Trekking in the Annapurna Regions
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Part of Annapurna Mountain Range. Photo: Sherap Sherpa
The Annapurna massif and its surrounding foothills offer one of the most spectacular treks in the world. Justifiably, the Annapurna circuit has become renowned as one of the world’s greatest treks. Whilst the full circuit trek, consisting of a 21-23 days trek, is for the more adventurous trekkers who have the appropriate physical condition and the necessary time on hand, the Annapurna area also offers a multitude of shorter treks. Treks here range from day hikes out of Pokhara to short treks of three to four days or excursions of a week or a fortnight. The Annapurna region provides endless possibilities for trekking. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is actively working towards the development and conservation of the entire region.

The Annapurna region is extremely rich in nature, culture and adventure, and while in the region you will be privy to a close view of the mountains Annapurna I (8,091m), II (7,939m), III (7,555m), IV (7,525m) and South (7,219m), which range in the western part of Nepal. Trekking in this region will leave you with a life-time memories.
 
Jomsom, Marpha, Kagbeni, Tatopani (Sulfur Spout), Manang, Mustang, Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang are some of the popular destinations in this region.

Annapurna Circuit, Round Annapurna, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Sanctuary, Dhampus Trek, and Poon Hill are all extremely popular treks. We also recommend the Ghorepani trek, which is short and one of the most exciting in the region.

The best times to trek in the Annapurna region is from April to June and September to December.
 
Ghorepani Tea House Trek (8 Days)
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Muktinath - A holy hindu temple in Annapurna
The Ghorepani/Poon Hill trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal. The route takes you along the trail into Annapurna Sanctuary and encompasses brilliant views of the Himalayas.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu by Yeti/Buddha air. Dinner and overnight stay in a Hotel.

Day 02: Pokhara to Tirkhedhunga (1,540m) 4-5 hours trekking
Your trekking guide will pick you up from the Hotel in Pokhara and transfer you to Nayapul, which is about an hour and a half drive. Nayapul is a small trading town situated on the banks of Modi River. It is about an hour walk from this place to Bhurjung Khola, which passes via Birethanti, a larger village with many local Inns and Tea Houses. Hot lunch will be served here. After lunch it is a steep climb on a stone paved path for almost an hour and half to Hille. From here the trail is easier all the way to Tirkhedhunga.

Day 03: Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,590m) 7-8 hours trekking
After an early breakfast the trail descends and after crossing the Bhurundi Stream, a steep climb begins to reach Ulleri. It takes about 3 hours from Tirkhedhunga to Ulleri. The trail the continues to steadily climb to Ghorepani.

Day 04: Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,590m) 5-6 hours trekking
An early morning excursion before breakfast to Poon Hill (3,200m) can be organized for those with a spirit of adventure. Poon Hill is the spot to view the majestic panorama of the Himalayas. A close up view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif including Fishtail the sacred Mountain wait for you at Poon Hill. The hike to and back from Poon Hill is approximately 3 hours. The trail from Ghorepani to Tadapani goes through thick Pine and Rhododendron forest with occasional ascents and descents.

Day 05: Tadapani to Ghandrung (1,940m) 5-6 hours trekking
Today the major part of the trail is descending downhill through scattered villages. After lunch, the trail descends all the way to the fairly large Gurung settlement Ghandruk. The view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli add beauty to this village.

Day 06: Ghandruk to Landruk (1,565m) 4 hours trekking
Today walk down hill to Modi River. Cross the Modi River, then ascend to Landruk village. Annapurna and Fishtail are clearly visible from the trail. Lunch will be served on route. Today the trail goes gradually up through the thick forest with a beautiful view of the Himalayas.
 
Day 07: Landrung to Dhampus (1,650m) 5-6 hours trekking
After breakfast the trail goes through scattered trees and bushes and starts to ascend steeply after about an hour. The steady climb to Deurali will take approx 2 hours. From Deurali one can have a fine view of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri Mountain, which is the highest mountain in western Nepal. The trail from Deurali descends gradually all the way to Dhampus.

