THE ANNAPURNA FOOTHILLS TREK

After breakfast met by the representative at the hotel lobby and board the waiting vehicle and drive to Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple & Swayambhunath temple for the sightseeing tour. Firstly we will be visiting Boudhanath Stupa which is approximately 5 kilometers from central Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa, a colossal stupa, just beyond the Pashupatinath Temple. It is an imposing structure standing about 36 meters and is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. The stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style platforms surrounded by colorful family style houses. The stupa is said to have been built in the 5th Century and is a sight of great veneration. Now the stupa is surrounded by houses of Buddhist from Nepal and Tibet. Many followers from different part of the world come to visit Boudhanath Stupa.

After the sightseeing tour of Boudhanath board the waiting vehicle and drive to Pashupatinath Temple for the sightseeing. Pashupatinath temple is approximately 03 kilometers from Boudhanath.

Pashupatinath Temple – is the most sacred Hindu Temples in the world and is amongst the five principle pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from all the Hindu communities of the world pay their homage here. Pashupatinath is the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form as the shepherd of fertility and so there are no animal sacrifices in this temple, only fruits. Flowers and vermilion are offered. It lies on the banks of the Baghmati River and for the Hindus, to be cremated at Pashupatinath means a direct passage to heaven.

Continue drive to Swayambhunath Stupa – one of the protected monument sites of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated on the top of the hill lying 4 kilometers west of Kathmandu. More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is connected to the visit of Manjushree who created Kathmandu – a lake than – by draining its waters. The sage saw a celestial lotus in bloom on the top of this hill and sacrificed it. It is an important pilgrimage center as well as the center of art, architecture, religion and culture of Mahayana Buddhism.

The stupa of Swayambhunath is a hemispherical mound of compacted earth, and is built to specific rules, and is replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. The pilgrim’s progress to Swayambhunath’s holy premises is actually through a sylvan path of 365 steps. The entrance is graced by a huge Vajra (Symbol of thunder bolt). Statues of Buddha adorn the four corners of the stupa. Statues of goddess Ganga and Jamuna guard the eternal flame behind it. There is a Tibetan gompa (monastery) and innumerable Chaityas (small stupas). The balcony of Swayambhunath is ideal for viewing the entire valley spread out below.

Overnight at the Hotel

 After breakfast, meet by Trek Guide and vehicle transfer to the airport for the flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, at pokhara drive 1 hour to Khande, the Trek starts point and also stops for a lunch.

Upon arrival at kande, met by the trek team and porters. A brief introduction to the team and after sorting out the gears and porter loads, set out on the 2  hour trek to Australian Camp

The trek begins on flat and plain trail for about 15 to 20 minutes passing through mixed forest before it gradually starts to make a steep ascent that takes about an hour.  Continue on a gentle walk and then climb up on a rocky trail with many stones stairs with views of Kande Village and highway until reaching the Australian Camp one can enjoy the great views of the western Himalayas.

After being allocated the rooms and settled in, the rest of the late afternoon and evening is free to relax around until dinner.

Drive Duration: 1- 1½ Hours                                                                  Trek Duration:  2 Hours 

Dinner & Overnight at the Lodge

After breakfast, we make a short descent and then climb to Pothana, an array of Tea houses / Lodges at 1890m.  Then set out immediately by ascending to Pitam Deurali in 1 ½ hours through lush forested trail. Trek downhill towards Landrung. From Pritam deurali it takes around 2hrs of trek to reach Landrung.

Dinner and Overnight at Lodge                                                             Trek Duration:  4 Hours

After a wake up to a marvelous sunrise (weather permitting) and a hearty breakfast, the trek starts with a pleasant morning walk through the main village square and follow the gradual undulating trail for an hour and a half to reach a small settlement at Komrong, on a pass at 2260 meters, where we make a brief stop for a tea and to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. After a cup of tea, the trail immediately descends through the mixed forest until we reach the bottom of the valley, cross the Komrong River on a log bridge; across the river is a single lodge separate from the main village by the flights of stone steps, where we stop for a early lunch.

After lunch and some rest, the trail immediately starts with a steep ascent for about an hour and a half through the main village and the terraced farm land on a narrow winding trail, we continue to ascend until we meet the trail junction in the middle of the forest, we take the right side and continue further to reach the huge landslide area, from here the trail descends through the mixed forest and somewhat levels further down and continue to walk on a gradual trail through the scattered settlements, un till we finally arrive at Chommorong. Chommorong at an elevation of 2210 meters is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Chommorong also located on a ridge is the window to the wide expansive view of the Annapurna Range of mountains and valleys towards the Annapurna Sanctuary area. The views of the Annapurna Range are closest

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge                                                   Trek duration: 5 to 5 ½ hours.

