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Hidden Annapurnas - Khopra Ridge Trek

Nepal
View Dates & Prices
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
MODERATE MODERATE

A new trekking holiday in Nepal on quiet trails and with some of the best Annapurna views

Trip Code: KRT
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Hidden Annapurnas - Khopra Ridge Trek

Highlights
  • A spectacular trek on Khopra Ridge in the foothills of the Annapurnas
  • Combines many of the colourful landscapes that make Nepal so special
  • Experience two of the best Himalayan viewpoints at Muldai and Mohare Danda
  • Forest, farmland, isolated villages and stunning ridge-walking
  • FREE Sleeping bag and down jacket hire is available for this holiday
At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 14
  • 9 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 4000 metres
  • Join In Kathmandu
Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 3 nights Hotel
  • 8 nights Lodge
Overview

Close to Pokhara and to sections of the well-known Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Circuit trekking routes, this is in fact a brand new itinerary. Taking advantage of a number of newly built community lodges, it penetrates some very exciting ridge and valley landscape on the south-western edge of the mighty Annapurna Massif. Generally at quite moderate elevations and not involving long days of trekking, this is a perfect trek either for a first visit to Nepal or for a different perspective on the country for repeat visitors. We start out in the Modi Khola, hiking up to Ghandruk and Tadapani, before heading out into the largely unknown; trekking through rhododendron forest and across open, grassy ridges used by local shepherds and their livestock.

The focus of this first part of the trek is Khopra Ridge and its extension towards the sacred Khayer Lake, a site of pilgrimage for Hindus during the summer months. The highest of the lodges we use is at the isolated hamlet of Khopra (3640m), an ‘eagle's nest’ perched on a ridge and offering views of Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m) and a host of other snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Then, from Swanta, we continue into a rarely-visited area on the south side of Poon Hill, trekking through forest and farmland and along high ridge trails with an overnight at the community lodge at Mohare Danda (3300m). This is another spectacular viewpoint and the perfect place to experience that Himalayan sunrise - just like Poon Hill, but without the crowds. This holiday shows off Nepal and its range of colourful landscapes really well. It has a mix of popular and well-known locations (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Ghandruk, Tadapani) as well as more than a week of trekking on trails that have only very recently come to the attention of the world's adventure travellers.

Is this holiday for you?

This short and not-too-challenging walking holiday in Nepal takes place at relatively modest elevation and on paths that are mostly well-maintained and in good condition. After a short first stage to the lodge at Ghandruk, there are 8 days which will each involve around 5 hours of walking, with between 400 and 900 metres of accumulated ascent. You will encounter sections of stone steps and, especi …

This short and not-too-challenging walking holiday in Nepal takes place at relatively modest elevation and on paths that are mostly well-maintained and in good condition. After a short first stage to the lodge at Ghandruk, there are 8 days which will each involve around 5 hours of walking, with between 400 and 900 metres of accumulated ascent. You will encounter sections of stone steps and, especially in forested areas, there may be slippery underfoot conditions. For most of the trek you will be at or a little above 3000 metres elevation and this will have an effect on your physical performance. Regular hillwalkers should find this trek to be well within their capabilities.

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Why KE?

This short, but very sweet holiday includes all of the elements that combine to make Nepal the world's No.1 trekking destination. Quiet trekking trails, colourful traditional villages and soaring Himalayan peaks. Close to Pokhara, it actually covers a lot of new ground!
Wanderlust Magazine: Best Trips 2018 Listed.

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Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

Your holiday starts at the hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the immediate vicinity of the hotel and get acclimatised to this bustling city. Alternatively, you may prefer to recover from your journey by relaxing at the hotel. Your guide will take dinner with you and will provide an informal briefing about the days ahead.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D
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After breakfast in the hotel we take a bus to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for the 30 minute flight to Pokhara. It is a most interesting flight, with the peaks of the Greater Himalaya clearly visible through the right-hand window as we travel westwards. Particularly prominent are Manaslu and the Annapurna group as we approach the airport at Pokhara. Getting off the plane into the heat of Pokhara is impressive, as is the sight of the snow peaks of the Annapurna Himal which form the skyline to the north. At the airport we meet our transport and set off on the 45 kilometre drive to the start of our trek. Heading westwards from Pokhara, we reach the Modi Khola River at Nayapul and turn up this valley on a deteriorating road which takes us through Birethanti and up to Kimche (1640m). This drive will take around 3 hours. Arriving at Kimche, we meet our porters and crew and set off on a short first stage of trekking. The trail meanders across the valley side to Chane and here the panorama opens out with great views of the Annapurnas and of the sacred peak Machapuchhre (6997m). We overnight at the village of Ghandruk (1940m).

