DAY 1 | ON YOUR WAY TO KATHMANDU
Fly into the capital, Kathmandu. You’ll be meet at the airport by a representative. Making sure that all your things are in tow, transfer to the Hotel Tibet*, located near the Royal Palace. Spend the rest of your day recovering from the long flight and if the mood strikes, head out into the city. * If this hotel is not available, then equivalent accommodations will be arranged.
DAY 2 | IN KATHMANDU
This is your first full day in Kathmandu. The city, situated in the Kathamndu Valley as legend has it, was carved out of the mountain by the Goddess Manjushree with a thrust of her sword. The valley is surrounded like an amphitheater of mountains�the Himalayas--over 4,000 feet above sea level. After breakfast, make your way into the heart of the city�where religions and people mix. Durbar Square, is the capital�s monument square of sacred temples and statures: the Kumari Ghar�the residence of living goddess, and Kashtamandap�the house of wood�considered the hub of the city because it�s believed that�s where Kathmandu got its name. Return to the hotel after the day�s sightseeing for dinner. [B]
DAY 3 | TREK TO POTANA
Leave Kathmandu today to start the first leg of the trek with the guide. After breakfast, there is a six-hour drive from the capital to Pokhara. Pokhara, a lakeside town with little shops and restaurants, is the closest major city before reaching the Annapurna mountain range. Then, there�s a bus to take you out to Phedi for the first day�s hike uphill to Dhampus. It�s a steep climb at first but gradually the path levels out as you trek towards Potana. In the evening, you�ll have a chance to rest those tired legs and feet and dine at a lodge in Potana. The lodges along this trek are outfitted to accommodate trekkers--simple and clean with hot meals and facilities to wash up. [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | TO NAYAPUL
Start the morning with a hot cup of tea before going to breakfast. Pack up your kit bags. The porters will carry them for you to the next lodge destination during the trek. This phase of the trail goes on to Tolkha which is just two hours beyond Potana through majestic oak tree forests. Then, it�s another forty-five minutes or so to Langdrung. The next turn in the trail is to Kymnu�tonight�s lodge destination. Kymnu is a slight descent across a suspension bridge�called a nayapul or new bridge�over the Modi River. When you get to the lodge, tea and biscuits are served to tide you over until dinner. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | TO SINUWA
The morning�s trek will begin with a steep incline to Jinu then to Kymnu Khola. You�re already well broken in hiking boots and calf muscles are ready to handle the changes in the path�s grade. The steep dirt path continues but levels out as the trek winds back to the river. You�re heading towards Chomro, about two hours away. Descend into a small canyon, cross the river, then climb up the short yet steep main river canyon to Sinuwa for another two hours. Don�t be afraid to take breaks. This is a moderate trek, comparatively, but stay on the path and let your guide know if you want to rest. You�ll stay in a lodge in Sinuwa for the night. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | GOING TO DEORALI
The trek resumes through rhododendron-ladden areas and bamboo forests to a path leading to the livestock grazing grounds of Tomo. This takes about two hours in the morning trekking through the village of Dovan. There are stops along the way to rest and time to snack to keep your energy up. It�s a three-hour walk to Deorali and the lodge. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | MACHHAPUCHARE BASE CAMP
Today’s destination is the Machhapuchare Base Camp. The morning’s midway point is Hinko Cave—two to three hours from Deorali. The trail soon disappears into a rocky path marked with cairns to make the way. Your guide will lead the way. When a bundle of teashops and cottages come into the distance, you’ll know Machhapuchare Base Camp is near. Surrounded by clouds and the snow-capped peaks of Hiunchuili and Gangapurna, all the hard trekking to get here becomes worthwhile. Lodge here for the night. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP
After breakfast at the lodge, the trek will proceed farther into the sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp�a two hour hike uphill from Machhapuchare. Stay in Annapurna Base Camp for a while. Explore the mountains and glaciers. You�ll have the option of lodging here for the evening or returning to Machhapuchare Base Camp for the night. [B,L,D]
DAY 9 | TO SINUWA
Depending on where you are, either Annapurna Base Camp or Machhapuchare, retrace the trek to Sinuwa�about a six hour hike. Stay overnight at a lodge in Sinuwa. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | TO TADEPANI
Now back in Sinuwa, take the trail towards Ghandrung. You�ll follow the upper trail to Tadepani and its teahouses. Stop for a cuppa then continue on the trail. Stay overnight at a lodge in Tadepani. [B,L,D]
DAY 11 | THE UPS AND DOWNS OF GHOREPANI
Know why breakfast is the most important meal of the day, today. The morning’s trek follows a trail through dense, hilly forest. However, flat land is near. These ups and downs come to a clearing—to a great stone overhang called Ban Thanti. Trek back to Deorali through the rhododendrons to Ghorepani for the night’s lodging. [B,L,D]
DAY 12 | POON HILL AT SUNRISE
Before breakfast, take the 45-minute walk to Poon Hill for a pre-sunrise excursion. From Poon Hill, you can see the sun rise over Annapurna�s mountain tops. It�s a glorious site to behold. One by one the peaks are illuminated in sunlight. Return to Ghorepani. This is a day of rest. You�ve been trekking for ten days staight. Well into the descent, this is a good time take in the mountian air while somewhat stationary. Take a much-needed rest at the lodge this evening. [B,L,D]
DAY 13 | DESCENT TO POKHARA
Wake up rested and raring to go to Ulleri after breakfast. It�s a sharp descent to Bhurgjung Khola at Tirkhedhunge. The river will guide you�as well as the guide�along cascading waterfalls and pools into Burungki. Just around the bend is the village of Birethanti at the confluence of the Modi and Bhurjung Rivers. From here, you�ll be taken off your feet for an hour�s drive to Pokhara to stay at the New Pokhara Lodge (similar accomodations are available, if this lodge is unavailable). [B,L]
DAY 14 | BACK IN KATHMANDU
This is a transfer day. For a good part of it, you�ll travel by private vehicle back to Kathmandu. Off your feet and taking a road well traveled, your trek will be winding to its end over the six hour drive. It will be close to evening by the time the capital city comes into view. Return to Hotel Tibet or similar overnight accomodations. [B]
DAY 15 | DEPART NEPAL
There�s time before your departure to wander the cobbled city side streets missed when you arrived in Kathmandu and snap that last photo. Go back to Durbar Square. Then make your way back to the hotel to gather your things. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. [B]
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