Trek Details

Departure Date: 9 April 2016 – depart Kathmandu
Days: 18 days form Kathmandu
Group Size: 8-12 people
Price: $4892 AUD - Contact us for more details.

What’s included

Pre-trek

A 12 week tailored fitness program including:

• An information briefing on booking
• A health and
 fitness assessment
• 12 x weekly group fitness classes
• 6 x weekend bushwalks
• Personal shopping for the right clothing and equipment at Snowys (receive 25% off full priced items)
• A pre-trek departure briefing.

During the trek

The trek, fully escorted by Leonie Berger and guided by Subal Lopchan, a highly experienced local English-speaking tour leader, also includes:

• Additional local English-speaking guides at some sites
• Airport transfers

• 3 nights twin-share accommodation at the Shangri-La Hotel
• Local return flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara 
• Private bus transfer to the starting point of the trek and back to Pokhara at 
the end of the trek
• Trekking permit
• Accommodation on trek: 8 nights in comfortable lodges and 5 nights camping on a 
twin share basis
• Meals: 18 Breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners including welcome dinner
• Boiled drinking water throughout the trek
• 2 nights twin share accommodation at Mount Kailash Resort in Pokhara
• Porterage on the trek
• Portable altitude chamber
• Trek Pack valued at over US$500, including a kitbag, high quality sleeping 
bag designed for sub-zero temperatures, sleeping mat and inner sheet and a 
high-altitude jacket

• Sightseeing (entrance fees where applicable) in Kathmandu including Bodhnath 
Stupa, Pashupatinath and the holy Bagmati River.

What’s not included

International flights, visas, insurance, meals not listed, any optional tours and activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, showers on trek (if available), tips and gratuities, and items of a personal nature. Fit & Ready Adventure Travel’s preferred travel agency is Travelaffare Blackwood. To coordinate all your travel needs for this Trek please contact Travelaffare on (08) 82787470.

Training

To get the most out of your adventure, it’s important to have a level of fitness prior to your departure that is commensurate with the grading of the trek.

With our 12 week tailored fitness program you will embark on the adventure of a life time comforted by the fact that you are mentally and physically prepared to take on the challenges of this 13 day trek through the remote alpine terrain and unexplored wilderness of Annapurna South.

Further information about training

Weather Conditions

April is typically sunny and dry, with average daytime temperatures around 30°C and an average minimum temperatures of around 12°C. Nights can be quite cold comparatively, at times dipping to freezing temperatures, and as you gain altitude it will become much cooler with overnight temperatures dropping below zero.

Equipment

Contact us to find out more about the clothing and equipment you will need for the Annapurna’s Holy Lakes & Glaciers Trek.

Enquiries

Annapurna’s Holy Lakes & Glaciers Brochure 

Enquire Now 

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the Hotel Shangri-La where you will check in and attend the trek briefing and group welcome dinner.

Day 2 Kathmandu (1360m)

Visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, and Pashupatinath, the main Hindu temple.

Spend some free time in the afternoon shopping for last minute items or exploring Thamel.

In the
 late afternoon you will be issued with your trek pack and be provided with information for the next morning’s departure. Your evening is free to enjoy an evening meal at one of the local restaurants.

Day 3 Hike (1540m) 2.5 hours walking

After an early morning breakfast and hotel checkout, transfer to the domestic airport for a morning flight to Pokhara on which you will witness spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north, including the 8000m peaks of Manaslu and Annapurna.

On arrival in Pokhara you are transferred to Nayapul where your trek begins.

Follow the Modi Khola River to Birethanti, and then the Bhurungdi Khola River valley as you pass through the small settlements of Matathanthi and Sudame before reaching Hile.

Day 4 Ghorepani (2860m) 6.5 hours walking

Ascending to the village of Ulleri, you are met with
views overlooking the valley below. Continue your ascent through beautiful forest of rhododendron, oak and trickling creeks before reaching Banthanti where you enjoy a welcome break before continuing the gradual ascent through forest to Nangethanti.

In the afternoon you continue to ascend to the village of Ghorepani where there are views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Day 5 Swanta (2450m) 2.5 hours walking

Wake early for a walk to Poon Hill (3210m). This is one of the most spectacular viewing points in the world to enjoy a sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges (if conditions are clear). Return to the lodge for breakfast followed by a leisurely walk to Swanta.

Day 6 Chistibung (3200m) 4 - 5 hours walking

Greet the day with the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, followed by a walk through thick forest to Chistibung.

Day 7 Khopra Ridge (3660m) 3 hours walking

Observe the changing vegetation as you trek through forest and alpine type vegetation signaling the gaining altitude. After arriving in Khopra, walk to see the deepest gorge in the world and one of the major rivers in Nepal – the Kali Gandaki, as well as the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Varashikar and Annapurna South.

