Gone are the days when trekking in Nepal used to be associated with a physically demanding activity that also included sleeping on hard mattresses and snacking on limited food items available locally. Our logistically planned out ‘comfort’ lodges that are strewn across the Annapurna lowlands are perfectly suited for the soft trekkers who wish to have the luxury of ensuite bathroom facility in their private rooms with available hot shower at their disposal. This trek entrails overnight stops at four of our major trek lodges in the outskirts of Pokhara which also have gratifying mountain views of the elusive Annapurna region.
Days | Program | Accommodation |
Day 1 | Arrive Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Full day visits In Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 3 | Fly to Pokhara, afternoon visits | Pokhara |
Day 4 | Drive to trek to Sanctuary lodge / Birethant | Lodge |
Day 5 | Trek to Himalaya lodge / Ghandruk | Lodge |
Day 6 | Trek to La Bee lodge / Landruk | Lodge |
Day 7 | Trek to Mala lodge / Tamijung | Lodge |
Day 8 | Trek to Basanta loge / Dhampus | Lodge |
Day 9 | Trek back to Pokhara, Fly back to Kathmandu | Kathmandu |
Day 10 | Final Departure |
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from LuxuryDMC will meet you at the airport and escort you to your designated hotel. The representative will help you check into hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
OPTIONAL: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
One of the must-see landmarks of Nepal is, of course, the highest peak in the world – Mount Everest. An awe-stricken silence comes close to matching the experience of a mountain flight.
For one hour, you’ll fly over the Eastern Himalayan Ranges of Nepal where some of the highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest lie for a surreal feeling as you come face to face with the world’s tallest and most enigmatic of Mountains. Even those visitors who like the rigors of a trek won’t miss the opportunity to “conquer” the mountains in one stunning swoop.
Embark on the day’s visits.
BOUDHANATH: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is a spherical stupa structure imposing at a height of 36 meters with three massive Mandala style platforms. Located 08 kilometres east of Kathmandu, the stupa with four pairs of eyes at the four cardinal directions is believed to be keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
The durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country’s capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath.
THAMEL
After sightseeing tour of Durbar Square get on a rickshaw (tricycle) for an interesting 20-minute ride to the tourist hub of Thamel. Travelers and the locals consider it a tourist haven. Its filled with narrow streets, all lined with budget hotels, small shops selling everything from food and provisions to clothes, carpets, walking gears, music CDs, DVDs, handicrafts, paintings which make it an ideal place for souvenir shopping. The area also has some very good restaurants when you need to stop for munching.
Overnight in Hotel
Our representative will assist you till the departure terminal at domestic airport just in time before you will board a short-sweet 25 minutes flight to the beautiful Pokhara.We transfer by road with guides & porters to our trek start point {1.5 hour}. Our walk will follow a ridge line in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. Lunch is at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the village of Birethanti. Or you may choose to spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding river valley (Trek time 3-4 hours)
After breakfast, we leave the lodge walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. Soon we begin to climb out of the valley & up towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks are provided along the trail. Hot lunch is served on arrival at the lodge in the early afternoon. (Trek time 5-6 hours). It is from this lodge that there are magnificent close up views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight in Lodge
We wake up this morning with tea and coffee served in the garden and watches the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the Fishtail. After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, our guide will take us on an exploration of this mountain village and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, we start our trek to to Lhandruk. After leaving the village of Ghandruk, the trail descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River. Here, you’ll be at the base of the cliffs where the famed honey hunters of Nepal climb on ropes to collect the honey. You’ll then cross a strong suspension bridge to the opposite banks of the Modi. From here is it about a hour’s trek up switch backs and steps to reach the village of Lhandruk. Lhandruk affords more glorious views of the Annapurna range. (Trek time approx. 4 hours). Arrive in time for lunch. Your guide will take you on a exploration hike of this mountain village after lunch
Following a leisurely breakfast, we leave La Bee lodge & trek to Mala Lodge at 1445 meters. Today’s trek contours the side of the hill, with small ups and downs, passing through villages and farmland. Trek time to the Lodge is about 4 hours. You’ll reach the Lodge in time for lunch with optional afternoon hikes to the surrounding villages.
This historic flight will take you right up to the Annapurna Base Camp, the most coveted dream of most of the avid trekkers. Soaking in nearly 360 degrees view of the Annapurna mountain ranges, you will certainly have an everlasting impact to your lifetime memory. Landing at the renowned Annapurna Base Camp 4,130 Mts. (13,550 Ft.) After a brief photo session, we return to Pokhara
Check in at hotel and later, proceed for the sightseeing of David’s fall and boat ride in Phewa Lake.
Locally known as Patale Chhango (or Hell's fall), Devi's fall is an amazing waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. It was named after Devi, a Swiss lady who was swept away when the floodgates were accidently opened, never to be seen again. Also visit the Tibetan Refugee camp.
BOATRIDE AT FEWA LAKE
Spend a quiet time boating in the ultimate lake where the reflections of Mount Annapurna and Machhapuchhre range falls. You will also see a variety of fishes while boating. An island temple is located at the middle of the lake. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake. It’s hard to escape the draw of Phewa Lake and any visitor with even a few spare minutes should endeavour to take a boat out on the water to fully experience the wonderful views of the reflected mountains.
Rest of the day at leisure or free for own activities.
Overnight in Hotel
Fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival visit Bhaktapur and Pashupatinath.
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Located 12 km east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon literally meaning ‘the City of Devotees’ is the smallest city in the Kathmandu valley. Its Main Square or ‘Layaku’ is famous for the 15th century Palace of 55 Carved Windows with the Golden Gate as a royal entrance. In front of the palace building are innumerable temples and architectural showpieces including the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla mounted on a giant stone pillar and the stone temple of Vatsala Devi; another beautiful example of Shikhara-style architecture. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the Bell of Barking Dogs. This was erected in 1737 by King Ranjit Malla; its sounding announced the beginning and end of a daily curfew.
Pasupatinath temple: It is a pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to lord Shiva and is situated at the bank of the holy Bagmati River. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world, where only Hindus are permitted to enter the main courtyard of the temple. Tourists can view the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River.
Overnight at Hotel
Transfer to the International Airport to connect the flight for onward journey.
Included in the costs:
• Meet and assist at the airport by our office representative
• Arrival and Departure transfers by private vehicle.
• 3 Nights accommodation at Kathmandu on BB basis.
• 5 Nights accommodation at lodges on full board basis.
• 1 Nights accommodation at Pokhara on full board basis.
• Guided 6 days trekking necessary supporting staffs i.e. 1 trek guide & porters (1 porter per 2 clients. Porter will carry maximum weight of 30 kgs only)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)& TIMS Permit Fee
• All Pick up transfer to/from Pokhara by a private air conditioned vehicle.
• Domestic Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu including airport tax
• All sightseeing transfers in Kathmandu by an English speaking local guide.
• Monument fees during sightseeing.
• Farewell dinner at selected local restaurant.
Not included in the costs:
· International airfares
· Nepal visa fees & Immigration assistance (visa fee subject to change, if revised)
· Supplement for a specialized trek guide
· Any beverages, including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc.
· Meals not mentioned in the above itinerary.
· Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls etc.
· The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.
· Rescue, Evacuation & Insurance
· Tips for the staffs
· Any other items not mentioned in the cost inclusion