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 to Phedi via Pokhara, trek to Dhampus [1700m] 

We will drive to Pokhara [6-7 hrs drive] after our breakfast. After you reach Pokhara you will be directly transfered to Phedi. From there onward starts your trek on the Annapurna Mountains. As you climb uphill, you will bask in the splendor of nature and your trails become more adventurous. Finally, after walking for 3 hours, you encounter several roadside teashops and your trail finally leads to the Gurung village of Dhampus. And here concludes your trip of the day. Overnight in a tea house/lodge
 
Day 4: Trek to Landrung [1550m] 

As you hike around a ridge snout, on proceeding further, the trail takes you through Pothana and you reach Deurali. From this vantage point, you find yourself high up on the East side of the Modi Khola cascading down the Annapurna Circuit Sanctuary surrounded by complete ambience of nature. You continue to trek for four hours until you reach the picturesque Gurung settlement of Landrung. Spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli instill more excitement into your adventure spirit. Overnight in a tea house/lodge
 
Day 5: Trek to Chhomrong [2100m] 

From Landrung, you march along the mountain path of stone steps, pass through a hamlet, cross a suspension bridge and then you come across dense forest of bamboo. Finding yourself in complete isolation amidst the serenity of nature can be quite an experience. Your trek does not stop here. After trekking for a while, you approach teahouses at Jhinu where you can rest and enjoy a drink or snacks. Thereafter, you resume your trek to the north, descending Daaulu and after having walked for five hours you will find yourself at Chhomrong. From Chhomrong you can get prominent and mesmerizing views of Machhapuchhare. There are many chalet-style wooden lodges and at Chhomrong where you can get accommodation and food. 
 
Day 6: Trek to Himalaya Hotel [2850m] 

Crossing Chomrong Khola, you continue trekking along steep stone steps. On your trails, you bypass rhododendron-covered ridge path, mountainous terrains and forests of bamboo. As you savor awe-inspiring views of Annapurna mountain ranges and Machhapuchhare, you gather more energy and enthusiasm to explore further. During your five-hour walking, you cross Modi Khola, pass through Khuldigar, Bamboo and Dovan and finally reach Himalaya Hotel [Dovan] where you wrap up your trip for the day.
 
Day 7: A day to rest your weary bones

You spend your entire day taking complete rest, planning for forthcoming trips and getting accustomed to your trekking destinations.
 
Day 8: Trek to Machhapuchhare Base Camp [3700m] 

Your next destination is to reach Machhapuchhare base camp. You ascend and descend as your route opens up new trails. On climbing steeply for a while, you approach Hinku Cave. This course follows zigzag paths of stones. After walking for 3 to 4 hours, you enter the Annapurna circuit Sanctuary, a huge amphitheater enclosed by a solid wall of snow-capped peaks which include Annapurna I, II, III and IV and the fish tail spire of Machhapuchhare. Several lodges and Annapurna inns are spotted at Deurali and Bagar. Finally, you will find yourself at Machhapuchhare Base Camp, a grassy moraine platform. You can rest at one of the lodges, and treat yourself with hygienic food.
 
Day 9: Trek to Annapurna South Base Camp [4130m]

On hiking the Annapurna circuit trail for 2 hours, you descend a small ridge branching out from the mountain pass to the mountainside with widespread terraced fields showcasing tranquil meadows and lush fertile farming land. As you reach Annapurna South Base Camp, witness awesome picturesque landscapes, majestic panoramic view of snow-capped mountainous peaks and varied Himalayan cultural settings tucked beneath the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif. Thereafter, you head back down to Himalaya Hotel.
 
Day 10: Trek to Chhomrong [2100m]

As you continue climbing along the forested ridge residing in the vicinity of chains of cloud-snaring hills, a grass-covered slope opens up leading to a course descending across a rock-strewn area to the riverbed of Kali Gandaki. Kali Gandaki is the world’s deepest river gorge of great bio-geographical significance regarded as demarcating Eastern and Western avifauna. The trail up the Modi Khola passes through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo across Annapurna mountain range. After trekking for 5 hours, you reach Chhomrong. From Chhomrong you can have prominent and mesmerizing view of Machhapuchhare. There are many chalet-style wooden lodges at Chhomrong which provide accommodation and food.
 
