The Annapurna Region in central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking. The area boasts of a variety of diverse cultures, tribes and castes as the Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and the Tibetans. This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, and forests of bamboo, oak and rhododendron, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus and the towering Annapurna Mountains. This area has the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, lying some 6900 metres/22,563 ft., below some of the world's largest and most beautiful mountains as the Annapurna I (world's 8th highest) & Fishtail (one of the most beautiful). 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, langur and the elusive snow leopard live here.
Day 01: KathmanduArrival in Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu
After breakfast heritage tour of Kathmandu (including world heriate sites like Swoyambu, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, etc) 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
POKHARA / NAYA PUL / GHANDRUk
08:00 Hrs – Drive Pokhara to Nayapul (1 ½ hour drive). Upon arrival, trek down to the river for 10 minutes and cross the new suspension bridge, thus the name Naya Pul (New bridge). Then climb up to the main village located on the ridge. Walk through on cobbled stones and then follow the trail along the Modi river for about 20 minutes to arrive at the settlement of Birethanti. After crossing the bridge, there is a check post where the National Park entry permit must be purchased prior to starting the trek.
After completing the formalities, take the right hand trail and a gradual ascent leads us through field (of paddy in summer and mustard in winter) to arrive at upper Birthanti village after about one hour. Walk further through more terraced fields and bamboo groves on a gentle ascent along hillside and arrive at a river bed. Take the trail leading into the forest. The forest provides a welcome 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 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 until we arrive at a gate with a signboard saying “Welcome to Ghandruk”. However, there is a steep climb for another 20 minutes to arrive at the main village of Ghandruk.
Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village in Nepal where the sons and male member of the local community have sacrificed their lives to serve for the Gurkha Armies and security Forces around the world. 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 and a tea break at the home of a renowned Gurkha soldier who may show you his Victoria Cross won during the first or Second World War. In the evening the local Gurung womenfolk will join the campers for a village get together to show their talents in singing and dancing. Guests are welcome to join in. A contribution to the dancing group may be necessary.
Dinner and 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 the rich flora and fauna is possible although best in spring.
O/N 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 tea houses and an open field above the village for lunch.
After lunch, continue through the forest. The trail is a gently undulating one having reached our highest point. After about 1 ½ hour of trekking through the rhododendron forests along the ridge line, arrive at a clearing to get views of the Annapurna South and the Ghorepani village far down below. Descend for 30 minutes to approach the main gate to Ghjorepani with a big signboard welcoming trekkers to this village, which is also the highest campsite on our trek. It is an interesting walk as we pass through this densely populated village of a different ethnic community of Magars. We pass through the main village to arrive at the Lodge for overnight stay.
Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge in Ghorepani.
Day 07: Tirkedhunga
Pre-dawn alert and it is time to do the one and half hour trek to Poon Hill (10,200 ft) to view a magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna Range. Shortly afterwards we return back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast, bid farewell to the villagers and the trek starts with a descent which gradually intensifies as we descend steeply to the river. Then there is more descending through a trail of gurgling streams and forests till our arrival at the Magar settlement of Ulleri for lunch. This village is located on a steep incline and has one of the best drainage systems in this part of the region. After lunch, descend on stone steps through the narrow lanes and then there is a steep knee wobbling descent on stone steps all the way down to the bridge on the Bhurgundi Khola which is dreaded by all trekkers.. The descent could take about 2 hours. The trail becomes more hazardous with the mule train also vying to get in front (ascending and descending) and sometimes lead to traffic jams. It is advisable to keep to the wall and let the mule trains to pass as accidents can happen if one is on the edge and is brushed by these pack animals.
After crossing the bridge, a short climb brings us to Tirkhedhunga.
Dinner and 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 along the river to arrive at Birethanti after 3 hours for lunch. Birethanti located on the confluence of the Bhurgundi and Modi Khola is a booming village with rows of tea houses and also boasts of a bank.
After Lunch we cross the suspension bridge and walk a further 30 minutes to arrive at Nayapul.
Bid farewell to the Trekking staff and porters and board the waiting vehicles for the 1 ½ 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.
