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Trekking
 Starting near the town of Pokhara, the trek follows the sub-tropical Modi Khola
River to Birethanti, where you enjoy great views of the Fishtail peak of
Machhapuchhare (6993m). The trek ascends on a stone staircase, passing through
paddies, terraced wheat fields and small thatched hamlets to the largest village
in the area, Ghandruk. The snow peaks of Annapurna South (7237m) and
Machhapuchhare provide a sensational backdrop to this beautiful area.
Your route then ascends through rhododendron forest to Tadapani and on to the
high point of the trek at Deurali. Here you take an early morning excursion to
a small hill above your lodge to view the sunrise over the central Himalayan
peaks of Nepal. In Fine conditions this is one of the most magnificent panoramas
in all the country. In the west you view the Dhaulagiri Himal, to the north and
east lie the Annapurnas, and Further east is the magnificent Manaslu Himal: a
vista encompassing three peaks over the magical 8,000-metre mark. The return
route descends on the ancient trading trail from Tibet to Naya Phul before you
are driven back to the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara. The walking on this
trek is gently paced and suitable for most ages, but there are definitely ups
and downs, so physical preparation is essential to get maximum benefit from this
great trek.
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Annapurna Range – the stunning views we will witness on this amazing trek.
Peaks, from left to right: Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m),
Machhapuchray a.k.a. Fish Tail (6993m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV
(7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), Lamjung Himal (6905m) |
(FLYING, DRIVING AND WALKING TIMES: This itinerary is intended as a guide only.
All times stated are approximate. Local conditions and the weather, and
individual and group fitness, may necessitate variations to the program and can
affect the availability of views and panoramas described)
Day 1 – Depart UK for overnight flight to Kathmandu
Day 2 - Kathmandu (1,360M)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to the Shanker Hotel. A
pre-trek briefing, given by the group leader, will be scheduled for the late
afternoon. He will discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute
arrangements. In the evening the group leader will organise an evening meal at
one of Kathmandu's fine Nepali restaurants.
Day 3 - Ghandruk (1950M)
25 minute flight, 1 ½ hour drive and 6 hours trekking
We fly to Pokhara, and then a bus will take us to the start of our journey at
Naya Pul. Our first day's walk is particularly long, following the sub-tropical
Modi Khola river valley to Birethanti, a large village on the old Nepal-Tibet
trading route. After formalities at the check-post we continue on through
terraced rice paddies to Chimrong and then to the very pretty village of Syauli
for lunch. Here we enjoy superb views of the great peaks of Annapurna South and
Machhapuchhare, seen to the north standing guard over the entrance of the
Annapurna Sanctuary.
 After lunch, the trek commences with a steady ascent up a stone staircase high
above the river valley. To the north there are again superb views of the
Annapurna Mountains. A short but steep section leads to Kimche (1630m) where we
can enjoy a drink and a well-deserved rest. We then continue on to Chane on a
wide, well-defined, path of stone flags that contours through fields of wheat
and millet to the largest village of the region, Ghandruk. This Gurung village
is well known for the number of its menfolk who have served in the British
Gurkha regiments. Our lodge is located in the heart of the village where we
enjoy fine mountain views, in particular Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare
(6993m) and Gangapurna (7455m).
Day 4 - Tadapani (2700M)
Trekking 4 hours
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, small tumbling waterfalls and if you visit in Spring, (late
March to April) the rhododendrons 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 5 - Ghorepani (2855M)
Trekking 5 hours
We rise early to view the sunrise and after breakfast we initially descend to a
small stream and then begin a series of ascents and descents through
rhododendron forest that is particularly spectacular during March and April when
the trees are in flower. We pass through Bhantanti, a group of small hotels, for
rest and a cup of tea then we cross a series of small streams ascending through
forest to reach the open ridges at Deurali (2987m) for lunch. From here we can
enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges if
conditions are clear. After lunch we follow the skyline ridge to hamlet of
Ghorepani.
Each trekker should not miss the opportunity to see the spectacular sunset views
from Poon Hill. This is a highlight of the trip and it is really worthwhile
making the effort of going in the evening. If trekkers decide to ascend for the
sunset, they must remember to take a torch.
Day 6 - Tirkedhunga (1577m.)
Trekking 6 hours
 We get up early and begin trekking by torchlight to Poon Hill to enjoy the
amazing sunrise over the mountains. In fine conditions this is a truly magical
panorama, including the three 8000-metre peaks of Dhaulagiri I (88167m),
Annapurna I (8019m) and Manalsu (8156m) dominate the horizon.
Views of the 6,000-metre-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the trans-Himalayan ranges
forming the border of Nepal with Tibetan, China make this one of Nepal's best
vantage points. From Ghorepani the walk is steep all downhill through beautiful
forests to the village of Naya Thanti for short break. We then descend through
oak and rhododendron forest, to Ulleri (2073m.), a beautiful village perched
high on the hillside overlooking the Bhurungdi Khola valley for a spot of lunch.
After lunch there is a very steep descent of over 500 metres on a stone
staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola River. We will cross a small suspension bridge
to reach the village of Tirkedunga, an important stopover on the old trading
route to Tibet.
Day 7 - Pokhara (850M)
Walking 3 hours, driving 1½ hours
Another early start to make the most of the day. From our lodge and after giving
the knees a well-earned rest, we continue on a more gentle descent to the
village of Birethanti on the banks of the Modi Khola . Here we take short break
for cup of tea then cross the new bridge to the east bank; from here you follow
the river back to the road-head at Naya Pul. After saying farewell to our
porters we transfer by coach to Pokhara. We will stay at the Hotel Barahi, which
is located close to the lakeside. The hotel has a swimming pool so you may wish
to bring your swimming costume. After a welcome shower, the rest of the day is
free. In the evening you will dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants
at trekkers own expense.
Day 8 – Kathmandu
25 minute flight
We rise early in the morning to be ready for the arrival of the aircraft for the
flight back to Kathmandu. We will be met at the airport and transferred to the
Hotel Shanker.
Day 9 - Kathmandu
After breakfast we transfer to Kathmandu airport for our flight home, arriving
in London the same day.
(Itinerary correct at time of printing,
but subject to change)
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