Trek in Brief
GRADE 4 TOUGHEST: See trek grading for further information
6 x 3* Hotels, 9 x local Teahouse
5 x B&B in Kathmandu & Pokhara, 10 x half board (B&B + 3 course evening meal) whilst on the tour
Maximum 10 with two guides
26 Oct - 9 Nov / 10 spaces
25 Oct - 8 Nov / 10 spaces
View Dates & Prices
The Annapurna range rises from the heart of the Himalayas. They might not be the tallest, but they form the central core of the great Himalayan arc, towering in the very middle of the 2,550 km chain that is the planet’s highest mountain range. This is a relatively accessible this area encapsulates the Himalayas, the culture, the people, the lush tropical foothills to the barren high valleys and pristine towering peaks.
A cultural and physical journey through the Annapurna National Park, from Nayapul in the south to Muktinath in the north. Taking in the best of the Annapurna circuit with the additions of some lesser-known trails recommended by local guides from Pokhara. A diversity of terrain & culture, from lush green foothills with pretty terraces & picturesque Gurkha villages to barren, Tibet- like landscape, though deep forested gorges, Buddhist villages & temples. Passing close by two of the planets tallest peaks, Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna 1 (8091m) and seven summits over 7000m andAnnapurna 2,3,4, Annapurna South & Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and Tuckuche Peak.
suggested intinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu, early evening welcome & initial briefing.
Accommodation 3* Hotel, B&B
Day 2 Free day to explore Kathmandu:
Free day to explore Kathmandu, the city is crowded and chaotic yet utterly charming. The confusing narrow lanes of Thamel, rickshaws making their way through the streets and the strong smell of street food are experiences in themselves & it is a fabulous area to explore. “Must do” places to see also include: Boudhanath Stupa, Durbur Square, Pashupatinath & Swayabhunath Temples.
Accommodation 3* Hotel, B&B
Day 3 Travel to Pokhara:
After breakfast we depart by taxi to the airport to take a short flight (25 mins) to Pokhara which is the second largest city in Nepal. The city feels very different to Kathmandu, with a much gentler pace of life; calm & easy going. The small city is situated by the beautiful Lake Phewa & is an entry point into the great Annapurna mountain range. We will take a taxi from the airport to the hotel & arrive early afternoon, the rest of the day will be spent getting organized for our trek, sorting out our kit & obtaining our trekking permits. Late afternoon we’ll have the last trek briefing & meet our Nepali guide.
Accommodation 3* Hotel, B&B
Day 4 Nayapul to Ghandruk:
After an early breakfast, we take a jeep transfer to Nayapul & the start of our trek. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. A great day ahead awaits as we take the road through the villages of Nayapul & Birethanti, once our permits are checked we make our way into the Modi valley & at Chimrong we start our ascent - steeply at times, via beautifully crafted stone steps through charming small hillside communities & terraced farmland. Once we reach the hillside village of Ghandruk (1940m) with its fabulous views of Annapurna South & Machhapuchhre, we find our Tea House accommodation for the night.
Daily stats: Distance: 15km Height gain: +1230m Descent: -300m
Jeep drive: 26km | 2 hrs
Accommodation Teahouse, half board
Day 5 Ghandruk to Dobato:
Starting early to catch the beautiful morning light, we take the steep stone steps out of the village to Bhaisi Kharka & on to Tadapani (2630m), where we will take a well-earned rest, tea & lunch stop. From here we leave the main path & take the route less travelled, and climb steadily to the hillside settlement of Meshar (2969m). On & up we go, taking the ridge via Isharu (3137m) on to our Community Lodge accommodation at Dobato (3349m).
Daily stats: Distance: 18km Height gain: +1350m Descent: -200m
Accommodation Teahouse, half board
Day 6 Dobato to Khopra Danda:
Early morning option to ascent to Muldai (3637m) to catch the amazing sunrise over the Annapurna & Dhauulagiri, we return to our accommodation for breakfast & our kit. Setting out for the day along a lush grassy ridge flanked by quaint herders' huts we then cross a low col, descending through rhododendron forest to a picturesque river (2600m) before climbing - again amongst rhododendrons, to Chistibung (3020m) and a well-deserved lunch stop for refreshments. Refreshed, we make our final ascent to Khopra Danda & our Community Lodge for the night at 3640m. Khopra Danda sits high on a majestic ridge with outstanding views of Dhauulagiri (8167m), Annapurna 1 (8091m) & seven summits over 7000m, Annapurna 2,3,4, Annapurna South & Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre & Tuckuche Peak.
Daily stats: Distance: 12km Height gain: +800m Descent: -500m
Optional Ascent of Muldai: Distance: 4km Height gain: +290m Descent: -290m
Accommodation Community lodge, half board
Day 7 Day trek to Khayar lake:
For those who are ok with the altitude an optional day walk from Khopra ridge towards pilgrimage site of Khayer Lake (4660m) where the views of are truly superb. The ridge walk is tough and you will be trekking to a high altitude, but the views are more than worth the effort. As we have two guides, for those of you not wanting to walk all the way to the lake, we can organise a shorter walk from Khopra or alternately you may decide to use this as a rest day to discover the natural beauty of the area.
