COMBO Expedition
April 27 - May 12, 2024 (Easter)
ΝEPAL. Annapurna Base Camp Trek (4.130m)
A mystical experience of living in the Mountain Kingdom of the Himalayas!
🇳🇵 We plant our flag in Kathmandu and travel to the lakeside Pokhara. We load backpacks and leave for Nayapul... that's where the trek begins, that's where the adventure begins, but above all, that's where the experience begins!!!
We walk to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m surrounded by magnificent peaks that exceed 8,000 meters!!!!
The breathtaking images of the landscapes with the subtropical vegetation, the vast valleys with the rice fields and the towering peaks that embrace us, simply magical.
We are still at the bottom.
One village succeeds the next and the peace of the landscape fills us with energy to climb even higher.
Rhododendron forests and thick bamboos surround us, we look around and get lost in the magic of the golden peaks!
We reach Base Camp, at 4130, we have no reason to go higher. We leave our senses free to realize and enjoy!
We are in Annapurna of the Himalayas!
On our way, we will feel the unique nature of the Himalayas emerging through the clouds of fragrant incense and candlelight emerging from the multitude of Buddhist and Hindu monasteries.
Lost in a dream, we walk unique paths, sink into canyons, cross wire bridges, splash in hot springs, cross rivers...
NAMASTE! 🙏
HIGHLIGHTS
✅ Namasté in the heart of the Himalayas with golden temples, charming mountain villages and wild nature!
✅ 16 days Combo expedition to the Himalayas!
✅ 8 days of wandering in the mountains and plateaus of Anapurna as well as in the Gurung villages!
✅ 120 kilometers, 7000 altitude, and all this on foot!!!
✅ Unique sunrise at Poon Hill with the brilliant panorama of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Tukuche (6,920m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m) and many more ranges. ..!
✅ Green forests of Rhododendrons and Bamboo. The outdoor cinema experience in the jungle!
✅ Countless rivers and suspension bridges. We will cross one of the largest in Nepal!
✅ Stunning view during the Trek to Mt.Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna massif!
✅ Sightseeing, Hindu and Buddhist temples of Kathmandu and Pokhara! Visit the unique Mountain museum in the world!
✅ Optional activities. Full day Kayaking and swimming in Phewa Lake. Tandem Paragliding over Phewa Lake with a view of the Himalayas. Massage is also considered an activity!
✅ Relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda. A unique experience just before the end of the hike. Anyone who can stand it takes a dip in the frozen torrent next to the springs!
✅ Local tastings at local restaurants. We know something about "kavatzes" 😏!
✅ We left the shopping for the end. Train for bargains. We will stay in the heart of Kathmandu in Thamel!
DEPARTURE
Saturday noon, April 27, 2024 from "Eleftherios Venizelos"
ARRIVAL in Kathmandu on Sunday morning the capital of Nepal, after a stopover at the luxurious Doha Airport in Quatar
RETURN on the evening of Sunday 12 May 2024
SCHEDULE
After a day of wandering in Kathmandu we are transferred to Pokhara, the so-called Switzerland of Nepal... for the detailed program click HERE
EXPERIENCE
You don't need a lot of experience, a relatively good physical condition is enough, but above all, a good attitude, because every day is a challenge!
So much beauty needs a little more effort!
The path we will follow leads to the Base Camp of the 10th highest mountain in the world, Start to Train!
Most choose to have a porter carry their equipment during the entire trek.
Don't be shy to ask for help, almost all hikers do! This way we also help the local economy, since this is one of the main sources of income for the locals...
In addition, there is the possibility, for anyone who wishes, to stay in one of the on the way lodges (dormitories)*, reducing his hiking days by one or two, thus avoiding the final and more strenuous ascent to Base Camp. We will not leave you there to find Nepalese men (or Nepalese women), we will pick you up on the way down....
* Chomrong (2,210m) or Deurali (3,230m)
and to wait until we return from Base Camp.