Day 11: Trek to Ghandruk [1940m] 

From Chomrong, we take an alternative route back to Pokhara, via Ghorepani. As you skirt through flatland, forests and terraced fields, a suspension bridge comes your way. On crossing this suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, you enter beautiful village of Ghandruk after walking for 3 to 4 hours. You get to witness unique culture, tradition and custom of Gurung community. Ghandruk offers excellent views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchhre. It accommodates several hotels and teahouses. Camping in its terraced fields can be very exciting and adventurous.
 
Day 12: Trek to Ghorepani [2880m]

From Tadapani, you proceed further along steep trails. Nature spreads exotic sight of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and rich plant life before you. You climb through rhododendron forest to Deurali [3100m] and reach a hamlet and cultivated fields. Continue walking for 3 hours and finally you will find yourself in Ghorepani. Ghorepani also houses lodges to provide food and accommodation to travelers.
 
Day 13: Trek to Poonhill [3195m] your last day on these massive, mesmerizing mountains!!

After savoring the gripping sight of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the famous vantage point of Poon Hill [3195m], you leave Ghorepani and march ahead for Nayapul. You further descend towards Birethanti. Birethanti lies stretched beside the Modi River and is a highly resourceful town. On your trails of stone steps, you pass through dense forest and the small village of Ulleri. From Ulleri, a very steep section [with 3767 steps!] takes you down to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola. This last day calls for a celebration with the crew who’ve now become our friends over the days gone by. We cook a delightful special meal & taste some CHANG (local mountain beer brewed from boiled rice} & do a jig to some Sherpa dances as we enjoy a merry night which is our last on these beautiful mountains that has been home to us all of these days. Altogether it’s been a wonderful holiday as we prepare to bunk out under starlit moonlight skies in blissful slumber which overtakes us slowly as we begin to reminisce on the lovely time we spent on these stunning mountains. Overnight at famous Poonhill
 
Day 14: Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara 

After savoring the mesmerizing sight of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the popular vantage point of Poon Hill [3195m], you leave Ghorepani and hike ahead for Nayapul. You further descend towards Birethanti. Birethanti lies stretched beside the Modi River and has resourceful town. On your trails of stone steps, you pass through dense forest and a small village of Ulleri. From Ulleri, a very steep section [with 3767 steps!] leads down to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola. Forty minutes beyond Birethanti, you come to the main road. Now you can easily access any means of transportation to drive to Pokhara. In the evening, you are free to wander by the lakes of Pokhara. [6 hrs walking]
 
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu 

We catch a morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. From Pokhara we drive to Kathmandu. 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 16: Depart Kathmandu

Our escorts will take you to the airport for your flight home. If you’d like, you can stay longer for short tours or go on a game drive to National parks, or go-wild rafting can be another option. Going overland to Tibet will also be a wise move if you have extra time. Feel free to contact us if you care to make a decision at: info@incentiveholidays.com
 – We will be glad to help you. It’s been wonderful knowing you. Bon Voyage! And take care.
 
Please Note: The above itinerary should be taken only as a guide line; it could change due to weather owing to unfavorable climatic conditions, availability of clean water and campsite, trail or any other unforeseen circumstances. In case of a trek Itinerary alteration or if it needs to be re-routed to another area, your Group Leader or Sherpa Guide will make the final decision after consulting with the trekking group. We must keep in mind that this venture occurs in mountainous regions where the going can get pretty tough, especially when we get to the higher elevations. However, the risks comes down to the bare minimum with Incentive Holidays because we know the land and go the extra mile in ensuring that you enjoy this journey…your way, at your pace.

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 of cost when it comes down 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. 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…Bon Appétit!!

Cost Inclusion / Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

• 3N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in BB plan at KTM    
• 1N Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis in BB plan at PKR                     
• 11N accommodation at Normal lodge/ home stay during trekking 
• One English speaking guide 
• Porter (1Porter for 2 Pax)
• 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) everyday during Trekking 
• Farewell cultural dinner program 
• National park fees
• TIMS
• Airport pick up and drop 
• All ground transfer as per itinerary (PKR-KTM by tourist coach)

Cost Exclusion

• Nepal Visa Fee
• Drinks and Bar Menu
• Entrance Fees
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu 
• Telephone, laundry and Personal expenses
• Any accidental and emergency support (if any)
• Driver and guide tips
• Emergency evacuation
• Domestic and International Air Tickets
• Extra activities and expenses other than above itinerary

NOTE : If there will be any changes in the schedule due to natural disaster (force majeure), Incentive Holiday will not be responsible for any extra expenses incurred.

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.