Annapurna Luxury Trek

Trip Overview

Trip Facts

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Easy
Destination: Annapurna
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Hotel, Luxury Lodge
Meals: Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Maximum altitude: 2,000m
Group size: 1+
Best Season: Mar-May / Sep-Nov

Annapurna Luxury Trek is a walking adventure in the lower Annapurna region. This adventure offers a beautiful and easy trekking experience with luxury accommodation even in the mountains.

Although it is a short trekking adventure in the foothills of the Himalaya, you will get to enjoy beautiful nature and a spectacular view of the mountains. As you explore the region, you can also see the trail that leads to the Annapurna Base Camp. The trail that you will walk along also meets the trail coming from Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. In addition to enjoying the trek, you can also enjoy the luxury accommodation of Ker & Downey Lodges at the overnight places along the trail.

What you see during Annapurna Luxury Trek

As a Himalayan foothill trekking adventure, this trip offers you some breathtaking views of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. You can also enjoy beautiful nature along the river valley. Exploring around the villages where you stay overnight gives you a beautiful cultural experience of rural areas in Nepal.

The trail that you walk along during the adventure offers you a view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and several other mountains in the Annapurna range. Beautiful villages of Ghandruk, Majh Gaun, and Dhampus will offer you an experience of the local lifestyle.

Reasons this trip becomes an Experience

Nepal Climbing Adventure always strives to offer an adventure traveling experience that you can cherish. While the Annapurna Luxury Trek is beautiful in its all essence, your experience of trekking there becomes even more beautiful with us.

By the time we take you on the trip and bring you back, we take one step ahead to offer you a beautiful experience. We keep your safety and happiness is our top priority and you will experience the same during the trip.

Trekking with us to the Annapurna luxury trail is traveling in safe hands.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Normally, your arrival in Kathmandu is day one of this trip. We will come to pick you up at the airport as per your flight time and transfer you to the hotel. There are no activities today apart from a trip briefing meeting. The information about the meeting time will be available upon your arrival at the hotel.

You have time to relax and go for any last-minute preparation of the trip. Welcome to Kathmandu!

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: N/A

Day 02: Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu

We have a full day in Kathmandu to explore the heritage sites in the valley. If we have not met for the meeting yesterday, we will meet today after breakfast. If we have met yesterday, we will continue on a full-day sightseeing tour.

Your entire afternoon will be busy going around different ancient and medieval heritage monuments in the Kathmandu valley. We will take you to Swoyambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath to explore the ancient and medieval magnificence of the valley.

The tour will show you a lot about the culture, spiritual practice, history, and lifestyle of people in the valley. You will have an awesome cultural tour day today. Our city tour guide will make it easier for you to understand what you are looking at to make your experience even better.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Kathmandu - Pokhara (Flight)

We will fly to Pokhara today after breakfast. It will take us only 25 minutes of flight to reach the beautiful city of Pokhara.

Once we reach Pokhara 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, we will have enough time to go around and explore the Lakeside. Pokhara offers an incredibly beautiful view of the Annapurna range. This peaceful city has various natural attractions like lakes, caves, mountains, and green surroundings.

We will spend quite a relaxing time in Pokhara after checking into a hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 04: Pokhara - Ghandruk (1940m)

We start the first day of the Annapurna Luxury Trek. The day’s journey begins with a 1.5 hours’ drive to Nayapul before the trekking starts. We reach Nayapul to start the walk for the day and head towards Ghandruk as our destination for the day. After checking into the Annapurna Conservation Area Project counter at Birethanti, we continue the trek further. The first section of the trek goes steadily on a gentle incline before it gets steeper as we move ahead. The final climb to Ghandruk is a steep one that takes us to this beautiful Gurung village. We explore the cultural beauty of this ethnic Gurung village and enjoy the Himalayan magnificence.

