Scenic Valleys of Bhutan – 08 Days

Day	Program	Places	Attitude	Walking / driving duration
01	Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel	Kathmandu
02	Fly to Pokhara (25 min)  and trek from Phedi to Dhampus	Dhampus	1650 m	3 hrs walking
03	Trek from Dhampus to Landruk	Landruk	1620 m	6 hrs walking
04	Trek from Landruk to Chhomrong	Chhomrong	2210 m	6 hrs walking
05	Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan	Dovan	2600 m	7 hrs walking
06	Trek from Dovan to Macchappuchare Base Camp	MBC	3700 m	7 hrs walking
07	Trek from MBC to Annapurna Base Camp	ABC	4130 m	2 ½  hrs walking
08	Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo	Bamboo	2400 m	6 hrs walking
09	Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda	Jhinu Danda	1760 m	6 hrs walking
10	Trek from Jhinu Danda to Naya Pul & drive to Pokhara	Pokhara	825 m	6 hrs walking
11	Pokhara to Kathmandu by drive	Kathmandu	1356 m	7 hrs driving
12	Depart Kathmandu

Cost Include

Transport, Entrance Fee, Guide, etc

• Welcome with flower garland by our representative upon arrival
• Airports pick up and drop by private vehicle in Kathmandu transfers
• One half day tour with an English speaking guide by a private vehicle in Kathmandu
• Pokhara/Kathmandu by tourist deluxe bus including lunch
• Monument entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
• Free Natraj Trekking Kit Bag

Accommodations

• 02 nights accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu (as per the choice of package)
• 01 night accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara(as per the choice of package)
• 24.3% VAT and Service Charge

Airfare

• Airfare Kathmandu/ Lukla/Kathmandu

Trekking Portion

• 08 nights accommodation at local lodge (Teahouse) during the trek
• All tours and transfers to and from trekking point by a private vehicle
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the entire trek
• Services of an experienced trekking guide and one porter to every two trekkers during the trek
• TIMS CARD FEE
• Annapurna Area Conservation Fee (ACAP)
• Insurance for trek guide and porters

Cost Exclude

• International Airfare
• Nepal Visa Fee
• Personal expenses (Tips, beverage, laundry, telephone call, etc)
• Travel Insurance/ Emergency Evacuation Cost
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara

The above rates are valid till December 31, 2013

Note: The price does not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.

DEPARTURE DATES

We will easily organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date Please send us an e-mail at [email protected] for the package cost

PRICE

Standard Hotels Option (3 star)		Superior  Hotels Option (4 star)		Deluxe  Hotels Option (5 star)
Group Size	Cost in USD Per Person	Group Size	Cost in USD Per Person	Group Size	Cost in USD Per Person
01 Person	US$ 1220	01 Person	US$1330	01 Person	US$1420
02 Person	US$855	02 Person	US$930	02 Person	US$970
03-05 Person	US$825	03-05 Person	US$895	03-05 Person	US$940
06-09 Person	US$745	06-09 Person	US$820	06-09 Person	US$860
10-14 Person	US$700	10-14 Person	US$775	10-14 Person	US$815
15 & above Person	US$675	15 & above Person	US$750	15 & above Person	US$790
Single supplement	US$80	Single supplement	US$120	Single supplement	US$170

Standard Hotel Option (3 Star)

Places	Name of the Hotel	Website
Kathmandu	Hotel Manaslu or similar	www.hotelmanaslu.com
Pokhara	Base Camp Resort or similar	www.basecampresort.com

Superior Hotel Option (4 Star)

Places	Name of the Hotel	Website
Kathmandu	The Shanker Hotel or similar	www.shankerhotel.com.np
Pokhara	Temple Tree Resort & Spa or similar	www.templetreenepal.com

Deluxe Hotel Option (5 Star)

Places	Name of the Hotel	Website
Kathmandu	Hotel Yak & Yeti or similar	wwww.yakandyeti.com

Equipment Check List for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

You are advised to consider the following equipments as essentials while packing for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be done according to your needs, interests, duration of your trip, season of your trip, etc. You can find variety of these gears to hire or buy in Kathmandu.

Please remember that at the start of the trek, apart from your day pack, your luggage that will be carried by porters should have weight limitation of approximately 12 kg.

