Our Annapurna Sanctuary trek includes three nights of deluxe accommodations in Kathmandu and one night of deluxe accommodations in Pokhara at comfortable and luxurious hotels. We understand that finding the best accommodation is crucial for a successful trip, which is why we have carefully selected these hotels to ensure cleanliness, ideal locations, and excellent value for your money.

Our handpicked luxury 5-star hotels offer a wide array of exceptional services and modern amenities. You can expect a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, ensuring privacy when desired, and attentive service throughout your stay. Additionally, after your trek, you can treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at our 5-star hotel in Kathmandu or simply unwind in the serene ambiance of a tranquil garden resort.

We offer two different package options to cater to your preferences and needs. Please find the outlined options below:

3 Star Hotel Package: Starting from $1400 USD Per Person

• This package includes 3-star category hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek.
• The selected hotels in this package provide comfortable and clean rooms, ensuring a pleasant stay.

5 Star Hotel Package: Starting from $1700 USD Per Person

• This package includes 5-star category hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek.
• The chosen luxury hotels offer a higher level of sophistication, exceptional services, and modern amenities for a more luxurious experience.

Both packages are thoughtfully designed to offer quality accommodations that cater to various budget preferences. You can rest assured that regardless of the package you choose, we prioritize selecting hotels that maintain a high standard of comfort, safety, hygiene, and offer convenient facilities. Additionally, the hotels we choose provide safe and hygienic food options to ensure a pleasant and worry-free dining experience during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Here are the options for 3-star and 5-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara:

KATHMANDU 3-STAR HOTEL OPTIONS:

• Sampada Garden Hotel: Located in a peaceful area in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. It is a 15-20 minute walk from Thamel, the vibrant tourist hub.
• Mandala Boutique Hotel: Situated at Chhetrapati, just a 3-5 minute walk from Thamel, this boutique hotel offers convenience and comfort.

POKHARA 3-STAR HOTEL OPTIONS:

• Hotel City Inn: Located in the heart of the lakeside area in Pokhara, this hotel provides easy access to the lakeside attractions and offers a pleasant stay.
• Hotel Splendid View: Situated in Phewa Lake, Hotel Splendid View offers a picturesque setting and a chance to experience Pokhara and its surroundings.

KATHMANDU 5-STAR HOTEL OPTIONS:

• Marriott Kathmandu: Located in Naxal, Kathmandu, this hotel combines modern design with local creativity, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay.
• Yak and Yeti Hotel: Centrally located in Kathmandu, this luxury 5-star hotel offers a blend of heritage and modern amenities for an unforgettable experience.

POKHARA 5-STAR HOTEL OPTIONS:

• Fishtail Lodge: This unique lodge is situated in a picturesque location on a peninsula across Fewa Lake. Guests are transported to the property by boats, providing a serene and exclusive experience.
• Temple Tree Resort & Spa: Nestled close to Fewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, Temple Tree Resort & Spa offers a tranquil setting with the backdrop of the Annapurna Mountain Range.

All of our selected hotels prioritize safety and hygiene measures, ensuring a comfortable and secure stay. Additionally, they provide exceptional breakfast options to kickstart your day in a delightful manner.

LOCAL MOUNTAIN LODGE

During your trek, you will be accommodated in the best available lodges along the way for a total of 9 nights. We ensure that you stay in mountain lodges that offer cozy rooms with shared bathroom facilities. In three specific locations—Ghorepani, Chhomrong, and Jhinu Danda—you will have the convenience of a room with an attached bathroom. In other places, the bathroom facilities will be located outside the room.

Please note that most of the lodges along the trek provide hot showers, except for a few higher locations like Deurali and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Due to limited room availability in these higher areas, particularly during busy seasons, there may be instances where you need to share the room with other trekkers. However, we make every effort to make reservations in advance to minimize such situations.

The lodges provide beds with mattresses, pillows, and available blankets for your comfort. In the evenings, the common areas, often referred to as the "living room," are heated and serve as spaces for dining and relaxation. These lodges are known for their friendly atmosphere, providing ample opportunities to meet and interact with fellow trekkers.

Rest assured that we prioritize your comfort and strive to provide the best available accommodations along the trek.

What Kind of Food I can expect during Trek?

During your trek, you can expect a variety of food options to cater to your tastes and preferences. Here is a breakdown of the meals you can anticipate:

Morning Breakfast (served between 7:00-8:00 AM):

• Hot beverages such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, lemon tea, hot milk, or green tea.
• Eggs prepared in different styles, including fried, boiled, scrambled, or in omelet form.
• Bread items like toast, pancakes, chapati, and Tibetan bread.
• Porridge with honey.