Wake up to the fresh mountain breeze and views of the mighty Annapurna range to the north. Watch the rays of the rising sun against the Himalayas while sipping tea or coffee. After breakfast, start trek to Tadapani. The trail starts with a descent through the small settlements of the Gurung community and arrives at Gurung village which also boasts of a school. Descend further down to the Kymnu Khola (river), cross the bridge and a short climb brings us to the settlement of Chuele. Though a bit early, lunch will be prepared here because there is no settlement till Tadapani because of the acute shortage of water.

After lunch, climb steadily for about an hour to arrive at an abandoned house in a clearing. There are a lot of marijuana plants growing wild. From here enter a dense forest of very tall trees. Because the sunlight cannot penetrate through the canopy of the forest, the trail is slippery at places. Continue to climb and after two hours arrive at Tadapani, with a row of tea houses and lodges on a ridge. We shall stay overnight at this lush green area with trees and fresh mountain air.

Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge                                        

Trek duration: 5 ½ – 6 hours.

After a leisurely breakfast trek to Ghorepani. The trek begins with a descent from the village square and shopping area on a stone steps and gets steeper as we descend all the way down to a small brook where we cross over a cemented bridge and then ascends through forests of Rhododendron to arrive at a lonely tea house on the top of the ridge. We can have a brief rest at the top, after some rest we continue on the trail, now the trail becomes gradual but then undulates through the forest of rhododendron amidst chirping birds on treetops to arrive at Banthanti, located near a river. It is a densely forested area and chances of seeing the rich flora and fauna is possible although best in spring. There is a further climb to arrive at our lunch spot at Deorali (3,193 m) which is the highest point of the trek. For better views, we continue to climb on the trail through dense forests and cascading waterfall for about 1 ½ to 2 hrs to arrive   with a two tea houses on the knoll at Deorali for lunch.

After lunch and some rest, we then trek for about 1 ½ hrs to reach Ghorepani. We continue through the forest on the ridge which undulating for a while before the trail descends towards the Magar village of Ghorepani.  While passing through the ridge the view are spectacular on both sides, the southern side is dominated by the lush green valley and a dense forest of rhododendron and magnolia while the northern side is dominated by the panoramic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges of Mountains. Once having reached our highest point we then descend for 30 minutes to approach the main gate to Ghorepani with a big signboard welcoming trekkers to this village, which is also the highest campsite on our trek. It is an interesting walk as we pass through this densely populated village of a different ethnic community of Magars. We pass through the main village to arrive at the Lodge for overnight stay.

Dinner and overnight at the Lodge                                          

Trek duration – 5 to 5 ½ hrs

Pre-dawn alert and it is time to do about an hour trek to Poon Hill (3,210 m) to view a magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of Mountains. Shortly afterwards we return back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast, bid farewell to the villagers and the trek starts with a descent which gradually intensifies as we descend steeply to the river. Then there is more descending through a trail of gurgling streams and forests till our arrival at the Magar settlement of Ulleri for lunch. This village is located on a steep incline and has one of the best drainage systems in this part of the region.

Descend on stone steps through the narrow lanes and then there is a steep knee wobbling descent on stone steps all the way down to the bridge on the Bhurgundi Khola which is dreaded by all trekkers.. The descent could take about 2 hours. The trail becomes more hazardous with the mule train also vying to get in front (ascending and descending) and sometimes lead to traffic jams. It is advisable to keep to the wall and let the mule trains to pass as accidents can happen if one is on the edge and is brushed by these pack animals.

After crossing the bridge, a short climb brings us to Tirkhedhunga. However, there are better (campsites/ lodges) about 30 minutes’ walk to Hille.

Dinner and Overnight at Lodge 

Trek duration: 5 ½ – 6 hours.

After breakfast, Trek for almost 1 hrs to reach Nayapul. From Nayapul drive back to Pokhara.

Upon arrival at Pokhara, Check into Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel

Free day in Pokhara

Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for a 25 minute flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu domestic airport, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax.

Overnight at the hotel, Kathmandu.          

Free for last minute packing and shopping until departure to Airport for final Departure