Nepal

Walking Annapurna Foothills - With Private Guide

Trip code: W12AN

Private guided walking

12 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 4
Challenging

Flights
available

40.0Kg CO2e

SUMMARY

  • Witness the sheer beauty of the Himalaya, hiking through remote villages & idyllic forests
  • Immerse yourself in Nepali culture within mountain communities, in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Experience a magical sunrise over the Annapurna from the spectacular heights of Poon Hill
  • Your own private English speaking guide and driver throughout the trip - benefit from insider knowledge and a personalised experience
  • Add on 3 nights in the Chitwan Jungle National Park, truly a once in a lifetime experience

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 12 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts, 8 lunches & 8 dinners
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Your own private English speaking guide
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Domestic flights between Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Car transfers as per itinerary
  • Reduction in price per person for 3 or more travellers

TRIP DESCRIPTION

From ancient kingdoms to majestic mountain vistas, this walking trip takes you through the breath-taking Himalayan landscape of the Annapurna Foothills. Pass awe-inspiring glaciers, cross mountain pastures, and encounter mule trains carrying supplies to remote villages. From your route around the Foothills, you'll see glimpses of Annapurna 1, one of the highest mountains in the world reaching an impressive 8,091m. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint.

This trip covers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, you stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. This trip is not only visually superb, but also gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Rest and revive in cosy mountain teahouses with friendly locals around the foothills of Annapurna. Time spent in Kathmandu and Pokhara completes the adventure with insights into Nepali culture and tradition.

Please note: Due to the nature of this trip, it could operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions; your private guide will determine the most suitable route.

Terrain

Please note: Due to the nature of this trip, it could operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions; your private guide will determine the most suitable route.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. You'll be met at Kathmandu airport and transferred to your first accommodation (approx. 15mins); here you'll receive your briefing from your private guide. If time allows, spend your evening exploring the bustling city of Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is an incredible mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Buzzing markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot.

If you arrive early, why not take time to climb to the Swayambhunath Temple. Situated on a hilltop, the instantly recognisable stupa with its Buddha eyes attracts a steady stream of pilgrims and the views out over the valley are superb.

You stay at Hotels & Tea Houses.

hotel details

 equivalent

Hotels & Local Tea Houses,


Hotels: Modern western-style hotels are used. The rooms are generally smaller than equivalent hotels in the West. All have en-suite facilities.

Local Tea Houses: These are very simple with only basic facilities; you will always have a private room. Hot water may not always be available and may cost extra, as will access to electricity points for charging devices. Wi-Fi is available at some locations, but connections may be poor.

Day 2: Fly to Pokhara

Enjoy your breakfast before transferring to the airport for your internal flight to Pokhara (30mins). From here, you'll be transferred to your accommodation in Pokhara; this is where your unforgettable walking tour begins.

Pokhara enjoys a delightful setting on a lake beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, making it an excellent place to relax and contemplate what lies ahead. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs - hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers.

You can enjoy a walk in the lakeside area, only a short stroll from your hotel. Pokhara is a lively place in the evening, so it is worth heading out to experience another side of Nepalese life. You may even use your spare time for boating on the Fewa Lake which is highly recommended whilst in Pokhara.

Day 3: Pokhara to Landruk (13km/8.1mi)

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the start of your walk near Shyauli bazaar (approx. 2hrs). From here you begin your walk to Landruk (1,730m high) through the forest trails where you can see the spectacular Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Fishtail mountains.

Day 4: Landruk to Jhinu Danda (7km/4.3mi)

Today's trail descends, crossing the Modi river before stopping in Samrung village for lunch. Continue on to Jhinu Danda where you can visit the natural hot springs. This traditional village sits at 1,780m high.

Day 5: Jhinu Danda to Ghandruk (8km/5.0mi)

Begin your walk by a small stream, climbing up a small stone staircase through the terrace fields. From the top of the ridge, you'll have great views of Jhinu Danda and Chhomrong villages. Continue through dense rhododendron forest until you reach the beautiful village of Ghandruk (1,940m high). Here, they have their own dialect, culture, costume and lifestyle; Ghandruk is also home to many Gurka soldiers. This village is famous for it's spectacular mountain views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli & Machhapuchhre. In the evening, you can choose to visit the Annapurna Conservation office and Gurung museums.

Day 6: Ghandruk to Tadapani (10km/6.2mi)

After breakfast, begin your walk to Tadapani at a much higher elevation of 2,630m. You will see beautiful rhododendron trees alongside the awe-inspiring Himalayas right in front of you. You may even see white monkeys running around the trees as you follow your guide along the trail.

Day 7: Free Day

Spend the day resting your feet in the village of Tadapani. Literally translating to 'Far Water', Tadapani's name derives from a time when their water source was such a long distance from the village - this isn't the case anymore!

Day 8: Tadapani to Ghorepani (10km/6.2mi)

Today's trail climbs up many stairs amidst the lustrous rhododendron forests. Pass rushing waterfalls and imposing trees as you meander towards Ghorepani.

Day 9: Free Day/Optional Poon Hill Walk

Take a rest day or enjoy the incredible sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m), a fantastic vantage point to witness the breath-taking mountains, especially Annapurna South, Fishtail and Dhaulagiri (approx. 1hr) - you have to do this at least once in your life, right?

Day 10: Ghorepani to Ulleri/Hille (12km/7.5mi)

Leave the beautiful village of Ghorepani behind as you head towards Ulleri. The sound of flowing streams, birds chirping, bright rhododendron flowers, and of course, the striking mountain views accompany you along the path to Ulleri.

Day 11: Ulleri/Hille to Pokhara

Enjoy a short walk, mostly downhill with some stairs before meeting your transfer back to Pokhara (approx. 2hrs). Spend your afternoon and evening soaking up the atmosphere in Pokhara.

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu

Wave goodbye to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara as you're transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy your last night in this fascinating city, reliving the unforgettable memories of your Annapurna Foothills adventure.

Day 13: Optional Extension to Chitwan National Park or Depart Kathmandu

You'll be transferred back to Kathmandu airport for your onward arrangements. If opting for our Chitwan National Park extension, we'll arrange your flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur to begin your once in a lifetime jungle experience!

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £100.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Kathmandu via Doha airport. Transfers from the airport are included in the basic Tour Only price above.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Transfer upgrade
  • Extra nights (prices on request)
  • Add on extension to Chitwan National Park (3 nights)

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

Quick initial response & then considered advice on the trip. Confirmed the details by e-mail.

Sean, 5 Dec 2024

Good service on our 4th Headwater booking.
However booking an extra night in our first hotel was going to be a lot more expensive than if we booked independently on the hotel website. One wonders whether the hotels raise their charges for companies like Headwater with the extra cost borne by the traveller.

5 Aug 2024

Megan was brilliant. She listened to all my specific requests for our holiday, and provided all the information I needed to make decisions. She was also quick and efficient, so I could get from tentative requirement to confirmed booking in just a few days.

Judith Rawle, 15 Apr 2024

Good standard of holidays but you are able to adapt some the travel options to suit individuals. Your staff then sort out those flights & transfers before putting together the complete package. Thank you

Sean, 9 Jan 2024


Private guided walking

12 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 4
Challenging

Flights
available

40.0Kg CO2e

Please call for prices.

Call: 01606 720199

 

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