Annapurna Dhaulagiri

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu

Activities:

• On arrival in Kathmandu, you are met at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with a Peregrine sign outside the terminal.
• After you settle into the hotel there’ll be a group briefing with your tour leader in the late afternoon. He will discuss the trek details and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements.
• The evening is free, but usually our tour leader will organise dinner (optional) at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.

Day 2: Kathmandu

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu

Activities:

• This morning we explore Kathmandu on an organised sightseeing tour which includes: Bodhnath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa; we also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats.
• The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further sightseeing and exploration.
• In the late afternoon you will be issued with your Trek Pack and departure information for the next morning.

Day 3: Shyauli

Travel time: Flight time: approx 30 min; driving time: approx 1.5 hours; trekking: approx 2.5 hours

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Activities:

• We have an early departure from the hotel for our flight to Pokhara which usually offers spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the north.
• In Pokhara we are transferred by road (private bus) to the starting point of the trek at Nayapul. Our porters will be waiting and after a brief stop to stretch our legs and for the porters to organize the load, we set off on our walk.
• We walk through the busy trading post of Nayapul. We cross a small stream via suspension bridge and continue on a dirt road before crossing the Modi River to reach Birethanti. At Birethanti, the trekking permits are checked at the Annapurna Conservation Check Post. We continue to traverse following the Modi Khola upstream passing through settlements inhabited by the Chettris and Brahmins. On a clear day looming majestically in the distance we can see the Machhapucharre (6993m).
• We reach the small hamlet of Shyauli Bazaar where we stop for the day.

Day 4: Ghandruk

Activities:

• Today we start the climb to Ghandruk. The trail gradually climbs out of Shyauli and we cross a steel suspension bridge. From here the trail climbs more steeply up stone steps through settlements of Klieu, Kimche and Chane, where one can see beautiful scenery and village life.
• From the small village of Chane the trail traverses and then climbs up to the village of Ghandruk, where we stop for lunch and spend the night. Ghandruk is one of the biggest Gurung villages in the area and one can see the difference in the lifestyle of the Gurungs to that of their neighbours in the lower areas. Ghandruk is well known for the number of its menfolk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments.
• From our lodge at Old Ghandruk, we have spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Machapuchhare (6993m) and Hiunchuli (6434m).

Day 5: Tadapani

Activities:

• Another day ascending, but an easier walk now that we have found our trekking legs! Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind we enter oak and rhododendron forest. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk, the forest often alive with the sound of birds, the small tumbling waterfalls and if you visit in spring, (late March to April) the rhododendron in full bloom.
• There are no villages on today’s route, but there are a few teahouses at Baisi Kharkha providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There are fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way.
• Our lodge at Tadapani is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views.

Day 6: Bayli Kharka

Activities:

• We leave the main trail that leads to Ghorepani and follow a rarely used trail initially through a thick rhododendron forest that leads to local water buffalo pastures. The climb is gradual and we soon emerge above the tree line to superb views of the Annapurna range.
• We take lunch by a small stream and then continue to climb gradually though open countryside to reach a small pass, where our trail descends through rhododendron to an open clearing known as Bayli Kharka and our lodge.
• From the lodge there are great views of Dhaulagiri Himal.

Day 7: Upper Chistibung

Activities:

• This morning we descend through open ground and forest to reach the pastures of Lower Chistibung, where we have lunch.
• After lunch we continue to walk through forest, ascending gradually and passing through several buffalo grazing pastures to reach a clearing and temporary herder’s settlement at Upper Chistibung, where we stay in the small community lodge.
• For the next week we will stay in lodges run by the local communities. We have contributed to the construction of these lodges, which is all part of a series of local projects. Being off the beaten track the villages have previously not enjoyed the benefits of tourism. Now with the network of our Community Lodges, profits are going to benefit local projects and schools.

Day 8: Kopra Ridge

Activities:

• To reach the ridge at Kopra we have a steady climb that takes us above the tree line. This area is noted for wildlife and we should keep our eyes open for Himalayan tahr and Danfe pheasant. The best way to tackle the climb is to ascend steadily, take our time and rest as often as we wish.
• We reach our lodge on Kopra Ridge in time for lunch and we will be greeted more fantastic views. This extraordinary panorama includes Annapurna South, towering directly above and only six kilometres away, and Fang and Nilgiri prominent to the north, whilst across the depths of the Kali Gandakhi Valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire western skyline.
• The Kopra Community Lodge is the highlight of our work in the region. Profits from this lodge have contributed to the secondary school at Nangi, which we visit in a few days time.

Day 9: Swanta

Activities:

• From Kopra Ridge we descend off the hillside and continue steeply downhill. We retrace our route back to Chistibung.
• We then head to the village of Swanta, where we overnight in the newly constructed lodge. We have supported the local school over the years, and there is time to pay a quick visit, and perhaps interact with the kids.

