Annapurna Highlights & Wildlife Itinerary
DAY 1 - KATHMANDU (1360M)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by our Himalayan Hikers representative and transferred you to the hotel. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes. After your check-in the group leader will set a time for your trek briefing to discuss in regards to the trek. The evening is free but your trek leader will organise a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant.
DAY 2 - KATHMANDU (1360M)
Today you will visit Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world and Pashupatinath, the main temple for the Hindus. Here you will see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the “ghats”. The rest of your afternoon is free. In the late afternoon you will be handed over with your trek pack. Departure information for the next morning will also be given.
Meals included: B
DAY 3: SYAULI BAZAR (1100M)
Travel time: flight time: approx. 30 min, driving time: approx. 1½ hours
You will have an early departure from the hotel today for your flight to Pokhara. The flight often boasts spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. In Pokhara you will be transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. Walk through the busy trading post of Nayapul. You will cross a small stream via suspension bridge and continue on a dirt road before crossing the Modi River to reach Birethanti for lunch. At Birethanti your trekking permits will be checked at the Annapurna Conservation Check PostYou will continue to hike following the Modi Khola upstream, passing through settlements inhabited by the Chettris and Brahmins.On a clear day looming majestically in the distance, you will see the Machhapucharre (6993m) Soon you will reach the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar where you will stop for the day.
Meals included: B, L, D
DAY 4: GHANDRUK (1940M)
In the morning after breakfast we start the climb to Ghandruk. The trail gradually climbs to Lhamkhet. Trail is steep and continues passing through settlements of Gurungs and then climb up to Ghandruk, which is known as the second largest village with the Gurung settlement. Ghandruk is one of the beautiful Gurung village in that area and one can see the difference in the lifestyle of the people to that of their neighbor in the lower areas. Ghandruk is well known for the number of its men folk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments. From our lodge at Ghandruk, we have spectacular view of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Machapuchhare (6993m).
Meals included: B, L, D
DAY 5: TOLKA (1565M)
After breakfast we retrace our steps back to the entrance gate of Ghandruk Village and descend down towards the Modi Khola walking on stone steps. We walk through terraced fields and pass through a school to reach a small linear settlement of Kyumi. We then cross a steel suspension bridge after which the trail climbs up gradually through terraced fields. Looking north you enjoy great view of the Modi Khola Valley. The trail continues to climb up through the fields to reach our lodge in this small Gurung village of Landruk where we stop for lunch. We take the trail just above the small primary school of Landruk and the trail traverses though open area and patches of beautiful woods. The trail undulates and traverses for some time and we climb for a section to reach a small settlement of Tolka.
Meals included: B, L, D
DAY 6: AUSTRALIAN CAMP (1650M)
From here the trail steadily climb through the forest to reach a small teashop after which the trail ascends for another 40 minutes or so to reach Pitam Deurali where we stop for lunch. After lunch the trail traverses on the ridge through alpine and rhododendron forests with great view of the mountains. The trail and we reach the settlement of Pothana. From Pothana the trail descends for another hour to reach the teahouse at Australian camp. It offers excellent view of the Annapurna range from here.
Meals included: B, L, D
DAY 7 - 8: POKHARA (850M)
After breakfast the trail descends out of our camp through terraced fields and forest for an hour and half to reach the road at the small settlement of Kande. From Kande we farewell our porters then drive for about an hour to reach our hotel in Pokhara, which is located close to the lakeside. After a welcome 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 an option to dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants with your leader.
Meals included: 2 B
DAY 9: POKHARA - CHITWAN (500M)
Approximate distance: 145 kms approximate travel duration: 4 to 5hrs
After breakfast, we start driving to Chitwan National Park. It takes us about 4 hours to reach this beautiful National Park to the down south of Nepal. Chitwan national park was once the hunting ground of British and Nepalese aristocrats. Today, the animals - elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, leopard and deer - are protected. The greatest thrill here is to scout for wildlife on the back of an elephant. This national park is enlisted in the UNESCO’s Natural Heritage Site.
Meals included: B, L, D
DAY 10: CHITWAN EXPLORATION DAY
Full day in Chitwan National Park for exciting activities like: jungle walk, elephant riding, village visit, canoeing, visit to elephant breeding center, bird-watching etc. A nature guide will lead us through all the activities giving us more insights about the wildlife, flora and fauna in the national park. View of wild and aquatic life like rhinoceros, deer, bear, crocodile, and different birds can make our day there. In the evening we can enjoy the Tharu cultural show. Tharus are aboriginal people of the area who have their own language, culture and tradition.
Meals included: B, L, D
DAY 11: CHITWAN - KATHMANDU
We drive back to Kathmandu today after our breakfast. It takes us about 5 hours to reach Kathmandu. The afternoon is free to do your last minute souvenir shopping or just relax.
Meals included: B
DAY 12: FINAL DEPARTURE
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements.
