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Kalo Bhairab, Kathmandu Durbar Square
Buddhas Eyes, Boudanath Stupa

Culture and Trekking Tour Annapurna

Kathmandu Valley is divided into three cities namely Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Baktapur. Baktapur and Lalitpur are more of ancient towns compared to Kathmandu yet these three cities are rich in their own cultural heritage and they have equal historical importance.

Kathmandu City
SwayambunathKathmandu is the capital of Nepal and is the main centre for hotels, restaurants and shopping centers. There are places in this city where one can find all the modern amenities such as restaurants, bars, hotels with swimming pools, sauna, and internet and at the same time there are places with narrow streets, tiny shops, 2000 years old temples, stone gods, age old houses with beautifully carved peacock windows.  

Patan
PatanThis historical city of Patan is separated from Kathmandu by the holy river that flows through Pashupatinath, Bagmati and is the second largest town in the valley. It is sometimes referred to as Lalitpur, which means "city of Beauty". Patan has a long Buddhist history and the four corners of the city are marked by stupas said to have been erected by the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka. Patan's Durbar Square is well packed with temples giving an architectural feast with a far greater concentration of temples per square meter.

Bhaktapur
BhaktapurdurbarBhaktapur (1401m) covers an area of 4 sq. miles, which lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur or locally known as “City of Devotees” still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and the Bhadgaolen topi or cap (old name of Bhaktapur was Bhadgaon).

Changunarayan
Changunarayan TempleChangunarayan is situated at the end of a long ridge, which runs well into the valley, it is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 AD and said to be the oldest temple in the valley. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. 

Annapurna Region
The wide range of climate and unusual geographic features of this area make it a naturalist's paradise. Trekking in this area is relatively easy and it allows you to witness the grandeur of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains along with scenic Gurung villages and beautifully terraced rice fields.

The tour starts with a domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. After reaching Jomsom the trail leads through pilgrim place Muktinath and Kagbeni into the valley of Kali Gandaki, which notched itself deeply between the summit of the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna.



Trip Facts

Code: CTA 03
Duration: 18 Days
Max. Elevation: Muktinath (3,800m)
Walking Hours: 3 - 6 hrs per day
Difficulty: 2boots
Price: on request
Min. Group Size: 4 people
Best Season: Feb-May & Sept-Dec

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Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Airport pick up, Drive to hotel, overnight stay in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing Kathmandu (Swayambunath, Durbar Square), Welcome Dinner in the evening, overnight stay in Kathmandu
Day 03: Sightseeing Kathmandu (Pashupathinath, Boudanath), overnight stay in Kathmandu
Day 04: Drive by simple tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 - 7 h), Overnight stay in Pokhara
Day 05: Airport drop, domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m), day trip to Thinigaon (2,840 m) and back (4 -  5 h), overnight stay in teahouse/lodge
Day 06: Walk from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2,900 m) (3 h), overnight stay in teahouse lodge
Day 07: Walk from Kagbeni via Dzong to Ranipauwa (3,700 m) (5 h), overnight stay in teahouse lodge
Day 08: Early in the morning visit Muktinath (3,800 m) and walk via Lupra to Jomsom (6 h), overnight stay in teahouse lodge
Day 09: Walk from Jomsom to Kalopani ( 2,530 m) (5 h), overnight stay in teahouse lodge
Day 10: Walk from Kalopani to Tatopani (1,190 m) (6 h), overnight stay in teahouse lodge
Day 11: Drive by simple bus/jeep (ticket system) from Tatopani via Beni to Pokhara (5 h), overnight stay in Pokhara
Day 12: Free day Pokhara for sightseeing or other activities, overnight stay in Pokhara
Day 13: Drive by simple tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6 - 7 h), overnight stay in Kathmandu
Day 14: Drive by private vehicle from Kathmandu to Changunarayan, sightseeing in Changunarayan, drive to Nagarkot, sunset view, overnight stay in Nagarkot
Day 15: Sunrise view in Nagarkot, drive by private vehicle from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur, Sightseeing in Bhaktapur, overnight stay in Bhaktapur
Day 16: Drive by private vehicle to  Patan, sightseeing Patan,  overnight stay in Patan
Day 17: Drive from Patan to Kathmandu, free day,  overnight stay in Kathmandu
Day 18: Drive to airport, departure to home country

Includes / Excludes

Included:

  • All transfers (usually by private car) according to tour plan (incl. transport during sightseeing)
  • Map
  • Accommodation (double room) in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Patan, Bhaktapur and in simple teahouses/lodges during the trekking tour *)
  • Entrance fees in Kathmandu, Annapurna Conservation Permit and TIMS Card
  • English speaking travel guide in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Patan und Bhaktapur
  • English speaking trekking guide and porter during the trekking tour
  • Food (full board) incl. country typical drinks (tea, coffee) during the trekking tour
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Patan and Baktapur
  • Domestic flight Pokhara to Jomsom (2013: free baggage 15 kg incl. hand luggage per person)
  • Airport tax
  • Welcome-Dinner in Kathmandu

Not included:

  • Visa for Nepal
  • All kind of drinks in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Patan and Baktapur
  • Alcohol, soft drinks, mineral water during the trekking tour
  • Food (Lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, Patan and Baktapur
  • Other domestic flights
  • Excess baggage charges for domestic flights
  • Extra charge for hot shower during the trekking tour
  • Extra charge for recharging camera or mobile batteries during the tour
  • Food and drinks during the bus drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Personal travel- and health insurance
  • Emergency transport / Emergency evacuation
  • Tips (for driver, city guide, trekking guide and porter)
  • Personal expenses
  • Flight from home country to Kathmandu and back

*) single supplement charge has to be added, if requested.