Tourism is one of main financial sources in Nepal. The tourism industry has brought so many changes to our country, some good and some bad, but mostly good. The popular trekking routes have seen the biggest changes. These trails are always busy with foreign visitors and during the high season there are more trekkers than local people. In light of these changes there are negatives like more pollution and obvious cultural changes occurring. This doesn't give the visitor an authentic view of real Nepalese culture, costume and especially, Nepalese rural life, as all too often in the popular trekking areas the people choose to copy what they see as western society. This is a great shame as Nepal’s society and culture has so much to offer and is much better than western society in some ways.

Some times our visitors are not happy on the popular trekking trails, with most of them wanting to see real Nepalese traditional lifestyles, culture and costume. When we take them just off the tourist trail they find what they are looking for and are very happy. They get to create their own fulfilling experience and really see all the aspects of our country.

At Freedom Adventure Treks we not only offer the usual access to popular trekking routes, but also pride ourselves on designing our own special trekking routes and tours around Nepal . We can add other optional adventures like white water rafting, jungle safaris, mountain flights, paragliding, mountain biking, all sorts of sight seeing and we are representatives for all the major tourist attractions.

With our special treks and tours we often where possible, attempt to show a representation of tourist and non-tourist areas, so that the client can experience and compare the differences, this often offers you the best scenery of the Himalayas, the real experience of Nepal's people and their traditional life, culture and customs.

Nepal is in the top ten of the 50 major tourist destinations of the world and every body should make the effort to visit before they die. B.B.C search poll showed that the Annapurna region is one of best trekking destinations on earth. Freedom Adventure Treks is centred in this area and all of our most special trekking routes are in the Annapurna region.

The team at Freedom Adventure Treks invites you to join us on our special treks and tours, giving you the chance to explore the Himalayas in your own more natural way.

Namaste

Trekking through the Annapurna foot hills: Off the beaten path

Duration: 18 days Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Style of trek: Camping/hotel
Maximum altitude: 2500m
Difficulty rating: Easy/moderate
Best season: Mid September to Mid May
Group size: 1-15
Departing: Daily
Cost: US$120 /person/day (or equivalent in other currencies)

The Annapurna region is one of the world’s most famous trekking areas with over sixty thousand overseas visitors trekking there every year. The region has over a dozen trekking trails offering the option of a few days hike to over a month of trekking. Most of the popular trekking trails have seen big changes and are always busy with foreign visitors. Sometimes during the high season there are more trekkers than local people. With established guesthouses, bars and restaurants as well as foreign cultural influences, Nepali culture and traditions are slowly disappearing from these trails. A growing number of visitors and the rising local population; mean the area is becoming more polluted and crowded.

This area doesn’t give the visitor who genuinely wants to explore traditional Nepali culture and environment, the chance to do so.
Annapurna Eco Adventure is an itinerary with a combination of activities which include sightseeing, a day of white-water rafting, 3 day jungle safari activities, community based environment work and trekking through the Annapurna foothills; off the beaten path. It is designed for those who want to explore real Nepalese culture and environment in a more authentic way and at the same time make a difference.

The trek starts south west of the Pokhara Valley and leads you up to a maximum altitude of 2500m. This is one of the most scenic walking trails in the Annapurna region. Every day of your trek you can see amazing mountain views with the whole Annapurna range in the middle view, the Manaslu range to the east and Dhaulagiri to the west. Your views will include some of the world’s highest peaks: Dhaulagiri: 7th highest, Manaslu: 8th highest, Annapurna I: 10th highest with hundreds of mountains stretching right across the horizon in between.  

Other highlights during the trek include passing through authentic villages, exploring local cultures and lifestyles. Sometimes you will be walking through some of the most beautiful forests in the Annapurna region with lots of birdlife and wildlife with wild flowers including various orchids, Daphne and rhododendrons.

