The Annapurnas Classic Tour

By its diversity, by enthusiasm each day renewed, the hike around the Annapurnas is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the world: the variety of the landscapes, the diversity of the ethnic groups, and the different ways of life... The habitat, the culture, the religion, everything changes, as does the altitude: from 2,000 to 17,700 feet. A marvelous voyage, the true "classical" trek.

• Day 1/  Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2/  Visit Kathmandu valley
• Day 3/  Kathmandu - Besi Sahar
• Day 4/  Besi Sahar (2,690 feet) - Ngadi (3,117 feet)
• Day 5/  Ngadi - Jagat (4,298 feet)
• Day 6/  Jagat - Dharapani  (6,562 feet) 
• Day 7/  Dharapani - Chame (8,858 feet) 
• Day 8/  Chame - Pisang (10,499 feet) 
• Day 9/  Pisang - Manang (11,483 feet)
• Day 10/  Manang
• Day 11/  Manang - Leder (13,780 feet) 
• Day 12/  Leder - Thorung Phedi (14,764 feet)
• Day 13/  Thorung Phedi - Thorung La (17,552 feet) - Muktinath (12,139 feet)
• Day 14/  Muktinath - Jomosom (9,170 feet)
• Day 15/  Back to Kathmandu (flight) 
• Day 16/  Reserve day Kathmandu
• Day 17/  Depart from Kathmandu.

This voyage is a jewel, considered as one of the most beautiful treks in the world! A well diserved fame, considering the exceptional variety of landscapes crossed. In the course of this Himalayan pedestrian discovery, in just a few days, your steps will carry you from banana trees to eternal snow through paddy fields, pine or rhododendron forests, deserts of rock and sand. From 3,000 to 18,000 feet, a world of different and varied cultures unravels before your very eyes, filled with wonder: Gurung or Thakali villages scattered in the terrace fields, small Tibetan villages tightened around their monastery...
These 11 days of walking are decorated by the grace and the kindness of the Nepalese, always cordial. As is Hinduism in the paddy field region, Buddhism and Tibetan influences are very "marked" in the high valleys.
As for Kathmandu, it is an extraordinary city with splendid temples shaped as pagodas. It holds an undeniable charm.

Day 1/  Arrival Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 star Hotel for two nights. Some time available for a short visit of the city.

Day 2/  Kathmandu valley
Visit the most beautiful sites of the Kathmandu valley, accompanied by an Anglophone Nepalese guide which who will assist you in discovering the Bouddhanath Buddhist temples (largest Stupa, religious monument, of the valley), the Hindu Holy City of Pashupati Nath (cremations), and Bhaktapur, a live museum of a medieval city.

Day 3/  Kathmandu - Besi Sahar
Early morning departure for Dumre (road of Pokhara, approximately 5 to 6 h), then Besi Sahar, end of a suitable motor vehicle track. The way is long, the last part of the track being rather bad, but the landscape of paddy fields is a wonder. Lodge.

Day 4/  Besi Sahar (2,690 feet) - Ngadi (3,117 feet)
Finally, our first hiking day, through the paddy fields and views of Himal Chuli (approximately 24,600 feet). It is splendid! We approach the network of the very beautiful Nepalese walking paths while following close to the Marsyangdi river, of impressive power. Our first suspension bridge where one has fun balancing oneself and small remarkable villages (Bulbhule). Lodge at Ngadi.
4. 30 h walk.

Day 5/  Ngadi - Jagat (4,298 feet)
Severe ascent to Bahundanda (splendid view-point) then descend towards Syanje, where the Tibetan influence is obvious. The valley becomes narrow; the river is truly boxed in and quite turbulent, remarkable cascades coming down on both sides. Lodge at Jagat.
5 H walk

Day 6/  Jagat - Dharapani (6,562 feet)
Pleasant path through the corn fields which replaced the paddy fields to arrive at Tal, a tiny village wedged under enormous cliffs. We pass again along the right bank, via a pathway recently created to avoid an enormous landslide. The villages are really "mountain dwellings", stone walls, slate roofs and wood balconies. Lodge at Dharapani.
5 H walk.

Day 7/  Dharapani - Chame (8,858 feet)
After a one hour walk, we arrive at Bagarchap village; a little further, we meet our first "26,000 footer", prayers walls and gompas (Nepalese Monastary). In Koto, Annapurna II  is in our line of vision. Lodge at Chame, the capital of the Manang district, with its many shops and its uninterrupted view on to Lamjung Himal.
5 H walk.

Day 8/  Chame - Pisang (10,499 feet)
Hike in a forest dominated by impressive cliffs, at least until around 10,000 feet, where, with an elbow nudge of the river, the rock lies down in an immense tilted plan and the valley opens. It is the country of Manang. We sleep in a lodge in Pisang, a village of Tibetan influence. Visit of the old village.
5 H walk.

Day 9/  Pisang - Manang (11,483 feet)
Panorama of this day: the enormous glacial barrier of the Annapurnas II, III, IV northern slopes, one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes of the world... Before reaching Manang, stop at Braga, a splendid village, shaped as a horse shoe and nestled at the foot of engraved rocks; its temple is a true wonder. Lodge.
7 H walk.

Day 10/  Manang
"Cool" stroll in the Manang surroundings, which makes it possible to perfect our altitude acclimatization and to further admire the superb "Jewels" of mountains which serve as decoration. Lodge.

