Duration

15 Days

Grade

moderate

Price

$3200

Max Altitude

3,660m

Description

Ethical Trekking journey on Classic Community Trail and Raft down on the deepest gorge of the world.

Course Dates and Location
Date Location
6th sep 2024 Annapurna region Book Now

This ethical trek is an extended journey of shorter community Eco trail, which takes you into much closer contact with the spectacular Himalayas, visiting more local communities, that benefits more communities enhancing your local experience. This trek offers a close-up and an inspiring experience the local culture with spectacular mountain views. The trail takes you through the beautiful villages, continuing to the stunning Khopra that is the southern ridge of Annapurna South (7200m), with optional visit to the pristine alpine lake of Khayer before descending down to the deepest gorge of holy Kali Gandaki via the slate-roofed settlements of Paudar village to tatopani and adventurous Raft down to Mirmi and drive back to pokhara

Day 1: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 2: Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After lunch in Pokhara we drive to Beni to the trek start point (3 hours). Overnight in Beni (817m) in a simple hotel, on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.

Day 3: Beni (817m) to Banskharka (1,526m). 3-4 hours walk. We take it slowly and steadily, stopping often along the way, and are rewarded by our first spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. It is an interesting walk through rural villages of different cultural communities. We will homestay in Banskharka.

Day 4: Banskharka (1,526m) to Nagi (2,320m). 5-6 hours walk. Nagi itself is home to remote wireless internet pioneer Mahabir Pun. Overnight in a community lodge offering opportunities to see village development projects, visit a school or just explore the village.

Day 5: Nagi (2,320) to Mohare Danda (3,320m). 6 hours walk. This day we will walk through rhododendron forests. We will carry pack lunches as there are no settlements along the way. You will get to see lots of bird life and maybe some wild animal as well. From this spot you will get to see views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Day 6: Mohare Dada (3,320m) to Swanta (2,300m). 7-8 hours walk. We depart Swanta through a giant rhododendron forest. We then cross the Annapurna Circuit route at Phalate and ascend to Swanta where we overnight in a community lodge.

Day 7: Swanta (2,300m) to Khopra (3,660m). 7-8 hours walk. A hard, but beautiful climb through lush forests. As we near the tree line, we may see yaks from a local Village Development Committee yak farming project. Once we near Khopra we should be treated with magnificent panoramic views of Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal. Overnight in a community lodge with the yak farmer who also manages the relay station for the villages’ wireless network.

Day 8Rest day in Khopra or optional day hike. We depart early for the walk to Khayer Lake at 4,500m. This high altitude lake is visited only rarely by pilgrims and is seldom seen by outsiders. This is a long, hard day, usually about 10/11 hours walking for the return trip. We will however be rewarded for our efforts by magnificent mountain views along our route, and the opportunity to see this beautiful, often mirror-calm lake surrounded by mountains and shrines. Annapurna is right above us.

Day 9: Khopra (3,600m) to Paudwar (2,000m). 6 hours walk. A long descent, with inspiring views over Dhaulagiri and the Kali Gandaki River valley – the deepest gorge on earth. Overnight homestay in Paudwar village, a Magar village with about 350 houses. In Paudwar we can visit a cheese-making scheme, unique in this area.

Day 10: Paudwar (2,000m) to Tatopani (1,190m). 3 hours walk. An easy descent down to the Kaligandaki River and walk along the river to get to Tatopani for lunch. At Tatopani you can soak your weary legs in the famous hot springs. This town is busier than any other places we pass through, as this is on a main Annapurna Circuit trail. You’ll be able to contrast this to the places you’ve seen, buy things in the bazaar – and more importantly, enjoy a hot shower.

Day 11: Tatopani to beni  We will take a jeep/bus from Taopani to Beni.

Day12: To Beni

drive to Beni, raft down to the holy journey kaligandaki and camp

Day13: Raft down and Camp At Give me Beach

By the time we get to the Exciting rapids, with names like Big brother, Little Brother, Good morning Cobra, Wake and Bake, and Walk in the Dark, the crews will be working together with exquisite timing and precision.  Just after running Little Brother and Big Brother the Modi Khola tumbles down from the Annapurna Base Camp into the Kali Gandaki.

Day14: To Pokhara

The last day finishes with a bang, as it gives us the biggest rapids of the whole trip.  In addition to being the biggest, they're also the cleanest, and we can use the skills we've developed over the last two days to run tighter, more challenging lines.  Who knows, we might even get to go swimming.

and drive to Pokhara, BL, and hotel on BB basis

Day15: free day in Pokhara

Day 16: in Kathmandu

Free day in Kathmandu and hotel on BB basis

 

Notes:

The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice

In order to preserve the remote nature of this trek, it is limited to a maximum of 12 trekkers

This trek emphasizes:

Respect of the local people

Respect of their living habits, customs, and religion

Use of local community lodges and people’s homes for lodging and local products for eating

Protecting the natural and human habitat

Initiative Outdoor uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

 

UPPER BODY LAYERS

EquipmentQuantityComments
T-Shirts – walking2We recommend merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic fabric as they wick away the moisture and dry quickly. No cotton.
T-shirt – sleeping1This can be cotton
Base layers (ie thermal top)1Lightweight or mid-weight long-sleeved t-shirt of merino wool, polyester, Capilene, or Polartec power dry
Top insulating Layers1Mid-weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest1 
Rain jacket1 
Down Jacket1 

LOWER BODY LAYERS

EquipmentQuantityComments
Underwear Sufficient for the trek (remember you can wash them)
T-shirt – sleepingThermal long johns/long underwear1 
Trekking Trousers2Lightweight quick-dry trousers (no cotton). Zip offs are good
Evening/sleeping trousers1(optional)1 pair of lightweight tracksuit bottoms (sweat pants) or yoga style trousers for evening wear and sleeping in. No jeans.
Hiking Shorts1If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
Rain Pants1 

PACKS & BAGS

EquipmentQuantityComments
Day pack1Approx. 35ltrs. We will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
Sleeping bag with compression sack1Minimum 3 season
Sleeping bag liner1Optional

FOOTWEAR

EquipmentQuantityComments
Hiking boots1Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
Socks3 
Flip flops/Camp shoes1Lightweight for evening use

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

EquipmentQuantityComments
Water bottles2One liter each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
Water purification drops1Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
Lip Balm1With SPF factor
Sunscreen1We recommend SPF 30 or greater
Mosquito repellent1 
Personal first aid kit1To include any prescribed medications
Sunglasses1 
Bandana/Buff1Useful for a variety of purposes.
Flashlight /head torch1Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
Travel towel1Lightweight and compact
Wash kit Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
Instant Hand Sanitizer1Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
Sun hat1 
Warm hat1 
Gloves1 
Trekking poles (Optional)
Trekking snacks Good selection available in KTM
Camera With charger &/or extra batteries
Toilet paper & rubbish bag  
Book/journal  
Pack of cards/travel game1For evening entertainment
Passport photos Always useful and a must-have if you want a local sim card
Photocopies of all your important documents  
A great sense of humor & a positive attitude Essential – don’t come without it!! J

This is a guideline only

Your trek cost includes:

  • Pre-trip advice and detailed information
  • Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
  • Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
  • 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
  • 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
  • Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
  • Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
  • During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
  • All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
  • Porters
  • Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
  • Rescue assistance
  • Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

  • International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory. Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
  • Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
  • Meals unless specified
  • Sightseeing
  • Gratuities
  • Excess baggage on internal flights
  • Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Initiative Outdoors

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