During your trek you will be supported by our fully qualified and experienced Freedom Adventure Treks crew who are local, friendly and willing to share information, giving you the opportunity to learn about and experience local Nepali culture and environment in a more meaningful and deeper way. Our Freedom Adventure cook will serve three daily meals made with fresh organic local produce purchased along the trail. The average day will see you walking for 4-5 hours with accommodation at the end of the day, being in tents. Most camping grounds are surrounded by the beauty of nature, offering magnificent sunrise and sunset views. You will have plenty of opportunities to experience peace and tranquillity.

Because we are travelling off the beaten path we need to be even more aware of the importance of respecting and protecting the environment and culture of the areas we pass through. Every day will bring you the chance to be involved in a variety of community based environment work and cultural exchange opportunities. At the end of your trek, we will be staying for three nights at the Eagle’s Nest Environment Centre where we will be involved in various seasonal activities and ongoing projects.

This trip is for those who want to experience and connect with the true Nepal in a way that helps it rather than destroys it.
This itinerary is suitable for those who want to truly explore and experience Nepal in a natural way and want to make a difference at the same time.  It only requires an average level of physical fitness.

Highlights:

• Rafting on a Himalayan River

• Chitwan National Park: Jungle Safari: One of South East Asia’s best National Parks

• Elephant ride and observing the unique One Horned Rhino

• Sightseeing and wandering around beautiful lakeside Pokhara

• Trekking in the world famous Annapurna Region: Off the beaten trail

• Community based environment work: Making a difference

• Explore Nepali culture and lifestyle: Visit some remote villages Cultural and information exchange opportunities

• Kathmandu Valley sight seeing including visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites:

  • Pashputinath
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Bouddhanath
  • Swayambunath

This style of itinerary is designed to be pleasant and easy going so that you experience full enjoyment. Your tour coordinator is with you from arrival to departure, with other support staff and guides joining you for different adventures like rafting, jungle safari etc.
Your Freedom Adventure Treks tour coordinator will be with you until you are back at the airport or head off to your next destination, with a lifetime of memories.

Itinerary outline:

Day One
Arrive at Kathmandu airport
Day Two              
Kathmandu to Trisuli River for rafting
Day Three         
Royal Chitwan National Park
Day Four              
Chitwan to Pokhara
Day Five             
Pokhara Sight seeing and trek preparation
Day Six              
Pokhara to Bhumdi  1520m
Day Seven        
Bhumdi to  Bhanijyang 2030m
Day Eight          
Bhanijyang to Tamagi 1530m
Day Nine      
Tamagi to Naudanda 1200m
Day Ten          
Naudanda to  Sarangkot
Day Eleven       
Sarangkot to the Eagle’s Nest Environment Centre
Day Twelve      
Community based environment work
Day Thirteen
Community based environment work      
Day Fourteen
Pokhara
Day Fifteen    
Drive back the Kathmandu
Day Sixteen      
Mountain flight and Kathmandu sight seeing
Day Seventeen
Kathmandu Valley sight seeing and shopping
Day Eighteen  
Departure from Nepal

18 - 25 day options
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Style of trek: Teahouse
Maximum altitude: 3200m
Difficulty rating: Easy to Medium
Best season: September to May
Cost of trek: $100/day
 

The Visions of Nepal with Annapurna Panoramas trip offers the best opportunity for the first time visitor to see Nepal and explore it in many different ways.
It includes: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing, White-water rafting, Jungle Safari including an elephant safari, bird watching, canoeing and much more. Follow this with sight seeing in one of the most naturally beautiful cities Pokhara with its Himalayan sunrise trips and boating on Phewa Lake. Head of on your 8 days trekking on one of the most classic trails in the Annapurna region, Poon Hill. This is one of the famous viewing points in the Annapurnas from where you can see more then 30 peaks including the tenth highest peak in the world Annapurna, eighth highest peak in the world Dhaulagiri and of course the world famous holy Fishtail Mountain, which in Nepalese is known as Machapuchare.

You can also enjoy a mountain flight around the Mt Everest region, which will bring you close to Everest with spectacular views of the high Himalayan ranges.

