Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
15 Days
Visiting: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Trisuli River, Mugling, Himalchuli, Manaslu, Naya Pul, Birethanti, Sudami, Hille, Tirke Dhunga, Tirkhedhunga, Ulleri, Nangethanti, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Banthanti, Tadapani, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare, Chomrong, Himalaya Hotel, Machapuchare Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Bamboo Lodge, Jhinnudanda, Modi Khola Valley, Chhomrong, Pothana, Landruk, Tolka, Phedi, Deurali, Dhampus
Tour operator:
Tour code:
127
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
12-75
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The 'Annapurna Sanctuary trek' takes you into a hidden bowl in the heart of the Annapurna range, where you are surrounded by a spectacular panorama of towering peaks, ten of which are over 6,000m. One of the more popular Annapurna treks, this trek takes you as far as Annapurna Base Camp at 4,095m. We reach the sanctuary after a beautiful and varied trek through the Himalayan foothills, passing through small villages, mixed forests and terraced farmland. En-route we enjoy great mountain views at sunrise from Poon Hill. An excellent introduction to Nepal and trekking in Annapurnas.
You begin your tour in Kathmandu where you'll have a free day to explore the sights and sounds of the capital at your leisure. From Kathmandu you have a scenic road journey to Pokhara where your trek begins from nearby Naya Pul. Staying in lodges throughout, you will get to meet and talk with other trekkers and guides each evening, and discuss the places you've visited, and the route ahead, as well as making a contribution to the local economy.
Starting in the foothills, immediately north of Pokhara you start the trek by climbing to Ghorepani, where you can enjoy beautiful sunrise views of the Annapurna range from Poon Hill. From Ghorepani you cross several valleys and then ascend along the beautiful Modi Khola valley. Deep Rhododendron forests, with sprinklings of a whole range of orchids, and bamboo forests replete with chattering monkeys, are a dominant feature of this trek.
As you walk further up into the centre of the Annapurna Himal, you will visit Machhapuchhare Base Camp followed by Annapurna Base Camp itself. As you enter the Annapurna Sanctuary (a mountain ringed amphitheatre of immense proportions), you will be rewarded with spectacular views of 10 snow-capped peaks above 6,000m. The peaks include: Fang, Glacier Dome, Homunculi, Annapurna, Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare. All of these, combined with the impressive backdrop of the south face of Annapurna 1 (8,090m) make this trek a truly unique and unforgettable experience. After some time exploring the Sanctuary, you retrace your steps for a couple of days to leave, before trekking back towards Pokhara, stopping along the way at the hot springs near Jhinnadunda.
You have a free day in Pokhara which we leave to give you time to relax in this peaceful lakeside town, and to allow for any delays on the trek itself. From Pokhara you travel by road back to Kathmandu and have a little free time to do some last minute shopping or a little more sightseeing around the city and surrounding valley.
Extensions are available to visit Chitwan or Bardia National Parks, try some white-water rafting or perhaps even a home stay in a nearby Newari village.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kathmandu hotel
We welcome you to the airport and take you to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu, where our Encounters Travel agent welcomes you, helps you settle in and explains the agenda for the rest of your tour.
Day 2 : Pokhara (Flying Option Available)
Location: Pokhara, Trisuli River, Mugling, Himalchuli, Manaslu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pokhara hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You started off early today, going west for Pokhara. You will travel by private car or minivan with a driver and a trekking guide, and once clear of the surrounding hills of the city, there is a wonderful view of the snow-capped peaks as you wind down the valley of the Trisuli River. You can see white water rafts on the Trisuli River below you. The drive continues through the junction of the town of Mugling and to Pokhara (about 7 hours). The journey will also give you your first glimpse of Himalchuli and Manaslu from the north. Upon arrival in Pokhara, after checking in at the hotel, you are free to explore the busy Lakeside area.
Day 3 : Drive To Naya Pul. Trek To Tirkhedunga (1540M)
Location: Naya Pul, Birethanti, Sudami, Hille, Tirke Dhunga
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Thirkhedhunga trekking lodge
Your trek begins today after a 1 1/2 hour drive through the major village of Lumle to Naya Pul. The route begins by passing Birethanti (1025 m), a large and prosperous village. Your path follows the main trail to Sudami, where you climb up the side of the valley until you reach Hille (1,495 m) before you reach Tirke Dhunga (1540 m).
