The Annapurna region has long been one of the most popular hiking regions in Nepal. This is not surprising as it offers the hiker an opportunity to walk through spectacular scenery amongst majestic mountain peaks. In addition you experience Nepali mountain life passing through Gurung villages clinging to the mountain sides where farming has continued unchanged in its methods for centuries, but now supported by providing hospitality for trekkers. You will walk through Rhododendron forests which offer an unforgettably colourful sight, and through giant bamboo stands  above fast-flowing mountain rivers filled with melt water as they pass through deep gorges.

Guided Walking

A guide is essential when trekking in the Himalaya. He will not only make sure that the correct paths are Trekking Himalaya Annapurna Foothills, Nepaltaken, but also ensure that you are looked after in the accommodation, manage the porters  and in addition, being fully conversant in English, will explain the scenery, culture, flora and fauna as you walk in this exotic land. We operate on a maximum of four clients to one guide, but if you are just a party of two persons - the guide will be yours alone. Our guides are all Nepali and usually from the region in which you are walking so be prepared for him to stop and chat with friends. He will manage the porters who carry your luggage. We also stress that New Experience Holidays  ensures that all our guides and porters are adequately paid, suitably  attired for high level hiking, and looked after by our local partners. In standard lodges the guides and porters will eat separately from guests - usually acting as your personal waiters and bearers of wake up tea! In most cases they stay in the same accommodation unless space determines otherwise.
  
Travelling to the Annapurna region

The gateway airport to the Annapurna Region is Pokhara,  located 200km west of Kathmandu. We have included flights to Pokhara with a flying time of 45 minutes. The airport here is in a valley location unlike Lukla used for Everest!  The return journey is  made by road in 6 – 7 hours and is a spectacular journey especially the entry/exit road into Kathmandu as you ascend/descend from the high plateau on which the city is perched. You travel along side fast flowing rivers, through gorges, alongside fields busy with buffalo tilling the soil and through Nepali villages. Your driver will make stops en route, but we have to say that road journeys in Nepal are not for passengers of a nervous disposition.  You can return by air or travel out by road if you wish.

Annapurna Foothills (standard graded hotels) Sample Itinerary

Our programme is subject to changes en route due to weather conditions. Should the need arise enroute, because of your individual circumstances, the guide may be able to alter the programme to suit your needs.  

Day 1 Depart from the UK

Day 2 Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.  Dinner at your leisure,  (not included) either in the hotel or in a local restaurant.

Day 3 Morning  in Kathmandu where you can take a city tour which we can arrange in advance, or just relax to recover from the journey. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for a 40 minute flight to Pokhara.  Overnight in Pokhara on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 4 Pokhara to Landruk. In the morning you will meet your guide and porter for the trip. You are then driven to Kande , eliminating the first 600m ascent  with 2000 steps, which would not be a great start! From here you walk along a ridge initially with fine views of the Matterhorn-like Fishtail mountain. Finish the day in Landruk (1565m).  Ascent 544m descent 615m 5 hours 13km.  

Day 5  Landruk to Jhinudanda. The day starts walking through lush jungle descending to the  Modi Khola river, crossed by a suspension bridge. Relax in the hot springs in Jhinudanda during the afternoon before your overnight stay here. Ascent 535m Descent 356m Time 4 hours Distance 6.5km  

Day 6  Jhinudanda to Ghandruk.  A steep descent back to the river is followed by an even steeper but worth while climb through terraced fields to the Nepali village of Uri where tea may be offered in true Nepali hospitality.  Continue on a level contouring path to Ghandruk.Ascent 600m  Descent 320m Time 5 hours Distance 8.3km

Day 7-8 Ghandruk to Tadapani (via Kot Danda for an overnight subject to space) .  Walk through dense Rhodedendron forests  - so spectacular during spring time but also in autumn with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy creating a magical effect especially if you are lucky enough to hear and see the langoor monkeys playing.  Overnight in Tadapani perched on a mountain top with amazing views of all the main peaks.  Sunsets are phenomenal. Ascent 720m, Descent 30m, Distance 9.7k, Time 4 hours.

