Annapurna Luxury trek is a relaxing holiday package designed to offer maximum with plenty of not-too-strenuous activities within a limited timeframe, and as many comforts as possible. There will be everything included, from the fascinating sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square to rafting on the Seti River and game-watching in the Chitwan National Park. The highlight of the trip is a short walk to Dhampus village with Sherpas and porters, visiting some of the most enchanting villages along the route in the Annapurna foothills. You walk through some of the most beautiful countryside in Nepal exploring diverse Himalayan culture, tradition and ethnic people. While hiking, you will be staying in nice and clean lodge enjoying beautiful panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan Mountain – the closest and the most impressive will be Mount Machhapuchhare. The lodge will have a large grassy terrace where you can relax watching the sun set over the mountains. There will be cozy dining room with a fire place and small bar for the drinks. You will be served with traditional Nepali food in lodge at Dhampus. While walking to Dhampus village you will meet friendly people along the trails.
The rafting trip will be a gentle river adventure on the Seti River. The trip will be finished near Chitwan National Park. This river trip will be most suitable for those who are interested in rafting for the first time, families with children, nature lovers and travelers’ groups. In Chitwan the wildlife tour you will enjoy elephant back safaris, jeep and boating on the Narayani river, experience the jungle environment and its unique sanctuary on foot with our local guide. In jungle safari you will come across various wild animals such as the Royal Bengal tigers and one- horned rhinoceros, including many species of mammals, birds, insects and reptiles.
We provide a series of comfortable mountain lodges while on trek and best available resorts in Safari. In Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan we offer clean rooms with twin sharing accommodation has twin-bedded rooms. In fact, Annapurna Luxury trekking tour package is truly rewarding.
Most scenic trails, Comfortable hotels/lodges, Best of local & western cuisine, Spectacular mountain vistas, Friendly hospitality, Traverse through Rhododendron & Bamboo forest, Local culture & tradition, Outstanding sights at leisure…
This itinerary is a guideline pattern which we offer home Stay tour of this type. But, unforeseen events such as mountain weather, local politics, transportation etc., is beyond Trek Himalayan’s control could be resulted in a change of program. It is very unlikely to have such circumstances occurs but our effort is to minimize its effect, however Trek Himalayan is not responsible for the result of delays or changes.
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu
Royal Singi [4 Stars Category Hotel]
This is an example of the hotel we may use in Kathmandu city. Your actual hotel will be specified when your booking is confirmed. Please check your email or booking confirmation.
After breakfast sightseeing tour begins which include all the religious, cultural & historical sites within the Kathmandu valley. Overnight in hotel
Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site): One of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world, the temple of Pashupatinath is the focus of pilgrims from all over from Nepal and India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built in the familiar pagoda Style. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 A.D. It lies 5 kms east of the city centre. This holy place is picturesque collection of temples and shrines. All the dying persons are brought to Pashupatinath for cremation. Only the Hindus are allowed to go inside the temple.
Bouddhanath (World Heritage Site): It is the world’s biggest stupa located about two km to the north of Pashupatinath temple. This colossal stupa is known by the name of Bouddhanath, the god of wisdom. It is difficult to assign a period to it as some believe that it was built during the reign of either Shiva Deva or Anshu Verma in the 17th century A.D. The design is much like the Swoyambhu stupa, except that the final consists of receding squares instead of circles. Bouddhanath attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.
Swoyambhunath, Monkey Temple (World heritage Site): The Swoyambhunath Stupa crowns a hillock to the west of Kathmandu. A massive white dome surrounded by a 13 stage spire, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. It is said to be 2000 years old. Its origins are linked to the founding of the Kathmandu Valley by draining the water of the lake by Bouddhisattva Manjushree. Swoyambhunath manifested in the lake as a brilliant light emanating from a lotus, Manjushree let the water out of the valley paying homage to Swoyambhu, thus making the valley inhabitable.
Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site): It is the nine-storied palace structure built around 1770 AD. This palace square was a residence to Nepal’s royal family. The house of the living goddess (Kumari), the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red Monkey God and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and architectures in this area are exceptionally fine. Most parts of the palace premises are open for tourist throughout the week during office hours.