HIKING but NOT ONLY
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There will be time available to experience and taste Nepal through the eyes of a tourist as well as a local. (Live as a local!)
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The possibilities are many,!
SCHEDULE - The PROGRAM DETAILS per day
(16 Days)
We have chosen the best from our previous experiences in Nepal and offer them to you with as much love as we walked them!
SATURDAY April 27
12:00 meeting at El airport. Venizelos, exact point, flight number etc will be sent a few days before departure
14:00 departure with Qatar Airways. We fly through the opulent Doha airport in Qatar
SUNDAY April 28
08:30 in the morning arrival in Kathmandu
We transfer to a hotel in the secular and commercial heart of the city, Thamel.
Lunch walk and visit to Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple). Step up! The 330 steps are not many, the panoramic view of Kathmandu from above will reward us. But we don't stop, because the monkeys that will accompany us will be ready to grab our hat or mobile phone at every stop! (just kidding 😀)
Overnight in Kathmandu.
MONDAY April 29
Morning departure by road from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus or van.
Travel time around 8-9 hours (it's experience)
Arrival at hotel in Lakeside. It is as it sounds. On the Phewa Lake side!
We make all permits to climb Annapurna...
Overnight in Pokhara
TUESDAY April 30 - Trek Day 1
Powerful experiences now begin…
Departure by Jeep for Nayapul (Birethanti 1-1/2 hour) first TIMS + ACAP check point and we left for Anapurna!!!
Start of hiking
Stop for tea at Tikhedhunga because the place is beautiful
Arrival at Ulleri (1,960 m)
Overnight in a Lodge (accommodation)
Distance 11.1 km
Altitude Difference +1100 m / -115 m
Departure Time 5:40
WEDNESDAY 01 MAY - Trek Day 2
Today is May Day and we have got a first idea of the beauty of the mountain! We leave Ulleri and the steep slope on which its houses hang and continue uphill leaving behind us the depth of the valley, entering a green and moist forest, full of bushes and diverse vegetation. Here the rhododendrons are having a party! We will climb a steep slope with steps to reach Ghorepani (2,750m).
Overnight in a Lodge (accommodation)
Distance 8.1 km
Altitude Difference +890m / -35m
Departure Times 4:30
THURSDAY 02 MAY - Trek Day 3
Dawn is magical! We climb Poon Hill (3,193m). The sunrise here is one of the most powerful experiences we will ever have. Some of the most photogenic mountains of the Himalayas appear before us, including Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m), the sacred mountain Machhapuchhare (6,993m), Annapurna II (7,937m) and Lamjung (6,983m). .
From there we will return to Ghorepani and continue our journey. We walk in a forest of rhododendrons that strongly resembles the Far East, at 2,877m our gaze is lost at the height of the peaks.
We reach Chuile (2,122m), perhaps the most beautiful part of the whole trek.
The view of Fishtale with its snowy peaks turning golden as the sun begins to set is like a dream!
Overnight at a Lodge
Distance 13.5 km
Altitude Difference +935m / -1630m
Route Hours 7
FRIDAY 03 MAY - Trek Day 4
We leave Chuile and walk to Chhomrong (2,256m).
The wire bridges and the view of the white peaks is indescribable!!! Tea break and unlimited view from the balcony of the spectacular peaks that surround us. After passing the second TIMS + ACAP checkpoint another wire bridge appears in front of us. Cameras will catch fire! After a short climb we reach Sinuwa (2340)
Overnight in a Lodge (accommodation)
Distance 9.9 km
Altitude Difference +950m / -780m
Departure Times 5:30
SATURDAY MAY 04 - Day Trek 5
We are leaving Sinuwa. Between the rhododendrons and bamboos the climb becomes magical!
We are at Deurali (3,230m) and we have passed 3,000 meters!!!
Overnight in a Lodge (accommodation)
Distance 13.6 km
Altitude Difference +1580m / -383 m
Route Hours 7
SUNDAY 05 MAY - Day Trek 6
THE BIG DAY!