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

325 M

Descent

25 M

Time

2 hrs trekking

Distance

3 KM
Hide Details

Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung villages in the area and each family is proud to have at least one family member who has served in the Gurkha Regiment of the British Army. We will take the time to explore the village, which has a number of temples and museums, before setting off on the day's walk to Tadapani (a name that means 'far from water' in the Nepali language). Our route takes us up towards the ridge of the Komrong Danda and along a scenic trail through the villages of Melanche and Chuile with, once again, great mountain views towards the north. We pass through impressive rhododendron forest in places and reach Tadapani in the middle of the afternoon. Situated on the crest of the ridge, this pretty settlement commands great views of the Modi Khola Valley and of the peaks of Annapurna 3 and Gangapurna.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

800 M

Descent

95 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM
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After breakfast at our lodge we set out on the main trail heading westwards towards Ghorepani. After little more than a kilometre, however, at the place known as Liui Kharka (2680m), we take a right turn onto a trail used rarely by anyone other than local people. The path climbs through rhododendron forest and by way of a number of clearings used by people from Tadapani to graze their livestock. During the spring when the rhododenrons are in bloom this part of the trek is particularly colourful. Rising above the trees, the Annapurna sky-line is simply magnificent. We reach our simple community lodge at Dobato (Isharu) (3460m) in the early afternoon.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

830 M

Descent

80 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

7 KM
Hide Details

We will have a pre-breakfast start this morning for the hike up to the viewpoint at Muldai (3640m), aiming to get up there to witness the spectacular sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machapuchhre. This is an even better viewpoint than Poon Hill (which we will see in a few days) and the likelihood is that we will have the place to ourselves. Returning to the lodge at Dobato after a couple of hours, we will have breakfast and then set off on the day's walk to Chistibung. This is a great section of trekking along a grassy ridge with a number of herders' huts and (probably) grazing dzos which are a cross between a cow and a yak. Then, crossing a low col, we descend through rhododendron forest to a river (2600m) before re-ascending, again amongst rhododendrons, to Chistibung (3020m).

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

435 M

Descent

900 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

9 KM
Hide Details

Once again, we trek up amongst rhododendrons, passing a sacred pool and continuing on a trail that meanders between boulders to a promontary with a superb view across to Dhaulagiri. Shortly thereafter we reach the lodge on Khopra Ridge (3640m) which commands another fantastic panorama; both of giant Himalayan peaks and down into the depths of the Kali Gandaki Valley. After lunch at the lodge, there is the option in the afternoon to make the return hike up towards the pilgrimage site of Khayer Lake (4025m). This is an airy walk on a ridge line that rises above Kopra towards the east and our objective is to reach a fine viewpoint at around 4000 metres. We return to spend the night at the community lodge on Khopra Ridge.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

650 M

Descent

20 M

Time

3 - 4 hrs trekking

Distance

3 KM
Hide Details

Setting out today, we follow a path which descends steeply through an area known for its wildlife. Keep a look out for Himalayan tahr, a hairy species of goat, and for the very colourful monal pheasant, Nepal's national bird. Reaching the rhododendron forest close to the lodge at Chistibung, we cross a wooden bridge and continue our descent on a well-marked trail to the terraced rice fields and pretty house of Swanta (2200m). The thriving primary school here is in part supported by the local community lodges that we have been using during the last few days.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

225 M

Descent

1700 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM
Hide Details

Today's trek starts out amongst rice fields as our route descends to a small river where there is a water powered flour mill serving the needs of several nearby settlements. From here, we cross the main Annapurna Circuit trail (which leads up to always-busy Ghorepani) and continue in a southerly direction on a trail that traverses through rhododendron and oak forest and crosses open grazing areas with great views towards the north-west of Dhaulagiri and its satellite peaks. Beyond the indistinct pass at Nakako Bisaune we reach our lunch stop at the small hamlet of Phulbari (2925m). Then, after lunch, we trek up onto the prominent ridge on the south side of Poon Hill and follow this, still heading south, to the community lodge at Mohare Danda (3300m). This is an amazing viewpoint (arguably even better than Poon Hill) and Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Machapuchhare, Hiunchuli, the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak are just the most prominent of the peaks we can see. We can also catch a distant glimpse of Phewa Tal, the lake at Pokhara.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

