School Expedition: Annapurna Base Camp and Chitwan National Park
Trekking in the beautiful Annapurna Massif is astonishing in so many ways– where else could you embark on a trail which leads you, through so many variations of landscape and altitude, towards the base of some of the worlds highest peaks, in so short a time?
Annapurna Base Camp is spectacular, thanks to its setting within the famous Annapurna Sanctuary, a cirque amid the high and mighty peaks of Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m) Machhapuchhre (6993m) and Hiunchuli (6441m).
On the way to the Base Camp you will climb up to the famous Pun Hill, in time to enjoy a unique, sunrise 360 degree panoramic and uninterrupted view of peaks from Dhaulagiri to Hiunchuli – all this, incredibly, before breakfast!
You will be amazed by the variety of this special trek which starts off in a low altitude area of rice paddies, and moves on, within the short period of less than two weeks’ trekking, to reach high alpine meadows, and glaciers, at altitudes of over 4000m.
Before embarking on the trek, you will have a day or two in Kathmandu, where you will visit various World Heritage sites to get an idea of the special cultural scene which is Nepal – where Hindus, Buddhists and many other religions exist together quite amicably. Wonderful Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples will be part of your new experience, and you may even have the chance of enjoying a meal in a mediaeval palace courtyard.
A remarkably short and scenic flight will take you to Pokhara, and from the plane you will have your first view of the amazing Himalayas– an uninterrupted range of endless peaks during almost the whole of your flight! After arriving in Pokhara you will leave fairly promptly for the starting point of your amazingly diverse mountain trek.
The trekking trail takes you through dense Rhododendron and Bamboo forests, along narrow river canyons, and onto a superb ridge within striking distance of the 8000m+ Dhaulagari. You will get a taste of many different cultures on this varied trek, as you pass from lowland Brahmin and Chhetri settlements to the Gurung and Magar villages at higher altitudes.
Your trekking experience starts and ends in Pokhara, known as Lake City, thanks to its idyllic setting. Pokhara is very close to some of Nepal’s highest peaks, and indeed the stunning Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain watches over the town and is unforgettably reflected in the waters of Lake Phewa: you may enjoy, and photograph, this reflection yourself if you take a boating trip on the lake. Pokhara is bursting with small cafes, souvenir shops, bookstores and all else to make your short stay here relaxing and restorative before the next leg of your Nepalese adventure, which starts with a fascinating and memorable bus drive down through gradually reducing climate elevations to an altitude of just about 160m above sea level!
Chitwan National Park is the focus of this last part of your trip to Nepal. The park is another sanctuary – in complete contrast Annapurna Sanctuary - this time for endangered animal species, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger and One-Horned Rhinoceros, situated in far south Nepal, at the border with India, with different ethnic groups and culture. It enjoys a sub-tropical climate, which invites new experiences and further relaxation. Whilst in Chitwan you will take an Elephant Safari into the jungle, ride in Oxcarts to the nearby Tharu villages, see the unique Breeding Centre with baby elephants, look out for crocodiles on the river banks, take a cross-river journey in a dugout canoe, see exotic birds such as Peafowl, Pied Kingfishers and Painted Storks, wash elephants during their daily river bath, join in local dancing, and relax at your resort among exotic plants and birdlife!
After this very special experience you will return to hustling, bustling Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping and a visit to a couple of charity projects for disadvantaged people, run by Jamarko, where you may meet young children at a daycare centre/informal school, and women who are being trained in the manufacture of traditional Nepalese textiles and other handicraft skills.
