Trekking the Himalayas
Summary
Offering stunning panoramic views that will take your breath away, trekking through the Himalayas is sure to be a treasured experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. This 11-day itinerary (2 days of travel) has been designed to let even those who are fairly new to the world of trekking enjoy the chance to explore Nepal’s beautiful natural scenery, with the highest altitude you’ll reach being 6,600ft and a maximum trekking time of 5-6 hours per day, although of course all of our itineraries can be catered to your individual needs. Along the way you will be able to explore Kathmandu and its different UNESCO World Heritage Sites and get a real feel for Nepal’s rich culture and history. Residing in different luxurious hotels and lodges along the way, discover Nepal and the Himalayas in style, after all your bed and a hot shower are sure to be a welcome sight after a day spent trekking in the mountains. Visit different mountain villages along your journey and most importantly take the time to enjoy the magnificent views that you are sure to remember for the rest of your life.
Please note: A good level of fitness is required for trekking up to 6 hours per day. If you are new to trekking you should train prior to departure to prepare. In Nepal, the high hills and mountain terrains are quite rough to hike. The unprecedented altitudes, chilled weather, uneven terrains and fatigue can take its toll during the trek, therefore training can help you adapt much easier. You should visit your GP for a full medical check/clearance for fitness to travel. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are currently taking any medicine you should consult with your physician about trekking at high altitude.
Duration |
11 Days
Price
From $2,482.00 per person based on 2 people sharing a roomBest time to go
The best seasons for trekking are the dry and warm seasons, which in Nepal are March- early June and end of September-November. During these times, the temperature is bearable and skies are usually clear, although it can sometime be foggier. The worst time to go would be between June – September: this is Monsoon season which will make trekking much more difficult.
As this is not a set date retreat, you have the freedom to choose when is the best time for you to travel.
Day 1: UK Departure
Depart on an overnight flight to Nepal
Day 2: Hotel Himalaya, Kathmandu (BB)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will stay for the next 2 nights. The rest of your day is to be spent at leisure, so perhaps choose to get familiar with your hotel and surroundings. Kathmandu, as the capital of Nepal, has plenty to see and do and is rich in culture, art and tradition.
Day 3: Hotel Himalaya, Kathmandu (BB)
Today you will get to explore the cultural delights of Kathmandu with a half-day excursion of the city and its different sites. You will have the chance to visit Swayambhunath Stupa, a magnificent Buddhist Stupa also known as monkey temple because of the holy monkeys that dwell in part of the temple and admire the stunning views of Kathmandu Valley. A visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square is sure to be a highlight of today where you can admire many different statues and buildings featuring distinctive Newari Architecture. After some on foot exploration, you will also have the chance to enjoy a rickshaw ride to explore Kathmandu city some more. Later you will visit Patan City, one of the 3 royal cities in the valley; it is a city of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples, and fine wood carvings that is sure to be a delight to see. After a busy day return to your hotel for a restful night before you depart Kathmandu tomorrow.
Day 4: Atithi Resort & Spa, Kathmandu – Pokhara by Surface (BB)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to Pokhara by Surface, a journey of 210km. Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal and the starting point for most treks in the Annapurna area. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, home to several beautiful lakes and stunning views of the Himalayas peaks, so make sure you take some time to explore it today.
Day 5: Sanctuary Lodge, Pokhara – Start your Trek Birethanti [3750ft] (FB)
Today you will be transferred by road with guides to the start point of your trek. Your route today will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurna's with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey’s Sanctuary Lodge, where you will be residing tonight, is located. After lunch at the lodge, you can opt for a walk to the village of Birethanti or perhaps explore the surrounding river valley.
(Trek time 2-3 hours)
Day 6: Himalaya Lodge, Birethanti – Ghandruk [6,600ft] (FB)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for another day of trekking, walking through the outlying farms through the Modi River Valley. You will climb out of the valley and up towards the mountains following a trail that passes through the small hamlets, terraced rice fields, and forest with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks will be provided along the trail and hot lunch will be served once you arrive at the lodge by early afternoon. The rest of the day is to be at leisure so enjoy a rest and admire the magnificent close-up views of the surrounding mountains.
(Trek time 5-6 hours)
Day 7: Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk [6,600ft] (FB)
Wake up today to enjoy tea and coffee served in the garden and watch the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the Fishtail. After a relaxing breakfast and admiring the views, you will be taken by a guide on an exploration of this mountain village and the surrounding countryside.
Day 8: Gurung Lodge, Ghandruk – Majgaon [4,620ft] (FB)
Today you will depart from the Himalaya Lodge, walking out through the village of Ghandruk. Along your trek today you will be able to spot Buffaloes and goats graze in the surrounding fields and you may even have to make way for the donkey and mule trains that convey goods to and from the Gurkha settlements, you may also meet some of the trekkers coming to or from the Sanctuary itself. You will trek to Shali Bazaar and then to Gurung Lodge where you will stay tonight.
(Trek time 5-6 hours)
Day 9: Atithi Resort & Spa, Majgaon – End Trek & drive to Pokhara [3,300 ft] (BB)
Enjoy early morning tea and coffee while soaking up the views and taking the chance to photograph the scenery from different locations around the lodge. After breakfast, you will depart and trek to the village of Chandrakot through forests with surrounding views of the valley and mountains. After a further 30 minute walk, you will arrive at the village of Lumle from where you will drive to Pokhara. The rest of your day it to be spent at leisure so perhaps relax and unwind after all that time spent trekking.
(Trek time 90 minutes)
Day 10: Hotel Himalaya, Pokhara – Kathmandu by Surface (BB)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will proceed to Kathmandu by surface and have the rest of your day at leisure. As this is your final day perhaps revisit some of your favourite sites in Kathmandu from earlier and pick up some souvenirs.
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport where you will board a daytime flight home.
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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities as specified, local English speaking guides throughout
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling at peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.