Charity contact Liz Waterman 01722 335691, or, elizabeth ...€¦ · Days 13-14 Trek from Khangsar...

tel: +44 (0)1453 844400 fax: +44 (0)1453 844422 [email protected] www.mountainkingdoms.com

Mountain Kingdoms Ltd, 20 Long Street, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 7BT UK

Managing Director: Steven Berry. Registered in England No. 2118433. VAT No. 496 6511 08

Specially tailored for KIDASHA Charity – contact Liz Waterman 01722 335691, or, [email protected]

Naar-Phu & the Annapurna Traverse, Nepal Crossing the Annapurna massif via high passes and remote valleys

Departure Dates See overleaf for departure dates

Holiday overview Style Trek

Accommodation Hotels, Teahouses, Camping

Grade Strenuous

Duration 20 days from London to London

Trekking / Walking days On trek: 13 days

Min/Max group size Max 20. Guaranteed to run for 10

Trip Leader Local Trek Leader Nepal

Land only Joining in Kathmandu, Nepal

Max altitude 5,322m/17,460ft Kang La Pass (Day 10)

mailto:[email protected]

Bookings and information: 01453 844400 P a g e | 2

[email protected] / www.mountainkingdoms.com

Departure Dates

2019 Dates:

Saturday 12 Oct - Thursday 31 October

Insurance

We offer a travel insurance scheme - please contact us for details. 01453 844400

Prices

Naar-Phu & the Annapurna Traverse Trek, Nepal

NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE ON THE LAND ONLY PRICES. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS WILL BE QUOTED AT TIME OF BOOKING

Land only - £2,095 per person (minimum or 15 persons) Land only - £2,195 per person (minimum of 10 to 14 persons) Single Room/Tent - £170 per person International flights: London – Kathmandu – London, economy on Jet Airways Approximately - £850 (we quote you Flight Prices at point of booking)

Booking your Holiday – it couldn’t be easier

Once you have decided you would like to book this challenge trek which has been specially tailored for Kidasha please contact Liz Waterman who is co-ordinating the bookings. Tel. 01722 335691 or [email protected] You will need to complete a booking form and a cheque for the deposit of £300 made out to Mountain Kingdoms Ltd but this will not be cashed, or your place confirmed, until we have a minimum of 10 people who wish to book.

Cheques and Booking forms should be sent to :-

Liz Waterman,

8 Castle Keep

Stratford sub Castle

Salisbury

Wiltshire SP1 3LF

Comprehensive information

When we receive your booking we send you a full trip dossier which contains details of visas and vaccinations required, a suggested gear and clothing list and lots of useful information. In fact, everything you need to know to give you peace of mind and allow you to prepare for your trip of a lifetime.

mailto:[email protected]



Your guide

These treks are led by professionally trained English-speaking Sherpas. We have many very experienced Sherpas living and working in the Annapurna region, for example: Bhuwan K C Affectionately called ‘KC’ and the 2006 winner of the Wanderlust ‘Paul Morrison’ Guide of the Year award Durga Kattel A very experienced guide, who has knowledge of Nepali flora & fauna Jangbo Sherpa Another experienced and knowledgeable guide Passang Tapling A very good leader and many people returning to us ask for him to be their leader again. We cannot guarantee which Sherpa leader will be assigned to any particular departure but this gives you a taste of our Annapurna leaders.

Your trip highlights

Camping at 5,000m at Tilicho lake, a unique experience, alone with nature with the warm evening light reflecting off the placid lake

Get off the beaten track whilst staying in the comfort of teahouses

Explore the rabbit warren alleys of Naar village using ladders and rooftops to connect the houses

Sample the local Chang or Yak butter tea in a local village houses in Phu

Delicious traditional Nepalese evening meals prepared by your camp chef taken Al fresco overlooking some of the highest mountains in the world

Moon lit mountains and perfect starry nights with no light pollution to ruin the experience

Visiting the Tibetan influenced Monastery above Phu with stunning views up to Himlung Himal mountain on the Tibetan border

Getting away from the main trail and into a truly remote area

Incredible views from Kang la Pass to the Annapurna range

Breathtaking Tilicho mountain range

Time to relax in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Visit charity projects connected with Kidasha



At a glance itinerary

Days 1-2 Fly to Kathmandu.

