This popular trek ascends through cultivated fields and outstanding forests of oak, magnolia and rhododendron before arriving at the ridge top pass of Ghorapani. We ascend Poon Hill (3193m) for sunrise; an impressive mountain panorama is revealed with spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South and the fluted peak of Machapuchare, known as the fishtail because of its distinctive summit shape. We enter the Modi Khola valley and as we gain height the valley narrows to a steep sided gorge until we pass through the “gates” of the Sanctuary to emerge into its heart, a beautiful alpine amphitheatre surrounded by 6000 metre snow-capped mountains. The enormous south face of Annapurna 1 dominates the basin and there are spectacular views of Machapuchare. We are surrounded by an array of ice-bound peaks, snowfields, glaciers, great rock buttresses and ice flutings as we witness magical sunrises and sunsets, watching mountains glow pink and gold. We return to Pokhara via a different route, to our deluxe hotel, the Fishtail Lodge. Relaxing in the grounds we admire the now distant Annapurna Mountains before returning to Kathmandu.
Facts of the Trip Trip Duration: 14 Days |
Trekking Map ) |
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350m)
Day 02: To Pokhara, Pokhara is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. This small city is not as old as Kathmandu but is full of natural beauty, with small lakes from both east and west sides. Pokhara is one of the tourist hub of Nepal. It is a combinatin of nature and culture. Lakeside, is one of the happening places of Pokhara, where tourists can find everything.
Since this city is quite a modern city with only few touristic attractions inside the town itself. Most interesting is the old centre in the north of the city (purano bazar) where still many old shops and warehouses in the Newari style can be found. Mule caravans still arrive there from Mustang. On a hill overlooking Phewa Tal from the south is the World Peace Stupa (at 1,113 m) built in 1996 with a nice view of the lake, across the city and of the snow peaked mountain range consisting of namely, Fishtail, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On reaching to Pokhara catch vehicle and get transferred to the LakeSide. The lake side is the most happeninjg in the entire city, where people are splashing and plunging into the FewaLake. Relax by the lake pool, night in hotel.
Day 03: Tikhedhunga (1552m)
Get arranged for the trek, all packed up and hit the road, reach Nayapul in an hour, and now starts the trail. We trek an easy trail across many little villages, have lunch on the way. We follow Bhurungdi Khola and its canyon towards Tirkhedhunga. The trail is remarkably populated by people of different ethnics and castes. Our first night in the lodge is spent right next to a stream
Day 04: Ghorepani (2833m)
Morning is a tough exercise to climb over the stony staircases, through the village of Ulleri along with the herds of mules and donkeys transporting provisions for upper regions. Afternoon trail is through different species of green lush forest, most found species are the world highest rhododendron trees. Finally reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a saddle of the ridge, but well developed tourism wise. A great view of Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri can be seen from the view point called Poon Hill, which is only 30 minute walk from Ghorepani, no tourist skips to be on this spot.
Day 05: Tadhapani (2530m)
Walk of the day begins from descending down through the rhododendron forest, towards Modi Khola banks, but it is not always down hill. Some parts of trail goes steep up until we reach Deurali, and we descend down to Tadhapani, a small village with some tea houses. Overnight in the lodge.
Day 06: Chomrong (2050m)
The trails deeps down from Tadhapani, through forest with colorful trees and orchids in full bloom. Then we walk inclined trail across cultivated land towards Kymnu Khola. Then the trail goes up to Modi Khola valley. We finally reach Chomrong and stay overnight in a lodge.
Day 07: Dovan (2535m)
Continuing through the forest of Oaks and sub alpine trees, we climb high above the Modi Khola tyo Khulli Ghar. Kulli Ghar is a single stone hut once used by British sheep breeding project. Bamboo is the lunch spot, then climb up along the steams and forest until we reach Dovan. Night in a lodge.
Day 08: Machhapucchre Base Camp (3700m)
We continue to climb up through bamboo forest, passing HinkoCave. Hinko cave is a large hanging rock, that has given shelter to numerous porters. It has given shelter to the members of Bonington’s Annapurna South Face Expedition in 1970. Now the valley narrows into steep gorge until we reach the gates of the Annapurna Sanctuary, formed by two massifs Hieunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Then the valley widens and we have overnight in the meadows close to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp.
Day 09: Annapurna Base Camp (4130m)
Actually it is not a serious ascent and change the altitude wise, we spend most of the time exploring around the Annapurna Sanctuary area. Most trekkers return back to Machhapuchhre Base Camp but there is also provisions to stay overnight in Annapurna Base Camp.
Day 10: Dovan (2535m)
We repeat the same steps, but just the opposite way!
Day 11: Chomrong (2050m)
We still follow the same trail we did freshly the opposite way, Chomrong is the first village after the Sanctuary gate. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 12: Landrung (1565m)
Morning is steep climb out of Chomrong, then we follow the trail descending down to Jino. There is a natural hot spring in Jino, where we stop for lunch. Then we descend down through terraces and tended fields to Modi Khola. It is a short and tough climb up to Landrung. Landrung is a typical village inhabited by Gurngs and Magars. Plenty of lodges welcome trekkers, we stay overnight here.
Day 13: Dhampus (1150 m)
The trail goes inclined up to Deurali, through tropical forest, then we descend down the populated village of Pothana, an easy walk down to Dhampus and overnight, Dhampus is a pretty village but a bit influenced by Pokhara city which is mare 2 hours from this village.
Day 14: Pokhara - Kathmamdu
We walk a short trek down to the road to cathch a vehicle to Pokhara. Relax some time by the lake side and then fly back to Kathmandu. On reaching to Kathmandu meet our representative and get transported to hotel. Free time around the hotel.
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