After breakfast we transfer you to the Domestic Kathmandu airport for the flight to Pokhara. During the flight you enjoy superb views of the Annapurna Himalayan range if weather permits. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, our local guide meets you and transfers you to the trek starting point. A 1.5 hrs long drive from Pokhara along a well maintained highway through the lush foothills, small roadside settlements following the banks of Trisuli and Marsyangdi rivers give a nice glimpse of Nepal’s rural life. During the drive you can read, chat or look out the window in total comfort. On arrival at Nayapul, we begin our walk following the Modi River upstream to reach Bhirethati, one of the most charming villages. We check in’ The Sanctuary Lodge’ situated on a promontory overlooking the Modi River at 1,100 m. The riverside has a whole host of bird life and your guide will take you on botanical and bird watching excursions around Bhirethati.
After breakfast you walk through busy areas where you encounter merchants, traders, locals, trekkers. The trail meanders on a gradual slope following the Modi River upstream to Bhirethati, one of the most charming villages. From here, we walk on the recently constructed dirt road winding through farm lands, conifers, rhododendrons and bamboo forest. While on walk, Mt. Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South are clearly visible to the north. The path gently climbs to Kimche and onwards to Ghandruk, a large Gurung village with traditional houses and slated roofs. At Ghandrung village we stay at the Himalaya Lodge situated on the higher terraces of the village at an altitude of 1951 m. with spectacular close up views of Annapurna South. It is the largest Gurung village in the area and for many years it has become a major recruiting area for Gurkha soldiers in the British and Indian armies.
After breakfast you begin walking through off the beaten track and rhododendron forest enjoying the chirping of birds and unparalleled scenic mountains view. The walk invigorates your mind and soul allowing you to have an insight into the culture and life of the Nepali people in the rural settings. The massif Annapurna displays the most dramatic view of the region with the towering snow covered peaks and picturesque landscape. Overnight at Gurung Lodge
After breakfast you begin climb steeply on well-placed steps up through forests of oak, rhododendron, silver birch and silk cotton, with stone-built porter stops at convenient intervals for a welcome rest. There is a variety of bird life to look out for, as well as the incredible views: Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Lamjung Himal. After about an hour the path begins to level out and you continue walk more gently upwards past shady woods and eventually, you reach the busy village of Pothana at 1950 m, with its guesthouses, restaurants and shop of Tibetan silverware and other-souvenirs.
Then, after further an hour walk or so, you reach an open clearing which offers sweeping views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. From here it is downhill walk to Dhampus and the Basanta Lodge, The lodge, looks like that at Ghandruk, is centred round an old Gurung village house and from its landscaped terrace garden you can enjoy panoramic views of the Fishtail Peak and the entire Annapurna Himalayan range. At Dhampus you can explore the old village with your guide
After an early breakfast walk for about 1½ hours along the ridge and descend through wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor you will reach the road. Here, our private transport is waiting to transfer you to Temple Tree Resort & Spa close to the lakeside. Afternoon free to explore Pokhara and perhaps take a boat on Phewa Lake
After breakfast we drive to Damauli along the road covering a short distance to the rafting starting point at Seti River. Before rafting begins our rafting guide briefs you on safety procedures and how to handle the raft. After briefing we set off down the river at grade 1 and 2 rapids, which are suitable for beginners. There are plenty of opportunities to watch the scenes on the banks of the river as you float by. We stop for the night in a specially designed rafting camp with permanent tents with beds, showers and toilets and a restaurant. We are away from any roads here with only the noises of the jungle of the middle hills at night. Overnight at Seti River Camp
We spend a whole day at this peaceful camp on the riverbank. There is an optional day walk through forested hillsides to visit a small village and school, which we have helped with various projects in the past. Or, you can just relax and laze around on the beach and enjoying the calm serenity of the gently flowing water. Overnight at Seti River Camp
We will have morning rafting and then rejoin our transport for the short drive to Chitwan National Park where we spend 3 nights. Upon arrival at Chitwan National Park, the resort representative will receive you and transfer to the Safari Lodge. In the lobby you will be offered complimentary refreshment drink and the operation manager will brief you about the package program and facilities.
The lodge has a complex of two roomed huts with attached bathrooms and a larger dining room/bar area.
