Trip Overview
During the trekking on lower place we will reaches at Poonhill from where can see wonderful panoramic views of the valley of deepest gorge and some of the highest mountains range of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manasalu with holy Mt. Fishtail to the northern part. Throughout the trek you'll see close up views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail Mountain) and the Kaligandaki Valley also be able to take a relaxing natural hot springs at Tatopani and may have explore the local lifestyle, culture, climate and topography. You'll see some World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu valley which was listed by UNESCO. This may have good choice for anyone who are looking for introductory trek on a limited timescale as well as a good choice for family trek as well with beginners.
Sample day on "Annapurna Panorama Trek"
Each evening is spent as per your interest for reading or chatting with the fellow trekkers and crew members or a pack of cards is an advantage; the crew love teaching various Nepali card games and learning new Western games. Our porters and Sherpa's also like to have singing and dancing competitions in which they love you to join in! Finally, it's off to bed for a well deserved night's rest before you start it all again.
Outline Itinerary
Detail Itinerary for Annapurna Panorama Trek
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Today, morning we will ready after your breakfast to head on for our guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After your lunch at Bouddha visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk in a freak street and late afternoon back to hotel and evening briefing about your trip, what is your responsibility, what to do and doesn't in the trek? Introduce with our fellow trekking staff and chances to ask remaining question and remaining time explore the surrounding areas or simply relax at the hotel.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara valley (823m/2,700ft), 7-8 hrs drive
With a morning wake up guide will pick up you and transfer to the tourist bus station and drive (approximately seven hours with breaks) through the beautiful river view & Nepalese countryside to reach the Pokhara lakeside and transfer to the hotel and rest of the time explore the surrounding lakeside areas and overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana (2540 m/8,331 ft), 4hrs walk
Today, morning a short drive (40 minutes) to reach at Phedi starting point of our trek. From here we'll follow the trail to get Dhampus village for around 1 ½ hours ascends passing through terrace field and small forest. After lunch at Dhampus village we'll continue our trek, ascent for 2 hour to reach at Pothana, where we'll rest and relax at our local teahouse for overnight. Pothana is a small village surrounding by small forest with good view of Machhapuchre (Mt. Fishtail) as well as Annapurna South with Dhampus village to the bottom.
Day 05: Pothana to Ghandruk village (1,990m/6,529ft) 6-7 hrs walk
After your teahouse breakfast we'll be walking up and down along quiet trails through the forest for about 3 hours where en-route some small teahouses offering tea o cold drink breaks for small business. We'll reach for lunch at Landruk which also nice village settled in terrace landscapes. Continuing, the trail leads step way about 40 minutes walking down to the Modi River and crossing the bridge you can be seen bee hives on a side of cliff. Continuing our trek to Ghandruk, the trail ascends and steepest before we reach at Ghandruk which is a largest Gurung (popular ethnic group from western region of Nepal) settlement in the area with the closest views of Annapurna and Machhapuchre to the north and evening enjoy exploring the local village and people with traditional dressed. Tonight stay at local hotel/lodge.
Day 06: Ghandruk village to Tadapani (2,710m/8,891ft) 4hrs walk
Today we pass the Ghandruk village ascends walk to the rich rhododendron forest and about 3 hrs fully forest walking reaches at Bhaise Kharka where few teahouses and after lunch again ascends up to the Tadapani after few hour walk through the forested way. Finally we reach at Tadapani for overnight stay. This small place is surrounding by rhododendron forest and closest view of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna range.
Day 07: Tadapani to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft) 5-6 hrs walk
After breakfast it's a short walk down to the stream and crossing wooden local made bridge and again followed by a 3 hour climb up to the steep ridge of Deurali for lunch and further walk to the top of Deurali pass (3160m/10365 ft). After an easy walk of around an hour, trails lead down to Ghorepani where we'll stay for the tonight. This is popular place for around and can see good panoramic view of the Mt. Dhaulagiri range and explore around.
Day 08: Ghorepani to Tatopani (1,200m/3937ft) via Poonhill (3,210m/10,531ft) hike, 6-7 hrs walk.
