Annapurna Peaks & Villages Trek

Several 2011 & 2012 Departures!

A bit of luxury at the Barahi Hotel in Pokhara and eight days of lovely, cultural trekking make for the perfect Nepal vacation, all in less than two weeks.

This wonderful journey is the perfect introduction to the diversity and excitement of trekking. We start trekking in steamy Hindu villages, where water buffalos wallow in the rivers, colorful, sari-clad women sit and weave by thatched huts, and villagers perform ancient rituals to appease their local deities. The sub-tropical forests come alive with an immense variety of bird life, waterfalls thunder down from steep cliff sides and monkeys chatter from the tree-tops. Trekking higher into the green, terraced hills we wander through ancient, mossy Rhododendron forests to reach the cooler Buddhist and animistic middle hills, where chortens and prayer flags send prayers out to the gods and the Gurung and Magar inhabitants look more Tibetan than Nepali. Terraced fields and tropical fruit trees surround the neat, white-washed Gurung villages of the higher regions, leading the eye to vistas dominated by some of the Himalaya's most majestic peaks. The Annapurna region is truly the heart of the Nepal Himalaya.

Accompanied by views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and Lamjung Himal, we trek in the heart of the Annapurna circuit. From Deurali, the amazing mountain views begin, and we contour through traditional villages to reach the bustling Gurung villages of Landruk and Gandruk. At Poon Hill, near Ghorepani, we are treated to a 360-degree sunrise Himalayan panorama. Back down through golden, terraced villages dominated by Machhapuchhre, the 'Fish Tailed' mountain, we continue through Ulleri to the end of the circuit at Naya Pul and drive to Pokhara, where we stay again at the luxurious Barahi Hotel.

This is a classic tea-house trek run in our special Project Himalaya way; instead of camping out in the cold, we enjoy the dining-room stoves and famed hospitality of the local people of the Annapurna region, our gear is carried by porters, and we have local guides to explain the various cultures, mountains and sights to us along the way.

Finishing back in Kathmandu, it's been a wonderful journey through diverse regions and landscapes of one of the most spectacular regions of the Himalaya!

Detailed Itinerary

*Note that although we try to follow the itinerary below, at times local trail or weather conditions may make slight changes necessary. The trekking itinerary may also vary slightly depending on our trekkers' acclimatization rates.

Early Arrival

Providing you have sent us your arrival details, you will be met at the airport by a representative from the Kathmandu Guest House (look for their sign - they will be looking for you) and escorted to the guest house. Kim will book the extra nights for you, so your room will be ready.

Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu 1340m

You'll be met at the airport by a representative from the Kathmandu Guest House, so look out for a Kathmandu guest house sign when you leave the airport. They will bring you back to the Kathmandu Guest House, where your rooms are booked.

Your guide will meet you at the guest house and introduce you to Thamel, the main tourist area of Kathmandu. Thamel is a myriad of banners, signs, music shops, bakeries, internet cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, shops of all imaginable varieties and eccentrically clad backpackers. We'll need your travel medical insurance, a copy of your passport and Nepali visa and one visa-sized photo, so have them ready to give to your guide. If you need your international ticket re-confirmed, also have that to give to the guide.

Day 2 - Kathmandu

A free day to explore the Kathmandu valley. Options: Climb the many steps to Swayambhunath (the monkey temple), with its commanding views of Kathmandu (at 1420 m), its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism. The striking Buddha eyes of Boudhanath Stupa watch over a lively and colorful Tibetan community and attract pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm. In the midst of traditional gompas, and hung with long strings of multi-colored prayer flags, Boudhanath attracts Sherpas, Tibetans and tourists alike for daily circumambulations (koras) of the stupa. Durbar Square, one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, is a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist temples, stupas and statues, and is often the site of festivals, marriages and other ceremonies. Hindu Pashupatinath and its sacred temple complex on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Here, monkeys run up and down the steps of the burning ghats, and trident-bearing saddhus draped in burnt-orange and saffron sit serenely meditating - when they’re not posing for photos-for-rupees.

