NEW ROUTE FOR ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT

A pincer movement of dirt roads, from Tibet to Mustang and a southern stretch from Ghasa to Muktinath, has disturbed the usual serenity of the Annapurnas bringing motorbikes and jeeps to an area previously only enjoyed on foot. Once completed the road will permit tourists to drive through the world’s deepest gorge from Pokhara to Muktinath.

After 21 years of offering the classic circuit, HK has devised an alternative route which will allow trekkers to complete the circuit whilst avoiding the new road. The revised itinerary follows the classic route over the Thorong-La (5,416m) as far as Muktinath, then deviates away from the road taking in the prettiest off-the-beaten-track villages whilst still detouring to old favourites such as Marpha and Tukuche; so that local businesses don’t lose their much needed custom.


Annapurna Circuit
A classic world-renowned trek, now revised to avoid the new road to Muktinath .
28 Sep-21 Oct, 5 Oct-28 Oct, 12 Oct-4 Nov
£1,195 land only (contact us for the latest flight inclusive price)

'Mini' Annapurna Circuit
A shorter 18-day variant of the classic trek, also revised to avoid the new road.
2 Oct-19 Oct
£1,075 land only (contact us for the latest flight inclusive price)

HIMALAYAN ELECTIONS

NEPAL VOTES FOR A NEW FUTURE
Voting has closed in the landmark elections, the first since 1999, that are the culmination of the peace process in Nepal. There was a high turnout with the Nepalese people keen to vote for a new assembly which will rewrite the constitution and most likely abolish Nepal’s centuries-old monarchy. Polling has generally been peaceful, and final results are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Early indicators suggest a landslide victory for the Maoist Party.

DEMOCRACY IN BHUTAN
The Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) were the overwhelming winners of the first parliamentary elections which took place in Bhutan on the 24th March. The well-organised election was a big success - turn-out was almost 80%. The much-loved King will continue as head of state and the staunchly pro-monarchist new government remains committed to the Bhutanese philosophy of Gross National Happiness!

TIBET UPDATE

Himalayan Kingdoms is continuing to monitor the latest developments and news from Tibet.

We hope to be able to run our Tibet trips as planned later this year but please do check our website or ring us on 0845 330 8579 for the latest information on trips to Tibet.

'WISH WE WERE THERE'...TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Our Marketing Manager, Jude, has trekked in far-flung corners of the world but still has an outstanding objective closer to home. “The TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc) is high on my trekking wish list as I have walked sections but not the entire circuit. The fact that the circuit passes through three countries – France, Italy and Switzerland – is unique, and the mountain scenery you trek through must be some of the most spectacular in Europe. A fantastic challenging trek, and only a short hop away.”

Tour du Mont Blanc
One of the great classic walks of the world!
Departures: 29 Jun–11 Jul, 13 Jul-25 Jul
£1,250 land-only

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