Itinerary
Day 1 (Sat 26 Mar): Manchester - Kathmandu
Depart Manchester on an overnight flight to Kathmandu.Day 2 (Sun 27 Mar): Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and check into our city hotel in time for dinner and a briefing on the week ahead.
Day 3 (Mon 28 Mar): Kathmandu – Pokhara
Today we fly to Pokhara. After lunch at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to rest or explore Pokhara.
Day 4 (Tue 29 Mar): Pokhara - Birethanti (1075m) 4kms
This morning we drive to Naya Pool, along the graceful Modi Khola Valley. On reaching our destination, we begin the panoramic Annapurna trek with a gentle introduction. The route skirts through lush forest leading finally to Birethanti after walking for about one hour. Birethani houses well-resourced shops, hotels, cafes, a police check post, a bakery and a bank, a nice little village town to have fun and settle in for our first overnight on the mountain.
Day 5 (Wed 30 Mar): Birethanti - Ghandruk (1940m) 10Kms
Leaving Birethani, we trail along terraced fields beneath the splendid panorama of awe-inspiring glaciated Himalayan mountain ranges. After passing a succession of flatlands, forest, cultivated lands and a suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, we arrive at the beautiful village of Ghandruk. A spectacular viewpoint in this pristine village offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Annapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare and Hiunchuli.
Day 6 (Thu 31 Mar): Ghandruk - Tadapani (2540) 8kms
Today we ascend along the trail rich in rhododendron forests and gloriously cascading sparkling mountain streams. After continuously climbing for 3 hours, we reach the area of Tadapani, at an altitude of 2540 meters. Tadapani offers the most magnificent mountain views of the overpowering peaks of Annapurna South.
Day 7 (Fri 1 Apr) Tadapani - Ghorepani (2880m) 10Kms
Today there are more steep, but stunning, trails, with majestic views of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and rich plant life. You will be climbing through rhododendron forests to Deorali (3100m) to reach a hamlet and cultivated fields before continuing to Ghorepani.
Day 8 (Sat 2 Apr): Ghorepan - Nayapul - Pokhara (15kms)
After ascending to, and savouring, the mesmerizing sight of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the popular vantage point of Poon Hill [3195m], you leave Ghorepani and continue on towards Nayapul. You descend further towards Birethanti, which lies stretched beside the Modi River. Descending via a trail of stone steps, you pass through dense forest and the small village of Ulleri. From here a very steep section [with 3767 steps!] leads down to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola. Forty minutes later, you reach the main road from where you return to Pokhara.
Day 9 (Sun 3 Apr): Pokhara - Kathmandu
A morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the central hotel. Enjoy some free time in this exotic city this afternoon.
Day 10 (Mon 4 Apr): Departure From Kathmandu
A free day to explore Kathmandu or take part in an optional tour. This evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Manchester.
Day 11 (Tue 5 Apr): Manchester
Morning arrival into Manchester.
Notes: The day-to-day program is subject to weather, conditions and the progress of the group. Most importantly, the leaders will be making daily decisions about, for example, exactly how far or which way we go, and will be thinking ultimately about the safety and health of all in the party, as well as the enjoyment of the group and success in the outcome of the trek.