Afternoon Lunch (served between 12:30-1:00 PM):

• Traditional Nepali Dal Bhat (lentils with rice) accompanied by a vegetable curry.
• Pasta or noodles dishes.
• Fried rice, fried potatoes, or Mo.Mo (Nepali dumplings).

Evening Dinner (served between 6:00-8:30 PM):

• Soup options like garlic soup, local stew, vegetable soup, or mixed soup.
• Dal Bhat Tarkari, a combination of lentil soup, rice, and a vegetable curry.
• Additional choices may include fried potatoes with vegetables, Mo.Mo, fried noodles, pasta, mashed potatoes with cheese, and more.

It's important to note that unlike most companies, the Mountain Sherpa Trekking guide will not control the food menu during your trek in Nepal. This means you have the freedom to select any food items from the lodge menu that suit your taste and preferences. Mountain Sherpa Trekking ensures that you are provided with ample meals as part of the trip price.

Rest assured, we prioritize providing nutritious and satisfying meals to fuel you throughout your trekking adventure.

Drinking Water during Annapurna Base Camp Trek

For many of us, choosing mineral water may seem like the safest option as it is sealed and provides income for local traders. However, the reality is more complex. While mineral water does generate income for locals, it also leads to significant waste and pollution issues in mountain societies.

Most places lack the resources to handle the vast number of empty plastic bottles. They often resort to burning them, releasing toxic gases into the air, or leaving them in piles that take over 450 years to decompose, just out of sight from travelers.

Consider the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek as an example. The recommended water intake for a high-altitude trek like this is 3-4 liters per day. With the trek spanning 9 days, that amounts to approximately 30 liters and 30 plastic bottles per person, which won't decompose until the year 2466.

In the case of a full MST group of 12 people, a single trip results in over 360 mineral water bottles. Unfortunately, plastic does not decompose at high altitudes, meaning these bottles will remain in the mountains indefinitely. So, what can be done? You need to drink water, but how can you mitigate the problem?

Thankfully, there are several alternatives available that can help you avoid the bottled water trap. Here are four of the best options:

1. SteriPEN: SteriPEN is a trusted UV filtering device that purifies water on the go, using the same process employed by most bottled water manufacturers. It has become more competitively priced in recent years and offers a reliable solution. Other UV filters are also available.
2. Boiled water: Boiling water is an excellent option for safe drinking water on the trek. While not always readily available when you're on the move, most lodges serve boiled water. Boiling kills any potential contaminants, making it a safe and convenient choice. The cost of drinking water through boiling is estimated to be around $40-$50 for a 10-day ABC trek.
3. Purification tablets: Water purification tablets or chemicals like chlorine dioxide are affordable and easy to carry. While they are not as effective as UV filters or boiled water, they provide a reasonable level of water purification. However, they require a few hours to take full effect.

Other options: Additional options include LifeStraw and iodine-based treatments, although they have their drawbacks and limitations.

By opting for these alternatives, you can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste while ensuring safe drinking water during your trek.

Airport Pickup by Private Vehicle:

We understand the importance of hassle-free travel, and to ensure a smooth experience, we always provide timely airport pickup service. Upon your arrival at the international airport in Kathmandu, our dedicated guide and driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall. They will be easily recognizable, as our guide will be holding a welcome banner displaying your name and our company name, Mountain Sherpa Trekking & Expedition.

Once you have collected your luggage and proceed to the exit, our guide and driver will be there to greet you and assist you throughout the journey. They will escort you to a comfortable vehicle that we have arranged for your transportation. With your correct international flight details provided to us, our team will be well-prepared to receive you promptly.

By choosing to book your trip with us, you can enjoy a safe and convenient ride to your hotel without any stress or inconvenience. Our priority is to ensure your comfort and peace of mind from the moment you arrive in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu Flight:

Our Annapurna Sanctuary trek includes scenic flights both ways from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. While the distance between these two cities may not be significant (only 126 miles / 204 km), the Nepali landscape and road conditions can make the drive quite long and challenging. To ensure a comfortable and time-efficient journey, we highly recommend opting for the scenic flights.

Flying is by far the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, especially if you have limited time. Multiple flights operate daily from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport, and the flight duration is approximately 25 minutes. The flight offers breathtaking views, particularly on the right-hand side of the plane, where you can witness the majestic Himalayas. By choosing to fly, you will arrive in Pokhara feeling refreshed and with ample time to engage in activities on the same day, which may not be feasible with an overland trip.

