ANNAPURNA SKYLINE TREK

Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during group dinner. Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Dinner)

Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you’ll likely witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.

Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. Overnight Hotel Tibet or simlar. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Our morning drive takes us from Swiss lakes to Swiss Army. At the once-secret Swiss army bunker at Fortress Fürigen, we’ll see part of the massive defense system designed to keep Switzerland strong and neutral. Afterward, a short drive into the countryside brings us to the charming Alpine village of Engelberg, our picturesque home for the next two days. We’ll settle into our lodge then head out for an orientation walk. Our stroll through the village will end at the Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with its own cheese-Transfer to the domestic terminal at the Kathmandu airport for your flight to Pokhara. You must arrive at the airport one hour before your scheduled departure time. Be ready for a wait at the airport if your flight is delayed due to weather or other reasons.

The flight to Pokhara (800m/2,640ft) is approximately 30 minutes. Depending on the weather, you will be able to view the Himalayan range including Manaslu and Annapurna IV from your airplane window. Note: sit on the right hand side of the plane if possible.

After arriving in Pokhara, transfer by private vehicle to the starting point of your trek at Phedi. The first day’s walk is a grueling ascent through terraced paddy fields and small villages to Dhampus. You are rewarded with great mountain views as you arrive at Dhampus.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)making operation. You’ll have free time to wander back before dinner together. Sleep in Engelberg (2 nights). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: light.

The trail now becomes a steady ascent as you trek through rhododendron forest. Mt. Machhapuchare (Fishtail) is prominent in the distance. Slowly ascending, trek past Pothana and the pass at Deorali (7,100ft.). There are great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and, on a clear day, Dhaulagiri I. From Deorali, it is a steep descent through rhododendron forest (muddy and slippery at times) to arrive at Landrung. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Today is a short day of about three to four hours to Jhinu. Descend to the Modi Khola. Then ascend steeply to Jhinu, a small cluster of lodges. There is ample time to take a dip in the hot springs at Jhinu. The hot springs are about 15 minutes hike past Jhinu and are properly maintained by a caretaker who charges around US$2 per person. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

From Jhinu, descend to the Kimrung Khola. Ascend steeply (approximately 1,400 ft.) on switchbacks thorough a forest to Kimrong Danda (7,300 ft.). It is a short descent to Ghandrung.

Ghandrung, with 275 households, is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal – Sikles is the largest. The older settlement of Ghandrung is a closely-knit village of slate-roofed houses with terraced fields both above and below the settlement. There is also a Gurung museum which you can visit.

Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

The trail continues steeply through thick mixed forests. Trek through Bhaise Kharka (Buffalo pasture) to Tadapani (far water). Look out for wild Langurs up on the tall trees. Rhododendron trees in this area are not shrubs but grow to become 90 feet or more.

The views of Annapurna South, Macchapuchare and Hiunchuli are spectacular from Tadapani. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Ascend through rhododendron forests gently to Banthati and then to Deorali. Continue to Ghorepani (literally translated as horse water) on a ridge with a big cluster of lodges. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Wake up early (4ish) and hike steeply (1 hour) to Pun hill (10,600 ft.) to view the sunrise over the Himalayas. From Pun hill, there are unobstructed views of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Tukuche (6,920m), Nilgiri (6,920m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Glacier dome (7,193m).

After breakfast at Ghorepani, descend steeply to Ulleri. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)

Descend to Nayapul. Trek ends here. A chartered vehicle will take you Pokhara.

Short bus ride to Pokhara from raft put out point. Transfer to your hotel. After your long shower, enjoy the rest of the day for shopping, relaxing or exploring on your own. Overnight: Temple Tree or similar (B,L)

Short boat ride on the Phewa Lake. 30 minute uphill hike to Peace Stupa.Visit the International Mountaineering Museum, which has an excellent display of exhibits of the world’s mountains. Lunch at the museum café. Overnight: Temple Tree or similar. (All meals)

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Morning is free for you shop, relax or explore on your own. In the afternoon, a Nepali cooking class followed by dinner at a Nepali home. Overnight: Hotel Tibet or similar. (All meals)

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. (Breakfast)