Destination Nepal

This trek is tailor-made for the more inexperienced hiker and anyone who relishes the real Nepali countryside, which is still almost completely undeveloped.

The Siklis area, north-east of Pokhara, though close to the main Annapurna trekking trails, still has very few lodges or guest-houses. This means that we camp overnight as we journey towards our goal: the exquisite village of Siklis, perched on a hillock at 2000 metres.

Siklis is a classically beautiful Gurung village with narrow lanes flanked by stone and mud houses grouped in the traditional ribbon pattern. The village has five distinct neighbourhoods: Lama-thar, Sabha-thar, Harpu-thar, Dhaprang-tha and Gari-thar, each of which has its own specific role in the community.

The relatively leisurely nature of this trek allows for plenty of time to study the abundant flora and fauna. And, of course, there are some wonderful views of the panoramic Himalayas en route.

Rustic Siklis Trekking
Maximum altitude: 2580 meters
Duration of trek: 7 days camping

Itinerary:

Day 01 : Arrival – transported to hotel – tour briefing
Day 02 : A full-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour
Day 03 : Drive or flight to Pokhara (6 hours)
Day 04 : Pokhara – Kharpani
Day 05 : Kharpani – Ghalekharka
Day 06 : Ghalekharka – Nyaulikharka
Day 07 : Nyaulikharka – Parche / Sikles village
Day 08 : Sikles – Chansu or Yangjakot
Day 09 : Chansu / Yangjakot – Kalikasthan
Day 10 : Kalikasthan – Pokhara
Day 11 : Leisure
Day 12 : Flght to Kathmandu (30 minutes); transported tohotel.
Day 13 : Free time
Day 14 : Transported to airport – flight to onward destination

Called the ‘Royal Trek’ because Prince Charles once walked the route, this is actually a short and easy hike, which acts as a good ’shop window’ for trekking, giving an idea of what is involved.

The route, beginning in Pokhara and ending at the nearby Begnas Tal (lake) is not at all busy, and takes you through lovely countryside with some fantastic views of the Annapurna range.
Completion is just 5km from Pokhara, where transport awaits.

In our sample itinerary, we have combined this trek with a wildlife safari in Chitwan National park, but we can design other itineraries of your choice around the Royal Trek programme.

Annapurna Royal Trek/Skyline Trek
Maximum Altitude: 1750 meters
Duration of Trek: 4 days camping

Itinerary:

Day 01 : Arrival – transported to hotel — tour briefing
Day 02 : A full-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour
Day 03 : Drive or flight to Pokhara (6 hours)
Day 04 : Drive, Pokhara / Bijayapur trek Kalikasthan
Day 05 : Kalikasthan / Syaklung
Day 06 : Syaklung / Chisapani
Day 07 : Chisapani / Begnas Lake (end trek) – return Pokhara – transported to hotel
Day 08 : Pokhara Free time
Day 09 : Pokhara / Chitwan National Park
Day 10 : Wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park
Day 11 : AM- Chitwan. PM- travel Kathmandu (private transport)
Day 12 : Free time
Day 13 : Transported to airport – flight to onward destination

Panchase is a popular village destination for Nepalese pilgrims, who come here to pay their respects to the souls of their ancestors and to pay homage to the mountain gods.

However it is much less frequented by trekkers, with the advantage for the few foreigners who do venture here that they can fully enjoy its intimacy and appreciate its ethnic diversity.
This trek also offers some splendid views of three 8000 m+ peaks: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu.

The area is inhabited mainly by Gurung people, who traditionally supply Gurkha soldiers to the British army.

From Panchase we follow a northern route skirting the popular Ghorepani Trail and eventually reaching the beautiful village of Ghandrung. This is the second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal and is wealthy, since many of its inhabitants have been employed in the Gurkha brigades. Ghandrung is also the project headquarters of the Annapurna Conservation area. It consists basically of two clusters, with the lower village essentially providing labourers and domestics for the upper.

As you walk to the uppermost part of Ghandrung from the houses at the lower end you will have repeated views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the top of Macchapuchhre.
The final two days of our trek, on the return leg to Pokhara, are spent on a more frequented trail via Pothana and Dhampus.
This trek is relatively easy but its virtue lies in its remoteness from larger settlements and busier trekking routes.

