Information

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Included: 

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•    2 nights accomodation in Kathmandu Hotel.

•    1 nights accommodation in Pokhara
•    11 nights accommodation in traditional Nepalese "teahouses" during the trek.

•    Airport transfer upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu

•    Tourist coach from Kathmandu to Dharapani and back to Kathmandu.
•    Professional female Nepalese mountain guides.
•    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day.
 

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Optional add-on: Kathmandu Cultural Experience

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Nepal has SO much more to offer than just trekking in the mountains, it has an ancient culture which flows deep in the people and the cities. Nepali's lives are closely entangled with their traditions and spirituality, so it is wonderful as a visitor to not only learn about the theory and history, but to actually see this culture everywhere you look. People dress in their traditional clothes, eat recipes that have existed unchanged for thousands of years, they will bow at you, bless you with a tikka, and always smile and treat you kindly. This is the birth place of Buddha afterall! 

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So it seemed fitting that us Wild Women also dive into learning abit about the Nepali culture while we are here. If you would like, you can extend your trip by an extra 2 nights with us and explore Kathmandu, guided by our local Nepali expert who will tell you all about their country and people.

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Day 1 (29th)

• Visit the Monkey Temple (Swoyambhu Mahachaitya)

• Walk through Durbar Square and town markets

• Visit a local women's handicraft centre which employs and empowers disadvantaged women.

• Learn to cook traditional Nepali dishes in a cooking class.

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Day 2 (30th)

• Explore the ancient city and temples of Bhaktapur

• Visit the tranquil and progressive womens buddhist monastery Druk Gawa Khilwa, where residents are devoted to Buddhism and also study kung fu.

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Day 3 (31st)

• Depart any time.

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Included: 

• 2 nights accomodation at the luxurious Kathmandu Guest House

• 3 breakfasts (no lunch or dinner- you will have the opportunity to buy food at a cafe or market)

• Private transport around the city to visit all locations. 

• Expert local Nepali guide

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Cost: $400AUD

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Fitness:

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More challenging than the Poon Hill trek, the Annapurna Circuit requires a higher level of fitness. We will be walking for 10 days, covering a total of approximately 94kms with a LOT of stairs, steep slopes and high altitude.  Therefore, the trek does require a good level of fitness. You should be able to walk up continuous inclines and stairs for 4-6 hours. But in saying this, we will take plenty of breaks and we’ll all be in it together, cheering each other on!

 

We will have porters to carry our main bag for us so we will only need to carry a small bag with what we need for the day. 

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Season:

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We have chosen October to go trekking as this is the best month of the year for the climate in Nepal. It will be mid autumn, so summer temps have dropped, but its not quite the cold snowy winter yet. The rains should also be gone by October, so we shouldn’t be getting rained on (unless the weather gods want to play a trick on us of course)!

 

The first few days of our hike will be very warm, t-shirts and shorts weather, then the higher and higher we get up the mountain the cooler it will get. We might even get snow when we are at Thorong La Pass! So this means you'll have to pack summer clothes AND winter clothes. 

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Meeting point:

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We will be meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, on the 14th of October. You can book your flight arriving in on the 14th or earlier. We will be having our official "meet and greet" around 5pm on the 14th, so it would be good to arrive earlier than that to give you time to settle in. 

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A driver will be waiting for you at Kathmandu airport with your name on a card ready to bring you to the hotel. 

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Finish point:

 

We will arrive back to Kathmandu after our trek on the 27th of October and stay that night in the same hotel, so you can fly out any time the next day on the 28th.

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What to bring: ​​

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• 3 Passport size Photos (required for National Park trekking permits)

• Day pack for you to carry on hike

• Torchlight / Headlight

• Warm light weight backpacking sleeping bag (-10 degrees Celsius)

• Sunglass and sun-cream

• Hat

• Beanie

• Neck warmer

• This fleece gloves

• Down jacket

• Base layer thermal like wool or similar

• Sweat wicking t-shirt

• Fleece/Jumper

• Wind proof jacket

• Long and short hiking pants

• Swimmers 

• Hiking boots - "broken in" and comfortable

• Wool socks- a few pairs for hiking and one thick one for night

• Sandals (Crocs or Tevas are great to wear wool socks with)

• Trekking poles (optional only if you feel your knees struggle with down hills or your worried about your endurance)

• Dry fruits and chocolates for trekking snacks - can buy in Kathmandu aswell

• Toiletries

• Camera/gopro

• Chargers - international adapter

• Journal/book

• 2 x 1lt water bottles (recommend lifestraw or katadyn purifier bottles)

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Visa:

 

All Australians can obtain a Visa on Arrival to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. It costs $30USD for 15 days, $50USD for 30 days, or $125USD for 90 days. 

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Important notes:

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• You will need a valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background with you at immigration to get the VOA.

• Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen.

• Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fees

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Travel Insurance:

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Travel Insurance is compulsory for this trip, you will need to send confirmation of your insurance to info@wildwomenjourneys.com before the trip begins. There are lots of different companies offering travel insurance with different prices, so do some comparing and find the insurance which fits best for you. Make sure it includes hiking at altitudes up to 5416m and medical assistance.