Day 3 - Fly to Pokhara 830m

Up early for our short but scenic flight to Pokhara, 198 kilometers west of Kathmandu. You will fly high above the north-south rivers flowing down towards the Terai from the Himalaya and Tibet, over terraced villages and green hills with the Ganesh, Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges in the distance, to balmy, sub-tropical Pokhara. We stay at the fantastic Barahi Hotel, it's clear pool a wonderful oasis in the afternoon heat. We have the afternoon to wander the shore of Phewa Lake, drink fresh juice, do some shopping, or sit and relax at the hotel with a book. Head to Moondance Cafe for dinner and drinks in the evening, an atmospheric restaurant just near the hotel.

Day 4 - Drive to Phedi. Trek to Bhichok Deurali 2130m

After breakfast, we'll board our private vehicle for the short drive to Phedi, from where we'll start our trek into the wonderful central Annapurnas region. We have a hike straight up stone steps through a dense forest to Dhampus (1700m) first thing in the morning, a good start to the trek! We contour less steeply along the paddy fields, past slate-roof houses and a few small tea-houses and about three hours later reach the picturesque Gurung village of Dhampus. We continue to climb through a lovely Rhododendron forest, and soon reach the small hamlet of Pothana (1970m), a possible stopping point for the night. The views start to open up as we near the plateau of lower Deurali, with quaint, Himalayan villages opening up below us. Continuing on along a partially stone-paved trail, we soon reach Bhichok Deurali. We'll spend the night at the last lodge in the village, and feast on views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Peak) and Dhaulagiri in the evening.

Day 5 - Trek to Landruk 1590m

We'll wake to a misty morning of Himalayan peaks, with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South rising majestically out of the shrouded valley, an awesome sight. We have a classic Himalayan day of trekking through green, textured fields along wonderful village-lined trails ahead of us. Leaving Deurali, we descend through a forested slope on partially stone-slab steps and cross a small bridge after Bheri Kharka. A short ascent brings us to Tolka (1750m), a large, scenic Gurung village. The grassy trail lined with ferns and sub-tropical trees descends after the village, and after crossing a few small streams and contouring around terraced hillsides we reach the hill-side village of Landruk, painted in pastels and lined with fields ready to be planted. Landruk is a sprawling Gurung village, worth a bit of exploration through its narrow, slate alleys. We'll take rooms at a lodge for the night and admire the sunset colors over the Annapurna peaks ...

Day 6 - Trek to Gandruk 1940m

Another wonderful day of trekking, starting with a gentle wander through the extensive village of Landruk, endlessly interesting. Watch the local Gurung women weaving with their wooden looms, drying vegetables to make a spicy 'achar', sorting lentils for dal or involved in the morning's washing at the village taps. Once through Landruk, we have a a steep descent through open forest and paddock land on a partially stone trail. Once down, we cross the Modi Khola on a steel bridge to Khumi (1350m), from where we start our steep climb to Gandruk, the last of it on stone steps. Take advantage of the 'chautara' or stone resting spots, along the way. The slope is steep and it's a long climb, but once up we're rewarded with a large and bustling Gurung village contouring around the expanse of terraced hillside. Gandruk is perhaps the largest and most prosperous village in the region, with two interesting museums, local restaurants featuring their unique Gurung cuisine and many guest houses. We stay at a lovely garden guest house and will hike up a bit along the cobbled steps for sunset views in the evening. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli dominate the horizon while the views of Macchupucchre have changed so that it looks more like its translation, a fish tail. Annapurna I and Gangapurna are just visible in the distance if the weather is clear.

Day 7 - Gandruk

We have a free day to explore this fascinating, bustling Gurung village, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, white-washed, slate-roofed houses with porches and traditionally-carved windows, water-buffalos in thatched huts and open slate patios. Get up for a post breakfast walk to take some photos of the breathtaking mountain views in the morning light. In the afternoon, hike up to the Hindu temple far above the village. There is lots to keep one busy in this picturesque village, and the villagers are friendly, always ready for a laugh or a chat.

Day 8 - Trek to Tadapani 2700m

Another balmy start as we head for the village which translates as 'far water'. Tadapani is perched on a plateau overlooking the peaks of the Annapurna region. To reach it we trek out of Gandruk for a few kilometers, cross the Kyunri Khola and climb to Baisi Kharka (kharka means 'grazing field' in Nepali, a commonly used word in the trekking world and baisi translates as 'buffalo') at 2470 meters. From here, we trek through a lovely, open forest filled with chattering langur monkeys and birds, ascending all the while; a wonderful hike. Finally at Tadapani, our highest sleeping point yet, we relax with a cup of chai in hand as the clouds swirl around us, revealing breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre soaring above us. A sublime sight; the snow peaks in front of the lodge are Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal, and much of your trek is visible in the valleys below.