Day 08: Dhampus to Phedi and by flight to Kathmandu
After breakfast it is an easy walk along the ridge passing through scattered villages and paddy fields for about one hour. The trail descends steeply for an hour to Phedi (Pokhara-Baglung Highway). From here drive straight to airport to connect with the flight to Kathmandu or overnight stay in Pokhara.

COST: US$ 690 per person with minimum 2 people.

Cost Includes:
  1. Arrival & departure transfers.
  2. 7 days/6 nights Ghorepani lodge trek on full board basis including guide, porter, airport transfer and all meals.
  3. One night stay in Pokhara hotel on half board basis.
  4. Trek Conservation fee.
  5. Airfare for the sector Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu (subject to change).
  6. Domestic Airport Departure tax (subject to change).
Cost Excludes:
  1. Any kind of insurance.
  2. Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
  3. Services not mentioned in above program.
  4. Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry etc.
  5. Tips and gratuities.

 
Ghandruk Tea House Trek (5 Days)
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Beautiful Ghandruk Village
This short easy trek into the foothills of the Annapurna region is a great first time trek or for those less fit people. The trek showcases the rich culture and lifestyles of the mountain people as well as the beautiful scenery and breathtaking mountain views. There is the option of climbing the Poon Hill summit at 3,200m for an unforgettable sunrise over the mountains.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 01: Fly to Pokhara and drive to Nayaphul, walk up to Hille, 3.5 hours, Overnight in lodge.
Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani (2,900m), 6-7 hours, overnight in lodge
Day 03: Trek to Tadapani (2,600m), 6-7 hours, overnight in lodge
Day 04: Trek to Ghandruk (1,700m), 4-5 hours, overnight in lodge
Day 05: Trek back to Nayaphul via Syauli bazzar, 3-4 hours and transfer to Pokhara airport to a connecting flight back to Kathmandu

COST WITH INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

US$ 400 per person with minimum 2 people

Cost Includes:
  1. Arrival & Departure transfers.
  2. 5 days/4 nights Ghandruk lodge trek on full board basis including guide, porter, airport transfer, road transfers and all meals whilst trekking.
  3. Conservation area fee and TIMS permit.
  4. Airfare for the sector Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu (subject to change).
  5. Domestic Airport Departure tax (subject to change).
Cost Excludes:
  1. Transfers to Pokhara/Kathmandu.
  2. Personal Expenses.
  3. Personal travel insurance.
  4. Tips and Gratuities.
  5. Additional accommodation in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

 
Royal Trek - Tented Trek (4 Days)
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Camping at a scenic spot
The Royal Trek is named after Prince Charles who completed this trek during his first visit to Nepal. Nowadays this is one of the most famous easy, short treks in Nepal. The trek passes through the hills around the Pokhara and Begnas Valleys. The trek displays breathtaking mountain views and the rich rural beauty and charms of countryside Nepal. Anyone from the less fit to families and older people can comfortable attempt this camping trek.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 01: Transfer from Pokhara to Begnas Lake Bus Park by taxi or car. Trek to Begnaskot which will take between five and six hours. On route we take lunch in Panchbhaiya, at a local restaurant. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 02: After breakfast, make the four to five hour trek to Thulakot, taking lunch on route. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 03: Breakfast and trek down to Kalikasthan which takes between three and four hours. Take lunch in Kalikasthan and overnight in tented camp.

Day 04: After breakfast, trek down to Begnas Lake dam side, about three to four hours. Take lunch in one of the restaurants at dam side and transfer to Pokhara city by taxi, car or bus.

COST: US$ 200 per person with minimum group size of 2 people

Cost Includes:
  1. All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
  2. Guides and porters.
  3. Camping gear.
  4. Road transfer (Pokhara - Begnas Lake - Pokhara).
Cost Excludes:
  1. Transfers to Pokhara/Kathmandu.
  2. Personal Expenses.
  3. Personal travel insurance.
  4. Tips and Gratuities.
  5. Additional accommodation in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.