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One of the best treks through some of the most diverse scenery of Nepal
The tour starts at our hotel in Kathmandu. There will be a full trek briefing this evening. *Hotel Ambassador / Manaslu (or similar)*
We leave early and drive westwards to Pokhara. This town is set in a beautiful valley and is overlooked by the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare, one of the most distinctive of the Himalayan peaks. We continue through Pokhara to Naya Pul and from there have a 30-minute (2km) walk to the village of Birethanthi, where we stay overnight. Birethanthi is a riverside village at the confluence of the Modi Khola and the Burungdi Khola. If there is time we can bathe in the clear but cold pools of the Burungdi Khola. *Teahouse*
Distance in Km: 2
Distance in Miles: 1
Activity Hours: 0.5
We start our trek by following the Burungdi Khola upstream. After a lunch stop in Tirkhedunga (renowned for its variety of local beer called chang) we start the long steep climb up a stone staircase through the neatly terraced hillsides to the top of Ulleri. Continuing through Ulleri we stop tonight at lower Banthanti. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,240m)
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 6-6.5
The trail winds its way onwards and enters rhododendron forest. In spring the forest is ablaze with colour. Trains of mules provide colourful and noisy interludes to the continuous ascent today (there are many stone staircases). Carrying rice and other supplies north to the kingdom of Mustang the trail resounds with the sound of their bells. Finally, we emerge from the forests at Ghorepani and suddenly a splendid mountain vista appears before us - Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung and other Himalayan giants. We continue up through Ghorepani to our lodge in Upper Ghorepani (2,900m), usually arriving by lunchtime. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,900m)
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 4.5
Activity Hours: 4-4.5
This morning there is an optional ascent of Poon Hill (3,210m - about an hour's walk uphill) to see the spectacular sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himals. As the sun emerges from behind the mountains the sky glows red and pink in the first rays of the sun and the panorama is surely one of the world's great mountain vistas. Best seen at dawn, the climb is well worth the effort. After breakfast we head east, following a ridge to cross a pass at 3,150m. We pass through more forest and some tea houses and then the descent becomes steeper as we descend on stone steps through jungle to a few lodges in a clearing called Banthanti at 2,760m, where we have lunch. Descending further to a small stream, we cross a bridge and climb back up to 2,690m at Tadapani where we have a superb view of Annapurna South and the peak of Machhapuchhare. From here we descend for a short while to our lodge at Chuili, where we have great views of the mountains from the lovely garden. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,290m)
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 7
The trail descends steeply through the forest to the Kyumnu Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola. From here a steep ascent brings us to Chhomrong, at 2,220m, another Gurung village and the last permanent settlement in the valley. Beyond here we shall see yersas, the shelters used by herdsmen in the summer months. From Chhomrong we have good views again of Annapurna South and from this point onwards the twin-peaked mountain Machhapuchhare ('fishtail') which gives the mountain its name. *Teahouse* (sleeping altitude 2,220m)
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 4.5-5
The trail from Chhomrong descends first on a stone staircase to cross the Chhomrong Khola and then climbs steeply on another stone staircase out of this side valley to Sinuwa, where we enter the main Modi Khola Valley. From Sinuwa the trail descends on stone steps through dense jungle and then undulates to lunch at Bamboo, a cluster of lodges in a forest clearing. The forest around us is full of bamboo thickets. These are cut extensively to make 'dokos' - the carrying baskets as used by our porters - and woven mats for floors and roofing. Undulating further through the bamboo forest we reach Dobhan at 2,500m, another small clearing in the forest where there are several teahouses. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 2,500m)
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 6
A tough day today as we walk above 3,000m. The trail continues up through the forest, passing the lodges at Himalaya Hotel. From here the trail gets steeper and rockier as we climb up past Hinko Cave, where the first expeditions to the Base Camp used to camp. Crossing a ravine, the trail continues to climb steeply among boulders, leaving the trees behind us. We have lunch at Deurali and from here the valley broadens out and the scenery becomes wilder as we approach the gates of the sanctuary. From Deurali there are two trails. The one on the left side of the valley is the main trail but especially in spring when there is a lot of snow it is not used and an alternative trail on the right side of the valley is used. Your leader will decide which trail to use. Both trails finally meet for the last 1.5hr climb up between the heights of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare, to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m), where we spend the night. The views are stupendous and the panorama includes Huinchuli, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare. *Teahouse *(sleeping altitude 3,700m)
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 5
Activity Hours: 7-7.5