Day 9 - Trek to Ghorepani 2750m

We have another steep and slightly longer day of trekking today, starting with an ascent through dense, damp forests, the tree-tops swaying under the weight of the langur monkeys. There are several clearings in the forest, many of them with local tea-houses offering basic fare. Soon we reach Banthanti (2650m), a hamlet of small thatched dwellings, buffalos and tea-houses. Crossing the small stream at the end of the settlement, our steep climb begins. Again, there are many chautaras en route, so take advantage of these to drink some water, have a rest and admire the views. The trail can be slippery if its muddy, so watch your step as you climb. Higher up, the trail crosses several small streams and by small huts until we finally reach the small settlement of Deurali (3050m), where Tibetans own the souvenir stalls. Finally, we have a well-deserved descent through a forest of birch, bamboo and rhododendron; about two kilometers more, contouring around green hillsides, and we reach Ghorepani, our destination for the day.

Ghorepani, which means 'horse water', is a busy trekking village with a real Himalayan ambiance. We'll get a room in the newer, upper section of the village and have a wander around town in the afternoon. There are bookshops and lots of local (or Kathmandu-made) souvenirs to buy, plenty to keep you busy for a few hours. Don't miss the sublime alpenglow on the Himalayan peaks in the evening, especially as at sunrise from Poon Hill in the morning the sun is behind many of the peaks.

Day 10 - Trek to Poon Hill. Trek to Ulleri 2070m

We'll be up before sunrise for the spectacular panorama from Poon Hill, an hour's steep climb above Ghorepani. It's a popular spot, so we'll share the views with other trekkers and their Nepali guides. Make sure your camera has enough batteries, this is a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan view dominated by Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) as well as the Ganesh Himal range, Dhaulagiri (8167m), Niligiri and Tukuche Peak (6920m). Don't leave the viewpoint to quickly as the mountains emerge into the deep blues of the morning sky later in the morning. Perhaps bring a pastry from one of the bakeries with you and relax with this breath-taking sight.

Heading down for breakfast back in Ghorepani, we'll later hike back down steep steps through a forest of rhododendron to tiny Nayathanti village, soon afterwards crossing a stream to reach the settlement of Banthanti. Now out of the forest, we hike through a bit of terraced village land to reach scenic Ulleri, where we stay at a lodge for the night. Ulleri is a Magar village with many lodges as it is a popular stop on the central Annapurna route.

Day 11 - Trek to Naya Pul. Drive Pokhara

Our last day of trekking, and another steep descent down slate steps to Tirkhedunga (1540m), with beautiful vistas the entire way. Continuing down the contouring stone steps, we pass the villages of Hille and Sudame, and then Matathanti before finally reaching Birethanti (1020m), at the confluence of the Modi Khola and the Bhurungdi Khola, where we will check out of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Less than half an hour away along a dirt-road is the bridge at Naya Pul ('new bridge' in Nepali), where we'll catch our van back to the Barahi Hotel in Pokhara. The pool and cold beers await, followed by a glass of fresh fruit juice from one of the many stalls near the hotel.

Day 12 - Fly to Kathmandu

After the bountiful buffet breakfast at Barahi Hotel, we board our morning flight to Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Guest House. We have the afternoon for shopping, some sun in the garden of the guest house, shopping, cafe-ing or perhaps a visit to Boudhanath for some 'koras' to give thanks for our safe journey back from the mountains. This is also the extra day in case of cancelled flights out of Pokhara.

Day 13 - Depart

Sadly, we send you off to the airport for your flight home.

Extra Days in Kathmandu

If you wish to stay longer, we can offer plenty of suggestions: mountain biking or rafting in the Kathmandu valley, an Everest sightseeing flight, trips to Bhaktapur or Patan (Kathmandu Valley's other historic capital cities), a night at the Fort Hotel in Nagarkot for a bit of luxury and expansive sunrise/sunset mountain panoramas, visits to interesting temple villages such as Changu Narayan, a few days at Barahi Hotel in Pokhara or a relaxing excursion to Chitwan National Park (staying at Maruni Sanctuary Lodge) or Bardia National Park. Kim can help to arrange any of these excursions for you.

Tashi Delek & Namaste; we'll see you during your next trip to the Himalayas!

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