Annapurna Base Camp via Punhill

                                        
                                        destination
                                        Annapurna Base Camp and Punhill
                                    
                                        duration
                                        15 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Moderate Difficult
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        4130m
                                    
                                        season
                                        Jan to May/Sep to Dec

Overview

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp offers you not only great views of the High mountains and a chance to get into the core of Annapurna but also offers you to observe the lifestyle of the local people and experience the diversity of nature from a closer. If you have a few days longer holiday, trek to Annapurna Base Camp via Punhill offers you a breathtaking mountain vista and also to experience how nature changes in a short time. You have a chance for a perfect view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) – the so-called White Mountain, which is the seventh highest mountain in the world and the highest standing mountain within the border of a single country Nepal. It is 34 km far apart from Annapurna I (8091m), the 10th highest mountain in the world. These two high mountains make the deepest gorge in the middle called Kali Gandaki.
Moving forward to Annapurna Base Camp, we leave the permanent settlement behind after Chhomrong and we find ourselves in the middle of high snow-capped mountains. We will see the high mountains in 360 degrees Panorama. We will see the eye-catching sceneries of enchanting blooming rhododendron on the way if you are around Ghorepani in the spring season.

Trip Highlights

Historical, cultural city of the heritage places in Kathmandu valley
Scenic drive or flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Beautiful city - the city of the Lakes, Pokhara
Clear day and night, unobstructed scenes and blossoms over the hills
Cultural attractions of Gurung, Magar, and Thakalis hike right into the Annapurna Sanctuary during the trek.
Up-close striking sunrise view over the mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range
Rich and flourish rhododendron with extensive floras and fauna.
Punhill which is most vantage point for viewing the whole Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range and Mt. Fishtail
Exploring the woodlands’ including beautiful rhododendron trees varied flora and animals
Annapurna Base Camp, where you find yourself in the middle of the high mountains
Annapurna Conservation Area Project - ACAP
Flora and fauna

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Kathmandu (1350m), transfer to Hotel

You will be greeted by a representative of “Rai Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd”; at Tribhuvan International Airport when you arrive in the country of breathtaking mountains and temple-filled metropolis. Our personnel will accompany you to your Hotel where you will overnight for 2 nights. In the evening, we will host a dinner program in a traditional Nepali restaurant as well as offer you a briefing on the trekking itinerary. Attending the welcome meeting is crucial because this is when we will be gathering information about your insurance and next of kin. Please notify the front desk of your hotel or travel agency if you anticipate being late.

Day 2: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation day in Kathmandu

SIGHTSEEING INCLUDES:

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
Pashupatinath is one of the most significant and the biggest Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, which is in the heart of Kathmandu nearby the airport. There is no certain data how old the temple is, however; it is believed that the site had been existed since 400 BC. The current temple was built in 1692 CE. Shiva is the God of Gods symbolizing the “destruction” among three main Gods according to Hinduism – Brahma, Bishnu and Maheshwor (Shiva). Brahma creates living things, Bishnu preserves them and Shiva destroys them at the end. Pashupatinath is listed in the World Heritage site in the lists of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was enlisted in 1979 AD. Pashupatinath is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva)..
BOUDHANATH STUPA
It is also called Baudha, is the larget spherical stupa in the world. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. It is situated in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, about 6 km from far from the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. Buadhanath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.
SWAYAMBHUNATH (MONKEY TEMPLE)
It is also called Monkey temple as you can see hundreds of monkeys around there when you visit there, which is the oldest religious site in Nepal. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. There is no enough proof when it was built, however; it is believed that it was built around 2500 years ago. It is also believed that it was created itself at the beginning so it is named Swayam (self) bhu (earth) nath (god) – which means it is created itself from the earth. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. It is situated around 3 km far from Thamel, in the west direction. Swayambhunath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive) 830 meters (2723 feet) - 7 hours

Day 4: Drive to Nayapul and then Trek to Ulleri (2070m)

Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani (2855m)

Day 6: Early excursion to Punhill (3210m) and then trek to Tadapani (2590m)

Day 7: Trek to Chhomrong (2170m)

Day 8: Chomrong to Bamboo - 5 hours - 2310 m/7578 ft

Day 9: Bamboo to Deurali – 3230 m / 10597 ft – 5 hrs

Day 10: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m/13549 ft) - 6 hours

Day 11: 8-hour trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2310 m/7578 ft)

Day 12: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda - 1760 meters/5774 feet - 6 hours

Day 13: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul to Pokhara (Drive)-830 m/2723 ft-7 hours

Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)–1350m/7hrs

Day 15: Final departure for your home country

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

Airport transfers in Kathmandu on private vehicle
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu including all transportation and entry permit to enter to the Heritage sites
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu at Standard Hotel in Bed & Breakfast Basis
2 nights accommodation in Pokhara at Standard Hotel on Bed and Breakfast Basis
All inbound transportations as per the dossier on flight or on private vehicle
Trekking Permit, National Park & TIMS card fee
Trek on Full Board Basis (BLD - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Hot drink - tea/coffee) and accommodation in the Lodge during the trek.
1 professional English speaking guide including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 assistant guide between the team of 5 people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 porter between two people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
All insurance for trekking crew members
Medical kits including basic medicines for the trekking crew members
Trekking Map
Duffel Bag if needed
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Exclusion

International Airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fee, which is USD50 for 30 days and USD30 for 15 days
Personal Insurance (Travel, Emergency Medical, Rescue)
Personal Trekking Gears, extra expenses Phone Calls, Water, Laundry, Bar Bills, Battery Recharge, Internet etc.
Main meals in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
Tipping for guides and porters, which is not mandatory but it is customary in Nepal