Day 3 Drive to Besishahar, continue by 4wd to Dharapani.

Day 4 Trek one day on the Annapurna circuit to Koto.

Days 5-6 Trek up the valley to Meta and then on to mountain village of Phu.

Day 7 Rest and acclimatisation day at Phu.

Days 8-9 Trek down valley to Mahendra Pul and then onto Naar.

Days 10-11 Trek from Naar over the Kang la Pass (5,322m/17460ft) to Ngawal and then on to Manang.

Day 12 Morning free in Manang. Trek to Khangsar in afternoon.

Days 13-14 Trek from Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp and then up to Tilicho High Camp.

Day 15 Trek from Tilicho high camp to Yak Kharka via the Mesokanta La (5,120m/16,796ft).

Days 16-17 Trek down to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara on the next day.

Day 18 At leisure in Pokhara, visit charity projects

Days 19-20 Fly to Kathmandu, then fly back to UK.

Trip summary

This trek takes you to areas you simply can’t see without a knowledgeable local guide, the Naar and Phu section of this walk only opened up recently to trekkers and is still very much a hidden gem that most walkers to the area are unaware of, as such it offers you the opportunity to get away into a truly beautiful and peaceful area.

The villages you will visit are remote and beautiful; Phu is built like a hill fort with the barley fields taking up any other available space. The monastery that sits above the village is worth the extra walk, providing 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.

The villagers of Naar are very friendly and are likely to invite you into their homes for a cup of local butter tea, this provides you with a fascinating insight into local life and the pride that each family takes in their mud brick houses.

The high passes on this trip are a challenge but they are worth the effort for the amazing sense of achievement and the spectacular views you get upon reaching the summit. The one thing all the passes have in common is the amazing views from the top’s, ensuring that tired legs will be forgotten and your breath will be taken away for an entirely different reason.

Tilicho lake is one of the world’s highest lakes at an elevation of just under 5000m. The mountains towering over the lake are considerably higher, with the highest being Tilicho peak at 7134m, the proximity of these high mountains is incredible and provides you with amazing views along this mountain range that will stay with you long after the trip is finished.

The trekking on this trip is designed to give you the perfect acclimatisation with lower level walks to start with; building up to the high passes. The trails are in a generally good condition with a few sections requiring a bit more attention. The days vary from 3 hours walking to 6-8 hours on the longer days.

Special notes Free jacket and sleeping bag hire

All our trekking holidays in Nepal include good quality down jackets and down sleeping bags (where appropriate). These are supplied in country.



Your trip itinerary

Day 1: DEPART LONDON

Fly overnight London to Kathmandu.

Overnight: Overnight Flight Meals To Kathmandu

Day 2: ARRIVE KATHMANDU

You will be met upon arrival at the airport where one of our staff will be waiting to greet you, they will more than likely spot you and your bright red Mountain Kingdoms duffel bag before you spot them, but they will be carrying a Mountain Kingdoms sign just in case. They will then transfer you to your hotel. You might like to venture out to Thamel for your evening meal, or eat in the hotel restaurant if you are tired from your journey.

Overnight: Hotel Oasis, Kathmandu Or Similar

Day 3: DRIVE TO DHARAPANI, 9 HOURS DRIVING, 1,800M/5,900FT

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for the drive to Besisahar. Your journey takes you through deep gorges as you trace the Trisuli River westwards. You will pass through the small town of Mugling where the Trisuli and Marshyangdi rivers meet. The town also serves as the crossroads between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan in the south. You begin to follow the Marshyangdi River, which will become a familiar sight, as it will be your companion all the way to Thorong Phedi and soon you will gain your first sight of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. Upon arrival at Besisahar, it's time to switch vehicles and board a 4 x 4 vehicle to take you to Dharapani, the track is quite rough and bumpy. Your well situated tea house for the night is a great spot to watch the last rays of the sun catching the mountains. This lovely village has great views across the river to the towering rock face that forms the other side of the valley.

