LOWER ANNAPURNA AND POKHARA

 

DAY 01:         ARRIVE KATHMANDU (1300 M).

Meals: None

Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu, our representative will assist you Thenafter you will be escorted towards arrival terminal where a traditional welcoming with garlands or Khada will highlight your visit. Then you will board our luxury coaches that will take you to your designated accommodation or for the sightseeing right through the city’s heart- the localized view outside your window is sure to grab your attention, new place and people.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. 

DAY 02:         SIGHTSEEING TOUR IN KATHMANDU

Meals: Breakfast.

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of the following monuments.

Swayambhunath stupa: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments.  Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilisation.

After the sightseeing tour of Durbar Square get on a rickshaw (tricycle) for an interesting 20-minute ride to get to the tourist hub of Thamel.

Patan Durbar Square: Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. Patan is believed to have been built in the 3rd century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty later expanded and enriched by the Lichhavi and the Malla rulers in the medieval period. Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a beautiful museum.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu..

DAY 03:         FLY TO POKHARA. DRIVE TO NAYAPUL (approx. 1 ½ hrs) AND TREK TO SANCTUARY LODGE (1150 M).

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our representative will assist you till the departure terminal at domestic airport just in time before you will board a short-sweet 25 minutes flight to the beautiful Pokhara.

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serene of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic.

Once in Pokhara, we transfer by road with guides & porters to our trek start point {1 ½ hour} Nayapul. From Nayapul, Our walk will follow a ridge line in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. Lunch is at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the village of Birethanti. ou may choose to spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding river valley.

Overnight at Sanctuary Lodge, Birethanti.

DAY 04:         TREK TO HIMALAYA LODGE (2012 M).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After breakfast, we leave the lodge walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi

River Valley. Soon we begin to climb out of the valley & up towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks are provided along the trail. Hot lunch is served on arrival at the lodge in the early afternoon. (Trek time 5-6 hours). It is from this lodge that there are magnificent close up views of the surrounding mountains.

Overnight Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk. 

DAY 05:         TREK TO LANDRUK

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early morning tea and coffee is served in the garden and enjoy sunrise over the Annapurna Himalaya range. After breakfast, our trail steeply descends down to the Modi River and at the base of the cliffs where the famed honey hunters of Nepal climb on ropes to collect honey from beehives clustered on the cliff faces. After crossing a suspension bridge we trek up switchbacks and steps to reach Landruk in time for lunch. Later, etiher we explore the village or simply relax at the lodge. Trek time 4 hours.

Overnight at La Bee Lodge, Landruk.

DAY 06:         TREK TO GURUNG LODGE, MAJGAUN (1,445 M)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We trek through the villages and rhodondendron groves to reach our lodge at the village of Majgaun. After lunch, we enjoy an optional walk to the villages nearby.

Overnight Gurung Lodge, Majhgaon.

DAY 07:         TREK TO BASANTA LODGE, DHAMPUS (1525 M).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

This morning we start out trekking through the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. After about 3-4 hours, we arrive at the Basanta Lodge. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range.  After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.

Overnight Basanta Lodge, Dhampus.

DAY 08:         TREK TO PHEDI AND DRIVE TO POKHARA.

Meals: Breakfast.

After an early breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Trek time 1 ½ hours. We then transfer by vehicle to Pokhara (30 minutes). On the way back to Pokhara, the vehicle can stop on request at the Tibetan refugee camp where you will have time to explore the temple complex.

This afternoon is free to explore the lakeside.

Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 09:         IN POKHARA.

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning, drive to Sarangkot for the sunrise and magnificent views of the Annapurna range.

Sarangkot: This place is located 9 kms to the north west of Pokhara and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Conveniently perched high on the top of a ridge at 1,592m., the serene hill resort offers the spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna range stretching from east to west and the unspoilt rural settlements just below those towering peaks. Viewing 700m. down from the top of Sarangkot you can have awesome sights of the stretching Pokhara Valley, Phewa Lake and many more.

Return back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, visit the following places.

