INDIA & HIMALAYASNEPAL 104 " The tour had a good amount of free time. I feel like I have had a holiday and not just rushed around." Kate Thomas india & himalayas Classic Everest Base Camp Imaginative Facts Tour code: HAEB • Activities: 12 day trek. Trek grade - Strenuous • Accommodation: 4 nights simple hotels, 12 nights teahouse lodges during trek • Transport: Private coach, plane • Flights: Kathmandu to Lukla return • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller trek leader, services of porters • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Search for Nepal's amazing wildlife on our ' Royal Chitwan National Park Extension' DAYS 1 & 2: KATHMANDU- Arrival in Kathmandu, gateway to the Himalayas. The next day take a walking tour. DAY 3: PHAKDING ( 2,600m)- Take the dramatic flight through the mountains to Lukla. Here we meet our porters and Sherpas then set off to our overnight stop at Phakding, oddly enough descending at first! DAYS 4 & 5: NAMCHE BAZAAR ( 3,440m)- We follow the roaring Dudh Kosi river, passing friendly villages interspersed with magnificent forests of rhododendron and crossing dramatic swing bridges, decorated with colourful prayer flags. We pass many ' mani walls', covered in Buddhist prayers en route. The pace will be steady to allow for altitude and to enjoy the stunning sights. Gradually make our way up to Namche Bazaar. It is here you may get your first views of the Everest range. The following day is an important day to acclimatise. We ascend to Songbuche ( 3,800m) for superb views of the snowy peaks of Teng Kangpoche ( 6,500m) and Kwangde ( 6,187m) before returning back down to Namche - ' climb high, sleep low'. DAY 6: TYANGBOCHE ( TENGBOCHE) ( 3,800m)- From Namche we trek to Khumjung at the foot of sacred Khumbila peak ( 5,761m). The stunning jagged lines of mighty Ama Dablam dominate your route to Phunki and eventually Tyangboche, site of one of the highest working monasteries. Here you should find one of the most magnificent views in the world; an awe- inspiring panorama of Himalayan giants: Kwangde, Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Kategna and Thamserku. DAYS 7 & 8: DINGBOCHE ( 4,300m)- Cross the turquoise Imja Khola river and continue through terraced fields and rolling pastures where yaks graze, to Pangboche ( 3,860m). The following day is a further important acclimatisation day - it may be possible to visit the Himalayan Health Post at Phakding. DAY 9: LOBUCHE ( 4,900m)- The trail climbs up through the Lobuche Pass to a tranquil grass- carpeted valley full of chortens to fallen climbers. It continues along the Khumbu Glacier to reach the barren settlement of Lobuche. DAY 10: EVEREST BASE CAMP ( 5,300m)- Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep, the last settlement before Base Camp. Trek along glacial scree and boulders to Everest Base Camp. Stand in awe, surrounded by imposing white peaks and the intimidating infamous Khumbu Icefall, a jumble of fallen ice blocks dropping hundreds of metres to Base Camp. Return to Gorakshep. DAY 11: KALA PATTAR ( 5,600m)- An early start to climb Kala Pattar hill, the best vantage point for viewing Mt Everest. The views of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are stunning. Descend to Pheriche ( 4,280m). DAY 12: NAMCHE BAZAAR ( 3,440m)- Walk back to Namche. One last chance to shop in this famous market settlement. DAY 13: PHAKDING ( 2,600m)- We continue our descent to Phakding. DAY 14: LUKLA ( 2,800m)- Return to Lukla. DAYS 15 & 16: KATHMANDU- Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. DAY 17: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. The ultimate trek in the footsteps of Edmund Hillary • Spend two weeks in the throne of the mighty Himalayas • Trek through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests and glacial landscapes • Interactwith your porters and the local community • Enjoy two days standing in awe beneath majestic Mt Everest • A rewarding trek suitable for anyone with the right preparation Nepal Kathmandu Chitwan National Park Everest trekking area Annapurna trekking area Classic Everest Base Camp Annapurna Sanctuary Royal Chitwan National Park Nothing can possibly prepare you for the incredible scenery that awaits you on a trek in Nepal. Whether you go to the Annapurnas or to the Everest region, you will encounter mile after mile of breathtaking landscapes, the terraced