LGBTQ+ Luxury Trek in Annapurna

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you'll be greeted by a team member who will assist with your transfer to the group's hotel. Once you've checked in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we'll convene for a group meeting over dinner at one of the renowned restaurants in the city.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square: After a delicious lunch, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic site showcasing stunning Newari architecture. Enjoy a photo session with locals in traditional attire or Hindu holy men (Sadhus), perfect for capturing unique and memorable portraits.
• Vegetable and Spice Markets: End the day with a visit to the bustling vegetable and spice markets. Capture dynamic street photography of vibrant colors, energetic atmosphere, and diverse faces, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Kathmandu.

Upon arriving in Pokhara, you'll receive a warm welcome and be transported by vehicle to the starting point of your trek, which typically takes around an hour. Accompanied by a local trek crew, you'll embark on a trail through the lower foothills of the Annapurnas, offering stunning panoramic vistas of the Pokhara Valley. Eventually, you'll descend to the cozy Mountain Lodges of Nepal (MLN) Birethanti Lodge, nestled in the Modi Khola valley. Lunch will be provided at the lodge, and in the afternoon, you'll have the choice to take a relaxed stroll to the nearby village of Birenthanti (1025m). Alternatively, you can opt to unwind at the lodge, explore the local area, or indulge in some birdwatching.

After breakfast, your journey kicks off as you leave the lodge and meander through farmland and scattered small farms, following the course of the Modi Khola, the river originating from the Annapurna Sanctuary. Traversing along the river's right bank, you head northwards with the majestic sacred peak of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) looming ahead. As you ascend out of the valley toward the mountains, the trail winds through quaint hamlets, terraced rice fields, and forests, treating you to breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Snacks will be provided along the way. Arrival at the MLN Ghandruk Lodge is anticipated in the late afternoon, where a hot lunch awaits. The lodge boasts stunning views of the Annapurna Massif peaks arrayed before you.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast accompanied by stunning Himalayan vistas at the Himalaya Lodge, you embark on your trek to Landruk. Setting off from the village of Ghandruk, the trail descends sharply towards the banks of the Modi River. En route, you might catch glimpses of the cliffs where Nepal's renowned honey hunters expertly ascend ropes to harvest the nests of the world's largest (and most perilous) honeybees. We cross the river via a sturdy suspension bridge and ascend along a winding trail to reach the village of Landruk. This enchanting village offers further awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna range. Following a satisfying lunch at the Landruk, our guide will take you on a sightseeing excursion of this picturesque mountain village.

Leaving behind Landruk and the Modi Khola valley, today's trek follows the contour of the valley-side eastward before veering south, with gentle undulations along the way. Passing through picturesque villages and farmland, you'll enjoy splendid views back towards the Annapurnas. By lunchtime, you'll arrive at Majhgaon. The lodge is designed to resemble a traditional Nepalese village, and each room offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding valley and mountains. The afternoon can be spent relaxing in the lodge gardens or exploring nearby villages with our guide.

This morning, your trek begins with a journey through the pristine village of Patlekhet. The path winds through sub-tropical forests adorned with tree orchids, rhododendrons, and magnolias. En route, we pause at the village of Pothana, known for its Tibetan traders selling souvenirs. Once again, our aim is to reach our next lodge in time for lunch. Tonight, we'll stay at the small yet magnificent MLN Dhampus, offering sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. Following lunch at the lodge, there's an optional stroll through the historic village of Dhampus.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, you begin a brief downhill stroll along a picturesque ridge to reach the expansive Yangdi Khola Valley, dotted with farmland and scattered houses. Here, you'll encounter the road where your awaiting vehicle waits for a 30-minute transfer to Pokhara. Along the way, you can opt to visit the Tibetan refugee camp, renowned for its captivating temple complex. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you settle into a luxurious resort hotel at Lakeside. Pokhara is celebrated for its relaxed ambiance, and the Lakeside area bustles with captivating shops, cafes, and bars, all against the stunning backdrop of the Annapurnas. Following lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore this enchanting town. Additionally, you have the choice to trek up to the 'Peace Stupa' for a panoramic vista of the lake or take a boat excursion on the water. In the evening, you return to the hotel for dinner.

Pokhara, also nicknamed as the Lake City, is the second largest and most beautiful place in Nepal. The town offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna among others. Pokhara owns numerous lakes, known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali, and offers fishing, boating and swimming. We visit Devi’s Fall and the Gupteshwar Gufa Cave. We also make a sightseeing trip to some of Pokhara’s marketplaces, old bazaars and interesting landmarks. In the evening, there is a nice opportunity to explore the surrounding lakeside areas at sunset!

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to the airport in Pokhara, where you'll board a scenic flight back to the dynamic capital city of Kathmandu. As you soar through the air, you might catch one last glimpse of the magnificent Himalayas, a fitting finale to your breathtaking adventure.

After a tranquil and enchanting stay in Pokhara, returning to Kathmandu offers a new perspective on Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, you'll have the rest of the day to relax and reflect on the unforgettable moments you’ve shared. Take this opportunity to indulge in some last-minute shopping, explore the bustling markets, or simply savor the vibrant energy of the city.

This is your final day in Nepal. Our dedicated representative will ensure your departure is smooth and comfortable, driving you to the international airport. As you board your flight, reflect on the enchanting experiences shared and the love celebrated in Nepal. We hope to see you again for more adventures with the Himalayan Dream Team. Safe travels and a lifetime of happiness together!