The Flora & Fauna Trek

A great introduction to trekking in the Nepal Himalaya, suitable for any time of year.  The highest altitude involved on this easy / moderate trek is about 2500m, but for most of the time there are a number of 7-8000m peaks almost within touching distance, a spectacular Himalayan trek.  Part of this route takes us through forest, which should give the opportunity to see exotic flora, fauna (in particular monkeys) and birds. 

The trail takes us throughout the inhabited area that is part of the famous Annapurna Sanctuary trek and then joins the south west section of the Annapurna Circuit. Staying in the lodges run by the Gurung and various other local people, you will get to know them quite well. 

This is known as Teahouse Trekking, it is the style where you and the guide stay and eat at established lodges along the trail. You can do this trek with Sonam (a Tibetan from Tarshi Palkhiel refugee camp who is paid a salary by Muir's Tours) as your guide.  Sonam is a graduate in Languages and has taught the monks at Tarshi Palkhiel for many years and now he makes Muir's Tours clients very happy with his knowledge of the area and the culture etc.

Sample Itinerary (we will work with you to tailor make your ideal trek)               Travel Advice

Day 01 Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.  Overnight at your hotel.

Day 02  Free time in Kathmandu to relax or see the sights. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 03 Kathmandu to Pokhara   Take a tourist class bus to Pokhara (6 + hours).  You will be met by Sonam after and taken to the guest house at the Tibetan settlement. Overnight at the Tibetan guest house.

Day 04 Trekking  After a very light breakfast we go to the monastery where you will be ushered inside to observe the daily puja (prayers) at 6 am.  Depart by taxi for a short ride to Phedi where your trek begins.  Starting off very slowly (to warm your muscles) you go up a long set of stone steps (2 hours) to reach Dhampus to be greeted by a stunning panorama of the southern end of the Annapurna massif.  After lunch continue to Landruk and stay overnight in the Lali Gurans (Rhodedendron) Guest House. 

Day 05 Trekking   We have been following the Modi Khola at a high level and today we drop down to the river and back up the other side to get to Ghandruk.  Take lunch here and wander round a little.  There are two small museums (like our buses - there are few elsewhere, then two come along) about the local culture.  You should visit the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) headquarters for the very detailed information - local geology and also the conservation work.  From here we take a long route to Ghoripani, via Tadapani, heading north first then west on reaching Khumrong Danda.  Through the forest where you will hear and hopefully see monkeys, but certainly exotic birds and on to Tadapani for the night.

Day 06 Trekking   The day starts with a wonderful wooded walk down to a small river and on towards the village of Banthanti.  We then follow another small river, with little in the way of views, but exciting as it is so different to the airy trails of the last few days.  Continue on with a break for lunch at any of the frequently found lodges towards Deurali (means village at a pass - there are many with the same name around the country).  From here the trail continues downhill towards Ghoripani (the horse watering place - pani = water & ghori = horse) which has been a major stopping place for centuries.  The lodges though are all 1970 - 2000 vintage, of course and are very good quality.  Go to bed early if you plan to get up and walk to the top of Poon Hill for the sunrise, as so many people do.  Make sure you watch the sunset just in case you do not go to Poon Hill.

Day 07 Trekking   After Poon Hill (if you made it out of bed early enough), we will take it easy today.  Downhill most of the way to the village of Ulleri with its fine views of the Annapurna massif as well as the valley below.

Day 08 Trekking   Ulleri is atop a stone staircase of 3300 or so steps and the reason for staying at Ulleri is apparant by the time you reach the bottom - fresh legs are best for this desent.  The other half of this 5 hour trek today is along a valley, passing through Birethanti and eventually arriving at Nayapul.  Ride on top of the local bus back to Pokhara.  Overnight at the Nanohana Guest House.

Spare Time ? - pre book any number of nights in a Pokhara hotel of your choice.  From £4 / $6 to £60 / $100. 

Day 09   An early start to take the tourist bus back to Kathmandu. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 10  Transfer to the airport.  Depart for home.

                                                                                                                     Travel Advice

Price Indication per person:     Email for current price

1 person - GBP266 / USD533

2 people - GBP206 / USD322

3 or 4 people - GBP180 / USD281

Porter to carry your main backpack - GBP8 / USD13 a day each porter who can carry a maximum load of 20Kg (limited by Muir's Tours).  This cover his food, lodgings and pay.

Teahouse Style - we provide a properly equipped and experienced guide / porter.  With the help of the guide you arrange accommodation and food as you go (about GBP7 - 10 / USD14 - 16 per day). This is for individuals or up to 4 in a group, sharing a guide, (a porter is extra).
 
Dates
These trips are run on a number of occasions during the year, let us know when you would like to go and how many days you wish to be trekking / resting.   Favored periods - March / April (flowers in bloom - some cloud) & Mid October - Mid December (clearest skies).  Book early if you want this period and also the next most popular period of March and April.
 
What is included 
We provide a properly equipped and experienced guide / porter.  With the help of the guide you arrange accommodation and food as you go. This is for individuals or up to 4 in a group, each with a guide / porter. Kathmandu hotels with breakfast only. 

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Kathmandu and does not include international airfare and departure taxes.  The guide is not paid to carry your pack (porters are available, at extra cost).  Trekking Permits and National Park / Protected area fees / local taxes. Lunch and evening meals while in Kathmandu or Pokhara and for tea house trekkers - no food or accommodation whilst trekking. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.