26 tel: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only) international tel: +44 1453 844 400 www.himalayankingdoms.com Phewa Tal Lake, Pokhara Photo: Simon Watkins The Annapurna Region Approx. Miles 0 0 8 5 Approx. Kilometres Interesting Facts Mount Annapurna – 8,091m/26,545ft – the first 8,000m peak to be climbed First Ascent: 3 June 1950 – French expedition: M.Herzog and L. Lachenal First entry to Annapurna Sanctuary: 1956 – by Col. Jimmy Roberts First Ascent of South Face and first British Ascent: 1970 – Chris Bonington’s expedition – Dougal Haston and Don Whillans First Female Ascent: 1978 – Irene Miller and Vira Komarkova (USA)

27 tel: 0845 330 8579 (local call rate, UK only) international tel: +44 1453 844 400 www.himalayankingdoms.com Left: Thorong-La Annapurna Circuit Right: Machhapuchare – the Fish Tail Mountain Photos: Vic Chambers Annapurna Circuit This magnificent trek circumnavigates the huge Annapurna Massif and is widely acknowledged as one of the classic walks of the world. The route starts in Pokhara and follows the Marshyangdi River, giving great views of Manaslu and Himal Chuli to the east. At the head of the valley is the Thorong La, which at 5,416m/17,765ft is the high-point of the trek. Descending to the west we enter the barren Tibet-like valley of the Kali Gandaki. This is the world’s deepest gorge and passes between the giants of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. A few more days brings us to Pokhara, after an unforgettable 200-mile journey. It is often said that if you aim to do just one trek in the Himalaya then the Annapurna Circuit is the one to complete as it has everything. Kathmandu’s bazaars, temples, shopping and famous restaurants can be sampled before and after the trek. Annapurna Sanctuary The Annapurna Sanctuary is a huge cirque of some of the highest mountains in the world, culminating with the awesome South Face of Annapurna. Setting out from Pokhara, we eventually pass between the peaks of Machhapuchare and Hiunchuli, which guard the entrance to the Sanctuary. We spend two days here exploring the ice-bound cirque and visiting Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft). We trek back to Pokhara by a different route, and fly back to Kathmandu. This is often cited as one of the best treks to do on your first visit to the Himalaya, as it takes us close up to Annapurna but does not take us dramatically high. Altitude should not therefore be an issue. £1,595 £975 Thu 20 Mar – Sat 05 Apr Thu 03 Apr – Sat 19 Apr £1,550 £975 Thu 02 Oct – Sat 18 Oct Thu 09 Oct – Sat 25 Oct Thu 16 Oct – Sat 01 Nov land only land only Grade: Vigorous On Trek: 12 days Sherpa Leader Nights’ Accommodation: Hotels: 4 Tea Houses: 11 Optional: Single Room £75 Insurance: £95 (Standard Policy) Days Itinerary Duration: 17 days 1–3 Fly to Kathmandu, at leisure –4 Fly to Pokhara, begin trek 5–14 Trek into Annapurna Sanctuary, visit Base Camp, return via a different route 15–17 End trek, fly to Kathmandu, at leisure, fly to London Guaranteed to run for a minimum of2clients The ‘Mini’ Annapurna Circuit This trek takes us through an incredible spectrum landscape and culture. At the start, we pass through paddy fields and sub-tropical forests, but by the end are on the edge of the semi-autonomous kingdom Mustang, a Tibetan-like region. This is after tackling Thorong La, 5,416m/17,765ft from where the most fantastic views of the Himalaya are to be had, especially those of the entire Annapurna range. Descending from the pass we spend a night at pilgrimage township of Muktinath, where Hindus Buddhists come every year to see the ‘burning’ water. Another day drops us down to Jomsom, on the floor of the Gandaki Gorge, a Tibetan-style township with a small airstrip. You feel like an insect in the small aircraft, as we fly down deepest gorge in the world to Pokhara, and on to Kathmandu. Jungle Lodge/Temple Tiger/Tiger Tops options. Fly or drive. Chitwan’s game park is famous for its wildlife, which includes rhinoceros and tiger. Safaris by elephant and canoe make this a memorable few days. Prices on request £1,695 £1,075 Thu 03 Apr – Sun 20 Apr £1,595 £1,075 Thu 02 Oct – Sun 19 Oct land only land only Grade: Vigorous/Strenuous On Trek: 12 days Sherpa Leader Nights’ Accommodation: Hotels: 4 Tea Houses: 12 Optional: Single Room £65 Insurance: £99 (Standard Policy) Days Itinerary Duration: 18 days 1–2 Fly to Kathmandu, at leisure –3 Drive to road head, begin trek 4–14 Trek over the Thorong La to Jomsom –15 Fly to Pokhara –16 At leisure, afternoon flight to Kathmandu 17–18 At leisure in Kathmandu, fly to London Guaranteed to run for a minimum of2clients Chitwan National Park Award-winner leads Annapurna Treks TREK EXTENSION FOR ANNAPURNA TREKS Popular Sirdar Shes Kanta (KC) Bhuwan was the 2006 Gold Award winner of the inaugural ‘Wanderlust’ Paul Morrison Guide Award. KC will continue to lead our Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Sanctuary treks in 2008. £1,725 £1,195 Sun 23 Mar – Tue 15 Apr Sun 30 Mar – Tue 22 Apr £1,825 £1,195 Sun 06 Apr – Tue 29 Apr £1,725 £1,195 Sun 28 Sep – Tue 21 Oct Sun 05 Oct – Tue 28 Oct Sun 12 Oct – Tue 04 Nov land only land only land only Grade: Strenuous On Trek: 19 days Sherpa Leader Nights’ Accommodation: Hotels: 4 Tea Houses: 18 Optional: Single Room £65 Insurance: £99 (Standard Policy) Days Itinerary Duration: 24 days 1–2 Fly to Kathmandu –3 Drive to roadhead, begin trek 4–21 Trek the Annapurna Circuit 22–24 Fly to Kathmandu, at leisure, fly to London Guaranteed to run for a minimum of2clients