Day 4 : Trek To Ghorepani (2860 M)
Location: Tirkhedhunga, Ulleri, Nangethanti, Ghorepani
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Ghorepani trekking lodge
From Tirkhedhunga, the trail crosses a stream and then goes up a steep stone stairway to the large village of Magar in Ulleri (2.070 m). You walk through the Rhododendron and oak forests and through the streams until you make a quick, final climb to Nangethanti. You eventually get to Ghorepani (2,850 m) from Nangethanti. The distance covered is not too wide today, but you are at an altitude of over 1300 m, so be prepared for sore legs by the end of the day. The views of the Annapurna foothills improve with every meter obtained and provide a fitting reward for hard work.
Day 5 : Journey To Tadapani (2630 M)
Location: Poon Hill, Ghorepani, Banthanti, Tadapani, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Tadapani trekking lodge
It's no surprise that a lot of people come to Poon Hill to see the sunrise, and an early start allows you to watch it from the top. It is one of the best viewpoints in the Himalayas at 3,210 m. Most of the way up there are good views of the Annapurnas and the Dhaulagiri, while at the top you are surrounded by a panoramic view of the mountains. There is an observation platform at the top, with picnic tables along the edge of the hilltop, and typically a local hot drink offering. The snow-capped peaks are the first to be lit, and while you watch, the mists gently dissipate, and the lines of the hills shake their ridges to welcome the sun. When the sun breasts the hills to the east, the warmth of the sun suddenly takes the chill out of the air. (Take an extra layer of clothes with you, because it can be pretty cold before that). Next you go down to Ghorepani, and from here you follow a gently forested ridge for a while. There are views from all sides, and the air is always busy with the sound of talking monkeys. The summit of Machhapuchhare is visible, before you descend steep, muddy slopes and a heavily forested narrow gorge. As the gorge widens, you are coming to Banthanti. Continuing on, you descend steeply before climbing through the thick, dark forest to Tadapani (2,630 m). Sunrise and sunset offer particularly good photographs of Annapurna South, the towers above the town and Machhapuchhare, which can be seen across the valley.
Day 6 : Trek To Chomrong (2170 M)
Location: Chomrong
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Chhomrong trekking lodge
Today you descend through a jungle-like forest (notorious for leeches in the monsoon season) where the branches of the tree are lined with hanging mosses and the air is mixed with the fragrance of decay and flowering trees. Eventually, you emerge past the sawmill and onto the terraced fields on the side of the deep valley. From here, you walk down the valley past cowsheds and small houses, stopping to watch local farmers work on the terraces. You cross a strong bridge at the river, before climbing to the other side of the valley. Here you walk around the shoulder of the hill and enter the much larger Modi Khola Valley. It's only a short distance along the valley, which leads you directly to the Annapurna Sanctuary before we get to Chhomrong (2.170 m). The village of Chhomrong is relatively wide and spreads out along a steep stone stairway on the side of the valley. Water breaks down cleverly constructed channels, following hundreds of steps down to the bottom. There is a hydroelectric dam at the base of the hill, which now supplies power to much of the village. It's the last big populated village you'll meet before you get back from Base Camp.
Day 7 : Trek To The Himalaya Hotel (2920 M)
Location: Himalaya Hotel
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Himalaya Hotel trekking lodge
Following the well-worn trail, you enter the Modi Khola valley, walking through the Rhododendron trees, climbing gently uphill and passing through the high bamboo forests with monkeys and occasional meadows above. Eventually, you can hit a gap in the trail and bear right down to the lodges of Bamboo by the river, and a welcome break. If you don't have walking poles with you, this stretch of walking is a good opportunity to pick up a stout bamboo walking stick for the coming climbs to Base Camp (ask your guide what you can do). You leave the river, walk again through the wet Rhododendron forest, and start climbing up to the lodges at Doban before you push through some steep sections to the grandly called Himalaya Hotel (2.920 m).
Day 8 : Trek To Machapuchare Base Camp (3700 M)
Location: Machapuchare Base Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Machhapuchhare Base Camp trekking lodge
You leave the tree line behind you today as you step up steeply to open areas. Passing past Hinku Cave, a massive overhanging rock that can be used as a temporary shelter in winter when the weather is bad, you cross two daily avalanche streams before you get to Deurali. Then you go up to the narrow entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Machhapuchhare is now clearly visible, rising above you and just across the valley. Traveling across a barren rocky area, you arrive at the Machhapuchhare Base Camp, which at 3,700 m is perfectly positioned at the gateway to this inner Annapurna panorama. It's less than two hours from here to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) and the perfect view of some of the world's highest mountains. You may struggle to get this far in the winter months, whether there is a lot of snow, recent avalanches, or if the weather looks like it's going to get worse. Your guide will have the final say, but walking through these peaceful valleys in the snow, with the giant icicles hanging from the Hinku Cave and the rocks above, makes up for not getting straight to the top. The distance covered is not too long today, but you're going to notice the altitude now, and you shouldn't sit any higher than Macchapuchare BC.
