This four-day trek is a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. The route takes us through the foothills of the Annapurna region, one of the most spectacular of Nepal's Himalayan massifs. We will also pass through Gurung villages set amongst the steeply terraced fields with splendid mountain vistas.
This add-on tour starts two days before the end of the main tour. At the end of the trek, you continue to Kathmandu following the rest of the main tour's itinerary.
Activity Areas
Walking & Trekking
Region & Country & City
Asia: Annapurna, Nepal
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Local guide and porters on trek
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request in hotels from GBP £370)
— Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
— 7 day Annapurna trekking add-on tour (Pokhara and Kathmandu included as part of your main tour)
— Accommodation: 3 nights teahouses; 3 nights hotels
— Price from GBP £649 per person (shared room and travelling together)
— Compulsory sole traveller supplement from GBP £310
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Drive to Khare; trek to Pothana (day 13 of main land only trip)
We set off with our guide and porter(s) and drive a short way (one hour) to Khare where we start our trek. From here, it is pleasant gradual walk up through the forest to Pothana via the Australian Camp (6,775ft/2,065m). On a clear day, we have a magnificent panorama of the Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare ‐ the sacred Fishtail Mountain. We arrive at the lodge by lunchtime and after lunch we walk around 30 minutes to Pothana.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 2 Trek to Landrung (day 14 - land only)
The trail continues to ascend today as we climb up to Deurali, where there are a few tea shops ‐ ideal for a tea break. We then descend quite steeply through the forest to Tolka, from where we enter farmland, and the trail then undulates around a few corners to the pretty Gurung village of Landrung (5,405ft/1,648m).
We have plenty of time to explore the village; the people who live in this area come mostly from the Gurung tribe and the houses are made from a distinctive orange mud brick. Mainly subsistence farmers' crops are grown on every inch of land and the terraces extend for miles up and down the hills.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 3 Trek to Ghandrung (day 15 - land only)
Ahead are fine views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli and across the valley, we can see Ghandrung. To get there we must descend on a stone staircase to the Modi Khola River. Crossing the river by bridge we then have a long climb up through farms and hamlets to Ghandrung at 6,400ft (1,951m) where we spend the night.
Ghandrung is the largest Gurung village in the area and we have time this afternoon to explore the old part of the village, which is a maze of narrow alleyways separating the neat slate-roofed houses. From the lodge, we can watch the sunset on Annapurna South.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 4 Trek to Birethani; drive to Pokhara (day 16 - land only)
Today is an easier walk and mostly downhill. We follow the trail out of Ghandrung on a magnificent stone staircase all the way down to Birethanthi. Way below us the Modi Khola roars down the valley and above us the rocks and hills soar ever upward to the snowy peaks.
We have lunch in Birethanthi and then take a local bus or taxi back to our hotel in Pokhara (2,696ft/822m).
Accommodation: Standard hotel
Day 5 Tourist bus to Kathmandu (day 17 - land only)
This morning we take the tourist bus to Kathmandu, and our guide will travel with us. The distance is only 125mi (200km) but it is a slow climb through the mountains and ongoing road widening construction along the route as well as some bumpy conditions in places mean the journey will take most of the day (10 to 12 hours). The views, however, are stunning as we follow the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers, passing numerous villages and terraces stretching up the hillside. We arrive in Kathmandu in the early evening and check into our centrally located hotel.
For those that wish to, there is the option to take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu which can be booked through our local operator directly in-country (approximately US$ 125 - 150 per person).
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Optional Everest flight; visit Pashupatinath and Bodnath; free time (day 18 - land only)
We have today to explore Kathmandu and the valley. In the early morning, you could take a scenic flight to see Mount Everest (this can be booked and paid for on arrival in Kathmandu; see the ‘Extra Expenses and Spending Money’ section of the main Trip Notes for costs).
Today there will be a half-day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in the valley, and Bodnath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The rest of the time is free for individual exploration. You may like to visit Durbar Square with its old royal palace and intricately carved temples, or Swayambhunath, a hilltop stupa that’s home to hundreds of macaques.
Kathmandu also offers many souvenir shopping opportunities: clothes, trinkets, Tibetan and Nepalese handicrafts and superb bookshops. It also has a wide variety of restaurants serving some of the best food from the sub-continent and you can also find wonderful pizzas and apple pie.
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 End Kathmandu (day 19 - land only)
The adventure comes to an end after breakfast.
Departure transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one.
