Annapurna's Holy Lakes & Glaciers

18 days - from $2955

A unique, connoisseur's trek to the high passes and glaciers of remotest Annapurna

This is an exciting and demanding trek high into the heart of the mighty Annapurna region, exploring some of the wild glacial areas below Annapurna South where few trekkers have gone before. The trek is one of great contrast, encompassing all the features of the area from the terraced village lowlands, through the forests and agricultural areas of the middle hill country, to the glacial basins of the Annapurna mountains. The trek starts from the sub-tropical Pokhara Valley and passes through paddy fields before gradually ascending through terraced hillsides of wheat and barley. At each of the villages along the way we are warmly received by the local Gurung and Magar people. The walking is sensibly paced so we have ample opportunity to experience and absorb local lifestyles that have changed little over centuries. From the start we enjoy ever-changing views of the stunning, snow-covered Annapurna mountains. Halfway through the trek we leave habitation behind and walk through rhododendron and oak forests, alive with exotic birds and beautiful flowers, to finally emerge above the tree line at Kopra Danda. Here we experience the stunning wilderness scenery beneath the towering peaks of Annapurna; to the west lies Dhaulagiri and far below lies the Kali Gandaki River Valley, which is the world’s deepest. As we climb higher above the tree line we enter a fantastic mountain wilderness visited only by local shepherds during the monsoon months. The truly spectacular vista is dominated by Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m), the highest peaks in the region. However this unique trek concentrates on the unexplored wilderness around Annapurna South (7237m), a remote and magnificent area that is rarely visited. An exploration of the rugged area below Annapurna South is sure to be the highlight of our journey. This is an adventure for those truly looking for something exciting.

Highlights

• The cultural and physical diversity of Nepal's Annapurna region
• Views of Dhaulagiri and 6000-metre-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge from Danda Kharka
• Pokhara's lake and panoramic views
• Kathmandu’s hidden old town
• Annapurna's Hidden Lake and the holy lake at Kaire
• Annapurna South Base Camp

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kathmandu (1360m)2: Kathmandu (1360m)3: Chainabatthi (1410m)4: Upper Ghandruk (1950m)5: Tadapani (2300m)6: Bayeli Kharka (2900m)7: Kopra Ridge (3870m)8: Kaire Khola (4200m)9: Kaire Khola (4200m)10: Celli Kharkha (3850m)11: Hidden Lake (4250m)12-13: Annapurna South Base Camp (3400m)14: Chhomrong (3120m)15: Shyauli (1220m)16: Pokhara (850m)17: Kathmandu (1360m)18: Kathmandu (1360m)
Included:

Local tour leader, local guides, porterage on trek, airport transfers, transport, all meals on trek, sightseeing and entrance fees.

International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, insurance, meals not listed including lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara, any optional tours and activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, showers on trek (if available), tips or gratuities and items of a personal nature.