Daily stats: Distance: 12km Height gain: +1020m Descent: -1020m
Accommodation Community lodge, half board
Day 8 Khopra Danda to Shikha:
An early start to see the fabulous sunrise at Khopra Danda, breakfast and then we are on our way on our long & steep descent to Ghara through Rhododendron forests, small villages and cattle grazing land of the locals with fabulous views of the Dhauulagiri massif. After 6 to 7 hours of rigorous walking, we finally reach Shikha (1935m) and out accommodation for the night.
Daily stats: Distance: 11km Height gain: +100m Descent: -1700m
Accommodation Community Lodge, half board
Day 9 Shikha to Tatopani & to Larjung:
Today we do a short walk to Tatopani (1190m). Tatopani is a very popular village which lies next to the Kali Gandaki River. As we head down gradually on the hillside trail, we pass through traditional villages, cross suspension bridges and descend to the Kali Gandaki River. Upon arriving in Tatopani, enjoy a hot lunch and also the mineral rich hot springs in the village from where it derives its name. After a few hours of relaxation we take a jeep to Larjung (2550m). Optional eveing visit to the Tibetan refugee camp in Larjung.
Daily stats: Distance: 6km Height gain: +50m Descent: -700m
Jeep drive: 26km | 4 hrs
Accommodation Teahouse, half board
Day 10 Larjung to Dhaulagiri Ice Fall:
Today is a tough and challenging day for every trekker in the group as we trek to Dhaulagiri Ice Fall. The trail from Larjung leads through a narrow corridor for about half an hour until we start climbing up and gaining altitude. This will give us a very different Himalayan experience with fabulous views of Niligir South, Tilicho Peak, Dhampus Peak and Tukuche Peak. After 4 to 5 hours of rigorous climbing, we reach Dhaulagiri Ice Fall, time to rest a while & enjoy our pack lunch. After spending some time in the icefall area, we will descend back to Larjung by the same route. As we have two guides, for those of you not wanting to walk all the way to the Icefall, we can organise a shorter walk in the valley or alternately you may decide to use this as a rest day to discover the local area.
Daily stats: Distance: 11km Height gain: +1450m Descent: -1450m
Accommodation Teahouse, half board
Day 11 Larjung to Muktinath:
We are now entering a very different environment & the gateway to the Mustang region of Nepal. After breakfast we drive along the banks of the Kali Gandaki river and head towards Muktinath via Kagbeni, leaving a greener landscape behind we head towards the vast arid desert of lower Mustang. After a short tea break in Kagbeni and head towards Muktinath (3710m) and our rest stop for the night. Visiting the Muktinath Temple & Pilgrimage Site is a must after arrival. It is one of the worlds highest temples which is sacred for both Hindu & Buddhists and has fabulous, far reaching views towards the Jomsom valley & the Dhauulagiri range.
Daily stats: Distance by Jeep: 38km Height gain: +900m Descent: -260m
Jeep drive: 38km | 4-5 hrs
Accommodation Teahouse, half board
Day 12 Muktinath to Ekle Bhatti & to Jomsom
After a hearty breakfast we start our final day trek to Jomsom and make our way steadily up to the Lubra Pass (3772m). Time for our picnic stop whilst we enjoy the fabulous views of Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Tukuche Peak. Descending from the Pass we enter the trans Himalayan wind-beaten trail where we will reach a small village near Ekle Bhatti. In order to avoid the dusty jeep track we will take a 30 minute jeep ride to Jomsom.
Daily stats: Distance: 16km | Ascent: +60m | Descent: -1030m
Jeep drive: 30mins
Accommodation Teahouse, half board
Day 13 Travel to Pokhara:
After breakfast we take a jeep ride to Jomsom. We then take a short flight (30 mins) back to beautiful Pokhara. We then have the afternoon to relax & reflect on our fabulous trekking & cultural experience.
Accommodation 3* Hotel, B&B
Day 14 Free day to explore Pokhara:
A day to rest & reflect on your journey through the Annapurna National Park. It’s also a great opportunity to visit the attractions of Pokhara. You can take a boat onto the lake, or visit the Tal Barahi Temple island. The Mountain Museum has exhibits on the history of mountaineering and the people of Nepal or perhaps you just want to relax lakeside & browse the shops.
Accommodation 3 * Hotel, B&B
Day 15: Travel back to Kathmandu:
Breakfast & morning short flight (25 mins) to Kathmandu, followed by an afternoon to rest and relax.
Accommodation 3* Hotel, B&B
Day 16: Departure
Breakfast, farewell & departure
