Day 1. Arrive Kathmandu
Airport pickup and transfer to hotel. Complete instructions are given in the afternoon. In the evening you are invited for dinner with your mountain guide. Overnight at Hotel Tibet or similar (D).
Day 2. Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the trek
Today we explore Kathmandu with a local city guide. The day is flexible and is designed according to what you would like to see. The most popular places and attractions are generally Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple with an area for burning the dead, Swayambhunath – also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, the Boudhanath stupa, Durbar Square and Thamel – the main tourist centre of Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel (B).
Day 3. Fly to Pokhara-Nayapul and trek to Ulleri (Altitude 1.960m/4 hrs. approx.)
After breakfast, drive to airport and fly to Pokhara. At arrival we drive to Nayapul (trek point), meet the trailhead and proceed down the hill from the road and follow a river to Birethanti (1.025m). We will walk gently uphill for a couple of hours to Hille (1.475m). The streams, waterfalls, tropical vegetation, and green fields give this area a lush feeling. We pass a suspension bridge in Tikedhunga and walk uphill for about 50 mins to our overnight stop at Ulleri (1.960m). Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 4. Uleri to Ghorepani (Altitude 2.750m/6hrs approx.)
Our hike is uneven for today. We follow a path that finds its way up and down hills, then a staircase leads upwards, passing many homes and teahouses as it climbs. Part way up, we get our first view of Annapurna South. Higher up, we enter a wooded area filled with rhododendron trees and large bamboo plants. Beyond Banthanti (2.300m) the vegetation thickens and trees are hung with moss. Then, onwards and up a narrow valley with more stairs to climb until we emerge from the jungle at Nangathanti (2.520m). From here on another hour’s climb takes us to Ghorepani. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 5. Ghorepani to Tadapani (Altitude 2.590m/6hrs approx.)
Starting early, a pre-dawn hike (60 mins) takes us up to Poon Hill, in time for sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range. After the breathtaking sunrise and amazing mountain view we return to our tea-house for breakfast. We then rejoin the trail that wends its way north along the ridge line with magnificent views of the Annapurnas stretching out from east to west. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 6. Tadapani to Chomrong (Altitude 2.170m/6hrs approx.)
The trail continues down a steep hill and again through the jungle, to Chomrong. Climbing steeply up the opposite side of the valley, we soon enter the larger Modi Khola valley which leads up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. A short walk further on up the Modi Khola valley, we arrive at Chhomrong. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 7. Chomromg to Himalayan (Altitude 2.920m/7hrs approx.)
The next day the trail descends to cross the Chommro Khola, then climbs around into the Modi Khola valley and up on to the main ridge high above the river. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 8. Himalayan to Machhapuchare Base Camp (Altitude 3.700m m/4hrs approx.)
The trail starts to become icier. We pass through a ‘sacred’ forest and encounter a big mossy cascade and a small temple. Soon we climb onto an open area above the forest and reach Deurali (3.170m), further above, Hinko (3.100m), and finally we reach the narrow entrance-way into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Machhapuchare is clearly visible just above across the valley. Avalanches are a frequent phenomena on this section so extreme caution is advised. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 9. Day to Annapurna Base Camp (Altitude 4.130m/3hrs approx.)
The climb to the Annapurna Base Camp is best done early in the morning before clouds blow in and obscure the view, more importantly, the risk of avalanches are at their lowest level at this time. The Base Camp lies at the foot of the Annapurna Glacier’s lateral moraine and from the top of the moraine we can see the gray, rock strewn bulk of this glacier far below. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 10. Trek to Bamboo (Altitude 2.335m/7 hrs approx.)
Heading back downhill along the trail to Doban, we retrace our route as far as Bamboo. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 11. Bamboo to Ghandruk (Altitude 1.940m/7hrs approx.)
Two long ascents followed by two long descents bring us back to Chomrrong, from where the trail climbs to a spur ridge overlooking Jhinu Danda. From here we have one last close up glimpse of Hiunchuli, Machhapuchare, and Annapurna South. Entering Kimrong Khola valley the trail evens out for a while and the walking becomes easy. We arrive at the junction with the route from Ghorepani and just beyond the village of Kimrong, the trail suddenly drops in short, steep switchbacks, then through open rock-strewn fields to the ‘Gurung’ village, Ghandruk, a village which has grown large and prosperous thanks to the pensions of retired Gurkha soldiers. Overnight at teahouse lodge (B,L,D).
Day 12. Ghandruk to Nayapul (4hrs walk) and then drive back to Pokhara
From Ghandruk the trail descends gradually, at first on a wide flagstone-paved trail. Keeping to the contour of the ridge we descend slowly, passing through Kimche. The landscape suddenly becomes more lush and eventually the trail becomes steeper as we descend towards the valley floor. The trail finally reaches the river from where the way is once again even level, but the going is rather difficult because of the river rock. Glancing back, Machhapuchare is still there. We rejoin our road transport for the return to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel (B,L).
Day 13. Fly back to Kathmandu.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel (B).
Day 14. Fly back home /Farewell
Transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight back home. (B).
We reserve the right to make program changes due to special events, force majeure, or weather conditions.
Fitness Level:
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