The lovely lakeside town of Pokhara and the Annapurna foothills to the north hold the most beautiful mountain scenery in Nepal. Rice terraces and rhododendron forests lead the eye to the timeless peaks of Machupuchare, also known as Fishtail Mountain, and the high Annapurnas. Our six-day trek takes us through the prettiest villages in the region, including Birethanti, Landruk, Majgoan and Gangruk, and we stay in five lovely mountain lodges, built in the local style, but with the creature comforts not normally found on Himalayan treks.
Moving on to the tropical lowlands, we’ll stay in boutique eco-cottages at Barahi Lodge in Chitwan, which are sandwiched between the jungle and the Rapti River. Glimpse wildlife from the infinity pool, spot birdlife and crocodiles as you ride a traditional dugout canoe, and encounter the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros on a jeep safari. Return to Kathmandu to round off your adventure.
Our 14 November 2023 departure is led by Sukman Tamang, joint winner of our Leader of the Year Award 2022. Working with us for over a decade, Sukman has become an expert leader in his field and his expansive knowledge and compassionate nature shine through in every one of his adventures.
Day 1: Start KathmanduThe tour starts at our hotel in Kathmandu this afternoon. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one. This evening there will be a trip briefing.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Mulberry (Nepali Ghar Hotel will be used from 21st November departures)
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing tour including Durbar Square and Boudhanath StupaFor those who wish, there is the chance to do an optional Everest sightseeing flight early this morning; this can be booked locally through your leader on Day 1
We will leave the hotel late morning for our Kathmandu sightseeing tour. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath to see the famous Buddhist stupa with its huge mandala; one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and indeed in the world. After lunch overlooking the stup, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square (which also has UNESCO status), one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Although the Kathmandu Durbar Square was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake the many palaces, temples and courtyards in the Newari style are interesting. There is also the chance to stroll through the bustling markets of Asan Tol, the oldest bazaar in Kathmandu, into the Thamel area, the newer main tourist area of Kathmandu. There will be a full trip briefing today.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Mulberry (Nepali Ghar Hotel will be used from 21st November departures)
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara; orientation walkWe fly to Pokhara this morning, a pretty lakeside resort at the foot of the Annapurna Range. The flight takes about 30 minutes and on a clear day offers great views of the Himalaya from the right hand side of the plane.
We should arrive by lunchtime and in the afternoon your leader will take you for an orientation walk along the shore of Phewa Lake.
Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa
Day 4: Walk through farmland and forest down to the Modi River Valley to Sanctuary Lodge, offering fine views of the sacred Fishtail MountainWe have a short drive to our trek start point, from where we follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Mountain Lodges of Nepal's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain (or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known). Lunch will be in the lodge and in the afternoon we can either relax in the wonderful garden or your leader will take you on a bird watching walk to Birethanthi village.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Sanctuary Lodge, 3,363ft/1,025m)
Day 5: Picturesque trek through villages, rice fields and forests to Himalaya Lodge in GhandrukAfter breakfast, you will leave the lodge to start the trek through the scattered small farms. Following the Modi Khola and with constant views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre ahead, you will soon climb the valley towards the mountains. Today is quite a long climb up stone steps passing through the rice fields and forest, but we take plenty of stops and have lunch en route. Finally, we arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk in the afternoon. Tea and snacks are served on arrival as you enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Machhapuchhare.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Himalaya Lodge, 6,601ft/2,012m)
Day 6: Descend to cross the river by suspension bridge, then climb to La Bee Lodge in LandrukAlthough we can see Landruk across the valley, we have to descend to the river and climb up the other side to get there. Leaving the Ghandruk village, the trek descends steeply to the banks of Modi River. Crossing the suspension bridge, we trek up a stone staircase to Landruk village, enjoying the views of the Annapurna range and passing under the cliffs where honey hunters climb up ropes to harvest wild bee honey. Lunch will be ready as we arrive at our lodge. After lunch, you may either rest and enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli or go on a sightseeing tour in the village with your guide.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (La Bee Lodge, 5,135ft/1,565m)
Day 7: Gentle walk to Gurung or Mala Lodge at Majgaon; afternoon free to relax in the garden or explore the villageAn easier walk today on a wide trail with no steep up or downhills and no stone steps passing through village and farmlands with views of the Annapurnas behind. Today is a great day for bird watching in the forests above us. We will arrive at the lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon, you can enjoy the views of the mountains from your room itself or spend time in the wonderful garden with views of Annapurna South. There is also the option of a guided village walk to Thanchok, an old traditional Gurung village and home to many blacksmith families. (Occasionally if Gurung Lodge is full we walk on another 20 minutes to the equally wonderful Malla Lodge in Tomijun village).
Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Gurung/Mala Lodge, 4,593ft/1,400m)
Day 8: Trek through sub-tropical forests to Basanta Lodge at Dhampus, with spectacular views of the entire Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung HimalAfter a spectacular sunrise on Annapurna South we walk along a wide forest track ascending gradually for a couple of hours. A short section on a forest trail brings us to the main trail at Potana. Half an hour further on we come to Australia Camp, a collection of lodges with magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu Himal. We can stop here for a tea break before descending the ridge to Dhampus. Once at the lodge you will be served hot lunch after which you can take a short walk into Dhampus village. The sunset and sunrise from the lodge garden are not to be missed. We can see all the way from Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Machhapuchhare, Annapurnas 4 and 2, and the Lamjung and Manaslu Himals.
Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Basanta Lodge, 5,003ft/1,525m)
Day 9: Short descent through wooded hillside to Ghatte Khola; transfer to Pokhara; free afternoon (optional boat trip on Lake Phewa)After breakfast, we depart along the ridge and descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. The trek time is 90 minutes to two hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Pokhara (one hour). The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara. You may want to visit the interesting Mountain Museum, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Or you may simply want to relax by the hotel pool or wander along the lakeside browsing in the shops. Your leader will brief you on the various options available.
Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa
Day 10: Drive to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan; boat ride to sunset point. In the evening see traditional Tharu dancersWe drive from Pokhara to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan, which will take about 4-5 hours. On a clear day, we look to the left as we leave Pokhara for magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna range. The road takes us back to Mugling, from where we turn south to the lowlands of Nepal and our jungle lodge in Chitwan. We should arrive by lunchtime, after which we’ll meet our naturalist guide who will go over the activities. In the late afternoon, we take boat trip on the river looking out for crocodiles and birds to sunset point. After the sun has gone down, we drive back to the lodge. Before dinner there will be a traditional cultural dance programme.
Our naturalist from the lodge will accompany us on all the excursions.
Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Day 11: Explore the jungle and village life on a bird-watching walk and afternoon, jeep safari in the park wildlife spotting/Activities may be offered in a different order but usually, the programme today will include a village and bird watching walk and a jeep safari. We will do one activity in the morning and one in the afternoon. The naturalists are very knowledgeable and can spot the many birds for you. We will also visit a traditional Tharu house.
The jeep safari will take us into the National Park where as well as great bird life there is a chance to spot several species of deer, wild boar, the one horned rhino and hopefully, the rare Bengal Tiger. Before dinner there will be a different cultural programme at the lodge. Dinner is served inside or outside by the pool depending on the time of year.
Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Day 12: Morning drive to Kathmandu; free timeFor those who wish, there is a bird-watching walk early this morning.
After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Chitwan and head on the road for Kathmandu. The drive is approximately five hours and we should arrive in Kathmandu early afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure.
Premium accommodation: Hotel Mulberry (Nepali Ghar Hotel will be used from 21st November departures)
Day 13: End KathmanduThe trip comes to an end after breakfast.
If you are flying out today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
