| Starts | Kathmandu, Nepal |
|---|---|
| Ends | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Region | Nepal |
| Duration | 14 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - Starting: Kathmandu & Finishing: Kathmandu
On arrival in Kathmandu, you are met at the airport by our representative. After you settle into the hotel there’ll be a briefing with your tour leader in the late afternoon. They will discuss the trek details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements.The evening is free, but usually our tour leader will organise dinner (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants. The next morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour which includes: Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa; we also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration. Today you will be issued with your Trek Pack and departure information for the next morning. The Trek Pack is valued at over US$500 and includes a kitbag, high quality sleeping bag designed for sub-zero temperatures, inner sheet and high-altitude jacket.
Day 3 - Starting: Shyauli & Finishing: Shyauli
We have an early departure from the hotel for our flight (approx 30 min) to Pokhara which usually offers spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. In Pokhara we are transferred by road (private bus - approx 1.5 hours) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. Our porters will be waiting and after a brief stop to stretch our legs and for the porters to organize the load, we set off on our walk. We walk through the busy trading post of Nayapul. We cross a small stream via suspension bridge and continue on a dirt road before crossing the Modi River to reach Birethanti. At Birethanti, the trekking permits are checked at the Annapurna Conservation Check Post. We continue to traverse following the Modi Khola upstream passing through settlements inhabited by the Chettris and Brahmins. On a clear day looming majestically in the distance we can see the Machhapucharre (6993m). We reach the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar (approx 2 1/2 hours total) where we stop for the day.
Day 4 - Starting: Ghandruk & Finishing: Ghandruk
Today we start the climb to Ghandruk. The trail gradually climbs out of Shyauli and we cross a steel suspension bridge. From here the trail climbs more steeply up stone steps through settlements of Klieu, Kimche and Chane, where one can see beautiful scenery and village life. From the small village of Chane the trail traverses and then climbs up to the village of Ghandruk, where we stop for lunch and spend the night. Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung villages in the area and one can see the difference in the lifestyle of the Gurungs to that of their neighbours in the lower areas. Ghandruk is well known for the number of its menfolk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments. From our lodge at Old Ghandruk, we have spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Machapuchhare (6993m) and Hiunchuli (6434m).
Day 5 - Starting: Tadapani & Finishing: Tadapani
Another day ascending, but an easier walk now that we have found our trekking legs! Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind we enter oak and rhododendron forest. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk, the forest often alive with the sound of birds, the small tumbling waterfalls and if you visit in spring, (late March to April) the rhododendron in full bloom. There are no villages on today’s route, but there are a few teahouses at Baisi Kharkha providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There are fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way. Our lodge at Tadapani is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views.
Day 6 - Starting: Bayli Kharka & Finishing: Bayli Kharka
We leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani and follow a rarely used trail initially through a thick rhododendron forest that leads to local water buffalo pastures. The climb is gradual and we soon emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range. We take lunch by a small stream and then continue to climb gradually though open countryside to reach a small pass, where our trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Bayli Kharka and our lodge. From the lodge there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal.
Day 7 - Starting: Upper Chistibung & Finishing: Upper Chistibung
This morning we descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where we have lunch. After lunch we continue to walk through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung, where we stay in the small community lodge. For the next week we will stay in lodges run by the local communities. We have contributed to the construction of these lodges, which is all part of a series of local projects. Being off the beaten track the villages have previously not enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges, profits are going to benefit local projects and schools.
Day 8 - Starting: Kopra Ridge & Finishing: Kopra Ridge
To reach the ridge at Kopra we have a steady climb that takes us above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife and we should keep our eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take our time and rest as often as we wish. We reach our lodge on Kopra Ridge in time for lunch and we will be greeted more fantastic views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above and only six kilometres away, and Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north, whilst across the depths of the Kali Gandakhi Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline. The Kopra Community Lodge is the highlight of our work in the region. Profits from this lodge have contributed to the secondary school at Nangi, which we visit in a few days time.
Day 9 - Starting: Swanta & Finishing: Swanta
From Kopra Ridge we descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. We retrace our route back to Chistibung. We then head to the village of Swanta, where we overnight in the newly constructed lodge. We have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit, and perhaps interact with the kids.
Day 10 - Starting: Ulleri & Finishing: Ulleri
From Swanta we descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here we cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where we join the main trekking trail. There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where we are e met with great views of the Dhaulagiri massif and a well-earned rest. For the rest of the day it is all downhill. The walk passes through beautiful rhododendron forest and have lunch at the village of Nangethanti. In the afternoon continue to trek through the forest and for those trekking in late March or April the rhododendron should be in full bloom. Arrive at Ulleri in the mid afternoon with plenty of time to explore this picturesque village.
Day 11-12 - Starting: Pokhara & Finishing: Pokhara
Another early start to make the most of the day. From our lodge at Ulleri there is a very steep descent of over 500 metres on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola River where we cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tirkedunga. After giving the knees some time to recover, we continue on a more gentle descent to the village of Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola. Here we have lunch and then cross the new bridge to the east bank, before following the river back to our pick-up point at Naya Phul. After saying farewell to our porters we are transferred by coach back to Pokhara. We stay at a hotel which is located close to the lakeside. This hotel has a swimming pool, so you may wish to bring your swimming costume. After a welcomed shower, we have the rest of the day free to relax or do some exploring. It is well certainly worthwhile hiring a boat for a row out on the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafes. In the evening there is the option to dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants (cost not included). We have allocated a further day in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara.Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities or you may just wish to relax and laze around the hotel swimming pool.
Day 13-14 - Starting: Kathmandu & Finishing: Kathmandu
After breakfast we have the morning free in Pokhara to relax or do some more sightseeing. Fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy a free afternoon to shop for souvenirs or see some more sights.Patan which is located in the south of the city is also worth a visit with its own Durbar Square full of historic structures and statues of past kings. 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 new-found friends. Our trip ends the next day after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is not included and Kathmandu has so much to offer, so we recommend that you consider booking pre-tour or post-tour accommodation and a departure transfer before you commence your travels.
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