In the early morning, we walk for 2 hours up to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of some of the highest mountains in the world. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna 1 and 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare all encircle us with unbroken soaring ramparts but for the route by which we entered. The sunset and sunrise are truly magnificent in this mountain arena. We spend the day in this special place with a chance to watch the sunrise the following morning. There should be time to make an excursion to the ridge overlooking the base camp from which Sir Chris Bonington led the ascent of Annapurna's South Face. (Occasionally there is too much snow to stay at Annapurna Base Camp. In this case, we would walk back down to Machhapuchhare Base Camp in the late afternoon). *Teahouse* (sleeping altitude 4,130m)
Distance in Km: 3.5
Distance in Miles: 2
Activity Hours: 2-2.5
A long and mostly downhill day as we leave the Sanctuary. We follow the same trail back to Machhapuchhare Base Camp and further down to Deurali. Entering the forest, we descend slowly and carefully on a rocky trail through Himalaya and Dobhan back to the lodge at Bamboo. *Teahouse* (sleeping altitude 2,330m)
Distance in Km: 14.5
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 8.5
A rollercoaster walk today with lots of ups and downs. We start with a climb up to Sinuwa, then we descend to the river and climb back up the stone steps to Chomro. A final steep descent on stone steps brings us to Jhinnudanda. Close to Jhinnudanda, there are some hot springs that you can visit if you wish; getting there involves descending for twenty minutes or so down to the river, and the climb back up takes a little longer (around 30 mins). *Teahouse* (sleeping altitude 1,710m)
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 5.5
The trail today undulates down the Modi River Valley. We follow the valley down to the road head at Sinwai. If the road is in good condition, we will pick up our transport here (sometimes our vehicle cannot get to here) and drive back to Pokhara. If we have to walk to Birethanthi this will add an additional 3 hours/10 km. *Hotel Lakefront / Hotel Dahlia / Mount Kailash Resort (or similar)*
Distance in Km: 8
Distance in Miles: 5
Activity Hours: 4
A full day to relax in Pokhara. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants along the lakeshore where you can watch paragliders in flight. You may wish to take a rowing boat across Lake Phewa and walk up to the World Peace Pagoda, set on a hill overlooking the lake with fantastic views. There are also plenty of shops and a traditional bazaar where you can pick up some souvenirs. Alternatively, there are several museums to visit, including the International Mountain Museum and the Gurkha Museum. *Hotel Lakefront / Hotel Dahlia / Mount Kailash Resort (or similar)*
We fly to Kathmandu. Weather depending there should be good views of the western end of Nepal on this flight. The afternoon is free for sightseeing. You may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Boudhanath, or the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. *Hotel Ambassador / Manaslu (or similar)*
The trip ends after breakfast. Those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport for the flight back to London. Those not on the group flight will leave us after breakfast. **
* 4 nights standard hotels and 10 nights teahouses
* 11 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and local staff. Min. age 16 yrs
* Altitude maximum 4130m, average 2440m
* Travel by private bus and one internal flight
* Between 5 and 8 hours walking per day
* Numerous stone steps
Breakfast is included throughout the trip.
On trek the breakfast will be a fixed set menu usually consisting of porridge
or muesli, with either toast, chapatti or pancake, plus an egg or omelette
and a cup of tea/coffee. Any additional items that are not included in the
set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch
and dinner on trek allowing you to choose what you want to eat. Lunch will be
taken at a teahouse en route - sometimes one of your guides will go ahead
with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner will be in the
same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base
their room rate on it).
The menus in the lodges are almost identical to one another but offer a
varied choice, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple
pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms
but generally comprises some curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, some
rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a type of
Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on
trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for
several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or
illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend
using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some
extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will
be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of
the soups are from powder/packets and contain gluten.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than
the suggested amount.
*Drinking Water*
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but
particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at
least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this
contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking
areas.
A few villages along the Annapurna Sanctuary route have safe drinking water
stations selling UV treated water for Rs40-50 per litre but these are not
always open.
The teahouses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the
price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This
is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water
bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if
requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you
bring a reusable bottle (or two) and use an effective form of water
treatment. There are a wide range of products available these days which are
more effective than traditional purification tablets - we recommend talking
to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving
all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing
conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold
conditions).
Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are widely available to purchase
from online retailers such as Amazon and Ebay – they’re very effective,
can treat 1 litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready
immediately – look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that
you will need to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with
these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the products
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank">Water-to-Go for more information*. Exodus customers can
claim 15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value
will be donated to the **Exodus Travels Foundation [1]**.* Please note that
if the water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost
before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
[1] node/211076
* 4 nights standard hotels and 10 nights teahouses
* 11 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
* Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and local staff. Min. age 16 yrs
* Altitude maximum 4130m, average 2440m
* Travel by private bus and one internal flight
* Between 5 and 8 hours walking per day
* Numerous stone steps
This trek is graded as moderate/challenging (level 4) and comprises 11 days
point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout. Please read a
description of our Activity Levels [1], found on our website.
The maximum altitude is 4,130m and the average is 2,440m - we ask you to
refer to the 'altitude warning' within the Trip Notes. This is one of the
best-paced trekking routes in Nepal for acclimatisation - the ascent is
gradual; most nights are spent at low to medium altitudes (below 3000m) with
only two nights spent at high altitude (over 3500m).
This is an ideal trek for those who are confident of their physical fitness,
although most of the more challenging walking is on the last approach to the
Sanctuary itself. Some previous trekking experience and physical preparation,
such as hill walking, is recommended.
On most days we walk for between approximately five and seven hours a day,
although there are some shorter and longer days. There are numerous stone
staircases to be climbed and descended on this route and we would not
recommend this trek to anyone with weak knees. There are prolonged ascents
and descents on some days (more than 1000m). Because of the ascents and
descents and the stone staircases, this trek is at the higher end of a grade
4. It is graded as level 4 and therefore a lower level than Everest Base Camp
as it does not go above 5,000m. We highly recommend using trekking poles. The
trail crosses approximately five modern suspension bridges; all have mesh
sides, and none are particularly long or high, however, anyone with a strong
fear of heights or vertigo may find them difficult.
Walking hours stated within the itinerary are given as approximates only.
Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of
your group.
To help you better prepare for your Nepal holiday, please also see our *
https://www.exodus.co.uk/sites/exod/files/2020_nepal_destination_guide.pdf"
target="_blank"Nepal Destination Guide.*
*Why Trek with Exodus?*
• Over 30 years’ experience of organising treks in Nepal.
• ‘Ask an expert’ – talk to Exodus office staff who have done the
treks themselves.
• Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid
and trained in recognising and dealing with altitude sickness.
• One of the highest staff to client ratios on trek - 1 staff member: 4
clients.
• All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair
wage.
• Carefully planned ascent rates and itineraries with built-in
acclimatisation and contingency days.
• Staff carry oxygen and first aid kit.
• Self-assessment AMS cards used to monitor every client at high altitude.
[1] node/714
Hotels, Lodges, and Teahouses
This tour spends two nights in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, two nights
in a hotel in Pokhara and ten nights on trek in lodges (teahouses).
The hotels used may vary by departure date. In Kathmandu we usually stay at
Hotel Manaslu or Hotel Ambassador, located within walking distance of the
Thamel district. In Pokhara we use a range of hotels: Hotel Lakefront, Hotel
Dahlia or Mount Kailash Resort.
The teahouses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to
expect in the mountains.
The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful
traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee
to put the heater on and for environmental reasons many lodges on this trek
do not have a heater). Most teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such
as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Almost all lodges have electricity, but it
is not wholly reliable, and lighting may not be bright enough to read by –
a torch is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available
only in the dining room (charged at approx. Rs150-350 per hour per device).
Many of the lodges use solar power so sometimes there is not enough
electricity for charging. Many lodges have Wi-Fi these days – in some areas
it works well but in others it is slow and temperamental.
The bedrooms are now almost all twin share, except for nights 7 to 10, above
Chhomrong. Above Chhomrong the lodges are controlled by the Annapurna
Conservation Area Project and for conservation, there is a limit to the
number of lodges that can be built and the number of rooms per lodge. This
means that the rooms have more than 2 beds and often have 3/4/5 beds in a
small room. Due to the limited accommodation available, the lodges will not
allow us to book twin rooms on these nights, even if we pay a higher price.
Your leader will try their best to sort the rooms out fairly but please be
aware that you will be in multi-bedded rooms in close quarters for some
nights. Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided.
Bedrooms are generally unheated and can get cold at night, so you will need
to bring or hire a sleeping bag.
Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are
located outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian
’squat’ style; although many lodges have now installed ‘western
style’ seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided so you should bring your
own or buy it locally (please dispose of it the bin provided – do not put
it in the bowl). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a container
of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen) please either refill it
or ask the lodge to.
Some lodges now have hot 'showers' (charged at approx. Rs250-500 per shower).
Sometimes a hot shower is simply a bucket of hot water and not a shower head.
Standards of cleanliness vary especially in the peak trekking season and in
winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your
leader or the lodge and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use
soap or hand sanitizer gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks and meal
times.
As a rule, the higher altitude you go to, the more basic the lodges and the
more expensive food and services become.
*Extra Accommodation*
If you require any additional accommodation in Kathmandu either before or
after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability), please
enquire with your Sales Consultant.
*Single Accommodation*
If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the hotel
nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara only (subject to availability). While in the
tea-houses, single rooms cannot be guaranteed but if a single room is
available that night, you can pay locally on a day by day basis.
The group will generally be between 4 and 16 people.
We have representatives in Kathmandu who will look after your transfers to
and from the airport and will be around to answer other questions you may
have about your trek. There is an Exodus desk and noticeboard in the Royal
Singi Hotel in Kathmandu. The desk is manned morning and evening.
All departures will have an English-speaking Nepali Tour Leader throughout
the trip who will be assisted by Nepali Trekking Guides. All Exodus leaders
are highly experienced and as well as Exodus leader training courses they are
all trained in wilderness first aid. The trekking guides are licensed by the
Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and receive additional
training through Exodus.
On all our Nepal treks there will be one member of trek staff for every four
clients - this ratio may change if for any reason a guide must stay behind
with a member of the group. The leaders are assisted by additional guides and
as many porters as necessary to carry the kitbags. All your main gear is
carried for you and you only must carry whatever you require for that day's
trek. Porters carry two client's kitbags each - kitbags should be restricted
to 10kg maximum. Porters are given porter clothing for treks above 4,500m
(windproof jacket and trousers, boots, socks, gloves, hats, sunglasses). All
the trekking staff are insured by our local partner in Nepal.
Breakfast is included throughout the trip.
On trek the breakfast will be a fixed set menu usually consisting of porridge
or muesli, with either toast, chapatti or pancake, plus an egg or omelette
and a cup of tea/coffee. Any additional items that are not included in the
set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch
and dinner on trek allowing you to choose what you want to eat. Lunch will be
taken at a teahouse en route - sometimes one of your guides will go ahead
with the group’s order to make it more expedient. Dinner will be in the
same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base
their room rate on it).
The menus in the lodges are almost identical to one another but offer a
varied choice, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple
pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms
but generally comprises some curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, some
rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a type of
Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on
trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for
several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or
illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend
using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten free diet, then we strongly recommend you bring some
extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will
be little variety available for you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of
the soups are from powder/packets and contain gluten.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than
the suggested amount.
*Drinking Water*
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but
particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at
least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this
contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking
areas.
A few villages along the Annapurna Sanctuary route have safe drinking water
stations selling UV treated water for Rs40-50 per litre but these are not
always open.
The teahouses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the
price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This
is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water
bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses will provide cold water free of charge, if
requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you
bring a reusable bottle (or two) and use an effective form of water
treatment. There are a wide range of products available these days which are
more effective than traditional purification tablets - we recommend talking
to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving
all the time: make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing
conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold
conditions).
Handheld UV filters such as a ‘SteriPEN’ are widely available to purchase
from online retailers such as Amazon and Ebay – they’re very effective,
can treat 1 litre of water in a couple of minutes and the water is ready
immediately – look for lightweight lithium battery models and remember that
you will need to bring a wide-mouthed bottle (e.g. Nalgene) for use with
these devices.
There are also an array of water filter and purifier bottles on the market
but be wary of their weight, bottles with a small capacity and the products
performance in freezing conditions. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a
filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological
contaminants from any non-salt water source – please visit
https://watertogo.eu/exodus/"
target="_blank"Water-to-Go for more information*. Exodus customers can
claim 15% off your first order, and better still, 15% of the purchase value
will be donated to the **Exodus Travels Foundation [1]**.* Please note that
if the water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost
before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
[1] node/211076
For transfers, we use a private minibus. The road conditions are generally
reasonable, but you should be prepared for a few rough sections. If we drive
from Sinwai to Naya Pul this section of road (10km) is rough.
