Annapurna Beyond – Four Panoramic Peaks

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m), introduction, equipment check, welcome dinner.

  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m). You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. In the afternoon we will discuss the course of the trip with you, and in the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guesthouse or an accommodation of equal category (D).

• Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and preparation for the tour

  Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. Among the most popular places and attractions are the Pashupatinath temple complex — one of the most important Hindu temples (the main temple is only accessible to Hindus) — the Buddhist-Hindu temple hill Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, and the Buddhist Boudhanath Stupa. In the late afternoon we return to the hotel to pack for the tour the next morning. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of equal category (B).

  

• Day 3: Flight to Pokhara approx. 40 min. and drive to Hille (1,430m) – trek to Banthanti (2,210m) – 2 hours of driving and 4 hours of hiking

  Early in the morning we drive to the airport for the flight to Pokhara and then continue on to Hille, the starting point of our trek. The ascent begins gently, surrounded by streams, waterfalls, tropical vegetation and green fields that make the landscape lush and picturesque. We cross a suspension bridge at Tikedhunga and hike for about three hours up a steep, stepped trail until we reach Banthanti. From here, on a clear day, you have an impressive view of the summit of Machapuchare (6,996m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 4: Trek Banthanti to Mohare Danda (3,300m) – approx. 5 hours of hiking

  After an early breakfast we begin our hike toward Mohare Danda, through dense forests, with a break in Taplang, which offers a fantastic view of Machapuchare, Annapurna and Hiunchuli. The trail climbs steadily, with the mountain views becoming ever more majestic. Arrival at Mohare Danda rewards us with a breathtaking vista of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. From the lodge we can also witness a spectacular sunset that turns into an unforgettable experience. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 5: Trek Mohare Danda to Swanta (2,200m) – 5 hours of hiking

  If the weather cooperates, we will rise early to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view at sunrise. We are rewarded with stunning views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna (8,091m), Nilgiri (7,061m) and many other peaks. After witnessing a beautiful sunrise we begin our hike with a 1.5-hour descent, followed by an easy path to Fulbari and another descent to Chitre. After lunch we drop steeply down to the river, where sure-footedness will be required. We then climb for about 30 minutes to reach Swanta. Once there, we have the opportunity to explore the village, visit a nearby waterfall and inspect the beehives. It is the perfect chance to relax and enjoy the local surroundings. The view of the massive Dhaulagiri range from here is simply stunning. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Trek Swanta to Chistibung (3,000m) – 5 hours of hiking

  The hike from Swanta to Chistibung takes about 3 to 4 hours. The trail climbs steadily through forests, crosses suspension bridges and passes small settlements. As we ascend, the landscape opens up to meadows with mountain views. Today’s walk offers a beautiful blend of nature and varied scenery. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 7: Trek Chistibung (3,000m) – Khopra Ridge (3,660m), 3 hours of hiking

  Today’s stage leads along a grassy slope where, as we pass the pastures, we can see a few alpine huts and may encounter grazing dzos (a cross between cow and yak). Keep an eye out for the colourful Danphe pheasant, the national bird of Nepal, and the Himalayan tahr (a goat-like ungulate) on the grassy ridge high above the path. The full panorama only unfolds once we reach today’s accommodation: from there, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Nilgiri (7,061m) and the Annapurna south face (7,219m) are all in view. After lunch a short hike down to Khopra Ridge and to a viewpoint is well worth it. From there we can look across the Kali Gandaki River and far down into the valley to Pokhara. From our lodge we can also watch a magnificent sunset. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 8: Sunrise at Khopra Ridge (3,660m) and trek to Dobato (3,420m) – 7 hours of hiking

  Today we get up early to admire the mountain panorama at sunrise once again. The Dhaulagiri massif seems within arm’s reach from here. After breakfast we begin today’s hike with a descent. The trail winds through alpine meadows and forests where we can spot wildlife. After several ascents and descents we reach Dobato, from where we will climb Muldai Peak tomorrow. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 9: Ascent to Muldai Peak (3,637m) and trek to Ghandruk (2,012m) – 6 hours of hiking

