Khopra Danda with Muldai Peak – Panorama Trekking

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) – introduction to the trip, equipment check and welcome dinner

  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m). 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 the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (D).

• Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the trek

  Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. This day can be arranged flexibly according to your wishes. Among the most popular places and most impressive sights are Pashupatinath — a Hindu temple with cremation grounds, Swayambhunath — also known as the Monkey Temple — and the Boudhanath Stupa. You should return to the hotel in the late afternoon to pack for the trekking tour the next morning. You can also leave a bag of items at the hotel that you will not need on the tour. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House (B).

• Day 3: Flight to Pokhara (30 min), drive to Kimche (approx. 3 hrs) and trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m) – approx. 1.5 hrs of hiking, ~3 km, +300 m / –50 m

  Early in the morning we fly to Pokhara. The flight takes about 40 minutes and offers fantastic views of the Himalayan range. After arrival we drive to Kimche, the starting point of the trek, and hike for about 1.5 hours to Ghandruk (1,940 m). 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 Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Machapuchare (6,997 m). The view is especially magnificent at sunrise and sunset. Those who wish can visit the village museum or take a stroll through the village.
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 4: Trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) – approx. 5 hrs of hiking, ~8 km, +700 m / –100 m

  On this beautiful day of hiking we ascend gradually through dense pine and brightly coloured rhododendron forests to Tadapani. At first we climb in many steps from Ghandruk up to Bhaisikarka. After that the trail leads through an enchanted forest with a babbling stream and the sound of birdsong. With a little luck, between the trees we may spot the white face of a monkey. As if out of nowhere, Tadapani (2,630 m) appears. From here too you can admire the famous summits of the Annapurna region — Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Machapuchare (6,997 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 5: Trek to Dobato (3,426 m) – 4–5 hrs of hiking, ~9 km, +900 m / –100 m

  The route leads us deep into an enchanted rhododendron forest. Between March and April the vibrant blooms delight the heart. Today’s stage is marked by numerous ascents and descents, but they are pleasant to walk. In Dobato we once again enjoy fascinating views of the mountains. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Sunrise at the Muldai viewpoint (3,637 m) – trek to Bayeli Kharka (3,420 m) – approx. 3–4 hrs of hiking, ~7 km, +300 m / –500 m

  It is well worth getting up early and undertaking the approximately 45-minute ascent to the Muldai viewpoint (3,637 m) before sunrise. From up there we can see more than 25 peaks, including the Annapurna Range, the Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgiri (7,061 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). In clear weather, the view even reaches into the Pokhara Valley and onto Phewa Lake. After breakfast we hike on to Bayeli Kharka (3,420 m).
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 7: Trek to Upper Chistibung (2,975 m) – approx. 4 hrs of hiking, ~6 km, +200 m / –650 m

  The trail leads across grassy slopes, past alpine huts and grazing dzos (a cross between yak and cow). Keep an eye out for the colourful Danphe pheasant, the national bird of Nepal, as well as for the shy Himalayan tahr, which grazes high above the path on the ridges.
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 8: Trek to Khopra Ridge (3,660 m) – approx. 3 hrs of hiking, ~5 km, +700 m / –0 m

  From Upper Chistibung we climb steadily through alpine meadows up to Khopra Ridge (3,660 m). Once at the top, the panorama of the Annapurna south face opens up before us. From the community house we have an unobstructed view of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Fang (7,647 m) and Annapurna South (7,219 m). In the afternoon a short walk to a viewpoint is well worth it, from where you can look deep down into the valley of the Kali Gandaki.
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 9: Day hike to Kaire Lake (approx. 4,500 m) – 9–10 hrs of hiking, ~15–16 km, +850 m / –850 m

  Sunrise on Khopra Ridge is breathtaking, with the mighty Dhaulagiri massif (8,167 m) seemingly within arm’s reach. Those who are fit can, after an early breakfast, ascend to Kaire Lake (about 4,500 m). The long hike takes up to ten hours including the return, but is rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. Alternatively, there is the option of a shorter half-day hike from Khopra.
  Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 10: Trek to the village of Swanta (2,200 m) – approx. 5 hrs of hiking, ~10 km, –1,460 m

  The descent first leads us back to Upper Chistibung in one hour, where a rest is welcome. Afterwards we continue hiking on to the village of Swanta (2,200 m). Along the way we are accompanied by the view of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), which towers impressively above the terraced fields. In Swanta a visit to the primary school is well worth it; its teachers are supported by income from the community lodges. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 11: Trek to Ulleri (2,050 m) – 5–6 hrs of hiking, ~12 km, +500 m / –650 m; afterwards 1.5 hrs drive to Pokhara (820 m)

  About an hour after leaving the village of Swanta we meet the main trail to Ghorepani. Here we encounter more hikers again before we descend through a rhododendron forest to Ulleri (2,050 m). From there a jeep takes us back to Pokhara (822 m) in about 1.5 hours, where we can enjoy the final evening at Phewa Lake. Overnight at the Hotel Mount Kailash Resort or an accommodation of similar category (B|L).

• Day 12: Free day in Pokhara (820 m)

  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 the same hotel in Pokhara (B).

• Day 13: 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 at short notice. Overnight at the Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of similar category (B).

• Day 14: 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.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner