Flying in or out of Kathmandu valley is an amazing experience, very much so, on a clear day. As the plane approaches from the southern west vector, the Himalaya can be seen on the far distant north. The approach beautifully navigates between low mountains, passing over picturesque views of small villages, terrace fields and lush forests, before the urban city and its intrigued network of roads and concrete buildings sprawl below us.

As you make your way through the formalities of the immigration and custom procedures, our Office Representative will be awaiting at the airport and assists during our hotel check in. Hopefully the long flight has not been too exhausting for a pleasant evening. 

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

A very early wake-up call pronounces the long and exciting day we have ahead of us. The day’s cross-country drive to the city of Pokhara does much to elevate our anticipation with magnificent sceneries that frames our views all day long. Initially driving west to the hillside pass over Kathmandu, before following the busy Prithvi Highway south, to countryside adorned with unnoticed hamlets and farms nestled on the hillsides. As the road winds alongside the fast-flowing Trishuli Khola (river), a popular waterway for rafters, it's hard not to notice the continuous arrivals of soaring hills and luscious forests, perhaps a preview to the vistas that awaits us on our trek. The highway follows the bends of the Trishuli Khola as it flows through mid-hill corridors decorated with rural communities and small highway towns, rich rice fields and farmhouses of millet, willowy sal forest and chir pine jungle, river-view stops and cosy resorts. Arriving at the confluence of the Trishuli River and the Marshyangdi River, our drive now heads west and the valley opens up to reveal the alluring panoramas of the southern slopes of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu Himal and the Annapurna Himal crowning across the northern skies, enticing us much spiritedly in anticipation of the coming days. The terraced farmlands and communities are soon replaced with concrete houses and traffics of Pokhara as we outskirt the second largest city and continue our drive northwest along the lush Seti Khola valley. Shortly, 20-30 minutes later, we arrive at Dhampus Phedi (foothill of Dhampus, 1,130m/3,707ft) and disembark our vehicle for the steep two-hour uphill walk to Dhampus (1,650m/5,413ft), a popular village of the Gurung community.

The ancient settlement of Dhampus once served as a small principality before it was annexed as a petty state during the unification of the country. The hillside village commands spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and the Annapurna ranges with the distinct fish-tail peaks of Machhapuchare Peak (Fishtail Mountain, 6,999 m/ 22,963 ft) prominent in the skyline. A beautiful spot to settle in for our first night at Annapurna.   

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner 

The day starts with a pleasant hike through rhododendron and sandalwood forest with clear views of the snow-capped mountains greeting us through open pastures. Even so, as we make our way, it is the fascinating glimpses of typical Nepali villages and their daily culture that captivates us. Rustic houses with slanted roofs, dry stone walls, intricate window carvings and stone-paved courtyards that see families busy pounding corns, weaving cloths and grinding spices on traditional tools. Walking on a well-trotted trail that often has stone steps over steeper sections, we quickly arrive at Pothana (1,890m/6,200ft), a small peaceful village sitting in the middle of the jungle. The gradual climb continues on as we slowly contour uphill before reaching the ridge top at Pitam Deurali (2,142m/7,027ft) where a fabulous view of the surrounding landscape gives us a glimpse of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167meters (26,795ft), peeking over the hills to the north-east. Here, the trail for the Mardi Himal Trek trails off to our right, but we continue up along the ridge before starting a long steep descent through a dense forest, passing little teahouses and arriving at the terraced farmlands of Tolka. Do take the descent slowly as it is easy to be enthusiastic this early into our trek and induce strains in our knees. 

The small hamlet of Tolka (1,700m/5,577ft) sits on a mountain flank sculpted by rich rice fields, and offers a much quieter night stop compared to the popular village of Landruk, which is only an hour or so further down the hill. Like many communities around the region, Tolka ekes on agriculture, tourism and migrant works, and are a proud community with neatly decorated small houses and pretty gardens. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meal: Breakfast and Dinner  

The downhill continues from Tolka with few undulations before arriving at the quintessential Gurung village of Landruk (1,565m/5,135ft) and the immense view of the snowy peaks that perhaps falsely fabricate the Sanctuary could only be a few kilometres away and not several days ahead. Our trail continues along the Modi Khola (river), descending to New Bridge (1,460m/4,790ft) and to Himalpani (1,340m/4,396ft). From here the trail winds steeply up the hillside, passing through bamboo forests and isolated farmsteads tended with buffalo drawn ploughs and sun-soaked labours. Watch out for trains of mules, with whom we are asked to share the trail, carrying essentials items to the villages above, though with their colourful headgears, ribbons and distinct chimes from neck-bells, they won’t be hard to miss. Our day ends arriving at Jhinu Danda (1,780m/5,840ft) where a cosy lodge warmly invites us to a Gurung kitchen and a restful night.

