.

Walkingtime: 5 hrs

Finalaltitude: 1780 metres

Accommodation:mountain lodge

Day 13: Jinnu Dandato Pokhara

We descend further down to cross the bridge over Kyumnu Khola and climb steeply for about 20 minutes until we are following the Modi Khola once again. The trail undulates along the river for the rest of the day to Nayapul where our transport will be waiting to drive us back to Pokhara.

Walking time: 6 1/2 hrs

Accommodation: city hotel bed & breakfast

Day 14: Flight to Kathmandu & sightseeing

In the morning we take an internal flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting; this should be a spectacular journey with a bird’s eye view of the Himalaya from Dhalaugiri in the west, across the Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and finally Langtang.

We then have a relaxing afternoon in the finest medieval town in Nepal –Bhaktapur. In the 14th –16^thcenturies this was the country’s capital cityand has the finest examples of Newari architecture. This is a pedestrian city –so walking around the timeless streets is an absolute pleasure. The town is studded with shrines and temples, and has a myriad of back streets to explore. Dodging the grain and straw laid out to dry, you will reach Potters Square to watch the men working at their wheels in the open air, before reaching Durbar Square which is the highlight of this visit. Bhaktapur also has many shops for those who like to dabble in a little trading!

Return to Thamel for an evening of celebrations for the last night of the trip.

Accommodation:city hotel bed & breakfast

Day 15: Depart for Sharjah

This will be undeniably have been a journey like no other into the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Your sense of achievement trekking to the Sanctuary and the culture you will have experienced along the way will touch you deeply. 

However, the best memory will surely be that, as a result of your holiday, the Nepali community will benefit from your support of thechildren at The New Youth Orphanage in Kathmandu.

MORE INFO? 

For those temptedto sign up with us, we will have lots more information winging your way, from help on fundraising events, to tips on training and information on health matters and kit lists. For UAE residents, we will be organising a few walks over the next few months – uphill of course! – and there will be a couple of meetings, including a talk on the trek itself and what to expect.

In the meantime please feel free to call Carol Hyland on 00971 50 559 7359 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or leave a message at our Trekking For Nepal mailbox at  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .