Annapurna Base Camp Trek & Bhutan Tour - 20 Days

After you arrive at the airport, a representative from Himalayan Trekkers will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. 
Note: (If your arrival is early, you can start the guided sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley by visiting the renowned Pashupatinath Temple which is 2.5 km from the airport. Also, you can visit the biggest Buddhist Site, Boudhanath Stupa after exploring Pashupatinath. Then, you will be taken to your hotel in the Thamel area.)
Check in at the hotel and relax. The rest of the day is at leisure. We will gather at our office or at your hotel lobby to pre-discuss your trek. You can take around the streets of the Thamel and Thahiti area. 

Your guided sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley begins after a warm breakfast in the hotel. The first spot to explore will be Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later, we will drive to the Tibetan Buddhist Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa. It is the largest stupa in Nepal and is one of the largest in South Asia. We will also visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the former royal palace of the Malla and Shah Kings of Nepal. Last but not least, we will make a short visit to another Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa. It is located on the hilltop offering the best view of the surrounding mountains and Kathmandu Valley.
(If Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa were covered the other day, you will have alternatives of Patan Durbar Square & Bhaktapur Durbar Square).

Following breakfast, we will leave Kathmandu and head towards another most popular tourist destination in Nepal, Pokhara. We will have 6-7 hours long drive along the Prithivi Highway with the vast landscape and gushing white water of Trishuli. You can also opt for the 25 minutes flight at an extra cost.                           
Upon reaching the city, we will drive to Phedi, a small village near Pokhara, and trek towards Dhampus, a hilly area with a small settlement of the Gurung community. Phedi to Dhampus is a low-elevation, easy-to-follow trek with stunning scenery. Dhampus vantage point offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna mountain range in the Himalayas. Have a walk around the village in the evening and sample the local cuisine and culture.

Our trail today leads us to Deurali along the ridge through Pothana. We make descend via the lush forest before entering the settlements of Tolka and Bheri Kharka. At this point, you find yourself high up on the East side of the Modi Khola cascading down the Annapurna Circuit Sanctuary surrounded by a complete ambiance of nature. The trail then descends via a series of forests and settlements to Landrung, another interesting Gurung settlement. You can explore the village in the evening or just rest at the hotel witnessing some of the high mountains in the Annapurna region. 

After breakfast, we start to walk along the mountain path of the stone-paved trail, pass through a hamlet, and cross a suspension bridge until we across the dense forest of bamboo. You will find yourself in complete isolation in the middle of nature and lush green forest. We can see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Ganggapurna along the way. 
After walking for some time we will reach Jhinu and stop there for a short break for drinks and snacks. Thereafter, we will deviate towards the north and walk for around 4 hours to reach Chhomrong, a lovely town nestled in the shadow of the mighty Annapurna. It is one of the best places to view the magnificent Mount Fishtail, the virgin peak. 

The trail today climbs after descending to the Chhomrong Khola on steep stone steps, first through terraced farms and continue through the rhododendron-covered ridge path, mountainous terrains, and forests of bamboo. The mesmerizing view of the snow-capped mountains including Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli will energize you throughout the walk. We will cross Modi Khola and walk further for a few hours until we reach The Himalaya Hotel for an overnight stay. 

Once we start our trek today, we keep on ascending and descending for some time until we reach the Hinku Cave. We will come across Deurali and Bagar villages offering the proximity to the mountains. The trek from Bagar to Machhapuchhre Base Camp is quite difficult but the result of this trek will be fruitful. We have fantastic views of the spectacular Machhapuchhre as well as Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gandharvachuli, and Gangapurna from the Base Camp, which is a truly gratifying experience. 

On our way to ABC, the foliage fades and the trail expands as we enter the Annapurna sanctuary. From here, we get spectacular views of Annapurna's near-vertical south face, which towers above us. On hiking the Annapurna circuit trail for nearly two hours, we descend a small ridge branching out from the mountain pass to the mountainside with widespread terraced fields showcasing tranquil meadows and lush fertile farming land. 
As you reach Annapurna Base Camp, witness awesome picturesque landscapes, majestic panoramic views of snow-capped mountainous peaks, and varied Himalayan cultural settings tucked beneath the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif. Thereafter, we head back down to Himalaya Hotel by retracing our track from the Annapurna base camp. Today's hike is mostly downhill, so it shouldn't be too challenging. Aside from that, we will always have the company of the magnificent scenery to cheer us up.

The walk today is very exciting as we reach the river bed of Kaligandaki, the deepest gorge in the world which lies between the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri Mountains. We will follow the trail up the Modi Khola passes for some time through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo across the Annapurna mountain range. It is an uphill climb from Bamboo to Kuldighar, then a downhill stroll to Chhomrong Khola. Then we make our way to Chhomrong for an overnight stay via the stone steps.

