Trip Dossier

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 

As you fly into Kathmandu on a clear day, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks spread down below you are almost breathtaking. This begins a memorable experience that stays with you for a long time. An escort from our office will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities. Your first overnight in Kathmandu.
 
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 at your hotel

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje - 1430m, 6-7 hours

An early start for the trek would be a good idea; we will travel by road from Kathmandu to Chamje village, this is where our trek starts from. Chamje is a charming little village in the Annapurna Region at an elevation of 1430m. The village has a lovely waterfall which is an attraction for both locals and hikers. The fine-looking greenery that surrounds us will stimulate us for the trek ahead. Overnight at a lodge in Chamje with tents as an option
 
Day 4: Trek to Dharapani - 1860m – approx – 6 hrs

After some time at the village of Jagat, a gradual walk takes us through terraced farms as we come to Chamje village, from Chamje a short walk brings us to a suspension bridge over the raging Marsyangdi river, and after crossing the bridge, it's another steep climb for another 2-3 hours till Tal is reached, the village is situated on the gorge-valley by the side of the river Marsyangdi. On leaving Taal after a break, the walk gets easier on the gentle path till we come to a wooden bridge, after the bridge a short climb takes us to a small place with a few teahouses, from this spot the walk winds on the up and downhill path coming to a large bridge, after the bridge another hour of hiking amidst some stunning nature, the walk brings us to the village of Dharapani and a well earned overnight.
 
Day 5: Trek to Chame - 2715m – 5-6 hrs

From Dharapani onwards, the vegetation, the local inhabitants and the general landscapes go through a gradual change as the air gets cooler, the trail then climbs through forests to Bagarchhap, the first village on the trek with typical Tibetan architecture. After a pleasant cool morning walk to Bagarchhap, the altitude slowly gains as we come closer to apple country at Dhanaqi and to the alpine region passing through farm, orchards and beautiful pine forest with views of towering peaks of Lamjung and Annapurna II, the trail follows the river Marsyangdi upstream passing by the villages of Ratamanang and Koto before Chame. From Koto, a half hour of easy boot walking brings us to the village town of Chame; an important place in the Manang region. We camp near by this village or in the middle of the pine wood near the fresh running river of Marsyangdi, after some 6 hours of good walking.
 
Day 6: Trek to Pisang - 3185m – 6 hrs

The walk from here follows the other side of the river on the northern bank, after leaving Chame, the path passes through pine woods and small villages with few ups and downs till you reach the orchard village of Bratang. From here we continue on the gradual path up to a bridge, from the bridge a short steep climb through the pine forest brings us to the top of the ridge of Pisang village. After walking out of the tree line a great view of Pisang peak on the north and the Chulu peak can be seen with Pisang village below us, a wonderful sight & from this top a gentle descent of one hour brings us to the windswept village of Pisang. Overnight Pisang in tents
 
Day 7: Trek to Manang - 3350m – 4-5 hrs

From Pisang onwards, we keep hiking with constant views of the high snow capped peaks. The walk climbs steeply up for half an hour, after a short gradual walk from Pisang village. On reaching the top, we stop at a ridge to get our first view of the Manang valley, a wide U shaped valley hanging between the two lines of snow peaks. This grand spot offers a dramatic view of the valleys, Hongdre village with it's short air-strip and the great peaks of Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, Tilocho, and on the right Chuli east, on the back Pisang peak. The walk is downhill and gradual all the way to Hongdre, from Hongdre the trek is more or less gradual on the wide path most of the way to Manang, adding a slight touch of altitude as you near the village of Braga and Manang, here we will have time to spend the morning visiting Braga Monastery. The largest in the district, it has an outstanding display of statues, thangkas and religious manuscripts.  From hereon, it is only an hour walk to Manang for an overnight stop.
 
