PreTrip Days: In transit from your home (Americans lose one day crossing the international date line). Fly to Kathmandu, changing planes in Bangkok, Delhi, Hong Kong or Singapore. Our staff will meet you at the Tribhuvan airport in Kathmandu (elevation 4,428 feet). Note that you must arrive in Kathmandu no later than November 21, 2010. If you arrive early we can arrange additional hotel nights and services for you on request.

Day 1: Group arrival in Kathmandu (4,423 feet). Our staff member greets you outside the secured area of the Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu with a sign displaying "Himalayan High Treks." You'll see him after you collect your luggage, proceed through Nepal customs and exit the secured area of the airport. From there it's just a half hour ride to a delightful smaller hotel in Kathmandu's Thamel neighborhood. After a chance to refresh and recover from your travel, you will be briefed on hygiene and other important health and safety precautions. Our hotel offers comfortable deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms (and that means good hot showers), telephone, wireless internet, room service, laundry service, free safety deposit box and luggage storage.

After time to settle–in, we'll soon enjoy the late afternoon light at the interesting Buddhist stupa of Swayambhunath (a stupa is a large dome and pyramid like structure containing religious relics). Swayambhunath is also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of the large band of monkeys that make it their home. At one time the Kathmandu Valley was a huge lake. Legend has it that the hill on which the monkey temple stands was once an island. There is evidence that the great Buddhist Emperor Ashoka visited the site 2,000 years ago. Later today, we enjoy a traditional Nepalese welcome dinner.(Dinner)

Day 2: Bodhnath & Pasupatinath. We start with a morning visit to Bodhnath, the largest stupa in Nepal and religious center for Tibetans living in Nepal. You'll hear monks chanting their prayers during morning services in the Gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) surrounding the stupa. We then visit the Hindu temples and burning ghats of Pasupatinath on the holy Bagmati River. Ghats are steps leading up from a river, such as bathing ghats where people wash themselves and their clothes. Hindus will cremate dead bodies on burning ghats in readiness for dissolution down the river. There are many fascinating sights all around you and it's interesting to absorb the local scene — including mischevous monkeys scurrying about the temple intent to devour leftover offerings. Afternoon and evening are available to visit nearby carpet factories and shops. You'll find many excellent restaurants throughout the neighborhood too. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3: It is a free day for you in Kathmandu with time to rest and check your gear. You'll have time to shop and wander the neighborhood on your own and acquaint yourself with your new surroundings. It's also a chance to begin to learn and practice a few words of Nepali. Our leader is making her last–minute group preparations today. (Breakfast)

Day 4: After breakfast, we take to the road for our beautiful drive to the trailhead at Pokhara (2,713 feet). The twisting 208 mile road first climbs up from the Kathmandu Valley and then drops down into fertile farming country. We follow along the Trisuli River for most of the way until the Marsyandi River joins us at Mugling. From Mugling our direction now follows the Marsyandi River to Dumre where we change compass again to follow the Seti Gandiki River. Depending on road conditions at trip time, we may even opt to fly instead of drive. The mountain panorama forms a superb backdrop to Phewa lake in Pokhara. We will be staying lakeside in a surprisingly comfortable hotel with small double rooms and delicious food. The distinctive sharp double peak of Machhapuchhre or "Fishtail" at 22,940 feet is easily visible to us. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: We start our trek today! First, we'll travel by road to Dhampus (5413 feet) in one and a half hours and then start our time on the trail. In a few hours walking we reach Potana (6236 feet) where we may stop for lunch. The Thakali's are a Nepali ethnic group famous as innkeepers on traditional trade routes where we will trek. While hiking it's often possible to see the Annapurnas, Manaslu and other mountains. We follow the crest of the ridge for some relatively easy up and down hiking through magnificent Oak and Rhododendron forests for a few more hours to reach Deurali Village. From there, we continue to the beautiful village of Lhandruk (5085 feet) and a cluster of small hotels where we spend the night. Lhandruk is a Gurung village. After a simple Thanksgiving dinner we'll discover why this route is called "the Apple Pie Trail." Hiking time today is about five hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Today we follow the North Modi Khola (khola means river) away from the main trail to Ghandruk. We'll pass through rice terraces and forests to reach Taglung, where we rejoin the main trail. We continue our trek to Chomrong (7000 feet), a prosperous Gurung village and the highest permanent settlement in the valley. Hiking time today is about six to seven hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Leaving Chomrong the trail descends on a stone staircase, crossing the Chromrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge. Continue though ancient Rhododendron forests with amazing trees (not bushes) fifty to sixty feet tall. The rhododendron is Nepal's national flower and it grows to tremendous proportions here. Spend the night at our lodge at Bamboo, located at about 7,600 feet. Hiking time today is about six to seven hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: From Bamboo we follow the canyon between the Machhapuchhare and the Annapurna ranges till we reach the small group of lodges, called Deurali, at 10,500 feet. Hiking time today is four to five hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Today we climb steeply up the side of the canyon, occasionally dipping to cross small streams on the way. As the trail continues climbing to the sanctuary, it meets the Modhi Khola. The trail follows the river to Bagar and then on to Machhapurchhare Base Camp (MBC). From here the views are astounding. You can see Annapurna I & III, Machapuchhare and many others. Overnight at the base camp near 12,200 feet. Hiking time today is about three hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Free day for acclimatization, complete rest or mild exploration at the spectacular Machapurhhare Base Camp. We are above tree line and the mountain views surround you in an endless panorama: Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091 meters) , Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Gangapurna (7,454 meters), and Machapuchhare. Machapuchhare or "Fish Tail" at 6,993 meters (22,943 feet) is revered by the local population and is off–limits to climbing.

