length

11 Days

difficulty

Challenging - Strenuous

trip cost

from $3750

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

11 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Challenging - Strenuous

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

from $3750

Guided Trip

our walk experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • The Trail
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Exclusive Guided
  • Similar walks

Overview

The Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region is a popular destination for trekkers and offers an outstanding introduction to Himalayan trekking. This trip offers a less taxing option to its sister trek of Everest with lower altitude and fewer steeper climbs but without compromising on scenery. Trails weave through fertile, lower valleys to rushing rivers that you cross by long suspension bridges and up through spectacular Rhododendron forests, where ferns and orchids grow within their gnarled branches. All the while your trail is flanked by some of the world’s most biggest and beautiful mountains; a continuous display of stunning scenery you will never forget.

The Annapurna Region - Nepal

Highlights

Get Ready For

  • Discover Ghandruk, the most famous Gurung village
  • View Annapurna from the popular Poon Hill
  • Terraced rice fields, rhododendron forests, tranquil rivers
  • Be embraced by the warmth of the Nepalese people
  • Explore the energetic and intoxicating sites, sounds and smells of Kathmandu
Annapurna trail

The Trail

The Trail

Keep your eyes peeled for coloured butterflies that flitter along the river, the large raptors that soar in the striking blue skies and listen for the yelp of the barking deer roaming amongst the oak forests. Trek over terraced hills, stay at colourful teahouses and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the local villagers.

Itinerary

The Annapurna Region

Week 1
Day 1
ARRIVE KATHMANDU

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The emotions conjured up by the views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that will stay with you for a long, long time. A RAW Travel representative and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel and brief you about your upcoming daily activities.

Day 2
KATHMANDU EXPLORATION

Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and home to some of the most revered temples in both the Buddhist and Hindu community. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, before continuing on to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square.

Meals: B

Day 3
FLY TO POKHARA

Today you take the short but scenic 30-minute flight to Pokhara, enjoying the views of Ganesh, Manaslu and the Annapurnas along the way. With majestic sights of snow-capped mountain peaks and tranquil lakes, Pokhara’s beauty is sure to have you mesmerised. The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara or relax before your hike tomorrow.

Meals: B

Day 4
TRANSFER TO SHYAULI BAZAAR (3 HOUR DRIVE) AND TREK TO GHANDRUK (3 HOUR TREK – 1940M)

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a one-hour leisurely drive to Naya Pul along the graceful Modi Khola Valley. On reaching Naya Pul, we take a local vehicle to Shyauli Bazaar avoiding having to walk along jeep roads that are not particularly interesting. On reaching our destination, we begin our highly panoramic Annapurna trek.

We trail along terraced fields beneath the awe-inspiring, glaciated Himalayan mountain ranges. On passing a succession of flatlands, forest, cultivated lands and a suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, we arrive at the beautiful village of Ghandruk. The ancient village offers glimpses of time-honored ancient cultural traditions along with a vantage point that offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare and Hiunchuli. The Gurungs are the ethnic group that live here and will welcome us with warmth and sincere hospitality. They have been called a ‘martial tribe’ by the British, and are well known for their bravery as Gurkha soldiers in the British, Indian and Nepal armies.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5
TREK GHANDRUK TO CHHOMRONG (5-6 HOUR TREK – 2210M)

Our path this morning starts out fairly flat as we make our way through small villages, fields and farmland before descending steeply to the Kimrong Khola river. The afternoon will have us taking a long, steep, sustained climb up towards our destination for the night.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6
TREK CHHOMRONG TO TADAPANI (5-6 HOUR TREK – 2540M)

Today we descend further along a trail that showcases rich rhododendron forests, glorious, cascading mountain streams and other mystical vistas of nature. You may be lucky to spot a ‘langur’ (white monkey) along the way. After continuously climbing for 3 hours, we step on the territory of Tadapani at an altitude of 2540m. Tadapani offers the most magnificent mountain views of the overpowering peaks of Annapurna South.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7
TREK TADAPANI TO GHOREPANI (6 HOUR TREK – 2880M)

This morning we depart Tadapani and proceed down a steep, sustained descent, mainly on stairs. We are blessed with scenery of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and rich plant life. We climb through rhododendron forests to Deorali (3100m) and reach a hamlet and cultivated fields and grazing pastures. Don’t forget to look up as we may see eagles and vultures soaring above.  We continue walking for approximately 3 hours before reaching Ghorepani.

Meals: B, L, D

Week 2
Day 8
TREK GHOREPANI TO TIKHEDHUNGA VIA POON HILL (5 HOUR TREK – 1540M)

A very early start this morning as we climb up to Poon Hill view point (3210m) to witness the warm, golden light of sunrise as it spreads across the dramatic mountain ranges. After savouring the mesmerising sight of Dhaulagiri massif, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants, we leave Ghorepani and start to make our way towards Tikhedhunga and our accommodation for the night.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9
TREK TIKHEDHUNGA TO HILLE AND TRANSFER TO POKHARA VIA NAYA PUL (40MIN TREK, 3 HOUR TRANSFER)

Today we make our way towards Hille, where we will meet our driver and head back to our accommodation in Pokhara. The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore or maybe seek out a well-deserved massage!

Meals: B, L

Day 10
FLY POKHARA TO KATHMANDU

After a flight back to Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Tonight you will be treated to a special farewell dinner and cultural show.

Meals: B, D

Day 11
DEPART KATHMANDU

You will be transferred to the airport today for your onward journey.

Meals: B

*Subject to availability

Inclusions

What you get

Included
    • Private tour with your own guide
    • Flexibility to select your own departure date* and travel with your own group of friends or family
    • Trip Cost is based on 2 people travelling together (enquire for better rates for larger groups)
    • Accommodation on trek in traditional lodges/teahouses (twin share basis, with non-attached bathroom)
    • Experienced, English-speaking local guide and porters (1 porter for every 2 guests; luggage limit 15kg only per person)
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during teahouse trek only
    • Airfare Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu
    • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekking permit
    • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
    • 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
    • Farewell dinner and cultural show in Kathmandu
    • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with English-speaking local guide and entry fees as per itinerary
    • Airport transfers and tour transfers in private vehicle as per the itinerary
    • Insurance for all guides and porter

* Subject to availability

Excluded
  • Nepal visa fees
  • International flights and any airport tax
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except 1 x farewell dinner in Kathmandu)
  • Personal gear and clothing
  • Any applicable extra baggage charge above allowance (Pokhara flight 20kg main luggage +5 kg hand carry)
  • Tips for guides, porters and local staff
  • Single room supplement $780 (Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels only)
  • Solo Traveller surcharge – please contact the Destination Expert for solo traveller pricing
Nepal-Destination-Guide-Cover

Exclusive Guided

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TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

dates
availability
price
single occupancy
dates
15/07/2020 - 09/07/2020
availability
Postponed
price
$3,750
single occupancy
$780

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