Overview
This low altitude trek in the Annapurna foothills are specially devised for families. We include time in the traditional villages. At each tea house you can join our crew and the villagers in dancing, singing and games of volleyball and cricket. There is also time to visit the local schools and markets where cultural horizons are so different from our own. During the trek you get to witness magnificent oak and rhododendron forests as you ascend to alpine meadows that afford spectacular views of the Annapurna Range. After completing your trek you will travel to the Chitwan National Park and ride atop elephants in search of rhino and the Bengal tiger.
At a Glance
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Day 1 |
Arrival Day in Kathmandu |
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Day 2 |
Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Patan |
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Day 3 |
Raft at Trisuli & drive to Bandipur |
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Day 4 |
Drive to Pokhara.. Sightseeing and boating on Fewa Lake |
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Day 5 |
Pokhara drive to Nayapul - trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m) |
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Day 6 |
Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2775m) |
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Day 7 |
Sunrise at Poon Hill (3200m) – Trek to Tadapani (2650m) |
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Day 8 |
Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950m) |
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Day 9 |
Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul - drive to Pokhara (end of the trek) |
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Day 10 |
South to the jungle Chitwan National Park – Safari in the afternoon |
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Day 11 |
Jungle safari |
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Day 12 |
Fly to Kathmandu- Evening Sightseeing. |
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Day 13 |
Optional Morning Mountain flight and free day in Kathmandu |
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Day 14 |
Depart Kathmandu |
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu we will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we can organize some exploring in the afternoon to introduce you to this amazing place and its unique ancient-modern mix. Tonight you will be staying at Boudha. Your hotel is located just five minutes walk from the Boudha Stupa & in the evening there will be the option of guided sightseeing around a few selected, local monasteries.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Patan
After a hotel breakfast we will explore the must see sites of Kathmandu and its surroundings. The morning will be spent with a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (the Old Royal Palace Complex) and the holy Buddhist Stupa of Swayambunath, (also referred to as ‘Monkey Temple’). In the afternoon we will explore the ancient city of Patan and visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre.
Day 3: Raft at Trisuli & drive to Bandipur
We start with rafting which isn’t too wild, providing a great introduction to the sport with a few fun kicks here and there and you’re sure to get wet as well. After a couple hours on the water we’ll enjoy a superbly prepared lunch along the river then trade boats for shoes at Hugdi Khola and we drive to Bandipur, an ancient Newari mountain town is a treasure waiting to be discovered by travelers.
Day 4: Drive to Pokhara.. Sightseeing and boating on Fewa Lake
After exploring Bandipur in the morning we’ll take gorgeous roads to one of the country’s premier destinations, Pokhara. Our late-afternoon arrival allows us to enjoy sunset with the Annapurna massif in the background. We’ll stay at the Fishtail Lodge, situated lakeside next to the Pokhara Valley. It has spectacular, panoramic views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) and three of the world’s 8,000m peaks, Daulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna.
Day 5: Pokhara drive to Nayapul - trek to Tikhedhunga (1540m)
A scenic 1 hour drive from Pokhara takes us to the starting point of our trek. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola river, we ascend slowly through terraced fields and classic mountain villages. Along the way we will encounter mule or goat caravans carrying supplies to the mountains, heralded by the musical bells they wear. The stunning peaks of Machhapuchare and Annapurna peaking over the green ridges will greet us from time to time as we continue up to Tikhredhunga.
Day 6: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2775m)
Today begins with a real heart-starter! We have a steep ascent to get us going and then a more gradual uphill walk takes us to our camp at Ghorepani. We will pass through some delightful villages and the beautiful, dense rhododendron forest so characteristic of Nepal at these altitudes! If the weather is clear we will see stunning mountain views from Ghorepani, making the climb well worth it! At Gorepani, we are on the main Annapurna Circuit route and there are likely to be lots of travellers passing through this ridge-top settlement in both directions. Ghorepani literally means “horse water” and is a popular stopping place for the mule trains which ply the route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. The impressive peak which can be seen across the broad valley of the Kali Gandaki to the northwest is Dhaulagiri.