Dugout canoe trip or visit to the Elephant Breeding Farm. Enjoy an ox-cart ride or a jeep drive back to the resort. After breakfast you will visit to Elephant Breeding Center and swim in the Rapti River. Lunch. Elephant ride,Visit Tharu village & Dinner
After tea/coffee you may go for bird watching tour. Back to the hotel for breakfast and after breakfast continue other activities
Today after breakfast you make departure to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel
Mountain Flight is the best way to see Mt. Everest and many other peaks.. This scenic flight will be for one hour. Please do not miss the opportunity while you are in Nepal. You will be just 200 meters away from Mt. Everest and many other mountains. This will be great experience for life. This flight leaves from the domestic airport only in the morning.
Individual window seats are guaranteed to everyone. We also allow you to take pictures through the cockpit with our experienced pilot. A twin water engines small aircraft with two pilots operates this flight. This tour will be a memorable and an exciting once in life time. Buddha air, and Yeti air offer mountain flights.
You will be transferred to the International Airport for your onward journey…
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your trekking guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the trek and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your trekking trip.
All accommodations will be on a twin sharing basis during the trek in family-run tea house (lodge), with a large sociable central dining area and a cozy chimney burning fire. We recommend you to use your own sleeping bag. A typical lodge in Annapurna region offers muesli, porridge, Pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast, tea/coffee in breakfast and in dinner Dal, Bhat, lentil soup and other cuisines.
Most lodges offer hot showers and in the ones that don’t a bucket of water. In Annapurna, we find many western toilets and in some places there are usually just the Asian squat type toilets.
Small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Sherpa guides better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size for this trek is 16 people. The minimum is 2 people.
All our trek leaders and crew come from different parts of Nepal with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, but we all share our valuable experience, accept each other beliefs and work together to give our clients the best experience in Nepal. Whatever the ethnical background they belong to, differ in sex or age all members of our team work together as a family that makes us what we are.
At 6.30 am your guide knocks on your door and greets with a cup of tea. Then it’s time to have breakfast, tight up your bag pack and head off for today’s trekking for the next three to four hours then stop for an hour at pleasant spot along the way for a well-prepared hot lunch. Afterward, walk another three hours or so, before you stop for the overnight. The evening can be spent reading or chatting with your fellow hikers or trekking crew about the trip of the day. Pack of games can be an asset to these nights; your trekking crew love teaching various Nepali card games and learning new Western games. Eventually, it’s time to bed for a well-deserved night.
The climate in the Annapurna region varies from subtropical to alpine. The southern slopes of the area has the highest rainfall rate in the country- 3000 mm per year, whereas the northern slopes lying in the rain shadow has the lowest rate – less than 300 mm per year. The difference in the climatic conditions in this region is responsible for its varied flora and fauna.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November
This is the main trekking season in Nepal. While trekking in mountains weather will be sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to negative 8o C (7.6o F) at the highest altitudes.
Winter: December to end February
Even it is cooler conditions this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to negative 10o C (14oF) to negative 17o C (1.4oF) at the highest altitudes but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time of year
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May
Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but cloudiness will be occurred up in the afternoons. Seasonal flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
The southern subtropical lowlands are enriched with lush subtropical forests consisting of chirpine and alder and in the northern highlands temperate forests of oaks, rhododendron, fir, and blue pine. The wet regions yield a variety of bamboo species. The higher altitude further North give rise to forests of birch, blue pine and juniper trees, which are replaced by juniper and rhododendron in the far North. In the semi-desert rain shadow region, behind the Himalayas, bushes of caragana and juniper species are found.
This region is rich with several species of wildlife. There are around four hundred and seventy-four species of birds, and around a hundred species of mammals. The region serves as an excellent habitat for rare and endangered mammals like the snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, red panda and many of Nepal’s brilliantly plumaged pheasants
Annapurna (8091 m) Nilgiri(6940 m), Tilicho peak(7134 m) Dhulagiri (8167 m),Manaslu (8156 m), Lamjung Himal (6983 m),Machhapuchhare(6993 m), Tukuche peak (6920 m),
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home – you don’t need it while travelling. Many of hotels in Nepal have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.
If the main highway between Kathmandu, Pokhara or Beshisahar is blocked by a landslide or any natural calamity during the transfer, in such a situation the extra cost for food and accommodation has to be borne by the clients.
