Nepal

FAM Trip Annapurna Siklis Trek (4 days)

Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

Himalayan Climbs
Adventure International runs ethical, professionally led climbs. Our business partners and operations focuses foremost on responsible tourism: 1. Safety: All guides carry satellite phones in case of an emergency or helicopter rescue. Carried on all treks are comprehensive emergency kits. High altitude trips will require bringing a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) 2. Responsibility: All rubbish is disposed of properly, adhering to trash in trash out practices. Any non-biodegradable items are taken back to the head office to make sure it is disposed of properly. To help the local economy all vegetables, rice, kerosene, chicken, and sheep is bought from local villages en route to where guests are trekking. 3. Teams: Like most of our teams, the porters have been working with our partners for almost 10 years. Porters are provided with adequate warm gear and tents, are paid timely, and are never overloaded. In addition, porters are insured and never left on the mountain. In fact, most insurance benefits are extended to their families as well. Head guides are paid above industry average and training programs and English courses are conducted in the low seasons; their knowledge goes beyond just trekking but also into history, flora, fauna, and politics. 4. Client Experience: Our treks proudly introduce fantastic food. Cooks undergo refresher courses every season to ensure that menus are new and exciting. All food is very hygienically cared for. By providing private toilets, shower tents, mess tents, table, chairs, Thermarest mattresses, sleeping bags, liners and carefully choosing campsites for location in terms of safety, distance, space, availability of water and the views our guests are sure to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience!

Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

SAFETY DEVICES

Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

Annapurna Siklis Trek 4 days

Description
You enjoy a few days in the world famous Nepalese city of Kathmandu. You then hop on a charter flight to the city of Pokhara in the Annapurna Range. From here you set out into the breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalaya. You hike to stunning scenery from an amazing view point Tarahill. You visit the village of local Gurkhas. Hike through rhododendron and magnolia forests. This is the short version of the Annapurna Panorama Siklis Trek done normally over 12 days on this trip we cover the first quarter of that trek, but re- worked to get into the scenic passes faster. A quick and scenic trek in the Himalayas!!

Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

Brief Itinerary

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Area Kathmandu Kathmandu Kathmandu Kathmandu Pokhara / Trek Trek Trek Trek / Pokhara Kathmandu Depart Free day Kathmandu. Overnight Hyatt Regency Free day Kathmandu. Overnight Hyatt Regency

Overview Arrive Tribhuvan Kathmandu International Airport. Meet & greet. Transfer and overnight Hyatt Regency

Kathmandu City tour. Welcome Dinner at Dwarikas Hotel. Overnight Hyatt Regency Fly to Pokhara. Start Trek to Ghale Kharka Camp Trek to Tara Hill Camp Trek to Siklis Kharka Camp End Trek and transfer to Pokhara. Overnight Fish Tail Lodge Fly to Kathmandu. Overnight Hyatt Regency Transfer to Tribhuvan Kathmandu International Airport. Depart END OF SERVICES

Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

Detailed Itinerary Day 1 / KATHMANDU / Dec 15th 11

Upon arrival into Tribhuvan Kathmandu International Airport (Thai Airways 1245pm) you are personally met and transferred to your well-appointed accommodation. Overnight Hyatt Regency (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 2 / KATHMANDU / Dec 16th 11

Free day. Overnight Hyatt Regency (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 3 / KATHMANDU / Dec 17th 11

Free day. MEANWHILE: Frank arrives Tribhuvan Kathmandu International Airport (Jet Airways 1010pm) transfer and overnight hotel. Overnight Hyatt Regency (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 4 / KATHMANDU / Dec 18th 11

Full day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Visit places like Baudhanath and Bhaktapur. Welcome Dinner at Dwarikas Hotel. Final preparations for trek. Overnight Hyatt Regency (Bed & Breakfast) Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

Day 5 / POKHARA / GHALE KHARKA / Dec 19th 11

After breakfast you fly to the lakeside resort city of Pokhara. After arrival, you drive north towards the Annapurna Range and then past rice fields to the village of Bhurjung and meet the trek team. After handing over our main bags to the porters you start your trek slowly ascending through several Gurung villages making your way up to the top of Ghalegaon, a big Gurung settlement. You show your permits at the Annapurna Conversation office and continue your final climb to your first camp at Ghale Kharka (5,500ft), perched right on the side of a hill on the edge of the rhododendron and magnolia forest. We reach camp just in time for some hot tea and cookies and enjoy the view as the day comes to an end. Trekking 4-5 hours. Overnight Ghale Kharka Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 / TARA HILL / Dec 20th 11

Today you leave human settlements to continue your climb through wonderful Rhododendron and Giant Magnolia forests. In spring the forest is usually in full bloom bringing into life, all birds and butterflies and Celogyne Orchids that adorn the tree trunks with rich white bloom. As you continue your way up the trail we are greeted with views of the Annapurna range and the stunning Fishtail mountain. You will stop at a meadow with excellent views of the range and enjoy a well deserved cup of coffee or tea before you reach a saddle with a travelers rest A Chautara for a hot meal. It is only an hour or two to the top from this point and an amazing walk when the rhododendron is in flower. Looking down the way you ascended, you will Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

witness the sea of bloom. The trek finally ends at the very top of the hill called Tara Hill (Star Hill)(9,300ft). A stunning view when the mountains reveal themselves on a clear day. Trekking 5 hours Overnight Tara Hill Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 / SIKLIS KHARKA / Dec 21st 11

