Today your Nepal adventure begins! After breakfast, at around 9.30am, our tour guide and private vehicle will collect you from your hotel to take you to some of the most historical and interesting heritage sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley has no less than seven world heritage sites; today we will cover three of them:

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa (or Monkey Temple as it’s often known) has great importance to the Valley’s indigenous Newar population whose religion is a unique blend of Buddhism and Hinduism. We reach the top by a long staircase from the east. In addition to devotees, visitors can see many monkeys on the climb up to the stupa (please do not feed or pet them) and have a wonderful view over Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Here in the early morning and late afternoon, hundreds of Tibetan and Nepali Buddhists come to circumnavigate the stupa in prayer with the sound of spinning prayer wheels and the ringing of bells filling the air. It is possible to eat in one of the many good restaurants around the stupa. 

Pashupatinath: Pashupati Temple is the most holy and significant temple among worshipers of Lord Shiva.  Non-Hindus are not allowed into Pashupatinath Temple itself but by standing on the opposite banks of the Bagmati River, visitors can view the ghats where worship and ritual bathing takes place. A few metres downstream the burning ghats often present a horrific fascination. If that is too intimate, there are plenty of small shrines and trails to explore.

Shopping: There is just enough time to explore the tourist hub of Thamel and do some last-minute shopping for trekking essentials, such as nuts and other snacks.

After breakfast depart for Kathmandu domestic airport for your short flight to Pokhara. We will let you know your flight timing and airport pickup time the day before. On arrival in Pokhara transfer to a private vehicle and drive to Nayapul (approximately 1.5hrs). From here you will start your trek by hiking to Birethanti, a small village on the banks of the Modi River, which you will cross by suspension bridge. We can take lunch in one of the small teahouses before walking on and up to reach the Gurung village of Ulleri where we stop for the night. To reach Ulleri trekkers need to ascend over 3,000 stone steps. Quite exhausting but well worth it in the end for the sense of achievement and for the views! From Ulleri it is possible to see Annapurna South (7,219m) and Himchhuli (6,441m).  Now you know you are in the heart of the Himalayas!

Note: Alternatively you can drive all the way from Pokhara airport to Ulleri, saving yourself time and muscle! Please advise us in advance if you would like to know more about this option.

Today hike through rhododendron and pine forests.  The rhododendron is Nepal’s national flower and if you are here during the spring you will see why. They are glorious in their red blooms!  Today’s trek is not as arduous as yesterday, giving you time to catch your breath and really appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind, and caravans of donkeys or mules may pass you on the way as they carry goods further up the trail.  Tonight you reach the highest sleeping altitude on this trek (2,750m) where the air will be cold but will give you no altitude related problems. Sleep well, tomorrow is an early start!

Today is the highlight of your trek! Get up before dawn to hike around 1 hour up to the viewpoint at Poon Hill. Here watch sunrise (5.15am to 6.15am depending on the season) over the Himalayas. The panoramic view of several of the greats, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, and III, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri Himal and Machhapuchhare (famously known as Fish Tail because of its shape) will take your breath away. As the sun climbs over the mountains the beauty of the peaks only increases. On the practical side, there are now hot drinks available on Poon Hill (very welcome in the morning chill). You can enjoy your breakfast at the lodge after you walk down (approximately 1 hour) to Ghorepani, where you will collect your bags before trekking on to Tadapani (4-5 hours). Fall into bed in Tadapani for a well-deserved night’s rest!

Today is an easy trek through oak and rhododendron forests. From Tadapani the trail drops steeply through a dense forest of rhododendron trees. If you are here in the spring you will see the wonderful flowers of these trees in bloom. These are Nepal’s national flower! 

Once you arrive in Ghandruk there is time to explore the Gurung Museum to learn something about the local people. From Ghandruk there are stunning views of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.  

After breakfast set off from Ghandruk to hike through forests to Nayapul. From Nayapul it’s a 1.5 hour drive back to Pokhara.  Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Pokhara or relax by the lake for your last evening in the Annapurna.

After breakfast fly back to Kathmandu when again you will witness the mountains from your plane window. Tonight a farewell dinner will give you the chance to relive your adventure!

Depending on your flight time you will be transferred to the airport three hours prior to the departure time. In case your flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel which will incur extra charges as the check out time is usually 12 pm. Your airport representative will pick you up from your hotel accordingly and take you to the international airport for your onward flight.

Bon voyage and pheri bhetaula!