Today early morning your guide will knock you door to wake up you with a dark climb up to the Poonhill takes 45 minutes hike on your pace though the rhododendron forest and spread glimpse of sunrise view and chirping sounds of birds during the early hiking. Poonhill is a great viewpoint from where we'll be able to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Mustang part and Pokhara valleys as well as see the more than 20 highest mountain closest views. After back to hotel and breakfast we walk down to Tatopani with long down hill. Before reaching at Tatopani we will pass some nice local villages with Himalayan scenery. We'll stop en-route for lunch at Shikha before reaching at Tatopani, which means 'hot water spring' in Nepali word. Visit hot spring for bath in the riverbank of Kaligandaki. Enjoy your time in hot spring and overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Tatopani to Galeshowor (900m/2,952 ft), 6-7 hrs walk
After your breakfast we follow the down Stream of Kaligandaki River. Walk through villages, field and on road construction and after 3 hrs pleasant walk will reach at Tipling for lunch. Then we follow the easy path to get to Galeshowor, which is a big town and touched with modern style (from Tipling to Galeshowor operating seasonable Jeep drive). After check in to the hotel and rest of the time explore the famous Shiva temple, surrounding town and riverbank and overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Drive from Galeshwor to Beni to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft) 4-5 hrs drive
Today morning we'll drive from Galeshowor to Beni and Pokhara takes around a 4-5 hour drive through beautiful countryside and on arrival at Pokhara we'll check in to our hotel and rest of the time explore the lakeside area or simply relax and overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft), 7-8 hrs drive
Morning we'll drive back through the scenic countryside and en route will stop for breakfast & lunch. It takes 7 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the day relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
Prices
US$875 per personInclusions:
- Airport arrival and departure by private vehicle
- Deluxe twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu
- All local transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Welcome dinner in one of the typical Neplese restaurant with the cultural and musical programs in Kathmandu
- Sightseeing trip with English speaking city tour guide in Kathmandu as per itinerary with private vehicle & monument entry fees
- Kathmandu to Pokhara & return by regular tourist bus (Opt. flight/Private vehicle)
- Private transportation to trek starting point and from trek ending point to Pokhara
- Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
- Accommodation on teahouse/lodge during the trek
- Trek leader (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa helper, all payments
- Annapurna Conservation entry fee and permit
- Sleeping bag & down jacket on hiring basis on request
- Exclusive medical kit bag
- All government and local taxes
- Intl. flight ticket re-confirmation
- Submit your tourist registration form to the require embassy/consulate
- Visa fees, intl. airfare & departure taxes
- Excess baggage charges
- Lunch and dinner in city
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
- Tips for driver, guides and porters
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Departure Dates Annapurna Panorama Trek
We provide a series of fixed departure trek, tour and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India. If you are single and wishing to be with a group, you can join our fixed departure schedule. If the schedule dates are not convenient for you, contact us & let us know; we are more than happy to customize our trips to suit your needs. If any individuals or group doesn’t want to join with our other group, we can operate as per your wish and requirement. We are ground operator of these Himalayan destination and able to arrange your trip as per your interested date and choice.
Check Other Available Dates for Year
Start Date |
End Date |
Availability |
Price |
Booking |
Tue 7 Sep, 2010
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Sat 18 Sep, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Tue 14 Sep, 2010
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Sat 25 Sep, 2010
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Available |
US$
875 |
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Tue 21 Sep, 2010
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Sat 2 Oct, 2010
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Available |
US$
875 |
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Tue 28 Sep, 2010
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Sat 9 Oct, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Tue 5 Oct, 2010
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Sat 16 Oct, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Tue 12 Oct, 2010
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Sat 23 Oct, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Tue 19 Oct, 2010
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Sat 30 Oct, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Tue 26 Oct, 2010
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Sat 6 Nov, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Sun 31 Oct, 2010
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Thu 11 Nov, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Fri 5 Nov, 2010
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Tue 16 Nov, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Wed 10 Nov, 2010
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Sun 21 Nov, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Mon 15 Nov, 2010
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Fri 26 Nov, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Sat 20 Nov, 2010
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Wed 1 Dec, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Thu 25 Nov, 2010
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Mon 6 Dec, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Tue 30 Nov, 2010
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Sat 11 Dec, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Sat 4 Dec, 2010
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Wed 15 Dec, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Fri 10 Dec, 2010
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Tue 21 Dec, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Thu 16 Dec, 2010
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Mon 27 Dec, 2010
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Wed 22 Dec, 2010
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Sun 2 Jan, 2011
|
Available |
US$
875 |
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Wed 29 Dec, 2010
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Sun 9 Jan, 2011
|
Available |
US$
875 |
Useful information before joining this trip
Our Effort
Our every effort will be made to keep to the proposed itinerary, however as this is adventure travel in a remote Himalayan region, we cannot guarantee it. The health of member, weather conditions can all contribute to changes the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.
If you are delayed longer than the itinerary date we can help reschedule your international flights however there is likely to be a fee charged by the airline for this. You will also have to pay for all additional costs.