Day 9 : Annapurna Base Camp (4130 M) And Sanctuary Day
Location: Annapurna Base Camp
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Annapurna Base Camp trekking lodge
A lot of this day is spent enjoying the spectacular scenery that surrounds you. It's not a long walk to the South Annapurna Base Camp (4130 m), although you're at an altitude of over 400 m. There are many routes and paths in the sanctuary that allow you to try out various points of view from which to view the peaks. The vast south face of Annapurna I (8,091 m) provides an impressive backdrop, while the proximity of 10 peaks over 6,000 m, including Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Homunculi and Machhapuchhare, is simply awe-inspiring. Sunrise is unique as the rising sun steadily illuminates the snow-capped peaks. Walking through the Sanctuary, the view is stunning, as you feel almost absolutely surrounded by the surrounding mountains. Silence is crushing and only occasionally broken by a distant rug of avalanches. If you're fortunate, you may see some climbing expeditions planning to head up the mountains.
Day 10 : Trek To Bamboo Lodge (2310 M)
Location: Bamboo Lodge
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Bamboo trekking lodge
Leaving the towering peaks behind, you retrace your steps past the Hinku Cave and back down the tree line and through the Rhododendron and Bamboo forests. Continue past Himalaya Hotel to Bamboo Lodge (2.310 m). You're losing a lot of altitude today, so walking poles or the bamboo stick you picked up earlier would really support your knees.
Day 11 : Trek To Jhinnudanda (1780 M)
Location: Jhinnudanda, Modi Khola Valley, Chhomrong
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Jhinnudanda trekking lodge
Continuing back up the Modi Khola Valley, you leave the bamboo behind you as you descend through the Rhododendron jungle to Chhomrong. It's a short but steep walk down to Jhinnudanda (1,780 m), where you rest overnight. Just below the town there are hot springs, where you might have time for a welcome shower, revitalizing hard-working muscles and joints.
Day 12 : Trek To Pothana (1890 M)
Location: Pothana, Modi Khola Valley, Landruk, Tolka
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Pothana trekking lodge
You could finish your trek today and walk straight down the valley from Jhinudanda, pick up a shared jeep or local bus to Birethanti and back to Pokhara. However, we prefer to add a few more days and some more spectacular views to this trek and hike up from New Bridge (1340 m) along the eastern side of the Modi Khola Valley, passing through the village of Landruk (1,620 m) before starting a steady ascent through Tolka to Pothana (1890 m).
Day 13 : Trek To Phedi (1130 M) And Drive To Pokhara
Location: Phedi, Pokhara, Deurali, Dhampus
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pokhara hotel
Your trek ends today as you leave the view from Pothana behind you and descend first to Deurali and Dhampus and then to Phedi, where you enter the main road and we drive you back to Pokhara. Set in a large fertile valley, Pokhara is the gateway to most of Nepal's rafting and trekking destinations and has plenty to entertain you this afternoon and evening as you celebrate the completion of your trek.
Day 14 : Leave Pokhara And Drive To Kathmandu
Location: Pokhara, Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kathmandu hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave the Annapurna region behind this morning and take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu (approx. 7-8 hours). An upgrade to a domestic flight is available on request. The remainder of the day and evening is free to settle back into busy city life again!
Day 15 : Tour Ends
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour will end after breakfast and, if possible, we will move you to the airport for your home flight.