At last, and all too soon, it will be time to say farewell to Nepal, and the people you have met there, as you prepare for your bus ride to the airport, accompanied by our staff who will wish you bon voyage and hope to see you again.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu and transport to Hotel. Overnight at hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu world heritage sightseeing, and preparing for trek. Overnight at hotel
Day 03: Early morning fly to Pokhara (820m.), and drive to Nayapul (1070m.) and trek to Tirkhedunga (1540m.). About 30 minutes’ flight; 1½ hours’ drive and 4 to 5 hours’ walk; 720m altitude gain; Overnight at lodge
Day 04: Trek to Ghodepani (2750m.). About 6 hours’ walk; 1210m altitude gain; Overnight at lodge
Day 05: Ascend to Pun Hill (3210m.) and trek to Tadapani (2520m.). About 6 to 7 hours’ walk; 460m altitude gain and 690m altitude lost; Overnight at lodge
Day 06: Trek to Chhomrong (2170m.). About 5 hours’ walk; 350m altitude gain; Overnight at lodge
Day 07: Trek to Bamboo (2235m). About 5 hours walk; 60m altitude gain; Overnight at lodge
Day 08: Trek to Deurali (3210m). About 6 to 7 hours walk; 975m altitude gain; Overnight at lodge
Day 09: Trek to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) (3700m). About 3 to 4 hours walk; 490m altitude gain; Overnight at lodge
Day 10: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130m.) or trek to ABC and return to MBC. About 3 hours walk; 430m altitude gain; Overnight at lodge
Day 11: Trek back to Doban (2505m) or Bamboo (2335m). About 6 to 7 hours walk; 1625m altitude lost; Overnight at lodge
Day 12: Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780m). About 6 hours walk; 725m altitude lost; Overnight at lodg
Day 13: Trek to Pothana (1900m.). About 6 to 7 hours walk; 120m altitude gain; Overnight at lodge
Day 14: Trek to Kande (1130m.) and drive back to Pokhara. About 1½ hour walk; 1 hour drive; 770m altitude lost; Overnight at hotel
Day 15: Drive to Chitwan National Park, and transfer to jungle resort/lodge. About 5 hours drive; Overnight at resort or jungle lodge
Day 16: Chitwan; jungle adventure (see additional attached document for details). Overnight at resort or jungle lodge
Day 17: End of Chitwan activities and drive back to Kathmandu. About 5 hours drive; Overnight hotel
Day 18: Kathmandu; leisure time or optional visit to Jamarko Projects, our project in support of disadvantaged children and community. Overnight at hotel
Day 19: Transport to international airport for departure
Note: If you have a very tight schedule, as regards time allowance, we could organize this trip without Chitwan National Park
Date & Price
All ACCESS-HIMALAYA adventure travel trips are small group departures and therefore places can fill quickly. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you book your trip as soon as possible.
Price Includes
... in Lodge Trek
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, bed & breakfast basis, (accommodation in twin room unless otherwise arranged) – see itinerary above for dates - accommodation facilities/details outlined belowAll three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
All internal transportation as stated in itinerary (see itinerary above)
All lodge accommodation on trek – twin room with clean beds and mattresses, toilet facilities may be outside – no attached bathroom, unless specifically arranged, and where available.
Annapurna Conservation Area entrance permit
Trekking Permits (TIMS) for Annapurna area
Experienced English speaking government licensed guide/s
The required number of local porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests on lodge treks)
Staff and porter insurance
Guided world heritage sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with private tourist vehicle (2 or 3 sites - Durbar Square/s and Swayambunath (Monkey temple)) (English speaking licensed guide & private transport only)
Lunch on the overland travel (see itinerary)
Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
Free gift of Access-Himalaya trekking kit bag for each member of group (to be distributed on arrival in Kathmandu)
Free hire of four seasons Sleeping Bag and fleece liner for trek (should be returned after the trek).
