The combination of easy walking and majestic scenery makes the trek commonly known as Annapurna Sanctuary.Mt. Annapurna (8091m) is the 10th highest mountain in the world and the journey to its base camp is one of the most popular treks on earth. Like any other trip in the Annapurna region, our trek also begins in Pokhara, widely known as the ‘Lake City’ and passes through cascading waterfalls, beautiful villages, terraced farmlands, lush rhododendron forests, and amazing mountain vistas before reaching the base of the mighty Annapurna.Trekking to the Annapurna base camp gives you an opportunity to have the panoramic views of the Mt Annapurna I, Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchchhre (6999m), Lamjung himals(6986m).The trek gives the experience of the blend of the splendid beauty of nature, precise cultural hospitality along with the wilderness journey to face that you will rarely get elsewhere.
This spectacular adventure treks through the Annapurna foothills to the wild and remote Kopra Ridge – one of the best vantage points in the Himalaya. We stay in tea houses while on the main trail but after we leave the main trail at Tadapani we stay in the community lodges. The profits go directly to the local community thus helping them with the village and school projects. we leave the popular main trail and for the next week head through remote alpine terrain to Bayeli, before ascending to Khopra Ridge. Here we view the mighty peaks of Nilgiri, Annapurna South,Vara Shikhar and Tukuche. Dhaulagiri dominates the western skyline across one of the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Ghandaki. Our return route descends through open alpine pastures, oak forest and rhododendrons to Swanta and to the Hotsprings at Tatopani where we end the trek and start getting geared up for the white water and to the Chitwan National Park.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our Himalayan Hikers representative and transferred you to the hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes.After your checkin the group leader will set a time for your trek briefing to discuss in regards to the trek. The evening is free but your trek leader will organise a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Accommodation: Hotel Shangrila or similar
Today, you will visit BodhnathStupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and Pashupatinath ,the main temple for the Hindus. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the “ghats”. The rest of your afternoon is free. In the late afternoon you will be handed over with your trek pack. Departure information for the next morning will also be given. Meals included: B .Hotel Shangrila or similar
You will have an early departure from the hotel today for your flight to Pokhara. The flight time is about 30 minutes with spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. In Pokhara you will be transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Thado Khola.Trek to Bhumdi through lush forest teeming with interesting flora and fauna. The trail starts up a long staircase to a ridge before dropping down to Bhumdi. In Bhumdi you will have good views of Himalchuli, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna range and Fishtail. Overnight in Bhumdi. 3-4 hours walking. Meals included: B,L,D
If the weather is clear, you will have more opportunities to view the beautiful mountains along the trail. Todays trek takes us up through forest and then on to Bhanjyang, a small settlement at the foot of Panchase. From here the views over Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake are awesome. Overnight in Bhanjyang. 5 – 6 hours of walking. . Meals included: B,L,D
We hike to the Panchase Hill summit 2,500m for the panoramic views of the Annapurna peaks, Mt.Dhaulagiri, and Mt.Manaslu. The ruins of the temple at the summit sometimes shelter a holy man. The trek continues uphill steeply through sparse forests and pastures to Chitre, where we overnight. 6 – 7 hours of walking. . Meals included: B,L,D
Trek through scattered villages for about two hours to the village of Thamarjung for lunch. Then an easy walk for two and 1/2 hours to reach Birethanti. (4 to 5 hrs of walking). . Meals included: B,L,D
Today you will start the climb to Ghandruk. The trail gradually climbs out of Shyauli, and you will cross a steel suspension bridge. From here the trail climbs more steeply up stone steps through settlements of Klieu and Kimche .You stop in for a rest and can enjoy a hot drink or maybe a soft drink.From the small village of Chane the trail traverses and then climbs up to the village of Ghandruk, where you will stop for lunch and spend the night. Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung villages in the area.Ghandruk is well known for the number of its men folk who have served and is still serving in the British Gurkha regiments. You will have spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machapuchhare (6993m), and Hiunchuli (6434m). Meals included: B, L, D
Today you wake up early to view the sunrise on Annapurna South,Hiunchuli,Machapuchhare and Gangapurna. At this juncture, we climb up for an hour up to Ghandrukkot and then a steep descent takes us to the KimronKhola. After another steep ascent from KimronKhola, we have an easy walk of about an hour. Then, we take a steep climb continuing up to Chhomrong. While climbing, we encounter the mighty peak of Annapurna South above the village and the view of Fishtail Mountain (Machhapuchhre) facing across the valley. Chhomrong is a beautiful village located on the lap of the giant Annapurna massive. Meals included: B, L, D
We head out of Chhomrong along the ModiKhola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high step and wooded slopes of the Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge then trek up to SinuwaDanda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through a thick and dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then, we descend long and steep stonesteps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests through which we reach Doban shortly. Overnight in Dovan. Meals included: B, L, D
The day starts with a gentle gradual ascent following the trail above the river through thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. We pass by Himalaya Hotel and cross two streams over small bridges. The trail passes through solitary places. We get a sense of peace from the beauty of Mother Nature that surrounds us. There is also the possibility of seeing a variety of wildlife species such as wild pigs, deer, and maybe even snow leopards. We climb again to Hinko Cave, an overhanging rock. Our further climb paves the way to Deurali. Overnight in Deurali. Meals included: B, L, D
