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

INDIA & HIMALAYASNEPAL 106 " A holiday full of wonderful memories and shared experiences. I would certainly recommend you to my family and friends." Gill Garvin india & himalayas Classic Annapurna Circuit Imaginative Facts Tour code: HACA • Activities: 18 day trek. Trek grade - Strenuous • Accommodation: 4 nights simple hotels, 17 nights teahouse lodges during trek • Transport: Public bus • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller trek leader, services of porters and local representatives • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Royal Chitwan National Park 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: BESI SAHAR ( 820m)- We drive to Besi Sahar where we meet our team and spend our first night on the trek. DAY 4: NGADI ( 950m)- Wonderful views of Himal Chuli ( about 7,200m) welcome us as we commence our trek across rice fields. DAY 5: JAGAT ( 1,310m)- Trek to our night's halt at Jagat. DAY 6: DHARAPANI ( 2,000m)- Passing through quaint villages we arrive at Dharapani for our first view of an 8,000m peak - Manaslu. DAY 7: CHAME ( 2,700m)- There's a chance to take a bath in Latamrang Hot Springs to soothe your trekking muscles. The day ends at Chame, with superb views over Himal Chimal. DAY 8: PISANG ( 3,200m)- After a beautiful walk through forests, we end near Pisang where we can visit the gompa and Buddhist temple. DAYS 9 & 10: MANANG ( 3,500m)- Trek to Manang via the village of Braga. Enjoy a fantastic panorama of the Annapurnas. Enjoy an important rest day amidst superb scenery. Take a hike up to Khangsar Gompa ( 3,920m). DAY 11: LEDER ( 4,200m)- Half day trek to the village of Leder. DAY 12: THORUNG PHEDI ( 4,500m)- To allow for the altitude, today's trek through the barren landscape is fairly short. DAY 13: MUKTINATH ( 3,700m)- A strenuous day as we cross the Thorung La pass ( 5,350m) to arrive at the doorstep of Mustang, the forbidden kingdom once known as Lo. DAY 14: MARPHA ( 2,700m)- Visit the amazing old fortresses of Jarkhot and Kagbeni, then trek to Marpha. DAY 15: KALOPANI ( 2,500m)- Following the donkey caravan route our trail reaches Kalopani. DAY 16: TATOPANI ( 1,200m)- We cross from the alpine zone to the subtropical zone and stay at Tatopani, famous for its hot springs. DAY 17: GHOREPANI ( 2,850m)- A long but worthwhile trek uphill to Ghorepani, with its stunning views. DAY 18: GHANDRUNG ( 2,100m)- 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. After breakfast, our trail passes through rhododendron forests and many small villages to Ghandrung, famous for its Gurkha soldiers. DAY 19: DHAMPUS ( 1,600m)- Our last full day trekking brings us to the village of Dhampus, located along a ridge. This is a great spot that affords lovely views of the magnificent Annapurnas and Machapuchare. DAY 20: POKHARA ( 900m)- 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 21: KATHMANDU- Drive to Kathmandu. DAY 22: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. A classic trek around the magnificent Annapurna Massif • Experience the exhilaration of the mighty Himalayas • Enjoy the variety from subtropical forest to the barren Tibetan plateau • Cross high passes, ridges, gorges, rice fields and banana groves • Meet Nepal's peopleand pass sacred shrines • One of the country's finest treks for hikers looking for a challenge Nepal Pokhara Shivapuri Bhaktapur Chitwan National Park Annapurna trekking area Classic Annapurna Circuit Images of Nepal Nepal Rover Kathmandu Altitude and Acclimatisation Generally most people's performance is affected when trekking above 3,000m. Our max height is 5,600m on the Classic Everest Base Camp trek. It is impossible to know exactly how you will be affected but you need not be overly concerned as our trips have been designed to allow time for acclimatisation. We have also taken altitude issues into account when grading our treks. Porter Protection On all treks you will be accompanied by a team of porters who are responsible for carrying all equipment, food and your main pack. Portering is an important part of the Nepali economy and porters are proud of their job. Get to know your porter - be appreciative of his amazing strength and stamina and take the time to look out for his well- being. We adhere to the IPPG guidelines which have strict regulations regarding the treatment of porters and ensure all are fairly treated. Nepal Treks Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 17.11 * Price includes tour price of £ 425and local payment of US$ 170All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 515pp Land Only * adventurer Tour duration 22 days © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Sat KathmanduKathmandu 2009 07- Mar- 0928- Mar- 09 28- Mar- 0918- Apr- 09 24- Oct- 0914- Nov- 09 14- Nov- 0905- Dec- 09 05- Dec- 0926- Dec- 09 Starts SatEnds Sat KathmanduKathmandu 2010 06- Mar- 1027- Mar- 10 27- Mar- 1017- Apr- 10 23- Oct- 1013- Nov- 10 13- Nov- 1004- Dec- 10 04- Dec- 1025- Dec- 10 We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Trek grade - Strenuous Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243