Nepal: Annapurna Trek and Seti River Excursion

Experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable guides. On this tour you will have one Country Walkers guide with you for the entire tour, plus one assistant trekking guide for 6 days

All accommodations (with private baths) while on tour

Complimentary airport transfers

Gratuities for porters and trekking permits

All meals included; wine and local beer included with meals

Mandatory internal flights, including domestic departure taxes

Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary

Basic travel insurance coverage (see Travel Insurance section that follows)

The exclusive ease of a mobile phone rental with our Cellhire partnership. Receive preferred calling rates, free phone rental, and complimentary shipping of mobile phones

The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff

DAY 1
Arrival in Kathmandu. Afternoon Gokarna Forest walk; 3 miles, easy

After meeting your guide in the hotel lobby you embark on an introductory walk through the local forest. The walk begins by crossing the 18-hole golf course at the rear of the hotel and after a few minutes you enter the forest. The trails are fairly wide and soft underfoot and you are surrounded by pine trees. In the past this forest was once the hunting grounds of the Nepalese royal family. En route you will hear many songbirds and, as the forest is still inhabited by spotted and barking deer and Macak monkeys, you may spot these animals along the way. The walk is fairly flat, but with slight ups and downs. As you walk through the forest you see occasional views over the surrounding countryside and to the Himalayas above. It is a very peaceful way to begin your incredible journey in Nepal. This evening dine in the hotel’s restaurant, which overlooks the forest and golf course.
Gokarna Forest Resort, Kathmandu

DAY 2
Transfer to the Pokhara Valley. Lumle to Birethanti; 3-4 hours, moderate

After breakfast, a 35-minute flight takes you to Pokhara (3,080 feet), the rural capital of western Nepal. During the flight, take in the awe-inspiring views of the snowcapped Annapurnas. Upon arrival, you meet your trekking porters and drive one hour to the starting point of the trek. Your route begins by following a ridgeline through the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. Most of the walking is downhill along stone paths and stairs. Passing tiny mountain villages, you encounter colorful donkey trains and meet school children, all the while accompanied by the tranquil sounds of the nearby river. The trail drops to the Modi River Valley and your home for the night, the beautiful Sanctuary Lodge (3,470 feet). Here you are served a late lunch, followed by the option of relaxing at the lodge or exploring more trails through the valley. Tonight you enjoy a traditional meal, served by candlelight in the lodge's dining room.
Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti

DAY 3
Birethanti to Ghandruk; 6-7 hours, challenging with an elevation gain of 3,000 ft

Today you embark on one of the most challenging treks of the tour, and in return are rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of the Annapurnas. After a hearty breakfast you depart Sanctuary Lodge and begin walking through the outlying farms of the Modi River Valley. Presently you leave the valley behind and begin your ascent into the mountains. En route you visit the small village of Teekahn, where the trail traces local paths connecting terraced farmland and moves in and out of quiet forest and small villages. Panoramic views of the surrounding valleys grace the trail, while you pause to admire the scenery and enjoy a picnic lunch. Here you will also have a chance to visit the local school. The trail continues to climb revealing the snow-capped and sacred peak of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). By mid-afternoon you reach the old village of Ghandruk (6,362 feet) and the Himalaya Lodge, your home for the next two nights. Here you are warmly welcomed by the staff and served a tasty snack of soup, fried rice, and tea. Late afternoon is free for relaxation before dinner at the lodge.
Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk

DAY 4
Layover day. Optional Ghandruk Trek; up to 8 hours, moderate to challenging with maximum elevation gain of 2,000 ft

This morning you are awakened with steaming hot tea and the opportunity to watch the sun rise over sacred Fishtail Mountain. Weather permitting, you may eat breakfast al fresco surrounded by the high peaks. This lodge is known for its local corn and Tibetan breads served fresh from the oven with honey and preserves. Those who wish to embark on a full day walk may join the guide(s) on a trek through the old village of Ghandruk and continue trekking towards Gorepani. Later you reach a small ridge-top tea house, which offers spectacular views. Lunch is eaten either back at the lodge or among the rhododendron trees in the delightful village of Tadapani (8,500 feet). After a bit of time to peruse the outdoor Tibetan market, you return to Ghandruk. This popular trekking stop was once a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk also maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs, which may be available for viewing. Less arduous walking options include a forest walk or an exploration of the mountain village of Ghandruk, followed by time to relax in the lodge’s gardens.
Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk

DAY 5
Ghandruk to Birethanti; 5-7 hours, moderate to challenging with an elevation loss of 3,000 ft

This morning you bid farewell to the lodge staff and begin the trek through the newer part of Ghandruk village, where many of the returning Gurkhas have settled and built lodges. The route is mostly along slate paved trails, and is primarily downhill (steep at times) with a few short ascents and flat sections. After approximately two hours, you reach the village of Syauli Bazaar where the trail begins to flatten out. You reach Sanctuary Lodge in time for a warm lunch. An optional afternoon walk continues on to the village of Birethanti, or some may choose to walk farther to view beautiful waterfalls in a secluded haven. In the late afternoon you are treated to a traditional song and dance performance by local school children (please note that this activity may take place on an alternate day).
Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti

DAY 6
Birethanti to Majhgaun; 3-4 hours, moderate to challenging. Additional 2-hour walking option, with a total elevation gain of 1,200 ft

After breakfast, you leave the Sanctuary Lodge, crossing over the Modi River. You trek up and along the forested hillside with views of the river below. After approximately two hours of walking you reach the small village of Wahday. An hour later you arrive at the village of Majhgaun (4,500 feet), and your home for the night, the Gurung Lodge. After a hearty lunch at the lodge you trek to the nearby villages of Patlekhet and Tanchok. Along the way you pass typical scenes such as farmers plowing their rice and wheat paddies, young women grinding wheat or drying corn, and boys shepherding their donkey trains. Modern farming techniques have not yet reached remote parts of Nepal and walking these terraced farmlands is like stepping back into another era. Tonight you gather for a Nepalese “happy hour” followed by dinner.
Gurung Lodge, Majhgaun

DAY 7
Majhgaun-Dhampus-Pokhara; 4-5 hours, easy to moderate

This morning’s trek takes you through subtropical forests, home to tree orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias. Upon reaching the ridgeline, you pass through the village of Pothana, where many Tibetan traders live and sell their crafts. After approximately three hours of walking you reach the village of Dhampus at 5,000 feet. Here, you stop for lunch in the tranquil gardens of the Basanta Lodge, with sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch you depart along the ridge and descend through the beautiful wooded hillside on stone trails and steps to the valley floor. Your driver is waiting here to take you on the 45-minute transfer to the Shangri-La Village Hotel in Pokhara. This evening’s dinner is a bountiful buffet of Asian specialties in the hotel’s restaurant, during which you are accompanied by local musicians playing traditional songs in the garden.
Shangri-La Village Resort, Pokhara

DAY 8
Seti River Rafting; 3-4 hours, plus optional short walk

After breakfast you transfer approximately 1½ hours by bus to the rafting start point. An experienced crew meets you and conducts a full briefing prior to the raft launch. All items for your overnight stay are carried on the raft in waterproof bags. The remainder of your luggage travels ahead in the vehicle to the rafting finish point, where you will arrive in two days. The rafting is an easy float along the Seti River. The few rapids encountered are class 1-3 (the classification system goes up to 6). Your guides provide a thorough safety briefing and offer tips on paddling techniques as well as what to wear in terms of clothing for this excursion in order to stay warm and dry. At a sandy beach you stop for lunch. Later you continue on to the remote, yet well-provisioned, tented campsite, complete with hot showers, flush toilets, and a dining lodge. There may be time for an optional short walk along the river this afternoon. Dinner this evening is in the elegant riverside dining tent and consists of simple but plentiful local Nepalese cuisine.
Classic River Camping, Seti River

DAY 9
Layover day on the Seti River. Seti River to Dharampani; 3 hours, moderate to challenging with an elevation gain of 1,500 ft

This morning you may choose to relax in a hammock with a book, birdwatch, or join the guide(s) on a trek to a remote Gurung mountain village called Dharampani. The trail begins right behind the camp and ascends through a serene forest often skirting a small stream. As you approach the ridge, you are rewarded with views of the river below. You visit the village and local school before climbing to a stunning viewpoint of the Annapurnas. For some, this village is the most cherished of the tour as the locals rarely see Westerners, and it is a mutually rewarding cross-cultural exchange. Reuniting for lunch at the camp, a peaceful afternoon awaits with time to relax, read, or stroll the river in search of birdlife.
Classic River Camping, Seti River

DAY 10
Seti River Rafting; 3 hours of rafting. Transfer to Kathmandu

After a final riverside breakfast, you board the rafts for a 2½-hour float to the rafting end-point. On arrival a 45-minute drive brings you to the Bharatpur Airport where you board a plane for a short (25-minute) flight back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu (time-permitting) you visit Bouddhanath, home to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. By late afternoon, the monks and nuns can be seen circling the stupa, spinning its many prayer wheels, and prostrating themselves. This area is also an ideal spot for any last minute shopping. Checking into your hotel in the early evening, there is time to freshen up before enjoying a celebratory farewell dinner in the hotel’s dining room. Reminisce about your adventures during your wonderful walking tour of Nepal.
Gokarna Forest Resort, Kathmandu

DAY 11
Departure

After breakfast, complimentary transfers are provided to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, for your journey home.

Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
No Departure Date Information was found for this Tour. This could be due to our website undergoing an update. Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Tour Highlights:
• Kathmandu and its valley of ancient villages, temples and rice paddies
• Six-day trek in the Annapurnas
• Two days rafting on the Seti with classic Nepalese river camping
• Optional Extension: Elephant-back game viewing in the Chitwan National Park
• Deluxe hotels, trekking lodges, and classic tented camps

Walk Ratings
• Moderate and challenging treks with most trails on in-laid rocks and stairs; highest altitude is 8,500 ft (highest lodging elevation is 6,500 ft) with an average elevation throughout the trip of 5,000-6,000 ft; average of 3-7 hours of walking or trekking per day.
• Elevation gains and losses vary from 500-3,000 ft in one day

All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.

2011 Single Supplement $700

As arrangements are confirmed at least a year in advance, the tour price is subject to change. Reserve early to guarantee the best available price.

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