Today we start the second leg of the trek to reach Pokhara through Ghorepani and Ghandruk. We will march through flatland, forests, and terraced fields; a suspension bridge comes your way.
On crossing this suspension bridge over Khumbu Khola, we enter the beautiful village of Ghandruk. In Ghandruk you can observe the unique lifestyle and culture of the Gurung Community and get an excellent view of the Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchare. Other than hotels and tea houses here camping in the terraced fields can also be an option if you are interested. You could take some time to visit the Gurung museum in an old traditional stone slab home where you may learn about the history and culture of the Gurung people.

We will leave Ghandruk and further walk through a dense forest of rhododendrons, bamboo, and oak to Tadapani which is an excellent viewpoint to glimpse a heavenly sight of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail. Waterfalls, cliffs, wild animals, birds, and verdant valleys may all be seen along the way. We continue our trek passing through lush villages, small cascades, and terraced farms before we reach the village of Banthanti. It is a beautiful Magar settlement where you can get insights into the local lifestyle there and learn about their devotion to the Gurkha soldiers. 

From Banthanti, you proceed further along steep trails. Nature spread exotic sights of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation, and rich plant life before you. You climb through the rhododendron forest to Deurali [3100m] and reach a hamlet and cultivated fields. Continue walking for 3 hours and finally, you will find yourself in Ghorepani. Ghorepani also houses lodges to provide food and accommodation to travelers.

We will hike to Poonhill in the early morning for a sunrise view over the Manaslu range.
Then, after breakfast, we will leave Ghorepani and walk towards Tikhedhunga, We will traverse through Nangethanti to reach Ulleri where a steep descent of 3500 steps leads down to Tikhedhunga on the Bhurungdi Khola. We can easily access any means of transportation to drive to Pokhara.
In the evening, you are free to wander by the lakes of Pokhara. 

From Pokhara, you can either fly or drive to Kathmandu.
You have many options to do in Kathmandu. If you are taking a flight, you can do the Pokhara city tour and fly to the capital or do the Kathmandu sightseeing after your flight. In the evening, you can go shopping at the markets in the Thamel area, Ason, or Indrachowk. Back at your hotel room, you can prepare for the trip to Bhutan that starts the following day. 

After breakfast, our representative will pick up you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for the flight to the Paro International Airport. 
Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our Bhutanese representative and escort you for the guided sightseeing of Paro city. The first destination we will head towards is the National Museum of Bhutan named Ta Dzong. The museum houses an amazing array of both old and modern Thangkas that is under 3000 items of artworks there portraying Bhutan's most important saints and gurus, as well as fascinating celebration masks.

Likely after lunch, we take a short walk to the Rimpung Dzong often described as the fort with heaps of Jewel. It is a castle built in the 17th century to safeguard Paro Valley, is located in the suburbs of Paro City, and offers stunning views and a sense of inner serenity.
We will also visit Khichu Lhakhang, the oldest monument in Bhutan. Kyichu Lhakhang, surrounded by fields, flowers, and hills, houses the eight-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha statue, historic relics, exquisite murals, and various Buddhist scriptures, among other things.
If the time permits, we will explore the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort) which was built around the mid-17th century in memory of the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan invaders.
In the evening, stroll around the streets of the markets and get familiar with the surrounding there. 

Early morning breakfast and we start our hike to Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. (Opt. You can also hire a horse to ride to the monastery.) Famous for its significance and location, it was built in the 17th century where the Guru Rinpoche, Padmasambhava (the founder of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan) was believed to be flown on the back of the Tigress and meditated for years. It clings to the 900 meters cliff, 3120 meters above sea level at the upper Paro Valley offering the best view of the Paro Valley itself and the history and significance of the monastery. We take our lunch in a cafeteria located halfway down the hill and head toward our hotel. 
After reaching Paro ground, we grab our luggage from the hotel, check out, and drive to the capital, Thimphu. You can explore the streets and markets in the evening.

Thimphu is recognized for its scenic Bhutan dzong, fresh air, and friendly locals, all of which are surrounded by undulating mountains. Today's tour begins with a visit to the Late King's Memorial Chorten with its gorgeous paintings and complex structure. Followed by that are the visits to the National Library, the largest holdings of Buddhist literature in the world. We will also discover the Folk Heritage Museum where a diverse collection of farm equipment, tools, and household items showcase the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. 

A hand-made Paper Factory is also a subject of matter to visit in Thimphu where you can learn to make the papers by hand and color with a wide range of pigments. The School of Arts and Crafts is also the best place to learn more about traditional textile and handicraft making and Bhutan history. In the late afternoon, we will walk inside the market called Weekend market where all kinds of local products are sold. Another beautiful night in Thimpu. 

We will start our journey to Paro in the morning after breakfast. A couple of hours of the journey goes through the winding road with lush green forest and small settlements. We will arrive at Paro for Lunch. In the evening spend time around the local market.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for a scenic flight back to Kathmandu.  After checking in and a brief rest, you will be driven to Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur district and Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Bhaktapur. After exploration, you will be back in Kathmandu. In the evening, you will us our team for a farewell dinner in an authentic Nepali restaurant. 

This amazing trip to these Himalayan nations comes to an end today. 
A representative from Himalayan Trekkers you drop you at the airport 3 hours before your flight schedule to your onward destination. We look forward to seeing you soon!