Day 8 High Camp (4200m) 4 - 5 hours walking

Ascend towards the foothills of Annapurna South, trekking on rocky terrain and steps until you reach a flat place popularly known as High Camp where you will camp for two nights.

Day 9 High Camp (4200m)

Acclimatisation day.

Walk towards the Holy Lake (4700m) and return to camp to rest, or if you are feeling energetic, explore your surroundings.

Day 10 Hidden Lake (4600m) 7 - 8 hours walking

Ascend from camp to reach a pass where you will be greeted with the stunning views of Machapuchare (6993m), the Fish Tail Mountain.

After crossing the pass, descend to a pasture for lunch, and then continue descending towards Hidden Lake, one of the Holy Lakes.

Day 11 Annapurna South Base Camp (3600m) 4 - 5 hours walking

Start your descent through pastures before camping for the night near a waterfall. From Base Camp (3600m) you can see Annapurna South towering above at 7219m.

Day 12 Tiribu Danda (3450m) 5 hours walking

Head along a rocky trail through the forest to Tiribu Danda where you can see the magnificent Fish Tail Mountain and Hiunchuli.

Day 13 Chomrong to Jhinu Danda (2170m - 1780m) 4 - 5 hours walking

Walking mostly downhill through rhododendron forest to Chomrong, you will meet the main trail heading up to Annapurna Base Camp. Stop at Chomrong for lunch before walking down to Jhinu Danda.

Day 14 Tolka (1700m) 3 - 4 hours walking

Enjoy a walk along the Modi Khola River and then up to Landruk for lunch, followed by a gradual walk to Tolka.

Day 15 Dhampus (1650m) 5 hours walking

After a gradual walk and a steep climb, stop for some refreshments and rest at Deurali ridge, a small settlement. The walk down is through thick rhododendron forest and green pastures to Pothana for lunch, and then downhill all the way to Dhampus.

Day 16 Pokhara (850m)

Soak up the panoramic views of all of the mountains as you take advantage of the opportunity to take some scenic snaps. This is the perfect location to take some final group shots with the people who supported your adventure as you also say farewell to the crew.

Descend to Phedi where your private transport awaits to take you to Pokhara and your accommodation at the Mount Kailash Resort. This is a great opportunity to put up your feet, relax and unwind, or to take a boat ride or walk around Phewa Lake.

Day 17 Pokhara Mount Kailash Resort (827m)

Free time for you to explore Pokhara including the Peace Stupa, International Mountain Museum, and local restaurants and craft shops.

Day 18 Kathmandu (1360m)

After checking out of your hotel, you are transferred to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. After checking into the Hotel Shangri-La in Kathmandu, the afternoon and evening is free for you to relax or to spend any extra Nepalese Rupees you have left.

Day 19 Flight home

You will be transferred to the international airport for your return flight home.

Testimonial

 

"I never thought a holiday like this would be possible but I have learnt that with the right training and guidance anything can become a reality… I would definitely travel with Leonie again as nothing is left to chance and everyone is given every opportunity to succeed in completing their goal." - Tania 

 

"Of all the places in the world I have visited, Nepal is my favourite place. In April 2016 I joined Fit & Ready Adventure Travel for an exclusive 19 day trek in the Annapurna region (Annapurna's Holy Lakes & Glaciers) that offered a combination lodge accommodation and camping off the main trail. It exceeded all my expectations; it was professionally run and very comforting to know that I was in expert hands even in the extreme weather conditions we experienced. The Nepalese people are genuine, friendly and need all the support we can offer them. I loved my experience with Leonie from Fit & Ready Adventure Travel and Himalayan Hikers Expedition so much that I have booked my next adventure 'Exclusive Himalayan Kingdoms Overland & Trek Adventure' in October 2017. I would certainly recommend you talk to Leonie at Fit & Ready Adventure Travel for your next adventure".  - Mary Berger-Lamendin

 

“Life Changing”

"My 15 year old daughter and I had the experience of a lifetime trekking with Fit & Ready Adventure Travel.  The entire experience was empowering, liberating and I gained confidence in my body as we trekked through the vast and beautiful landscapes of Nepal.  As a first time trekker, the trip was organised in a way where I felt I had enough information and preparation to undertake the 16 day Annapurna's Holy Lakes & Glaciers trek in April 16. Leonie provided great support and guidance in our pre trek preparation and during the trek was always available with advice, support and to share her wealth of knowledge about the Himalayan region. 

On returning to Australia, I feel so proud of what we achieved during the trek. I have also gained an honest respect and admiration for the beautiful people of Nepal and the magnificent Nepalese mountains.  A big thankyou to Fit & Ready Adventure travel for making my dreams come true – we would never have done it without you!" - Bronwyn & Maddie Masters

 

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