25 telephone: 0845 330 8579 ( local call rate, UK only) international telephone: + 44 1453 844 400 www. mountainkingdoms. com The Himalaya The Annapurna Region S etting out from Pokhara through enchanting terraced villages, we eventually pass between the peaks of Machhapuchare and Hiunchuli, which guard the entrance to the Sanctuary. Annapurna Sanctuary is a huge ice- clad cirque of some of the highest mountains in the world, including the awesome South Face of Annapurna. We spend two days here exploring, with a visit to Annapurna Base Camp ( 4,130m/ 13,550ft). The trek back to Pokhara is by a different route and includes a dawn hike up Poon Hill for sunrise over the Himalaya. This is one of the best first treks to do in the Himalaya, as the trail gets spectacularly close to the mountains but does not go dramatically high. T he route starts in Pokhara and follows the Marshyangdi River to the head of the valley. Here we cross the Thorong La, which at 5,416m/ 17,765ft is the high- point of the trek. Descending to the west we enter the Kali Gandaki valley, the world's deepest gorge which passes between the giants of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We have revised our route along the valley to avoid the dirt road being built here. This section of the trek now detours to follow footpaths through pretty villages away from the road, but returns to the traditional circuit villages for overnight lodge stays. The Annapurna Circuit truly offers everything you could want from a Himalayan adventure. T his trek takes us through an incredible spectrum of landscape and culture. At the start we pass through paddy fields and sub- tropical forests, but by the end we are on the edge of the semi- autonomous kingdom of Mustang, a dry region like Tibet. This is after tackling the Thorong La, 5,416m/ 17,765ft, with its fantastic views of the entire Annapurna range. Descending from the pass we spend a night at the pilgrimage township of Muktinath, where Hindus and Buddhists come to see the ' burning' water. Another day drops us to Jomsom, a Tibetan township with a small airstrip. We feel like tiny insects flying down the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest in the world, to Pokhara, and then on to Kathmandu. Annapurna Sanctuary The perfect first Himalayan trek through classic Nepali scenery into the heart of the Annapurnas. Annapurna Circuit A truly classic walk circumnavigating the Annapurna Massif on an unforgettable 200- mile journey. The ' Mini' Annapurna Circuit A shorter version of the circuit that still offers sensational views and good acclimatisation. £ 1,195 £ 1,250 £ 1,985 £ tbc Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Thu 25 Mar - Sat 10 Apr Thu 01 Apr - Sat 17 Apr Thu 30 Sep - Sat 16 Oct Thu 07 Oct - Sat 23 Oct Thu 14 Oct - Sat 30 Oct Thu 04 Nov - Sat 20 Nov Thu 07 Apr 11 - Sat 23 Apr 11 Thu 14 Apr 11 - Sat 30 Apr 11 On Trek: 12 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 4 Lodges: 11 Optional: Single Room £ 100 Kathmandu Insurance: £ 95 1- 3 Fly Kathmandu, at leisure 4 Fly Pokhara, begin trek 5- 14 Trek into Annapurna Sanctuary, visit Base Camp, return via alternative route 15- 17 Fly Kathmandu, at leisure, fly London Trek | Duration: 17 Days Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients Grade: Vigorous £ 1,395 £ 1,445 £ 2,195 £ tbc Land Only Land Only Flight Included Flight Included Fri 19 Mar - Sun 11 Apr Fri 08 Apr 11 - Sun 01 May 11 Fri 26 Mar - Sun 18 Apr Fri 15 Apr 11 - Sun 08 May 11 Fri 24 Sep - Sun 17 Oct Fri 01 Oct - Sun 24 Oct Fri 08 Oct - Sun 31 Oct Fri 29 Oct - Sun 21 Nov On Trek: 19 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 4 Tea Houses: 18 Optional: Single Room £ 95 Kathmandu & Pokhara Insurance: £ 99 1- 2 Fly Kathmandu 3- 21 Trek the Annapurna Circuit, end in Pokhara 22- 24 Fly Kathmandu, at leisure, fly London Trek | Duration: 24 Days Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients Grade: Strenuous £ 1,295£ 2,095 Land OnlyFlight Included Thu 01 Apr - Sun 18 Apr Thu 30 Sep - Sun 17 Oct Thu 21 Oct - Sun 07 Nov On Trek: 12 days Local Leader Accommodation: Hotels: 4 Tea Houses: 12 Optional: Single Room £ 95 Kathmandu & Pokhara Insurance: £ 99 1- 2 Fly Kathmandu 3- 14 Trek over the Thorong La to Jomsom 15 Fly Pokhara 16- 18 Fly Kathmandu, fly London Trek | Duration: 18 Days Guaranteed to run for a minimum of 2 clients Grade: Vigorous/ Strenuous Annapurna Sanctuary, Chris West

26 Download holiday itineraries from www. mountainkingdoms. com e: info@ mountainkingdoms. com The Everest Region Home to the Sherpa people and the world's highest mountain, the Khumbu region offers spectacular trekking for serious trekkers and fit novices alike. Whilst climbing Mount Everest must be the mountaineer's ultimate objective, the trek to Everest Base Camp is a more achievable once in a lifetime experience for those of us who prefer to keep our feet on the ground. The Everest junkie - Niki Morgan, Mountain Kingdoms Operations Manager ' Having trekked and climbed across the world, nothing compares with the scenic grandeur and spiritual aura of the Everest region. I have had the privilege to stand atop Island and Mera Peaks, and have trekked the old Everest expedition route from Jiri to Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp. From the bustling market of Namche Bazaar to the hauntingly remote and beautiful Bhote Kosi valley on the Three High Passes trek, the Khumbu never fails to deliver the ultimate in mountain adventure.'