Pokhara, often referred to as the "City of Lakes," is a charming destination known for its stunning natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827 meters above sea level and located 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the Fishtail Mountain and the majestic Himalayan ranges.

The city is home to several beautiful lakes, including Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake, adding to its allure. Pokhara also boasts attractions such as the World Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot, Davi's Fall, Mahendra Cave, and various museums. Additionally, you can enjoy sightseeing opportunities and explore the heritage sites, with the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges providing a magnificent backdrop.

With its natural splendor and abundant tourist attractions, Pokhara has become a highly sought-after destination in Nepal.

Pokhara to Tikhedhunga By Private Transfer

We meet our Sherpa crew at Pokhara Airport then you will transfer to Tikhedhunga by Private Jeep. Which are approximately 2:30 to 3 hours drive from Pokhara, from where we'll begin the first steps of our trek. From Pokhara, we travel by a private vehicle northwest along the Baglung Rajmarg Road. This scenic drive, which climbs in altitude and is windy in places, transports many trekkers in the Annapurna area to the beginning points of their trek.

Although most of the trekkers began from Nayapul, we highly advise you to drive up to Tikhedhunga and start your first-day trek because you won't have pleasure hiking firstly due to dusty roads. We are always committed to offering you quality private vehicle service for any trip in Nepal. The benefit of taking a private vehicle is that you can ask the driver to stop whenever you like and smaller vehicles tend to be able to move through the traffic a little faster than larger buses. Private vehicles come with their own driver.

Syauli Bhatti to Pokhara by Private Jeep

Upon your arrival at Pokhara Airport, you will have the opportunity to meet our experienced Sherpa crew. From there, we will transfer you to Tikhedhunga via a comfortable private jeep. The journey takes approximately 2:30 to 3 hours and serves as the starting point for our trek.

Leaving Pokhara, we will travel northwest along the Baglung Rajmarg Road in the private vehicle. This scenic drive, characterized by altitude gains and winding roads, is a common means of transportation for trekkers heading to various starting points in the Annapurna region.

While many trekkers typically begin their trek from Nayapul, we highly recommend driving up to Tikhedhunga to commence the first day of your trek. This allows you to avoid hiking on dusty roads initially and ensures a more enjoyable hiking experience. At Mountain Sherpa Trekking, we are committed to providing you with quality private vehicle services for your journeys in Nepal. Opting for a private vehicle offers the advantage of flexibility, allowing you to request stops at your convenience. Additionally, smaller vehicles often navigate through traffic more efficiently than larger buses. Rest assured, our private vehicles come with experienced drivers who will ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you.

Nepal Visa:

Here is some important information about obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal:

1. Visa on Arrival: Most visitors can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or at various land border crossings in Nepal.
2. Application Form: You will need to fill out a visa application form at the airport or border entry point. The form is available at the visa counter or can be downloaded in advance from the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal. click here for online visa form.
3. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Nepal.
4. Visa Fee: The visa fee varies depending on the duration of stay. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the fee for a 15-day tourist visa is USD 30, a 30-day visa is USD 50, and a 90-day visa is USD 125. The fee can be paid in cash (USD or equivalent) or by credit card.
5. Passport Size Photo: You will need two passport-sized photos for your visa application.
6. Visa Extension: If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal beyond the initial visa duration, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or at the Immigration Office in Pokhara.
7. Multiple Entry Visa: Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple entry visas, allowing you to exit and re-enter Nepal within the visa validity period.

Please note that visa regulations and fees may change, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information on the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal or consult with your local Nepalese embassy or consulate before your trip.

Travel insurance:

Travel insurance is not only necessary for any trip but especially important when engaging in activities like high-altitude trekking in remote regions where access to medical facilities may be limited. Having the right insurance coverage in place provides peace of mind and ensures that you can fully enjoy your adventure, knowing that you are protected in case of unforeseen events. From medical emergencies to trip cancellations, interruptions, delays, lost luggage, or even a helicopter rescue, travel insurance offers financial security and support.

We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance before embarking on your journey. This way, in the rare event that something does occur, you won't be burdened with significant financial expenses. At Mountain Sherpa Trekking, we will provide you with a letter and invoice to submit to your insurance company, expediting the processing of your claim, if needed.

