Nepal

Annapurna Trails & Chitwan - Premium Adventure

Trip code: W12NE

Guided group walking

12 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

Printed route
directions

SUMMARY

  • Operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • Spend six day walking in the Annapurna foothills, staying in luxury trekking lodges on full board with superb mountain views Visit Pokhara, nestled on the shore of Lake Phewa with wonderful views of the Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhare Enjoy two nights full-board in river-facing boutique eco-cottages at Barahi Lodge – observe Chitwan wildlife from the infinity pool, your private balcony, or sip a sundowner in the Tiger's Den Bar Ride a dugout canoe down the Rapti River in search of crocodiles, take a jeep safari to encounter rhinos, and embark on a walking safari to spot bird life

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • All breakfasts, eight lunches and eight dinners Welcome drink and snack in each Mountain Lodges on trek All accommodation Tips for local staff Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback All transport and listed activities One internal flight Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone Trek Pack including a daypack, walking stick, rain poncho, souvenir hat and scarf Trekking permit and national park fees

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The lovely lakeside town of Pokhara and the Annapurna foothills to the north hold the most beautiful mountain scenery in Nepal. Rice terraces and rhododendron forests lead the eye to the timeless peaks of Machupuchare, also known as Fishtail Mountain, and the high Annapurnas. Our six-day trek takes us through the prettiest villages in the region, including Birethanti, Landruk, Majgoan and Gangruk, and we stay in five lovely mountain lodges, built in the local style, but with the creature comforts not normally found on Himalayan treks. Moving on to the tropical lowlands, we’ll stay in boutique eco-cottages at Barahi Lodge in Chitwan, which are sandwiched between the jungle and the Rapti River. Glimpse wildlife from the infinity pool, spot birdlife and crocodiles as you ride a traditional dugout canoe, and encounter the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros on a jeep safari. Return to Kathmandu to round off your adventure.

READ MORE

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Start Kathmandu

The tour starts at our hotel in Kathmandu this afternoon. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one. This evening there will be a trip briefing followed by a group welcome dinner, a great early introduction to get to know your Leader and fellow travellers. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti

You stay at Premium Hotels & Lodges.

hotel details

 equivalent

Premium Hotels & Lodges, Annapurna & Chitwan


Accommodation throughout the trek includes: - Standalone river-facing boutique eco-cottages with private balconies overlooking Chitwan National Park - Infinity pool overlooking the Rapti River and Tiger’s Den Bar – perfect for sundowners - Rated Outstanding by TOFT (a certification in recognition of the nature and ecofriendly practices). The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of a similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice. Extra Accommodation If you require any additional accommodation in Kathmandu, either before or after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability), please enquire with your sales representative. Single Accommodation Single supplements are available on request (subject to availability). Single supplements can be requested: From approximately US$730 for the seven nights in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. From approximately US$1,085 for single supplement throughout the trip. Please note, single rooms are limited at the lodges on the trek.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing tour including Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa

For those who wish, there is the chance to do an optional Everest sightseeing flight early this morning; this can be booked locally through your leader on Day 1 We will leave the hotel late morning for our Kathmandu sightseeing tour. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath to see the famous Buddhist stupa with its huge mandala; one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and indeed in the world. After lunch overlooking the stup, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square (which also has UNESCO status), one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Although the Kathmandu Durbar Square was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake the many palaces, temples and courtyards in the Newari style are interesting. There is also the chance to stroll through the bustling markets of Asan Tol, the oldest bazaar in Kathmandu, into the Thamel area, the newer main tourist area of Kathmandu. There will be a full trip briefing today. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti

Day 3: Fly to Pokhara; orientation walk

We fly to Pokhara this morning, a pretty lakeside resort at the foot of the Annapurna Range. The flight takes about 30 minutes and on a clear day offers great views of the Himalaya from the right hand side of the plane. We should arrive by lunchtime and in the afternoon your leader will take you for an orientation walk along the shore of Phewa Lake. Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa

Day 4: Walk through farmland and forest down to the Modi River Valley to Sanctuary Lodge, offering fine views of the sacred Fishtail Mountain

We have a short drive to our trek start point, from where we follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Mountain Lodges of Nepal's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain (or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known). Lunch will be in the lodge and in the afternoon we can either relax in the wonderful garden or your leader will take you on a bird watching walk to Birethanthi village. Superior Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Sanctuary Lodge, 3,363ft/1,025m)

Day 5: Picturesque trek through villages, rice fields and forests to Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk

After breakfast, you will leave the lodge to start the trek through the scattered small farms. Following the Modi Khola and with constant views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre ahead, you will soon climb the valley towards the mountains. Today is quite a long climb up stone steps passing through the rice fields and forest, but we take plenty of stops and have lunch en route. Finally, we arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk in the afternoon. Tea and snacks are served on arrival as you enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Machhapuchhare. Superior Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Himalaya Lodge, 6,601ft/2,012m)

Day 6: Descend to cross the river by suspension bridge, then climb to La Bee Lodge in Landruk

Although we can see Landruk across the valley, we have to descend to the river and climb up the other side to get there. Leaving the Ghandruk village, the trek descends steeply to the banks of Modi River. Crossing the suspension bridge, we trek up a stone staircase to Landruk village, enjoying the views of the Annapurna range and passing under the cliffs where honey hunters climb up ropes to harvest wild bee honey. Lunch will be ready as we arrive at our lodge. After lunch, you may either rest and enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli or go on a sightseeing tour in the village with your guide. Superior Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (La Bee Lodge, 5,135ft/1,565m)

Day 7: Gentle walk to Gurung or Mala Lodge at Majgaon; afternoon free to relax in the garden or explore the village

An easier walk today on a wide trail with no steep up or downhills and no stone steps passing through village and farmlands with views of the Annapurnas behind. Today is a great day for bird watching in the forests above us. We will arrive at the lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon, you can enjoy the views of the mountains from your room itself or spend time in the wonderful garden with views of Annapurna South. There is also the option of a guided village walk to Thanchok, an old traditional Gurung village and home to many blacksmith families. (Occasionally if Gurung Lodge is full we walk on another 20 minutes to the equally wonderful Malla Lodge in Tomijun village). Superior Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Gurung/Mala Lodge, 4,593ft/1,400m)

Day 8: Trek through sub-tropical forests to Basanta Lodge at Dhampus, with spectacular views of the entire Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Himal

After a spectacular sunrise on Annapurna South we walk along a wide forest track ascending gradually for a couple of hours. A short section on a forest trail brings us to the main trail at Potana. Half an hour further on we come to Australia Camp, a collection of lodges with magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu Himal. We can stop here for a tea break before descending the ridge to Dhampus. Once at the lodge you will be served hot lunch after which you can take a short walk into Dhampus village. The sunset and sunrise from the lodge garden are not to be missed. We can see all the way from Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Machhapuchhare, Annapurnas 4 and 2, and the Lamjung and Manaslu Himals. Superior Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Basanta Lodge, 5,003ft/1,525m)

Day 9: Short descent through wooded hillside to Ghatte Khola; transfer to Pokhara; free afternoon (optional boat trip on Lake Phewa)

After breakfast, we depart along the ridge and descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. The trek time is 90 minutes to two hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Pokhara (one hour). The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara. You may want to visit the interesting Mountain Museum, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Or you may simply want to relax by the hotel pool or wander along the lakeside browsing in the shops. Your leader will brief you on the various options available. Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa

Day 10: Drive to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan; boat ride to sunset point. In the evening see traditional Tharu dancers