Free airport pick and drop
... in Chitwan
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)Twin room with a/c and ceiling fan
Elephant-back safari and possibility of elephant wash as well
A short walk inside national park with a jungle guide
Visit to elephant breeding centre, and brief bird watching
Dugout canoe excursion with probable observation of Marsh Mugger & Gharial crocodiles
Brief visit to typical local Tharu village, and evening cultural programme presenting local tribal dances
After your exciting daytime activities, you may enjoy starting your evening by taking a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relaxing on the banks of the Budi Rapti River viewing the sunset and bird watching
Price Excludes
... in Lodge Trek
Your personal equipmentInternational flights
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond our control
Your travel insurance, (Make sure the policy covers helicopter rescue and evacuation service)
Medical examination and vaccination costs
Personal expenditure, including bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, tips, shower/bathroom facilities on the trek etc.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and elsewhere-apart from trek (see itinerary)
Heritage sights/Monastery/Temple entrance fees
Trek and Tour crew and driver gratuity/tips at end of tour/trek
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in 'Price Includes' section
Availability Explained
- A AVAILABLE - Trip date is available and open for bookings. Go for it!
- G GUARANTEED - Trip is reached minimum numbers and this is 'Guaranteed to Run'
- L LIMITED - Trip is 'Guaranteed to Run' and there are a very limited number of available places remaining. Immediate booking is recommended.
- C CLOSED - Trip has reached maximum numbers and it is unavailable. Please Contact Us to enquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as a private departure
Trip Info (Tour/Trek Styles) Explained
- PG Private Group: This style of trip is organized for specific groups of people (families, friends,school and college students, colleagues, business associates etc.), and is closed to outsiders. If you are interested in this particular trip departure date then please get in touch with us.
- OA Open to All: This trip departure is open to all. However, if you are interested in this particular trip departure date but want your own private group, then please get in touch with us.
- LT Lodge Based Trip/Trek: This trip/trek is lodge (teahouse) based. All accommodation, including food, is provided in local lodges. Occasionally however, where a large group is concerned we may choose to send our own cook along, as well, to take care of your food hygiene and to cook some special additional items.We provide all necessary documentation, including permits, and arrange all internal transport. We provide trekking guide, assistant guide(s) and porters/animals for transport of your gear. You merely carry a daysack with essentials, including water.
- CT Camping Based Trip/Trek: This trip/trek is camping (tent) based. We will provide one 3-man tent for every two people, also single tents, where requested, on payment of supplementary costs. All food and drinks are provided by our experienced cook and his kitchen team. We provide all necessary documentation, including permits, and arrange all internal transport. We provide trekking guide, assistant guide(s), cook, kitchen crew, food and drink, and porters/animals for transport of your gear. You merely carry a daysack with essentials, including water.
- GAP Guide, Accommodation & Porter only: In this trip neither food nor transportation is included. Clients are responsible for food and local transportation, and our responsibility is to provide insured guide, insured porter, and all necessary permits. All additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, including charges incurred as a result of delays or cancellation of services beyond our control. Clients pay for their own accommodation. Any additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, We can arrange hotels and international airport transfer, on request.
- SG Self Guided/Budget Trip: This trip is specially designed for low-budget travellers who prefer fairly basic facilities with reduced services. It is a pre-requisite that a porter is hired for any self-guided trip, which is an ideal set-up for those who enjoy independent travel with minimum cost. We have added support to minimise the hard work of planning and costing, and we will be available to help in the unlikely event of an emergency. We will arrange all documentation (including permits), before you arrive in Nepal, so that you are free to get on with your adventure, relying only on your porter to help you on your way. All additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, including charges incurred as a result of delays or cancellation of services beyond our control. Hotel accommodation, local transportation and international airport transfers may be arranged, on request.
If our fixed departure dates are not convenient for you or your group, we can also arrange private departures on all of our small group tours. Private group departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual small group tours, or itineraries may be tailormade to suit your own convenient tour date/budgets.
Itineraries may be tailor-made to suit your dates. So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own tour just with your friends or family then we can help you.
Customised Private Groups:
For most of our usual tours, or itineraries, where there is a group numbering 2 or more, we can customise and organise private group trip(s) where we design the itinerary and activities exclusively for you, according to your requirements and budgets, such as Honeymoon, Anniversary, Family, Scouts, School, College, Fundraising or Charity trips. Find out more about our private group tours.
To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and we will get back to you shortly with details.