For the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we use the scheduled services of
one of the airlines operating within Nepal. If you wish to transfer by road
on the return journey, please let us know at the time of booking.
This point to point trekking holiday requires customers to walk between each
overnight stay under their own steam. Other forms of transport may be
available along the route (horses, jeeps etc) but Exodus is not able to take
responsibility for the safety or the cost of any transport that customers
choose to take even if provided with the assistance of our leader or staff.
*Flying in Nepal*
A domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu is included in the tour.
Many of our treks in Nepal use domestic flights to reach the trekking areas.
The mountainous terrain is often subject to changeable weather which makes
flying conditions complex. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of
Nepal does not operate to the same standards as those of western nations. The
EU has recently chosen to highlight the relatively poor safety record in
Nepal, and as of December 2013, all Nepalese registered airlines have been
included on the EU ‘Banned list’ preventing them from flying in EU
airspace. While no Nepalese-registered airlines currently fly within the EU,
the EU have instigated this ban to encourage the CAA of Nepal to tighten its
systems governing Nepalese aviation. Flying within Nepal is, therefore, a
known risk and the current travel advice issued by the UK Foreign,
Commonwealth & Development Office provides an overview which we encourage you
to read.
In response to general concerns over this safety record, Exodus asked
independent air safety experts to visit Nepal on our behalf to assess the
suitability of the available carriers. Following these comprehensive audits
(undertaken in 2011, 2013 and 2015), Exodus decided to restrict our use of
airlines to only those approved as part of the most recent audit. It remains
our firm policy to only use these approved carriers for our customers and
further audits will take place regularly. For emergency situations, we also
have an approved list of helicopter companies for our use.
Exodus is supportive of the EU’s move to put pressure on the CAA of Nepal
in this way. We are hopeful that, alongside our own risk control measures,
this will make a difference to all who fly in Nepal. Please consider the
information above when deciding to book this holiday.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London:* *16 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Turkish Airways or Oman Air
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly
we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change later and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline.
*Travelling land only: 15 days starting and ending in Kathmandu*
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Kathmandu in the afternoon of Day 1
of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the
Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £6/US$10 should you decide to make
your way independently.
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime
temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky
is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences.
Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 30ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to
around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go. Different
seasons offer different advantages for trekking. There can be snow in
Annapurna Base Camp at any time of year.
*Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November.* This is the main trekking
season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC.
Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear
mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to
minus 5ºC at the higher altitudes.
*Winter: December to end February.* Despite the colder conditions this is an
ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in
December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold
with temperatures down to minus 10ºC at Annapurna Base Camp, but days are
pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at the time of year.
In Kathmandu maximum daytime temperatures are 19ºC.
*Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May.* Both day and night temperatures will be
warmer in general, but haze will often build up in the afternoons and there
can be some rain. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to
30ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the
reasons people chose to trek in spring. The Annapurna region is famous for
the rhododendrons in spring. Snow can be expected in spring on the way to and
at the Base Camp.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly
predictable, and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any
differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful on this trip. It is NOT
an exhaustive list. Please note that porters carry two client's kitbags each
- kitbags should be restricted to 10kg maximum. The weight allowance on the
domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu is 15kg checked-in baggage and 5kg
for hand baggage - any excess is chargeable. Luggage not required for the
trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu free of charge.
If you are taking battery or power banks with you, these must be stored in
your hand luggage on international flights via Delhi as these are combustible
items and if detected in your hold baggage they may be confiscated or
destroyed.
Please note that many Nepalis are still traditional in the way they dress so
we suggest you dress conservatively. T-shirts are preferable to sleeveless
tops and it is not advisable to wear tight or revealing clothing. Although
long shorts (knee length) are acceptable, we recommend a skirt for women
rather than shorts for the trek.