Day 8: Trek from Manang to Kangsar - 3745m - 2-3 hrs

After a warm nutritious breakfast, we hit the trail to the village of Kangsar, as we hike ahead the trail cuts down through a gorge and the Tilicho Peak can be spotted shrouded in clouds far above, it’s a wonderful sight to behold.  We enjoy the natural beauty of the Annapurna range all along the way. Plus, we will also pass small scenic settlements, the Tore monastery, and the view of the Khangsar River and the great grand barrier which is a spectacle to watch. Overnight in Kangsar
 
Day 9: Trekking from Kangsar to Tilicho BC - 4150m - 5-6 hrs

as we begin our hike from Kangsar to Tilicho Lake Base Camp, we will come across wide grassy fields and after making a slight climb up a small hillock, we witness the celebrated views of the entire valley. After hiking carefully down a steep inclination, we now enter the Tilicho Base Camp. Camping is the only option down here as there are not many lodges found hereabouts, and if there are, its too basic for our needs. Overnight at Tilicho BC in tented camps
 
Day 10: check out Tilicho Lake - 4949m - Trek back to Base Camp - 5-6 hours

our walk till Tilicho Lake from the Tilicho Base Camp takes about five hours. Initially, the ascent is pretty challenging, the trail traverses onto a moraine and then cuts along the side of the mountain. However, the grand views of Tilicho, Nilgiri, Khangsar and Muktinath peaks are there to savor. The peaceful Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and when it’s a clear day, the reflection of the surrounding peaks are seen on the turquoise waters and this is astounding; and in peak winter the lake is virtually frozen. We haul up for a breather beside the calm waters and soak in the fantastic views of this area before hiking back to base camp. Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp in our tents
 
Day 11: Trek from Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5315m) – 7 hrs

The route has a lot of ups and downs till we get to Mesokanto Pass. The trail is pretty narrow and we trek over icy paths that can be tricky. The breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Tilicho peak and Dhaulagiri along with more than ten different peaks completely stun us to a standstill. It’s awesome! We bunk out in our tents for the night
 
Day 12: Trek to Yak Kharka – 4090m – 3-4 hrs - Gangapurna Lodge - (Maya)

After a wonderful time at the Mesokanta pass, the trail from here leads to a slow climb up for an hour, after the last village of Manang, and the track gently winds up offering inspiring views of the Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho and the close up views of Chuli mid and west as the trail heads up into the barren windswept terrain with juniper bushes as the only surviving vegetation around this region.

We then come down to the small settlements of Yak-Kharka for the overnight camp in a large field, with ample time and space for short hikes around.
 
Day 13: Trek to Thorong Phedi [4,400m] - 3-4 hours

We make a beeline for the foot of the pass at Thorong Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small hectic settlement which serves the needs of weary trekkers and climbers. Guide Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. However, group leaders at Incentive Holidays prefer to avoid this unnecessary rush. Despite the harsh day tomorrow, we haul up at Thorong Phedi so that we can have a naturally good sleep at lower altitudes rather than risk sleeping on higher elevations at High Camp. We crash out for the night in tented camps at Thorong Phedi.
 
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath 3800m via Thorung-la - 5415m – 6-8 hrs 

Today is the big day as we find ourselves going over the highest point of this trek over Thorung-la; we start very early in the morning before the break of dawn after breakfast, so that we can reach the top of the pass before the chill wind starts blowing and we must catch the best of the magnificent views of the northern Annapurna, Damodhar, Bhrikuti and Dhaulagiri range of mountains. For this morning walk we advise all to have their flash or torch lights handy as it can be dark for hours on the hike before the first rays of sunlight streaks onto the trail. The trail from Phedi follows on the winding scree, gravel path as the walk in the beginning can be quite strenuous on the steep zigzag path for an hour. On reaching the first ridge with time to catch your breath, the walk continues on the narrow gradual track for half hour or more till we reach a small glacial pond with one temporary teahouse shade nearby. From hereon, another hour and a half will bring us to the top of the pass on a winding uphill trail. Though the crossing of the Pass is not technically difficult, we go at it slowly to take into account the complications of altitude and possible snow. After about four hours of struggle from the bottom, we reach up at the height of 5,415 meter at Thorung-la, from where we can get impressive views of the stunning high Himalayan scenery. The entire Annapurna range in the South, Muktinath and Mustang Himal to the West, and the incredible deep Kali Gandaki valley, and the surrounding peaks of Thorungtse 6,482m and Chulu to the North can be viewed from here. It’s a stunning view point with majestic landscapes.
 
The descent is steep and rough, but we can have excellent views of the Dhaulagiri at 8,167m. From here, we take a longer route to descend to the sacred village of Muktinath; on reaching the bottom of the pass at the only teahouse around, after a short break here we continue on the gradual trail for another hour to Muktinath, the holiest of all holy places; during auspicious times, according to Hindu and Buddhist calendars, this place is literally thronged with pilgrims. We set up an overnight camp at Muktinath overlooking excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and Nilgiri.
 
