description

Description

The Annapurna Region in central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) working along with the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation has declared this region as area of conservation and sustainable development.

This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus and the towering Annapurna Mountains. This area has the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, lying some 6900 meters /22,563 ft, below some of the world's largest and most beautiful mountains as the Annapurna I (world's 8th highest) and the most beautiful Fishtail Peak.

Animals and birds are in abundance in this region. 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, langur and the elusive snow leopard live in this area.

Nepal's most popular trek begins at the lakeside town of Pokhara and leads six or seven days north-west around the Annapurna Massif, through dramatic changes in landscape, climate and culture to the high village of Jomsom, near the isolated land of Mustang. Trekkers often continue on to the sacred shrine of Muktinath, near the 5,415-meter Thorang-La pass and down into the lovely valley of Manang. The route through Manang circles the Annapurna back to the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. The Annapurna circuit takes one through terraced hills, forests and alpine pastures and through the villages of a number of different cultures.

This area offers treks for almost all fitness levels. A flight from Pokhara to Jomsom at 2800 m and walking down to Beni is an easy trek compared to a visit to the Annapurna Base Camp or crossing the Thorong-La pass. This flexibility makes it the most popular trek route in Nepal.

For the adventurous, climbing the trekking peaks could be a source for a healthy rush of adrenalin. Para treks in the Annapurna sanctuary which combine trekking and para gliding make it interesting for the high flyers.

Interesting additions to trekking in this region could be a two day rafting in either the Kali Gandaki or the Trishuli, Meditation and Yoga classes in Pokhara, or a relaxed home stay in the historic and scenic villages of Sirubari (National Tourism Award for Best Village Stay) or Bandipur.

The Jomsom - Muktinath Trek in Fly our Itinerary is put here as an example.

itinerary

Day 01:Tirkhedhunga (5175 ft/1577m)

After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (Lumle) and start trek. Lunch at Birethanti (3400ft./1037m) and continue trek to Tirkhedhunga.

Day 02:Ghorepani (9300 ft / 2724m)
Fullday uphill trek through Brahmin, Chettri, Gurung and Magar villages, to Banthanti where lunch is served. Afternoon trek through dense forests of rhododendron and pine and arrive at Ghorepani .

Day 03:Tatopani (3900ft../1189m)
Pre-dawn alert and trek upto Pun Hill to view the sunrise (weather
permitting). After breakfast at Ghorepani start a fullday trek down to Tatopani. The trail descends steadily to Tatopani which  means "Hot Water" and it is possible to bath in the Hot Springs

Day 04:Ghasa (6600 ft./ 2012m)
After breakfast, follow the Kali Gandaki River passing water falls and Thakali and Magar Villages to Dana (4750 ft./ 1446 m.) for lunch and continue trek up hill to Ghasa.

Day 05:Marpha (8750 ft./2667m)
As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range, a dramatic change in vegetation is witnessed from green forests, to dry arid desert. Passing through Kalopani (2530m./ 8300 ft), the view of the Annapurnas. Rest at Larjung where there is a Thakali village. Trek to Marpha.

Day 06:Kagbeni (2800 m)
We start the trek slowly and gradually acclimatizing with the surroundings and arrive at Jomsom for lunch. The Thakalies are the dominent tribe of the valley, related to the Gurung and Magars of the southern slopes.

After lunch we continue trekking to Kagbeni which is the gateway to Upper Mustang.

Day 07:Muktinath (12,475ft./3802m)
Trek slowly upto Muktinath. After lunch guests should rest and take it easy for acclimatization

Day 08:Free day in Muktinath
Carry pack lunch box and trek up to the Thorong-la Basecamp. There are many interests to occupy the day in this ancient town which also used to be the capital of one of the province of Mustang. It is therefore, interesting to note the mixture of Buddhist and Hindu culture in this area

Day 09:Jomsom
After breakfast, trek back to Jomsom. Evening the team will host a farewell dinner.

Day 10:Pokhara
Early breakfast and proceed to the airport to catch the early morning flight back to Pokhara
Stories of how this particular trip makes a difference to the local community / environment

pricing options

Pricing, whats included and what not

This area of Nepal offers one of the most varied treks possible, and the treks can range for a simple one day hike to see the mountains and a small mountain village, to a full scale 24-25 day trek, going all round the Annapurnas and into the sanctuary.

Most of our fixed packages will include two days in Kathmandu when you come in, flights or road transport to Pokhara, trek, relaxation in Pokhara, return to Pokhara and a free day in Kathmandu on the way back before departure.

Here are some sample prices for our fixed packages

A Peek at the Himalayas (2 days trek) Heritage trip in Kathmandu, flights to Pokhara, relaxation and an overnight hike to the mountains

The Gurung Magar Experience (5 days trek) Apart from the standard trip, includes a five day trek in the mainly Gurung and Magar belt

The Royal Trek (3 days trek) - follow on the footsteps of Prince Charles, hence the name... you bet he did not do a hard trek.

The Jomsom Muktinath Trek - fly in walk out option (7 days trek) - Sir Edmund Hillary's favourite, this trek shows you the best of the region, from rain shadow valley to the lushness of the sub-tropics. Also passes through the deepest gorge in the world, between two 8000 plus peaks.

The Half Annapurna Trek (12 days trek)

The Full Annapunra Trek (16 days trek)

The Sanctuary Trek (11 days trek)

The Full Annapurna and Sanctuary Trek (24 days trek)

making a difference

Making a Difference

socialtours.com is a Nepali company and travel through this company makes a direct impact in the economy of Nepal. socialtours.com also tries to maximise its contribution to the local economy by hiring local guides and porters for these trips and staying in smaller lodges to spread the income.

The company does not vertically integrate and sub-contracts all support activites like transportation, lodging etc. so that the money gets spread in the economy. It conserves on paper minimising paperwork in the office and by giving out electronic brochures. When required, brochures are printed on both sides of the paper and are in a folder format so that only relevant inserts need be given.

socialtours.com also has in place a development support system whereby 10% of its profits go to charities like the Joy Foundation Nepal who conduct free cataract eye camps in rural areas of Nepal and Antardristi Nepal, which is developing a fund to start a incest and rape care centre for minors. 10% of the company's profits also goes directly into employee benefits.

In the field, guides, porters and clients are all oriented in responsible travel. A zero litter policy is in place so that it minimises wastage in the region. socialtours.com also only takes out very small groups with a maximum of twelve participants per group. All trips also focus on culture.