Jhinu Danda is a little village nestled comfortably on the hillside rice terraces that fashions the landscape. There are two hot springs and a shower that are a short walk (around 20 minutes) down the outskirt of the village, which many might avoid after a strenuous day. But it is not every day one can lazy around in a hot spring pool on the foothills of the Annapurna.    

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner  

We start off from Jhinu Danda tackling steep climbs on stone stairs and winding paths to the crest of the ridge. The climb gradually gentles down as we approach Chomrong village (2,170m/7,120ft), the gateway to the Sanctuary, perched on a slope with fantastic vista over the Annapurna. On a clear day, the charming Chomrong offers spectacular mountain views, including that of Annapurna South (7,219m/23,684ft), Patal Hiunchuli (6,441m/21,132ft), Annapurna III (7,555m/24,787ft), Machhapuchhare (6,999m/22,963ft) and Gandharva Chuli (6,428m/20,498ft). We continue on through the now familiar trail along terraced rice fields and stone steps, before arriving at the bridge over Chomrong Khola (river) where another demanding Himalayan foothill climb, of about two hours and a half, awaits us. Taking advantages of every opportunity from the captivating vistas over the delightful farmlands, forests and the magnificent peaks, we take convenient breaks and admire the heights we have gained. Perched right over a little pass, that quaint village of Sinuwa (2,360m/7,743ft) overlooks the confluence of Chomrong and Modi Khola valley with scenic hills spreading out romantically to the horizon.   

The quite Sinuwa village overlooks the confluence of Chomrong and Modi Khola valley with scenic hills spreading out romantically to the horizon. Up the valley, the distant settlements of Dhovan and even Deurali contrast against the stark terrain of the Annapurna Sanctuary which now alluringly beacons us to the hidden wonders beyond her entrance. The few tea houses in the village are spaced out over a distance of half a kilometre and are quite popular stops during peak season.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

From Sinuwa, we continue along the hillside high above the Modi Khola as the trail waves up and down through beautiful dense forests and open pastures. The luscious vegetation and high bamboo bushes decorating the rolling Modi Khola valley is home to many species of animals, birds and butterflies such as the Himalayan Pheasants and musk deer. Shortly we arrive at the small village of Khuldi-ghar (2,540m/8,333ft) and follow a cautious descend with slippery sections and tree roots to Bamboo (2,310m/7,578ft), so named after the dense vegetation. Our walk continues underneath the dense cloud forest of bamboo, rhododendron and oak, following the Modi Khola upstream to the tiny settlements of Dovan (2,600m/8,530ft) and to the sacred Pujinim Barah Temple, of a local deity believed to reside in the delicate summit of Macchapuchhare. The few lodges of the hamlet fondly named Himalaya Hotel (2,820m/9,252ft) arrives soon after, before the treelines are replaced by alpine grasslands and remains of old avalanches. The upland clearings now offer even more impressive mountain views and spectacular vistas over the rolling Modi Khola Valley and the several water channels thundering down the rocky terrains.

We can now feel the air getting thinner as the altitude increases. Regular hydration plays vital role in ensuring our body acclimatises and stay healthy in the high altitudes, and helps to avoid our holiday from being marred by discomforts and uneasiness. “Climb high, sleep low", “Take it slow" and “Drink plenty of fluids" are the secret mantras many have successfully adopted in the Himalaya.

Back on the trail, the massive parallelogram-shaped overhanging rocks, named Hinku Cave (3,170m/ 10,400ft), once sheltered shepherds and mountaineers and now serves as a major landmark on the way to the Annapurna Base Camp. From here, it's another 30 minutes steep climb to Deurali (3,230m/10,597ft), a good stop to spend an acclimatization night before making our final push toward the higher elevated Machhapuchhare and Annapurna Base Camps. 

Deurali in Nepali means “pass” and sits surrounded by lush greeneries, offering panoramic vista of the surrounding high mountains and of the water channels.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

The trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp have been split into two days so as to help us better acclimatize to the high elevations. The day is relatively short compared to our previous efforts but it does not get any easier. The unrelenting Himalayan trail continues, on an uphill course, throwing in several steep climbs as we pass through the narrows of the valley or so called ‘gates’ of the Sanctuary, formed by Patal Hiuchuli on the left and Machhapuchhare to the right. The valley soon widens to reveal the breath-taking Sanctuary as we approach Machhapuchhare Base Camp for our overnight stay. 

