• Day 1

  Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

  Arrive into Kathmandu. You will be met by a member of Top of the World Treks and after a 45 minute bus journey to the heart of the city and check into the hotel there is time for a cup of tea, shower and then a chance to see the tourist district of Kathmandu by night as we go for dinner before an early night!

• Day 2

  Sightseeing in Kathmandu

  A day in Kathmandu where we will take you to Swayambhunath which is a Buddhist stupa and Monastery, which is over 2000 years old and one of the oldest in the world. Here is a great chance to see across the valleys, see some monkeys and begin to learn about this fascinating country. The afternoon will be spent getting for the trek and some time to relax and make sure all the kit and packing is complete. Also the first time you can go shopping which in Thamel is an adventure in itself!

• Day 3

  Kathmandu to Ghandruk (1900m) 5-6 hours trekking

  After an early breakfast we head to the domestic airport and we fly to Pokhara a short but interesting flight of about 45 minutes. After collecting our luggage and meeting the porters we collect a bus and then travel to Nayapul. This is about an hour drive and the beginning of our trek. From Nayapul we start to trek through Birethanti, we trek to Ghandruk, a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community. We continue through fields and along the ridge until we find ourselves our first lodge for the night in Ghundruk (1900m.) If the time for permits, we also visit the Gurung museum today. Overnight in Ghandruk.

• Day 4

  Ghandruk to Chhomrong (2170m) 4-5 hours trekking

  From Gundruk we will follow the road and gradual climb of about one and half hours we will get Kimrung Danda. On the way, we can enjoy great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) and Ganggapurna. A steep descent takes us to the Kimrong Khola then crossing a suspension bridge we continue a steep climb to reach on top of Salamphu hill. About 45 minute easy walk we get Chhomrong (2170m) Chhomrong is the biggest village in the region and has a few shops and bakery. If the group wishes here it is possible to see Gurung culture with a local women’s community who for a fee will come and dance and sing.From Chomrong you have views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Machhapuchhare. They seem really close and one of the best places to get photos.

• Day 5

  Chhomrong to Dovan (2600m) 4 -5 hours trekking.

  We leave Chomrong with a long and steep descent. It involves more than 2000 steps down. Once we get to the bottom we cross a river and then we start the steep climb back up the other side. Walking through rural farmland with interesting glimpses into Nepalese life. We continue through the thick forest until we reach Bamboo for lunch. After lunch we have an hours walk to Dovan. (2600m)

• Day 6

  Dovan to Machhapuchhre (3700m) 5-6 hours trekking

  Today we leave Dovan and head for the base camp of Machhapuchhare. (MBC) Otherwise known as Fishtail. It is one of the most striking mountains in the Himalayas, and also one of the most religious. We walk again through the rhododendron forest and a gradual up hill, after about two hours we will reach Himalaya and have a well deserved tea break. After this we will continue up to Deaurli for lunch. We will then continue a gradual up until we reach the base camp (3700m). Here we will spend the night taking in the amazing panoramic view.

• Day 7

  Machhapuchhre to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m) 3 hours trekking

  After breakfast we will leave MBC and head for the base camp of Annapurna at 4130m. It is an easy walk and we will enter the heart of the sanctuary. We will be completely surrounded by the Annapurnas and the other mountains in the region. We will spend the night here so will see the sunset and also the sunrise the following morning. It will be a memory which will last a lifetime!

• Day 8

  Back Down to Dovan (2600m) 4 hours trekking

  We will wake up early in time for the sunrise over the mountains and then after a breakfast we will begin our descend to Dovan.

• Day 9

  Dovan to Chomrong (2170m) 4-5 hours Trekking

  day we repeat our footsteps as we go from Dovan back to Chomrung (see day six)

• Day 10

  Chomrong to Tadapani (2630m) 5-6 hours trekking

  Here we leave Chomrung and head for Tadapani. It is a gradual walk until Gurjung Khola and there we will cross a suspension bridge. After this we have a steep uphill for about an hour to Chuile where we will have lunch and is a great stop for relaxing in the sun. After this we walk through thick forests for about 2 hours until we reach our destination of Tadapani (2300m)

• Day 11

  Tadapani to Ghorepani (2860m) 5-6 hours Trekking

  Today we go to Ghorapani we will follow the path through the rhododendron forest and again a high chance to see monkeys in the trees. Todays walk is mainly uphill until we reach the Gurung hills at 3200m. We will have a fantastic view of not only the Annapurna range but the Dhaulagiri range. We will then walk down for about an hour to be in Ghorapani.

• Day 12

  Ghorepani to Tikedunga (1480) 6-7 hours trekking

  Another early start as we rise at 4am to walk for about one hour to go to Poon hill for sunrise. We will again be rewarded with impressive views and is one of the highlights of this trek. After about an hour we will walk back to Ghorapani for breakfast. We will then have a steep desent to the village of Ulleri, and then we will continue our descent to the final destination of the trek in Tikedunga.

• Day 13

  Tikedunga to Pokhara (900m) 3-4 hours trekking

  We leave Tikedunga for a easy walk to Nayapul (New Bridge) Here we will be met with civilisation as we leave the mountain region. We then drive for about an hour back to Pokhara where we will go straight to the hotel for a well deserved rest! The rest of the day is free for eating, shopping and exploring this wonderful city.

