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 far off in the distance north. The approach beautifully navigates between low mountains, over picturesque 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 

An exciting morning awaits us as we take a short flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city. If the weather permits, the flight offers spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges to our right as we fly right over luscious foothills, isolated villages and farms. We are given stunning eyeshot of the majestic Manaslu range and then the Annapurna massif, with the distinct peaks of Machhapucharre (Fishtail Mountain, 6,999 m/ 22,963 ft) being hard to miss. From Pokhara, our drive to Lumle winds along the lush Seti River valley, passing country roads and farm villages with fertile rice fields and terraces. An hour later, we arrive at the hilly village of Lumle (1,610m/5,282ft) from where we begin our walk. A well-trotted path leads us along terraced fields with the Pokhara Valley stretching far behind us. A spectacular panorama of the lush surroundings and the expansive valleys below follow us as we reach Chandrakot (1,580m/5,184ft), a quaint Gurung village, from where we can view the Annapurna Massif with Machhapucharre and even Gangapurna (7,454m/24,445ft) peering from behind. The trail soon drops through more terrace fields and thin forests, down the Modi Khola valley (Modi River) and to the cabled bridge over the river. From here, our lodge is only a gentle stroll away. The rush of the Modi River sets a beautiful spot to end our first day in the Annapurna.

We can take the late afternoon to visit the small Birethanti bazaar (1,025m/3,363ft). Seldom used by trekkers as night stop, the village is less crowded by the Annapurna tourists and offers cultural photo interests and even a small museum. 

Overnight: Ker & Downey Lodge, Birethanti

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

The day starts with a pleasant hike due north along the Modi Khola valley. The trail steadily climbs as we are given fascinating glimpses of typical Nepali villages and their daily cultures. Rustic houses with slanted roofs, dry stone walls, intricate window carvings and stone-paved courtyards are dwelled by families busy pounding corns, weaving cloths and grinding spices on traditional tools. Fertile fields and terraces tended with buffalo drawn ploughs and hard manual labours litters the hillsides, and we are occasionally asked to share the path with folks of cattle and goats on their way to grazing pastures. Watch out for trains of mules carrying essentials items to the villages above, though with their colourful headgears, ribbons and distinct chimes from neck-bell, they won’t be easy to miss.

An hour later, we arrive at Syauli Bazaar (1,220m/4,002ft), a small settlement of Gurung and Magar communities, before dropping to the river bank of Modi Khola. Typical to the Himalayan terrain where a drop signifies a steep climb isn’t far away, soon enough we are met with a steep stone stair. Keep a lockout for mule trains here, and make sure to give way on the uphill side of the path as the heavy-laden mules can knock us down the steep hill. The stone steps climb pass Kilu and Kuine Danda, but not without frequent breaks to appreciate the captivating view around us. Reaching the small settlement of Kimche (1,640m/5,380ft), allows us to admire the height we have gained since leaving the river bank. From here, the trail gradually levels off with occasional climbs, and with the view of Macchapuchere Peak to our north, our footings get inspired. There are engrossing views of the villages and terraces far below as we make our way up the ridge. Soon, an easy stone path leads to the foot of a stone stair, and with a final climb we arrive at the famed Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940m/6,365ft).   

Looking around the village, it is easy to realize her appeal to trekkers and travellers to the region. A deep gorge lusciously painted with dense forest and terrace fields drops to the east, the vast Modi Khola valley spreads to the south, while rolling hills magnificently sculpts to our west.  To the north, the Annapurna Massif showcases her best with Macchapuchere (Fishtail Mountain, 6,999 m/ 22,963 ft), Annapurna II (7,555m/24,787ft), Gangapurna (7,454m/24,445ft), Annapurna South (7,219m/23,684ft) and Patal Hiuchuli (6,441m/21,132ft), extending across the horizon. Watching the sunset over the majestic peaks and the valley below, certainly harks back our lure for adventure.  

Overnight: Ker & Downey Lodge, Gandruk

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner  

Early dawn arrives with a pink hue over the Himalayan sky that slowly descents onto the snow-capped jagged peaks. And before the skies and the valleys below can wake from their deep slumber, a breath-taking golden tint radiates across the mountain face – an unforgettable scenery revealed only to those who muster the courage to wake up early. Following a leisurely breakfast underneath the spectacular views of Annapurna, our guide will lead us on an exploration of the surrounding countryside and ridges. The day ignites our curiosity into how the first settlers must have arrived here on their horsebacks from Tibet, and perhaps put up few insights into the geopolitical significant of Ghadruk, once the second largest Gurung village, had in the region. Of course, the higher up the trail we go, nearer the Machhapuchere, Patal Hiuchuli and Annapurna South seem to grow.  

We may reserve the afternoon for exploring around the village and discovering some of its secrets hidden inside the maze of stone alleyways that runs up and down criss-crossing over each other. Along with the numerous lodges and inns that Ghandruk hosts, almost all the houses look identical with slant roof, lime-white coloured tops, floors plastered by red clay, a wooden veranda, a neat garden, stoned courtyard and walls, and retains the traditional architecture. There is a privately run museum with collections of earthenware, traditional clothing, iron weaponry, indigenous hand tools, and silver jewelleries, that offer glimpse into the ancient life and customs of the proud population. All these materialistic interactions, however, compare pale to the warm hospitality and humors of the Gurungs, who are well accustomed to welcoming guests. It is easy to recognize the appeal and the growing popularity of Ghandruk as a major tourism destination.     

