Premium Comfort Annapurna - Bandipur Trek

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.

Begin your day with an early morning flight from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to the picturesque city of Pokhara. This short 25-minute journey treats you to stunning aerial views of Nepal's majestic mountain ranges and rolling hills, setting the perfect tone for your adventure. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll be warmly welcomed and transported by vehicle to Dhawa, the starting point of your trek. The scenic one-hour drive offers glimpses of the beautiful Pokhara Valley and its surrounding landscapes.

From Dhawa, accompanied by your experienced local trekking crew, you’ll set off on a gentle hike through the lush foothills of the Annapurna region. The trail reveals breathtaking vistas of the valley, eventually leading you to the tranquil MLN Birethanti Lodge, nestled in the serene Modi Khola valley. After enjoying a hearty lunch at the lodge, you can choose how to spend your afternoon: take a relaxed stroll through the charming village of Birethanti (1,025m), unwind at the lodge amidst nature, or try some birdwatching in the peaceful surroundings. This day perfectly balances adventure and leisure, offering an idyllic start to your trekking journey in Nepal.

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!

Start your day with a scenic drive to the hilltop Newari village of Bandipur, a charming destination known for its well-preserved 18th-century architecture and rich cultural history. Once a key stop on the trade route between India and Tibet, Bandipur offers a unique blend of tradition and natural beauty. Enjoy lunch at the heritage ‘Old Inn’ before strolling through its cobblestone streets, exploring the village’s history, and soaking in its serene atmosphere.

After the village tour, begin a short trek through a picturesque valley surrounded by forests and terraced farmlands, passing small hamlets and schools along the way. The final stretch involves a gentle ascent to your lodge, perched on a ridge over 1,000 meters high. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan giants Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu. Unwind with drinks by the central fireplace, followed by a delightful dinner as you embrace the tranquility of your surroundings.

You'll awaken to a refreshing cup of tea or coffee delivered to your rooms. Weather permitting, and if the mountains are visible, you'll have the chance to sit on your private verandas and savor the breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Makalu. Following breakfast, we'll embark on a brief stroll through orange orchards to visit two local schools. Alternatively, you can opt for a hike to a higher viewpoint peak, offering an even more stunning panorama of the northern mountains and views southwards towards Chitwan and the Terai. Returning to the lodge for lunch, you'll then join the guide once again to explore a couple of nearby villages, where you may have the opportunity to meet retired Gurkhas. This area remains relatively unexplored and retains much of its original charm. You'll return to spend a second night at the Three Mountain Lodge. 

Following breakfast at the unique lodge, you'll trek back to Bandipur. Upon arrival in Bandipur, you'll meet your transportation and embark on a 4-hour drive eastward along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you'll check in at your hotel, where you'll have a couple of hours to rest and freshen up before dinner.

Exploring the streets of Kathmandu is a highlight of any trip to Nepal, offering a captivating blend of shops, cafes, restaurants and food markets, and street vendors, along with a diverse array of vibrant temples and shrines. Kathmandu is a generally safe city (just keep an eye out for the traffic) and venturing out on your own can be a delightful adventure.

Alternative: a sightseeing daytour to Bhaktapur

Airport transfers to Kathmandu are included in the package. If you're interested in extending your stay in Nepal, you might want to consider pre-booking a day's sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. For further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.