Annapurna Panchase Trekking
Maximum Altitude: 2030 meters
Duration of Trek: 7 days camping

Itinerary:

Day 01 : Arrival – transported to hotel — tour briefing.
Day 02 : Free time in Kathmandu
Day 03 : Drive or flight to Pokhara (6 hours)
Day 04 : Pokhara to Bhumdi trek (1520 m)
Day 05 : Bhumdi to Panchase Bhanjyang (2030 m)
Day 06 : Panchase Bhanjyang to Chitre (1400 m)
Day 07 : Chitre to Matathanti (1200 m)
Day 08 : Matathanti to Ghandrung (1940 m)
Day 09 : Ghandrung to Pothana (1900 m)
Day 10 : Pothana to Pokhara (820 m)
Day 11 : Leisure day
Day 12 : Drive or fly back to Kathmandu; transported to hotel
Day 13 : Free time
Day 14 : Transported to airport – flight to onward destination

This is a rewarding trek, offering good insights into the culture and lifestyles encountered en route, as well as wide-ranging scenery and some marvellous mountain views.

We begin with a 30-minute early morning flight to Jomsom (originally Dzhong Sum, but it has retained the misheard name given it by Western surveyors!), Lower Mustang’s main town.
We head for Kagbeni, an ancient fortress settlement on the border of Upper Mustang, the lifestyle of which has changed little down the generations.

Next there is a four-day hike through arid plateau country up to the historic temple complex of Muktinath. Rather than spending the night, we turn back for an hour or so to stay in the more traditional, unspoiled village of Jharkot.

Over the next few days we travel back along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, passing through many fascinating Thakali villages along the way. Marpha, in particular, is an attractive stopping-off point and you will have an opportunity to visit the brewery which produces the apple brandy for which Marpha is renowned.

Moving on from Marpha we head towards Kalapani, through landscape that becomes progressively more alpine. Travelling through pine forest terrain after two days we reach Tatopani and rest for a day, with time to take a bath in the famous hot springs that give the little town its name.
Another couple of days’ hiking brings us to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, where we will see the legendary photogenic view of the sun rising over the Himalayas.
On our return we stop for one night in the beautiful large Gurung village of Ghandruk, where there are great views of Annapurna South and Macchapuchhre (the ‘Fishtail Mountain’).
Our last day is an easy descent to Nayapul, where our transport back to Pokhara awaits.

Annapurna Jomsom Trek
Maximum Altitude: 3800 meters
Duration of Trek: 12 days with accommodations in mountain lodges

Itinerary:

Day 01 : Arrival Kathmandu – transported to hotel – tour briefing
Day 02 : Free time in Kathmandu
Day 03 : Drive or flight to Pokhara (6 hours)
Day 04 : Flight to Jomsom – trek to Kagbeni (2800 m)
Day 05 : Trek to Muktinath (Jharkot) – (3200 m)
Day 06 : Jharkot – Marpha village (2670 m)
Day 07 : Kalopani – Ghasa (2010 m)
Day 08 : Ghasa – Tatopani (1190 m)
Day 09 : Tatopani – Chitre (2390 m)
Day 10 : Chitre – Ghorepani (2750 m)
Day 11 : Chitre / Ghorepani (2750 m)
Day 12 : Ghorepan / Poon Hill / Tadapani (2520 m)
Day 13 : Tadapani / Ghandruk (1940 m)
Day 14 : Ghandruk / Nayapul then drive to Pokhara
Day 15 : Pokhara Free time
Day 16 : Flight to Kathmandu (30 mins.); transported to hotel.
Day 16 : Free time in Kathmandu
Day 17 : Transported to airport – flight to onward destination

For the hiker with more time to spare, this is widely regarded as Nepal’s ‘trek-with-everything’ – green forests, tremendous mountain scenery, a mosaic of fascinating cultures and, of course, a thorough and healthy work-out!

The trail leads northwards initially, crossing paddy fields before dissecting the Marshyangdi River Gorge and passing through interesting villages, including Bhubhule, ‘a place where water bubbles up through the ground;’ Taal, situated near a waterfall; and Pisang, a two-part village, the upper portion of which has dramatic views of Annapurna II.

