Nepal Trekking Holiday - Annapurna Gurung Trail

You will be met at Kathmandu airport and transferred to the Yak & Yeti Hotel for a three night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: Yak & Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu

This morning there is an option to take an early morning flight over the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Mount Everest.

Later your sightseeing tour of Kathmandu starts in Durbar Square which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Durbar, which means palace, is where kings were once crowned and ruled from. The massive complex consists of three main squares studded with palaces, temples, and courtyards. On the northeast side of the square is Hanuman Dhoka, the main entrance to the old royal palace and where the oldest temple of Kathmandu, Taleja Bhawani Temple is situated. Unfortunately, many of the buildings were severely damaged in an earthquake and restoration work is still going on.

Then enjoy an exhilarating rickshaw ride from Hanuman Dhoka to the busy Thamel tourist market. Although crowded and frenetic at times, it still retains an old-world charm, perpetuated by the rows of Tibetan prayer flags and cycle rickshaws that trundle by. The streets are lined with shops overflowing with brightly coloured items for sale.

It’s then a short drive to Patan, one of three Royal cities of Kathmandu Valley. In Patan, there are numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples and over 1000 monuments with fine wood and stone carvings. Patan’s Durbar Square is a mélange of the old royal palace (now a museum), artistic courtyards, and pagoda temples. There will be some free time to browse Patan’s handicraft market before returning to your hotel. Although the earthquake destroyed many of the old temples, Patan was the first of the 3 royal cities to rise above the rubble.

Accommodation: Yak & Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today you can enjoy a full day excursion to Bhaktapur which was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its well-preserved medieval buildings. Often referred to as the ‘Rome of Nepal’, Bhaktapur has some of the most breathtaking religious architecture in Nepal. Its three major squares, Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattatreya Square are studded with pagoda and shikhara-style temples. Without any traffic and pollution, Bhaktapur is by far the cleanest city in the Valley. Narrow stone-paved streets weave through red brick houses, leading to hidden temples, courtyards and water spouts

Bhaktapur is known for its handicrafts such as pottery, puppets and masks and is the ideal place to shop for souvenirs. After a comprehensive tour, there will be a chance to enjoy the delicious Juju Dhau ‘King’s curd’.

Accommodation: Yak & Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu

Meal Plan: Breakfast

This morning it’s a transfer to Kathmandu airport to board a short flight to Pokhara. You will be met at Pokhara airport and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation: The Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal and is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Nepal. The city is divided by the Seti Gandaki River and offers serene lakes and stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks creating an ambience of peace and magic.

Your tour of Pokhara includes a visit the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa), Davi’s Fall, Sarangkot, Mahendra Cave and the International Mountaineering Museum. Devi’s Fall (also known as Devin’s and David’s) is a lovely waterfall just a short drive away. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin/David) was washed away by the Pardi Khola river and mysteriously disappeared into an underground passage beneath the fall.

The day concludes with visits to some of Pokhara’s most famous lakes including the Phewa Lake for a wonderful scenic boat ride.

Accommodation: The Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Pokhara

Meal Plan: Breakfast

This morning you will be driven for about an hour to the trek starting point where you will be joined by your guide and porters. The morning trek begins along the ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurna, offering spectacular views of the Pokhara Valley. The route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where you will arrive at the Sanctuary Lodge for the afternoon and overnight stay. There are magnificent views from the lodge of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain (or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known). The afternoon is free to relax in the lodge’s attractive gardens to watch darting birds and vibrant butterflies. Or you can take a guided walk to the nearby village of Birethanti with its paved streets, riverside cafes and waterfalls.

Trek time 3-4 hours

Accommodation: The Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti

Meal Plan: Full Board on trek

After breakfast, you leave the lodge for today’s uphill trek. Following the Modi Khola River and with a constant view of Mt. Machhapuchhre, you climb the valley towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. In the afternoon you will arrive at Ghandruk village, the home to the famous Gurkha soldiers. Here you can take a walk through the village, visit monasteries, local farms and the weaving centre run by Gurung women or take a look at the small Gurkha Museum.

The fascinating Himalaya Lodge, constructed around a 19th century Gurung village house offers a dining room and comfortable accommodation for your overnight stay.

Trek time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk

Meal Plan: Full Board on trek

Your early wakeup call is well worth it for amazing sunrise views over the mountain peaks of Annapurna, Himchuli, Gangapurna, and Fishtail Mountain.

After breakfast, your trek first descends steeply through terraced fields to the banks of Modi River before crossing the suspension bridge. The trek then continues uphill passing through the cliffs into Landruk village offering views of the Annapurna Range. You may see some honey hunters climbing ropes in the quest for wild bee honey.