Trekking Group
Nepal has abundance of offers to establish it as a round the year travel destination. Based on this fact, many international tourists are indeed incorporating Nepal in their wishful travel itinerary. For this Annapurna trek, in our trekking group there will be one trek leader, one assistant trek leader and one Sherpa porter for each group of two trekkers. Generally in our group the minimum number of tourist will be two and the maximum group size is ten. For single also we organize the trip with single supplement and you may join with our group in Kathmandu but make sure before you book the trip. It doesn't mean we are not operating more than 11 persons, we do on request. To keep the limit group size which means we can provide a best services and personal take care to our valuable clients.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Trekkers who are making their plan to travel in the Himalaya, most require three basic components of preparation - aerobic, strength, and mental. Aerobic conditioning is important primarily because you will trekking in thin air, up to 50% less than at sea level. With good aerobic conditioning you will be able to minimizing the potential effects of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). Hiking for at least two hours per day with some weight on your back is the best way to prepare yourself for trekking. Running, cycling (outdoor or stationary), Nordic track, hill climbing, or any exercise that gets your heart rate into the aerobic range for sustained periods of time.
Every day you will walk in the Himalaya around 4 to 7 hrs and reaches at highest place to 3210m/10528 feet. Trekking in the Himalayas is a relatively safe activity and mishaps or problems are usually minor. However, unpleasant things can occur on a long trek. You might have a bout of mild illness, not sleep as well as usual, find the trek pace too fast or slow - any number of things might be annoying or stressful during some part of your trek. Before you leave for Nepal, or for any foreign destination for that matter, think about the journey as more than just a quest to reach a destination. Try to imagine your trip as an opportunity to experience whatever happens as an essential part of the journey. It doesn't matter so much whether you actually reach Annapurna trek. You should be prepared to find joy and fulfillment in all the moments of your trip, including the less pleasant ones that you hadn't expected. Preparing to keep a very positive frame of mind throughout your trip, along with good physical conditioning, will insure that you are ready to experience all the wonders of Nepal.
Our Trek Leaders and Staffs
Your Trek Leader's role is to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. He will share their local knowledge, advice on how to fill your free time and co-ordinate the day to day running of the tour - although occasionally he may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. If you have any problems on the tour, please let your Trek Leader know so that steps can be taken to put it right.
We are a well stabilized adventure company and we employed professional trek leader (who are based on English speaking and few are multi-lingual's) and required crew member (they have basic knowledge of communication). We also provide the training to our staff increasing their work efficiency. And our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guide book. You will have good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things and more on your Trekking.
Our Experience
Nepal Vision has been operating in the Himalaya for over 15 years and specializes in responsible travel. We offer small group adventure expeditions to Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and the Indian Himalaya. Our unrivalled itineraries reflect our long experience in the region. All our treks are accompanied by a highly experienced local leader ensuring safe acclimatization at every stage. You can hike, mountaineer and climb your way through the homeland of the adventure holiday.
Nepal Vision is one of the worlds leading adventure travel company offering hundred of itineraries on this continent for small group active adventures and expeditions, walking tours and cultural journeys. The company has been operating trekking and adventure travel holidays and vacations since 1992. Each itinerary has several scheduled departure dates throughout the whole year.
Our all-inclusive, no hidden extras pricing policy combined with longer, creative itineraries and the use of quality ground services attracts people who have high expectations of their travel experiences.
Acclimatization
We are experts at operating at high-altitude. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization programme. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over a number of days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. We can provide 'Gamow Bag' as a precautionary measure as per your request on hiring basis. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes in excess of 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.
Check out "Altitude illness" by Dr Jim Duff
Travel InsuranceTo be adequately protected in terms of insurance, you will need specialist travel insurance for participation in the hazardous activities. A travel insurance policy that covers cancellation, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as trekking and climbing. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctors' fees and repatriation costs are the client's responsibility.
If you are injured and unable to travel, you can ask for a rescue helicopter from a remote area only if you have definite proof you can pay for it. Nepal Vision Treks have an agreement in Kathmandu that guarantees payment for helicopter evacuations. They pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you once you have been rescued. Be sure your policy specifically covers mountaineering or alpinism or you may have a difficult time settling a claim.
Climate and Weather
The climate of Nepal is as varied as its geography. The low-lying Terai has a sub-tropical monsoonal climate. The Himalayan foothills, where most of our treks take place, are best in the cool dry season from September to May. The traditional trekking season in Nepal is late September to May, with October and November generally recognized as having the best weather. Spring is also a popular time of year with warmer weather and the advantage of seeing spring flowers and rhododendrons in bloom. The visibility is good, days are pleasantly warm, although nights can be cold, and snow is possible above 3,000 meters.
Annapurna trek is likely to have a wide range of temperatures depending on the altitude and the time of day. In the mountains up to 3,500m the nights will be cool, normally around 5 Degree C, and during the day temperatures sometimes rise to 25 Degree C. At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20 Degree C to -15 Degree C.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain the entry visa. You can get from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival to Kathmandu airport.
You will need one passport photo and the following fees dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visa:
In Nepal you will require a visa which can be obtained in advance from the Nepalese Embassy from your country or you can get on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu.
- Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency.
- Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency.
- Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency.
You will require visa fee in cash (this is payable in any major currency but NOT travellers cheques) and 2 passport photos to purchase a Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or at the Nepal entry point.
