Discover Annapurna
Moderate
Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this 9 night / 10 day features the main reason why most people come to Nepal
Trekking in the Himalayas. The minimum amount of time is spent traveling between each destination, enabling one to make the most of their time in Nepal. The Sacred Mountain Trek features the Gokarna Forest Resort (in Kathmandu), the Temple Tree Resort (in Pokhara) and Ker & Downey Lodges (while on trek).
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Meet at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided.
Welcome to Nepal! On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport by your representative. They will have YMH signboard if you have booked directly or the logo of travel agent if you are through your agent.There is a short drive to your hotel. You’ll be served with welcome drink and given keys to your rooms. Rest of the day is for you to prepare for the trek. We have group welcome dinner where you will be introduced to your other members joining the adventure with you. Your leader will brief you on the program. If you have any questions on the trip, it is the right time to ask.
Meals: BD
Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort
Day 2: Fly via Kathmandu to Pokhara. Then transfer to the roadhead and trek to Birethanti (1025m).
Returning to the airport in the early morning we will check in at the domestic terminal for the highly scenic 30 minuteflight to Nepal's second city, Pokhara. This spectacular flight offers views of the Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. We are met on arrival at Pokhara Airport and taken by vehicle (1 hour) to the start of our walk. Together with our local trek crew, we then follow a trail through the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. Finally we descend to the very comfortable Ker and Downey Sanctuary Lodge in the valley of the Modi Khola. Lunch is at the lodge and there is the option in the afternoon to walk to the nearby village of Birenthanti (1025m).
Meals: BLD
Hotel: Ker and Downey
Day 3: Trek to the Ker and Downey Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (2012m).
After breakfast, we leave the lodge and walk out through farmland and scattered small farms, following the course of the Modi Khola, which is the river flowing down from the Annapurna Sanctuary. We follow the river's true right bank, heading generally northwards and with the impressive sacred peak of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) ahead of us. Soon we begin to climb out of the valley and up towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks are provided along the trail. We arrive at the Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk in the early afternoon and a hot lunch is served on arrival. There are fantastic views from the lodge of the arrayed peaks of the Annapurna Massif.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Ker and Downey
Day 4: We trek across the valley of the Modi Khola to Landruk (1565m).
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, we start our trek to Landruk. After leaving the village of Ghandruk, the trail descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River. Here, we will be able to see some of the cliffs where the famed honey hunters of Nepal climb on ropes to raid the nests of the world's largest (and most dangerous) honey bees. We cross the river on a sturdy suspension bridge and from here trek up on a switchback trail to the village of Landruk. Here, we have more great views of the Annapurna range. After lunch at the Ker and Downey La Bee Lodge, our guide will take us on a sightseeing tour of this pretty mountain village.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Ker and Downey
Day 5: We trek south-eastwards across the grain of the country to Majhgaon (1400m).
Leaving Landruk and the valley of the Modi Khola, today's walk contours the valley-side to the east and heads south, with fairly minor undulations, passing through picturesque villages and farmland with great views looking back to the Annapurnas. We will reach the Ker and Downey Gurung Lodge near to Majhgaon in time for lunch. The lodge is built to resemble a traditional Nepalese village and every room has spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The afternoon can be spent in the lodge gardens or we can opt to do some exploration to nearby villages with our guide.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Ker and Downey
Day 6: Trek to Dhampus (1525m) with great views of the Annapurnas.
This morning we start out trekking through the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. Once again, we aim to reach our next lodge in time for lunch. Our accommodation for the night is at the small, but splendid Ker and Downey Basanta Lodge, where we are treated to sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Ker and Downey
Day 7: Trek out to the road, return to Pokhara and overnight in a hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast at our lodge, we have a short downhill walk of about an hour and a half along a scenic ridge to the farmland and scattered houses of the broad Yangdi Khola Valley. Here, we meet the road and our waiting vehicle and make the 30-minute transfer to Pokhara. During this transfer, we have the option to stop at the Tibetan refugee camp, which has an interesting temple complex. Arriving in Pokhara, we check in at a luxurious resort hotel. Located on Phewa Tal, one of Nepal's largest lakes, Pokhara is a very laid-back city and its Lakeside district is vibrant with interesting shops cafes and bars, all with the sensational backdrop of the Annapurnas. After lunch the afternoon is free to explore this quite charming town. There is also the option to trek up to the 'Peace stupa' for a birds-eye view over the lake, or to take a boat out onto the water.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Temple Tree
Day 8: Drive to Bandipur, village sightseeing and short trek to the Ker and Downey Three Mountain Lodge (1011m).
