Trip Classification: Strenuous
Trip Overview. This 14 night/ 15 day program is one of the most popular and iconic treks in Nepal. It takes hikers to the famous Poon Hill (10,000 ft) for the magnificent sunrise over the mighty western Himalayas (weather permitting). Then it traverses through the rhododendron forests of Tadapani to the Annapurna Sanctuary also known as the Annapurna Base Camp. To minimize the risk of altitude effects, the group will sleep over at Machhapuchare Base Camp (3,700m), rising early to visit the Annapurna Base Camp (4200 m) before descending to lower elevations the same day. This area in spring, is ablaze with flowers starting from end February to early May depending upon the elevation. The trek starts in Pokhara at 800 m are reaches 4200m at the Annapurna base camp passing through forested trails and ethnic villages doubling as tea houses and lodges as well. These lodges provide comfortable shelter, freshly cooked food and a hot shower for hikers. A perfect trek specially in the spring for those who love the flowers. A pretty hard trek but thoroughly enjoyable.
The Annapurna Region in central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking. The area boasts of a variety of cultures, tribes and castes such as the Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and the Tibetans. This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, and forests of bamboo, oak and rhododendron, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus and the towering Annapurna Mountains. This area has the world’s deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, lying some 6900 metres/22,563 ft., below some of the world’s largest and most beautiful mountains which is the Annapurna I (world’s 8th highest) & Fishtail (one of the most beautiful). 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, langur and the elusive snow leopard live here.
The best time to visit Nepal for the Rhododendron trek is the period from March to May. The flowering time depends on the elevation of the area. The rhododendron trees start to bloom from early March in the lower elevations and around April till May at higher elevations. There are about 9 species of rhododendron flowers found in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. Pink, white, pink-white, red, and bright red are the main colors of flowers. The bright red rhododendron flower “Lali Guras” is the national flower of Nepal.
Click on the links to access the detailed Program Description and Registration Form for the Annapurna trek.
Group Size: The hiking group will consist of 6 – 10 participants.
Trip Cost: $2,280 – 2450 dual occupancy, depending on the number of participants;
The single supplement for those who prefer a single room will be $632 – 700, depending on group size.
Tour Operator: Sacred Summits (Pvt) Ltd. Website: http://www.sacredsummits.com/
1818 Tour Organizer: Anis Dani (adani@1818alumniwbg.org )