We start early in the morning passing through the heart of Annapurna. The high rocks and the river rushing down from the high peaks of the Himalayas create an eerie image!
The torrent and the iron stairs that act as bridges raise the adrenaline…
Without realizing it, admiring the scenery, we will reach Machhapuchhre Base Camp at an altitude of 3700 meters. Rest, deep breaths, we still need a little more until ABC.
We leave the valley entering the alpine landscape, to reach our goal.
After about an hour and a half we are at ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP at 4,130m (!) and we are celebrating... The commemorative photos are countless!!!
Return to Dovan Familiar, to spend the night in a lodge next to a beautiful waterfall
Distance 18.2 km
Altitude Difference +1,360m / -2045m
Running Hours: 9
MONDAY 06 MAY - Trek Day 7
We leave Dovan to reach Jhinu Danda via Chhomrong (1,780m). A natural multi-star balcony.
Overnight in a Lodge (accommodation)
Distance: 11.5 km
Altitude Difference: +620m / -1390m
Running Hours: 6
TUESDAY 07 MAY - Trek Day 8
Jhinu Danda visit to the hotsprings (1,780m). A trek through the jungle to relax in the hot baths and take a dip in the icy waters of the Modi Koha River. The alternation of hot and cold is extremely refreshing, we will definitely need it!
From there, departure for the last part of our hike passing one of the longest suspension bridges in the world 287m long we will end up at Siwai (1648m) where a Jeep will be waiting for us to return to the hotel in Pokhara
Distance: 7.8 km
Altitude Difference: +300 m / -650 m
Departure Times: 3:30
WEDNESDAY 08 MAY - Free Day in Pokhara
We do what we want, there are many suggestions, such as...
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara
Full day Kayaking and swimming in Phewa Lake. The beaches are choked by the jungle. Kayak visit to Tal Barahi temple in the middle of the lake (Optional)
Tandem Paragliding over Phewa Lake overlooking the Himalayas. It is considered one of the 5 best spots in the world! (Optional)
Sightseeing. Temples such as the World Peace Pagoda, Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, Tal Barahi or the popular underground waterfall Devi's Falls, combined with the wonderful nature of Pokhara, will fill our bags of experiences (Optional)
Massage. "And what I wouldn't give for a massage." There are many good Massage Centers in Pokhara (Optional)
THURSDAY 09 MAY
Visit to the international Mountain Museum, the only mountain museum in the world!
All the first expeditions to the peaks of the Himalayas with their equipment, in a large museum
Overnight in Pokhara
FRIDAY MAY 10
Departure from Pokhara to Kathmandu by road by tourist bus or van. Travel time around 7 hours and transfer to the hotel where we had stayed at the beginning of our trip. Afternoon walk for last shopping and evening farewell meal in restaurant with authentic Nepalese flavors
Overnight in Kathmandu
SATURDAY MAY 11
Morning walk to Durbar Square in front of the old royal palace of the former Kingdom of Kathmandu along with whatever else we want to do. We have the whole day to ourselves! Guided tours of Patan Durbar Square and Pashupatinath Temple
SUNDAY MAY 12
Departure at 10:00 and arrival at 18:40 in the afternoon in Athens, filled with experiences and images that will remain indelibly etched in our minds...
COSTS
The basic cost of participating in the excursion is €2780, per person in a double room
The reservation is confirmed by filling in the Participation form by pressing the yellow "JOIN" button in the center of the page and then within 10 days a deposit of €500 must be given to the club office. 13 Agias Theklas, Psirri (4' walk from Monastiraki metro station)
2nd Installment: €1000 until February 13, 2024
Repayment: until March 12, 2024
Any cancellation of airline tickets is subject to the terms and restrictions of each airline and is not covered by the cancellation terms of the rest of the package.
After Thursday 12th March 2024 the cost may be restructured due to change in availability and taxes that will apply then.