GURKHA MUSEUM

Gurkha soldiers joined the british army since 1815 and later into the indian army after its independence in 1947. The museum concentrates on their history to current british army and the indian army. The displays include hundreds of photographs of the many campaigns they took part in and their regimental life. The 3-floor galleries are brought alive by sound and coloured light. displays also include uniforms they wore, items they used and medals they won. details of the gurkha victoria cross winners, the highest bravery medal with their citations can also be viewed.

 SETI RIVER GORGE

‘Seti’ means White in Nepali and that’s how the famous Seti River got its name with its flowing silver white water. It silently flows in the centre part of the valley carving out a wonderful Gorge. The Seti Gorge comprises the deep rifts of the Conglomerate Mountains carved upto 40 to 50 meters deep which could mostly be witnessed from KI Singh Bridge at Bagar, Mahendra Bridge at Mahendrapool market and Chinese bridge at Lakhanchowk.

 INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN MUSEUM: With an objective of maintaining systematic records of the successful eight thousander, geographic flora and fauna and human activities in the range, the International mountain Museum has been established at the foot step of fishtail peak and gate way to the mountain region. The shape of the museum roof itself resembles mountain skyline to any visitor before entering the museum main gate.

Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 10:         FLY POKHARA - KATHMANDU

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to airport in Pokhara for a flight back to Kathmandu.  Embark on the visit to Bhaktapur & Boudhanath.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE: Located 12 km east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon literally meaning ‘the City of Devotees’ is the smallest city in the Kathmandu valley. Its Main Square or ‘Layaku’ is famous for the 15th century Palace of 55 Carved Windows with the Golden Gate as a royal entrance. In front of the palace building are innumerable temples and architectural showpieces including the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla mounted on a giant stone pillar and the stone temple of Vatsala Devi; another beautiful example of Shikhara-style architecture. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the Bell of Barking Dogs. This was erected in 1737 by King Ranjit Malla; its sounding announced the beginning and end of a daily curfew.

Later visit Boudhanath Stupa: One of the oldest and the Biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal; Boudhanath is one of the holiest structures imposing a height of 36 meters with three massive level Mandala style platforms. It is surrounded by colourful buildings housing families creating a friendly enclosure. The Stupa is visited every year by tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 11:         FINAL DEPARTURE

Meals: Breakfast

We ensure that that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

 

***END OF THE TOUR***

INCLUDED IN THE COSTS:

• Meet and assist at the airport by our office representative
• Arrival and Departure transfers by private vehicle.
• 3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu as specified above sharing twin / double room (Entry level rooms) on bed & breakfasst basis.
• 5 Nights accommodation at lodges on full board basis. i.e. 1 night at Sanctuary lodge, Birethanti, 1 Night at Lodge, Ghandruk, 1 night at La Bee lodge, Landruk, 1 night at Gurung Lodge, Majhgaun & 1 night at Basanta Lodge, Dhampus. Lodges featuring; Solar heated showers, flush toilets and electricity, all meals, snacks, drinking water, tea and coffee while on trek, all laundry while on trek, evening Happy Hour including local soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages.
• 2 Nights accommodation in Pokhara as specified above sharing twin / double room (Entry level rooms) on bed & breakfasst basis.
• 5 days guided trekking in Annapurna region with necessary supporting staffs i.e. 1 trek guide & necessary porters (1 porter per 2 clients. Porter will carry maximum weight of 24 kgs only)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)& TIMS Permit Fee
• Transfer by a private air conditioned vehicle.
• Surface transfer from Pokhara to Nayapul and Phedi to Pokhara will be on sharec vehicle of Ker& Downey lodges.
• Domestic Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu including airport tax
• All sightseeing transfers in Kathmandu
• Services and sightseeing by a local English speaking Nepalese guide throughout out.
• Monument fees during sightseeing.
• Rickshaw ride in Kathmandu.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE COSTS:

• International airfares
• Nepal visa fees & Immigration assistance (visa fee subject to change, if revised)
• Any beverages, including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc.
• Meals not mentioned in the above itinerary.
• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls etc.
• The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.
• Rescue, Evacuation & Insurance
• Tips for the staffs

Any other items not mentioned in the cost inclusion