We stay overnight in the comfort of Ker & Downey Lodge.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05: Explore Ghandurk and Surroundings

We take a full day to explore Ghandruk and its surroundings today. We can go hiking in the beautiful surroundings and also explore the village at leisure.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06: Ghandruk - Majh Gaun

Breakfast with a view is an awesome idea on these kinds of Himalayan trip. We do the same in the morning before setting off for the adventure of the day. Our trek descends steeply down to the bank of Modi Khola on well-paved steps where we will see a traditional water mill and across the river on the cliff we can see some wild honey beehives hanging. We walk along the river to New Bridge to cross the river just to start an uphill walk to Tolkha and further to Majhgaun.

We stay overnight at the comfort of Ker & Downey Lodge.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07: Majh Gaun - Dhampus (1,700m)

Our walk today is very gentle. We walk through some wooded parts and villages towards Dhampus village. We walk past Australian camp, Deurali, and eventually descend gradually to Dhampus for an overnight stay. A panoramic view of the Annapurna range stands right in front of us when we reach Dhampus. The trail also offers incredible sights of the mountain peaks during the trek. We take a well-deserved rest with a view when we reach Dhampus after about five hours of trekking.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Dhampus - Pokhara

We set off on the remaining part of our trekking journey. A short downhill hike takes us to the Dhampus Phedi to finish our trekking journey. We get on our vehicle and drive to Pokhara for about half-hour. Once in Pokhara, we have leisurely time on our own to go explore the town. We can find a massage to relieve the tiredness of trekking or simply walk around the lakeside. It is a day at leisure to relax after trekking in the mountains.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 09: Pokhara - Kathmandu (Flight)

As we have completed our trekking journey, it’s time now to return back to Kathmandu. We will get ready for the flight back to Kathmandu. We will have a day at leisure in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 10: Departure Day

The trip has come to an end today. We have to bid farewell for this time hoping to meet again for another adventure soon. We will drive you to the airport for your departure flight as scheduled.

Accommodation: N/A

Meal: Breakfast

Cost Details

What is included?

Airport pick up and drop off on your arrival and departure
5-star hotel accommodations on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Luxury Lodge Accommodation at Ker & Downey Lodges in the mountains
Breakfasts in Kathmandu and Pokhara
All meals during the trek
Full-day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Guided Pokhara sightseeing tour
Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu Flight Ticket
Experienced trekking guide and a necessary number of porters for the trek
Private vehicles for necessary commuting

What is not included?

International airfare and travel insurance
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
All kinds of drinks during the trip
Tips for guide and porters
Any expenses other than mentioned in the 'Includes' section

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - Trekking in Nepal

Are you a licensed trekking agency?

Yes, we are a licensed company to operate adventure tours in Nepal. We have been organizing tours, Treks, and Expeditions for our valued clients for over two decades. Our long journey and experience in the field have made us pioneer in the industry.

Do the guides speak English and have first aid training?

All of our guides are experienced experts in their job and speak fluent English. Most of them are born in the areas they guide trekkers to and have several years of experience as trekking guides in the mountains. It's mandatory that they are trained in first aid and also carry a first aid kit with them during the trek.

How big are the groups?

We always do our best to team up a small group of likeminded people to give them a memorable and insightful adventure travel experience, coupled with an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other in the true spirit that comes with adventure. Our trek groups generally comprise of maximum 12 members. We need a minimum of 2 participants to run our fixed departure dates. For private trips, no minimum or maximum numbers apply.

Are permits included in the price of the trek?

Yes. All of the necessary permits for your trek are included in the price and will be arranged for you prior to your trek. For certain restricted regions (like Manaslu and Makalu), you'll need to have a full day in Kathmandu prior to your trek as your trek operator will need your passport for the permit registration.

Do you arrange private treks?

Yes, we do. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at a timeframe that best suits you for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time). The costs for private trips are generally fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration, and trek style, and is negotiable. We also arrange TREKS FOR A SINGLE WOMAN. If by any chance, none of our fixed group departure dates work for you and you do not have anyone to accompany you, you can still be able to make your preferred trip with us. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you want to go solo. We assign local guides, porters, etc who you can trust your life with.