Overnight: Tea House (Meals: BLD)

Day 4: TREK TO KOTO, 2600M/8,530FT, 8 HOURS

You will be woken this morning with tea in bed and the welcoming sight of the first morning rays of the sun hitting the high peaks. After breakfast, you will start walking gently uphill, with the fresh morning air and the sights and sounds of the valley waking up all around you. As the warm rays of the sun hit the path you will notice that the trail comes alive, with colourful butterflies mimicking the colours of the prayer flags flapping in the wind. Behind you the impressive sight of the snow covered summit of Manaslu will come into view. From here the trail zigzags and the views get better and better as you climb through the towering pine forest. The trail soon opens up to a 360 degree panorama with Manaslu as the focal point. For the rest of the afternoon the trail contours around the valley. As you approach Koto your guide may point out the direction for tomorrow's trek; it may well look as though you will be walking into a cliff face, but rest assured there is a narrow valley leading the way. Koto is a small village in the shadow of the mighty Annapurna II, which when lit up by the moon, shines astoundingly brightly.


Day 5: TREK TO META, 3,650M/11,974FT, 8 HOURS

This morning you will need your permits ready, as you will be passing through the checkpoint that separates Naar and Phu from the Annapurna Circuit. From here on in you are unlikely to see another group and if you do, it's likely to be a group of mountaineers on their way to summit attempts of the 7000m+ peaks that loom at the end of this valley. You will notice as soon as you leave the main trail that the path changes into a narrower track with more attention required.



Near the start, the trail itself has been created by blasting into the rock in places, whilst later on you will be walking through lush forest. There are no tea-houses or villages along the way today so it is important to be topped up with water before you leave. As you ascend past the pine trees and bamboo plants you will eventually top out at your first high pass of 3,650m/11,974ft and will be greeted by the welcome sight of tonight's stop; the remote mountain town of Meta. The village provides a great vantage point to take in all the views from up here, stretching back to where you have been and onto the Kang la, where you will be in the near future.


Day 6: TREK TO PHU, 4,200M/13,799FT, 8 HOURS

The walk today is quite long with lots of ups and downs, but with stunning views all along the route. You start today with views to the other side of the valley where you will be walking past in a few days' time (Mahendra Pul). As you follow the valley up to Phu, you will be shaded from the morning sun for the first couple of hours of the day. As you start to climb past gompas and seasonal shepherd's huts, you may notice the high altitude flower Edelweiss growing in beautiful bunches. With dramatic views up to the Kangaru glacier on your right, you make your way up to Kyang, a settlement used by the shepherds in winter when Phu is too cold for the livestock. From here it's down to the valley floor to follow the Phu Khola River upstream. Keep an eye out on the other side of the valley for blue sheep clambering over the rock face. The price you pay for reaching Phu is a short sharp climb up to the gates marking the start of the village territory. Don't forget your stone to add to the pile at the top. From here it is a gentle walk into this beautiful village and your tea house for the next two nights.


Day 7: REST AND ACCLIMATISATION DAY

Today is your chance to rest your weary limbs with gentle walks around the village and to the Tibetan influenced hilltop monastery; a sign of the close links Phu has with Tibet. The border with Tibet is not much further north of Phu and in the past the local villagers would trade with their Tibetan neighbours regularly and as such the village is a fascinating mixture of cultures. The walk to the monastery is worth the effort for the views alone, but it is also fascinating to walk around and take in all the little details, from the slate carvings to the numerous gompas and prayer flags. The village itself resembles a hill fort and is a rabbit warren of little paths and tracks leading to people's homes and barley stores. The main crop here is barley and is harvested in early October, a time when the whole village is alive with activity.


Day 8: TREK TO META, 3560M/11,679FT, 6 HOURS

Today you will follow the trail back down the valley you climbed up a couple of days ago. The walk should be a bit quicker today as you are losing more altitude than gaining and your legs will be stronger from the rest day. As you retrace your steps it's surprising how different the scenery looks heading the other way. You will arrive back in Meta to see the familiar faces from a few days ago greeting you.


Day 9: TREK TO NAAR, 4110M/13,484FT, 3-4 HOURS

It's a half day walk to Naar, but the morning still involves a fair amount of climbing so take it steady and enjoy the views. As you approach Mahendra Pul you will see the wire bridge that crosses the valley, with a long drop and a river underneath, you may want to pay a visit to the monastery on the other side to give your thanks for a successful crossing. There are in fact two monasteries on this side and it is worth visiting both of them, noting the contrasting styles of traditional and contemporary.



