Duration: 15 days
Begins: Kathmandu
Ends: Kathmandu
Trip Code: ANAS
Simple hotels/guesthouses (5 nts), tea houses (9 nts).
1 lunch
Allow USD355-465 for meals not included.
Bus, minibus, walking.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, trekking support staff.
Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Attend the group welcome meeting today and enjoy a brief orientation walk around Thamel.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Get a taste of this lively capital city, which is fascinating at every turn.
Today after breakfast, we start our walking tour towards Kathmandu Durbar Square where the group will enjoy a guided tour. Then, enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during an authentic local lunch.
Opt to wake up with the birds and climb to the Swayambhunath Temple. Later, walk through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, considered to be a living goddess. Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu and get to see many of the highlights of this diverse city!
Enjoy a guided tour of this spectacular square built primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries. Located within it are the Royal Palace and many temples built in the traditional Newari pagoda style. We also visit the Golden Temple and Patan museum. South of the square lies the Kumari Chowk, home to Nepal's living goddess, the Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Talejn. The Kumari lives a cloistered life, rarely leaving the confines of the chowk. When she does, it is for important religious festivals, but her feet are not allowed to touch the ground. Once the Kumari reaches puberty, another 3-5-year-old girl will take her place. If she is receiving visitors, we may be able to stop by for a blessing.
Explore the city of Kathmandu and get to know this bustling city.
Enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local establishment and learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a Nepali lunch.
Enjoy a guided tour of Swayambhunath and learn more about this most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Its beautiful white dome and glittering golden spire are visible from miles away. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with temples, painted images of deities, and many other religious objects. Each of the four sides of the main stupa are painted with a pair of big eyes, which symbolize God's all-seeing perspective.
Enjoy a visit to the Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built in the 5th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site still attracts many pilgrims, particularly Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa.
Get a close look at awesome Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world, without having to do any climbing; this one-hour plane tour will give you an unforgettable experience.
Lunch
Today the group will take a mountain drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive takes about 7 hours along the Prithivi Highway, which connects Kathmandu with other major cities of Western Nepal. As the group approaches Pokhara they will be able to see truly stunning views of the Annapurna Range. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk of Lakeside.
Leaving the Kathmandu valley behind, head for the enchanting Nepalese town of Pokhara. Depending on our arrival time, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake for sunset.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Breathe in the fresh air and take in the views of the Himalayas and Phewa Lake while getting your bearings around this scenic city.
Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga. Enjoy 10 days of trekking through alpine meadows, isolated villages, dramatic glaciers, and inspiring mountain vistas. The drive from Pokhara to Nayapul takes about 2 hours. The route goes along the bank of Seti River and offers stunning views of Annapurna Range. As the group nears Nayapul – the trekking starting point, the road starts to climb up the hills offering even more beautiful scenery. At Nayapul, meet the trekking support crew and begin trekking towards Tirkhedhunga. Today the trek is relatively easy and just a warm up walk for your days to come.
At 8,091m (26,545.3 ft), Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any view point. This trek covers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, we stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. The expedition is not only visually superb, but also a chance to learn about local cultures. Along the way, see thundering waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers and high mountain passes, and reward ourselves with a soak in natural hot springs. While the trekking is challenging, averaging 4-6 hrs walking a day on steep terrain, our Annapurna Sanctuary expedition into the Himalayas allows you to experience 'the roof of the world' without major issues associated with high altitude. The highest point on the trek is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m (13,550 ft).
Note - This is a trek that requires a very good level of fitness as there are plenty of ascents and descents (in fact there's hardly anything flat!) and the walking is strenuous. The weather can be harsh in December and January with snow and frosts. Our expedition is led by an experienced local guide who speaks English. We stop at teahouses where our basic mountain accommodation is twin or multishare, toilet and washing facilities are rudimentary, and the food is simple but filling, usually vegetarian and cheap.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Leaving Nayapul (1070m), the trek begins with a flat hike through incredible mountain scenery, charming villages, and rhododendron forest. The fascinating culture of the Nepal countryside is the backdrop as the trek continues to Tikhedhunga (1480m). The trail passes through small village and follows the Bhurungdi Khola river upstream, gradually ascending through forested hillsides and passing several waterfalls. Walking distance: 5kms. Time: 2 hours. Elevation gain: 410m Terrain: Mostly uphill with some sections of steep stone steps and occasional flat sections.
Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani along a trail with a mix of steep steps and gentle ascents through rhododendron and oak forests, and a suspension bridge crossing. Enjoy the epic views along the way as the group climbs up 1394m in elevation today.
Begin today with a slow ascent through woodland, with views of the Annapurna range stretching out ahead. Passing through dense forest, the route ends in Ghorepani (2874m), where there are incredible mountain views across the region. The trek starts with a steep climb up a stone staircase which has around 3000 steps. After crossing this Ulleri staircase, the trail levels out before the approach to Ghorepani, when the trail becomes steeper again with several uphill sections. Walking distance: 12kms. Time: 6-7 hours. Elevation gain: 1394m Terrain: Mix of steep climbs, gentle trails through forests, and a suspension bridge crossing
Enjoy a morning excursion to Poon Hill for an unforgettable sunrise. The trail starts with a steep uphill climb through the rhododendron forest and offers panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges with sunrise over the peaks being the highlight of the day. After breakfast, the group will begin the moderate trek with some steep uphill and downhill trails all the way to Tadapani.
Take in the incredible mountain scenery that lines the route from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m). Enjoy the views across rhododendron forests and of spectacularly coloured birds during the trek. Arrive at Poon Hill to enjoy some of Nepal's best vistas. Walking distance : 2kms Time: 1.5 - 2 hours Elevation gain: 363m Terrain: mostly rocky terrain with mixed forested areas.
Descending from Poon Hill, the views of the Annapurnas continue as the hike heads for Tadapani (2590m). Views of Machhapuchhare are absolutely spectacular on a sunny day. Walk through beautiful forests of rhododendron, oak trees, and bamboo trees, with occasional clearings offering panoramic views of the Annapurna Ranges and valleys below. Walking distance : 9kms Time: 6 - 7 hours Elevation loss: 620m Terrain: Mixture of uphill and downhill trails through forest
Trek mostly uphill today from Tadapani to Chhomrong. The hike will take around 6 hours and offers expansive views as the group climbs higher and higher in elevation.
It's another day of varied ascents and descents on the way to Chhomrong (2150m). Pass through endless rhododendron forest and into farmland where the impressive terraced fields are a sight to behold. Continue upwards past waterfalls and bridges before arriving to Chhomrong. Walking distance : 10kms Time: 5-6 hours. Elevation loss: 440m Terrain: Trail passes through lush forests and the first part of the trek involves a gradual descent followed by steep climb
Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya Hotel. Get an early start and catch the sunrise over the Annapurnas before heading out on the trail. Travel mostly uphill passing through dense forests and crossing several small streams and waterfalls on today's journey.
Wake early enough to catch the sunrise over the Annapurnas before the trek begins today. There are more suspension bridges and rhododendron forests on the trek today, as well as villages and teahouses. On the way to Himalaya Hotel (2800m), the trek changes to bamboo forest and the views of Machhapuchhare are even more impressive. Walking distance: 10kms Time: 6-7 hours Elevation gain: 650m Terrain: Mostly uphill with some steep and rocky sections
Trek from Himalaya Hotel to Annapurna Base Camp—the highest point of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. It is a challenging but rewarding day. The trail is surrounded by tall cliffs with the peaks of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare looming overhead. As the group approaches Annapurna Base Camp, the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky.
It is a tough day trekking to reach the highest point of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek at 4,130m (13,550 ft) today. The route to Annapurna Base Camp passes through some open valleys, a reminder of all the snowfall that can occur during winter. With incredible views of the Annapurnas and, in particular, the views of Machhapuchhare, the hiking today is worth the challenge. Walking distance: 6kms Time: 4-5 hours Elevation gain: 1330m Terrain: Mostly rugged and rocky terrain
Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo along the same trail as yesterday. Pass Machhapuchhare Base Camp along the way. This is a mostly downhill, enjoyable descent with striking views of some of the most magnificent mountains in the world.