Do you provide any equipment while trekking?

On all our Camping treks, we provide all the tents, sometimes dome tents, sometimes sturdy A-frames and normally people share one tent between two; a foam mattress each; all the cutlery and utensils, cooking pots, stoves; candles/kerosene lantern, tables, and stools, kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tent; all the main meals while trekking but not snacks. On Tea house treks there isn’t really a necessity to provide any equipment.

But you are provided a duffel bag if you don’t have one and a down jacket if you haven’t flown in with your own. This is loaned to you and must be returned when the trek is done.

How difficult are the treks?

Classifying the difficulty of a trek is like walking a thin red-line, as it depends on your fitness and experience hiking in the mountains. In the Himalaya, a trek's difficulty depends on the steepness of the trail, the general altitude, and the duration of the trek. Generally, the higher you go the more difficult the trek becomes. For most treks in the lower foothills (Ghorepani, Poonhill, Ghandruk, and Pikey Peak), it's fairly moderate trekking, although some days will be more challenging than others. For higher-altitude treks (i.e. Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Annapurna Circuit, and Nar Phu), the treks become more challenging as you get going over 5,000m passes with longer days. If you’re an avid walker and enjoy hiking, then there’s no better adventure than trekking.

How long do we walk each day?

Much of our trekking ventures are classified into THREE different categories according to the level of difficulty. Soft Adventure treks are only about a week to 10 days in duration. They generally don't go above 4000 meters and each day, you can expect to be walking for around 4 – 5 hours. While moderate to fairly challenging treks are longer treks that go right into high mountain country. Physically quite tiring, these involve approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. Arduous treks are longer treks that go far beyond the normal haunts of trekkers and tourists. Physically challenging, these may involve 7-9 hours trekking and likely to include unfavorable weather conditions and activities that are not only physically challenging but also tax the mind. These trips are not for greenhorns.

What is exactly 'teahouse' trekking?

Teahouse trekking refers to staying at a small local lodge or mountain hut each night of your trek. The lodges are basic but pretty cozy; enough to shelter you from the bitter mountain winds. They consist of 5-10 rooms with a common area used for eating and hanging out. Most treks in Nepal are teahouse treks where the lodges are run by members of the local community. Bunking out at these teahouses in some of the harshest territories on earth will give you a true sense of what life is in the wild.

What do we mean by FOT trek?

On FOT or a ‘Fully Organized Trek’, all meals and sleeping arrangements will be fully organized by the support crew. FOTs are also known as CAMPING TREKS. On camping treks, you will be sleeping in tents. A trekking crew consists of one sirdar, one cook, and kitchen crew, Sherpa assistants, and porters depending on the size of the group. Under the leadership of the Sirdar (local trek leader), the crew consists of several Sherpa assistants who will ensure you don't take the wrong path, a cook and kitchen crew to keep you well-fed with delicious and nutritious meals, and the porters to transport all the gear from camp to camp.

Our main aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. The ratio of both Sherpa guides and kitchen crew to group members is generally 1:4 and the ratio of porters to group members is around 3:1 at the beginning of the trek, but this decreases as food is eaten and loads become smaller. For bathroom facilities, we carry a toilet tent. Your camping staff dig a deep hole in the ground for excrement and cover the hole with soil after nature’s call is done. Camping treks are more expensive than teahouse treks. These treks are generally operated in remote restricted alpine zones that go above the tree-lines. Camping treks can also be used as options for teahouse treks throughout the Himalaya to enjoy the true spirit of adventure!

What is security like during trekking?

Security for our clients is always a foremost priority for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Nepal Government. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on ‘camping treks’ please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach the campsite. At night, all bags and belongings are kept in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on a rotation basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on a ‘Tea house or GAP trek’ arrangement, you will be sleeping in local teahouses. You need to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out.

What happens if I fall ill during the trek?