We will make a reasonably early start ahead of the 2-hour drive to the traditional Newari village of Bandipur which sits on a high ridge above the Pokhara to Kathmandu highway. When we get there we will take our lunch at the 'Old Inn' and here we will meet a local guide who will show us around the village. Bandipur grew up as a part of the Magar Kingdom of Tanahun and dates back several hundred years. It was once a staging post on a trade route between India and Tibet. With its 18th century architecture and narrow streets, it's a great place to spend a couple of hours. We will then set off on a short trek, which involves an initial descent into a valley where we find a mix of forest and farmland. There are several hamlets and schools along the trail and the final 40 minutes involve a steady climb to our overnight accommodation at the splendid Ker and Downey Three Mountain Lodge. Situated on a ridge at a little over 1000 metres, the lodge command views of three 8000 metres peaks; Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Makalu. After checking in, drinks will be served around the central fireplace. Later, dinner will be served in the dining room.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Ker and Downey
Day 9: A day at the Three Mountain Lodge, with optional walks.
We will be woken with a cup of tea or coffee in our rooms. If the mountains are clear, we can sit on our private verandas and enjoy the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Makalu. Then, after breakfast, we will set off on a short walk amongst orange trees to visit 2 local schools. As an alternative, we can walk to a higher viewpoint peak from where the panorama of mountains to the north is even more impressive and we also have views southwards towards Chitwan and the Terai. We will return to the lodge for lunch and then go out with the guide again to visit a couple of local villages, where we may be able to meet retired Gurkhas. This area has been little visited and retains much of its charm. We return to spend a second night at the Three Mountain Lodge.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Ker and Downey
Day 10: Walk back to Bandipur for a final look around before driving to Kathmandu.
After breakfast at this special lodge, we will walk back to Bandipur, where we meet our transport and set off on the 3-hour drive eastwards along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. After checking in at our hotel, there should be a couple of hours to rest and freshen up. Overnight at Gokarna Forest Resort.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort
Day 11: A free day in Kathmandu.
One of the attractions of any visit to Nepal is the chance to walk the streets of Kathmandu, which present a fascinating mosaic of shops, cafes and restaurants, food markets and street vendors, as well as a bewildering array of colourful temples and shrines. Kathmandu is a very safe city (provided you watch out for the traffic) and exploring on your own is great fun. This evening we will get together again for a celebratory dinner to mark the end of a most excellent trip.Meals: BLD
Hotel: Gokarna Forest Resort
Day 12: Departure day. Transfers to Kathmandu Airport are provided.
Transfers to International Airport are provided. For extension trips, please contact our office.Meals: B
Essential Info
Visa
Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.Eating & Drinking
Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.
Although meat is available in the tea houses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges, and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money - we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking Water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.
We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.
All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).
SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.
If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot water bottle.
While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.
Weather
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid-May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
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How to Book
We like to offer a personalized service to our clients – you can contact us by email or telephone any time. Please let us know if you wish to chat with us via Skype, Whatsapp or Viber and we can connect with you at a time that is suitable for you and us, depending on where you are in the world and the timezone you are in.
Check availability:
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
To Book
Let us know which trip you would like to join. For trips that require a certain level of skills and prior experience, we will ask you to provide us with details so that we know the trip is the right one for you.We will send you a form for you to complete your personal details, medical and fitness information. We will also send you our bank details for you to make payment – we will tell you how much and how to pay.
When you are ready, simply complete the form and send it back to us and let us know once you have deposited the relevant funds into our bank account.
We will send you back a written acknowledgement and other information about your trip such as a gear list and any other relevant information specific to your trip.
Of course, at any time leading up to your trip, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us as we will want to give you as much information as you need so that you can feel comfortable and excited about your forthcoming adventure.
We look forward to having you on an adventure with us!