Annapurna In Luxury

Day 1
On arrival in Kathmandu we transfer to The Royal Singi Hotel in the early evening.

Day 2
On arrival in Kathmandu we transfer to The Royal Singi Hotel in the early evening.

Day 3
A free day in Kathmandu for sightseeing or shopping. You may like to visit the towns of Patan or Bhaktapur - these are the other two cities in the Kathmandu Valley and both have interesting Durbar Squares with a wealth of temples and ancient palaces. You are free to explore on your own or we have a number of organised sightseeing tours on offer. Your leader will have the details. In the morning there is also the chance to take the the optional scenic mountain flight for amazing views of the Himalaya including Everest. This can be booked and paid for on arrival in Kathmandu. For more details of all these optional activities please refer to the Optional Excursions section. There will also be a full trip briefing today.

Day 4
For the next five days we walk through unspoilt villages and carefully cultivated terraces, where life has remained unchanged for generations. Forests of conifers, rhododendrons and bamboo surround us. Machhapuchhare, the sacred 'Fishtail' mountain is our companion as is the great bulk of Annapurna South, which towers above us at Ghandrung. We spend four nights in lodges known for their comfort. All of them are ideally located for the best views of the mountains. Early this morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Pokhara during which we should have superb views of the Annapurnas. From Pokhara we continue by road to our trek start point core_1-hour). Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where the 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. Or you may choose to spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding river valley. (Trek time 3-4 hours).1150m

Day 5
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 and 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. (1955m)

Day 6
We wake up this morning with 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 accompanied by glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge,we will explore this mountain village and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.

Day 7
After breakfast, we leave the Himalaya Lodge walking out through the village of Ghandruk. Buffaloes and goats graze in the surrounding fields and you may 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 down from or heading up to the Sanctuary itself. We continue descending for 2 or 3 hours until we reach Shauli Bazaar. From here, we follow the Modi River until reaching the Sanctuary Lodge. We'll have lunch here before we ascend again on a mixture of well-paved steps and switch-backs. We reach the Gurung Lodge after about 2 hours. (Trek time 5-6 hrs).

Day 8
This morning we begin trekking through the unspoiled 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 3½ 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 (1525m).

Day 9
After an early breakfast, we depart along the ridge and descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. This should take around an hour and a half. We then drive to Pokhara (30 minutes) and should be back there by lunchtime and so you will have the afternoon to explore this small lakeside town. You can spend the afternoon sightseeing, rowing on the lake, renting a bike, shopping or you can simply relax in one of the many garden cafes.(1000m)

Day 10
After breakfast we drive through the countryside to Damauli, (1½ hours). Here we will be met by our experienced rafting crew, who will give us a full briefing prior to launch. Floating down the river gives us a chance to see typical village life along the banks as well as an abundant variety of birds. There will be a picnic lunch stop on the way to the camp. We will raft over 2 small grade 2 rapids which are no longer than 50 metres. The remainder of the trip is very much a floating experience. Upon arrival, you will be shown to your safari style tent with beds,a changing room, veranda and attached bathroom. For those who feel energetic, an optional hike to a nearby village will be arranged.( Rafting time about 3 hours depending on water levels)

Day 11 - 12
The morning of day 10 is spent rafting. The route we take passes 5 grade 2 rapids each being no more than 50 metres. The remainder of the trip is an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding countryside. Rafting time will be 2 to 3 hours in total depending on water levels. Following our morning of activity we drive to Chitwan, where we spend two nights in a comfortable safari lodge. The most popular way of seeing the animals is on elephant-back, and we should see the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and several species of deer. It is also possible to make trips along the Rapti River in a dugout canoe, looking for crocodile and observing the many birds. We stay in a safari lodge, whose knowledgeable and helpful staff accompany us on all the excursions. The lodge has a complex of two roomed huts with attached bathrooms and a larger dining room/bar area

Day 13
After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu arriving in the afternoon.

Day 14
The trip finishes after breakfast. Those travelling on the group flights to London will transfer to the airport for their flight back to the UK.