Annapurna Panorama Comfort Trek
This trek is an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of traditional life in the Nepali countryside, as you share the track with shepherds and donkey trains and witness traditional Nepali farming life. Along the way, there are some steep sections to get you up to those incredible views and you certainly have the classic experience of Himalayan trekking.
- Starts In: Pokhara
- Duration: 5 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Easy
Highlights
- Easy trekking (Himalayan easy, of course)
- Famous Nepali hospitality in gorgeous mountain lodges
- Stunning views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya
- Experience agricultural life of the locals of the mid-hills
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Hemja, Trek to Astam Village [1600m]
This morning we eat a hearty breakfast and all fueled up and ready to go, we have a short drive to the township of Hemja, where we swap wheels for boot power and make our way up the ridge-line (or an alternate route along a jeep trail), to the stunning ridge-top village of Astam.
The jeep trail starts off relatively steeply but then is a more gradual 2-3 hour climb up to the village, passing through one lovely village on the way where you can stop for a cup of Nepali tea. Alternatively you can take the forest and ridgeline trail on which you have a steep climb to start with and then follow the ridgeline with great views to the mountains (weather permitting) and enjoy the beautiful forest. You even come across a fascinating local shrine to the naga (snake gods) in a more shamanistic tradition compared with the Brahmin Hindu village we stay at tonight.
The village is beautiful in itself but it’s also superbly located with amazing views up to Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) in front centre, surrounded by the peaks of the Annapurna section of the Himalayan Range.
Walking time: Approx. 2-3 hours
Accommodation: Hana No Ie
Meals included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Trek from Astam Village to Dhampus [1700m]
This morning we rise to a spectacular view of the Annapurna section of the Himalayan Range (weather permitting as always) and a fantastic breakfast to get us ready for our day’s trek.
We hit the trail and follow the ridgeline to the beautiful Gurung village of Dhampus. The Gurung people are a famous ethnic group of Nepal, well known for their role in the Gorkha regiments of the Nepali, Indian and British armies. Tonight we stay in one of the famous Ker and Downey lodges, called the Basanta (meaning springtime) Lodge. We have amazing views from the garden and can relax with happy hour drinks and take it all in.
Walking time: Approx. 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Basanta Lodge
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Trek from Dhampus to Landruk [1590m]
After breakfast, we trek uphill through Pothana to Deurali through Rhododendron and orchid forest. From on top of the ridge at Deurali we have magnificent views of the mountains, including Mt Dhaulagiri, the highest mountain in this region. We enjoy the views while having a well earned rest and then we descend through forest to the small village of Tolka, a small Gurung village very rich in culture and very beautiful.
We proceed on to Beri Kharka and from here, the trail descends through scattered forests and villages to reach Landruk. Landruk is a large Gurung village situated above the Modi River where we will stay the night the beautiful La Bee Lodge
Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours
Accommodation: La Bee Lodge
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Landruk to Ghandruk [1940m]
After breakfast, our trail goes steeply down towards the Modi River for about an hour. We then head uphill again with a steep ascent for two to three hours sustained by the beautiful views of the Himalayas, terraced fields and scattered villages. Lunch will be served en-route and we continue on to reach Ghandruk where we will stay tonight in another lovely Ker and Downey Lodge
Ghandruk is a picturesque town of slate-roofed houses surrounded by terraced fields and is the biggest Gurung settlement in western Nepal. The Gurung people are one of Nepal’s most famous ethnic groups, known for their distinctive dialect, culture, costume, and life style. Ghandruk is also home to many soldiers from the famous Ghurkha regiments. From here we can have stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Fishtail/Machhapuchhare.
If time and energy permit, we can visit ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) head office, local museum and explore this charming village.
Walking time: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Ghandruk to Kimche [1638m], Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast we descend along gentle paved trails through forest and terraced fields to Kimchi (1638m), where we will say goodbye to our wonderful trekking crew and then take the 2 hour drive to Pokhara and drop you at your hotel of choice.
The rest of the day is free to relax or to explore this charming lakeside town, with its abundance of things to do, regardless of whether you are in an adventurous or relaxed frame of mind: you can go for a leisurely boat ride on the lake; visit one of the Tibetan villages that dot the area, where Tibetan carpets and other handicrafts can be obtained while supporting this vibrant refugee community; hire a bike and cycle along the lakeside; you can even try your hand at tandem paraglide with a professional pilot or the new zipline! Of course it is also lovely to just relax and take in the surroundings in one of the many lakeside cafes.
Driving time: Approx. 2 hours
Walking time: Approx. 1-2 hours
Accommodation: None
Meals included:
Breakfast
Gallery
Included In Price
- Meals as per the detailed itinerary with filtered drinking water
- Transfers to/from your trek
- Your trekking guide and porter, with all their transport, equipment, insurance and including their meals and accommodation during your trek
- A first aid kit with basic supplies appropriate for the group size and trek route – if you require specific medications it is critical that you discuss this with us prior to your trip departure
- Trekking permits and registration fees
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
- Single supplement
- Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (eg landslides, strikes, fuel shortages, etc)