The early afternoon arrival in Landruk gives you free time to relax in the grounds of La Bee Lodge which offers spectacular views of the mountains, or explore the village and its equally stunning views before enjoying a cuppa at a local tea shop.

Your accommodation for the night the La Bee Lodge earns its name from the traditional honey collectors. Meals and drinks are served in the main lounge of the lodge set around two large fire pits, which are the focus of each evening and a lovely place to relax after a day of walking.

Trek time: 4 hours

Accommodation: La Bee Lodge, Landruk

Meal Plan: Full Board on trek

After breakfast, today’s easy trek is mostly flat to Majgaon.  The trail passes through farmlands and pretty villages that have remained unchanged for centuries. There are excellent views of the Annapurnas behind you. You will arrive at Majgaon in the early afternoon and stay overnight at Gurung Lodge. The Lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village, and every room has antique carved windows offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. In the afternoon you can relax in the gardens or take a walk to the village with your guide.

Trek time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Gurung Lodge, Majgaon

Meal Plan: Full Board on trek

This morning begins with a trek through the charming village of Patlekhet before passing through sub-tropical forests with orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, you will stop at Pothana village where many Tibetan traders live and sell souvenirs.

After about 4-5 hours trekking, you will arrive at the Basanta Lodge for an overnight stay. Set on the outskirts of Dhampus, the Lodge overlooks the valley back towards Pokhara. After lunch there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus which is on the route to Annapurna Base Camp and a gateway to the Annapurna conservation area.

In the evening a wonderful place to watch the sunset over the mountains is from the large grassy terrace at Basanta Lodge. The lodge also offera a cosy dining room with fire, a small bar and a view from all rooms.

Trek time: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Basanta Lodge, Dhampus

Meal Plan: Full Board on trek

After breakfast, the trek continues for about 90 minutes along the ridge, descending through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley. Your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Pokhara for an overnight stay at the Temple Tree Resort and Spa.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Gurkha Museum which displays countless photographs and items such as uniforms and medals, including the Victoria Cross.

Trek time 1.5 hours

Accommodation: The Temple Tree Resort and Spa, Pokhara

Meal Plan: Full Board on trek

Transfer to Pokhara airport for a short flight to Kathmandu, and then travel from Kathmandu airport to the Yak and Yeti Hotel for an overnight stay.

In the afternoon, visits to Boudhanath and Pashupatinath are included.

The ancient Stupa of Boudhanath, a World Heritage Site, is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Gazing out from the gilded central tower, the wise eyes of Buddha seem to be watching over thousands of pilgrims who gather daily to make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome. In the evening the whole place lights up with butter lamps and the wafting smell of sage giving a calming effect. The plaza surrounding the Stupa is open to people of all religions and Tibetan monks along with other devotees can be seen spinning prayer wheels, chanting mantras, or just strolling in silence around the monument.

On the banks of Bagmati River lies the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. Pashupati is a manifestation of Shiva and means ‘The Lord of Animal’. This temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The premise consists of temples, ashrams, idols, and inscriptiona added over centuries. The main temple within the complex is pagoda shaped with a golden roof and silver doors on all four sides of the temple. The Pashupati area is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimages for Hindus with thousands of devotees from around the world visiting every day. The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but you can get a good view of the temple from the opposite bank of the river. Every evening an aarti (light offering) to Lord Shiva is performed which can be observed from across the river.

Accommodation: Yak and Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu

Meal Plan: Breakfast

You will be transferred to Kathmandu airport to board your return flight home to your onward destination.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Guide Price: £2,490 per person on a twin basis

Meal Plan: Full Board on trek, Bed & Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Best Season: March-May, October-November

Clothes: Woollens with appropriate layers and footwear for trekking, footwear.

Included in price:

• Accommodation for 12 nights on double occupancy
• All road travel by a private chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle
• Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu flights in economy class
• All trek arrangements including an English-speaking trekking guide, porters, duffle bag, walking stick, poncho, water bottle and a hat
• Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• All scheduled sightseeing with an English-speaking guide
• ACAP Trek permit fee

Not included in the price:

• International flights
• Nepal visa fees
• Insurance
• Meals not included in the meal plan
• Expenses of personal nature (like laundry, phone calls, room service, drinks)
• Tips

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this tour is just an example to help inspire you.

This tour can be combined with a range of options such as an extended tour of Nepal or Bhutan, a visit to some of India’s World Heritage Sites or a relaxing beach extension in the Maldives. For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

ABTA and ATOL Protected Holidays

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.