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Itinerary:

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Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1400 m) / Meet & Greet

You’ll arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, greeted by the bustling atmosphere of Nepal’s capital city. The sights, sounds and smells will immediately immerse you in the rich culture of the region. After meeting our staff member at the airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Thamel where you can rest and recharge from your flight. In the afternoon you’ll meet the rest of your group for a briefing on the journey ahead before all heading off to dinner together.

 

Day 2: Kathmandu to Dharapani (1960m): 7-8 hours drive

 

Today we’ll have an early breakfast at our hotel in Kathmandu before we embark on our scenic drive to Dharapani that will take you through winding mountain roads and  picturesque valleys. You'll witness stunning landscapes unfold before your eyes, from terraced fields to cascading waterfalls to towering mountains in the distance. This evening you’ll settle into your hotel in the quaint village of Dharapani nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas.

 

Day 3: Dharapani to Chame (2670m): 13 km 6-7 hours

 

Let the adventure begin! After an early breakfast it’s time to lace up your trekking boots and hit the trails! Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you trek through lush forests of pine and rhododendron. Arrive in Chame, a charming town surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and relax in your tea house as you take in the beauty of your surroundings.

 

Day 4: Chame to Pisang (3210m): 10 km 5-6 hours

 

Today's trek will take you through rocky terrain and across suspension bridges spanning deep gorges. You’ll traverse through alpine forests and along the Marsyangdi River admiring the stunning scenery of the Annapurna range along the way. Arrive in Pisang, a picturesque village nestled beneath towering cliffs, and spend the evening exploring its narrow streets and staying in a traditional teahouse.

 

Day 5: Pisang to Manang (3540m): 13 km 6-7 hours

 

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before continuing your journey to Manang. The trail will wind its way through alpine meadows and past ancient monasteries, offering panoramic views of Annapurna II and III. Arrive in the bustling village of Manang where you’ll spend two nights acclimatising to the altitude and resting your weary legs.

 

Day 6: Acclimatization day at Manang

 

Today is dedicated to rest and acclimatization as you prepare for the challenges ahead. Take a leisurely stroll around Manang or opt for a short hike to one of the nearby viewpoints for stunning panoramic views. Spend the day relaxing and hydrating, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.

 

Day 7: Trek to Khangsar Village (3734m): 10 km 5-6 hours

 

After a day of rest and acclimatisation it’s time to hit the trail again as you make your way to Khangsar Village. The trek will take you through rugged terrain and high mountain passes, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Arrive in Khangsar village, a remote village nestled amidst the towering cliffs, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

 

Day 8: Trek to Tilcho Lake Base Camp (4150m): 10 km 5-6 hours

 

Today the trail will lead you through rocky terrain and across high mountain passes as you ascend gradually towards higher altitudes to Tilicho Lake Base Camp. Arrive to a rugged outpost perched on the edge of the world's highest lake. This will be your base for the next two nights as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

 

Day 9: Trek to Tilcho Lake (4920m) & back to Tilcho Base Camp

 

Today is the day you've been waiting for – your chance to explore Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. Set out early in the morning, following the trail as it winds its way up to the shimmering waters of the lake. After soaking in the beauty of Tilicho Lake, retrace your steps back to Tilicho Lake Base Camp for the night.

 

Day 10: Tilicho Base Camp to Yak Kharka (4050m): 6 km 4-5 hours

 

Bid farewell to Tilicho Lake Base Camp as you continue your journey towards Yak Kharka. The trail will lead you through alpine meadows and across high mountain passes, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Arrive in Yak Kharka, a rustic settlement nestled amidst the mountains, and settle into your accommodation for the night.

 

Day 11: Yak Kharka to Phedi (4525): 5km 3-4 hours

 

Today's trek will take you from Yak Kharka to Phedi, the base of Thorong La Pass. The trail will lead you through rocky terrain and across high mountain passes, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Arrive in Phedi and rest for the night, preparing yourself mentally and physically for the challenge of crossing Thorong La Pass tomorrow.

 

Day 12: Thorong La Pass (5416m) via Muktinath & Drive to Jomsome

 

Today is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend to the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit – Thorong La Pass. It’s an early morning start today as we head onto the trail winding it’s way up the steep mountain slopes. Marvel at the breathtaking views as you climb higher and higher, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks stretching out before you. After reaching the summit of Thorong La Pass, take a moment to celebrate your achievement before beginning the descent to Muktinath. You’ll end the day resting from your challenging trek in Jomsom, a charming town nestled in the Kali Gandaki River Valley.

 

Day 13: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara: 6 hours driving

 

Say goodbye to the mountains as you drive away from Jomsom. Arrive in Pokhara and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after the trek. Spend the rest of the day exploring Pokhara’s serene lakeside surrounding and soaking in the stunning natural beauty of the region.

 

Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 7-8 hours driving

 

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the journey through the countryside, with stunning views of terraced fields, quaint villages, and snow-capped peaks. Spend your last evening in Nepal with a group dinner in Kathmandu recounting your favourite memories of your epic trek through the Himalayas.

 

Day 15: Farewell & Final Departure

 

After breakfast, a staff member will pick you up from the hotel and transfers you to the airport for the
final departure. We wish you a pleasant and safe flight back home and hope to see you soon again.