Compare Annapurna Base Camp Trek- 14 Days by Outfitter Nepal vs Shawnee National Forest: Birding & Ecology in Southern Illinois by Road Scholar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 14 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 825 | $ 649 |
| Price Per Day | $ 59 | $ 130 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | N/A | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
13 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches & 9 Dinners |
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| Description |
The Annapurna base camp trek, a world-renowned trek to the lap of the Annapurna Himalaya where you will be greeted by unforgettable views of the surrounding peaks, Annapurna base camp trek starts in the lush lowlands and continues up to a high-elevation amphitheater at the foot of Annapurna Himalayas. We have thrilling views of Annapurna I, the first peak above 8000 m to have been climbed in history, a feat accomplished by a French team in 1950; the feeling of being in the heart of the Himalayas will never be forgotten. The Annapurna base camp trek lies in the Annapurna Conservation area and is one of the most popular trails among many trekking trails in the region, The Annapurna Base Camp passes through many villages of different ethnic communities having different cultures and lifestyles with terraced fields to forests of rhododendron and bamboo with a wide range of flora and fauna and eventually the alpine heights. It provides non-stop natural diversity with lovely mountain views and the Himalayan landscape. The sub-tropical forests come alive with an immense variety of bird life, waterfalls thunder down from steep cliff sides and monkeys chatter from the tree-tops, terraced fields, and tropical fruit trees surround the neat, white-washed Gurung villages of the higher regions, leading the eye to vistas dominated by some of the Himalaya's most majestic peaks. |
Join naturalists in Shawnee National Forest for lessons on birding and ecology as you explore its varied ecosystems, search for herons, raptors, tanagers and more. |
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu airport transfer to hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
You will be met & greeted by our airport representative who will be on standby to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Your evening is free and after you’ve refreshed, you can go for a stroll down the street to get familiar with your surroundings. Window shopping would be a good start to look around. Your first overnight in the valley of temples & cows. Probably the most in the world; however, these unusual sights are sometimes welcome & interesting.
Day 2: Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu valley & an orientation:
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6
After having breakfast at hotel, we take you for the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley; you will be escorted by a professional guide and Your tour will include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath (note, there are real monkeys down here & they can be a pain in the neck, especially if you are munching something while climbing the steps to the temple; whatever your munching could vanish from your hands in seconds if you’re not careful and the best way to appease these monkeys is by buying some bananas from vendors just by the roadside to the temple & distribute them on your way up, they’d be happy & leave you alone). Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhanath Stupa. The Pashupatinath is a significant place of visit because this is a heritage site & is the most important religious site for Hindus in Nepal & India and within the boundaries of this temple are cremation zones where the bodies of Nepalese, right from the pauper on the streets to the king of Nepal are cremated at this old temple. In the early evening we get back to our hotel & refresh after which your trek leader will meet the group & orient you on the whole program related to your trip. You will even have sufficient time to buy some trek gear if you need any in Thamel area.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 Kilometers west of Kathmandu):
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6
After having early breakfast at hotel, we start our drive and the drive goes along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi River to reach Pokhara, it’s a pretty good drive as we go by the beautiful river which is also good for rafting; we view Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak as well We drive along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi River to reach Pokhara, it’s a pretty good drive as we go by the beautiful river which is also good for rafting; we view Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak as well during the Driving. Pokhara is a tourist's paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, & temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with her lovely mountains; after 6 hours of driving; we will arrive in Pokhara, the city of lakes, welcome to this beautiful town of serene lakes that gives so much meaning to your holidays, overnight at your Hotel.
Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedunga:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 5 Max. Altitude: 1577
After having breakfast at the hotel, we start to drive to Nayapul which takes approximately one and half hours, we then start the first part of our hiking out to Tikhedunga (1577M) Via Birethanti (1065m.) this is a pretty easy flat out hike as we pass through several small lively villages and settlements, after some time, we will ascend gently to the final destination of the day, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 2800
After having hot breakfast at lodge, we start trek and ascend steeply for the first 2 hours then ascend gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, villages. This path gives breathtaking views of Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), and the grand Annapurna (7219m) south on the way. Our trekking trail now gets quite easy going as we pass through rhododendron and shadowy forests amidst the cackling of birds which gives us good feelings till we ascend gently up to the final camp to the Ghorepani, check into the Lodge and overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 6: Hike to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 3210
Today, we hike to Poonhill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise views over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow capped mountains in the morning. Poonhill has always been a symbol of beauty for the Annapurna region then we will return down to Ghorepani and have a hot breakfast at our lodge and trek to Tadapani (2650m.). Most part of the trail we trek is through blooming rhododendron forest; the beautiful flower makes the jungle colorful in spring when they bloom, check in to the lodge in Tadapani and overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 7: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 2675
After having breakfast at lodge, we start the trek and enjoy our hike by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests along the trail, We hear the chirping of different kinds of birds on the way to Kimrung Khola. We then straightaway ascend steeply and walk at a flat level for 45 minutes with gentle steep paths in-between and flat all the way to Chomrong which the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp., check into the Lodge and overnight at lodge.
Day 8: Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 3500
After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek; the trekking trail descends on a stone stairway for the first one and half hour and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak, then we climb further on a rocky path, we will reach Sinuwa, at 2350m & then we trek gently through the forest and descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests to reach Bamboo and walk on gently up towards Dovan and Himalaya, check into the lodge.