To learn more about the importance of travel insurance and to find comprehensive coverage, please visit the link below. Ensuring you have the appropriate insurance coverage will allow you to focus on your trekking experience with peace of mind.

Nepal Travel insurance

Packing List Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

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 KG/33 lbs. Please note that this gear list is only a guide. These are the basics to bring, but you can choose your preferred brands based on your expertise. Additionally, you can shop for trekking gear and clothing at a good price at stores in Thamel, Kathmandu.

YOU MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes

1. Sun hat
2. Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
3. Wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears
4. Sunglasses with UV protection
5. Neck gaiter or bandana (for sun protection)
6. Face Masks
7. Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose, etc.)

Hand

1. Fleece/Wool Gloves
2. Glove Liners
3. Heavier shell glove

Core Body

1. Base layer shirts
2. Moisture-wicking long-sleeve t-shirts (1)
3. Moisture-wicking short-sleeve t-shirt (optional)
4. Fleece jacket or warm windproof jacket with hood
5. Synthetic sports bras (for women)
6. Insulated Warm jacket
7. Underwear (4-5 pairs)
8. Sleeping bag (comfort rated –10ºC)*

Lower Body – Legs

1. Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight) 1-2
2. Warm hiking pants with waterproof Windproof and breathable
3. Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)- optional
4. Gaiters (needed Dec-Feb)
5. Long underwear

Feet

1. Hiking boots with ankle support recommend
2. Camp shoes or tennis shoes for lodge
3. Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool) 5-7 pairs recommended

Food & Snacks

• Snacks (combine protein & carbs for well-balanced energy)
• Thermos (optional for hot beverages)
• Re-hydration gels or powder

Toiletries

1. Sunscreen, Lip balm with sunscreen
2. Toilet Paper
3. Soap
4. Deodorant
5. Toothbrush/toothpaste
6. Razor (as needed)
7. Shampoo
8. Wet wipes
9. Hand sanitizer
10. Feminine hygiene products (as needed)
11. Face lotion
12. Hairbrush
13. Hair ties

Other necessary important items:

• Passport and extra passport size photos (2-4 copies)
• Visa (these are easy to attain when you land in Kathmandu—bring $30 (15 Days) or $50 (30 Days) USD for Visa Application
• Money ($200-300 cash is suggested—while there are occasional ATMs on the trail, they are almost always out of order)
• Travel insurance- most recommended
• Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of yours)
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
• Water bottles 1 Liter x 2 (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single-use plastic)
• Water purification Iodine tablets
• Toilet paper (you can buy this in the lodges
• Travel towel
• Small padlock (to lock your kit bag)
• Antibacterial handwash

Additional Supplies

1. Portable solar charger/power bank
2. Book
3. Journal/pen
4. Playing cards

Basic First Aid Kit including antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL:

1. Trekking poles – if you don't have poles, We can provide you complimentary trekking.
2. Sleeping bag liner
3. Pillowcase, Scarf, or buff
4. Swimwear (for the hotel pool in Kathmandu)
5. Earplugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring)
6. Travel clothes
7. Camera
8. Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
9. Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
10. Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Note: The Nepalese people are still traditional and conservative in their dress. Therefore, to avoid discomfort for both sides, we advise you to respect this and refrain from wearing revealing clothing or sleeveless tops while visiting Nepal. Shorts are acceptable, but they should reach just above the knee and be modest. For women, it is better to wear trousers or a long skirt.

Additional info: As you pack for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, keep in mind that your gear will be divided into two packs: your daypack, which you will carry each day during the trek, and your duffle bag, which will be carried between tea houses by porters. Any additional baggage (non-trekking items) can be stored at the hotel before you start your trek. We provide a free duffel bag in Kathmandu for you to pack your essential trekking equipment. One porter will be assigned to two people, and they will carry up to 25 kg-30 kg or 55-66 pounds of your personal items, including your sleeping bag and down jacket. Therefore, your duffel bag should not weigh more than 12 kg-15 kg or 26 pounds to 33 pounds.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACK: Daypacks can be of any size for hiking, but we always recommend smaller sizes for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. Around 25L to 30L is a good size. You should carry your own backpack (with a waterproof cover) to hold your daily essentials. These may include a water bottle, extra money for drinks, souvenirs, and tips, a sunhat, a camera, important documents, toiletries, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, rain gear, and your music player (iPhone), etc.

If you don't have your own down jacket and sleeping bag, don't worry. We will provide you with a 4-season sleeping bag and a good down jacket with a hood for complimentary use. High-quality sleeping bags and down jackets are essential for a high altitude trek.