Day 15: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom [2715m] - 5-6 hours

We begin descending down the striking Kali Gandaki Gorge through parched territory. We pass by Jharkot and Khingar villages which have typical Tibetan architecture. Following the valley floor most of the way sprawled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, we reach Jomsom for a night’s halt.
 
Day 16: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight [823m] 30 minutes

After breakfast we check into the airport for our Pokhara flight. The scenic flight takes us through the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to a hotel down by the lake. We chill out for some time and explore the beauty of Pokhara Valley at eventide. We kick back alongside Pokhara’s café s by the banks of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal and soak up the mountain views of Machhapuchhare peak. We can also go for a boat-ride on the tranquil Fewa Lake or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can wrap up our day with a romantic stroll around the hypnotic lakeside. Overnight in the city of lakes
 
Day 17: From Pokhara, we fly or drive back to Kathmandu

We catch a morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. From Pokhara we have the options to either fly or drive to Kathmandu. The flight is for about 30 minutes and the drive takes approx 6-7 hours. This is a highly scenic drive through lush rural countryside via the main highway to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, your day is free to do what you would like to do best. Maybe you could go in for some last minute shopping to pick up some souvenirs for the loved ones at home, or maybe you could just chill with a few beers at your hotel. At eventide, we visit an upscale Nepalese restaurant for a delicious Nepalese supper to celebrate a trip well enjoyed. While savoring our meal, we will be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles, we are going to enjoy this evening to the hilt. Overnight at your hotel
 
Day 18: Departure for that lovely place we call ‘home’ – Farewell mates!

Today is free to relax and do your own things; perhaps some last minute shopping or pen a few post cards to the loved ones at home, until your departure or to commence any additional trips or activities you may have booked. If you are departing, you’ll be transferred to the international airport in time for your return flight home. Meeting you has been a wonderful experience that Incentive Holidays will cherish for a long, long time; & on your way home, you’ll be thinking of a trip that will linger in your memories for a whole lifetime which we are sure will become fireside stories to be told to your loved ones on a cold winter night for the generations to come. Till we meet again one day…its bye for now.
 
Please Note: that although we will go the lengths to follow the itinerary given above, at times local trails or unpredictable weather patterns may necessitate slight changes if necessary. The trekking itinerary may also sometimes vary slightly depending on our trekkers' acclimatization rates. This adventure goes into wild territory above the timberline, so we seek to request maximum flexibility if and when required for the success and safety of your trip and your life.

Trip Information

Accommodation

‘Camping trek’ is a term used for sleeping in tents. The tents we provide are ‘Two men or couple domes’ or ‘A’ shaped. A foam mattress with insulation underneath is used for sleeping. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. It’s a matter of choice, if you want, you bring your own ‘Air pillow’ and freak out anyways, and this is adventure in the wild…the rougher it gets the better.

We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu under 3 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection with this program, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a choice of their own. 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 of cost when it comes down to feeding our trekking guests, because we know how tough it is on the trails; we 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. 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. This has allowed us to maintain extremely high standards of health over many years of planning treks - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. ‘Gluttony is a sin’ but there are no restrictions on the grub we serve to our guests on the mountains; we leave it up to our trekking guests who are the best judge of their own appetites.

Cost Inclusion / Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

• 3N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis at KTM
• 1N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis at PKR                     
• 13N accommodation at a Normal hotel/lodge/ home stay/ tented camp  during trekking 
• One English speaking guide 
• Porter (1 Porter for 2 Pax)
• 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) during Trekking 
• Farewell Nepali cultural  dinner at KTM
• National park fees
• TIMS
• Airport pick up and drop
• Flight ticket  JOM-PKR-KTM
• All ground transfer as per itinerary ( Micro bus/Coach/ 4 wheel for Chamje)

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 fee

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.

Travel Date

The best time to visit for a trip of this kind would be in the Spring and Autumn.  It is wonderful duringthis time of the year when an overall beauties of the landscapes found in these trips are so distinct & stunning, due to clear weather pattern & sunny blue skies. Our program could be changed to accommodate individual group choices and preferences in order to give you proper holidays that become signature ventures for a lifetime.