Walk through villages, forests and upstream along the Modi Khola into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a valley surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. This is a spectacular trek to the South Face of Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft). Offer breathtaking views of the Fishtail Peak-Machhapuchhare (6,993m/22,943ft). Watch a magnificent sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft) and Annapurna ranges from Poon Hill.
Your journey commences in the ancient city of Kathmandu; from Kathmandu you will board a bus to Pokhara for an overnight stay. The trek begins in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara through ever green forests and rhododendron thickets to Jinu Dhanad. The village of Jinu Dhanad is known for its natural hot springs, so take a dip in the soothing water heated by Mother Nature.
After a gradual trek up, the village of Chhomrong is the next attraction and stopping point, boasting crystal clear views of the unconquered Machhapuchhare peak (6,993m/22,943ft) which resembles a fishtail. The trail then goes on to the Himalaya Hotel (2840m9, 318ft), where one can devour even more magnificent views of the Himalayas.
Your journey beyond the Himalaya Hotel gets slightly more difficult during the ascent to Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3,700m/12,139ft). The peaks Annapurna-III (7,600m/24,934ft) and Annapurna -IV (7,400m/24,278ft) are visible from this point and the gigantic glacier of Machhapuchhare makes its presence felt. You will have easy day for acclimatization is necessary; also a great opportunity for you to enjoy the phenomenal mountain views from here.
The next leg of the trek will take you to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft) and the heart of a natural amphitheatre, a picture that will remain with you forever. The sunrise is another view of note as it gradually illuminates the peak of Annapurna-I (8,091m/26,545ft). While on this massive glacier you can orchestrate a snowball fight or build a snowman.
The last highlight of this trek is the spectacular view from Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531ft), considered a photographer’s paradise. This spells the end of the experience of a lifetime, bringing you down to Tirkhedhunga through rice terraces and colorful rhododendron forests and a last chance to admire the beauty and monstrosity of the Annapurna range. You will continue trek to Naya Pul, from here it is back to Pokhara and a comfortable night’s sleep.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Kathmandu:
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, Himalayan Glacier will officially greet and meet you at Airport & transfer you to Hotel Shanker. You will have leisure time, followed by an evening welcome dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu (1,000m/3,280ft).
Day 2: Kathmandu:
Half-day guided city tours (tour includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Syambunath Stupa, Pashupati Nath Temple - Hindu Temple & Buddha Nath - The biggest Buddha Stupa in ancient Kathmandu). Afternoon pre-trip discussion of the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu (1,000m/3,280ft).
Day 3: Kathmandu - Pokhara: 6 hour bus dive
Early morning at 7 am bus drive to Pokhara. Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara numerous lakes, known as 'Tal' in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fhewa. Overnight in Pokhara (823m/2,700ft).
Day 4: Tolka - Chhomrong: 7-8 hours
The trail descends a stone stair case, then a climb through forests to a ridge. Pass stream, fields, and Gurung village and cross a suspension bridge. After stiff walk you will arrive in Jhinu Danda (where you will get small hot spring); continue uphill trek to Chhomrong (2,190m/7,185ft) for overnight. You will have the greatest panoramic view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Fish Tail
Day 5: Chhomrong – Bamboo: 4-5 hours
You will descend on a stone staircase through fields and cross the Chhomrong River on a swaying suspension bridge. The trails follow beautiful forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Descend a long, steep, slippery stone staircase to Bamboo (2,310m/7,579ft) for overnight.
Day 6: Bamboo - Himalayan Hotel - Deurali: 4-5 hours
Follow the trail above the river, through a thick bamboo and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. The trail becomes rocky, steep, traversing landslide and several an avalanche tracks brings you to Hinko, with its overload rock protrusion making a cave-like impression. Cross a ravine and make your way up through large boulders until you reach Deurali (3,140m/10,300ft) for overnight.
Day 7: Deurali to Machhapuchhare Base camp: 3-4 hours
Cross a stream to descend to the Modi riverbed and climb gradually to arrive at the elevation valley where the Machhapuchhare base camp (3,700m/12,139ft) is located. Due to the sharp increase in elevation, you will not go further but the mountain views are stupendous; the panorama includes Machhapuchhare, Annapurna III, Fang and Annapurna South.
Day 8: Machhapuchhare Base camp - Annapurna Base Camp: 2-3 hours
The path widens as you enter the Sanctuary, fallows a steam, and then climbs 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 it’s panorama of the 360 degrees. Overnight in Annapurna Base Camp (4130m/13550ft)
Day 9-10: Annapurna Base Camp - Himalayan Hotel - Chhomrong
Retrace your steps to Himalayan Hotel. You will appreciate the path as it offers another mountain perspective. Stay overnight in Himalayan Hotel. Next day the trail goes up and down all the way to Chhomrong. After a long day trek, you will enjoy a hot shower and good night’s rest in Chhomrong.
Day 11: Chhomrong to Tadapani: 5-6 hours
You will cross some Gurung villages, a landslide, and a suspension bridge, last part of the trek is steep climb to Tadapani. This place is surrounding by rhododendrons forest so you will have an opportunity to see lounger monkey. You will see fabulous sunrise over fish tail, Gangapurna and Annapurna range. Stay overnight in Tadapani (2,710m/8,891ft).
Day 12: Tadapani to Ghorepani: 5-7 hours
The trial descends through rhododendron forest to stream and stiff extended ascending to Deurali, from where you will see fabulous view of Himalayans including Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft). The path descends to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft) for overnight. You will encounter the first of many elaborately decorated horse and mule caravans.
Day 13: Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tirkhedhunga: 5-6 hours
Early in the morning you will trek to Poon hill (3,210m/10,531ft) for sunrise and views; can view over 30 white-capped peaks, the whole Annapurna range. Many people talk about having a life changing experience after watching the sunrise over the panorama of the Himalayas. After breakfast continue path descends to Tirkhedhunga (1,557m/5,108ft) for over night.
Day 14: Tirkhedhunga to Nayapul to Pokhara: 3-4 hours trek; 1 hour by car. The trails continue through the bank of the river and reach the point (Birethanti) where, possibly lunch held. Half hour walks lead you to catch the van, and then drive to Pokhara.
Day 15: Pokhara
Free day for explore Pokhara. You can take the day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some shopping or explore Tibetan refugee camp, water falls, notational museum, boating in Fewa Lake etc. Stay overnight in Pokhara.
Day 16: Pokhara - Kathmandu
Early morning fly to Kathmandu (catch left side of the airplane for the best views of Himalayans).Transfer to your hotel; the day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu and evening celebration dinner together. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The cost includes:
- All domestic flight, hotel/airport transfer.
- Deluxe Shanker Hotel at Kathmandu.
- All ground transportation by private vehicles.
- All accommodations in lodges/tea houses and all meals during the treks– no extra charge for single travelers.
- Down jacket, 4 seasonal sleeping bag.
- Welcome & farewell dinner.
- All porterages cost.
- All cost for a Himalayan Glacier leader(First Aid and Eco trained English Speaking) and sherpa, a sherpa assistance leader(s) and assistance Trek leader help each individuals while on trek.
- All necessary paper works and permits.
- Travel & Rescue arrangements.
- Exclusive Medical Kit Bag.
- All government and local taxes if necessary.
- Himalayan Glacier Kit Bag.
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