Another Annapurna

“Namaste”! Your driver welcomes you at Kathmandu airport and drives you to your hotel in the Thamel district. You will meet with your Nepal Travel Expert who will bring you some additional information about the organisation of your Annapurna circuit trek. Then, without further ado, you set out on foot to discover the Nepalese capital. This mythical and bubbling city is not one to be missed! Take this opportunity to do some shopping before your trek. The streets of Thamel are full of shops for trekkers, with plenty of supplies and snacks of all kinds. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to taste your first momos, delicious Tibetan raviolis emblematic of the region.
 

Today, you leave the capital and make your way to Pokhara. Sit back and relax as your driver navigates you through the varied landscapes. The road twists through steep mountains and secluded countrysides, home to pretty villages and many temples. Wave at the villagers wearing their traditional colored clothes and enjoy this magnificent journey.

Today, get ready for the first leg of your trek, from Nayapul to Ghandruk (5h walk) - 1,940 m. Start your hike to the village of Ghandruk, and discover its incredible nature and rich ethnic culture and lifestyle which attracts many tourists from around the world each year. Ghandruk is the most visited trekking region of Nepal owing to its unique beauty and cultural identity. The main attractions of Ghandruk village are the commanding view of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchre peaks, as well as the Gurung culture. Apart from that, the rural way of life, the untouched culture, the welcoming of guests, the local food and the view of the majestic mountains will blow your mind.

Today, be prepared to be awestruck by nature and snow-capped peaks on your trek from Ghandruk to Chomrong. Hike through lush vegetation that contrasts with the high snow-capped peaks. Start a small descent made of stairs to reach the banks of the Modi Khola River. You cross a series of small handcrafted bridges and the famous New Bridge, a wooden suspension bridge worthy of Indiana Jones. Take a tea break before leaving the rapeseed and millet fields for a long and regular climb which alternates between path and stone staircase in a forest of rhododendrons, the emblematic flower of Nepal. You arrive at the village of Chomrong from where you can admire the beautiful trail you have climbed. Night in a lodge at 2,170 m.

The path to the Himalaya Hotel begins with a steep descent into rocky scree before continuing on flat along the gorge, amid the bamboo, and still staying on the west side of the river. Then you cross the pastures of Tomo before finally arriving at the end of the gorge at Panchen Barah, where a small shrine is held. You will then go up to reach your destination: the Himalaya Hotel.

Staying always on the right bank of the Modi River, you advance through a valleythis time wider, to finally enter the Annapurna Sanctuary. Congratulations, you have achieved a world-famous climb, and probably one of the most beautiful. Right in front of you, you will be able to observe the glacier of Annapurna South. You are now at Machapuchare Base Camp, where you spend the night.

Today, after an hour of walking, you reach the Annapurna Base Camp. Once there, take a day off to enjoy the surroundings and the stunning nature around you. If you wish, you can walk to the base of the Annapurna South, before returning to the Base Camp where you spend the night.

Today marks the start of your return journey. Wake up in the morning to contemplate the soft morning lights illuminating the circus of the summits that rise around you. After your breakfast, it's time to start a long descent to the Modi Khola Valley. In this sense, you observe the landscapes of your ascent from another point of view with wonder. You make a stop in Deurali at 3200m where you have your lunch. Perhaps you have the opportunity to taste Dal bhat, the traditional and emblematic dish of Nepal, a spicy lentil rice. Then, you find the rhododendron forests before arriving in Dobhan.

After a good breakfast, set off to begin the descent that brings you to New Bridge. Almost throughout your day, the snowy face of Annapurna South faces you, giving you courage for your descent. Observe again the change of landscapes between a high mountain universe, to a bamboo forest where you recognise the village of Bamboo. Still on the same side of the Modi Khola River, you pass through Sinuwa in a beautiful rhododendron forest where you come across many sheep. You then begin a fairly steep climb made of stone stairs to Chomrong before plunging towards New Bridge.

Today, take the New Bridge and continue on a beautiful route that crosses torrents, waterfalls, glades and forests to Landruk, a charming little village in the heart of terraced cultures. Stop to enjoy a tasty Tibetan salted butter tea as you contemplate a beautiful unobstructed view of the lush valley of Modi and Annapurna South which stands out against the blue sky. You gradually climb up to Tolka, still surrounded by beautiful vegetation. This is a village typical of the region, with its brick houses painted white, pierced with many small windows. Climb to a pass at 2,100m and follow the ridge before descending to Pothana.

Your trek in the Annapurna Sanctuary ends today. Get ready for the last leg of your trek, which brings you from Pothana to Pedhi . You start your last day of walking via the village of Dhampus with a small gradual descent. Turn around from time to time. Behind you: Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Machhapuchhare, the sacred mountain that has never been climbed. You arrive at Phedi where a vehicle awaits you to take you to Pokhara.

Today, your private drvier brings you from Pokhara to Kathamndu. Sit back and relax as your driver navigates you through the varied landscapes. The road twists through steep mountains and secluded countrysides, home to pretty villages and many temples. Take this moment to reflect on your achievements and the beautiful trek you have experienced surrounded by pristine and majestic nature. Upon arrival in the Kathmandu, why not take this moment to try some Nepalese cuisine?

Depending on the schedule of your international flight, you may still have time to venture into Kathmandu to enjoy its endearing atmosphere. Stroll through the old town near Durbar Square. Although damaged by the 2015 earthquake, life is in full swing in this picturesque historic district. Why not hop in a taxi to discover Patan. This ancient royal city of the Kathmandu Valley has kept its atmosphere, identity and an exceptional heritage! Eat a last meal of momos, delicious Tibetan dumplings, before being taken to the airport for your flight home. End of our services.