Trekking the Annapurna loop combines some of the most spectacular mountain scenery with a fascinating insight into the modern hill life of Nepal. This is a unique trek along local trails, through forests, villages and terraced farmland; you will be treated to unparalleled mountain scenery, surrounded by enormous glaciers in one of the world’s most fascinating regions. You will gain a unique insight into Nepalese life and culture as we overnight in beautiful hillside villages. Although you are working up a sweat during the day, we provide a comfortable bed and hearty meal for you at the end of the day.
Following your trek, you will visit Chitwan National Park, a World Heritage Site that his home to mammals including rhinoceros, tiger, leopard and bison.

You will start and finish in Kathmandu, where you will feel like you have stepped back in time to another era. Enjoy the shopping, culture, cooking class and totally indulgent massage at the end of your trip. You’ve earned it!

Highlights of this Trek

  • Awe inspiring sunrise and mountain view from Ghorepani and Poon hill
  • Typical Gurung village and culture in Ghandruk, the home to many of the famous Gurkha soldiers.
  • Spectacular views at every turn
  • Cultural interaction at every village
  • Chitwan National Park, staying in Tiger Temple Resort Lodge

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU AIRPORT (1345METERS)
Our Airport Representative will meet us and arrange for our transfer to hotel by private tourist vehicle.

DAY 2 SIGHTSEEING AROUND KATHMANDU VALLEY (B)
A relaxed breakfast before commencing our sightseeing tour by private vehicle, with our own professional tour guide. We will visit Pasupatinath Temple, Buddhanath, Monkey Temple, Bhaktpur, Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

DAY 3 KATHMANDU TO POKHARA (B)
We will take morning flight around 8 AM to Pokhara. We will arrive in Pokhara early so this gives us enough time to look around this lovely town. In the afternoon we have a sightseeing tour around Pokhara Valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave etc. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 4 DRIVE TO NAYAPUL (1010METERS) BY PRIVATE TOURIST VEHICLE, AND TREK TO TIKHEDUNGA (1570METERS) 4 HOURS (B,L,D).
We begin our trek at Nayapul after 1 hour driving from Pokhara. After a 15 minute short walk along the bank of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1015meters), a large village that has many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola, climbing steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1495m. After the short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1570meters. Today’s walk offers a short and relatively easy day, during the journey which allows us to become used to the experience of trekking in Nepal.

DAY 5 TIKHEDUNGA TO GHOREPANI (2840METERS) 8-9 HOURS (B,L,D).
Leaving Tikhedunga, we begin our journey with a steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at 2070 meters. The trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2250 meters, and Nangethanti at 2460m. After an hour of walking, we arrive at Ghorepani at 2840meters.

DAY 6 EARLY MORNING HIKE UP TO POON HILL (3210METERS) AND TREK TO GHANDRUK VIA TADAPANI (2610METERS) (B,L,D).
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at elevation of 3210 meters, a brilliant spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of sunrise over the high Himalayas. We spend about 1 hour before returning to Ghorepani where we take a hot breakfast. We then trek to Tadapani (2610meters), climbing along ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2960meters). We then descend to the Banthanti, and walk along a shaded forest trail, followed by terraced fields of maize and potatoes to Ghandruk (19400m). From here we have fantastic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.

DAY 7 TADAPANI TO NAYAPUL (1010METERS). RETURN TO POKHARA 6-7 HOURS (B,L,D).
From Tadapani the trail descends through forests to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a village of Gurung people, one of the ethnic groups of Nepal; they have their own dialect, culture, costume, and life style. Ghandruk is also home to many Gurkha soldiers. It is a famous destination for trekkers as it is known for its beautiful mountain views and within easy reach from Pokhara and Kathmandu. We have the afternoon to visit the Annapurna conservation office, the museum and explore the village.

DAY 8 NAYAPUL & RETURN TO POKHARA (B,L,D).
Today is our last day of the trek. The trail descends to the right of the Modi Khola for 4.30 hours relaxing walking to Birethanti. We will organize the evening party and trekking celebration with our guides and porters, lots of singing and dancing.

