Annapurna Family Adventure in Comfort
Annapurna Family Adventure in Comfort
12 Days Starting in Kathmandu and ending in
Visiting: Nepal
Tour Overview
This low altitude trek in the Annapurna foothills is specifically devised for families. We include time in the traditional Hindu villages where children regard the Himalaya as their playground. Each campsite we join our crew and the villagers in dancing, singing and games of volleyball and cricket. There is also time to visit the local schools and markets where cultural horizons are so different from our own. During the trek we appreciate the magnificent oak and rhododendron forests as we ascend to alpine meadows that afford spectacular views of the Annapurna Range. After completing our trek we travel to Chitwan in search of rhino and the Bengal tiger.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Kathmandu (1330M).
You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel
Day 2 : Free Day In Kathmandu
Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.
Day 3 : Fly To Pokhara
After breakfast we transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic terminal to take our flight to Pokara, the main gateway for trekkers into the Annapurna region. This is one of the most scenic flights in the Himalaya, as we trace the backbone of the monstrous Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. The flight path heads west up and over the rim of the Kathmandu Valley along the Trisuli River to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest town.
Overnight: hotel
Day 4 : Drive To Khare And Trek To Dhampus 1900M. Walk Approximately 5 Hours.
We drive for an hour to pass between two river valleys at the village of Khare, and commence our trek to Dhampus. The trail ascends for the first hour, following a ridge through fields of bamboo clusters to magnificent rhododendron forest. Villagers greet us with “Namaste”, the traditional Nepalese greeting, as we pass their homes and continue to the ridge top where at the crest the scale of the mountains astounds us, with Machapuchare (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South (7219m) in our immediate viewpoint Overnight eco lodge.
Day 5 : To Landruk 1640M. Walk Approx 4 Hours.
This is an interesting day as the trail gently glides through forest, and in and out of small gullies, all the time bringing us closer to the mountains. In the rhododendron forests the lush canopy affords protection for the smaller delicate flora, such as primula and daphne. It also provides a haven for birdlife and we can hear their varied calls as we move through. The trail soon opens onto fields as we approach the village of Landruk with its excellent views of Annapurna South at the head of the valley. Overnight private eco campsite.
Day 6 : To Ghandruk 1740M. Walk Approx 4 Hours.
Our destination today is easily seen across the valley; the attractive Gurung village of Ghandruk. Unfortunately we must descend to the valley floor to reach it! Slowly descending through rice terraces, we cross the steel cable suspension bridge that spans the glacial river of the Modi Khola and commence our ascent. As we trek up the many staircases, we enjoy the beauty of the Himalaya at a relatively close range and observe the glaciers flowing from them and feeding the rivers below. It is a magnificent location and a photographer's delight. Our leisurely approach along these ridges with their fine mountain views ensures proper acclimatisation and the un-hurried opportunity to fully savour this magnificent scenery. Ghandruk is the centre for the Annapurna Conservation Area and after lunch we will visit the headquarters. Overnight private eco campsite.
Day 7 : To Kimchi And Return To Pokhara. Walk Approx 2 Hours. Drive 2-3 Hours
After breakfast we are ready to head to our exit point at Kimchi. The trail is mostly downhill and if the weather is clear we enjoy our last views of Annapurna South, Himchuli and Machhapuchare. Once we reach Kimchi, we will commence the drive back to Pokhara where we will enjoy lunch on our arrival. The afternoon is free in Pokhara.
Overnight: hotel
Day 8 : Drive Pokhara To Chitwan
This morning we transfer to Chitwan by road. On arrival we are briefed on the planned activities during our stay. Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to sight wildlife, so other times tend to be for less energetic activities. We will have lunch at our lodge and commence our activity program. Our accommodation is at the Chitwan Adventure Lodge outside the park, generally in 2-bed huts with a private bathroom. Solar heated hot water is available in the afternoons.
Day 9 : At Chitwan
A full day's activities are available including jungle walks, canoe rides, bird-watching and jeep safari, as well as lectures on other fauna. Our concession area is the territory of many species of wildlife including 3 tigers, 5 leopards, 7 rhino, and many deer, boar, bear, peacocks, an extraordinary number of bird species and is occasionally visited by wild elephants.
Day 10 : Return To Kathmandu. Drive 5 Hours.
We complete our last activity, and we make the journey out of the jungle and back to the Kathmandu by vehicle, arriving late afternoon.
Day 11 : At Leisure In Kathmandu (1350M).
There are a million things to see in Kathmandu and we recommend you spend this day wandering the town and exploring the valley on bicycle or by taxi. Our staff can arrange a guide and/or transport should you wish, or you can head off armed with a map and let the day unfold.
Day 12 : Trip Concludes Kathmandu
After breakfast the trip will conclude unless further arrangements have been made. Transfer to the airport for your homeward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights hotel -
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$350
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flight Kathmandu to Pokhara valued at US$133
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airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 12 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
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expert bilingual guide
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group medical kit
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good quality accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
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accommodation on trek in a combination of comfortable eco lodges, and our private eco-comfort camps with off the ground camp beds, mattresses and pillows
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use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
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souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
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private transportation
Accommodation
6 nights hotel
In Kathmandu we stay at the comfortable, well located Radisson Hotel. The Radisson Hotel is situated in Lazimpat, a quiet and central area of Kathmandu. Only a short 12 minute walk to the main tourist district of Thamel, the Radisson acts as a base for World Expeditions travellers. The hotel has a World Expeditions tour desk in the foyer, free WIFI, a pool and bar, gymnasium, restaurants, room service, currency exchange and free luggage storage whilst you are on trip. A hearty buffet breakfast is included with every night stay in the Radisson. The Tranquility Spa, within the Radisson offers massage, reflexology, steam room and sauna, plus many beauty treatments for your enjoyment as a World Expeditions client you will receive a 30% discount off the retail prices on any treatment at the Spa. You can book these services through the Radisson while you are in Nepal.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.
Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trek.
The Nepal Family Adventure is graded introductory. This is primarily due to the low altitude gains and the condition of the trail which is well defined and not unduly demanding. During the trek you will be walking for up to five to six hours a day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness (remember there is no such thing as an easy trek) and we suggest 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.