This spectacular adventure treks through the Annapurna foothills to the wild and remote Khopra Ridge, Poonhill and Mohare Danda – one of the best vantage points in the Himalaya. We stay in teahouses 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 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, Varashikhar 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, Fulbari and then to Poonhill for the sunrise. We rejoin the main trail at Ghorepani and follow the Burungdi khola to Nayapul where we end the trek
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 check in 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 organize a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight: Hotel holy Himalaya or similar
Today, you will visit Bodhnath Stupa, 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 issued with your trek pack. Departure information for the next morning will also be given. Overnight: Hotel holy Himalaya or similar. Meals included: Breakfast
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 Nayapul. We stop for a while to get the crew organize your load. You leave Nayapul following the Modi Khola River to Birethanti where you will have your trekking permits checked. From here you get great views of the ‘fish tail’ Machapuchhare (6993m). You will continue to hike on the dirt road following the Modi Khola passing through terraced fields and settlements inhabited by the Chettris, Brahmins and Gurungs.Soon you will reach the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar where you will stop for the day. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Todays walk will be easier with not many steep ascents to encounter. Once you leave Ghandruk, you enter into oak and rhododendron forest keeping you cool. The forest is comes alive with the sounds of birds, streams and small waterfalls. There are no villages on today’s walk, but there a few teahouses at Bhaisi kharka .we stop in for your morning tea and rest. There will be fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) teasing you all along the way. Your lodge at Tadapani is perfectly located between the rhododendron forests. Sunrise and sunset views are a must to see from here. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You will leave now leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani today and follow a rarely used trail –(mainly used by the local shepherd’s). 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 teashops 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 Bayeli 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: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning you will descend through open ground, forest and crossing the river to reach the pastures of Lower Chisteybung.You now make the climb from the river to reach a clearing and temporary herders settlement at Dhankharka or upper chistibung. Being off the beaten track, the villages haven’t previously enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the construction of the Community Lodges, there are profits to benefit local projects and schools. This lodge supports the school at Kindu,a nearby village.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinne
To reach the ridge at Khopra, you will 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. Khopra Community Lodge supports the secondary school at Nangi. Sunset and Sunrise is spectacular from hereMeals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
From Khopra 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 for lunch. After a good rest we will start to descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here you will cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where you’ll join the main trekking trail of the Annapurna Circuit. Overnight in Chitre.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you will now start heading through the terraced fields of Phalante and start enjoying the fresh aromas of the forest. You will get some fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and the surrounding mountains. You will now start to make a gradual climb to get to the pass where we stop in for a rest and drink. From here on it’s a fairly easy walk to Fulbari (Garden of Flowers) and stop in for lunch. It is spectacular in the spring with all the flowers in bloom lighting up the whole valley. A short hour and a half after lunch gets you to Mohare Danda. On a clear day you will be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the Annapurna, Manaslu and the Dhaulagiri ranges. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you wake up early in the morning for a spectacular sunrise views of mount Fishtail, Dhaulagiri I, Dhaulagiri II, Tukche, South Annapurna, Nilgiri and many more. After breakfast our trail leads gradually up and down to get to the famous vantage point of Poonhill.The view from here is breathtaking too. We then take a leisurely downhill to the town of Ghorepani for the day. You can enjoy the freshly cooked apple pies or just wander the town. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today make a leisurely start walking through the thick rhododendron forest to Ulleri. From the lodge at Ulleri there is a very steep descent of 500 metres on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola River where you will cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tirkedunga and then a short walk to Hile to catch the bus for pokhara. You say good-bye to the crew here. Upon reaching Pokhara The afternoon is free for you to relax or do some exploring. In the evening there is option to dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants. Overnight: Hotel Queens Park or similar. Meals included: Breakfast &Lunch
A free day in Pokhara to explore, shop or just take it easy. Your trek leader will be there to assist you for further sightseeing’s in Pokhara. Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu to our starting hotel. The rest of the day is free to do shopping or further sightseeing. Our final night in Kathmandu gives us a chance to go out on the town and enjoy a final dinner (optional) with our travelling companions and newfound friends. Meals included: Breakfast
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. Thank you and Namaste!
SUGGESTED CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST
Head:
· Sun hat or scarf
· Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
· Sunglasses with UV protection
Lower Body:
· Under Garments
· Hiking shorts
· Lightweight cotton long pants
· Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
· Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
· Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
· Thin, lightweight inner socks
· Thick, warm wool hiking socks
· Hiking boots with spare laces
· Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
· Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
Upper Body:
· T-shirts
· Light and expedition weight thermal tops
· Fleece jacket or pullover
· Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
· Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
· Down vest and/or jacket *
Hands:
· Lightweight gloves
· Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)
Accessories:
· Sleeping bag *
· Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
· Trekking Bags/Duffel bag *
· Basic First Aid Kit
· Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry
· Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
· Trekking Poles
· Water bottle (2) or camel bag
· Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc.)
· Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring)
Toiletries:
· 1 medium sized quick drying towel
· Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
· Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
· Deodorants
· Nail clippers
· Face and body moisturizer
· Feminine hygiene products
· Small mirror
Personal Hygiene:
· Wet wipes (baby wipes)
· Tissue /toilet roll
· Anti bacterial hands wash
Extras/Luxuries:
· Binoculars
· Reading book
· Trail Map/Guide book
· Journal & Pen
· Gadgets – music and communication
· Pencils and small notebooks
· Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, cards etc
