Don't just visit the roof of the world — climb all over it. Take a 10-day trek through the remote and imposing mountains of the Annapurna Range. Begin and end the journey in Kathmandu with its colourful temples, city squares, and great shopping. With the support of a team of expert Sherpas, the challenging trails of Annapurna will reward you with a stunning combination of towering peaks and dramatic valleys. Rest and relax overnight in tea houses, where you’ll reconnect with ancient ways long forgotten by the modern world.
Travel Style
Active
Service Level
Basic
Physical Grading
5 - Challenging
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Nepalese Dumplings Cooking Demonstration, Kathmandu
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Kathmandu Durbar Square guided tour. English-speaking guide and full support team of porters and assistants for the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Take in panoramic views and prayer flags in the Himalayas, Explore rhododendron forests and tiny hamlets, Meet local shephards, Experience tea house lodges and high passes.
How large will the group be?
Max 15, Avg 10
What meals are included in this trip?
1 lunch
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Bus, minibus, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Simple hotels/guesthouses (5 nts), tea houses (9 nts).
Itinerary
Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting today and enjoy a brief orientation walk around Thamel.
Kathmandu
Today after breakfast, we will walk towards Kathmandu Durbar Square where the group will enjoy a guided tour. Later, walk through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, considered to be a living goddess. Then enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during an authentic local lunch. Opt to wake up with the birds and climb to the Swayambhunath Temple. Enjoy free time in the afternoon in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu/Pokhara
Today the group will take a mountain drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive takes about 7 hours along the Prithivi Highway, which connects Kathmandu with other major cities of Western Nepal. As the group approaches Pokhara they will be able to see truly stunning views of the Annapurna Range. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk of Lakeside. Leaving the Kathmandu valley behind, head for the enchanting Nepalese town of Pokhara. Depending on our arrival time, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset.
Pokhara/Tikhedhunga
Drive to Birethanti and trek to Tikhedhunga. Enjoy 10 days of trekking through alpine meadows, isolated villages, dramatic glaciers, and inspiring mountain vistas. The drive from Pokhara to Birethanti takes about 2 hours. The route goes along the bank of Seti River and offers stunning views of Annapurna Range. As the group nears Birethanti – the trekking starting point, the road starts to climb up the hills offering even more beautiful scenery. At Birethanti, meet the trekking support crew and begin trekking towards Tirkhedhunga. Today the trek is relatively easy and just a warm up walk for your days to come. At 8,091m (26,545.3 ft), Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any view point. This trek covers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, we stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. The expedition is not only visually superb, but also a chance to learn about local cultures. Along the way, see thundering waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers and high mountain passes, and reward ourselves with a soak in natural hot springs.
While the trekking is challenging, averaging 4-6 hrs walking a day on steep terrain, our Annapurna Sanctuary expedition into the Himalayas allows you to experience 'the roof of the world' without major issues associated with high altitude. The highest point on the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m (13,550 ft).
Tikhedhunga/Ghorepani
Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani along a trail with a mix of steep steps and gentle ascents through rhododendron and oak forests, and a suspension bridge crossing. Enjoy the epic views along the way as the group climbs up 1380m in elevation today.
Ghorepani/Tadapani
Enjoy a morning excursion to Poon Hill for an unforgettable sunrise. The trail starts with a steep uphill climb through the rhododendron forest and offers panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges with sunrise over the peaks being the highlight of the day. After breakfast, the group will begin the moderate trek with some steep uphill and downhill trails all the way to Tadapani.
Tadapani/Chhomrong
Trek mostly uphill today from Tadapani to Chhomrong. The hike will take around 6 hours and offers expansive views as the group climbs higher and higher in elevation.
Chhomrong/Himalaya
Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya. Get an early start and catch the sunrise over the Annapurnas before heading out on the trail. Travel mostly uphill passing through dense forests and crossing several small streams and waterfalls on today's journey.
Himalaya/Annapurna Base Camp
Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp—the highest point of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. It is a challenging but rewarding day. The trail is surrounded by tall cliffs with the peaks of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare looming overhead. As the group approaches Annapurna Base Camp, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky.
Annapurna Base Camp/Bamboo
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo along the same trail as yesterday. Pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp along the way. This is a mostly downhill, enjoyable descent with striking views of some of the most magnificent mountains in the world.
Bamboo/Jhinudanda
Trek from Bamboo to Jhinudanda following the trail mostly downhill and crossing rivers and farmlands as the group travels lower and lower in elevation. Highlight of today is the natural hot springs in Jhinudanda where the group can soak and relax those tired muscles.
Jhinudanda/Pothana
Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana along a relatively easy portion of the trail with gentle ascents and descents. Wander through lush forests, pass terraced fields, and see traditional villages while enjoying this pleasant and scenic walk.
Pothana/Pokhara
Today the group will walk along the trail to Ghattekhola, where the trek ends. From there, drive back to Pokhara and celebrate the adventure completed.
Pokhara/Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu for a well-earned celebration. Today we return to Kathmandu where you will have free time perhaps some last minute shopping, or simply wander around the beautiful old Durbar Square or visit Bodhinath.
Kathmandu
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