Machhapuchhare with her particularly striking ‘fish-tail' like profile is considered sacred and as the home of God Shiva. For this reason, climbing permits are strictly off-limits with no official records (if any) of the sacred peak ever being summited. The only documented attempt is that of the British team led by Lieutenant Colonel James Owen Merion Roberts in 1957 when two members of the expedition climbed till within 150 meters (492ft) of the summit via the north ridge. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner  

In 1950, the Annapurna I (8,091m/26,545ft), the highest peak in the Annapurna Massif, was successfully climbed by the French Annapurna Expedition led by Maurice Herzog, taking the route along the north face. However, the 1970 British Annapurna South Face expedition led by Sir Christian John Storey Bonington deliberately took the much difficult route up the south face for a historic summit. The team chose not to use the previous camp site used by the 1957 British expedition to Machhapuchhare, instead, reconnoitred a much suitable spot for the South Annapurna Base Camp about 2.9 km (1.8 miles) away.

Rather than spending only a day at the Annapurna Base Camp and descending back down, we will spend a night there and allow ourselves ample time to explore the Sanctuary. Today, we will take it easy and indulge in a slow and steady paced hike savouring in the immense natural beauties surrounding us. For about an hour the trail winds grass-covered ancient moraines before reaching the upper ridge of the wide-open valley. Here, the hidden amphitheatre reveals awe-inspiring arrays of snowy peaks spread out across the landscape. Another two hours of steady walking brings us to the Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m/13,550ft), the highest point of our traverse.  

Several majestic peaks circle the oval shaped basin and encloses the base camp forming a coliseum unrivalled by any man-made architectures. Across the north the huge rock wall of Annapurna I towers above, and in the centre Tharpu Chuli (‘Tent Peak’ 5,695m/18,685ft) is flanked by Singu Chuli (‘Fluted Peak’ 6,501m/21,329ft). To the east, Gandharva Chuili (6,428m/20,498ft) and the sacred Machhapuchhare (6,999m/22,963ft) fortifies the glacial plateau, with the Annapurna South (7,219m/23,684ft) and Patal Hiuchuli (6,441m/21,132ft) guarding the south. We are truly at the ‘heart’ of Annapurna. After few hours of exploring further up the valley or the edges of the moraines, we may find ourselves witnessing an amazing sunset when the surrounding peaks shade to pink as the night sky slowly darkens. We end our day at the historic camp site with an early bed so as to catch a mesmerising sunrise over the giant massif.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

An early rise rewards us with the first morning sun lighting up Annapurna South and her gigantic neighbours with a breath-taking golden hue that radiates across the hidden plateau. A truly spectacular sight worthy of the arduous trek that it demands. Sadly, we leave behind the glorious mountain scenery and retrace our steps out of the Sanctuary, back down to Deurali and onto Dovan (2,600m/8,530ft). As we head down the Modi Khola corridor, it's interesting to study the distinct effects of ‘rain-shadow’ in the high Himalaya and how it influences mountain life. The Himalaya mainly gets rain from the monsoon winds blowing in from the south that leaves the northern slopes of the mountains treeless and rock-faced. 

The sites where two rivers converge is called “Dovan” and these spots are usually regarded sacred and visited auspiciously during religious occasions. The village sits on a forested areas with pesky Grey Langurs (Hanuman Monkeys) mischievously swinging atop dense trees and wild noises of Satyr Tragopan (Crimson Horned Pheasant) foraging nearby.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Our descend continues through undisturbed forest of rhododendron, oak, pine and bamboo as we head down the Modi Khola valley. Soon we arrive at the small village of Bamboo (2,310m/7,578ft), from where the trail climbs to Khuldi-ghar (2,540m/8,333ft) for about three quarters of an hour. The downhill walk continues again to Sinuwa and makes a steep descent to the bridge at Chomrong River. An hour of uphill stone steps to Chomrong (2,177m/7,142ft) allows us to look back at the valley and bid our farewell to the Sanctuary far off in the distance.  

Spread over a rolling hill adorned by farmhouses, big gardens and fields, Chomrong is a beautiful Gurung village. Do take the time to explore around the village and experience the quiet and humbling life here. 

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

From Chomrong, we leave the Sanctuary Trek trail and join the Annapurna Panorama Trek route to Poon Hill. As it now seems to be customary, we climb more stone steps out of the village before approaching a trail fork, with one heading down to Modi Khola and the other winding up to the Khimrong Khola valley. We follow the high trail to the right which soon leads us to another divide, where the left trail branches downhill to Khimrong Village and Ghandruk, and the other stays high heading toward Tadapani. Meandering through farm fields the easy wide trail descends down to Khimrong Khola. After the river cross, we head west where another demanding climb through dense forest awaits us. However, by now we should be in fine shape and an expert in tackling the Himalayan rollercoasters.  

