Nepal’s Annapurna Trails Lodge To Lodge Walk & Chitwan National Park 13D12N, Guided

Arrive in Kathmandu, the most populous city in Nepal and the capital of the country, which is also known officially as Kathmandu metropolitan city. The tour provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from Kathmandu Airport (KTM) for all customers.

The tour starts at the Hotel Ambassador in Kathmandu, near the banks, stores and restaurants of the buzzy Thamel district. If you have free time after arrival, you may want to relax into the adventure with a drink at the rooftop bar, enjoying 360-degree views from the sun terrace over Kathmandu valley. Other hotel facilities include a gym and spa.

There is a full trip briefing this evening with your tour leader, in which we gather as a group for the first time and get to know each other a little.

*If you wish to arrive in Kathmandu a couple of days before the tour starts, extra night accommodation can be arranged. Please contact us at time of booking.

Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 123 m (403 ft)

Take a 30-minute flight to Pokhara - the "city of lakes" this morning, bypassing a long, bumpy, drive and maximising our time in the Himalaya. On a clear day, we get magnificent views of those same mountains from the right side of the plane.

From the airport, we first head to the hotel in Pokhara to collect our trek packs and meet the guide for the trek briefing. After, leaving any luggage you don’t wish to take on trek at the Pokhara hotel, we take a short transfer to our trek start point: the village of Nayapul.

We begin by following a ridgeline in the lower Annapurna foothills with views of the Pokhara Valley. The route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Sanctuary Lodge is located. The property has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain (or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known).

Lunch is in the lodge. In the afternoon, you can either relax in the wonderful garden or join the tour leader on a bird-watching walk to Birethanti village.

In the Annapurna foothills, we stay in excellent mountain lodges with magnificent views of iconic peaks. These are run by Mountain Lodges of Nepal and are considered the finest accommodation in the area. Tonight is at Sanctuary Lodge. Interior décor is in a traditional Nepalese Gurung style, local to the region. Expect a welcome drink on arrival and, in your room, down jackets, warm hats and gloves, and Crocs to keep you extra comfy.

Level 4, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), 5-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 1184 m (3385 ft)

Savour a delightful breakfast before leaving the lodge to begin your hike through the dispersed tiny farms. You will soon be climbing the valley towards the mountains as you follow the Modi Khola in the direction of the mountains. In the distance, you are thrown to uninterrupted views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

We have a rather lengthy hike up stone steps today, and it takes us through the rice terraces and rhododendron forests; however, while the hike promises to be a timelapse of riveting vistas, there's room for frequent stops and lunch breaks as we tread the trail.

The Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk is where we will spend the night located at 2012m/6,601ft. The first thing you notice on arrival at Himalaya Lodge (besides the friendly dogs that come to welcome you) is your proximity to the massive peaks of Annapurna South and neighbor Hiunchuili. The mountain views here are some of the most spectacular in Nepal. Grab a lounger and take in the sunset at happy hour with a few Gorkha beers.

Level 4, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 557 m (1827 ft)

As much as Landruk, our destination for today lies on the other side of the valley, in order to reach there, we will need to travel down to the river and then climb up the other side. Once the hike leaves the settlement of Ghandruk, it begins a steep descent onto the banks of the Modi River.

Next, we traverse the suspension bridge, our hike to Landruk village continues up a stone staircase. While on our way, marvel at the breathtaking views of the Annapurna Mountain range and pass directly beneath the cliffs where honey gatherers scale ropes to collect wild bee honey.

Arrive at your lodge, La Bee Lodge, located at 1565 m/5135 ft, where a hearty lunch awaits. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and taking in the breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli or venture on a tour of the hamlet with your guide to explore the local attractions. All of which are totally dependent on your choice.

Level 3, Approx. 12 km (7 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 413 (1355 ft)

Your hike today takes on an easier walk with no steep uphill or downhill climb. The trail goes through villages and farmlands while providing imposing views of the Annapurna Mountains in the distance.

You’ll arrive at your lodge by lunchtime at Gurung or Mala Lodge located at 1400 m/4593 ft. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the magnificent garden with views of Annapurna South or taking in the mountain vistas from the comfort of your own room, which has a view of the surrounding mountains.

For those in seek of more adventure can embark on a guided village walk to Thanchok, which is an old and traditional Gurung village that is home to many blacksmith families.

Reminiscent an old tea plantation, the Gurung lodge comprises a handful of traditional Gurung houses dotted around a delightfully well-kept garden, on the edge of Majhgaon village. Occasionally, if Gurung Lodge is full, we continue walking for another 20 minutes to Tomijun hamlet to stay at the equally excellent Mala Lodge.

The traditional-style stone buildings of Mala Lodge huddle in the Annapurna lowlands amongst rice terraces, near to a quaint bee-keeping village.

Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 4 hours walking, Elevation gain: 577 (1893 ft)

After witnessing a beautiful sunrise on Annapurna South, our journey onward takes a fun twist with an averagely demanding trek for a couple of hours over a broad forest track that climbs steadily. We have now reached the main route at Potana after completing a brief segment of the forest trail. For another half hour, we will arrive at Australia Camp. The Australian Camp is a series of lodges that are located on the summit of a hill. From here, enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valleys as well as the Annapurna Alps, Machhapuchhre Himal, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu Hima.