• Day 14

  Sightseeing in Pokhara

  We spend the day together in Pokhara and will take boats across the lake. Here we will walk up to the World Peace Stupa. Where we can see all the mountains and the city of Pokhara. It is a very interesting place and a chance to learn about Buddhism. After this we will walk back down the other side and then there is a chance to visit the Mountaineering Museum if the group would like to. Evening will be spent in Pokhara.

• Day 15

  Pokhara to Kathmandu (1300m)

  We will get up early and after breakfast head for the bus station where we will then travel back to Kathmandu or Head to airport and fly back to Kathmandu. We will be back in the city in the afternoon where shopping and a group dinner to finish the trek.

• Day 16

  Depart to home.

  Extra days are available at your own cost but we will be happy to arrange this for you.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Please be aware that your safety while in Nepal is our number one propriety.  All itineraries are subject to change if there are safety concerns, health concerns of people in the group and/or weather concerns.  This will be decided by the trek leader but we will always discuss the options with the group where possible to ensure peoples wishes are taken into account, however, the Treks leader decision is final.

Equipments

Equipment Check – List

What clothing and equipment to take is one of the things that people worry the most about!  We can advise you and help you and it does of course depend on the time of year, the area, the altitude and how many days you are trekking/climbing. When you arrive in Kathmandu we will go through all your equipment to ensure that it is correct for your trip. In Thamel (the tourist area of Kathmandu where you will be staying) there is an abundance of shops seeling equipment and clothing so if anything is forgotten it can easily be sourced.It is also possible to hire climbing equipment and also items such as down jackets, and sleeping bags saving you a large purchase.

The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both camping and tea house  treks. Use this list as a guide line. The basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you  should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag,  should weight no more than 15kg. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow.

GENERAL CHECK – LIST

The following  basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you  should  always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag,  should weight no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow. Use your own experience and judgment  to make your decision.

-Light and expedition weight thermal tops.

-Fleece jacket or pullover.

-fleece wind –stopper Jacket (optional)

-Waterproof  sheel jacket (preferably breathable fabric)

-Lightweight thermal gloves.

-Underwear (4)

-Shorts (2)

-Lightweight cotton long trousers / pants .

-Light and expedition  weight thermal bottoms.

-Sun hat or Scarf.

-Warm fleece hat or light balaclava.

-T- shirt (2)

-Thin, light weight (inner socks) (4).

-Sunglasses with UV protection.

-Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees ¾ season

-Head lamp (eg petzl) Spare bulbs and batteries.

-Small padlock  to lock trek bag.

-Basic first aid kit(see First aid medicine bellow)

-Plastic bags –for keeping items dry inside trek bag.

-Daypack ( 35 to 40 litters/ 2500 to 3000 cubic inches.)

-Camping mattress, eg thermarest pad.

-water bottles.

-Tolietries.

-Small wash towel.

-Footwear appropraite to the trip.

-Waterproof  shell trousers / pants. (Preferably  berathable fabric)

TREKKING  CHECK LIST

In addition to the items listed in our general check list you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:

-Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof sheel  outer.

-Down vest and/ or jacket (optional).

-Fleece or wool trousers/ pants.

-Trekking/ hiking boods with spare laces.

-Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)

– Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and /or sandals.

-Gaiters (optional).

-Telescopic trekking/ ski poles (optional)

MOUNTAINERING / CLIMBING CHECK LIST

In addition to the checklists for general trekking equipment above, and depending  on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:

-Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step – in bindings ) with front points.

-Mountaineering  Safety harness.

-Mountaineering  Ice axe(60 to 75 cms long – depending on your height and personal  preference).

-120 cms (4ft) climbing sling and to locking and unlocking  caravines.

-Telescopic ski – sticks (optional).

-Prussik loops .

-Climbing helmet (optional).

-Jumer (Ascender & Descender).

-Pocket Knife.

-Head lamp.

-Mattress.

-Rope and Snow bars.

-Ice crew.

-High altimeter.

Most if not all of this equipment will be needed  for any  trip that  crosses steep, snow – covered  ground, or which includes sections  of glacier travel. Our recommendation that you take no more than fifteen kilos of trekking equipment dose not include your plastic boots, ice axe , Crampons ot herness/ carabiners . During the trek, climbing hard wear will be carried separately from your personal trek bag, in group bags untill needed.

EQUIPMENT  RENTAL

In order to minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use  again, equipmeent rental and buying is possible in Kathmandu. You find them lot cheaper  than you find in europe and in Usa. Shops in Thamel offer a wide range of equipment available for rent and buy. Here is some cost which give you an aidea of the cost to rent in Kathmandu.

-Sleeping bags.

-Down Jackets.

-All purpose mountaineering Ice axe (60 – 70 cms)

-Ice hummer.

-Climbing Harness .

-2 looking Carabiners , Climbing Sling.

-12 – point Crampons.

-Plastic Climbing boots.

-Helmet.

FIRST AID MEDICINE

-Bandage for Sprains.

-Plaster/ Band- aids.

-Iodine or Water filter(optional)

-Moleskin/ Second skin – for blisters.

-Antiseptic ointment for cuts.

-Anti- bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)

-Aspirin/ paractamol- general painkiller.

-Oral rehydration salts.

-Broad – spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin).

-Anti  – diarrhea medication (antibiotic).

-Diarrhea stopper (Imodium – optional).

-Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria.

-Diamox  (Altitude sickness – can be  bought in Kathmandu.

-Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution).

– For more details  please see our  staying healthy  topic.