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.

Today, a guided half-day sightseeing tour is arranged to explore significant landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley, including the ‘Monkey Temple’ of Swayambhunath, the Hindu Temple honoring Lord Shiva in Pashupatinath, Durbar Square, and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Following the sightseeing tour, the rest of the day is available for unwinding in the hotel gardens or for self-guided exploration. In the evening, we will gather again to dine out with our guide in another one of Kathmandu’s finest restaurants.

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!

Starting your day with a reasonably early departure, you'll begin your journey with a brief drive to the traditional Newari village of Bandipur, perched on a high ridge above the Pokhara to Kathmandu highway. Upon arrival, you'll relish lunch at the 'Old Inn' and meet a local guide who will lead you through the village. Bandipur, rooted in the Magar Kingdom of Tanahun, boasts a history dating back several centuries. It served as a vital staging post on the trade route between India and Tibet. With its 18th-century architecture and labyrinthine streets, it's an ideal spot to spend a couple of hours.

Next, you'll embark on a short trek, beginning with a descent into a valley enveloped by a blend of forest and farmland. Along the trail, you'll encounter various hamlets and schools, culminating in a steady ascent during the final 40 minutes to your overnight lodging at the splendid lodge. Positioned on a ridge just over 1000 meters, the lodge offers commanding views of three towering peaks over 8000 meters tall: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu. After settling in, drinks will be served around the central fireplace, followed by dinner in the dining room later in the evening.

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.