Annapurna Foothills: Trekking in Style

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Gokarna Forest Resort.

Gokarna Forest Resort is located inside the temperate Gokarna Forest, the former Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal. A winding road climbs through the forest, up to the main complex, comprising a mix of subtly majestic Malla period architecture, Rana period lodges, and sanctuaries harmoniously blending with nature. A quiet peaceful haven set between ancient towering trees with glimpses of the second fairway in the valley below make the perfect getaway for golf, enchanting forest walks, relaxation and rejuvenation at the Spa, as well as time close to nature.

Overnight height: 300m

After an optional early morning flight to Mount Everest, you fly to Pokhara (1000 m). On arrival you will have a briefing at our office before you are transfered by road (1 hour) with guides & porters to your trek start point.

Today your walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with wonderful views of the Pokhara Valley. The route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downeys Sanctuary Lodge is located.

The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre. A picnic lunch is provided when you arrive late afternoon arrival at the Lodge.

Trek: 3 - 4 hours

Overnight height: 1150m

After breakfast, you leave Sanctuary Lodge walking out through farms following the Modi River Valley. Soon you 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.

Located at over 6,500 feet in the shadow of the Annapurna, the Himalaya Lodge overlooks Ghandruk, once a popular recruitment location for the Ghurkhas. With 11 comfortable rooms and stunning mountain views the Himalaya Lodge is a favourite amongst our trekkers.

Trek: 5 - 6 hours

Overnight height: 2012m

You wake up this morning with tea and coffee served in the garden and watch 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, your guide will take you 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.

Walk: 2 - 3 hours optional

Overnight height: 2012m

After breakfast, you leave the Himalaya Lodge walking out through the village of Ghandruk. Buffaloes and goats graze in the surrounding fields and you may have to make way for the donkey and mule trains that convey goods to and from the Gurkha settlements. You may also meet some of the trekkers coming down from or heading up to the Sanctuary itself.

You continue descending for about 2 or 3 hours until you reach Shauli Bazaar. From here, follow the Modi River until reaching the Sanctuary Lodge. You’ll have lunch at the lodge followed by another optional to walk to explore the village of Birethanti. Or you may choose to spend the afternoon relaxing by the riverbank.

Trek: 4 hours

Overnight height: 1150m

Following a leisurely breakfast,  leave the Sanctuary lodge and trek to Ker & Downeys Gurung Lodge at 1450 meters. You cross the bridge nearby the lodge and start heading up the Modi River. This is a little used trail that starts off on a rocky path along the riverbank and then meanders though a forested area.

Youll then reach a long, winding stone staircase, which you ascend to reach the village of Waday. From Waday there are far reaching views of the whole valley. Your trek continues though the small villages of Patlekhet and Majgaun before arriving at the Gurung Lodge.

Gurung lodge is a charming collection of traditional houses and manicured gardens on the edge of the Majgaun village. Located at 4.620 feet the views of surrounding valleys are truly incredible and provide excellent photographic opportunities.

After lunch, you may chose to do a hike up to the nearby village of Tanchok, where there is a traditional house now made into a museum. The contents of the house illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life. You may also choose to visit the local school.

Trek: 3 - 4 hours to Gurung Lodge, optional 1 - 2 hours Tanchok walk

Overnight height: 1450m

This morning you start out trekking through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. Your walk takes you through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, you will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. After about 3 ½ hours, you arrive at the Basanta Lodge. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.

Trek: 3 - 4 hours

Overnight height: 1525 m

After breakfast, you depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor.

You then transfer by vehicle to the Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara (30 minutes). On the way back to Pokhara, you can visit the Tibetan refugee camp where you will have time to explore the temple complex.

You’ll arrive at the centrally located Temple Tree Resort in time for lunch. The rooms at the Temple Tree are filled with ethnic touches. Surrounding the rooms are landscaped gardens, water features, a swimming pool and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll have a chance to enjoy lunch and dinner at local restaurants. The afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan curio shops are located.

Trek: 1 - 2 hours

Overnight height: 830 m

After breakfast you fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll visit Durbar Square. Kathmandus Durbar Square was where the citys kings were once crowned and legitimised, and from where they ruled (Durbar means ‘palace). As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandus most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. You’ll then have lunch in a local restaurant, before visiting Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. From here return to the hotel, where the rest of the day is free.

Overnight height: 1300 m

Transfer to the airport for your international departure home.