Retracing steps today, the trek returns from Annapurna Base Camp, past Machhapuchhare Base Camp, to the village of Bamboo (2310m). This is a much more enjoyable trek than the last few days with mostly downhill sections and forest areas among epic views. Walking distance: 14kms Time: 8-9 hours. Elevation loss: 1820m Terrain: mostly downhill along rocky and uneven steps and through forested areas
Trek from Bamboo to Jhinudanda following the trail mostly downhill and crossing rivers and farmlands as the group travels lower and lower in elevation. Highlight of today is the natural hot springs in Jhinudanda where the group can soak and relax those tired muscles.
Continue the trek downhill, crossing rivers and farmland, as well as countless steps, on the way from Bamboo to Jhinudanda (1780m). Its easy to see the roofs of Jhinudanda on the walk, and this final stop for the day is well deserved. Walking distance: 8kms Time: 4-5 hours. Elevation loss: 530m Terrain: mostly downhill crossing rivers and farmland
Trek from Jhinudanda to Pothana along a relatively easy portion of the trail with gentle ascents and descents. Wander through lush forests, pass terraced fields, and see traditional villages while enjoying this pleasant and scenic walk.
It is a longer day trekking today, on the way to Pothana (1900m). The trek goes through lush forest and across several bridges over the fast-flowing river below. The rich greenery of the area, with spectacular wildflowers in the right season, makes for a rewarding day trekking. Walking distance: 12 - 13kms Time: 5-6 hours. Elevation gain: 120m Terrain: Mix of gentle ascents and descents, lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages
Today the group will walk along the trail to Phedi, where the trek ends. From there, drive back to Pokhara and celebrate the adventure completed.
It is the last day of the trek today, consisting of the short distance from Pothana to Phedi (1130m). Be sure to look back at the views of the high peaks of the Annapurnas as the trek winds through green fields and forests before joining up with the road and the transfer back to Pokhara. Walking distance: 5kms Time: 2 hours. Elevation loss: 770m Terrain: mostly downhill through green fields and forests.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Return to Kathmandu for a well-earned celebration.
Today we return to Kathmandu where you will have free time perhaps some last minute shopping, or simply wander around the beautiful old Durbar Square or visit Bodhinath.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy some free time exploring bustling Kathmandu.
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
---|---|---|---|
Dec 2024 | |||
Sun, 29 Dec - Sun, 12 Jan | 2 Request | £949 | Request a quote |
Jan 2025 | |||
Sun, 12 Jan - Sun, 26 Jan | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Feb 2025 | |||
Sun, 09 Feb - Sun, 23 Feb | 3 available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 23 Feb - Sun, 09 Mar | 4 available | £879 | Request a quote |
Mar 2025 | |||
Sun, 09 Mar - Sun, 23 Mar | 6 available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 16 Mar - Sun, 30 Mar | 3 available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 23 Mar - Sun, 06 Apr | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 30 Mar - Sun, 13 Apr | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Apr 2025 | |||
Sun, 06 Apr - Sun, 20 Apr | 2 available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 13 Apr - Sun, 27 Apr | 1 available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 20 Apr - Sun, 04 May | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 27 Apr - Sun, 11 May | 3 available | £899 | Request a quote |
May 2025 | |||
Sun, 04 May - Sun, 18 May | 4 available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 11 May - Sun, 25 May | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 18 May - Sun, 01 Jun | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Jun 2025 | |||
Sun, 15 Jun - Sun, 29 Jun | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Jul 2025 | |||
Sun, 13 Jul - Sun, 27 Jul | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Aug 2025 | |||
Sun, 10 Aug - Sun, 24 Aug | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 24 Aug - Sun, 07 Sep | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sep 2025 | |||
Sun, 07 Sep - Sun, 21 Sep | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 14 Sep - Sun, 28 Sep | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 21 Sep - Sun, 05 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Fri, 26 Sep - Fri, 10 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 28 Sep - Sun, 12 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Oct 2025 | |||