What's Included
What's Not Included
More Info
The 'Annapurna Sanctuary trek' takes you to a secret bowl in the heart of the Annapurna range, surrounded by a stunning panoramic view of the towering peaks, ten of which are over 6,000 m. One of the most famous Annapurna treks, this trek takes you as far as the Annapurna Base Camp at 4,095 m. We enter the sanctuary after a magnificent and varied trek through the foothills of the Himalayas, passing through small villages, mixed forests, and terraced farmland. En-route, we enjoy great mountain views at sunrise from Poon Hill and end up relaxing in the lakeside town of Pokhara and exploring the Newari hilltop town of Bandipur. An excellent introduction to Nepal and hiking in Annapurnas. You start your tour of Kathmandu with a guided tour of this bustling city, taking in tiny markets, corner temples and the famous Durbar Square. You have a scenic journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where your trek begins from nearby Naya Pul. Staying in lodges throughout the day, you will meet and talk to other trekkers and guides every night, discuss the places you've visited and the route ahead, and make a contribution to the local economy. Starting in the foothills, immediately north of Pokhara, you start your trek to Ghorepani, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise view of the Annapurna range from Poon Hill. From Ghorepani, you cross many valleys and then go up the beautiful Modi Khola Valley. A dominant characteristic of this trek is the Deep Rhododendron forests, with sprinklings of a wide variety of orchids and bamboo forests full of pussy monkeys. As you walk up to the middle of the Annapurna Himal, you can visit the Machhapuchhare Base Camp, followed by the Annapurna Base Camp itself. When you reach the Annapurna Sanctuary (a mountain ringed amphitheatre of enormous proportions), you will be rewarded with breath-taking views of 10 snow-capped peaks above 6,000 m. The summits include: Fang, Glacier Dome, Homunculi, Annapurna, Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare. All of these, combined with the impressive background of the south face of Annapurna 1 (8,090 m), make this trek a truly unique and unforgettable experience. After some time exploring the Sanctuary, take a few days to walk back to Pokhara and stop along the way at the hot springs near Jhinnadunda. You have a free day in Pokhara, which we leave to give you time to relax in this peaceful lakeside town, and to allow for any delay in the trek itself. From Pokhara you drive back to Kathmandu via Bandipur and have a little free time to do some last-minute shopping or a little more sightseeing around the city and the surrounding valley. One of the great things about the Annapurna trekking region is the wide variety of routes and paths available. This means that the itinerary below can be both shortened and extended in all kinds of different ways if you have more or less time for your trek. Options are also available to explore the ancient areas of Patan & Bhaktapur outside Kathmandu, take a mountain flight to Everest, or extend the trip to try some white-water rafting or visit one of Nepal's wildlife sanctuaries.
Mode of Transport
A/C minibus
Accommodation
Boutique hotel
Trekking lodges
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Guides
Fully trained English-speaking Nepalese trekking guides are provided on this tour and many of our travellers consider them a highlight of their tour. For parties of 1-6 travellers we provide one trekking guide plus porters, and for groups of 7 to 12, two guides are provided plus porters. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
This tour include a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service at Kathmandu airport and all other transfers. There will be a collection of people waiting on the far side of an airport service road immediately in front of you as you exit Kathmandu airport. Please look out for an Encounters Travel signboard to find our representative. You may well be pestered for tips by porters who try to carry your luggage. We suggest you either be firm and insist on carrying your own luggage, or if you want assistance, wait until you have met our representative and then let him arrange the porter for you. You will need to have some money ready for a small tip (eg. up to NRs 50 or a single US Dollar bill).
Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the time you have booked with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days. -
What should I know before traveling?
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information. -
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Nepal: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Bhutan: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Tibet: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting. In general the lowland regions Bhutan are considered malarial zones, while higher altitudes including central Bhutan including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang are not. Nepal is considered mainly low risk with prophylactics not normally required.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary. Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have. -
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
Many nationals can obtain their Nepalese visa in Kathmandu airport upon arrival (including UK, EU, US, CA, AU, NZ, SA citizens). The costs for a single entry visa are currently:
- up to 15 days - US$ 25
- 16 to 30 days - US$ 40
- 31 to 90 days - US$ 100
An additional $20 fee is charged to convert these into a multiple entry visa which will be needed for any tours returning to Nepal after visiting Bhutan or Tibet.
The visa is obtained in the immigration area at the point where your passport is stamped. Forms to fill in are available in this immigration hall and may also be given out on your flight (if so, do fill them in before you land as it will reduce your queuing time). You will also need to fill in an arrivals card. Once your paperwork is completed, head to the immigration desk and hand over your forms, 2 passport photos, your visa fee and passport. The visa fees are set in US Dollars, but you can also pay in other currencies, but don't rely on getting given change.
Passport Photos: You will need two passport photos for your Nepal visa if you are obtaining it on arrival. If you are doing any trekking, rafting or visiting a National Park (i.e. on many of of our tours), you should bring extras, as some of the permits we may need to get require these. Please bring at least 4 passport photos with you - they will always come in useful later if you don't need them all.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All your entry fees and permits are included in the price of the tour to cover entry into the trekking conservation areas, and sites on any optional day tours added to the tour.
This trek passes through a restricted trekking area (Nar & Phu Valleys) for which advance permits are required. We will need to receive a scanned copy of your passport at least 2 weeks prior to arrival in order to ensure that permits are ready for you to start the trek. -
What should I know before I travel?
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information. -
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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