Trip Dossier

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival [1300m/4264ft]

Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport (KTM), you will be greeted by a representative from Sansui Trekking. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with an Incentive Holidays display board at the arrival gate.
 
You will be then transferred to your hotel. After check in, you can take a rest, hang around in the city, or just visit our office; it all depends upon your interest. In the evening, we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Your first overnight in Kathmandu, the city of temples. 
 
Day 2 Free at your own leisure

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about what to do in your next free day.

The choice is yours: either you can stroll around the nearby market on your own or you can opt for a half/full day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. The cost for this extra tour is not added in the trek cost and you have to pay extra depending on the places you choose to visit. This extra tour gives you deep insights into Nepal’s iconic monuments that have been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites.  Sansui Treks will give you an orientation on your program & you will also get the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have regarding our upcoming adventure. When this is done, you might find time to shop around the city in the evening time if you need any gears for the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu - Included meal: Breakfast (B)
 
Day 3 Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: a 6 hrs scenic drive through a lush green highway

Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. En-route we will see more of Nepal’s countryside that offers green landscapes, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain surroundings. In the afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is famously known as the ‘city of lakes’ and has numerous beautiful serene lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful Fewa Lake during the afternoon - & enjoy some boating too. Explore, relax and dine by the tranquil Lake Fewa. We can even do some shopping during the evening hours. It’s real nice down the lakeside in the evenings, especially on a moonlit starry night. Overnight in Pokhara (B, L, D)
 
Day 4 Pokhara - Naya Pul-Ulleri [2050m/6725ft]: 1 hr drive and 6 hours trek

Today we drive to Naya Pul to start our trek. From Naya Pul we follow the south bank of the river. After several hours we will pass through sub tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. After lunch, we cross the Modi Khola stream via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. We trek further along the trail quite steep at times. We reach Ulleri by late afternoon for overnight. (B, L, D)
 
Day 5 Ulleri - Ghorepani (2750m/ 9020ft): 4-5 hr trek

We make our ascent to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means a place with a water trough for resting weary horses owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop, too, for a breather. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and handicrafts. The town has two parts: one in a saddle like shape and the other a few hundred feet lower. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to get the first feelings of the chilly weather down here, especially in the evenings. Overnight in Ghorepani (B, L, D)
 
Day 6 Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani (2700m/8,860ft): 5-6 hr trek

Today is a special day because we surmount Poon Hill- an icon of the Annapurna region. We climb the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3200mtrs). The efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurnas. After taking photos and having some coffee, tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Gorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forest, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani for our overnight halt. (B, L, D)
 
Day 7 Tadapani to Chhomrong (2170m/7120ft): 6 hrs trek

From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through dense and dark forest. The route passes through the west bank of the Modi Khola. We then descend steeply down the village of Chuile coming over to the Kimrong Khola {stream in English}. We then do a steep climb continuing up to Chhomrong.
 
Just above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhare) facing the Annapurna just across the valley which is in the shape of an amphi-theater. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located in the lap of the giant Annapurna massif. Overnight in Chhomrong (B, L, D)
 
Day 8 Chhomrong to Dovan (2580m/8460ft): 6 hrs trek

We head out of Chhomrong along the Modi Khola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high steppes and wooded slopes of the Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge & then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through thick & dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then the track passes through deep bamboo and rhododendron forest to the village of Dovan for our night stop. (B, L, D)
 
Day 9 Dovan to Deurali (3230m/10,595ft): 4 hrs trek

The day starts with a gentle gradual ascending following the trail above the river through a thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. We cross two streams over small bridges. The trail passes through solitary places. The natural beauty of our surroundings in the wilderness gives a special peace to our mind. There is also the possibility of seeing a variety of species of wildlife such as wild pig, deer, snow leopard, etc. we bunk out in Deurali (B, L, D)
 
Day 10 Deurali to MBC (3700m/12135ft): 3-4 hrs trek

Today we start our trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (MBC). The trail climbs gently through a river bed and then it rises steeply over the mountain side. There are also avalanche prone areas at some points on the trail. After about half an hour walk from Deurali, we will find ourselves in the middle of a river bed surrounded by giant snow-covered mountains. When the sun rises, the snow on the mountains glitter and the river valley is filled with warm sun rays. The hike to MBC is somewhat strenuous but the unfolding views of the majestic Machhapuchre are certainly a rewarding experience. We stop for our overnight at this quiet lovely base camp. (B, L, D)
 
Day 11 MBC to ABC (4,130m/13,545ft): 2-3 hr trek

On the way to ABC from MBC, the vegetation disappears. Due to drastic change in weather patterns, we see the snow boulders melting and forming small streams. The path widens as we enter the sanctuary, follows a stream, and then climbs to a few huts alongside a moraine. There are sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the panorama of 360 degrees. The Machhapuchre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiuchuli and other peaks brings a wonderful climax of our trip which almost ends today. Overnight at the famous Annapurna Base Camp (4130m/13550ft) (B, L, D)
 