Sun, 05 Oct - Sun, 19 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Fri, 10 Oct - Fri, 24 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 12 Oct - Sun, 26 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 19 Oct - Sun, 02 Nov | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 26 Oct - Sun, 09 Nov | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Fri, 31 Oct - Fri, 14 Nov | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Nov 2025 | |||
Sun, 02 Nov - Sun, 16 Nov | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 09 Nov - Sun, 23 Nov | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Fri, 14 Nov - Fri, 28 Nov | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 16 Nov - Sun, 30 Nov | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 23 Nov - Sun, 07 Dec | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Fri, 28 Nov - Fri, 12 Dec | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 30 Nov - Sun, 14 Dec | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Dec 2025 | |||
Sun, 14 Dec - Sun, 28 Dec | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 28 Dec - Sun, 11 Jan | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Jan 2026 | |||
Sun, 04 Jan - Sun, 18 Jan | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 11 Jan - Sun, 25 Jan | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 25 Jan - Sun, 08 Feb | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Feb 2026 | |||
Sun, 01 Feb - Sun, 15 Feb | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 08 Feb - Sun, 22 Feb | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 15 Feb - Sun, 01 Mar | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 22 Feb - Sun, 08 Mar | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Mar 2026 | |||
Sun, 08 Mar - Sun, 22 Mar | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 15 Mar - Sun, 29 Mar | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 22 Mar - Sun, 05 Apr | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 29 Mar - Sun, 12 Apr | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Apr 2026 | |||
Sun, 05 Apr - Sun, 19 Apr | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 12 Apr - Sun, 26 Apr | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 19 Apr - Sun, 03 May | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 26 Apr - Sun, 10 May | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
May 2026 | |||
Sun, 03 May - Sun, 17 May | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 10 May - Sun, 24 May | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 17 May - Sun, 31 May | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 31 May - Sun, 14 Jun | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Jun 2026 | |||
Sun, 14 Jun - Sun, 28 Jun | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 28 Jun - Sun, 12 Jul | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Jul 2026 | |||
Sun, 05 Jul - Sun, 19 Jul | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 12 Jul - Sun, 26 Jul | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 26 Jul - Sun, 09 Aug | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Aug 2026 | |||
Sun, 09 Aug - Sun, 23 Aug | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 16 Aug - Sun, 30 Aug | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 23 Aug - Sun, 06 Sep | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sep 2026 | |||
Sun, 06 Sep - Sun, 20 Sep | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 13 Sep - Sun, 27 Sep | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
Sun, 20 Sep - Sun, 04 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Fri, 25 Sep - Fri, 09 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 27 Sep - Sun, 11 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Oct 2026 | |||
Sun, 04 Oct - Sun, 18 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Fri, 09 Oct - Fri, 23 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 11 Oct - Sun, 25 Oct | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 18 Oct - Sun, 01 Nov | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Sun, 25 Oct - Sun, 08 Nov | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Fri, 30 Oct - Fri, 13 Nov | 7+ available | £949 | Request a quote |
Nov 2026 | |||
Sun, 01 Nov - Sun, 15 Nov | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 08 Nov - Sun, 22 Nov | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Fri, 13 Nov - Fri, 27 Nov | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 15 Nov - Sun, 29 Nov | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 22 Nov - Sun, 06 Dec | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Fri, 27 Nov - Fri, 11 Dec | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 29 Nov - Sun, 13 Dec | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Dec 2026 | |||
Sun, 13 Dec - Sun, 27 Dec | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
Sun, 27 Dec - Sun, 10 Jan | 7+ available | £899 | Request a quote |
10 days, From £1,627 pp
12 days, From £1,299 pp
12 days, From £2,174 pp
10 days, From £599 pp
13 days, From £2,999 pp