Bordering the famous ‘Annapurna Tour’, the valleys that we trek through will lead us from the sub-tropical climate of Pokhara Valley at 750m to the glaciers of Annapurna base camp at 4,130m. We will meet the people of Gurung and witness the landscapes that have fascinated many generations of mountaineers in the past.

These valleys have always provided a special passage for processions of yaks traveling from Tibet. Some of the most beautiful characteristics of the mythical Himalayas can be found here in a region that has remained truly wild: scores of terrace cultivations, emerald torrents, bamboo, pine and rhododendron forests and huge alpine pastures where yaks graze…

In the hills, the Gurungs have formed beautiful and ancient villages with stone and wood houses. Higher up, just next to the Tibetan border, the Samapa people of Tibetan origin, retain their traditional civilization at the foot of the magnificent summits of Himal Chuli, Kang Guru, Manaslu and the Annapurna peaks.

FEATURES OF THE TRIP

The highlights : The great diversity in the landscape we cross.   

       The stunning contrasts between the almost tropical low-lying valleys and the icy wastes of the Annapurna 

       base camp.

       The close up views of the Annapurna peaks. 

       We have a local contact to deal with any problems inherent to Nepal… 

       In order to avoid any problems due to altitude, a hyperbaric chamber is available.

Best time of year : End of September after the rainy season until the end of November.

Dates : Saturday 3 October to Sunday 18 October 2009

Number of days away : 16

Number of days hiking : 9

Highest altitude of the climb : 4,130m at the Annapurna base camp.

Levels : Fitness - you need to be very fit.

              Technical ability - this is a tour that is achievable by all as long as you have been training for it - 

              5 to 7  hours steady/gentle walking per day with a vertical ascent of 1000m.

              The two most important things to help you avoid the undesirable effects of altitude and give you 

              the maximum  chance of reaching the summit are:

              - walking at a very slow pace, even exaggeratedly slow so that you never get tired.

              - Drinking lots of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.

Number of participants : 6 to 8 people per guide with the exception of pre-formed groups which may be larger. 

Guides : A French guide accompanied by a local English-speaking guide, 2 assistant guides, a cooking team and 3 porters 

               per person.

Accommodation : In Katmandu we stay in a comfortable hotel.

                               During the trek we stay in lodges that are basic but more comfortable than a tent.

Formalities : French citizens need a passport that is valid for more than 6 months.

Equipment to be carried : All the climbs can be completed with a day pack. Travel bags are transported by  vehicles  or 

                                            porters.

Local transport : Minibuses or 4-wheel-drive vehicles are used for all transfers during the trip.

PRICE :   € 2490 per person  excluding flights. + Flight to Katmandu.

                 At the time we planned this trip, tickets cost approximately € 850.

Signing up : To sign up for one of the trips offered, please write to us or email us with: your name,  address, telephone   

                      number, name and dates of the trip you wish to join and your deposit  cheque.

                      You will receive a detailed specification sheet of the program accompanied with a registration form on      

                      which the payment methods will be indicated.

Air Travel : Please ask us for more information.

Further information : A specification sheet outlining the trip itinerary and list of equipment you need to bring is    

                                     available on request via email.