Annapurna Adventure

This wonderful journey explores the spectacular world of the Annapurna Himal, one of the most culturally rich and intensely scenic regions of Nepal. Here we can experience a marvelous Himalayan realm—at moderate elevation—as we hike village-to-village in the Annapurna foothills under the gaze of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and other soaring ice-clad peaks. After each day’s hike, our overnights are in mountain lodges that feature amazing views, private rooms, and en suite bathrooms with showers. Our magnificent adventure continues with a relaxing float trip on the remote Seti River and exciting gameviewing by elephant in Royal Chitwan National Park, haunt of the Bengal tiger.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-3
Kathmandu / Pokhara / Lamakhet

After exploring the intriguing temples and bazaars of Kathmandu, we fly to Pokhara and head into the Annapurna foothills with our guides and porters. Hiking a ridgeline with fantastic panoramas, we contour above the Modi Khola Valley to our first lodge, enjoying magnificent views of sacred, twin-summited Machapuchare (22,943').

Days 4-5
Ghandruk

Hiking beautiful trails through terraced fields and rhododendron forests, we reach the classic village of Ghandruk (6,600'), with its handsome homes and maze of cobbled lanes. We enjoy a full day to explore this village of Gurung, Magar, Chetri, and Brahman hill tribes, with the peaks of the Annapurnas forming an eye-popping backdrop.

Days 6-8
Lamakhet / Majgaun / Pokhara

Lush subtropical scenery surrounds us as we hike through riverside settings and little-visited hamlets. Always with us, gleaming beneath the blue sky, are the snowy summits of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. On Day 8, we descend to the Pokhara Valley and overnight at the charming Shangri La Village Resort.

Day 9
Seti River Camp

We enjoy a relaxing float by raft down the Seti River, watching village life along its banks. Overnight at a well-appointed safari-style river camp, with dinner around an open fire.

Days 10-15
Tiger Tops / Kathmandu

Royal Chitwan National Park is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Asia, home to endangered one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers. From Tiger Tops Lodge and Tented Camp, we enjoy gameviewing by 4WD vehicle and by elephant—an unforgettable experience! Return to Kathmandu on Day 13 and depart on Day 15.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 4, Moderate to Strenuous. We have five hiking days, hiking approximately 3-6 hours a day (6 to 8 miles) on moderate to steep trails at altitudes below 6,600 feet. The steepest hike is in the middle of the trek, when we ascend 2,850 feet from Lamakhet to Ghandruk village. For the most part, you can go at your own speed. The group spreads out along the trail during the day, with our guides hiking along with us to make sure that everyone finds the way. There is ample opportunity for exploring the villages and beautiful surroundings and, of course, for photography.
    
The Annapurna area provides a truly ideal Himalayan trekking experience, relatively short yet intensely scenic. Incredible mountain panoramas and cultural variety make it among Nepal’s most fascinating trekking areas.         

Even though you carry only a daypack (with camera, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, and other small necessities you may need while on the trail), we recommend you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. Anyone in good health who enjoys hiking should find this trek enjoyable.

Explanation of Trip Levels