The elegant old village of Tadapani (‘Far-Water’, 2,630m/8,628ft) sits nestled in a magnificent spot in the midst of magnolia and rhododendron forest. Described as a ‘natural balcony’, the village overlooks the Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare at almost at one’s fingertips and the vista continues beyond toward the Manaslu range. With the mountains so close-by, the village enjoys stunning sunsets and sunrises.   

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

We start our day with a hike down to a crossing over a small stream and climb up a hill passing charming villages and lodges along the route to the village of Ban Thanti (3,180m/10,433ft). This is then followed by a long climb in a narrow-forested gorge covered by beautiful rhododendron trees. The silence of the forest is often broken by eerie calls of pheasants and wild birds as we make our way to Deurali (3,106m/10,190ft), where there are great views of the Kali Gandaki Valley extending to the north. We climb again through pleasant forest reaching open ridge tops and pastures offering fantastic views that breathes life into our, now some-what, tired legs. An hour of easy descend down the forest trail takes us to the popular village of Ghorepani (2,860m/9,383ft) famous for its hilltop view of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu mountains.  

Ghorepani was once a rest stop for ancient traders and their goods-laden caravans where they found ‘water (pani) for the horses (ghodha)’, thus leading to its name. It is now a popular tourist destination for mountain lovers and hikers, and offers good collections of local souvenirs and keepsakes.    

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

An early morning vigorous hike to Poon Hill (3,193m/10,475ft) to catch the sun rise over the Himalayan peaks is a wonderful option we have, before continuing on our descend down the hill. The small hill station looming right over Ghorepani is a magnificent spot to watch the dawn slowly break the stillness of the Himalayan sky with gun-metal colours bursting in anticipation as the sun gently peeks from behind the silhouetted gigantic peaks. Soon Dhaulagiri II to the west and the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, Hiuchuli, Dhampus Peak and the Himalayan range to the north glows to the beautiful morning hues, presenting a memorable image of the mighty Himalaya. 

We head back down to Ghorepani and follow the ancient Trans-Himalaya trade route busy with hikers, locals and cargo trains of mules. The forested trail down to lower Banthanti and Ulleri (1,960m/6,430ft) arrives with the now familiar Annapurna characteristics where several Gurung villages and stone steps takeover. At Ulleri, the classic descent of 500 meters (1,640ft) on a ‘steep’ staircase to Tirkhedhungga (1,540m/5,052ft) demonstrates how strong our legs have become since the start of the trek. From here, it is a gentle walk down to Hille (1,430m/4,692ft), and our final night in the laps of the Annapurna.

Overnight: Lodge/Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

We leave behind the mountain trails at Hille and join a dirt road with little traffic shortly hereafter. Littered with shops and signs of urbanisation, the dirt road follows the contours of Mahabir River as we gently walk to Birethanti (1,025m/3,363ft) and pass the ACAP Check Post (Annapurna Conservation Area Project). From here the roadhead at Nayapul and to our transport is a short hike.

We now drive back to Kathmandu, leaving behind the rich forest of Lumle and the lush farms of Seti Khola Valley. The heavy traffic roads of Pokhara brings us back to modern times and does not fail to elevate our longings to share the immense Annapurna memories we have, with our families and friends back home. From Pokhara, it is back on the highway before our last glimpses of the Annapurna are replaced by the mid hills of the Trishuli River corridor and the bright lights of Kathmandu.     

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

After an amazing adventure in the Himalaya, we reserve today to unwind, rest and take leisurely activities among the colourful crowds of Kathmandu. There are shopping and souvenirs to hunt and complete our travel memorabilia, or a city tour and sightseeing programs at the many cultural heritage sites, or just simply relaxing with drinks in our hands. 

There are numerous heritage sites, all with short distances of each other, inside the Kathmandu valley. None more significant than the Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple and the serene Buddhist stupas of Bodhanath and Swayambhunath. The ancient royal courtyards of the three Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, offers fantastic insights into the golden age of Newa cultures and their rich architectures and craftsmanship. The programs in Kathmandu are not included in the cost nor part of our itinerary. They are optional activities you can participate on your arrival. 

Our evening is shared with a one last hurrah. A celebratory farewell dinner in honor of you and the many more adventures to come.  

Overnight: Four-star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner  

Here we bid our farewell and wish you a nice flight back home. Our office representative will pick you up at the hotel for your transport to the international airport.