Later in the morning you reach a large stone wall, you will have made it to the outer limits of Naar village. The main livestock here is the woolly yak; they are big creatures and should be treated with respect, so don't get too close! As you pass the gompa situated inside the wall you will get your first glimpse of Naar. It's very different from Phu and a lot more open with more farming land. The houses themselves are all linked by small wooden ladders and narrow paths and it is fascinating to go for a walk/climb about and to meet to the incredibly friendly local people. The village has four beautiful monasteries in the North, South, East and West.


Day 10: TREK TO NGAWAL VIA KANG-LA PASS , 5300M/17,388FT, 7-8 HOURS

Today you will be crossing your first pass over 5,000m/16,404ft, so an early start is a good idea, Be sure to take plenty of water as there are limited options once you set off. The local villagers will already be up and working away. You will walk through the village gates and start climbing and the next 4+ hours will be spent heading up to the pass, so it is best not to set off too fast. As you start climbing you will notice the water channels created for irrigation and the local hydro-electric power station. The best views of the Annapurna range are to be found on the other side of this pass. As you reach the jagged ridge line at the top of the Kang-la Pass you will have time to sit down and enjoy this spectacular view and take all the pictures you want. From here it will be downhill all the way to Ngawal. The trail is quite steep to start with, but it levels out as you make your way down. As you look back up to the pass it's hard to grasp the scale as there are no trees to help you judge distances. After about 3 hours you will reach Ngawal and your stop for tonight.


Day 11: TREK TO MANANG, 3540M/11,614FT - 4 HOURS

It is only a half day walk today to Manang through the pine forests with views back up to the Kang-la Pass reminding you just how high you were yesterday. As you make your way back towards the main Annapurna circuit trail, there will be a few indications that you are reaching 'civilisation' again, with German bakeries and fresh coffee on offer on your walk towards Manang. As you approach the town you will notice various other side walks heading off from the main trail, but none of these are quite as stunning as Tilicho Lake, where you are heading in a few days. The village of Manang is the largest on your trek and offers such luxuries as hot showers, the internet and a cinema (DVD player and a projector). You should arrive in time for lunch leaving all afternoon to explore the town and visit the various cafes offering fresh coffee, apple pies and muffins.


Day 12: REST MORNING IN MANANG, WALK TO KHANGSAR 3 HOURS

Today you will have the morning to relax in Manang. There will be the opportunity to take advantage of all this village has to offer. A nice optional walk from the town is up to the view point on the hill, with great views down onto the Gangapurna glacier and back down to the village. There are plenty of shops selling postcards if you feel the urge to make friends and relatives back home jealous. Manang is quite a bustling little town with lots of people taking a rest day here, before making their way up to the Thorung la Pass. As you marvel at just how much oxygen there is down here at 3,500m/11,482ft, for most people here it will be the highest point of their walk so far and may well be wheezing their way up through the village.



In the afternoon you will walk on to Khangsar village, which is around a three hour walk away. As you leave Manang be sure to give the mani wheels a spin for good karma on your onward journey. As you walk along the wide trail, don't forget to look behind you as there are lovely views back down the valley towards Manang. Just before you reach Kangsar, the ancient gompa of Tasab is well worth a visit.


Day 13: TREK TO TILICHO BASE CAMP (PHEDI) 4046M/13,274FT, 3 HOURS

The trail this morning is alive with the smell of fresh mint and large birds of prey majestically soaring overhead. The path this afternoon is prone to landsides as the path contours round the side of the mountain, the views are expansive and epic, but it's best not to hang around too long for pictures! This will be your first night of camping. The tents will be set up for you and dinner will be a delicious feast prepared by your camp chef. The campsite for tonight is next to a beautiful glacial stream and the sound of the babbling water will lull you to sleep.

