Overview

The Annapurna region located in Central Nepal is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse regions for trekking in the country. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) working along with the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation has declared this region an area of conservation and sustainable development. Stretched over 2600 square kilometres, the area is home to a variety of diverse peoples and cultures: Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and Tibetans. The region is also host to diverse environments: sub-tropical lowlands, stunning valleys, bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus, and the towering Annapurna Mountains. The Annapurna region also contains the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, laying some 6900 metres below some of the world's largest and most beautiful mountains. Annapurna I (world's 8th highest) and Machhapuchhre (aka: Fishtail) which is one of the most beautiful.

What's Included

Itinerary Outline

Day 1 - 2: Kathmandu - Arrival and sightseeing
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 4: Pokhara to Ghandruk
Day 5: Ghandruk to Banthati
Day 6: Banthati to Ghorepani
Day 7: Ghorepani to Tirkedhunga
Day 8: Tirkedhunga to Pokhara
Day 9: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 10: Departure Day

Detailed Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu

After breakfast heritage tour of Kathmandu (including world heritage sites like Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath)
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Pokhara

Drive to: Kathmandu- Pokhara (6 / 7 hours bus drive).
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara

Day 04: Ghandruk

Early morning drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1 1/2 hour drive). Upon arrival, trek down to the river for 10 minutes and cross the suspension bridge. Climb up to the main village located on the ridge. Follow the trail along the Modi River for about 20 minutes to arrive at Birethanti. Take the right hand trail and a gradual ascent will take you through a field of paddy in summer and mustard in the winter to arrive at upper Birethanti village. Walk further through more terraced fields and bamboo groves on a gentle ascent along a hillside to arrive at a riverbed. Take the trail leading into the forest. The forest provides shade and an ideal place for the porters to prepare lunch, as water is readily available from a stream.

Trek through the forest and follow the trail along the hillside and after about 20 minutes to arrive at the settlement of Shauli Bazaar, which is located along the banks of the Modi River. The trail from here continues to climb steadily for about 2 hours and 20 minutes until we arrive at Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village in Nepal where many male members of the local community have served in the Gurkha Special Forces Army. The brave and chivalrous Gurkhas have earned themselves the reputation as the most loyal and indomitable soldiers in the world! The afternoon is free for rest or optional activities such as a visit to the Annapurna Conservation Museum. In the evening the local Gurung women will perform cultural songs and dances. Guests are welcome to join in and a small contribution to the dancing group may be expected.
Overnight at the lodge in Ghandruk

Day 05: Banthati

The trail descends from this Village Square and shopping area and then ascends through forests and open landscape to arrive at a small village. Continue to climb steadily amidst chirping birds on treetops to arrive at Banthanti, located near a river. It is a densely forested area and chances of seeing a wealth of bio-diversity is possible, and best in the spring.
Overnight at Banthanti

Day 06: Ghorepani

After breakfast trek to Ghorepani. There is a further climb to arrive at our lunch spot at Deorali (3180 m), which is the highest point of the trek. For better views, we continue through a dense forest for about 20 minutes to arrive at a clearing with a few teahouses and an open field above the village for lunch. After lunch, continue through the forest for roughly about 1 1/2 hours through rhododendron forests along the ridgeline. Here there are views of the Annapurna South and the Ghorepani village below. Descend for 30 minutes to approach the main gate to Ghorepani. Along the route to our lodge pass through this densely populated village community of Magars.
Overnight at the lodge in Ghorepani

Day 07: Tirkedhunga

Pre-dawn wake up in order to reach Poon Hill to view a magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna Range. We’ll return back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast the trek starts with a descent which gradually intensifies as we descend steeply to the river. Continue along the trail of gurgling streams and forests till our arrival at the Magar settlement of Ulleri for lunch. After lunch, descend on stone steps through the narrow lanes all the way down to the bridge on the Bhurgundi Khola. The descent could take about 2 hours. After crossing the bridge, a short climb brings us to Tirkhedhunga.
Overnight at the lodge in Tirkhedhunga

Day 08: Pokhara

After breakfast, descend gently down to the banks of the Bhurgundi River and follow the trail to arrive at Birethanti for lunch. Birethanti is located on the confluence of the Bhurgundi and Modi Khola and is a booming village lined with rows of teahouses. After Lunch we cross a suspension bridge and walk 30 minutes to arrive at Nayapul. Bid farewell to the trekking staff and porters and board the waiting vehicles for the 1 1/2 hour drive back to Pokhara.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara

Day 09: Kathmandu

After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to airport for onward journey.