Annapurna peaks and mountain villages
Bite-sized tripDay 1 – Trek to Tirkhedhunga
After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel to begin the two-hour drive to Birethanti. On the way, you’ll be see the high peaks of the Himalayas emerging in the distance as the road snakes its way up to the starting point of your trek. The path will lead through a thick bamboo forest into lush green fields with farmers working on the land and mules grazing in the shade. After around four hours, you’ll arrive in Tirkhedhunga, a small village with a couple of shops, a wobbly hanging bridge crossing the river and a bunch of friendly local kids. You’ll sleep in a basic lodge with running cold water, but don’t expect a hot shower…
Day 2 – Trek to Ghorepani
After a simple but hearty breakfast, you’ll continue your adventure. The first stretch is fairly easy as you walk downhill into the valley, crossing a gorgeous mountain river, rushing with the freezing cold meltwater that flows down from high on Annapurna peaks. Then you’ll begin the toughest part of the trek, heading up hundreds of stone steps etched into the hillside. At the end of the climb, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the snow-capped Annapurna Peaks rising up above the surrounding hills. Luckily, the last part of the trek is fairly level, taking you through a beautiful rhododendron forest. On arrival in Ghorepani, you can find a sunny spot and put your feet up, surrounded by snow-tipped peaks.
Day 3 – Trek to Tadapani
Today, you’ll wake up well before dawn for the sunrise at Poon Hill. After a quick breakfast, you’ll start the one-hour climb to the top, sitting at 3190m. When you get there, grab a comfortable spot and watch as pastel colours streak the sky and low clouds drift below you. It’s a seriously magical moment. When the sun is up, you’ll make your way to Tadapani. You’ll meet local villagers lugging everything from sacks of rice to live chickens in big baskets and entire beds up the mountain.
Day 4 – Trek to Ghandruk
Today, you’ll begin your descent to the village of Ghandruk, passing occasional mule trains on the way. On the way, you’ll notice that the local men all wear flip-flops, yet they’re still far quicker than the tourists! You’ll pass through rich farmland and rolling fields set against snowy peaks, where you can see farmers working the land. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll reach a small Gurung village where you’ll stay in a basic trekking lodge.
Days 5-6 – Trek to Dhampus & departure
Today is fairly relaxed, as the trek leads slowly downhill along level trails, with no steep climbs and plenty of spots to sit back and admire the view. You’ll also come across several traditional tea houses, where the cheerful local women invite you in for tea. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Dhampus, where you’ll stay in a basic lodge, exchanging stories with other trekkers and enjoying the incredible scenery.
The next day you’ll leave for Phedi where a driver will be waiting to take you to Pokhara, where your Annapurna trek comes to an end.