Overnight: Ker & Downey Lodge, Gandruk

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner  

After few tiring days, another early Ghandruk morning to catch the sun rise over the Annapurna sky would be too great a lure to ignore. We begin our descent down the Modi Khola valley and follow the trail as it drops steeply to the river. The stone paved pathway and steps can be demanding, but as we pass by small settlements and cosy hamlets, the enchanting Himalayan vista before us does much to soothe our weary legs. As we approach the river, look closely at the rock wall on the other side of the river for huge hives of wild bees. The hallucinogenic honey cliff is where the famed honey hunters climb on ropes, without any protective suits and safety harnesses, and use indigenous tools to collect honey. Eric Valli, a French film director and photo journalist, shot his famous documentary “Honey Hunters of Nepal” around the area. The wild bees migrate 110-120 kilometres (around 75 miles) to Chitwan every winter and flies back here during spring to scavenge for pollens from wild rhododendron blooming in the region. ‘Mad Honey’ made from rhododendron which contains grayanotoxins, have potent effects and ascribe to many medicinal features. 

Back on the trail, we cross the river over on a suspension bridge and immediately find ourselves climbing back up a few hundred meters on switch backs and steps. The wonderful landscape and natural scenery, along with the locals going about their daily chores, working the land and sustaining a living, make the climb a gratifying excursion. Our short walk today, allow us to reach Landruk (1,565m/5,134ft) in time for lunch. 

Landruk is a quintessential Gurung village, and like many around the region, the community ekes on agriculture, tourism and migrant works. Small houses are neatly decorated and further beautified by tidy gardens with seasonal flowerings. The village has more glorious views of the incredible Annapurna massif, and like Ghandruk, offers impressive sunrise and sunset. 

Overnight: Ker & Downey Lodge, Landruk

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner  

After a relaxing breakfast, we leave for Majgaun on a winding trail that contours gracefully along the hillside. Away from the popular trekking routes the villages, farmlands and forest along today’s trail seem medieval and untouched for centuries. The silence of the forest and terrace fields are often broken by eerie calls of pheasants and wild birds as we pass by few rugged sections. The trail now crosses three small rivers flowing down to join the Modi Khola. The first river comes after a stair and a steep descent to a small bridge, and ascend right back to where the path gradually levels out. The second crossing also follows the same pattern with a drop and a climb to level out. The last river crossing, you guessed it, drops to a sturdy suspension bridge before leading us to Majgaun (1,402m/4,600ft).  

Majgaun gets her name from the Nepali word “majh”(middle) and “gaun”(village). This secluded mid-hill village sits with a desirable view of the valley below and Annapurna South (7,219m/23,684ft). We can take the afternoon to explore around the village, or interact with the Gurung community, or just unwind to the serene Annapurna.

Overnight: Ker & Downey Lodge, Majgaun

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner  

A sub-tropical forest of oaks, rhododendron and silver birch sets a lovely ambience as we trek through unspoiled countryside this morning. The ever-present Annapurna South, Patal-Hiuchuli and Lamjung Peak (6,983m/22,910ft) offer delightful company to our finale in the Annapurna. All the while, serenades from diverse bird life fills the air as we slowly climb our way to the village of Patlekhet. Taking advantage of convenient rests on numerous ‘chautari’ (a stone-pilled platform built under a tree shade, as a rest stop along foot trails), we continue ascending on stone steps to Pothana (1,890m/6,200ft), a lively village lined with restaurants, accommodations and souvenir shops selling Tibetan silverwares and other memorabilia. Soon enough, the Gurung village of Dhampus comes into view and then, a steep descent to Dhampus Phedi (1,130m/3,707ft) where our transport awaits. The drive back to Pokhara takes about 30-40 minutes as we re-join the highway along the Seti River valley. Even though, the metropolitan evening at Pokhara offers a pleasant respite to our weary legs, our hearts still belong at Annapurna. 

Overnight: Tourist-standard Hotel

Meals: Breakfast 

The idyllic lakeside city of Pokhara sits with many hidden charms and cultural interests. Of course, the placid water of Fewa Tal (Fewa Lake) is her centrepiece and the Annapurna Himal are the jewels in her sky. It is well worth to wake up early and see the sunrise casts her morning spell over the Machhapuchere and the neighbouring peaks, including the Dhaulagiri range. A boat ride in the Fewa Lake is very tranquil and helps to unwind underneath the impressive views of the mountains. The boat ride can also row us to the small little island of Taal Barahi Temple, a Hindu site dedicated to Goddess Durga – the protector. An early hike to the Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), a hilltop Buddhist monument on the southern fringe of Fewa Lake, allows for a few-hours excursion away from the hectic city. The white dome-shaped pagoda has four statutes of Buddha from Japan, Sri-Lanka, Thailand and Nepal overlooking the four directions, and offers spectacular views of the mountains. The Old Pokhara Bazaar is a colourful market selling Tibetan, Gurung, Newari and other diverse ethnical commodities and souvenirs. The city also centres few museums dedicated to mountaineering, natural history and the Gurkha soldiers of the region, and provides insightful history of the area. A nice walk to Davis Falls, a waterfall with strange rock formation and deep cut gorge, and Mahendra Cave, a limestone cave with rising stalagmites and dropping stalactites, should offer leisurely options in Pokhara. Or we can reserve the day for just simply relaxing by the lakeside with a drink in our hand.

Overnight: Tourist-standard Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

We leave behind Pokhara and the tranquil waters of Fewa Lake for the bustling streets of Kathmandu. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Kathmandu valley locates several heritage sites, and all within short distances of each other. The Hindu pilgrimage complex of the holy Pashupatinath Temple and the serene Buddhist stupa of Bodhanath is only a few distance from one another and packs a multi-religious half-day tour. The Swayambhunath stupa atop a southern west hill inside the city and offers a great vantage point of the concrete Kathmandu.

Note: The leisure programs at Kathmandu and Pokhara are not included in the cost nor part of our itinerary. They are optional activities you can participate on your interest.  

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.