Overnight: Overnight Camp (Meals: BLD)

Day 14: TREK TO TILICHO HIGH CAMP, 5049M/16,564FT, 5-6 HOURS

This morning there are a couple of stream crossings; be careful first thing as the path can be icy and makes the crossings difficult. The trail zigzags upwards, continually climbing, but at a steady gradient. Every time you stop to catch your breath the beauty of the area amazes you. As you approach the top of the pass the tall upturned stones used to mark the path in winter make you think of how different this pass would be in heavy snow. As you reach the top and make your way round to the viewpoint the first thing to strike you is how impossibly turquoise this glacial lake is, then the sheer scale surprises you. The left hand side of the lake is a mixture of glacier and the sheer rock face of the Tilicho range. After some time relaxing with a cup of hot tea and taking pictures it will be time to head round to your campsite for the night, which is about an hour's walk around the lake. The evening is spent admiring the sun setting on the mountains and being spoilt by your camp chef.


Day 15: TREK TO YAK KHARKA, 4100M/13,451FT, 8-9 HOURS

After a lovely camp breakfast and some hot cups of tea it is time to start walking again, as you make your way to the last high pass of the trip, the Mesokanto La. There is a fair amount of up and down on today's walk and you actually reach a high point fairly early on in the day's walk at nearly 5300m/17,388ft. From here it's downhill to a mixture of boulder and slate fields. The path then starts climbing again and heads up to a ridge line with great views back to the lake, from exactly the other side of the lake that you were on just yesterday. From here it's onwards to the Mesokanto la and the Rhino horn shaped rock that marks the pass. As you reach the pass you will be greeted by another stunning 360 degree panorama. The mountains in front of you are the Dhaulagiri range with the highest peak at 8167m/26,794ft. From here it's a steep downhill path to tonight's campsite at Yak Kharka.


Day 16: TREK TO JOMSOM, 2800M/9,186FT, 5-6 HOURS

This is the last day of walking on the trek and it will be all downhill. After another delicious camp meal last night and breakfast this morning, it is time to make your way to Jomson. The landscape changes from shrub-like bushes to sparse trees to desert-like features the further you head down the valley. Far off in the distance you will notice the runway at Jomson. You will get a sense of the scale of this area when you notice how tiny the planes look as they take off. There is still a fair amount of walking to do.



As you gradually make your way down and reach Jomson, you will notice that compared to your remote nights of camping, this little town seems more like a bustling metropolis. For the first time in a good few days you will see vehicles with 4 wheels and you may get a swift reminder that you are no longer 'king of the road' with the honk of a lorry's horn. After a hot shower and a cold drink it's time for dinner and your camp crew's last chance to spoil you with all the fresh produce that is available in Jomson. This is your celebration meal and a chance to thank your crew for all their hard work.

Overnight: Tea House, On Trek (Meals: BLD)

Day 17: FLY TO POKHARA

After breakfast it's time to head to the airport to board your plane for the scenic flight to Pokhara. As the plane takes off, the scenery changes from a relatively barren landscape to dense forest. Upon arrival in Pokhara the heat hits you as soon as you step from the plane; luckily your hotel has a nice swimming pool to relax in and is in a great location for lakeside strolls or visits to the local restaurants. Pokhara is a vibrant town and has many shops, restaurants and bars for you to explore. Many of the cafes overlook the beautiful lake and offer a relaxing option for those looking to put their feet up. This is also a well know paragliding area and on a normal day you will see up to 30 in the air at any one time; amazingly whilst you were camping at Tilicho lake you were over three times the altitude that they fly at.

Overnight: Hotel Big Pillow Or Similar, Pokhara (Meals: B)

Day 18: AT LEISURE IN POKHARA, VISIT CHARITY PROJECTS

Time to relax and celebrate your achievement! Today you will have the opportunity to visit some charity projects managed by Kidasha.

Overnight: Hotel Big Pillow Or Similar, Pokhara (Meals: B)

Day 19: FLY TO KATHMANDU

Then it is back to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu in the morning. Upon arrival at Kathmandu you will head to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to either explore the streets of Kathmandu or simply relax by the pool at your hotel. It's your last night in Nepal. You can either choose to eat in the restaurant at your hotel, or head out to one of Kathmandu's many great restaurants.