950 M

Descent

150 M

Time

6 hrs trekking

Distance

12 KM
Hide Details

There will be an early wake-up call for those who want to experience the Himalayan sunrise at this magical spot; the gradual illumination of mighty Dhaulagiri, from silver grey, to pink, to the most brilliant white, is arguably the highlight. Then after a leisurely breakfast, we continue our walk, southwards along an impressive ridge, open at first and then forested with a number of clearings. We make an easy ascent to a high point on the ridge at the Hampal Pass (2990m) where the ground drops away quite steeply into the Kali Gandaki Valley between Baglung et Beni. From here, we make a long and steady descent towards the south-east on a well-marked path to the isolated village of Lespar (2100m). We should reach our lodge in time for lunch and have the afternoon free to rest, to explore and to take in the ambience of the village.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

200 M

Descent

1200 M

Time

4 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM
Hide Details

To enable us to reach Pokhara by mid to late afternoon, we will make our usual reasonably early start on this final short and picturesque trekking day. The trail traverses the south side of the valley of the Pati Khola and passes through a mix of forest and farmland. There are a number of small settlements, including Keng and Kunjari, and plenty of opportunity to interact with the local people. After a pleasant morning's walk, we reach Patichaur on the Baglung to Pokhara road, where we say goodbye to our trek crew and board our waiting vehicles for the 2-hour ride to Pokhara. After checking in to our comfortable hotel close to Phewa Tal, there should be some time to wander by the lake or to sit in the garden of one of the excellent lakeside restaurants and admire the view of the Annapurnas. Compared to Kathmandu, Pokhara is a very laid-back town and is the perfect place to relax at the end of our trek. Pokhara also has a deserved reputation for great restaurants and this evening we will go out for a celebratory meal.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

100 M

Descent

1000 M

Time

4 hrs trekking

Distance

8 KM
Hide Details

We take the morning flight to Kathmandu. Take it easy at the hotel in the afternoon or do some independent sightseeing. One of the attractions of any visit to Nepal is the chance to walk the streets of Kathmandu, which presents a fascinating mosaic of shops, cafes and restaurants, food markets and street vendors, as well as a bewildering array of colourful temples and shrines. This evening we will have a dinner in one of Kathmandu's excellent restaurants.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided. To extend your holiday in Nepal, why not pre-book a day's sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley, or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. Contact our office for details.

Meals

B
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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional and qualified Nepalese tour leader
  • Kathmandu Airport transfers
  • Internal flights and all land transport involved in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as described
  • All meals
  • Once on trek the group will be assisted by porters and a local guide
  • FREE Sleeping bag and down jacket hire is available for this holiday on request

  • Travel Insurance
  • Nepalese Visa
  • Tips for porters and other trek staff
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

The group will meet at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Transfers are provided from/to Kathmandu Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12. While staying in Kathmandu and in Pokhara meals will be taken in the hotel or at a local restaurant. On trek the group will take their evening meals at the lodges. Normally this will be a set meal for the whole group. Boiled or purified water is available at all the lodges we stay at. Bottled water is also available to purchase (at additional cost) but we do not recommend this on grounds of environmental care.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Typical meals provided in the lodges will include some Nepali dishes but also international cuisine from pizza and chips to apple pie. To ensure that the group can eat together, we order meals in advance and your trip leader will arrange a set menu for the group, which will alternate daily between local and international dishes. Breakfast will usually be porridge, eggs, bread and a hot drink, lunch will be a simple meal with a hot drink, and dinner will be 3 courses consisting of soup, main meal and a simple pudding. Boiled drinking water will be provided at breakfast, lunch and dinner. In Kathmandu and in Pokhara we take our meals in the hotel and also in the excellent local restaurants which offer dishes from all around the world.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

In Kathmandu we use a range of excellent hotels including the new and very comfortable 4 star Aloft Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers a range of first-class facilities including fast and free WiFi and a spa and fitness centre. Staying here, you can be assured of a restful start and finish to your time in Nepal. The group will also spend 1 night in Pokhara at a centrally-located tourist-class hotel. Whilst on trek there are 8 nights spent in simple lodges. Nepalese trekking lodges are simple, friendly and atmospheric. As they are far from the nearest road is it not surprising that they are simple establishments as everything must be carried up by porters or animals. Whilst some lodges have heated dining areas, bedrooms tend to be quite basic and are unheated with wooden beds and foam mattress. You will need a sleeping bag. The lodges have shared washing and toilet facilities. Some lodges have solar powered showers (charged at $4 - $5 per shower) and battery charging facilities (also charged at a rate per hour). Staying at the lodges is a great way to meet fellow hikers and the locals. Most accommodation is arranged on a twin sharing basis and if you are travelling by yourself you will room with another single traveller of the same sex. Please note that at some of the of the places we stay above Tadapani we may have to use multi-bedded rooms. Where this is the case, the group will be split amongst the available rooms and this could be unsegregated male/female. For the 3 hotel nights single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu can also be pre-booked.