Head:

• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses with UV protection

Upper Body:

• T-shirts
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket

Hands

• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)

Lower Body:

• Under Garments
• Hiking shorts
• Lightweight cotton long pants
• Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
• Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet:

• Hiking boots with spare laces
• Thin, lightweight inner socks
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks
• Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp

Accessories

• Sleeping bag rated to -15 Degree Celsius degrees
• Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
• Basic First Aid Kit (Personal medicine)
• Large plastic bags - for keeping items dry inside trek bag
• Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
• Trekking Poles /Water bottles
• Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)
• Ear Plug

Toiletries

• 1 medium sized quick drying towel
• Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Feminine hygiene products
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti bacterial hands wash

Extras/Luxuries

• Binoculars/ Reading book/Trail Map/Guide book
• Pencils and small notebooks

Walking Grades and Fitness

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is graded as Moderate Trek and suitable for all walkers who have the capability to walk at least 6-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Some days, you may even need to walk more than above. Walking in higher altitude is physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if you are in a good health with average physical fitness and have positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, you can achieve the 12-day Annapurna Base Camp Trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip is a good idea to improve your strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an advantage but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital that you consult with your doctor before you decide and set up for the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform Natraj Trekking before booking the trek.

Lodges/teahouses in trekking

Our accommodation whilst on trek on twin room sharing basis in a simple locally run lodges, known as teahouses and it's a great pleasure to support these small local businesses. Rooms are simply furnished with just a bed and occasionally a small table. You will need to bring a sleeping bag. Please note, normally washing and toilet facilities are shared and may be in a separate part of the teahouse or outside. It's great to enjoy the company of your fellow travellers and share a tale with other trekkers in the evening in the dining area.

If you are a solo traveler, you will share a room with someone else of same sex of your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single rooms on request by paying extra as indicated on cost section. But, you need to understand that in teahouses/lodges of higher elevation area single room is not always possible. We guarantee single room in Kathmandu & Pokhara only. During your trek single room is not possible

Meals & drinking water

On this trek we provide standard breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea or coffee will also be included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water (extra cost to be paid) and treat with water purification pills.

Luggage while trekking

During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 kg. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel's safekeeping. You may also leave your extra things at your hotel which is not required for your trek in your main luggage. Please note that we will provide complimentary kit bag for you before your trek starts so that you can pack all your necessary things.

Trekking crew

On tea house trek you will be accompanied by a team of local crew whose aim is to make the trek as comfortable and enjoyable as much possible. The crew consists of a trek guide/leader and a team of porters to carry all your gear. On average, there will be a ratio of one porter to every two trekkers.

The most important thing that makes your Trek successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek guide and the crew members with ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by experienced trek guide. All of our trekking guides/leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.

Typical day on trek

Each morning after packing our bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the day's walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day's adventures, before heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.

Personal expenses

On this trek breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided during your trek. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).

Meeting and greeting in Kathmandu

You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a 'meeting and greeting' service at the Kathmandu Airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your baggage where you will see our representative /guide standing with a placard that states Natraj Trekking' with your own name.

Climate & best time to go

Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature. However, please note, there may be snowfall / avalanches during the winter.

Itinerary changes

Depending on the prevailing situation, itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your trek guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.

Nepal Visa

All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.

If you are obtaining Nepal Visa upon arrival (please note that some of nationalities cannot get visa upon arrival), please be noted that Nepal Visa Application Form can be received through us by e-mail. Two passport size photo graphs are required and following visa fee to be paid at the airport as per your stay in Nepal

Visa Facility			Duration 		Fee
Multiple Entry  		15 Days 		US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple Entry  		30 Days 		US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple Entry  		90 Days			US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency
Note: Please note that visa fees and rules are subject to change.

Rescue/evacuations

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.

Insurance

It is recommended of joining any of Natraj Trekking trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we do not arrange or sell insurance. Altitude 4130m to be covered by Insurance Company

Why with Natraj Trekking

Natraj Trekking is the one of the leading and oldest trekking agency in Nepal since 1967. We organize Tibet, Bhutan & India tour as well. We excel in this field because we genuinely love what we do and are committed to providing you with the best services as we commit you.

Responsible travel

The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. At Natraj Trekking, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible.

Care for porters and staffs

We make sure that all porters and all other staff climbing in high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We also ensure that the porters we hire are insured. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG- www.ippg.net).

Know before you go

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships.

Tipping

Tipping is the accepted way of saying 'thank you' for good service. Tips do not form part of the wages of your guides, porters and trek crew but they are very much appreciated. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. Normally the tips are given at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Most groups will give the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work.