Day 11: A short, two hour hike takes us to our lofty goal — Annapurna base camp at 12,800 feet! Expect that it should be cold and windy, plus there is often snow here. On the way we'll find Hinko Cave, where a huge overhanging ledge provides some protection against the cold rain and snow. Enjoy marvelous views of Machhapuchhare and wild alpine animals such as tahr and pika. Some people spend the night in the lodges here but we will prefer to return to Machhapurchhare Base Camp after enjoying the views as we'll feel more comfortable in the lodges there. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Today we return to Bamboo. The hiking is gentle as we descend and we should have no problem returning in just six or seven hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13: Leaving Bamboo, we pass from Chomrong to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a wonderful village inhabitated by Gurung an ethnic group well known for their work as Gurkha soldiers in the British army. We'll find a village museum, Gurung Buddhist Monastery and headquarters of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Trekking time today is about four hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14: Trek from Ghandruk down to the trailhead at Sayaulibazar in about three hours. Our drivers will be waiting for us for our return to Pokhara, which takes two hours. It's free time in the afternoon for showers and rest, with dinner on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 15: Enjoy a free day exploring Pokhara and tonight we'll rejoin to attend a cultural program and a celebration dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 16: Today it's off To Chitwan National Park. We'll depart early for our scenic four–to–five hour drive to Chitwan (the road may be in poor condition with slow going). We'll arrive for a late lunch and with time to stretch by meandering in a nearby village before starting our magical elephant ride to view wildlife. Enjoy the ride of your life as you go 'elephant-back' into the heart of Chitwan National Park's dense jungle. From this lofty perch, you will move quietly in search of the abundant wildlife in the verdant green background surrounding you. Ride time today is between one and two hours. After our return, it's time for a well–deserved rest before a fine dinner. In the cool of the evening, members of a local tribal village often perform traditional dances and songs. Overnight at our comfortable jungle lodge, nestled inside the lush Chitwan National Park refuge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 17: Our day starts early to head–out on todays exploration. It's breakfast "take–away" (breakfast boxes) for us as we depart by jeep headed to the banks of the Rapti River. We'll cross streams and traverse meadows before we arrive to meet our elephants. Back high–up on our perch, we'll move effortlessly through lush vegetation as we visit the Elephant Breeding Center. After a surprising journey through this unique center, we'll pause on the banks of the Rapti to finish breakfast before launching on our two–hour canoe trip along some of the best scenic river areas of the Chitwan. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 18: Enjoy some morning bird watching or an optional jungle walk. Then we'll catch a quick flight returning to Kathmandu. Enjoy a free afternoon to shower and make use of the hotel's inexpensive laundry service. Enjoy some optional sightseeing of Durbar Square in Kathmandu and dinner on your own. This wonderful historic center is only about a 20–30 minute walk from our hotel and easy to explore. Eat dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the neighborhood around the guesthouse. (Breakfast)

Day 19: In the morning we'll rejoin together to enjoy a sightseeing trip to Bhaktapur. An impressive World Heritage site, Bhaktapur offers rich culture with many temples and artworks made from wood, metal and stone. Enjoy a visit to a local painters workshop as well as visits of outdoor potters during our car–free walk around the town. You'll have free time in the afternoon for last minute shopping. Tonight we will enjoy a festive farewell celebratory dinner presented in the finest traditional Tibetan style. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 20: After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to our Nepal adventure crew as we transfer to the airport for our return home. It is important to arrive at the airport about three hours before your scheduled departure time in order to accommodate all formalities for your departure home. (Breakfast)

PostTrip Departure: Return travel home. Those in the Americas typically arrive home on the same day with the reverse travel across the International Date Line.

Important Notes: This is meant only as a guide to what our days will be like. Changes may be made as we go along and depend upon local conditions, our acclimatization and health. It should be noted that this is a moderately challenging trek. Good health, a normal level of fitness (regular exercise), and a positive attitude are a "must" for enjoyment. Sturdy vehicles will be provided to and from the road heads. However, this kind of travel is not for those who are prone to car sickness or who are afraid of heights. The areas visited are remote and there are no reliable sources of medical care outside of Kathmandu.

Travel Details: If you arrange your air travel, note that you must arrive in Kathmandu no later than November 21, 2009 and you may not depart earlier than the afternoon of December 10, 2010. You can arrive early or stay late for more sightseeing options in Nepal. We can help to arrange your additional accommodations and tours along with guides and transportation — whatever you need!. Ask us for specifics. Please refer to the booking information section of our application form for more information.