Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Our lodges are very comfortable and offer striking mountain views—especially during sunrise and sunset. PHOTO: COLIN MONTEATH

Annapurna Adventure LODGE-BASED TREKKING IN THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS

This wonderful lodge-based trek explores the spectacular world of the Annapurna Himal, one of the most culturally rich and intensely scenic areas of Nepal. We’ve crafted a trek that grants superb views of the mountains (so close they seem within arm’s reach) as you hike from one lodge to the next under the gaze of mighty Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and other soaring, ice-clad peaks. And it’s all at a comfortable elevation—no higher than 7,300 feet! Our cozy mountain lodges are perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the amazing views. After our trek, you’ll head to Temple Tree Resort & Spa, a delightful retreat near Phewa Lake in the Pokhara Valley, an ideal spot to relax after our exhilarating adventure. Days 1-2 Kathmandu Kathmandu’s intriguing sights include Bodhnath, a 1,400-year-old stupa attracting pilgrims from across Buddhist Asia, and Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple set on the riverbank with cremation ghats (platform steps) and wandering sadhus (holy men).

Days 3-9 Annapurna Foothills Trek In the foothills of the Annapurnas, our trek skirts picturesque mountain hamlets and lush rhododendron forests, with the snowy summits of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare gleaming beneath the sapphire sky. In Ghandruk, with its maze of cobbled lanes and welcoming Gurung hill people, an Exploration Day allows us to meet villagers and learn about their culture. We may pass donkey and mule caravans on the trail as they bring goods to and from the Gurung settlements. Along the way, experience the magic of the Himalaya while staying in cozy lodges offering stupendous mountain vistas. Private rooms feature comfortable beds, solar-heated showers, and en suite bathrooms. Our return trek leads through wooded hillsides and terraced farmlands to the floor of the Pokhara Valley, where we’ll explore from the comfort of the Temple Tree Resort & Spa. Days 10-12 Kathmandu Return to Kathmandu and depart on Day 12, or join one of our exciting extensions. ON OUR WEBSITE ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY A classic trek to a breathtaking mountain- ringed amphitheater. Sublime scenery, expert leaders, and family-owned Nepali lodges. Multiples departures Oct-Nov and Mar-Apr. From $4295.

HIGHLIGHTS • Trek in the Himalaya without very high altitudes! • Enjoy a perfect balance of trekking and cultural immersion • Relax in beautifully located lodges with breathtaking vistas DETAILS • 12-day trip begins and ends in Kathmandu • 4 nights hotel, 7 nights luxury lodges • All meals included except 4 lunches and 5 dinners

DATES Oct 12-23, 2016 Nov 11-22 Dec 27, 2016-Jan 7, 2017 Feb 15-26, 2017 Mar 9-20 Oct 15-26 Nov 15-26 Dec 27, 2017-Jan 7, 2018 Feb 12-23, 2018 Mar 12-23 TRIP COST $3295 (4-12 members) Single supplement: $850

Internal airfare: $265 (subject to change) Scenic Everest Flight extension: from $275 Seti River and Tharu Lodge extension: from $1285

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6-day trek on moderate trails, 3-5 hours a day, altitudes between 3,000-7,300 feet FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL ASIA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 92