If by chance you fall ill during your trek, the first course of action depends on what's wrong with you. If it's altitude sickness, moving to lower altitudes and taking altitude medication will solve most cases; if it's quite severe, your guide will arrange for emergency evacuation by helicopter (be sure that emergency helicopter rescue is covered in your travel insurance). If you have a stomach sickness, bug, or any other types of food or water-related illnesses, your guide will have medication on hand for the most common illnesses.

What type of food is served during a trek?

On CAMPING TREKs we provide three delicious, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a tasty mix of local and western dishes. Your day starts with a king-size breakfast consisting of a choice of porridge, muesli, and cereals followed by omelet, fried, or scrambled eggs with ‘chapattis’ [rounded bread made from wheat] or multigrain-bread. Also included are seasonal fresh fruits. Lunch is generally a selection of organic salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta, and traditional bread. Dinner is a truly hearty 3-course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetables, meat, and rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert [which may include a finger-licking crusty apple pie].

Ironically, some of the best apple pies in the country are found on these mountains and not in Thamel, Asia’s hub for backpackers; as many tourists would assume. Tea and coffee are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh organic produce as possible available at some of the villages we hike through and special diets are regularly catered for. The trek leaders maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene.

All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. We only serve Boiled water for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. On Tea House treks we provide standard breakfast, lunch, and three-course dinner, tea or coffee is also included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and soupy noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodges and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat it with water purification pills. Although it's held that gluttony is a sin, nevertheless, we ensure our trekking guests are well fed in as much as they can digest to cope with the arduous trails and the tough elevations.

Do I need to carry my own gear?

You'll carry your daily essentials (sunblock, water, hat, light jacket, and camera) but your porter will carry the bulk of your gear, such as extra clothing and overnight basics. Porters are especially helpful for longer treks where you'll be carrying more gear. For shorter treks (2-3 days), you may opt just to have a guide if you're comfortable carrying your own gear, but hiring a porter is a great way to support the local economy and is quite affordable. It's also the safest thing to do when you’re hiking on the biggest and most rugged mountains on planet earth.

How much could porters carry?

Porters typically carry up to 30 kgs max. (To ensure they're not overloaded). For fragile items, such as cameras, it's still best to carry these items yourself. If you have more than 15 kg., please carry the extra weight in your day pack. In the commercial trade, when transporting goods and supplies up into the high mountains, some porters carry up to 100 kgs and get paid less than a fair wage provided by some so-called responsible trekking companies. However, doing things like this weighs on the conscience and we totally avoid such unfair situations.

We know the risk that comes with neglecting our porters and follow all mandatory guidelines as stipulated by the IPPG international porters association.

What is the overnight accommodation like?

In cities like Kathmandu or Lhasa, accommodation will be in hotels of your preference. We have a pool of hotels that ranges from luxury deluxe to budget hotels. While on a trek accommodation will depend on the trek style. If you are taking a camping trip then you will be sleeping in tents. Whilst we endeavor to stay in the best possible accommodation along the way, you should be aware that most teahouses, particularly in the smaller villages, are pretty basic but cozy enough to protect you from the harsh elements. The bedrooms are usually very small, the shared bathroom facilities are often outside and meals are served in a communal dining hall. Although simple, the teahouses do provide shelter and warmth and are normally run by friendly local families. Tea house treks are less expensive than Camping treks and are largely suitable for small groups. Usually, during busy seasons if private rooms in smaller villages are fully occupied you might have to bunk out in a dormitory. But then this is what adventure is all about.

Can we change the itinerary?

Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your senior guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into some of the most remote regions in the world, where many unforeseen circumstances may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.

Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

Tips are always appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Guiding on some of the riskiest trails on earth is a tough job and your crew always makes sure they lead from the front. Some trekkers give 10% of the total tour cost as tips. The hat is passed around and the whole group contributes. Most trekkers happily provide tips with big hearts. The choice is yours if you feel they’ve been worth it.