Overnight: Hotel Oasis, Kathmandu (Meals: B)

Day 20: FLY TO LONDON

Today you will bid a fond farewell to Nepal as you are transferred to the airport for your flight back to London

(Meals: B)



Our grading system

Naar-Phu & the Annapurna Traverse is graded as a Strenuous trekking holiday, as described below. Strenuous Our strenuous trekking holidays can involve anything from 10 to 30 days on trek and are often in remote areas, far from ‘civilisation’. Rest days are interspersed but there may be up to 7 consecutive days of hard walking. Most treks reach altitudes of at least 4,900m/16,000ft and there will be a great deal of ascent and descent. The majority of our strenuous treks utilise camping, tea house or mountain lodge accommodation. These holidays are suitable for fit individuals who have regular experience of mountain walking.

Trek altitude

Important - please be aware that this trip involves travel at altitude. Whilst all our itineraries are carefully designed to optimise acclimatisation to high altitudes, participants on this trip are likely to experience some symptoms of being at altitude. The Dossier pack we provide when you book your holiday includes comprehensive advice on safe travel at altitude. If you require further information or advice on travel at altitude prior to booking please contact the office to speak to an experienced member of our team. Alternatively we recommend www.medex.org.uk as a good source of information.



What the price includes

Mountain Kingdoms aims to offer the best value for money. We do not charge extra for meal packages or apply local charges and try to ensure that all the key elements of your holiday are included.

What’s included:

A Sherpa leader

All internal flights and hotel/airport transfers

Good standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, bed and breakfast, twin share basis

All road transport by private vehicles

Free use of a good quality down jacket

A bedding pack containing a sheet, pillow slip, four season sleeping bag, fleece liner and a hot water bottle (on winter treks).

All meals on trek including tea and coffee

An evening fill up of your water bottle with drinking water

Morning ‘bed’ tea on trek

Trek staff and full porterage

Sherpa/porters properly insured and equipped

All camping facilities & staff to carry out camp work

11 nights in teahouses

3 nights camping

Solar showers in tea houses while on trek

Park fees

A free high-quality Mountain Kingdoms kit bag

Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK departure tax (flight inclusive option only)

Carbon offset for flights (flight inclusive option only)

What’s not included:

Travel insurance

Visa fees

Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Tips

Will the trip run?

This trip is guaranteed to run for 10 people and for a maximum of 20. In the rare event that we cancel a holiday, we will refund you in full and give you at least 6 weeks warning. Many treks do fill up quickly – we advise you to book early if you want to secure a place(s) on the dates of your choice.



Your accommodation

We will endeavour to secure the hotels named in the itinerary but if our first choice of hotel is not available we will book a suitable alternative of a similar standard.

Hotel Oasis, Kathmandu

Oasis Kathmandu Hotel is situated in the heart of Thamel, and close by to the Garden of Dreams. The former Royal Palace, Narayanhiti, is just 150m from the hotel. It is dedicated to providing exceptionally friendly and personalized services. It has a restaurant, terrace garden, coffee house and bar. There are 26 well equipped, modern air-conditioned rooms, with flat-screen TV with satellite channels and free high speed internet access. All rooms have a bathroom. In addition, the hotel features a free cooking class for in-house guests staying at the hotel for a minimum of 2 nights.

Overnight Camp

Any pre conceptions you may have of camping should be put out of your mind. Your spacious tent and bedding will be set up for you upon arrival at the camp site. Your camp cook will take great pride in his job and will take great care to provide a varied and delicious menu whilst on trek. You will be brought tea in bed in the mornings and will have a bowl of hot water to wash with.

Tea House, On Trek

We endeavour to use the best tea houses available. Staying in these locally owned tea houses ensures that your trip will directly benefit the local community, and offers you the chance to interact with the Nepalese people, gaining an insight into their lives.

The Big Pillow Hotel, Pokhara

This is a Bed & Breakfast Hotel in the heart of Lakeside. As the hotel is under German-Nepali management, they combine European standards with Nepali uniqueness. The rooms are inspired by the traditional Nepali architecture. The architecture and the central location of the hotel, with a heavenly view of the surrounding mountains as well as Phewa Lake, provide the perfect conditions for your stay.