If you plan to obtain your visa in your country, you can download the application form from the website at: www.immi.gov.np
Please note regulations and costs do change frequently so it is advisable to check the current rules with your nearest Nepalese embassy or consulate.
Permits and fees
In Nepal, you most require permits and fees to enter a certain areas such as World heritage sites, National Park, restricted areas along climbing as well. All the trip prices are including the cost of relevant permits and entrance fees. Incase of any such conditions we will inform you if required any additional permit fees before you make a booking with us.
Health and Fitness for trekker
We strongly recommend our clients for consulting the doctor before planning your holidays. You should obtain professional advice from a travel clinic or your local GP about which vaccinations to have before you arrive in Nepal. Your doctor will advise current inoculation requirements. If a doctor has recommended against travel or indicated travel may be inconvenient then inform us of the details. On all trekking and exploratory trips technical experience is not required, hiking/camping experience is an advantage, but by far the most important thing is a positive attitude and a generous amount of determination. We strictly maintain hygiene foods on the trek. We carry extensive medical kits and, if the need should ever arise, we are able to evacuate seriously ill group members by helicopter. We run regular first aid courses for our all trekking guides and Sherpa helpers.
Meals and Accommodation
In Kathmandu we use deluxe hotel to ensure a comfortable stay and relaxed environment before and after your adventure. All breakfasts are included at the hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms are generally twin share - depending on group size and room availability, triple share may be offered to your request. A single supplement room is available at an additional cost. And on request single supplement will be charge US$300.
While on the trek, the lodges provide good quality food in sufficient quantities. For breakfast you are likely to get porridge, cereal, toast or chapattis, omelet and a range of hot drinks. We will provide all meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and tea & coffee) from the teahouse menu during the trekking period. Whilst trekking on the Annapurna, the accommodation is in guesthouses which are basic structures, generally with shared facilities. In some guesthouses, showers are available; where there are no showers; there are private facilities in which you can sponge bath.
Ethical and Environmental considerations
The Nepal Vision Treks is committed to adopting a responsible attitude to the areas we visit. We are guests of the communities visited and with some thought and care we can ensure that everyone benefits from the experience. We have developed a Responsible Tourism policy which aims to ensure that The Nepal Vision treks and its clients act in a way that is socially, environmentally and culturally sound.
- On this trip: Our policy of staying in locally owned accommodation, having local group members and using transport owned and operated by local people wherever possible is continued in Nepal. Our small groups (maximum of 10 people) have a minimal impact on the Himalayas' fragile environment as we explore predominantly on foot. All trek guides are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand the nature of the environment that they are in and minimize the impact that they may have. Our porters in Nepal are equipped with suitable clothing and footwear for the type of trek they are about to work on, and this is recorded at the start of the trek.
- Our Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us.
- Charity: We work in partnership with rural village communities. We work with some of the world's poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems.
How to Book
To join a Trekking adventure, please contact us and advise which adventure you'd like to book.
We'll send you the relevant booking form (along with our terms & conditions) which you'll need to complete and return to us.
A completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of 20% (per person) is required to confirm a place on your selected adventure.
Please don't hesitate to contact us in relation to any questions you may have regarding our booking process.
We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
Clothing and Equipment
Correct Clothing & Equipments are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. As part of the booking process, we will provide you with a comprehensive clothing and equipment list for the Annapurna trek. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your travel with us.
- Foot wear:
Walking boots, Wool and liner socks, sandals - Clothing:
Waterproof jacket and trousers, Trekking trousers, Long sleeve shirts, Micro fleece, Mid to heavyweight fleece, Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece, Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic), Fleece pants, Medium weight down jacket - Hand wear:
Fleece gloves, Warms mittens and/or gloves - Head wear:
Wool or fleece hat, Sun hat, Scarf, Head torch and extra batteries, Sunglasses - Personal Equipment:
Sleeping bag, Backpack large enough to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing, Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized, two water bottles (Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best), Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF, Insect repellent, Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira), Favorite snack food, Books, iPod and cards etc, Trekking poles, Camera with spare batteries and memory cards, Insurance certificate. - Travelling:
Duffle bag or large backpack for your personal gear on the trek (carried by a porter), Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag, Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu, Toiletry bag include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc. - Personal first aid kit:
Any personal medications, Diamox (optional) helps with acclimatization.
We supply down jackets and down sleeping bags for all our trips. The above list is one 'rough guide' of kit which you'll need to consider before leaving home. Each trekker should carry one backpack for items required during the day. Your day backpack will contain items such as warm clothes, jacket, camera, water bottles, and personal first aid kit and day snacks. The rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel bag or backpack will be carried by a porter. The maximum weight allowance is 15kgs/33 pounds that we strongly care of porter rights and solely against any exploitation on its operation.