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can turn if not treated upon recognizing the symptoms. AMS is the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations of 3,000m or above. Early mountain sickness results in headache, loss of appetite and sleepiness. One can encounter such sickness no matter she/he looks physically young, strong and fit. Medicine itself can be on substitute unless patients suffering from such sickness are immediately rushed downhill.
Many trekking porters come from villages. They live hard and frugal lives and work to carry heavy loads using the traditional ‘doko’ (the bamboo latis basket supported from the forehead). Heights up to 3,500 m are part of everyday life and they resist wearing what they consider to be unnecessary personal equipment.
Above that altitude, Trek Himalayan urges them the use of kit suited to the varying levels of more extreme conditions. It’s an incredible job that they do and we really appreciate their working nature and try to reward accordingly.
Here are some recommended Equipment’s List for trekking in Everest region
Note: It is possible to buy or rent the above gear in Kathmandu
Trek Himalayan provides high quality self-bailing rafts, helmets, plastic paddles, wet suits, life jackets, safety kayaker, first aid kit, healthy and hygienically prepared food and drinks, Tents and sleeping mats, sleeping bags Sunscreen and lip protector, Sunglasses and/or a cap ,towel and toiletries (environmentally friendly would be best), Personal medication, Flashlight
Please bring with you shorts and a T-shirt or swimwear for the trip, suitable footwear for wearing in the river bank, warm clothing for the evenings, a towel, sun block and a camera. A flashlight is also useful.
All our guides are skilled outdoors-men, superb chefs and great companions. Apart from their river skill, our guides love what they do. Their good humor and ever smiling faces easily win the hearts of any clients. Our guides are well trained to international standards and have spent several years in the profession.
In our rafting team, our professional cook prepares delicious and healthy meals to keep your tummy well fueled along the trip. The cook knows well how to take precautions when cooking and ensures a high standard of food hygiene. He prepares a variety of meals for the camp fire. We offer three meals a day including tea /coffee and water and squash. The water is treated to make it safe for drinking.
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear Long trousers and long sleeve shirts Field jacket to guard against thorns and scratches Light weight hiking shoes Long underwear and shell field jacket in mellow colors for winter season use/cold mornings. Some warm clothes for chill winter nights. A raincoat for Monsoon Outdoor Gear Binoculars for bird watching trip Swim wear (for elephant bath), sun hat and sun-guard. A backpacker Protective bag (lockable) Caps, Sun glasses & a water bottle
When you are on trial walking in the jungle, you will be in a group normally accompanied by a guide and two guards, depending on the size of the group. The guide gives a pre-departure briefing what to do if a wild animal gets agitated, and also what makes wild animals agitated. The guide and two guards carry lathis (solid sticks) as weapons. They are trained to stop any attack using that stick. So, you need to listen to the guides for a safer trip while on jungle safari trip. Safety Chitwan National Park remains a safe destination to visit. However, local wildlife in the park is potentially dangerous, so it is best to travel in Chitwan only with a local guide.
Malaria, dengue and kala-azaar: mosquito and sand-fly borne diseases that are really unpleasant.
Take care to be dressed prop- erly and oiled for the occasion.
Bears: There are two bear types in Chitwan, of which the sloth bear is by far the most badtempered and dangerous animal in Chitwan. The sloth bear might be encountered while hiking in the jungle, and orderly retreat is the only way out – the bear will not give way and if attacking will seek to claw its perceived opponent.
Tiger: As compared to the tiger, the other cats are nothing in terms of danger potential. A tiger, if surprisingly encountered or in a tight corner would be very deadly. Another aspect with tigers is that they may be man-eaters, actually stalking people as potential prey. Guides will know. Don’t go at the jungle’s edge in tiger land during dusk/dawn/darkness.
Crocodiles: The gharial will seek to escape after a mock attack, the mugger crocodile may chance to take a bite out of you if threat- ended. The bigger ones may be stalkers as well, but the muggers are now few and far between.
Snakes: There are a number of venomous snakes in Chitwan, some of them actually thrive nearby humans where there are rats. The main dangerous species are cobras and kraits, but also certain vipers are found. The reticulated python may bite in self-defense if surprised or threatened, but not really feast upon you directly. The good news is that snakes are largely hiding during the tourist season due to the cold but in monsoon time they come out from the hides.
(Local guide and porter) Tipping is a tradition in tourism in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. We highly suggest you to allow some tips at your own discretion.
The Himalayan Porters