This style of itinerary is designed to be pleasant and easy going so that you experience full enjoyment. Your tour coordinator is with you from arrival to departure, with other support staff and guides joining you for different adventures like rafting, jungle safari etc.

Please note that all of the above mentioned activities take about 18 days, but can be extended to 25 days by being part of ‘The Eagle’s Nest Environment Adventure’ which includes: working in our plant nursery, visiting remote Nepalese villages and living with a local family, being involved in traditional farming practices, working with orphans and local schools, opportunities for cultural exchange. These activities will vary depending on the season, festivals, school holidays, community events etc.
If you don’t have a full 7 days, you can add as many days as you have available to be involved in activities you are interested in.

Highlights:

• Rafting on a Himalayan River
• Chitwan National Park: Jungle Safari: One of South East Asia’s best National Parks
• Elephant ride and observing the unique One Horned Rhino
• Sightseeing and wandering around beautiful lakeside Pokhara
• Trekking in the world famous Annapurna Region up to Poon Hill 
• Community based environment work: Making a difference
• Visit some remote villages and stay local families
• Explore Nepali culture and lifestyle
• Cultural and information exchange opportunities
• Kathmandu Valley sight seeing including visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites:
• o Pashputinath
• o Kathmandu Durbar Square
• o Bouddhanath
• o Swayambunath

Itinerary outline:

Day One      Arrive at Kathmandu airport
Day Two      Kathmandu to Trisuli River for rafting
Day Three      Royal Chitwan National Park
Day Four      Chitwan to Pokhara
Day Five      Pokhara Sight seeing and trek preparation
Day Six      Pokhara to Deurali:  2149m: 4 hours easy walking.
Day Seven     Deurali to Jhinudada: 1750m (hot springs): 5 hours easy walking.
Day Eight      Jhinudada to Chhomrong: 2040m: 2 hours walking
Day Nine      Chhomrong to Ghandrung: 1770m: 5 hours walking
Day Ten      Ghandrung to Tadapani: 2720m: 4 hours walking
Day Eleven      Tadapani to Gorepani: 2850m: 5 hours walking
Day Twelve     Gorepani to Tirkhedhunga: 1300m: 5 hours walking
Day Thirteen     Tirkhedhunga to Pokhara
Day Fourteen Pokhara
Day Fifteen     Drive back the Kathmandu
Day Sixteen      Mountain flight and Kathmandu sight seeing
Day Seventeen Kathmandu Valley sight seeing and shopping
Day Eighteen  Departure from Nepal
Your Freedom Adventure Treks tour coordinator will be with you until you are back at the airport or head off to your next destination, with a lifetime of memories.

The Annapurna region is the heart of the world's highest and the longest mountain range, the Himalayas. The Annapurna Sanctuary is the heart of the Annapurna region.

Treks to this area start at a point about 45 minutes drive west of Pokhara and from the beginning the trail leads us through spectacular panoramas, abundant bird and wildlife, terraces, villages, through rhododendron forests, bamboo forests and then to the grasslands. Mountains turns from green to rocky and then finally to white at Annapurna Base Camp at 4100m. There is no doubt that it is a bit of a challenge to get there, but when you finally do, you find yourself surrounded by 360º of mountains including Annapurna I and holy Fishtail feeling close enough to kiss and hug. You will feel so lucky to be there that it will make all the challenges worthwhile.

Words can’t explain what you will see or feel here, it is so beautiful. We hope you will come to join us to explore the Annapurnas and the beauty of nature.