We drive from Pokhara to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan, which will take about 4-5 hours. On a clear day, we look to the left as we leave Pokhara for magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna range. The road takes us back to Mugling, from where we turn south to the lowlands of Nepal and our jungle lodge in Chitwan. We should arrive by lunchtime, after which we’ll meet our naturalist guide who will go over the activities. In the late afternoon, we take boat trip on the river looking out for crocodiles and birds to sunset point. After the sun has gone down, we drive back to the lodge. Before dinner there will be a traditional cultural dance programme. Our naturalist from the lodge will accompany us on all the excursions. Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge

Day 11: Explore the jungle and village life on a bird-watching walk and afternoon, jeep safari in the park wildlife spotting/

Activities may be offered in a different order but usually, the programme today will include a village and bird watching walk and a jeep safari. We will do one activity in the morning and one in the afternoon. The naturalists are very knowledgeable and can spot the many birds for you. We will also visit a traditional Tharu house. The jeep safari will take us into the National Park where as well as great bird life there is a chance to spot several species of deer, wild boar, the one horned rhino and hopefully, the rare Bengal Tiger. Before dinner there will be a different cultural programme at the lodge. Dinner is served inside or outside by the pool depending on the time of year. Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge

Day 12: Morning drive to Kathmandu; free time

For those who wish, there is a bird-watching walk early this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Chitwan and head on the road for Kathmandu. The drive is approximately five hours and we should arrive in Kathmandu early afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti

Day 13: End Kathmandu

The trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you are flying out today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.

Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

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

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

I really enjoyed the mix of activity, culture and trekking on this trip. The accommodation was good quality relative to Nepal standards and the adventurous nature of this trip, I wouldn't call them 5* luxury but definitely solid 4* and the Chitwan lodge was a particular highlight! The trekking lodges were much nicer than the stories I'd heard about Nepalese teahouses, really comfortable and excellent service, with some spectacular views (when the weather cleared).
The trekking was a good pace and not too challenging but there were a lot of steps in parts which tested my knees. The road journeys were not the most 'premium' experience, the vehicle was comfortable but the roads in parts were pretty rough and the journey was really long between Chitwan and Pokhara. I know flying isn't great for our Carbon footprint but a flight on that route would make it a more premium experience.

A holiday of contrasts -the hubbub of Kathmandu, the magnificence of the Annapurna range and the luxury of the Bahari Jungle Lodge in Chitwan.



We had a superb tour guide in Kathmandu who was happy to answer any question and who took us to see the living goddess! Our original hotel was very average but we were moved to the much more upmarket Yak and Yeti for the final night, which was the original hotel when we booked the trip and is now advertised for future trips.



I really enjoyed the trekking experience, the scenery was spectacular, the lodges were very comfortable, the food really good and the staff excellent. Our guide and porters were amazing, it was very sad bidding them farewell.



Chitwan was a complete contrast, much warmer, very luxurious. We were kept busy there. The jeep safari was my favourite, fortunately we did this early in the morning when the park inhabitants are more lively. To get to the National Park we simply took a boat across the river from the lodge, so easy! We didn't see a tiger but saw several one horned rhinos, including a mother and calf whom we observed for some time. It would have been great to have one more day there to chill, to enjoy a dip in the pool, to sit on our balcony of our lovely 'hut’.



Our last full day, the 'approximately 5 hours' on a coach turned into about 8 hours on a holiday, a day when traffic is much quieter than normal. We did not arrive in Kathmandu until about 4pm, it left little time to do anything before our farewell meal. I would have preferred to pay a little extra to fly! It was a disappointing end to our holiday.

Very helpful and personable representative (Kate Hatton) who communicated with patience and clarity.

8 Feb 2024

We had a hugely enjoyable time in 2023 on the White Villages of Andalucia trip with Headwater. Therefore we decided to book a couple more trips with Headwater. The booking process went smoothly thanks to personalised support from Andrew Palmer. We are hoping our 2024 Headwater experience’s will be as enjoyable as Andalucia.

2 Feb 2024



1 Jan 1970


Guided group walking

12 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 3
Stretching

Flights
available

Operated by
Exodus Travels

Printed route
directions

CALL FOR PRICE

ENQUIRE

Call: 01606 720199