We are able to take a short rest here for some tea before descending the ridge to Dhampus. You’ll stay at Basanta Lodge located at 1525 m/5003 ft). Comprising rooms, restaurant, bar, and a beautifully landscaped garden terrace, Basanta Lodge feels like a mountainside secret. There’s a real retreat ambiance here, where simple pleasures and natural surroundings take center stage. At Happy Hour, guests gather on the grassy terrace for drinks and foot massages as the sun sets over the mountains then head into the cozy dining room with roaring fire and small bar for dinner.

You’ll be treated to a delicious lunch before the opportunity to take a stroll through Dhampus village.

For those in pursue of a more relaxed pace, can unwind at the lodge's garden for spectacular views of the sunset. The entire range is in view, from Annapurna South to Annapurnas 4 and 2, as well as Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and the other peaks in the Annapurna range.

Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 500 m (1640 ft)

Following breakfast, we make our way up the slope and then descend on a stone stairway to the valley floor, passing by a forested hillside and agricultural terraces along the way. The hike can take anything from 1.5-2 hours. After that, we get in a van and head to our accommodation in Pokhara (one hour). Pokhara is yours to discover at your leisure in the afternoon.

Pokhara provides a wealth of exciting opportunities to discover its breathtaking surroundings. Having just completed a multi-day hike, the afternoon is free for you to relax. You may want to chill by the hotel or wander along the lakeside browsing the shops. Alternatively, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Your tour leader will brief you on the various options available.

Head to the Tibetan refugee camp in Tashiling this morning, a 15-minute drive out of Pokhara. Established in the 1960s, when hundreds of Tibetans fled instability in their home region, the Tashiling camp is now a permanent home to around 100 families. Meet some of the residents and take part in a cookery experience, learning how to make the popular Nepalese snack momos, which originated from Tibet and was introduced to Nepal by the refugees. Before leaving, look around the carpet handicraft centre, souvenir shops and traditional Tibetan food shops with any purchases directly supporting the community.

Today you also have an optional visit to the International Mountain Museum in the afternoon, which delves deep into the history of mountaineering across the planet, or perhaps take the chance for a boat trip on the lake if you didn’t yesterday.

Depart Pokhara for a 4-5 hours drive to Chitwan. On a clear day, the Annapurna Mountain range may be seen in its entirety to the left as we travel away from Pokhara. Along the way, we are accompanied, in parts, by the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The road heads towards Kathmandu for about 56mi (90km) before turning south to Chitwan National Park.

We should arrive around lunchtime; this afternoon, we meet our naturalist guide who discusses the activities for the next two days, followed by a bird walk late afternoon in the local area.

Activity timings may vary depending on the naturalist’s recommendations.

On the edge of a community forest, Green Mansions Jungle Resort offers traditional cottages encompassed by nature. The highlight may well be their in-house team of naturalists, who bring the landscape to life with their expertise. Other pluses include a pool with half-sunken loungers and a multi-cuisine restaurant where dishes include produce from the hotel garden.

Today is dedicated to discovering the wildlife of Nepal and exploring the Chitwan jungle. In the morning, take a traditional dugout canoe made from a single tree trunk along the Rapti River, our naturalist guide helping us to spot birdlife and crocodiles as we gently cruise on the water.

After lunch, head out from our resort on a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for several deer species, wild boars, endangered one-horned rhinos and the very rare Bengal tiger. Our certified guides are typically local to the park, often from the indigenous Tharu community, who have a long history of living in close harmony with the Chitwan wildlife. Their knowledge of the local ecosystem, animal behaviour and traditional practices makes them excellent nature guides.

This evening, we watch a traditional stick dance performance, an important part of Tharu culture. The dance is performed by members of the Tharu community, who use long sticks to create an engaging, energetic performance. It is believed to have originated as a means of protecting the Tharu communities from various threats, including wildlife and evil spirits, and is now a celebration of Tharu identity and a way to preserve and showcase their cultural heritage to visitors. Please note, the order we do activities is decided by the naturalist depending on local factors.

This morning, you are welcome to take advantage of your accommodation and its various amenities. If, on the other hand, you have the option to rise early and head out before breakfast for a bird-watching walk in the Baghmara Community Forest, around a five to 10-minute stroll from our resort, joined by a naturalist guide.

Then, after a leisurely breakfast, we set off for the six-hour drive back to Kathmandu, arriving in the evening.

Our journey takes us out of the lowlands to travel once more alongside the Trishuli River, before arriving at the Himalaya foothills. Taking a Chinese-built road running parallel to the range, the journey slows as we pass through the hilly region. Our reward, however, is plenty of amazing views encompassing terraced farms, numerous villages and the adjacent Trishuli River.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we typically have time to refresh before dinner.

For those keen to see the highest mountain in the world, there is the option of an early morning Everest sightseeing flight from Kathmandu. This can be booked and paid for locally with help from your tour leader. Please note, it may not always be available due to weather restrictions.

Today is also your chance for sightseeing in the capital. A local guide escorts you on a city tour, visiting one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Boudhanath, and the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath.

Savour a delightful breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. The tour provides free departure transfers for all customers to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) where your journey ends for your onward travels.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.