The ascent is fairly steady and eventually emerges, with a dramatic change of scenery, in the arid Manang Valley, a region which is predominantly Tibetan in lifestyle and outlook. The following few days are spent travelling through this delightful valley, which has fascinating settlements and tremendous views.

A day is taken side-trekking to Manang for acclimatization purposes before we continue crossing the Thorang-La (5416 m). This is a long but very rewarding day with splendid views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Dhampus Peak, among others.
From the pass, a steep descent of two-three hours leads to Muktinath, the most sacred place for Hindus in Nepal apart from Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Muktinath has been a holy place since ancient times (it is very significant for Buddhists, too), stemming from the discovery of the small flames of natural gas within a Nyingma Buddhist shrine on the south side of the temple complex. This has always been viewed as a miraculous conjunction of fire, air and water.

Our return follows the Kali Gandaki via many intriguing Lower Mustang and Thakali villages, including Kagbeni, which has great examples of Tibetan style architecture and culture, Marpha, renowned for its production of world class (and extremely potent !) brandy, and Tatopani (which means ‘hot water’).

Tatopani is a small town with three main clusters of houses: at the southern end of the northern group of lodges and stores are the hot springs from which the settlement’s name is derived. Tatopani is a stopping point for pilgrims as well as for the trekkers who, lured by its tangerine trees as well as the promise of a natural hot bath, have regarded it as an idyllic halt ever since trekking began to be popular in the early 1970s.

We spend a day enjoying the hot springs – and some great food – in Tatopani, before a further two-day hike to Ghorepani.
On the next morning we are up early for the trek to Poon Hill, one of the best spots to see – and photograph – the sun rise over the Himalayas.
On our return we rest for our final night in the beautiful large Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Our last day is an easy descent to Nayapul, where transport awaits for the one-and-a-half hour journey back to Pokhara.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: 21 days
Trek price: US $ 550 per person with full board
Group size: 3 or more
Individual bookings accepted

Itinerary:

Day 01: On your arrival in Kathmandu we meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. In the evening there is a tour briefing and a Nepali dinner with cultural programme.
Day 02: Trek preparation day
Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar on local Bus (7 hours) – then trek Bhubhule
Day 04: Trek, Bhulbhule to Syange (1100 m)
Day 05: Trek, Syange to Taal (1707 m)
Day 06: Trek, Taal to Danaque (2082 m)
Day 07: Trek, Danaque to Bhratang (2850 m)
Day 08: Trek, Bhratang to Pisang (3200 m)
Day 09: Trek, Pisang to Manang (3540 m)
Day 10: Rest at Manang (for acclimatization)
Day 11: Trek, Manang to Yak Kharka (3980 m)
Day 12: Trek, Yak Kharka to Throng Phedi (4450 m)
Day 13: Trek to Thorang-La Pass (5416 m) then descend to Muktinath (3810 m)
Day 14: Trek, Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800 m)
Day 15: Trek, Kagbeni to Marpha (2670 m)
Day 16: Trek, Marpha to Kalopani (2530 m)
Day 17: Trek, Kalopani to Ghasa (2010 m)
Day 18: Trek, Ghasa to Tatopani (1190 m)
Day 19: Trek, Tatopani to Chitre (2390 m)
Day 20: Trek, Chitre to Ghorepani
Day 21: Early morning (4:45 a.m.) trek to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. After spending time there we retrace our steps to Gharepani village for breakfast, before setting off for Tadapani.
Day 22: Trek, Tadapani to Ghandruk village
Day 23: Trek, Ghandruk to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara
Day 24: Drive, Pokhara to Kathmandu on tourist Bus
Day 25: Free time
Day 26: Tranported to airport for your flight to onward destinastion

The area known as the Sanctuary of Annapurna was a treasured and sacred spiritual refuge long before the first trekkers arrived.

A natural amphitheatre, ringed by Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Varahashikhar, Gangapurna and the holy Fishtail Mountain (Macchapucchre), the Sanctuary was adopted as the Annapurna South Base Camp by the successful British summit expedition in 1970.