rice fields and small villages overshadowed by snowcapped Himalayan peaks. In order to enjoy your time in Nepal to the full it is extremely important that you choose your trek carefully and prepare accordingly. There is no point getting to the mountains and then not enjoying the views as you are too busy trying to catch your breath. Remember, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. You should not worry about holding the rest of the group up or about wanting to ' race ahead' as our Sherpa team are able to accommodate all speeds. A slow pace is the best way anyway to acclimatise at altitude as well as keeping well hydrated. Trek Grading All of our treks are graded so that you know what to expect. We strongly advise against being too ambitious first time out - most trekkers return to Nepal again and again and you can gradually increase your trek grade each time. Easy- These trips can be enjoyed by anyone who leads a reasonably active life. The walking part of the trip is fairly easy, usually between 5 and 6 hours a day. Note: Even on an ' Easy' trek there will be tough uphill sections on some days. Moderate- You will be walking 5- 7 hours a day and will encounter some steep uphill and downhill sections. Some days will be at altitude. You should be fit before considering a ' Moderate' trek. Strenuous- A combination of moderate and strenuous walks, with some very steep uphill and downhill sections, often at altitude. You will generally be walking 6- 8 hours a day. You must be fit and should prepare physically before taking a ' Stenuous' trek. Nepal Treks Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 17.11 * Price includes tour price of £ 499and local payment of US$ 200All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 599pp Land Only * adventurer Tour duration 17 days © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Mon KathmanduKathmandu 2009 14- Feb- 0902- Mar- 09 28- Feb- 0916- Mar- 09 14- Mar- 0930- Mar- 09 28- Mar- 0913- Apr- 09 11- Apr- 0927- Apr- 09 25- Apr- 0911- May- 09 09- May- 0925- May- 09 03- Oct- 0919- Oct- 09 17- Oct- 0902- Nov- 09 31- Oct- 0916- Nov- 09 14- Nov- 0930- Nov- 09 28- Nov- 0914- Dec- 09 Starts SatEnds Mon KathmanduKathmandu 2010 13- Feb- 1001- Mar- 10 27- Feb- 1015- Mar- 10 13- Mar- 1029- Mar- 10 27- Mar- 1012- Apr- 10 10- Apr- 1026- Apr- 10 24- Apr- 1010- May- 10 08- May- 1024- May- 10 02- Oct- 1018- Oct- 10 16- Oct- 1001- Nov- 10 30- Oct- 1015- Nov- 10 13- Nov- 1029- Nov- 10 27- Nov- 1013- Dec- 10 Trek grade - Strenuous Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

NEPAL 105 INDIA & HIMALAYAS Annapurna Sanctuary Imaginative Facts Tour code: HAST • Activities: 10 days trekking. Trek grade - Moderate • Accommodation: 4 nights simple hotels, 11 nights teahouse lodges during trek • Transport: Public bus • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller trek leader, services of porters, local representatives and guides • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Chitwan Extension' DAYS 1 & 2: KATHMANDU- Arrival in Kathmandu, the gateway to the Himalayas. The next day take a morning walking tour of the market area of Asan, Durbar Square and Swayambunath Temple. DAY 3: BIRETHANTI ( 1,000m)- Drive from Kathmandu to the pleasant riverside village of Birethanti, at the edge of the famous Annapurna trekking region. DAY 4: BANTHANTI ( 2,300m)- Our first day on the trail, we trek through oak and rhododendron forests and follow the Bhurungdi Khola ( river) to Banthanti. DAY 5: GHOREPANI ( 2,850m)- We continue along the Bhurungdi Khola and ascend Ulleri Hill, eventually arriving at Ghorepani where there are perfect views of the Annapurna range. DAY 6: POON HILL - TADAPANI- You have the option to rise early to climb up to the famous viewpoint at Poon Hill ( 3,194m) to watch a magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. West to East you can see Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, the Annapurnas and Machapuchare, the famous fish tail mountain. We then continue to Tadapani, trekking through open grassland and deep forests. On the way there are excellent views of Annapurna South and the Manaslu range. DAY 7: CHOMRONG ( 2,000m)- Today we have a steep descent through rhododendron forest to the valley bottom, with fabulous mountain views. Later the path climbs steeply again before we arrive at the lively trekking hub of Chomrong. DAY 8: DOBAN ( 