DAY 9 GUIDED SIGHTSEEING IN POKHARA (B)
In our own private vehicle, we will travel with our professional tour guide, enjoying the sights of this beautiful place. We will visit all the major highlights of Pokhara including Tibetan camps, waterfalls, temple, Lakes etc.

DAY 10 CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK (B,L,D).
Chitwan National Park is a popular destination for visitors wanting to have a good experience of the region’s wildlife. The tranquility and remoteness of the park is one not to be missed. It was declared a National Park in 1973.
Our activities here will include an elephant safari, jungle walk, a visit to the Observation Tower, a nature walk with a boat ride.
As the drive is approximately 7 hours, we will be on the road for most of the day. On reaching the resort, we will be briefed about the activities here. After lunch we will take a tour of the resort.

DAY 11 CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK(B,L,D).
An early morning tour provides us with one of the best times to see the wildlife at its best. If we are fortunate, we will see many species of birds and animals. After breakfast, we will take another walk through grassland and forest upstream of the Narayani River.
Climb aboard the local boats to observe crocodiles along the banks while floating back to the camp and to enjoy lunch. Late afternoon a guide will take you for other activities, prior to returning back to the camp for dinner and a relaxing evening.

DAY 12 CHITWAN – KATHMANDU (B,L,D)
Another early morning wake up call to allow us the opportunity to savor our last experiences in this beautiful park. Following a leisurely breakfast, we travel to the airport for our 25 minute flight back to Kathmandu. This afternoon is at leisure – why not spend some time in Thamel, where you will be delighted with the range and price of items to buy.
This afternoon we will enjoy a genuine Nepali cooking class. Our expert local cook will provide about four hours training which will provide the opportunity to learn cooking Nepali and Tibetan foods. We will have farewell dinner in the evening with our trekking guides and porters. You will have the opportunity to savour your efforts for lunch and dinner!

DAY 13 KATHMANDU (B)
A full day to savour the delights of this city. You will feel you have stepped back in time as you travel around in a rickshaw, or by foot. Today we will enjoy learning how to cook Nepali style, and you will have the opportunity to savour your efforts for lunch! There is plenty of time for you to do as you please today, but don’t miss the delightful massage we have arranged for you this afternoon!

DAY 14 TRANSFER TO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOR YOUR FINAL DEPARTURE.
Last opportunity to shop in Kathmandu, before transferring to the airport for your onward journey from Nepal.

Tour Details

Inclusions

  • Australian leader for groups of 10 or more
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off by private car / van / bus.
  • Standard accommodation in three/four star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara (breakfast included)
  • Kathmandu City Tours by professional tour guide and private car / van / bus.
  • All your standard meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • Tea Houses / Lodges hotel accommodation during the trek.
  • Heater costs in dining areas at track guesthouses.
  • Your local Trekking Leader (Guide) who is highly experienced and the holder of a current government license for the duration of the trek.
  • A government license holder assistant Trekking Guide during the trek.
  • A private cook to look after all your meals during the trek.
  • The required number of Porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipments, medicine for all Guides, Cook and Porters.
  • All ground transportation by private car / van / bus.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area permits.
  • Loan of down Jacket, duffel/kit bag and sleeping bag
  • Airfare from Kathmandu to Pokhara including airport departure tax in Pokhara airport.
  • 2 nights accommodation, all activities, all meals at Chitwan National Park
  • Road transport one way Pokhara to Chitwan
  • Flight Chitwan to Kathmandu
  • Massage
  • Cooking class &dinner in Kathmandu
  • Pokhara City Tours by professional tour guide and private car / van / bus.
  • All our government taxes
  • Official expenses

Exclusions

  • Meals not stated in itinerary
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from date of issue.
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
  • Shower costs on track (approx $1).
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for Porters, driver etc. Please note, porters traditionally receive a tip equating to approximately 10% of the tour cost

Cost

Land component: $3,495 twin share
14 Day fully escorted tour
Single supplement price on request

The Fine Print

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure a booking. The remaining monies are payable 60 days prior to departure.
A medical certificate is required from your doctor no more than 30 days from departure, stating that you have no medical condition that could endanger your life on the track.
Travel Insurance is mandatory.
Training is necessary. This trek is moderately challenging and you will require a good level of fitness. We can offer you support in this area. Please contact us for details.
This tour requires a minimum of 6 to run.