Today, we start our trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). We make a gentle climb through a river bed and then a steep climb over to the mountain side. There are avalanche prone areas at some point on the trail. We have to be alert to protect ourselves. The hike from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is somewhat strenuous but the unfolding view of the majestic Machhapuchhre is certainly a rewarding experience. At this juncture, we enjoy the views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and, of course, the Fishtail or Machhapuchhre itself. On the way to Annapurna Base Camp from Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the vegetation disappears. We will see the snow boulders melting and forming small streams. The path widens as we enter the sanctuary. We follow a stream and then climb to a few huts alongside a moraine. There are sensational views of the near-vertical south face of Annapurna towering above the sanctuary. Annapurna Base Camp sanctuary boasts of a dynamic view without anything impeding the 360-degree panorama. After arrival at this view site, we savor the mesmerizing views of the Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and other peaks. Overnight at Annapurna Base Camp. Meals included: B, L, D
At dawn, we relish the magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas from Annapurna Base Camp. After breakfast, we start descending from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo back through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali, and Dovan until we finally reach Bamboo. Heading back down to the valley is much easier than climbing up. We will see the waterfalls that drop down from a high point to the rocks below. We further pass through the forests with great views of Fishtail and Hiunchuli mountains. Meals included: B, L, D
From Bamboo, we head for a steep ascent to the Kuldi Ghar and then to Sinuwa following the stone steps that lead to Lower Chhomrong. Then, we ascend on the thousand stone steps taking us to Upper Chhomrong.. Meals included: B,L,D
Meals included: B,L
You will leave now leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani today and follow a rarely used trail –(mainly used by the local sheperds).you trek through thick rhododendron forest ,pine and bamboos and soon emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range and the Fishtail mountain.There are little tea shops here and we stop for lunch.After lunch you will continue to climb gradually through rhododendron forest .to reach Dobato. From here you get great views of the ‘fish tail’ Machapuchhare (6993m) and Annapurna south.The trail descends for a while before making the final ascent to Bayli Kharka where you stop for the night.This is the first community lodge of the trek.From the lodge there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal. Meals included:B, L, D
This morning you will descend through open ground ,forest and crossing the river to reach the pastures of the yak herders.you will now embark on a steady climb that carries you above the tree line. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take your time and rest as often as you wish.You come across few herders with their Yaks grazing on the slopes. You will reach the lodge on Khopra Ridge in time for lunch and will be greeted by more awe-inspiring views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above you Varashikar and Nilgiri prominent to the north. Across the depths of the Kali Gandaki Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. Kopra Community Lodge supports the secondary school at Nangi. Sunset and Sunrise is spectacular from here. Meals included:B, L, D
From Kopra Ridge you will descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. You will retrace the route back to Chistibung. You will then head to the village of Swanta, where you will stay overnight in the newly constructed lodge.This lodge supports the school at Swanta.You have time to pay a quick visit the school and interact with the kids and the teaching staff. Meals included:B, L, D
After Break fast we start our trek downhill and cross the suspension bridge to catch up on the main annapurna circuit trail to sikha ghara and finally to Tatopani for lunch. The afternoon is free to walk around or take a dip in the hot water pool.. Meals included: B,L,D
After Break fast we catch a local bus and drive to Beni.We say good bye to our porters and the sherpas here and take a private van for pokhara. Get to pokhara for lunch and the afternoon is free to wander through this beautiful lake city.. Meals included: B
Today after breakfast we catch a van to drive us through the beautiful prithivi rajmarg to Damauli where we start with our rafting.We raft for the day through beautiful scenery and overnight at tented camp.
Checkin and elephant ride.Today after breakfast you raft for a couple of hours and then drive to chitwan National Park.It is a beautiful drive following the Trishuli river.The greatest thrill here is to scout for wildlife on the back of an elephant. This national park is enlisted in the UNESCO’s Natural Heritage Site. Once you get to Chitwan your lodge’s resident naturalist will meet to discuss your plans and what activities you would like to do throughout your stay. As part of your package the following activities are normally included: elephant safari, jungle drive in a jeep, bird watching, nature walk, canoeing, ox cart ride, village tours and bathing with an elephant. In the evenings most lodges will organise a cultural show with traditional local Tharu dances and slide shows about Chitwan National Park. Overnight: Royal Park. Meals included: B, L, D
Full day in Chitwan National Park for exciting activities like: elephant riding, village visit, canoeing, visit to elephant breeding center, bird-watching etc. Our resident naturalist will guide you through all the activities giving us more insights about the wildlife, flora and fauna in the national park. View of wild and aquatic life like rhinoceros, deer, bear, crocodile, and different birds can make your day there. Tharus are aboriginal people of the area who have their own language, culture and tradition. Overnight: Royal Park. Meals included: B, L, D
After breakfast you will be driven back to Kathmandu.The rest of the day is free to do some souvenir shopping or further sightseeing. Meals included: B
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast.Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist you with your onward travel arrangements. Namaste!
