Day 1: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 2: Fly to Pokhara (25 mins), drive to Khande and walk to Pitam Deurali (2,100m/5 hours). We will take a short 20 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and take a private vehicle to the start point (45-minute drive) and then begin our trek with a steep climb through the jungle, passing local villages until we reach Australian Camp, our lunch stop. If the weather is clear, we will be able to see magnificent views of the Annapurna mountain range. A gentle incline after lunch brings us to Pitam Deurali where we will stay for the night.

Day 3: Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp (2,500m/7 hours).  A steep uphill climb for most of the day through thick jungle with beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. We may be lucky to catch glimpses of some of the abundant wildlife; leopards, deer, monkeys and many species of birds all live in this dense jungle. We reach Forest Camp in the afternoon.

Day 4: Forest Camp to Badal Dada (2,970m/4 hours).  Today is a short distance but a steep climb through the rhododendron and juniper forest. As you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

Day 5: Badal Dada to High Camp (3,580m/4 hours).  This day is short too. We will get to High Camp for lunch. On the way up you will have good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang and Khangsar to the north.

Day 6: High Camp, trek to Base Camp (4,450m) and back to High Camp (8 hours). An early wakeup call today so you can appreciate the most spectacular sunrise views of the mighty Himalayas. After breakfast, we climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at 4500 meters. A challenging day walking along narrow, rocky trails, but all will be worth it for the spectacular views of this majestic mountain. This day, if the weather is clear you will get to see up close Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang, Khangsar, Annapurna III and Fish Tail.

Day 7: High Camp to Siding Village (1,8850m/7-8 hours). We will retrace our steps back down to low camp and then head southeast from the ridge through the dense forest towards Mardi Khola.

Day 8: Drive Siding village to Pokhara. Approx 2 hours. On our final day, we will walk for about 1.5 hours down to Mardi Khola where we will meet our transport back to Pokhara, which is about a 2-hour drive.  We will be back in Pokhara in time for lunch. Overnight in Pokhara

Day 9: Drive (6-7 hours) or fly (25 mins) to Kathmandu.

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

Himalayan Quests 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.

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 Himalayan Quests

Day 1: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 2: Fly to Pokhara (25 mins), drive to Khande and walk to Pitam Deurali (2,100m/5 hours). We will take a short 20 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and take a private vehicle to the start point (45-minute drive) and then begin our trek with a steep climb through the jungle, passing local villages until we reach Australian Camp, our lunch stop. If the weather is clear, we will be able to see magnificent views of the Annapurna mountain range. A gentle incline after lunch brings us to Pitam Deurali where we will stay for the night.

Day 3: Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp (2,500m/7 hours).  A steep uphill climb for most of the day through thick jungle with beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. We may be lucky to catch glimpses of some of the abundant wildlife; leopards, deer, monkeys and many species of birds all live in this dense jungle. We reach Forest Camp in the afternoon.

Day 4: Forest Camp to Badal Dada (2,970m/4 hours).  Today is a short distance but a steep climb through the rhododendron and juniper forest. As you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

Day 5: Badal Dada to High Camp (3,580m/4 hours).  This day is short too. We will get to High Camp for lunch. On the way up you will have good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang and Khangsar to the north.

Day 6: High Camp, trek to Base Camp (4,450m) and back to High Camp (8 hours). An early wakeup call today so you can appreciate the most spectacular sunrise views of the mighty Himalayas. After breakfast, we climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at 4500 meters. A challenging day walking along narrow, rocky trails, but all will be worth it for the spectacular views of this majestic mountain. This day, if the weather is clear you will get to see up close Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang, Khangsar, Annapurna III and Fish Tail.

Day 7: High Camp to Siding Village (1,8850m/7-8 hours). We will retrace our steps back down to low camp and then head southeast from the ridge through the dense forest towards Mardi Khola.

Day 8: Drive Siding village to Pokhara. Approx 2 hours. On our final day, we will walk for about 1.5 hours down to Mardi Khola where we will meet our transport back to Pokhara, which is about a 2-hour drive.  We will be back in Pokhara in time for lunch. Overnight in Pokhara

Day 9: Drive (6-7 hours) or fly (25 mins) to Kathmandu.

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

Trekking Gear List

Himalayan Quests 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 which retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain and snow.    

THIS IS A GUIDELINE ONLY

UPPER BODY LAYERS

• T Shirts – walking 2  Merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic, wicking fabric.  No cotton
• T-shirt – sleeping 1  Can be cotton
• Base layers 1  Light weight or mid weight thermal long sleeved t-shirt
• Top insulating Layers 1  Mid weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
• Fleece Vest 1
• Rain jacket 1
• Down jacket 1

LOWER BODY LAYERS

• Underwear  Sufficient for trek (remember you can wash them)
• Thermal long underwear 1       
• Trekking Trousers  2  Lightweight quick dry trousers (no cotton). Zip-offs are good
• Hiking Shorts  1  If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
• Rain Pants  1

PACKS & BAGS

• Day pack  1  35ltrs. HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
• Sleeping bag & compression sack  1  Minimum 3 season

FOOTWEAR

• Hiking boots  1  Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
• Socks  3 or 4  
• Flip flops/Camp shoes  1  Lightweight for evening use

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Water bottles  2  One litre each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
• Water purification drops  Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
• Sunscreen  We recommend SPF 30 or greater
• Lip Balm  With SPF factor
• Personal first aid kit  To include any prescribed medications
• Sunglasses
• Bandana/Buff
• Flash light /head torch  Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
• Travel towel  Lightweight and compact
• Wash kit  Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
• Hand Sanitizer   Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
• Sun hat
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Trekking poles  Optional, but advised if you have dodgy knees
• Toilet paper & rubbish bag
• Trekking snacks  Good selection available in KTM
• Camera  With charger &/or extra batteries
• Book/journal
• Pack of cards/travel game  For evening entertainment
• Mosquito repellent
• 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 humour & positive attitude  Essential – don’t come without it!! J

Much of the above equipment can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu. You do not need to spend a fortune on gear.

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 Himalayan Quests