Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Outdoor Expeditions and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 823m/2700ft: 6 hours’ drive
We’ll depart Kathmandu this morning by private van or bus for Pokhara. The scenic drive will take us through scenic countryside to the famous lakeside city where we can relax for the evening and savor the spectacular mountain views over Fewa Lake.
Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk 1940m/6360ft: 1 hour drive and 6 hours walk
After our short drive to Nayapul we begin our trek, walking via Birethanti through a series of villages along the KhumnuKhola. The day ends in the Gurung village of Ghandruk, surrounded by spectacular views of Machhapuchare, Annapurna south, and Hiulchuli.
Day 5: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong 2170m/7120ft: 5 hours walk
An hour’s climb from Ghandruk followed by a steep descent takes us to the banks of the KimronKhola. After a further climb we’ll arrive in the stunningly scenic vicinity of Chhomrong, a charming town nestled near the base of several towering Himalayan peaks.
Day 6: Trek from Chhomrong to Dovan 2580m/8460ft: 6 hours walk
The terrain takes on a more remote feel as we ascend further into the foothills. A river crossing over suspension bridge will take us through thick forests to SinuwaDanda, Khuldighar, and finally to Dovan.
Day 7: Trek from Dovan to Deurali 3230m/10595ft: 4 hours walk
The river is far below us now as we continue up the side of the lush valley. Crossing several streams, we pass through a serene expanse of oak and rhododendron. Our gradual climb brings us to our overnight stop in Deurali.
Day 8: Trek from Deurali to Machhapuchare Base Camp 3700m/12135ft: 3 – 4 hours walk
The walk to Machhapuchare Base Camp will be a challenge today, navigating a boulder-strewn riverbed followed by a steep climb. The unfolding views of Machhapuchare are spectacular, as well as the snowy peaks that emerge to surround us on all sides.
Day 9: Trek from Machhapuchare Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp 4130m/13545ft: 2 – 3 hours walk
The terrain is starkly different from the verdant green hillsides now as we approach the sanctuary, encountering our first views of glacial moraine. Annapurna south towers before us as we approach the sanctuary, arriving eventually at a remarkable viewpoint where a 360 degree panorama can be had including the peaks of Machhapuchare, Annapurna south, Huichuli, and a host of others.
Day 10: Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo 2310m/7575ft: 6 hours walk
After a spectacular sunrise, we’ll begin our descent out of the sanctuary, which will feel much easier than the previous days due to the decrease in altitude. Passing back through Deurali, Dovan, and Bamboo, we’ll return into the lush world of the Annapurna foothills, descending into a valley flanked by two tremendous waterfalls beneath a skyline dominated by Huichuli and Machhapuchare.
Day 11: Trek from Bamboo to JhinuDanda 1760m/5770ft: 6 hours walk
Descending via Sinuwa to lower Chomrong, we’ll climb a challenging stretch of stone steps to upper Chomrong. The trail continues on to JhinuDanda, where welcome relief can be found at the hot springs just a short walk from the village.
Day 12: Trek from JhinuDanda to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara: 6 hours walk and 1 hour drive.
Leaving the towering peaks behind us, we continue the descent past Kyumi village and Sayali Bazaar. We’ll reach Nayapul via Birethanti to board our bus to Pokhara. After the short drive to Pokhara, we’ll arrive in time to enjoy an evening meal and relax around the shores of beautiful Fewa Lake.
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6-hour drive
After breakfast, we’ll board our bus bound for Kathmandu, arriving in the evening in time to relax in Thamel and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 14: Depart Kathmandu
Take care of any last-minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.
