Trek Annapurna

Typical itinerary

1. Day 1: Depart the UK

   Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Kathmandu.  

2. Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu

   On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city. After some time to relax after the journey, take a short orientation walk to the famous Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return for dinner at the hotel, before an early night, ready for the challenge ahead. 

3. Day 3: Transfer to Pokhara

   After breakfast, transfer by private bus to Pokhara, passing by rural scenery giving an insight into the small towns and villages beyond Kathmandu. After arriving in Pokhara, there will be some free time at the hotel to relax before a trek briefing, followed by dinner at the hotel.

4. Day 4: Trek Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga

   After breakfast, drive out from Pokhara to the trek starting point. The first section crosses a suspension bridge, over the Modi Khola River,, before slowly ascending through scenic terraced fields and mountain villages. During the trek you are likely to encounter mule or goat caravans carrying supplies, distinctive by ringing bells. Towards the end of today, as the village of Tikhedhunga draws near, the peaks of Machhapuchare and Annapurna 1 come into sight for the first time.  

5. Day 5: Trek Day 2: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

   Today starts with a steep ascent then, after a rest stop, the trek takes a gradual uphill route, passing small village and terraces, before reaching  Ghorepani. Along today’s route, the group will pass rhododendron forests, typically found in this part of the Himalayas.  If it is a clear day, you will be rewarded with stunning mountain views from Ghorepani (2,570 metres), making the challenging section very rewarding.  Form here, views stretch across the rolling valleys to the northwest and the famous Dhaulagiri.

6. Day 6: Trek Day 3: Ghorepani to Tadapani

   Waking up before dawn, today's trek begins in the darkness by torch light to the stunning viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210 metres). Arriving before sunrise, groups will be able to witness the dawn breaking and the stunning illumination of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with its surreal pink glow, before the sun slowly climbs up and the full Annapunra Panorama comes into view. Afterwards, return to Ghorepani for breakfast, before a shorter day's trekking to the village of Tadapani, again through rhododendron forests and small villages.

7. Day 7: Trek Day 4; Tadapani to Ghandruk

   Today’s trek starts with steady descent through a forested hillside, with some steep sections to watch out for. Upon arrival at the small settlement Bhaisi Kharka, stop for a tea break before continuing the descent and meeting the path to Kyunri Khola until the village of Ghandruk, where you will overnight. This is a traditional mountain village, which has prospered from the famous Gurkha soldiers returning home and settling here.

   For the rest of the day the group can relax and enjoy magnificent views of the famous Annapurna Panorama, Fishtail Mountain, plus Annapurna South, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli.  If it is a clear night, star-gazing here is an awe-inspiring learning experience for pupils.

8. Day 8: Trek Day 5: Ghandruk to Kimchee

   After breakfast, descend slowly, passing small villages clutching the mountain side. As the trail continues, you will join a wider section and maintain the ridge descent slowly. Passing through the village of Kimchee (1,670 metres), pupils can enjoy a scenic picnic spot for lunch, overlooking the mountains above and the valleys below. In the afternoon, the surroundings become greener as you descend into the valley and your overnight stop.  A highlight of today’s trek is the opportunity to visit a natural hot spring and sooth your feet in the naturally heated waters. 

9. Day 9: Trek Day 6: Kimchee to Nayapul; drive to Pokhara

   Today is the final day of the trek, following the valley to the village of Nayapul. This is followed by a return drive into Pokhara, after which there is free time for pupils to relax before the end of trek celebration dinner with the guides and porters.

10. Day 10: Return to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur

    After breakfast, return to Kathmandu by road, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhaktapur en route. A local guide will take the group through the old town and historical centre. The city is renowned for its temple, courtyards and art markets.

11. Day 11: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

    After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Kathmandu, visiting the most important Buddhist and Hindu temples in the city, before visiting the famous Swayabhunatha Temple, or as it is commonly known, the ‘Monkey Temple’.

    After lunch, there is time for some final souvenir shopping, before the final night dinner at a local restaurant.

12. Day 12: Fly back to the UK

    After an early breakfast, depart for Kathmandu airport for the return flight to the UK.