Annapurna Sanctuary

• Day 1:
• Arrive in Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport we meet & greet and transfer you to your chosen hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into your hotel and relax, or start exploring the local area.

• Day 2:
• Kathmandu city tour

After our morning pre-tour briefing we head into central Kathmandu for a tour of the city. The tour includes visits to Durbar Square, with its numerous temples and the old royal palace, we take a walk up to the top of Swayambunath Stupa for a great view over the city, and of course there is plenty of time to enjoy the numerous shops and stalls along the way. The evening is free for you to sample Kathmandu's unique nightlife.

• Day 3:
• Travel by road to Pokhara. Free time

We travel to Pokhara by road this morning. The drive offers an excellent opportunity to see rural Nepal as we cross the foothills of the Himalayas. The landscapes are breathtaking in places, with snow-capped peaks, roaring rivers and traditional hillside villages. After arriving in Pokhara we check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to relax and explore this picturesque lakeside town.

• Day 4:
• Start trek to Tirkhe Dhunga

We drive for approximately 90 minutes this morning to Nayapul from where we'll start our Annapuran Sancturary trek. We start by heading up the main trail to Birethanti then, crossing the river, we ascend sharply via Hille to Tirkhe Dhunga (1,540m), where we spend the night in a comfortable trekking lodge.

• Day 5:
• Tirkhe Dhunga to Ghorepani

After leaving Tirkhe Dhunga we ascend a steep stone staircase to the large Magara Village at Ulleri (2,070m). Trekking through rhododendron and oak forests and across numerous streams we climb to Nangethanti before the final ascent to Ghorepani (2,850m) where we stay overnight in a lodge.

• Day 6:
• Sunrise on Poon Hill. Ghorepani to Tadapani

We have an early start today, where we'll climb to one of the best viewing points in the Himalayas - Poon Hill (3,210m) in order to see the spectacular sunrise. We'll then descend and follow a lightly forested ridge with view to either side, Machhhapuchare is visble to our left. Descending,we hike down a forested gorge to Banthanti, we continue to Tadapani (2,700m) for views of Annapurna South and Machhhapuchare across the valley. We overnight at a lodge in Tadapani.

• Day 7:
• Tadapani to Chomrong

This morning we descend through a moss covered forest, onto terraced fields on the side of a steep valley. We then follow the valley hiking down past cowsheds and small houses with people working on the terraces, before crossing a bridge and climbing up the other side of the valley. Then we cross over into the Modi Khola Valley and the short trail to Chomrong (2,300m), a large spread out village situated on the side of a stone staircase that descends down the side of the valley. We overnight at a lodge in Chomrong.

• Day 8:
• Chomrong to Himalaya Hotel

After departing Chomrong we follow a well worn trail and gently climb through bamboo and rhododendron forests with sightings of monkeys that inhabit this area. At a branch in the trail we head right to the bamboo lodges and the river, before climbing again thorough rhododendron forests and the last steep section to the Himalaya Hotel at Doban (2,890m). We overnight at a lodge near the Himalaya Hotel.

• Day 9:
• Himalaya Hotel to Machhapuchhare Base Camp

We leave the tree line behind and ascend into open ground, passing by Hinku Cave, and crossing over regular avalanche flows to Deurali. From here we ascend the narrow entrance into the Annapurna Sanctuary and cross the barren rocky valley to the Machhhapuchare Base Camp (3,720m). From here it is less than 2 hours to Annapurna Base Camp (4,095m) where you can see spectacular views of some to the world’s highest mountains. We overnight at a lodge near the Machhapuchhare Base Camp.

• Day 10:
• Machhapuchhare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp

Much of today is spent admiring the amazing scenery which surrounds you. The massive south face of Annapurna (8,090m) provides an impressive backdrop, while the closeness of 10 peaks all over 6000 metres is truly awe inspiring. We overnight at a lodge near the Annapurna Base Camp.

• Days 11-12:
• Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo

Leaving Annapurna Base Camp we retrace our path back down through the bamboo and rhododendron forests to village of Bamboo where we'll spend the night. The following morning we head on down the Modi Khola valley to Jhinnudanda where you'll have the chance of a reinvigorating soak in the nearby hot springs. We overnight at a lodge in Bamboo & Jhinnudanda.

• Days 13-14:
• Jinnudanda to Pothana

Today we will continue on to Landruk, before starting the steady ascent through Tolka to Pothana, where we spend the night. The following day we will make the short trek to Phedi, and then transfer by road back to Pokhara where we can relax and recover from the trek. We overnight at a lodge in Pothana and a hotel in Pokhara.

• Day 15:
• Free day to enjoy this picturesque lakeside town

You have a free day today to explore Pokhara and its surroundings. Optional activities include day walks to Devi falls and Sarangkot, a boat ride on Lake Phewa, and a cycle ride into the hills. There is also plenty to keep you occupied in the evenings with many restaurants and bars on offer.

• Day 16:
• Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

From Pokhara we drive back to Kathmandu. Once back in Kathmandu the rest of the day and evening is free for you to relax after the days drive.

• Day 17:
• Kathmandu - Tour ends. Airport transfer

Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport in time for your flight home.