Day 7: Sunrise at Poon Hill (3200m) – Trek to Tadapani (2650m)
It is an absolute must for those who stay at Ghorepani to make the walk up to the celebrated view point of Poon Hill [3195m], which overlooks the village. Dawn is the best time to go so we arrange a wake up call for 5 am and head up the well marked track by torchlight. The first light of dawn illuminates Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with a surreal pink glow.You may be able to buy coffee and breakfast from an enterprising local who has carried his produce up to Poon Hill to take advantage of the morning trade. Otherwise, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast, before trekking on to Tadapani through rhododendron forest. If we are lucky we will see some wild animals, such as langur monkeys climbing through the trees. There are excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare from Tadapani.
Day 8: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950m)
From Tadapani the trail descends through beautiful forests to Ghandruk, which is a stunning village of Gurung people, one of Nepal’s most famous ethnic groups, known for their distinctive dialect, culture, costume, and life style. Ghandruk is also home to many soldiers from the famous Gurkha regiments. From here we can have stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Fishtail.
Day 9: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul - drive to Pokhara (end of the trek)
We can enjoy a final down hill walk through forest and villages for about 5 hrs to Nayapul. From here we drive for about 1 hour back to Pokhara where our trek ends and we can enjoy a shower and relax on this stunning lakeside town enjoying the memories!
Day 10: South to the jungle Chitwan National Park – Safari in the afternoon
Today we head south to the jungles of Nepal’s Terai region. Our destination of Chitwan National Park is home to rich wildlife, lush grasslands and rare species of birds and animals. Highlights include seeing the iconic one-horned rhino, bison, wild boar, monkeys, deer and a wide array of birds (over 400 species on record), and with luck on your side even the Royal Bengal tiger, bear and leopard are a possibility. Another highlight of the trip is the canoe ride on Rapti River, which borders the northern side of the park, the banks of which are home to sun-bathing ‘mugger’ crocodiles and the unique long-nosed ‘gharial’ crocodiles. We will arrive at our hotel in the afternoon after our overland trip from the mountains to the jungle. In the evening, before dinner, we will have a slide show showing us the culture of Nepal and highlights of the park, or a performance of the Tharu stick dance, a traditional local dance.
Day 11: Jungle safari
This is a day never to be forgotten – a full day of safari action including wildlife viewing from elephant back, jungle walks, bird-watching, Landrover drives and river safaris. All wildlife activities are escorted by an experienced naturalist that will impress you with knowledge of all things big and small. Wildlife in Chitwan National Park includes the greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar deer, barking deer as well as a wide variety of bird life. After lunch we’ll visit and learn about the local culture, very different from the people of the middle hills with whom we’ve been staying with during our trek. We’ll mount old-school bicycles and pedal to small villages, sharing the road with ox-carts, buffalo and other cyclists.
Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu- Evening Sightseeing.
After breakfast we will drive (or fly if you prefer it) back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival you are free to spend your time relaxing, shopping, more exploring, or simply watching the world go by from a terrace coffee shop!
Day 13: Optional Morning Mountain flight and free day in Kathmandu
This morning you have the option of taking an early morning mountain flight before breakfast – this flight is a truly spectacular 1 hour flight along the Himalayan Range to unforgettable Mount Everest and back! You are free to spend your time relaxing, shopping, more exploring, or simply watching the world go by from a terrace coffee shop!
Day 14: Depart Kathmandu
Depart Kathmandu
Value Added
We are ready to welcome you with all the necessary safety measures (Post -19 Pandemic Halt). Hence we assure you of safety and security by following the optimal precautions.
Safety Assurance from Us (Tour/Trekking Operator)
- Vehicles fully cleaned and disinfected
- Foot bath mat available at entrance
- Extra masks available (if required)
- Safe distancing
- We carry limited number of passengers
- Our crew wear full PPE while disinfecting the vehicle
- Temperature screening available
- Our crew tested fit to travel
- Sanitizers available
- We carry additional deep wipe down cleaning of high touched areas
- Hygiene kit available for sale
- Our crew wear face mask and face shield
Safety Rules for Travelers (You)
- Namaste over handshake
- Do not travel if unwell
- Wear face mask all the time
- Maintain safe distancing
- Use foot mat while boarding
- Undertake temperature screening
- Ventilators over air conditioning
- Avoid unnecessary surface touching
- Wash/Sanitize hands regularly
- Follow sneeze etiquette
- Follow safety instructions (from local authority)
- Carry your personal hygiene all the time
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