"I realize how extraordinarily lucky I am to have seen all this" - Michael Palin

"Annapurna Sanctuary is probably the most beautiful place I have ever seen"
- Sir Edmund Hillary, First man to summit Mount Everest

"Annapurna Sanctuary where my soul meets the mountains and the mountains meet the sky, I have trekked to this area more than 50 times and would do it a thousand times more. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen"
- Mukti Timilsina, Founder of Freedom Adventure Treks


Duration: 18 days: Kathmandu to Kathmandu, drive in/trek/drive out
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Maximum altitude: 4500m
Departure: September to Mid June/Daily
Group size: minimum 1/ maximum 10
Cost; $A1800 or equivalent in other currencies

Highlights:

• 360° views of the Annapurna Mountain range including the tenth highest peak in the world, Annapurna I, Holy Machapuchare (Fishtail) and nine mountains all above 7000m high, side by side
• Walking through the largest Rhododendron forest in Nepal
• Pass through villages of many different ethnic groups, including the largest Gurung village.
• Kathmandu Valley sightseeing: World Heritage Sites

Duration: 14 days
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Drive in/drive out
Trek style: Camping
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Maximum altitude: 4500m+
Group size: minimum 2 - maximum 10
Departure dates: September - May/Daily
Cost: $A110/person/day or equivilent in other currency

The Annapurna Himalayan region has been recognised as one of the most famous destinations for adventure loving people from all over the world. Holy Machapuchare, with its unique ‘fishtail’ shape is the heart of the Annapurna. Dozens of mountains stand to its left and right stretching to the horizon in all directions. It has never been climbed and the local people who live around it see it as the God that protects humans and animals alike.

Machapuchare is the central attraction with thousands and thousands of visitors coming to see its ‘fishtail’ every year. Some look from a distance and some seek to get closer, but nobody can climb it.

Freedom Adventure leads you to the lap of Machapuchare, but not across the Holy line that leads to its summit. Other trails have been beaten with the steps of thousands of trekking feet, and have lost the wild nature and original culture of this area, but this trek takes you to one of the wildest regions, where there are no people or villages. For four days and four nights you will be camping in a total wilderness zone. On the first night you will experience the full impact of the busy tourist trail and then for the last few nights you will experience the very remote village culture which has remained unchanged in this modern world.

This is the perfect trail for those who love to wander in the wildness of nature, experience original culture and take on a personal challenge. You will find yourself surrounded by the magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountains, and will feel yourself reaching ever closer to the holiness of Machapuchare.

Highlights:

• Trek through the wildest part of the Annapurna
• Walking through indigenous rhododendron forests full of orchids, native vines and wilderness
• Getting close enough to touch one of the holiest mountains Machapuchare
• Wilderness camping for 4 nights
• Visiting remote non-tourist areas
• Exploring the natural beauty of Pokhara
• Kathmandu Valley sightseeing

Itinerary outline:

Day One: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day Two: Travel to Pokhara
Day Three: Sightseeing tour of Pokhara
Day Four:  Pokhara to Pothana: 1700m: 5 hours walking
Day Five: To forest camp: 2550m: 5 hours walking
Day Six:  Forest camp to Low camp: 3410m: 5 hours walking
Day Seven:  Low camp to High camp: 4100m: 4 hours walking
Day Eight:  High camp to Above High camp: 5000+m: 3-5 hours walking
Day Nine:   High Camp to Siding village: 1750m: 5 hours walking
Day Ten:  Siding village to Mardi Phul: 1100m: 4 hours walking
Day Eleven: Mardi Phul to Pokhara: 900m: 2 hours walking
Day Twelve:  Travel to Kathmandu
Day Thirteen: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing
Day Fourteen: Transport to the airport for your departure. 

Your Freedom Adventure Treks tour coordinator will be with you until you are back at the airport or head off to your next destination, with a lifetime of memories.

Duration; 30 day package
Including: 12 day trek, 10 days Community Environment work
Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Drive in/Drive out
Style of trek: Teahouse/Family home stay
Maximum altitude: 4200m
Difficulty rating: Easy to Medium
Best Season: September to May
Cost of the trek is $3000

