For someone who feels most at home in the hills & mountains, the Himalayas have always held a certain mystique. The roof of the world & the most iconic mountain range - I always longed to visit & experience these mountains first hand.
My initial dilemma, back in 2016 was where to go, what to see & where to trek? It’s such a vast area & although I had 3 weeks in Nepal I didn’t really know where to start. So, I thought a good starting point would be to focus on one of the renowned popular treks & with that I opted for the Annapurna Circuit. It was a stunning experience, tough in so many ways, yet magnificent. However, I did feel that I was probably about 10 years too late trekking the route. Amongst other things, the development of roads in certain areas significantly affected the experience for me. But the un-affected sections were truly awesome and have stayed with me since then.
Therefore this year I decided to return, to carry out a recce with the intention in offering a bespoke Nepalese trek that focuses on the very best the area has to offer. If you love the mountains but have never visited Nepal & the Himalayas before this might be a good starting point.
The magnificent Annapurna range rises from the heart of the Himalayas. They might not be the tallest, but the Annapurna form the central core of the great Himalayan mountain arc, towering in the very middle of the 2,550 kilometer chain that is the worlds highest mountain range. This is a relatively accessible area that encapsulates the Himalayas, the Nepalese culture and it's people. The terrain is wild and glorious ranging from lush tropical foothills, to barren high valleys & pristine towering peaks. Although I haven’t travelled all over Nepal, I think this area has it all.
Nepal & the Himalayas is not an area for the faint hearted, prepared to be out of your comfort zone - the country & its people have their own method of existing. Don’t expect anything to function in the way you know, but if you are happy to accept things as they are then this is a truly unforgettable experience. Nepal has the warmest of people, most fascinating cultures & of course, a unique & stunningly beautiful environment.
With the additional help of new friends met whilst on my recent visit, we have put together an itinerary which takes only the best of the Annapurna National Park. It is truly bespoke, taking all the elements that I felt created an unforgettable experience: A cultural as well as physical journey through the Annapurna National Park, from Nayapul in the south of Nepal to Muktinath in the north. Taking in the best of the Annapurna Circuit with the additions of some lesser-known trails recommended by local guides from Pokhara. A diversity of terrain & culture, from lush green mountain trails, through pretty terraces & picturesque Gurka villages - to barren, Tibet- like landscape, though deep forested gorges, Buddhist villages & Temples. Extending fantastic views of the worlds tallest peaks; Dhauulagiri (8167m), Annapurna 1 (8091m) with seven summits over 7000m & Annapurna 2,3,4, Annapurna South & Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre & Tuckuche Peak.
The proposed itinerary will include:
• 14 nights accommodation
• 8 days trekking from Nayapul to Muktinath through the Annapurna National Park
• 2 free full days to explore Kathmandu & Pokhara
• 3 internal travel/ rest days
• Local guide & Mont Blanc Treks guide
• Internal flights & jeep transport
• Mont Blanc Treks standards of personal and professional service
We are so excited to be offering this to our Clients for Autumn 2020! The detail is yet to be finalised but for more information please email me: sara@montblanctreks.com