Day 9 Tadapani to Ghorepani .  A day of contrasts with a morning climb through moist forest following waterfalls and moss covered vegetation rich in orchids.  After lunch at Deurali Pass, a wonderful ridge walk with spectacular views makes for a superb afternoon before descending to the lively village of Ghorepani – famous for its view point – Poon Hill. Ascent 645m Descent 440m Time 6 hrs Distance 9.5km

Day 10 Rest day and Poon Hill by daylight in Ghorepani

Day 11 Ghorepani to Ulleri or Hille. Rise before dawn to climb 460m up to Poon Hill for a rewarding Himalayan spectacle during sunrise. Return to the lodge for breakfast before descending a beautiful trail rich in Nepali culture to Ulleri 2020m. Ascent 83m, Descent 1351m, Time 6 hours, Distance 6 hours. (Hille)

Day 12 Ulleri /Hille to Pokhara.  You continue the descent to Birethanti where you meet your old friend the Modi Khola river whose path you follow for the last section to Nayapil (1070).  Here you are met and driven to your hotel in Pokhara for a well-earned rest.   Ascent 50m Descent 1000m 5 miles 4 hours

Day 13 Pokhara to Kathmandu . You can either fly back or travel by road (5 hours)to your hotel in Kathmandu. Breakfast only

Day 14 If catching a later flight you have the chance for some last minute shopping or sightseeing before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Day 15 Arrive home.

Luggage Transfer by Porter

Your luggage will be transferred by a (human) porter often referred to as a Sherpa. He will carry your luggage for the duration of the trek so you can just walk with a day rucksack.  Porters are limited to carry a maximum load of 30 kilos for tourists. To make their load easier to carry this will be two 15Kgs soft duffel bags. We provide these, and they will be waiting for you in Nepal. We suggest you take up to your airline baggage allowance  on the flight and then re pack into your duffel bag while in Kathmandu all items  necessary for the trek.  The remaining luggage such as clothes more suitable for Kathmandu can be left in your suitcase, which we will take care of whilst you are trekking.

Kathmandu

Nepal’s capital and largest city of 1 million people is located on a plateau at 1,400m and is a bustling, vibrant city rich in culture and heritage.  As soon as you leave the airport you are immediately consumed by the sights and smells of a way of life far removed from that of our own – it’s amazing! Most tourists stay and visit the oldest area of the city called Thamel, where the narrow streets are always bustling and every other shop is selling hiking gear at very reasonable prices.  There are also many restaurants in this area where you can sample some excellent Nepali and Tibetan food.  During your stay in the city it is worth taking a guided tour of the main attractions. Worth visiting is the great Durbar square full of ancient palaces, temples and artistic shrines where the Buddhist and Hindu religions predominate side by side.  Also take a trip to the Pashupatinath Hindu temple of Lord Shiva, renowned for its gold gilt roof and richly carved silver doors.

Pokhara

With only 10% of the population of Kathmandu, Pokhara is a quiet and peaceful place relative to the bustling capital. It lacks the historic and cultural architecture of Kathmandu, but the refreshing lakeside location and spectacular mountain backdrop with the famous ‘Fishtail’ mountain looking like a large Matterhorn in easy view, more than compensating for this. There is a very interesting museum of the mountains to visit and boats can be hired for a relaxing afternoon pottering on the lake. Pokhara is a superb place to spend a few extra days after your Annapurna trek. 

AMS –  Acute Mountain Sickness   

There is a risk when taking exercise above 2400m of AMS and all our treks to Nepal exceed this level. The higher you go the greater the effects but we ensure you receive a full briefing before you depart the UK and also your guide will monitor your health (as long as you let him know if you have any symptoms) during the ascending days. We have designed the treks to reduce the risks by insisting on acclimatisation days at critical levels.  

Group departure dates

These group departure dates are in addition to our Independent guided walking offerings. If when travelling to Nepal you wish to walk with other New Experiences hikers we have selected dates for this to be possible. The guiding is at a ratio of one per 4 hikers. 

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

The Lake Side Retreat, Pokhara - 3 Star

Nepal - Annapurna Standard Grade Hotels

Hotel Marshyangdi 3* Katmandu - 3 Star

Availability Information

It is possible to go to Annapurna Region anytime from mid September when the Monsoon finishes, through to late May when the Monsoon starts. With today’s unpredictable weather patterns there is a possibility that May and September will be affected by Monsoon rains. In the mid December – February winter months it will be cold as you climb higher and the walking may be affected by snow.  The best time to go is from October to December and during March and April. However, everyone has the same idea and although the weather may be at its best, the trails are busy which can detract from the experience. Travelling just out of season brings the rewards of empty accommodation and quiet trails.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.

When to book your walking holiday in Nepal - Annapurna Foothills Standard Grade Lodges

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
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