With the payment of the advance ticket cancellations are not allowed and money is not refunded
In the event that restrictive measures are imposed after the purchase of the tickets, there will be a refund depending on the times that the airline will return them to us. The same applies to wherever else we will need to advance money, such as hotels, lodges, transportation. As organizers we will do everything possible to shorten these times and any relevant communication will be available to all participants.
In case of cancellation of the excursion by us, the organizers, the money paid by the participants will be returned, without any other obligation on the part of the organizers.
In case of postponement (postponement) of the excursion to a new date, the money will be returned to those who cannot or do not wish to participate on the new date.
Included:
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Air tickets through a stopover with Qatar Airways with 32 kg baggage + 7 kg Hand Bag
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Airport taxes and fuel surcharge
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Airport pick up / drop off by private vehicles
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Transfer by taxi or van and tickets to Swayambhunath Temple in Kathmandu and International Mountain Museum in Pokhara
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14 nights
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3 in Kathmandu in secular Thamel in a 3* hotel in a double (2) room with breakfast
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4 nights in Pokhara in a 3* hotel in a double (2) room with breakfast
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7 nights in selected accommodation (Tea Houses) during the trek with (meals) Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Tea or coffee only during the meal
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Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back by van or air-conditioned tourist coach, depending on group size
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Transfer from Pokhara to Nayapul and from Siwai to Pokhara, by Jeep
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Very experienced trekking guide, during the Trek, but also the entire Trip, including his transport, food, accommodation, equipment and safety
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Second guide (sherpa) during the Trek, including his food, accommodation, equipment and security (if we gather from 5 people or more)
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Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available) as well as a guide with certified first aid knowledge
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The porter with proper equipment. A porter for two people. The maximum load is 20 kg for both.
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Local taxes and service charges
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Annapurna Conservation Area permit and entrance fees.
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Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card fees (4 passport photos required for TIMS & Conservation Area Permit).
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Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance
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Afternoon farewell dinner at authentic Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu.
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Souvenir t-shirt (required :)
Not included:
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Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except farewell dinner).
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The Nepal Visa (along with two passport photos). It is issued on arrival and costs USD 30
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Personal items & personal medications.
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Expenses for personal use in the shelters / lodges (such as hot showers, internet services and the recharging of electrical devices)
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Any drink (tea / coffee - after meals, hot chocolate, boiled water, bottled water, soft drink, beer, etc.).
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Fees and tips for porters and drivers
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Hot shower and battery charging at the lodges (Tea Houses).
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Anything not listed in the “included” section.
ADD ONs
option costs
€20 / night. Single bed accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels with extra charge
€15 Pokhara Sightseeing, Fewa Lake (boating), Varahi Mandir Temple, World Peace Pagoda
€80 Tandem Paragliding in Pokhara. Incredible experience above Pokhara's Fewa Lake, with a view of the Himalayas! The "package" includes transportation by minibus, photos and videos during the flight. Flight time 20-30'
€9 / the 8 hours Rental of colored boat "dungas" as the locals call them in Fewa Lake. We tried it and we were blown away. Boating and swimming next to the jungle!!!!
APPLICATION FORM
Now that you have read in detail the announcement of the trip, you have been informed about all the details, you accept that you participate in it at your own risk, click on the JOIN option, fill in and send the electronic participation form that will open.
We will then invite you to Combo's office to discuss issues related to the trip and to answer any questions you may have.
During the course you will be able to pay the deposit or the full amount for the trip.
Take a photo with your mobile phone, the first page of your passport and send the photo as a pdf or jpg attachment via email to comboride@gmail.com or by phone to +30 6940545073.
The minimum number of entries is six and the maximum is 15.
First Come First Served!
Declare "JOIN" only when you are sure of your participation. This way you help in the better organization of the trip and you do not deprive the place from someone else.
We inform you that all communication regarding this trip, as in any combo trip, is done only by emails.
Your information will remain confidential forever and will be used exclusively by Combo for your own safety during the trip. Through your e-mail you will receive updates on future activities of the club from which you can unsubscribe by clicking on unsubscribe.
Please one JOIN per entry.
Contact: George Perdikoulis, 6940545073