Day 12 ABC to Bamboo (2310m/7575ft): 6 hrs trek

We wake up with the birds at ABC and savor the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. Today, we start descending from ABC to MBC, Deurali, Dovan and finally to Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. Waterfalls cascading down the 500 foot granite faces on both sides to the forest below and great views of Fishtail and Hiuchuli make up today's primary attractions. Overnight in Bamboo (B, L, D)
 
Day 13 Bamboo to Jhinu Dada (1760m/5770 ft): 6 hrs trek

From Bamboo we trek back to Sinuwa and then descend to Lower Chomrong. We then ascend on the thousand stony steps which takes us to Upper Chomrong. From Chomrong we take a different route and instead of going to Ghandruk, we descend to Jhinu Danda. We get an opportunity to enjoy the hot springs that is situated just a 15-min walk away from Jhinu Danda. Taking a dip in these hot springs is pretty good for health. Overnight in Jhinu Dada (B, L, D)
 
Day 14 Jhinu Dada to Naya Pul to Pokhara: 6 hrs trek & a 1 hour drive

We trek from Jhinu danda to New bridge and then to Kyumi village. After lunch we trek to Sayali bazaar and then down to Birethanti. From Birethanti, a half-an-hour trek takes us to Naya Pul. The trek ends at Naya Pul. From Naya Pul we take a vehicle and reach Pokhara in about an hour. We might enjoy the prospects of visiting some more places around Pokhara until evening or just chill out at some restaurant near the lake. Overnight in the serene city of lakes (B, L)
 
Day 15 Drive back to Kathmandu

In the morning hours we might do some last hour shopping too. After that, we drive to Kathmandu. We grab seats on the left aisle of the vehicle for the best views of the rivers along the highway because it’s our last time we’ll probably see them. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we get transferred to our hotel; and we spend the day at our own leisure, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu and at eventide, we have a celebration dinner together. Stay overnight in Kathmandu. (B, D)
 
Day 16: Final Departure

Your adventure in Nepal concludes today! If there is nothing to do, we could trade emails with travel companions and organize our photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Incentive Holidays will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. We wish you goodbye and hope you have enjoyed your visit to this wonderful country that may draw you back again with its magnetic beauty. It’s been wonderful knowing you. Take care & bon voyage!! (B)

Trip Information

Accommodation

A ‘TH [Teahouse Lodge] is a term used for sleeping in teahouse lodges on the trails. These teahouses are pretty basic but provide all the comforts that you would expect when hiking in remote conditions, they are cosy and warm – you’d like the homely environment. We crash out in single rooms wherever available, but often times we sometimes have to adapt to sleeping out in dormitory type rooms for a night. Generally, it’s just a bed with a pillow and blankets. It’s a matter of choice, if you want, you bring your own ‘Air pillow’ and freak out anyways; this is adventure in the wild…the rougher it gets the better. We accommodate our trek groups in local lodges available each day. Our porters hike ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please note, that some of them are very basic and a spirit of adventure is the call of the day. It is cheaper to stay in lodges rather than organizing a camping trek.

We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection with this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website. Accommodation is never a problem, the choice exclusively yours.
 

Dining

At ‘Incentive Holidays’ – its zero tolerance on cutting down cost when it comes to feeding our trekking guests, because we know how tough it is on the trails; we ensure that the lodges provide three tasty, bountiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast is ‘king size’ [the first meal of the day] consisting of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereals followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads.

After a lengthy gritty day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetables, meat, rice and pasta dishes completed with a simple dessert. Don’t be surprised if the delectable ‘apple pie’ lands on your plate, it’s literally ‘yummy’’, even better than the ones you come across in Thamel. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The local trek leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. 

Cost Inclusion / Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

• 3N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis at KTM
• 2N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis at PKT                      
• 10N accommodation in a Normal hotel /lodge/ home stay during trekking 
• One English speaking guide 
• Porter (1Porter for 2Pax)
• Breakfast at Kathmandu 
• Welcome & Farwell  cultural dinner program at Kathmandu 
• 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) everyday during Trekking 
• National park fees
• TIMS
• Airport pick up and drop 
• All ground transfer as per itinerary (Tourist coach KTM-PKR-KTM)

Cost Exclusion

• International Air Fare
• Domestic Air Fare
• Entrance Fees
• Daily Meals (Lunch & Dinner) during Kathmandu
• Tips to Guide & Driver
• Bar Expense
• Telephone, Laundry and Internet
• Personnel Insurance
• Emergency Evacuation
• All other personal expenses
• Nepal visa fees 

Note: If required flight ticket or private vehicle can be arranged. 

Popular Sightseeing places in Kathmandu:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square
• Patan Durbar Square
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Boudhanath Stupa
• Swayambhunath Stupa

Half day sightseeing includes visit two of these places and full day sightseeing includes three of these places inside the ring-road of Kathmandu. Besides the above mentioned places, the charges will apply depending on the distance accordingly.

An Important Note

Your safety is a vital issue for us whilst traveling with Incentive Holidays. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Nevertheless, every effort will be made to stay on course as mentioned in our itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee anything! Weather conditions, health conditions of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. Your senior trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if & when required.