Mountain
Villages of the Annapurnas
For
centuries, villagers and monks have made sacred pilgrimages to Nepal’s
Annapurna range, a haven for modern adventurers of all physical abilities.
From
Kathmandu, a short flight to Pokhara brings us to the foot of the Annapurnas. We
trek fields and valleys to views of Machhapuchre, a sacred snow-covered peak
considered by some the most beautiful in the world.
Marigolds
decorate pastures along dirt and stone paths used exclusively by locals in
lush, low-altitude valleys where we enjoy high comfort in a rustic setting.
Morning coffee and tea are served to us in bed as we welcome the sun from small
lodges with private baths, flush toilets and hot showers in Bierentanti,
Ghandruk, and Dahmpus.
Mule trains bring honey from remote mountain villages to market, on paths that bypass the “Annapurna Highway,” taking us to visit remote communities. We follow the winding Bagmati River to Chovar and the Temple of Ganesh.
A three
day adventure loop on the Annapurna Base Camp trail leads us through Tadapani
to Chamrong, the best place to view Machhapuchre in Nepal. Our porter friends
accompany us with luggage and provisions to local teahouses that offer us a
rare chance to meet mountain dwellers.
After
visiting local craftspeople weaving rugs and baskets, we descend to the
rainforest, lush with tropical birds and playful monkeys, and rich with
traditional culture. We float on the Seti River, through pristine wilderness
not accessible by road. Here our accommodations are in a permanent tented complex,
complete with flush toilets, hot showers, dining lodge and birding platforms,
all along the river’s edge. Our
lodge host brings us to visit the homes of his friends and family, and a local
school in the mountain village where he was born.
On
our return to Katmandu we visit Nepal’s most sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples
and monasteries in the villages of Bhaktapur and Phatan.
Details
Days/Nights: (16D/15N)
Meeting/Ending
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Comfort
Notes: 2-4 star small hotels and deluxe lodge/river accommodations, 2 nights
basic accommodations.