2,500m)- Our trail descends a stone staircase and crosses the Chomrong Khola before climbing through deep rhododendron and bamboo forests to Doban. DAY 9: MACHAPUCHARE BASE CAMP ( 3,600m)- The goal today is to pass through the gates of the sanctuary. We trek up the muddy surface of the Modi Khola, then along a rocky trail to Hinko Cave. From here we climb towards the base camp of Machapuchare. There are stupendous views of the Hirunchuli, Annapurna 1 & 3, Gangapurna and Machapuchare - breathtaking! DAY 10: ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP ( 4,100m) - We continue our exploration of the sanctuary and ascend to Annapurna Base Camp. DAY 11: BAMBOO ( 2,500m)- Retracing our steps we return along the only route to Bamboo. DAY 12: JHINU ( 1,750m)- Descend to Chomrong then continue to Jhinu hot spring where we can enjoy a hot spring bath and soothe our trekking muscles. DAY 13: POTANA ( 1,600m)- Our last full day trekking, we follow the route to Potana village. DAY 14: PHEDI - POKHARA- A short morning trek to pick up our vehicle for the journey to Pokhara, a market town in western Nepal set on a beautiful lake amid a spectacular Himalayan backdrop. Time permitting take a boat ride on the lake, visit the Tibetan refugee centre or simply enjoy this laid back lakeside town. DAY 15: KATHMANDU- Drive to Kathmandu. DAY 16: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. Quite simply one of the best treks you'll ever make • Trek amidst the peaks of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare • 11 days spent amongst bamboo forests, rocky ridgesand glacial rivers • Experience the Annapurna Sanctuary's dazzling natural amphitheatre • View sunrise from Poon Hill and visit remote mountain settlements • Explore Kathmandu and relax in the laid back lakeside townof Pokhara Imaginative Facts Tour code: HTCE • Non- group tour: For individuals only • Activities: Elephant ride, canoeing, jungle walk • Accommodation: 2 nights jungle lodge, 1 night tourist class hotel • Transport: Private car • Escorted: Services of representatives and jungle guides DAY 1: KATHMANDU - CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK- Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park. ( D) DAY 2: CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK- One of the best ways to view the flora and fauna of Chitwan is by taking a safari ride on an elephant, as it enables you to penetrate deep into the jungle through tall grasslands to hopefully view the one- horned Indian Rhinoceros or Bengal tiger. However, there are many other exciting ways to take on the adventure. Experienced naturalists will take you on jungle walks and bird- watching trips. You can also take a canoe ride to seek out both the marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles or observe wildlife from one of the resort's watch towers. ( BLD) DAY 3: KATHMANDU- Early morning jungle activities in Chitwan. After breakfast drive to Kathmandu. ( B) DAY 4: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. ( B) The essential wildlife extension to your Himalayan experience • Explore one of Asia's most lauded wildlife parks- by canoe and on foot • Take an elephant- back safari to spot one- horned Indian Rhinoceros • Experience the different landscapes and scenery of Chitwan Royal Chitwan National Park Extension Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 17.11 * Price includes tour price of £ 375and local payment of US$ 130All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 440pp Land Only * Solo Traveller Supplement £ 75( compulsory if you are travelling alone) All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 275pp Land Only adventurer traveller Tour duration 16 days Tour duration 4 days Starts SatEnds Sun KathmanduKathmandu 2009 21- Feb- 0908- Mar- 09 07- Mar- 0922- Mar- 09 21- Mar- 0905- Apr- 09 04- Apr- 0919- Apr- 09 18- Apr- 0903- May- 09 26- Sep- 0911- Oct- 09 10- Oct- 0925- Oct- 09 24- Oct- 0908- Nov- 09 07- Nov- 0922- Nov- 09 21- Nov- 0906- Dec- 09 05- Dec- 0920- Dec- 09 Starts SatEnds Sun KathmanduKathmandu 2010 20- Feb- 1007- Mar- 10 06- Mar- 1021- Mar- 10 20- Mar- 1004- Apr- 10 03- Apr- 1018- Apr- 10 17- Apr- 1002- May- 10 25- Sep- 1010- Oct- 10 09- Oct- 1024- Oct- 10 23- Oct- 1007- Nov- 10 06- Nov- 1021- Nov- 10 20- Nov- 1005- Dec- 10 04- Dec- 1019- Dec- 10 Trek grade - Moderate Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243