Day 10: Ulleri

Activities:

• From Swanta we descend through the village fields to a small river and take a quick look at the local water mill. From here we cross the suspension bridge and head upwards to the village of Chittre, where we join the main trekking trail.
• There is a further ascent to reach the village of Ghorepani where there are great views of the Dhaulagiri massif and a well earned rest.
• For the rest of the day it is all downhill. The walk passes through beautiful rhododendron forest and we will have lunch at the village of Nangethanti. In the afternoon we continue to trek through the forest and for those trekking in late March or April the rhododendron should be in full bloom. We arrive at Ulleri in the mid afternoon with plenty of time to explore this picturesque village.

Day 11: Pokhara

Travel time: approx 2 hours

Activities:

• Another early start to make the most of the day. From our lodge at Ulleri there is a very steep descent of over 500 metres on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola River where we cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tirkedunga.
• After giving the knees some time to recover, we continue on a more gentle descent to the village of Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola. Here we have lunch and then cross the new bridge to the east bank, before following the river back to our pick-up point at Naya Phul.
• After saying farewell to our porters we are transferred by coach back to Pokhara. We stay at the Hotel Barahi, which is located close to the lakeside. This hotel has a swimming pool, so you may wish to bring your swimming costume. After a welcomed shower, we have the rest of the day free to relax or do some exploring. It is well certainly worthwhile hiring a boat for a row out on the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal.
• Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafes. In the evening there is the option to dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants (cost not included).

Day 12: Pokhara

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Activities:

• We have allocated a further day in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara.
• Your leader can advise you of sightseeing opportunities or you may just wish to relax and laze around the hotel swimming pool.
• Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. There are various small museums scattered around town including the International Mountain Museum, which is well worth a visit.

Day 13: Kathmandu

Travel time: half hour flight

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Shangri La Hotel or similar, Kathmandu

Activities:

• After breakfast we have the morning free in Pokhara to relax or do some more sightseeing.
• Fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy a free afternoon to shop for souvenirs or see some more sights.
• Patan which is located in the south of the city is also worth a visit with its own Durbar Square full of historic structures and statues of past kings.
• Our final night in Kathmandu gives us a chance to go out on the town and enjoy a final dinner (optional) with our travelling companions and new-found friends.

Day 14: Kathmandu

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Activities:

• Our trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements.
• A departure transfer to the airport is not included and Kathmandu has so much to offer, so we recommend that you consider booking pre-tour or post-tour accommodation and a departure transfer before you commence your travels.

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Your Trip

What's Included

• The services of an expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.

• Return local flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

• 10-day trek with accommodation in comfortable lodges as well as newly constructed Community Lodges – a joint venture between Peregrine and the local community, whose profits benefit local schools and village projects.

• Porterage on trek.

• Trek Pack while on trek valued at over US$500 – kitbag, high quality sleeping bag designed for sub-zero temperatures, inner sheet and high-altitude jacket.

• Trekking off the main trail in remote alpine terrain heading to Bayeli, Kopra Ridge, Swanta and Danda Kharka.

• Visit to the secondary school at Nangi which benefits from the profits from Kopra Community Lodge.

• Sightseeing (and entrance fees where applicable) in Kathmandu including Bodhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath and the holy Bagmati River.

• Time to unwind beside Lake Phewa in Pokhara.

• Transfer by private bus to the starting point of the trek and back to Pokhara at the end of the trek.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

• On foot
• Plane
• Private van

Accommodation

• 5 nights Comfortable hotel
• 8 nights Trekking lodge

Meals

• 5 breakfasts

Equipment Included

• personal trek equipment (sleeping bag, duvet jacket, sleeping sheet, kit bag)
• portable altitude chamber

Not Included

International flights, airport departure transfer, visas, insurance, meals not listed, any optional tours and activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, showers on trek (if available), tips or gratuities and items of a personal nature.

Please allow US$540 for meals.

Optional Extras

We have chosen some great optional activities to enhance your travel experience. You will need to cover any additional costs yourself. For group trips, speak to your leader if you are interested in any of the following:

• Chitwan - Canoe Trip
  US$20 (per person)
• Chitwan - Jeep Safari
  US$30 (per person)
• Kathmandu - Bhaktapur entrance
  US$15
• Kathmandu - Mt Everest scenic flight - including transfers
  approx US$185
• Kathmandu - Patan entrance
  US$7
• Pokhara - Boat ride Phewa Lake
  $8 per person

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Important Information

Clothing It is imperative that you bring along the appropriate clothing. Once your booking is finalised, you'll be provided with 'Pre-Departure information' with a clothing and equipment checklist.

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

3 August 2012

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