Days 1-2 Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our tour guide will pick-up you from Kathmandu international Airport and he will take you to the hotel booked for you. We will have an important group briefing and we will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important briefing meeting will take place. Today we will have an important group briefing and so our guide will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Our guide shall also collect your balance payment of your tour and he/she will provide the detail of your balance payments on this tour.

Kathmandu, the colorful capital of Nepal, is a fascinating blend of traditional architecture and symbols of the 20th Century. It is rich artistic and cultural heritage is evident where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Kathmandu is a fascinating mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot. Kathmandu has been a traveler’s centre for many years which is reflected in the international flavor of the bright lights. The real Kathmandu is a contrast. You can walk your way through manic traffic to the peace of the Great Stupa of Tibetan Buddhism at Bodhnath and the nearby holy site of Lord Shiva. Heighten your spiritual awareness as you witness the devotion of the people around the religious sites and feel the pulse of Kathmandu in the colorful local market. We will also provide practical advice about conservation, trekking, mountain safety, causes of deforestation, ecotourism, and the do’s and don’ts of Nepalese society.

Day 3 Bhaktapur
While leaving Kathmandu, we head for the medieval town of Bhaktapur, the ‘town of devotees’. Those who want to explore can join us on a wander through the narrow streets from square to square, exploring the temples on the river, checking out the wooden palace and visiting the five storey pagoda. This pedestrian town with very few cars is a perfect place to gradually slide into the Nepali way of life as it is far more traditional than the busy capital. This is a great chance to get that camera working – a photographer’s dream.Tonight we stay in nearby of Durbar Square in Bhaktapur.

Day 4 Pokhara
While leaving the Kathmandu valley behind, we head for the enchanting Nepalese town of Pokhara (approx. 7 hours). Pokhara enjoys a delightful setting on a lake beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, making it an excellent place to relax and contemplate what lies ahead. Depending on our arrival time, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. If you need to hire some extra trekking, gear then there are numerous shops available offering everything you might be interested.

Pokhara is part of a once trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Days 5-14 Annapurna Ranges
Annapurna 1, which is at 8,091m, is one of the highest mountains in the world. It’s surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any point of views. This trek covers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, we stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. The expedition is not only visually super, but also a chance to learn about local cultures. Along the way, we see thundering waterfalls of melted snow-cross icy rivers and high mountain passes and reward ourselves with a soak in natural hot springs.

While the trekking is challenging, averaging 6-7 hours walking a day on steep terrain, our Annapurna Sanctuary expedition into the Himalayas allows you to experience ‘the roof of the world’ without major issues associated with high altitude. The highest point on the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4130 m, which is optional. Those concerned about altitude sickness are welcome to remain in the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (or even lower) for an afternoon for rest. We stay overnight in small basic teahouses along the track. These remote teahouses are operated by the mountain Nepalese to cater for trekkers, and they provide simple, but delicious hot food.

Details for the trek are as follows. Please note, however, that the exact itinerary can vary due to unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions or strikes called by the government.) All trekking times are approximate.

Day 5 – Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m/approx 5 hours)
About 2 hour drive and remember driving times are always approximate in these areas and it will bring us to Birethanti where we can have a trek-break. We gear up and follow the Bhurungi Khola until we reach Tikhedhunga.

Day 6 – Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,750 m /approx 6 hours)
We ascend to Ulleri village through a pleasant rhododendron forest which is much more impressive than the trees of other places. We stay overnight at the top of Ghorepani and we will pass through the Poon hill.

Day 7 – Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,590 m/approx 6 hours)
Early birds can bounce out of bed to witness the sunrise over Annapurna from nearby Poon Hill (1 hour uphill climb) and you have to do this at least once in your life, right? Then the adventure continues as we trek on to Tadapani.

Day 8 Tadapani to Chhomrong (2,170m/approx. 6 hours)
We descend to Kimrung Khola before we again climb to Chhomrong village which is at the base of Hiunchuli (6441m). There are breathtaking views of Annapurna and Macchhapucchhre from here. Please note, the walk on days 8-12 is flexible according to weather conditions and how the group is coping as well.

Day 9  Chhomrong to Doban (2,580m/approx. 6.5 hours)
We will walk to Kuldi Ghar which takes about 3 hours, then we will go down to the banks of the Modi River and up again to Doban.

Day 10 – Doban to Deurali (3,231 m/approx. 4 hour)
Passing through Himalaya Hotel, we continue up the narrow valley to Deurali.

Day 11 – Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/approx 4.5 hours)
While sticking to the west bank of the Modi River, we enter to an open valley near Machhapuchhre Base Camp. This is where you can decide how your legs and your lungs are holding up. You may decide to remain here or stay here to the Annapurna Base Camp for the night. The views from both base camps are fantastic and the hard work to get here is really over.

Day 12 – Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo (2,335m/approx. 7 hours)
After having a view of sunrise on the snowy peaks around us, we head back down to the valley through the same way to Bamboo.

Day 13 – Bamboo to Jhinu Danda (1,780m/approx. 5.5 hours)
While passing back through the up and down staircases of Chhomrong we continue on down path to Jhinu Danda. From here, it is only a 20 minute walk down to the hot spring near by the Modi Khola for the well-deserved bath you will ever have.

Day 14 – Jhinu Danda to Pothana (1,650m/approx. 6.5 hours)
By now we are pretty good at carrying our packs. It is down to cross the river and an ascent to Landruk, Tolkha, Deurali and Pothana. It is to be noted that this is a trek that requires a very good level of fitness as there are plenty of ascents and descents (in fact there’s hardly anything flat) and the walking is strenuous. The weather can be harsh in December and January with snow and frosts. Our expedition is led by an experienced local guide who speaks English. Two assistants help with the daily logistics of the trek but they are not there as porters.

Our accommodation along the way is at local lodges, better known as teahouses, which are comfortable without being luxurious, toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary, and the food is plain and filling. In a teahouse, we are provided with small private rooms with twin beds, mattresses and pillows. At times, in high seasons, and in places where there are a limited number of teahouses, we may have some nights in dormitories. In some places, teahouses don’t have access to electricity and depend on solar powered lighting. In remote regions, teahouses don’t have running water and toilets can mean just a hole in the ground. Hot shower facilities are available in the majority of the teahouses for a price although in most of the places, a hot shower just means a bucket of hot water.

Days 15-16 Pokhara
This is the final day of the trek and it is a short downhill stretch all the way from Pothana to Phedi through Dhampus village. After lunch it is only about 1.5 hours (driving) to Pokhara to check into our hotel for a well-earned shower and an end-of-trek celebration to enjoy the good things in life – like cold beer and a steak, or vegetarian lasagna.

There are no activities planned for day 16 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. Pokhara is also connected to Kathmandu by several daily flights. Our vehicle will directly take you to Kathmandu international airport for your next flights.