An early morning wakeup call with a hot cup of tea, will ensure that you dont miss watching the first rays of sun hitting the majestic Himalayan range. On a clear day breakfast will be served outside, enjoying the breathtaking panoramic view from Manaslu mountains in the east to Annapurna south in the west. The trek crew will break camp while you start walking along the ridge making your way through the rhododendron and magnolia forest. This is a beautiful ridge walk that goes up and down for a while and then traverses on the south side of the ridge that continues from Tara Hill pastures that look down the valley you will trek in the following days. Finally here you climb steadily to our awaiting camp on this near perfect camping meadow that looks straight at the looming Lamjung peak and above the sprawling village of Siklis that is so well known for its many generations of young men that served as the famous Gurkha soldiers of the Indian and British army. Camp at Siklis Kharka (7,200ft). Trekking 6-7 hours Overnight Siklis Kharka Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

Day 8 / POKHARA / Dec 22nd 11

After breakfast in this amazing and wayside teashops before reaching your point of pickup at Sabi. Meet your vehicle and as you start driving towards Pokhara, look out for huge Wild Bee hives and large pied kingfishers that like to nest in the banks. You are transferred to Fish Tail Lodge. Trekking 5-6 hours Overnight Fish Tail Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 / KATHMANDU / Dec 23rd 11

Today you fly to Kathmandu. (Frank: flies to Delhi) You are met and transferred to your hotel, the afternoon is free. Overnight Hyatt Regency (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 10 / DEPART / Dec 24th 11

Transfer to Tribhuvan Kathmandu International Airport for departures. (Thai Airways 150pm) (Breakfast)

END OF SERVICES Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

ACCOMMODATIONS

HYATT REGENCY KATHMANDU is a luxury 5 star city resort hotel situated 10km from the city centre of Kathmandu, Nepal, on the road to Boudhanath Stupa the most holy of Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside Tibet. The hotel is 4km from Tribhuvan international Airport and very close to the business district and shopping areas. The Boudhanath Stupa is within 10 minutes walking distance from the hotel.

FISHTAIL LODGE is situated on a peninsula with the Fewa Lake on one side and a forest-covered hill on the other, the Fish Tail Lodge offers spectacular views all round making it a unique lake resort. Guests are received and transported to the lodge by boats. Round cottages amidst lush gardens blend in harmony with the landscape.

HIMALAYAN PRIVATE CAMP is set up every step of the way and ready for when you arrive into camp in the afternoon. A mess tent contains a table, chairs, and all cutlery. Whenever possible, our Himalayan crews like to have guests eat outside to enjoy the splendid views. Guest tents fit 2 people comfortably with sleeping mattress and sleeping bag, all set up for a comfortable sleep. A separate toilet tent is also set up on the perimeter for private and cleaner bathroom facilities.

Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime

DESTINATIONS Nepal, South Asia

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the Peoples Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. Kathmandu is the nations capital and the countrys largest metropolis. Nepal has rich geography. Nepal is popular for mountaineering, containing some of the worlds highest and most challenging peaks. The mountainous north has 8 of the worlds 10 tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest 29,029ft (8848m), called Sagarmatha in Nepali. It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000ft (6096m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized. By some measures, Hinduism is practiced by a larger majority of people in Nepal than in any other nation. Buddhism, though a minority faith in the country, is linked historically with Nepal as the birthplace of the Buddha. A monarchy throughout most of its history, Nepal was ruled by the Shah dynasty of kings from 1768, when Prithvi Narayan Shah unified its many small kingdoms. In 2006, however, a decade-long Civil War by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) along with several weeks of mass protests by all major political parties of Nepal culminated in a peace accord, and the ensuing elections for the constituent assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the abdication of the last Nepali monarch Gyanendra Shah and the establishment of a federal democratic republic on May 28 2008. The first President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav was sworn in on July 23 2008. Neolithic tools found in the Kathmandu Valley indicate that people have been living in the Himalayan region for at least 9,000 years. Nepal has been highlighted in many scriptures; small kingdoms and confederations arose in the region, from these a prince named Siddharta Gautama renounced his loyalty to lead an ascetic life and came to be known as the Buddha (the enlightened one). After some disputes over bordering territories with the British East India company and China, in 1923 the UK formerly recognized Nepals independence. In 1924 slavery was abolished, nevertheless debt bondage even involving debtors children has been a persistent social problem. In 1991, Bhutan expelled roughly 100,000 ethnic Nepalis, most of whom have been living in refugee camps in eastern Nepal ever since. Adventure International, LLC | PO Box 2621, Venice, CA 90294 | Tel: 888.664.3865 Fax: 516.977.8617 info@adventure-international.com | www.adventure-international.com | Adventures for a Lifetime