New republic on the roof of the world

After 239 years of a monarchy that had increasingly become a symbol of oppression, Nepal has just recently celebrated its first day as a new republic. Newly-appointed Prime Minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, said “The nation’s dream has come true”. Peregrine Adventures continues to follow its dream in the world’s greatest mountain range – the Himalaya, refining its programme and including more new and exciting adventures.

Peregrine’s recent collaboration is a responsible tourism project turning one of its most successful Nepalese tours, the 17-day Annapurna Dhaulagiri trek, into a lodge trek, directly benefitting the local community. Next available departure from Kathmandu 28th September 08.

In the late 1970s Peregrine researched the area below Annapurna South and discovered a stunning wilderness region of alpine ridges, holy lakes and sensational mountain views. This is arguably the best two week walk in the Annapurnas, trekking to Kopra Ridge - one of the most spectacular vantage points in the Himalaya, and lesser-known alternative to the Annapurna Circuit. Following the Modi Khola River, trekkers ascend through pretty villages and forested hillsides to Upper Ghandruk and Kot Danda, enjoying fine views of the Annapurna mountains.

Leaving the popular main trail at Tadapani, Peregrine head into remote alpine terrain to the ridge at Kopra - the highlight of the trek. Here trekkers stay in the new Kopra lodge owned by the local community, with the lofty peaks of Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Fang and Annapurna South providing a perfectly awe-inspiring panorama. Dhaulagiri is also visible, across one of the deepest gorges in the world. (Profits from trekkers visiting Kopra lodge go towards a number of local school projects and a Yak husbandry programme). Conditions permitting a side trip may be made to the remote holy lake at Kaire.

On the return journey, the route descends down a forested trail to Saunta before joining the popular trekking trail to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. The tour concludes with two nights beside Phewa Lake at Pokhara, shopping, boating or just relaxing, before returning to Kathmandu.

The trek costs £1,107 p/p including airport transfers, transport, lodge and camp accommodation, personal trek equipment, porterage on trek, sightseeing and entrance fees, local guides and Peregrine Adventures tour leader.

Flights are not included.

For more information, see Peregrineadventures.co.uk.