This is one of the best treks in the world for getting close to very high peaks without going to very high elevations. Explore the Annapurna Conservation Area and enjoy visiting Buddhist villages. October trekkers may catch the great fall eagle migration and March trekkers experience the full blooming of the rhododendrons. Combine visits to attractive Gurung villages with stunning views of some of the most beautiful peaks in the Himalayas.
Brief Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu / Pokhara (flight).
Day 3: Pokhara / Birethanti.
Day 4: Birethanti / Ghandruk.
Day 5: Ghandruk.
Day 6: Ghandruk / Birethanti.
Day 7: Birethanti / Dhampus.
Day 8: Dhampus / Pokhara.
Day 9: Pokhara / Kathmandu.
Day 10: Kathmandu / Onward.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and transfered to your hotel where you will overnight. Includes: (D)
Day 2: Kathmandu / Pokhara (flight).
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Pokhara, the rural capital of western Nepal. Transfer to your hotel, situated on the shore of Lake Phewa Tal. The hotels have comfortable double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and flush toilets and a colorful garden surrounded by local farms. From the roof there is a marvelous view of the mountains, including the great Annapurna Himal and the sacred "Fish Tail Mountain", Machapuchare. In the afternoon there will be a briefing by your group leader and you will be introduced to your porters who will issue your trek packs and assist you with packing. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 3: Pokhara / Birethanti.
After an early morning breakfast,transfer to the starting point of your trek. Today's trek will follow a ridge line in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. After reaching the village of Chandrakot, you descend for two hours to the Birethanti River Valley below. Overnight at the Sanctuary Lodge in Birethanti. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 4: Birethanti / Ghandruk.
After breakfast. depart the lodge, walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi Khola Valley. After an hour's easy walk, climb out of the valley and up towards the mountains. After a picnic lunch, 2-3 hours of steady climbing with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys brings you to the Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk in time to freshen up, change and enjoy evening views of the Annapurnas. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 5: Ghandruk.
This morning is free for you to explore this mountain village which is not only a major recruitment center for the famous Gurkha soldiers, but also the hub of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, which promotes many varied ecological projects. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs. Lunch and dinner at the Himalaya Lodge which stands within its own garden and apple orchard on the higher terraces of the village. From the garden of the lodge, some of the highest peaks in the world can be seen in all their snowcapped glory. The lodge is centered upon a 150 year old traditional Gurung village house which now serves as the dining room and main reception area. To this has been recently added new bedrooms with a covered veranda, solar heated showers and western style toilet facilities. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 6: Ghandruk / Birethanti.
After breakfast, return to Birethanti via a spectacular ridge and forest route, stopping to explore the rarely visited village of Moharia. After lunch at the lodge, you may either take a short walk with your guide to photograph the flora and fauna of the valley or you may simply wish to relax by the river or in the landscaped gardens from which there are direct views of the magnificent 23,000feet Machapuchare. The evening will be spent in the Sanctuary Lodge which has twin bedrooms, solar heated showers and proper toilet facilities. There is also a central reception and dining area with fireplace, comfortable chairs, books and magazines. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 7: Birethanti / Dhampus.
Today's walk will take you out of the valley and up through the little explored villages of Patlekhet and Majgaun, and into the rhododendron forests. Stop for a picnic lunch en-route. You will climb along the crest of the ridge with unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside until you reach the village of Dhampus. Your stay at Dhampus is at the Basanta Lodge on the outskirts of the village, set amongst farms and orchards. The bedrooms have been built by local craftsmen to a traditional design and from the verandah and the garden you can see the whole Annapurna range spread out before you. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 8: Dhampus / Pokhara.
After breakfast, depart along the ridge and descend through the wooded hillside to the valley floor and back to Phedi. Transfer by vehicle to your hotel in Pokhara. Lunch is at Baba's Restaurant on the lake-side. The afternoon is free to wander among the shops or take a boat out onto the lake. Enjoy a final get together with your guides and porters for a drink and or meal. Includes: (B, L, D)
Day 9: Pokhara / Kathmandu.
This morning is spent rafting. (optional) Lunch is picnic style along the riverbank. Upon completion of the afternoon rafting, you will be transferred either to Chitwan National Park (if this is what you have planned) or to the airport for a flight back to Kathmandu. Includes: (B)
Day 10: Kathmandu / Onward
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Includes: (B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Cost Includes:
- Meals as noted
- Each night in double occupancy accommodations
- Land transfers between components
- English speaking guides
- Park or site entry fees
- Surface transport
- Equipment other than personal gear
- Government tax
- Airport transfer assistance
- In-country ticket reconfirmation & check-in assistance (where permitted)
- Complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance
Cost Excludes:
- Meals not noted as included
- Gratuities
- Beverages (except tea or coffee at meals)
- International or domestic airfare unless specified
- Airport departure taxes not included with air tickets
- Visas
- Itinerary changes after confirmation
- Any services not included in itinerary
- Any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights
- Acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Nepal
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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