Meal arrangements

All meals on trek, bed and breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Flight arrangements

Flight inclusive from price

Our ‘Flight inclusive from’ price is based on the best fare available at the time of printing. As airfares change on a constant basis, this should be used only as a guide price. Rest assured that, at the time of booking, we will endeavour to get the best possible price for the flights you need. Remember, the earlier you book the greater your chances of securing the best fare.

Flight inclusive packages booked through Mountain Kingdoms are protected through our ATOL bonding scheme.

Flight upgrades and regional Airports

Please call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 for flight options from regional UK airports, Business Class upgrades, alternative airlines and stopovers. Please also check our website for the most up to date flight inclusive ‘from' prices.



Further information

When we receive your booking, we send you a full Trip Dossier which contains details of any visas and vaccinations required, a suggested gear and clothing list and lots of useful information. If you do have queries at this initial stage do call us on 01453 844400 and we will be pleased to offer advice.

The nature of adventure travel

Every effort will be made to keep to this itinerary but we cannot guarantee that things may not change, either before you travel or while you are away. By its very nature, adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected, particularly in more remote areas. A variety of factors such as adverse weather conditions, changes to local schedules and difficulties with transportation can all contribute to the need to make changes to the itinerary, often at the very last minute. Our Operations Manager and your Trip Leader will make every effort to maintain the integrity of the original itinerary and minimise the impact of any changes, but an easy-going and flexible nature is a real asset! Please note that all timings and distances given are approximate.



Climate information



Extensions

Extending your holiday

If you would like additional inspiration on how or where to extend your holiday please call us on 01453 844400.

Alternatively, you can download a range of extension information sheets on our website, at www.mountainkingdoms.com.

Additional accommodation

If you would like to extend your stay in Nepal, choose from our range of distinctive properties in Pokhara and the Kathmandu area. We can offer luxury resorts, heritage hotels, tranquil lodges and characterful cottages. Our selection includes Dwarika's Resort at Dhulikhel, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge and Shivapuri Heights Cottage.

Kathmandu sightseeing excursions

Additional half day or full day sightseeing tours taking you to the key cultural attractions of the Kathmandu Valley including the World Heritage Sites of Bhaktapur and Patan. Your tour will be led by an English speaking guide and you will have a private vehicle and driver.

Everest mountain flight

Enjoy close up views of the world’s tallest mountain on a sightseeing flight from Kathmandu airport. Cruise at 25,000 feet and fly within 6 miles of the summit for an unforgettable experience.

Chitwan National Park or Bardia National Park

Visit Nepal’s premier wildlife parks of Chitwan or Bardia - home to a rich variety of birds and animals including wild elephant, rhinos, leopard and Bengal tiger. Stay in a comfortable lodge and enjoy a range of wildlife viewing activities.

Rafting

Add an overnight rafting trip on the Seti river as an alternative way of reaching Chitwan, then enjoy time in the park viewing the wildlife. You can also spend a day rafting on the Seti as a separate excursion.

Bhutan and Tibet

Whilst in the Himalaya, why not extend your Nepal holiday with a tour of the cultural highlights of Bhutan or Tibet. We offer several extension packages that include all accommodation, meals and sightseeing or we can tailor an itinerary to suit your exact requirements.



Why book this holiday with Mountain Kingdoms?

Travellers are not permitted to travel to Naar and Phu without a guide.

Local guides' trail knowledge is second to none.

Great mixture of teahouses and camping in the most remote areas.

All camp services provided, including tea in bed.

We provide a good quality down jacket, sleeping bag and liner to be used, free of charge, on trek.

All the stunning scenery of the Annapurna range but in a peaceful remote area. If we’ve tempted you to take your next holiday with us, we advise you to check availability by calling the team on +44 (0)1453 844400. Bookings can be made by phone or by completing a booking form and returning it to us. We can also provisionally hold places if you need time to consider your options.

