Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu (1400m / 4593ft)
On arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel.  The evening is free, but the tour leader will usually organise dinner (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.

Day 2: Pokhara (1400m / 4593ft)
You will have an early departure from the hotel today for your flight to Pokhara. The flight often boasts spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north. Retire for the evening at your centrally located accommodation and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan views. (B)

Day 3: Ghandruk (2020m / 6627ft)
Drive in a private vehicle to Kimche. From here you embark on a trek to Ghandruk (approximately 1.5 hours). Take in beautiful scenery and local village life along the way. The route soon climbs up to the village of Ghandruk, one of the biggest Gurung villages in the area. The difference in the Gurung’s lifestyle here to that of their neighbours in the lower areas is very apparent. Your accommodation for the next two nights, the beautiful Himalaya Lodge, is located in the shadow of Annapurna and overlooks the rest of Ghandruk, affording superior views of the mountains, agricultural terraces and various wildlife. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Ghandruk (2020m / 6627ft)
Enjoy a guided tour of Ghandruk village. Observe a fascinating mix of co-existing cultures, mainly Buddhist and Hindu. Gurung people (who are Buddhist) have the majority of settlement, but Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar, Damai, Kami and Saarki people also reside here. Your tour stops in Gurung Cultural Museum, which is a good chance to learn more about local life and history. Visit ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and the Ghandruk Monastery. This monastery has resident lamas, as well as a collection of religious scriptures. This is also the source of daily Tibetan chant music that is played out daily over the town. There may also be the option to venture south of Ghandruk to a beautiful traditional Gurung village (Gairi Gaon), which has slate-roofed houses clustered on a canyon wall.(B, L, D)

Day 5: Birethanti (1097m / 3600ft)
Trek to Birethanti (approximately 5 hours). This is a fairly easy walk, passing through Modi Khola river, rhododendron forest, and Syauli Bazaar. Birethanti is a small community set at the foot of Modi Valley and one of the main stops on the Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna Circuit treks. From here you can enjoy stunning views of the sacred Fish Tail Mountain in the distance. Later, relax and unwind at the Sanctuary Lodge, your accommodation for the night which was handcrafted by local artisans and offers spectacular views of Machapuchare in the distance. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Majhgaon (1408m / 4620ft)
Following a leisurely breakfast, trek to Majhgaon (approximately 3 hours). Begin by crossing the suspension bridge near the lodge, then head up the banks of the Modi River. This is a little-used trail that starts off on a rocky path and winds through a forested area. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy some lunch. Afterwards, perhaps choose to hike to nearby Tanchok village (approximately 1.5 hours), where there is a museum set in a traditional house. Reaching the Majhgaon village, enjoy views of the beautiful surrounding valleys and take the opportunity for photos. The photo opportunities continue as you retire to the lovely Gurung lodge, a collection of tribal-style houses and manicured gardens located on the edge of Majhgaon. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Pokhara (1400m / 4593ft)
Walk to Lumle today (approximately 2.5 hours). Chartered vehicles will be waiting for you at Lumle. Along the way you can perhaps stop at the Tibetan refugee camp, one of the first that was established in Nepal. If you choose to stop, meet one of the monks, who will show you around and explain the symbols and significances of the Tibetan culture and religion. Drive back to Pokhara (approximately 1.5 hours). Explore the lakeside and beach of Fewa lake and perhaps try Chilli, Byanjan or Moondance restaurants – all great options for dinner. (B, L)

Day 8: Pokhara (1400m / 4593ft)
In the late morning, embark on a boat trip around Fewa Lake. Visit Talbarahi Temple which is located on the lake itself (on a small island on the lake’s southeast section). This double-storey, pagoda-style temple is a place of both Buddhist and Hindu worship. Today you also visit the International Mountain Museum which is dedicated to the sacred peaks of Nepal and the people that live around them or have climbed them. Here there is a collection of equipment on display from many of the early expeditions in the Himalayas, as well information on their natural history. (B)

Day 9: Kathmandu (1400m / 4593ft)
Fly to Kathmandu in the late morning. With free time in the afternoon, perhaps do some last minute shopping. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Utsav Restaurant, dining on excellent Nepali food and enjoying a traditional dance performance. (B, D)

Day 10: Kathmandu
Farewell fellow travellers as your trip comes to an end. Be sure to check out the great range of optional Urban Adventures if you have extra time in Nepal. (B)

Inclusions

• Meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• Transport:On foot, Plane, Private van
• Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (5 nights), Ker & Downey Lodges Feature Stay (4 nights)

TPE-PHAT 2020

Images courtesy of IntrepidGroup