The ‘Incredible Nepal with Annapurna Base Camp Trek' package offers the best opportunity for the visitor to see Nepal and explore it in many different ways.
This tour includes:  Kathmandu Sightseeing; White-water rafting; Jungle Safari including: Elephant safari, bird watching, canoeing and much more; Sight seeing in the most naturally beautiful city in Nepal, Pokhara.
Trekking to the world famous Annapurna Base Camp. The Annapurna region is the heart of the worlds highest and the longest mountain range, the Himalayas. The Annapurna Base Camp is the heart of the Annapurna region.
Treks to this area start at a point about 45 minutes drive west of Pokhara and from the beginning the trail leads us through spectacular panoramas, abundant bird and wildlife, terraces, villages, through rhododendron forests, bamboo forests and then to the grasslands. Mountains turn from green to rocky and then finally to white at Annapurna Base Camp at 4200m. There is no doubt that it is a bit of a challenge to get there, but when you finally do, you find yourself surrounded by 360º of mountains including Annapurna I and holy Fishtail feeling close enough to touch. You will feel so lucky to be there that it will make all the challenges worthwhile.
The trek continues to Poon Hill, which is one of the famous viewing points in the Annapurnas; From here you can see more than 30 peaks including the tenth highest peak in the world: Annapurna, eighth highest peak in the world: Dhaulagiri and of course the world famous holy Fishtail Mountain, which in Nepalese is known as Machapuchare.
This very special package also includes the opportunity to make a difference by being involved in Community based Environment Projects through ‘The Eagle’s Nest Environment Adventure’ which includes: working in our plant nursery, visiting remote Nepalese villages and living with a local family, being involved in traditional farming practices, working with orphans and local schools, opportunities for cultural exchange. These activities will vary depending on the season, festivals, school holidays, community events etc.
You still have time during this trip to fit in other optional activities such as: Ultra light flights, paragliding or a mountain flight.

This style of itinerary is designed to be pleasant and easy-going so that you experience full enjoyment. Your tour coordinator is with you from arrival to departure, with other support staff and guides joining you for different adventures like rafting, jungle safari etc.

Highlights:

• Rafting on a Himalayan River
• Chitwan National Park: Jungle Safari: One of South East Asia’s best National Parks
• Elephant ride and observing the unique One Horned Rhino
• Sightseeing and wandering in beautiful lakeside Pokhara
• Trekking in the world famous Annapurna Region up to Annapurna Base Camp
• 10 days community based environment work: Making a difference
• Visit some remote villages and stay local families
• Explore Nepali culture and lifestyle
• Cultural and information exchange opportunities
• Kathmandu Valley sight seeing including visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites:

• o Pashputinath
  o Kathmandu Durbar Square
  o Bouddhanath
  o Swayambunath

Itinerary outline:
Day One: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day Two: White water rafting/Chitwan
Day Three: Chitwan National Park
Day Four: Chitwan to Pokhara (evening)
Day Five: Pokhara Sightseeing and trek preparation
Day Six: Begin Trek – Pokhara to Ghandrung
Day Seven: Ghandrung to Chhomrong
Day Eight: Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel
Day Nine: Himalaya Hotel to Machapuchare Base Camp
Day Ten: MBC to Annapurna Base Camp
Day Eleven: ABC to Dovan/Bamboo
Day Twelve: Dovan/Bamboo to Chhomrong
Day Thirteen:  Rest Day in Chhomrong/Community work
Day Fourteen: Chhomrong to Tadapani
Day Fifteen: Tadapani to Ghorepani (POON HILL)
Day Sixteen: Ghorepani to Tirkhedhunga
Day Seventeen: Tirkhedhunga to Pokhara
Day Eighteen to Twenty Seven:

• Working at the Eagle’s Nest Environment Centre,
• Building plant nursery
• Helping with seasonal agricultural activities e.g.: planting, harvesting etc
• Visiting a Village Tourism centre
• Exchange ideas with locals: Learn about sustainability from each other.
• Cultural exchange

Day Twenty eight: Travel to Kathmandu
Day Twenty nine: Kathmandu Valley sight seeing including UNESCO: World Heritage Sites.
Day Thirty: Departure

Your Freedom Adventure Treks tour coordinator will be with you until you are back at the airport or head off to your next destination, with a lifetime of memories.