Day 11/  Manang - Leder (13,700 feet)
The stage is relatively short; which enables us to fully benefit fully from this astonishing village which is Manang and to continue our altitude acclimatization peacefully. Beautiful ascent towards Leder, dominated in the east by the snows of Chulu. Lodge.
4. 30 H walk.

Day 12/  Leder - Thorung Phedi (13,780 feet)
Here still, the stage is very short, useless to rush to the face of the evil of altitude... Rather severe looking high mountain landscape. An evening of preparation before the passage of Thorung. In the afternoon, possible stroll towards the pass. Lodge.
3 H walk.

Day 13/  Thorung Phedi - Thorung La (17,552 feet) - Muktinath (12,139 feet)
Thanks to a very early morning departure and the great care that we have taken for our altitude acclimatization, all goes well even if the ascent is long (4 h 30) and the descent gives the impression to be without end... but it is the downhill! Rewarded by the appearance of Daulaghiri. Lodge at Muktinath, very famous pilgrimage place. We are at the doors of Mustang, the ancient and mythical Kingdom of Lo.
8 H walk.

Day 14/  Muktinath - Jomosom (9,170 feet)
Arid landscapes opening on Tibetan plateaus in the north and on high mountains covered with snow in the south: Nilgiri and the especially formidable Dhaulagiri. While going down towards Jomosom, we pass the old fortified towns of Jarkhot and Kagbeni, which deserve us making a detour. The bottom of the valley, broad and stony, is immaculately swept by a violent face wind. Jomosom, a large administrative, commercial village... is the center of the area. Very comfortable Lodge.
6 H  walk.

Day 15/  Jomosom - Kathmandu
Flight for Kathmandu. Settle in at a 5 star deluxe Yak and Yeti hotel for two nights. Free end of the day.

Day 16/  Kathmandu
Free or potential spare day to spend in Kathmandu. Hotel.

Day 17/  Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

The route runs entirely on trails, except for the passage of Thorong La pass. This pass, which can be snowy, is the main difficulty. Physical fitness is essential to take full advantage of these 11 days of walking in a row. The acclimatization to the altitude is progressive.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light backpack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
The other part of the equipment is transported by the porters to the lodge. We are asking that every one have only one bag (trekking bag); the maximum weight of this bag should not exceed 27 pounds. At your arrival, we will provide you a bag cover in order to protect your bag during the trek.
Possibility of leaving your belongings at the Katmandu hotel and retrieving them when we return.

The guides
- an English-speaking professional Nepalese Mountain World Travel guide
- a guide specialized in the Katmandu valley

Local team
- a Sirdar, head of the porter organization, generally English-speaking
- porter (Sherpas) staff
- a cook and, if necessary, their assistants
- one or more Sherpas according to the circuits, those aspiring Sirdars will insure your comfort by closing the circuit and double-checking that no one is left

What to know about carrying
in Nepal, carrying is part of every-day life. It begins its' practice with the very young. Provisions to feed the villages, building materials, harvests, are carried on men's backs. For their personal needs, outside of trekking season, the Nepalese often carry between 130 and 170 pounds. The carriers often come from the lower valleys. Sherpas come from the Khumbu region, at the foot of Mount Everest. We ask the Sirdars to ensure that the weight-load does not exceed 67 pounds per carrier (no including personal material). The wages that the porters earn during the trekking season benefit the entire family even throughout the long months of tourist inactivity.

Most Domestic flights on Yeti Airlines
Ground transportation is organized by private tourism bus vehicles.

Top level Nepalese lodging in Kathmandu!
- Kathmandu: Yak and Yeti, 5 star deluxe Hotel, based on double room occupancy.
- Throughout the trek: accommodation in lodges. Often comfortable lodging meeting strict standards of construction, established by a charter: double rooms, separate beds, toilets outside. Some lodges are equipped with showers (water is often tepid) and with electricity, thanks to solar panels. However, the higher in altitude the lodges are, the more basic their comfort becomes.
To note: because of the lack of insulation and lack of fuel, the rooms of the lodges are generally not heated. For your comfort, it is essential to have a good, warm sleeping bag.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors. 

Meals
- Downtown and during the transfers: restaurant.
- During the trekking:
on the paths from one village to another, lunch in restaurant along the way,
a energy food complement is provided,
dinners are served in the lodges

Drinks
Mineral water, tea and coffee included.

To note
In Nepal, Hindus and Buddhists are mainly vegetarians. Little meat or fish is thus eaten there. The dishes are containing pastes, rice, potatoes, lentils, etc.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Kathmandu
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water and tea/coffee during trekking)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and porters
• Cost of foreign country entrance visa
• Airport taxes and depart from Kathmandu (approximately $35)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Kathmandu:

• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Katmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
• Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Katmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
• Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Katmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong. 

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; a visa is required.
Please visit http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/visa.php?page=tourist_visa_requirement
The visa can be obtained directly upon your arrival at the airport in Nepal.

Please bring 2 ID photos with you: one is for obtaining the entrance Visa to Nepal and the second is to enable us to obtain a Trekking Permit.

For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements.
For other nationalities, please contact the Nepalese embassy of your country.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are mandatory.
We advise you to be up-to-date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and a vaccination protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for all.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or tropical America.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check-up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is advisable to consider with your doctor a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

 

LEVEL 4
3 months prior:  Hike 10 to 12 miles every week-end or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 2 to 3 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.  

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, (short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F)

Luggage
- A backpack with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape.
- A bathing suit.
- A small anti-theft pocket or belt, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your backpack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).