Annapurna Base Camp Trek

<p>A Himalaya Heart representative will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel where we will talk about the trip in more detail. This is an opportunity for you to ask any question you may have. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore</p>

<p>We explore three culturally diverse and visually stunning temples around Kathmandu We begin. High on a hilltop above Kathmandu at the magnificent Swayambutinath (“Monkey Temple”), used by both Hindus and Buddhists, and known for its many holy monkeys! Along the banks of the Bagmati River lies Pashupatinath, a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the most important Hindu site in Nepal and pilgrims from all over the world come to show their faith.Away from the city centre is the peaceful and impressive Bodhnath Stupa. Every day thousands of people descend daily to show their devotion and respect.</p>

<p>Our whole team leaves for Pokhara today. We check out of the hotel for the drive to Pokhara, 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. The drive is an excellent experience and a very scenic one with rolling foothills, mountain views and beside fast flowing rivers. When we reach Pokhara,this beautiful lake town always provides a welcoming gesture with stunning views of the mountains on a clear day. We check into our hotel and relax in one of the many restaurants around the lake perhaps some boating or swimming.</p>

<p>We leave our hotel and set out in the morning, taking a short drive to Nayapul before starting our trek. The trail at first descends sharply to a bridge crossing the Burundi Khola. After crossing the river we follow the banks of the Modi Kola before an ascent through bamboo forests to Tirkhadunga.</p>

<p>We start the day with a steep uphill along a forested trail and small settlements for around two hours before the trail eases out. On arrival at Ghorepani we are rewarded with some splendid mountain views. Overnight Lodge. </p><p></p>

<p>We are up before dawn to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himals. As the sun emerges from behind the mountains the sky glows from red to pink in the first rays of the sun and the panorama is rated as one of the world's great mountain vistas. The climb takes around 45 minutes and is well worth the effort. We trek down for breakfast, after breakfast we head east, following a forested ridge that again provides serious mountains views to cross a pass at 3,150m. We pass through more forest and some tea houses before the descent becomes steeper down along a riveras we descend on stone steps through jungle to a few lodges in a clearing called Banthanti where we break for lunch.Descending further to a small stream, we cross a bridge and climb back up through forest to Tadapani our destination for today.Superb view of Annapurna South and the peak of Machhapuchhare. </p><p></p><p></p>

<p>The trail descends steeply through the forest to the Kyumnu Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola. From here we havea steep ascent through forest and a winding trail to Chhomrong. A Gurung village and the last permanent settlement in the valley. Beyond here the push toward Annapurna Base Camp begins. Chhomrong also has greta views again of Annapurna South and from this point onwards the twin-peaked mountain Machhapuchhare ('fishtail') which gives the mountain its name.</p><p></p><p></p>

<p>The trail from Chhomrong descends first on a steep stone staircase to cross the Chhomrong Khola,then climbs steeply on another stone staircase out of a side valley to Sinuwa and into the main Modi Khola Valley. From Sinuwa the trail descends on stone steps through dense jungle and up to Bamboo, a cluster of lodges in a forest clearing where we take lunch. The name is apt as the forest around us is full of bamboo thickets. These are cut extensively to make 'dokos' - the carrying baskets used by porters including ours. The Bamboo is also used to and make woven mats for floors and roofing. Undulating further through the bamboo forest we reach Dobhan another small clearing in the forest where there are several tea houses where we overnight.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p>

<p>A tough day today as we walk above 3,000m. The trail continues up through the forest, passing the lodges at Himalaya Hotel. From here the trail gets steeper and rockier as we climb up past Hinko Cave, where the first expeditions to the Base Camp used to camp. Crossing a ravine, the trail continues to climb steeply among boulders, leaving the trees behind us. We make our stop at Deurali for lunch.From Deurali the valley broadens out and the scenery becomes a lot wilder as we approach the gates of the sanctuary. From Deurali there are two trails. The one on the left side of the valley is the main trail but especially in spring when there is a lot of snow it is not used and an alternative trail on the right side of the valley is used. Your Himalaya Heart tour leader will decide which trail is best to use. Both trails finally meet for the last climb up between the giants of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare, to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m), where we spend the night. The views are out of this world with a fantastic panorama which includes Huinchuli, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare.</p><p></p><p></p>

<p>In the early morning, we walk for around 2 hours up to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), surrounded by these snow-capped giants and some of the highest mountains in the world. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna 1 and 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare all encircle us Sunrise is truly magnificent casting subtle colours in this magnificent mountain arena. We spend some time in this special place before it is time to move and retrace our steps on a mostly downhill day as we leave the Sanctuary. We follow the same trail back to Machhapuchhare Base Camp and further down entering the forest, we descend slowly and carefully on a rocky trail to Himalaya. </p><p></p><p></p>

<p>A rollercoaster walk today with lots of ups and downs. We start with a climb up to Sinawa, then we descend to the river and climb back up the stone steps to Chomro. A final steep descent on stone steps brings us to Jhinnudanda. Close to Jhinnudanda, there are some hot springs time to relax up and soak any aching parts you may have.</p>

<p>The trail today undulates down the Modi River Valley. We follow the valley down to the road head at Sinwai. If the road is in good condition, we will pick up our transport here (sometimes our vehicle cannot get to here) and drive back to Pokhara. Otherwise it is a pleasant trek along the river back to Nayapul. Where our jeep awaits for the drive back to our hotel in Pokhara (1 Hour)</p><p></p><p></p>

<p>Drive back to Kathmandu and spend time at leisure. You also have an option to fly back to</p><p>Kathmandu at an additional cost.</p>

<p>It is time to say good bye for this time. We really hope that you had a nice time with us in Nepal. We will drive you to airport for the departure flight as per the schedule.</p><p></p>