The group will be led by a professional and qualified Nepalese tour leader, assisted by an experienced team including Sherpa guides and porters.

This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies.

Approximately £150 to £200 (or equivalent in US dollars, Euros etc.) changed into local currency, should be sufficient for miscellaneous personal expenses including porter and trek crew tips, beer and soft drinks. It is not necessary to obtain local currency (Nepali rupees) prior to departure. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in Nepal. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash, since you will exchange the majority of this on the day of your arrival in Kathmandu. If you prefer not to carry all of your spending money in cash, it is possible to withdraw money (rupees only) from ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara using your debit or credit card. During the trek it is possible to buy snacks, chocolate, tea, coffeee, soft drinks and beer on most days. Please be aware that since everything has to be carried up, these items become more expensive as you gain altitude.

Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally the porters and any other trek staff are given their tips at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Your Nepali tour leader will advise the group on an appropriate level of tipping. Most groups will hand out the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the holiday. As a guide, we recommend that each group member contributes around £50 (in rupees) to these tips. At the end of their trek many people also like to donate various items of equipment to the porters and trek staff who work so hard to make the trip a success. Boots, gloves, hats, scarves and even socks are always warmly received by the porters. Your tour leader will make arrangements for a fair distribution (possibly by raffle) amongst the trek crew. Please note that you will have the opportunity to tip your tour leader separately (and additionally) during dinner on the final evening of the holiday.

Our holidays are normally designed with minimal 'down time' at the start of the trip, but having a day or two at the beginning will have the additional benefit of allowing you time to get over the stress of a long journey or travelling across time zones, leaving you refreshed and ready for your holiday. We can easily arrange for you to have additional nights and airport transfers.

Your main item of luggage should be a sturdy kit bag, duffle bag or similar. This will be carried during the trek by porters or pack animals and must weigh no more than 15kg. If you are picking up a sleeping bag and down jacket from KE in Kathmandu, you need to factor in the weight of these items (around 3kg) and allow space in your bag for them. You should also take on your holiday a daypack of approximately 30 litres capacity. It is possible to leave items not required on trek at the hotel in Kathmandu. For your international flights, please check the baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you are travelling via India (Delhi or Calcutta) to your destination you may also require a visa for India. This may apply even if you are not leaving the airport unless your baggage has been checked all the way through to your destination. Generally, if you use the same carrier for both legs of your journey, you will not need an India Visa. Please download the detailed information document: Visa PDF India.

Visa Nepal

All nationalities require a visa. The visa process is partly automated and the fee is $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, $125 for 90 days. The visa is FREE for children under 10 years. The visa allows multiple re-entry. Payment must be made in cash and USD, GBP or Euros are accepted.

Part of this on-arrival visa process involves filling in a ‘Tourist Visa Application Form’ and you can simplify the procedure at Kathmandu Airport by filling this form in online (within 15 days of travelling) at this link. This generates a receipt which you present (hard copy or saved on your phone) on arrival. This should allow you to go straight to the cashier to pay for your visa and has the potential to save you time in the visa queue.

Whilst these are not now needed for the visa process, we recommend that you travel with at least 2 spare passport photographs.


TREKKING PERMITS – WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU ?

For treks in the Everest region – EBL, EVL, EHW, ELL - we need your passport details and we need you to take with you to Nepal 2 passport photographs. You will hand these over to your local leader on Day 1.

For treks in the Annapurna region – ASL, ACL, UAT, ANL and for the Gosainkund and Langtang Trek - GLT – we need your passport details and we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself. Please send this to us once your holiday is guaranteed.

For these Conservation Area treks and other treks requiring Special Permits – KAN, DLG, NAP – we need to send through to Nepal ahead of your departure a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself and a scan of the information pages of your passport. Please send these to us once your holiday is guaranteed. On arrival in Kathmandu you will still be required to provide your passport (with your visa) for presentation at the Nepal Tourism Board. Your passport will be returned to you by your tour leader at dinner.

For those trips requiring Climbing Permits – MER, IPC, CTL, YAR - we need to send to Nepal ahead of your departure, a scan of a passport-style photograph of yourself and a scan of the information pages of your passport. Please send these to us once your holiday is guaranteed. On arrival in Kathmandu, for YAR and for CTL, you will still be required to provide your passport (with your visa) for presentation at the Nepal Tourism Board. Your passport will be returned to you by your tour leader at dinner.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid.

Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a trekking holiday getting some additional exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. We suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your trip. Regular hiking in hill country is the best training but jogging, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina. Note that you will encounter a lot of steps on the trail while ascending the Modi Khola valley and you might wish to tailor your exercise to take this into account. Whatever your preparation you should make time to spend at least a few days prior to your trip making long walks in hilly country. It is also a good idea to do some reading about the country and the culture of the local people before you embark on an adventure holiday.

October to November and March to May are the best times for trekking in Nepal. These months either side of the summer monsoon season are neither too hot in the foothills nor too cold in the higher elevations and they offer the best conditions for trekking. Pre-monsoon is the best time to see the colourful blooms of the rhododendron at lower elevations. The post-monsoon months usually offer the clearest skies and the most settled weather. At either of these periods you will encounter a wide range of daytime temperatures during your trip from approximately 25ºC in Kathmandu and a little higher in Pokhara to approximately 14ºC at 3000 metres, and approximately 7ºC up on Khopra Ridge. The ‘real feel’ temperature in the middle of the day will be much warmer than this but at night in the rarefied air the temperatures plummet and you can expect to experience overnight temperatures below freezing anywhere above 3000 metres. At our highest overnight stopping places, the night time temperature might fall to –5ºC or, exceptionally, below this. Extended periods of rain or snow are very unlikely outside of the monsoon period but short lived storms can and do occur.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Lonely Planet Guide to Nepal. Lonely Planet

  • Rough Guide to Nepal. Rough Guides

  • Trekking and Climbing in Nepal. Steve Razzetti

  • Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya. Stan Armington

  • Kathmandu and the Kingdom of Nepal. Prakash Raj

  • Portraits of People: Nepal Himalayas. Eric Valli

  • Annapurna. Maurice Herzog

Around Annapurna 1:100,000. Nepa Maps

The Annapurna region highlighted on a map at 1:100,000 from Nepa Maps, with alternative variants via the Tilicho Lakes or Naar, treks to the Machhapuchhre and South Annapurna Base Camps (Annapurna Sanctuary) climbing routes to the Chulu Peaks, Pisang Peak and Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak), etc. Coverage extends from Pohkara to Muktinath and Kagbeni in the north, and in the north east includes the route to Phugaon and the trek/climb to Himlung. Contours are at 80m intervals. Available through www.stanfords.co.uk

Ghorepani Ghandruk and Pool Hill   1:62.500.  Pocket Map

This is one of a number of maps which cover the area of this trek at a slightly larger scale. Available in Kathmandu.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your kit bag while trekking should be no more than 15 kgs.

You should bring the following items:

  • Hiking boots
  • Trekking trousers
  • Waterproof overtrousers
  • Baselayer shirts
  • Casual shirt and/or T-shirts
  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Warm jacket (down)*
  • Sunhat
  • Warm hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Daypack 30 litres
  • Headtorch and spare batteries
  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
  • Water bottles 1 Litre x 2 (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
  • Water purification tablets
  • Sleeping bag (comfort rated -10°C)*
  • Washbag and toiletries
  • Toilet paper (you can also buy this in the lodges if necessary)
  • Antibacterial handwash
  • Small towel
  • Selection of dry bags (to keep your kit bag contents dry)
  • Small padlock (to lock your kit bag)
  • Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets.

The following items are optional:

  • Trekking poles (recommended)
  • Trainers or similar for use in lodges
  • Shorts
  • Baselayer leggings
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Pillowcase
  • Travel clothes
  • Camera
  • Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes:

*FREE sleeping bag and down jacket hire is included in your KE holiday booking on request.

Please make all requests at least 4 weeks prior to the trip departure date. Please note all hire / rental equipment is issued in Kathmandu. Please remember to allow room in your kit bag for these items.

The Nepalese are still traditional and conservative in the way they dress. Therefore to avoid embarrassment on both sides we recommend that you respect this and do not wear revealing clothing or sleeveless tops while visiting Nepal. Shorts are acceptable, but they should reach to just above the knee and be modest and for women it is preferable to wear trousers or a long skirt.

PHD Gear Advisor

PHD specialise in cold weather equipment, from the world's lightest right up to the most protective for Everest or the Poles. It's a large range. So, to help you choose what you need to keep warm, PHD have listed the gear that is appropriate for this holiday.

Click here: http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/gearadviser/destination.php?destinations_id=18

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

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