Nepal Trek 2008

To take part in this trek we need you to pay a non–refundable deposit of £300 to secure your place and then raise a further £2600 (£1900 to pay for the trek and £1000 sponsorship towards the work of Dogs Trust). We appreciate that this is a lot of money which is why we have a dedicated fundraising team here at Dogs Trust consisting of Laura, Tristan and Matt, who are all here to give you plenty of ideas and advice to make your fundraising a huge success.

The Nepal Adventure...

Machhapuchhare - the famous triangular skyline that is seen from Lake Phewa in Pokhara - is the most southerly high point of the Annapurna Massif. This awesomely majestic grouping of mountains in the central Himalaya includes 5 of the 12 highest mountains in the world and all 5 are seen at close quarters on our route. From a closer and more westerly vantage point, you can see the mountain possesses twin peaks, hence its name Machhapuchhare, meaning "fish tail".

MARDI HIMAL is our access route and is the name given to the long rising ridge and its crest that forms the southwesterly lower slope of Mount Machhapuchare. Ours is a 7 day expedition climbing through the forests to above the tree line and on up to our high altitude camp at 4100m (13600 ft). We establish this "High Camp" with a view to climbing up towards the knoll of Mardi Himal 5500m (18500 ft) from which vantage point there are the most amazing close-quarter views of all.

Day 1
Leave London on an overnight flight to Kathmandu.

Day 2
Arrive Kathmandu and relax for the rest of the day. Later that evening you’ll have a full briefing on the challenge that lies ahead.

Day 3
We’ll meet our trekking guides and porters in the morning and then drive from Kathmandu to Phedi. This is our first day of trekking but it will be a fairly short trek to Dhampus (1580m). Overnight camp. Full board.

Day 4
As a general rule, we’ll be starting each day just before or just after sunrise so we can make the most of the clear visibility that the mornings tend to offer. We awake this morning to the stunning views of Machapuchare (23,000ft/6993m) and the grand Annapurna mountain range. Leaving other tourists behind we take a private trail on a steep uphill to a ridge infront of Machapuchare South. Our trek will be through beautiful forests of birch, rhododendrons, hemlock and pines. Overnight forest camp (2100m). Full board.

Day 5
Today we’ll continue to climb through the forest. Every now and then we’ll glimpse the panoramic views of the Annapurna’s and Machapuchare and The Mardi Khola River winding its way through the valley thousands of feet below. Our overnight camp “Low Camp” (3000m) offers a great view of Machapuchare. Full board.

Day 6
Another, shorter, climb brings us out of the forest and up to our “High Camp” from where Annapurna South seems close enough to touch! The sunset turns the hills and mountains of the Himalaya below us pink, then red and finally purple before the stars take over and we turn in for an early night. Overnight camp (3600m). Full board.

Day 7
Following an even earlier start than normal, we trek to our highest point at 16,000ft/4175m (if conditions are favourable). In the afternoon we return to Low Camp hoping for good weather which will allow us incredible views never to be forgotten! Overnight at Low Camp (3000m). Full board.

Day 8
After a hearty breakfast, we descend quickly through the forest, bush and terraced fields past the hillside village of Khola where we can go for a welcome swim and scrub up near to where we’ll camp overnight. Full board.

Day 9
Our final day of trekking is a beautiful walk through the Mardi Khola Valley via quiet settlements. Its quickly followed by an “interesting” drive to Pokhara where we’ll overnight. Full board.

Day 10
Our short flight to Kathmandu departs in the early afternoon giving us time to explore Kathmandu before a celebratory meal in the evening. Half board.

Day 11
Depart Kathmandu for London (arrive next day). Breakfast included.