2 passport photos for your trekking permit (plus another one if getting your
visa on arrival in case the electronic machines are out of order)
3 to 4-season sleeping bag (4-season for November/December departures)
Sleeping bag liner
3 to 4-season jacket (4-season for November/December departures)
2 x 1-litre water bottles (ideally with a wide opening for use with a
SteriPEN, e.g. Nalgene or similar)
Water purification treatment
Waterproof walking boots (worn in)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Gaiters for winter and spring departures
Trainers/sandals for the evening
Warm hat
Scarf/Buff (which can be pulled over your nose and mouth to protect against
fine mountain dust)
Gloves
Several pairs of walking socks
Thermals
Warm mid-layer (fleece)
Light/mid-weight trousers (warmer for winter)
Walking shorts or a skirt for women
Shirts/t-shirts or base layers
Sunhat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
Daypack
Small personal first aid kit
Toilet paper
Towel
Hand washing gel
Biodegradable soap/shampoo
Small sandwich/dog poo bags (so as not to leave a trace if nature calls
between teahouses)
Headtorch
Plastic bags (bin liners) to line daypack and for packing clothing in the
kitbag
Plug adaptor
Solar charger/spare batteries/power bank
*Optional Equipment*
Trekking pole(s) - highly recommended due to the numbers of steps encountered
on this trek
Yaktrax or mini-crampons
Although Annapurna Base Camp is mostly clear of snow and ice in autumn and
winter but there can be snow on spring departures. The snow can make trails
slippery. If you are unsure of your footing you may like to carry a pair of
Microspikes, Yaktrax or similar with you just in case on winter/spring
departures. If there is unseasonal snowfall your leader will advise you to
carry a pair of yaktrax. It is possible to buy these in Kathmandu.
There are many equipment shops in Kathmandu where you can buy much of the
above clothing. The quality does vary and cannot be guaranteed. You should
choose carefully.
*Equipment hire*
The following equipment can be hired through Exodus. It should be requested
and paid for in advance of travel but will be provided locally in Kathmandu.
Please enquire for prices.
Down jacket
4 season sleeping bag
*Donations for porters and schools*
If while packing, you find a spare bit of space in your bag please note we
have a Porter Clothing Bank in Kathmandu. If you have any old walking gear
you no longer need bring it with you and give to your leader or leave at the
Exodus desk in Kathmandu.
We also support children in schools in Kathmandu and in villages. If you have
room for any of the following items they would be appreciated: children’s
books for 5-18-year olds, magazines such as Wanderlust, National Geographic,
science magazines, notebooks, pens, crayons, boys and girls socks or
underwear, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and toothbrushes, children’s
hats and gloves, baby clothes, lightweight wooden games such as chess,
solitaire. The above items can be taken to the Ambassador Garden Home in
Thamel and given to Prakash Lammichanne. Contact No: +977 1 4700724.
We recommend taking your personal spending money in cash (Dollars, Pounds
Sterling or Euros can all be changed easily). Please note that any marked,
torn or damaged notes may not be accepted. £50 notes or any Scottish or
Irish Currency cannot be changed in Nepal. Cash can be changed easily at the
airport on arrival in Kathmandu or at money changers in the Thamel area of
Kathmandu. Hotels in Nepal can also change up to US$300 per person. Please
note that travellers' cheques can NOT be exchanged in Nepal. Our staff will
advise you about how much money to take with you on the trek.
Please allow Rs2500-4000 (£20-30) per day for lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks,
showers and charging on trek, and for meals not included in Kathmandu. This
amount is given as a rough guideline only. If you plan to treat non-boiled
water on trek you will spend less than this, whilst if you buy imported
snacks and drinks you may spend a few pounds extra each day. There are
teahouses selling drinks and snacks along the length of the trekking route.
*Optional Excursions*
A few optional tours and activities are available from Kathmandu.
Prices for a half day sightseeing tour start from £25 (approx. US$40) per
person, based on a group of 6 and above. For all trips, return transport and
a qualified sightseeing guide are included. The price does not include lunch
or entry fees. Please enquire with your leader in Kathmandu, who will be able
to provide further information.
An optional Everest sightseeing flight is available (again, please book this
locally through your leader in Kathmandu). Anyone taking an internal
sightseeing flight in Nepal should pay attention to the statement entitled
'Flying in Nepal'.
Tipping is very much part of the culture in Nepal and is usually expected.
Tipping can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar
country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour
leader will usually offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty
which will be used to tip porters in hotels, local guides, assistant guides,
porters, and the drivers. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute,
depending on group size, but it is usually in the region of Rs8,000 (approx.
GB£50 / US$57) per person.
Tipping of the leader is not included in the above and is at your discretion.
We suggest you send an envelope around the group at the end of the trip and
you can put in what you like and give to the leader on the last evening.
Please try to give all tips in local currency.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request, Kathmandu and Pokhara only)
* Visas and vaccinations
* Sleeping bag (possible hire in advance through Exodus)
* Down jacket (possible hire in advance through Exodus)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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