The Sanctuary is a three-mile by five-mile pocket of three glaciers, encircled by nine icy summits. The tiny valley floor rarely receives more than seven hours of sunlight, even on a clear day, because of the barrier effect of the peaks.

The first few days of this trek are spent travelling through quaint villages and luxuriant forest, before reaching more barren, more rugged terrain.

From Chomrong, the last village of the valley, the twin peaks of Macchapuchre are clearly visible, looking exactly like a fishtail.

Bamboo is a major theme of the next part of the trek, which moves on upwards through the gorge. The mats on the walls and floors of the lodges, the dokos carried by the porters, the forest you are walking through : all is bamboo.

Next the landscape gives way to grey scree and scrub before reaching snow-fields as you apporach the sanctuary. Entering this you walk between rocky ribs, which descend sharply from either side. The most common sight to greet you is the fog of swirling clouds.

From Base Camp there are some tremendous views: a labyrinth of mountains which tower almost vertically above, with Annapurna I dominant.

An hour or two is spent here taking in the high mountains before commencing the return journey to Pokhara, which takes five more days.

The Annapurna Base Camp itinerary is a good introduction to trekking at higher altitudes, without being too strenuous.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Maximum Altitude: 4130 meters
Duration of Trek: 12 days mountain lodge

Itinerary:

Day 01 : Arrival – transported to hotel – tour briefing
Day 02 : Free time in Kathmandu
Day 03 : Drive or flight to Pokhara
Day 04 : Drive or flight to Pokhara. Overnight Hotel
Day 05 : Tikhedhunga – Ghorepani (2750 m)
Day 06 : Poon Hill for sunrise (3193m) – Tadapani (2590 m)
Day 07 : Tadapani – Chomrong (2170 m)
Day 08 : Chomrong – Bamboo (23350 m)
Day 09 : Bamboo – Deurali (2505 m)
Day 10 : Trek to Annapurna base camp (4130 m)
Day 11 : Annapurna Base Camp – Dovan (2505 m)
Day 12 : Dovan – Chhomrong (2170 m)
Day 13 : Chhomrong – Ghandrung (1940 m)
Day 14 : Ghandrung – Pothana
Day 15 : Pothana – Dhampus – drive to Pokhara
Day 16 : Free time
Day 17 : Flight to Kathmandu (30 mins.) and transported to hotel.
Day 18 : Kathmandu Free time
Day 19 : Departure

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking
Maximum altitude: 3192 meters
Duration of Trek: 7 days with accommodations in mountain lodges

This is an ideal trek for beginners, or those whose time is limited to one week of hiking, which is why this is the single most popular trek in Nepal.

While the trekking route can be busy by Nepalese standards during the peak seasons, the scenery is still stunning and there are good opportunities to sample real mountain life.

The highlight of this trek is witnessing sunrise over the peaks – or the sunset ‘alpenglow’ – from Poon Hill; named after a Major Poon, a retired soldier who first built the trail and publicised it as an excellent viewing place. Poon Hill is southwest of the Ghorapani (‘horse watering place’) Pass and a 45-minute walk above.

Poon Hill commands a sweeping view of the great Himalayan range from west of Dhaulagiri to as far east as Manaslu.

Predominantly travelling through a Gurung cultural region, you will enjoy some old villages en route, along with lush forests of bamboo, oak and rhododendron.

There are plenty of lodges on the way with good facilities, hot showers and good food.

Itinerary:

Day 01 : Arrival – transported to hotel – tour briefing
Day 02 : A full-day Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour
Day 03 : Drive or flight to Pokhara (6 hours)
Day 04 : Pokhara / Nayapul / Tikhedhunga (1540 m)
Day 05 : Tikhedhunga / Ghorepani (2750 m)
Day 06 : Poon Hill trek for sunrise (3193m) / Tadapani (2590 m)
Day 07 : Tadapani / Ghandrung
Day 08 : Ghandrung / Tolkha (1900 m)
Day 09 : Tolkha / Dhampus (1650 m)
Day 10 : Dhampus / Phedi / Pokhara
Day 11 : Pokhara Free time
Day 12 : Drive or flight to Kathmandu (30 mins.) transported to hotel
Day 13 : Kathmandu Free time
Day 14 : Transported to airport for onward destination.