Day 9: Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 4130
After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek, the valley widens and becomes less steep and we will see the gates to the sanctuary from here as the trail continues into the sanctum, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs. After a short trek we will be at Bagar (3310m.), a green meadow with some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail appears gently ascending until Machhapuchare Base Camp (3820m.) Which is one place where we enjoy some of the best landscapes in the venture; we will enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path follows through alpine meadows and after some distance our trails go gently up. After a short trek, we begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp at (4170m.), congratulation that you now have reached the Annapurna Base Camp, the destination of our holiday, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 10: Trekking from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 2630
We will have great views of the Himalayas with sunrise in Annapurna base camp then we will have breakfast and ready to return trekking to Dove that takes about five hours and much easier as we go down. You should have no problem reaching Sinuwa from Annapurna Base Camp in a single day however; we have chosen this route as some trekkers may have problem on going down due to shaking or wobbling legs that could be fatigued, check in to the lodge and overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 11: Trekking from Dovan to Jhinudanda:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 1800
After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek to Jhinu dada, the trekking trail is a descent till Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants then, after Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up an hour and the trail is quite flat until Sinuwa. We trek gradually descending to the Chhumrong Khola and we have to follow a stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhumrong village, the last part of the trail is steep down to Jhinudanda. We check into our rooms at the guest house then we could go to the Hot Springs to take a refreshing bath in the warm salt waters, overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 12: Trek from Jhinudanda to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara:
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6
After having breakfast at guest house in Jhinu, we start our trekking and the first part of the trek is lttle descent then flat level trail until Birethati along with the bank of the river, we will stop at Birethati for lunch and after walking about 30 minutes to Nayapul, there will be our car/van waiting for us to take us back to the civilization, Pokhara the city of lakes and natural wonders, overnight at hotel..
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu:
Accommodation: Hotel Hours: 6 Meals: Breakfast
You will have early breakfast at hotel in Pokhara and Our tourist bus leaves at 7 AM to drive us to Kathmandu and the driving will be a fantastic experience as we drive past many satellite towns on the way and we are able to see rural settlements, gushing rivers, terraces and green rural landscapes; after 6 hours driving we will arrive Kathmandu and its overnight at your hotel.
Day 14: Transfer to airport for your departure:
Meals: Breakfast
You will be transferred to the international airport for your final departure to your loving home. OUTFITTER NEPAL has taken pleasure in serving you all of these weeks; you counted on us & we didn’t let you down because we know how hard you’ve worked to enjoy this holiday. Meeting you was an immense pleasure & we do hope you will remember us down the years with memories of the time you’ve spent in this amazing country that’s Nepal. A safe BON VOYAGE home…takes care!!!.
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Makanda D Giant City State Park Lodge & Cabins
Dinner: Dinner in the famous CCC built Giant City Lodge.
Evening: Arrival, introductions; presentation on Illinois Natural Divisions highlighting the physiographic regions that converge in this area creating a diversity of plant and animal life.
Day
2
birding techniques in various habitats
Makanda B,L,D Giant City State Park Lodge & Cabins
Breakfast: Family style in the Lodge Restaurant.
Morning: Introduction to birding techniques in the field. Birding at Giant City State Park among the sandstone bluffs and open fields. Birding techniques and binocular use will be discussed. Short birding hike.
Lunch: Picnic style in the field.
Afternoon: Pine Hills Ecological Area. Unlike anywhere else in Illinois, this is a true extension of the Ozark Plateau. Short Leaf Pine cling to the cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. This range of habitats, from towering limestone bluffs adjacent to spring-fed swamps offer a diversity of flora and fauna. Floodplain bird species and geology are highlighted. Also see spectacular views of the vast Shawnee National Forest from the bluff top, spot soaring raptors, and see the changing Fall colors. One mile hike along flat surface.
Dinner: Giant City Lodge restaurant.
Evening: An evening Owl Prowl to call for resident Barred, Screech, and Great-Horned Owls.
Day
3
Cache River Wetlands, The Heron Pond Nature Preserve
Makanda B,L,D Giant City State Park Lodge & Cabins
Breakfast: Giant City Lodge restaurant.
Morning: Field trip hike at Cache River Wetlands/Heron Pond State Nature Preserve. A designated "Wetland of International Importance" site this wetland complex is a naturalist’s paradise! This is the northernmost range of cypress habitat. A foot bridge over the Cache River leads us to a floating boardwalk which winds its way into the secluded depths of this forested swamp, providing us a chance to step back in time and observe wetland ecosystems that have remained relatively undisturbed for thousands of years. Flat terrain, approx. 2 ½ mile hike.
Lunch: In the field.
Afternoon: Cache River/Heron Pond continued.
Dinner: Giant City Lodge.
Evening: Free-time. Optional viewing of Green Fire.
Day
4
Wildlife Rehabilitator, Pontoon Boat Ride, Performance
Makanda B,L,D Giant City State Park Lodge & Cabins
Breakfast: In the field or lodge restaurant.
Morning: This morning we'll visit the Wildlife Rehabilitator to learn about raptors.
Lunch: Picnic style in the field.
Afternoon: After lunch we'll enjoy a pontoon boat ride on Little Grassy Lake with its 27 miles of undeveloped shoreline and the opportunity to spot migrating waterfowl, osprey, eagles, and migratory neotropicals. After we'll enjoy some local beer/wine sampling.
Dinner: Giant City Lodge.
Evening: Join local songer/songwriter/storyteller/naturalist Curt Carter as he weaves an evening of songs and stories that reflect his love of rivers and passion for the natural world. His songs will take you from the southwestern deserts, to Montana mountains, the re-discovery site of the Ivory-billed woodpecker "Bayou de View" to the Cache River in southern Illinois...... the place he calls home.
Day
5
Morning interpretive hike. Program ends by 11:00 am
Makanda B
Breakfast: Lodge restaurant.
Morning: One mile hike on rugged terrain within the state park. Departures before lunch.