What our clients say

Out of all the many treks I have done in Nepal this is up there with the best. Fantastic variety of scenery, culture and wildlife. We met few other trekkers. The organisation was superb and the crew terrific. Lake Tilicho in the snow was a breathtaking sight - well worth a trip even if you do not continue over the pass. I can highly recommend this trip. Thanks to all. -Gillian Marshall, West Sussex Well-organised staff at airports, hotels and on trek. Interesting slightly "non-mainstream" itinerary. -Mr J, Avon Well-organised trip. -Mr W & Ms B, Shropshire This really was a trip of a lifetime. I loved every part of this trek, from the satisfaction of crossing the challenging mountain passes, through to the remoteness of the beautiful high mountain villages and camping at the stunning Tilicho lake. I can't wait to go back! -Jim Davies, Operations Manager at Mountain Kingdoms



Mountain Kingdoms – distinctly different

Truly independent

In an age where many so-called ‘independent’ travel companies have in fact been bought out by multi-national giants, we remain fiercely independent with all the benefits this offers our clients.

Value for money prices with an emphasis on quality

We are not in the business of cutting our itineraries and services to the bone to offer eye-catching cheap prices. We use some of the best airlines, and typically 3 or 4 star hotels in cities. We include the majority of meals and private transport for road travel. We use excellent equipment and appoint well-trained staff and leaders. In 2016 over 98% of our clients rated their Mountain Kingdoms holiday as ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’ We are members of AITO and bound by their quality charter.

Complete financial security

You can book with us confident that your holiday has full financial protection. Flight inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL licence number 2973 and ‘Land Only’ holidays are covered by a bond secured with ABTOT.

Award winning Responsible Tourism

We feel strongly that all our holidays should benefit local communities, protect the environment and respect local traditions, religion and heritage. You can read more about the charities we support and our Responsible Tourism commitments and initiatives towards the end of this itinerary or at mountainkingdoms.com.

Genuine small group travel

Almost all of our holidays have a maximum group size of just 12, plus leader. This provides more contact with your leader, readier access to off-the-beaten-path areas, greater interaction with local communities and a reduced environmental impact.

Loyalty Discount

If you have previously travelled with us we recognise your loyalty with a discount on future trips. of a lifetime.



Mountain Kingdoms & Responsible Tourism

Our commitment

Mountain Kingdoms is committed to responsible tourism, through policies and practices which permeate all aspects of its business. Our policies aim to ensure that we and our clients act in a way which is socially, environmentally and culturally sound. We feel strongly that all Mountain Kingdoms holidays should benefit local communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and heritage. We tread lightly - low volume, low impact trekking/touring is the best way of preserving the beautiful and fragile places we visit. We work with organisations such as Tourism Concern, International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), Ecoan, AITO and various charities, to help achieve our responsible tourism goals.

Among our initiatives we include: Supporting Kidasha

Supporting Kidasha

This visit to Nepal and the trek has been specially designed for people who have a close affinity with the work that has been undertaken by Kidasha. The trip will include visits to some of the charity’s projects run by partner organisations in Pokhara. There will be an opportunity to meet project staff as well as the children who are the direct beneficiaries of the Kidasha programmes. Kidasha is a UK based charity working in Nepal. Kidasha works to reduce the causes and impact of entrenched poverty and social exclusion, stopping exploitation and violence against children in Nepal. Kidasha resources are targeted to improve the lives of children living in crisis in chronic urban poverty. In 2016/17 Kidasha’s work reached 11,145 children at risk and within that it provided holistic support to more than 3,000 children in the most difficult of circumstances, strengthening their resilience and protecting them from violence, abuse, exploitation and risk. Further details and short films about how the charity works can be found at www.kidasha.org We hope that when you book this particular this trek you will also be willing to raise some funds for Kidasha and following your visit to Nepal make a donation so that Kidasha can continue to support the programmes that are having such a beneficial effect. The Kidasha website (www.kidasha.org) will provide you with help regarding fundraising and setting up a facility to donate on line. This is not a Kidasha organised event but the charity would welcome as many donations as possible. Further details of all our Responsible Tourism initiatives can be found at https://www.mountainkingdoms.com/about/responsible-travel

http://www.kidasha.org/

http://www.kidasha.org/

Charity contact Liz Waterman 01722 335691, or, elizabeth ...€¦ · Days 13-14 Trek from Khangsar...

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Transcript of Charity contact Liz Waterman 01722 335691, or, elizabeth ...€¦ · Days 13-14 Trek from Khangsar...