Annapurna Sanctuary

All content by Intrepid

16 days (ex Kathmandu)

Destinations visited: Nepal, Around The Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,100

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Description

From ancient kingdoms to majestic mountain vistas, embark on a 10-day Annapurna trekking experience in Nepal and cross the breathtaking landscape of the Himalayas. Hike past awe-inspiring glaciers, stay on the banks of pristine rivers, cross mountain pastures, dip into natural hot springs and encounter mule trains carrying supplies to remote villages. Rest and revive in cosy mountain teahouses and meet friendly locals along the way. Time spent visiting Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara completes the adventure tour, with insights into Nepalese culture and tradition.

Highlights

Release your inner hippy in beautiful Pokhara.
Stay in traditional Nepalese teahouses.
Taste Newari soups and curries.
Explore the temples of Bhaktapur.
Be swept up in the warmth and colour of Kathmandu.
Trek through the majestic Annapurna Sanctuary.
Discover the customs of Nepalese mountain life.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Kathmandu

A fusion of historical and modern, the city of Kathmandu swarms with life and colour a wonderful place to begin this Nepal trekking experience. Meet monkeys while climbing to Swayambhunath and delve into the mystical charm of Durbar Square.

Day 3 Bhaktapur

Travel south-east to ancient Bhaktapur, a haven of intricate temples, grand old palaces and vibrant courtyards. Few cars enter Bhaktapur, so wandering through the paved streets and narrow alleyways offers a taste of pre-modern Kathmandu.

Day 4 Pokhara

Temples and palaces are replaced by soaring mountains and mirror lakes. Once on the vibrant trade route between India and Tibet, Pokhara is the gateway to some of Nepal's greatest treks.

Days 5-14 Annapurna Ranges

Hike through lowland pastures and peaceful villages, past thundering waterfalls and powerful glaciers, and be surrounded by unspeakably beautiful landscapes. The ever-changing scenery covers some of the most ruggedly beautiful mountains in the world and it's easy to understand why hiking in Nepal has long been revered by adventure travellers. Stay in basic Nepalese teahouses operated by locals and learn about the daily lives of the hill people. Witness spectacular sunrises over the Annapurna ranges and soak tired muscles in natural hot springs along the way. While the Annapurna Sanctuary trek is challenging, it is a great way to experience these spectacular mountains without the major issues associated with high altitude - the optional trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) is the greatest elevation reached.

Days 15-16 Pokhara

The final stretch is downhill all the way. With the hard work all done, enjoy a well-earned shower back in Pokhara and plenty of time to relax, recover and reminisce about the Annapurna experience.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Teahouse (10 nts), Guesthouse (5 nts)

Transport

Bus, Minibus

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,100

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