  Today we rise about one hour before sunrise and set off on the approximately 50-minute ascent to Muldai Peak. From the viewpoint we can admire more than 25 peaks, including the Annapurna Range, the Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri, the Lamjung Himal Range, Machapuchare and many other impressive mountain summits. In clear weather we even have the chance to see the Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake from the top. After sunrise and breakfast we continue our hike toward Ghandruk. The day becomes more relaxed as we return through oak and rhododendron forests. This area is particularly beautiful, and the walk is often accompanied by birdsong and the murmur of small waterfalls, especially in spring and autumn. Ghandruk is a mountain village inhabited mainly by the Gurung ethnic community. This village is known for the Gurkha soldiers who serve in the British and Indian armies, and it still preserves the traditional construction of its houses with stone-roofed tops. From here there are breathtaking views of the ranges of Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m) and Machapuchare (6,993m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 10: Trek Ghandruk to Forest Camp (2,600m) – approx. 6 hours of hiking

  This is considered the most demanding day of the trek, marked by steep ascents and descents with numerous stone steps. The hike from Ghandruk to Landruk, however, is scenically rewarding and takes about 2 to 3 hours. The path drops steeply down to the Modi Khola river, crosses a suspension bridge and then climbs gently toward Landruk, a peaceful Gurung village with magnificent views of the Annapurna range. From Landruk the trail leads through dense forests, with occasional rest stops that allow glimpses of the surrounding mountains. The strenuous ascent is balanced by the beautiful natural surroundings, making this day a rewarding but challenging stage. Forest Camp at around 2,600 metres is a quiet, peaceful place surrounded by lush greenery. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 11: Trek Forest Camp to High Camp (3,580m) – 5 hours of hiking

  The trail leads uphill through dense rhododendron and oak forests. As we reach the higher altitudes, the tall trees thin out and reveal breathtaking views of the mountain peaks. At 3,580 metres High Camp offers stunning views of the majestic Machapuchare at 6,993 metres, arguably the most elegant mountain in this region. The view from the lodge of the Annapurna South face and Hiunchuli is impressive. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 12: Day trip to the Mardi Himal viewpoint (4,200m) – and back to Rest Camp (3,150m) – 7 hours of hiking

  After a very early light breakfast we hike up the ridge to the Mardi Himal viewpoint at 4,200m. The moderately inclined grass path has a few steeper, exposed sections, but is generally not too much of a challenge. In summer, sheep and goats from the lower-lying villages are driven up to the higher grasslands to graze. This means you will pass many herder huts along the way. After three hours we should reach the upper viewpoint at 4,200 metres, where we look out onto the vast Annapurna massif and can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of its south face and its many peaks, as well as Hiunchuli and Machapuchare (Fishtail), which is considered particularly sacred. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 13: Trek Rest Camp to Kalimati and drive to Pokhara – 6 hours of hiking and approx. 2 hours of driving

  We are approaching the end of our varied trek. One last time we enjoy breakfast in a mountain hut and prepare ourselves for the final descent. Today’s hike will take around 5 to 6 hours and leads us through lush forest downhill to the charming village of Kalimati (1,700m). After lunch we drive by vehicle to Pokhara. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 14: Free day in Pokhara

  The enchanting Pokhara Valley with its many lakes and dreamy views of the broad and mighty Annapurna massif in the background is the ideal place to wind down a trekking tour. The tourist quarter, also known as “Lakeside”, sits next to Phewa Lake, famous for boating and ideal for relaxation. Pokhara has an excellent location for activities such as trekking in the Annapurna region, rafting, paragliding, bird watching, ultralight flights and mountain biking. Pokhara includes the three lakes Phewa, Bagnas and Rupa, the Mountain Museum, Barahi Temple, Mahendra Gupha, Devin’s Falls, the Peace Pagoda and the old Pokhara Bazaar with several sights. The local people in this region are mainly from the Gurung and Magar communities. Overnight at Mt. Kailash Resort or similar category (B).

  

• Day 15: Flight to Kathmandu – rest of the day at leisure

  Transfer to Pokhara airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. You will be picked up at Kathmandu airport and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure, which you can spend with further sightseeing or shopping in Thamel — a good last chance to pick up a few souvenirs. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or similar category (B).

• Day 16: Free time until departure. Flight back home

  Farewell and transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight back home (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  Legend: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner