Annapurna Panorama Trek

Itinerary

Open each day to see the route notes, overnight rhythm, altitude cues, and the small details that help you understand how the journey actually flows.

1. Day 1

   Arrival day (1,300m/4,264 ft)

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   Route notes

   Welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by one of the company representatives, who will  escort you to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu (in a private vehicle). Around the evening,  a short meeting will be conducted at our office, where you will be briefed about the trip and introduced to the other team members (Team Leaders/Guides/Sherpas), who will be accompanying you during the trek. The meeting will be followed by a welcome dinner at one of the finest local restaurants serving traditional Nepali food in Kathmandu. If in case your flight arrives late, both the meeting and the dinner will be scheduled for the following day. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Dinner (Highlights of the day: An introduction of Nepali food, cultural music, ethnic dance and the Nepalese hospitality.)

2. Day 2

   Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

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   Route notes

   Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is famous for its art, culture and history. Therefore, we take you for a few hours of sightseeing tour of some of these attractions of Kathmandu. We visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the temple of Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. After spending a few hours on these sites, we meet for pre-trek discussion and to finalize the clothing and trekking gears, required during the trek. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: The Kathmandu Durbar Square – a historical structure that exhibits centuries old cultural wonders, the temple of Pashupatinath – a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, who possesses the power of destruction, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath – a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha, who is also known as the light of Asia. Optional site: Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and the Kumbeshwor Temple that exhibit the historical masterpieces of the Lalitpur district.)

3. Day 3

   Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2690ft) 7 hours

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   Route notes

   Pokhara is the destination set for the day. We drive to Pokhara by tourist bus, which usually departs around 7:00 am in the morning. Therefore, early in the morning, our guide will come to pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the tourist bus station in Kathmandu. Leaving the valley, the bus heads west towards Pokhara, following the Prithvi Highway, along the Trisuli River. Along the way to Pokhara, we stop twice – for breakfast and for lunch – and continue until we reach Pokhara. After 7 hours of scenic drive, we reach Pokhara. On reaching Pokhara, we will first check into the hotel, freshen up and set out to explore the lake area. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Pokhara. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: A comfortable tourist bus; windy winding highway along the Trisuli River; breathtaking views of the river, streams, jungle, waterfalls, hamlets higher up on the mounds, terraced fields flaunting seasonal crops, different vegetations, curious faces of people running motels, restaurants and lodges along the highway; the beautiful sights of Machhapuchhre, Phewa Lake, hills; a distant yet elegant  view of the World Peace Pagoda and the night life in Pokhara.)

4. Day 4

   Drive to Nayapul & trek to Tikhadhunga (1540m/5052ft) 4-5 hours

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   Route notes

   Tikhedhunga is the destination set for the day. We have our breakfast at the hotel and drive to Nayapul, which is a small village near the river. After about a one-and-a-half hour drive, we disembark at Nayapul, where the luggage will be prepared for the porters. The actual trek begins from Nayapul, from where we first head towards Birethanti, on a wide trail. After a short check in formality at the office of ACAP in Birethanti, the walk continues on a graveled road, passing through the forest of bamboo and a few villages along the way. After lunch, we continue the hiking. For the most part, it is pretty easy, gradual uphill climb. We parallel the river passing the farms and small villages. The accompanying views are nice, but nothing compared to what we will be seeing in the following days. We walk past a beautiful water fall, the bridge across the Bhurungdi River and Hile, before pushing on to the village of Tikhedhunga. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tikhedhunga. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Mesmerizing views of the mountains like Machhapuchhre and Annapurna from Pokhara; the views of the beautiful village of Lumle; views of small villages surrounded by farms; forest of bamboo, a beautiful waterfall and the experience of suspension bridges.)

5. Day 5

   Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (3194m/10479ft) 6- 7 hours

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   Route notes

   Ghorepani, a small and very cold village around the elevation of 3000m, is the destination set for the day. Leaving Tikhedhunga, we cross a stream on a suspension bridge and climb to Ulleri, which is a large Magar village en route to Ghorepani.  Sharing the trail with mules transporting food and water to the villages and lodges along the trail, we gain lots of elevation, one step at a time. The day is tough compared to the previous day. However, the views get incredibly better as we continue climbing higher. The views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, from Ulleri, are simply magnificent. After enjoying the view, we get back on the trail to Ghorepani and continue the upward hike on a rough trail, shaded against the sun by the forest of blooming Rhododendron. A number of small streams cross our way, before reaching Ghorepani, which is situated at the top of the hill. The night will be spent at a lodge in Ghorepani. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Mesmerizing views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli from Ulleri; a few glimpses of lifestyles of Magar people; a spectacular panorama of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Barah Sikhar Machhapuchhre and some other peaks from Ghorepani.)

6. Day 6

   Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani (2590m/8497ft) 5 hours

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   Route notes

   Today, we first hike up to Poon Hill to enjoy  one of the best sunrise views in the world. Poon Hill is about an hour walk from Ghorepani. Therefore, in order to enjoy the sunrise view, we need to wake up earlier than usual. Around 5 in the morning, we set off for Pooh Hill. The top of the Poon Hill greets us with phenomenal sunrise and an outrageously unbelievable view of the Annapurna Himalayan range. We spend some time enjoying the view and get back to the accommodation at Ghorepani for breakfast. Leaving Ghorepani, we continue to hike east, along the ridge, through the forest of pine and rhododendron to the Deurali Pass. From Deurali Pass, we descend to Banthanti. From Banthanti, we continue to descend through the forest of rhododendron, until we reach Tadapani; past Thulo Odar Kharka and Liui Kharka. The night will be spent at a lodge in Tadapani. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Splendid view of  the early morning sun rays striking the snow-covered peaks of the Annapurna Himalayan range; stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu – above 8000m- with 20 other peaks; stunning surrounding views from Deurali Pass; beautiful forest of rhododendron and few small waterfalls.)

7. Day 7

   Tadapani to Jhinu (1780m/5839ft) 5-6 hours

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   Route notes

   Jhinu Danda is the destination set for the day. After enjoying the breakfast and the beautiful view of Annapurna from Tadapani, we walk all the way down to the Kimrong River, through the forest of Rhododendron. We cross the bridge and head on to the village of Chhomrong, past a few other settlements of the Gurung people. Chhomrong is a charming Gurung village situated on the lap of Mt. Hiunchuli. Enjoying the view of Mt. Machhapuchhre and the narrow canyon of the Annapurna Sanctuary, we walk down the steep trail, until we reach the Jhinu Danda. Once we reach our destination, we put our luggage at the lodge and walk down to the riverside to enjoy the hot spring bathing pool. We spend some time relaxing and rejuvenating our tired muscles and get back to the lodge at Jhinu Danda for overnight stay. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Magnificent views of Mt. Machhapuchhre and the narrow canyon of the Annapurna Sanctuary; pristine settlement of the Gurung people exhibiting the perfect example of their  lifestyle and culture in Chhomrong and other villages on the route; a pleasant walk through the forest of Rhododendron and a relaxing hot spring dip at Jhinu Danda)

8. Day 8

   Jhinu to Landruk (1640m/5380ft) 2-3 hours

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   Route notes

   Landruk is the destination set for the day. If you want to enjoy the hot spring dip one more time, we can once again go there in the morning, before setting off to Landruk. From Jhinu Danda, we head downhill through the forest to cross the suspension bridge that leads us to a water mill.  After crossing the bridge, we initially follow the trail along the river bank and then hike all the way up to Landruk. We walk past a few suspension bridges and waterfalls, before reaching Landurk. Landurk is another major  village of the Gurung people residing in the Annapurna region of Nepal. We spend the remaining day exploring the village. The night will be spent at  a lodge in Landruk. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: A trail accompanied by the beautiful forest of rhododendron, waterfalls, rivers and suspension bridges and the information on the lifestyle, culture, religion and the agricultural practices of Gurung people.)

9. Day 9

   Landruk to Pathana (1890m/6200ft) 3 hours

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   Route notes

   Pothana is the destination set for the day. After a few up and downhill walk, through the forest, we cross a suspension and continue towards Pitam Deurali. A steep hike will take us to Pitam Deurali. The view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli are just amazing. We now follow the stone paved trail  and hike all the way down to Pothana. The view of Mt. Machhapuchhre from Pothana is simply incredible. The night will be spent at a lodge in Pothana. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mt. Machhapuchhre, a trail through the forest, which is accompanied by small villages, temples and streams.)

10. Day 10

    Pathana to Pokhara (820m/2690ft) 3 hours

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    Route notes

    Pokhara is the destination set for the day. Leaving Pothana, we walk down to Dhampus past the Australian Camp and Deurali. From Dhampus,  about an hour walk through the rice fields and small cottages will take us to Phedi, where we catch a bus and drive to Pokhara. Once we reach Pokhara, we check into the hotel and set out to explore the lake area in Pokhara. The night will be spent at a hotel in Pokhara. Meals included: Breakfast (Highlights of the day: Beautiful cultivated lands, rice fields and cottages; a pleasant drive from Pokhara Phedi to Pokhara and the attractions of lake areas and the night life in Pokhara.)

11. Day 11

    Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, 7-8 hrs drive (1,300m/4,264 ft) 7 hours

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    Route notes

    Today, after breakfast, we are transferred to the bus stand to catch a bus to Kathmandu. Leaving Pokhara, we head east towards the capital city, Kathmandu. After about 7 hours of drive, all the way on a Prithvi Highway, we reach Kathmandu. From the bus stand, you will be transferred to the hotel in Kathmandu, where you can freshen up and rest for some time. Around the evening, we conduct a short meeting at the office to discuss the overall trek and the feedback. The meeting will be followed by a farewell dinner at one of the finest traditional restaurants in Kathmandu. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner (Highlights of the day: Scenic 6-7 hour drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, farewell dinner and a night in a tourist standard hotel.)

12. Day 12

    Departure day

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    Route notes

    This day is the last day of your trip in Nepal with Amito Treks and Expedition. If your flight is scheduled early morning, one of our company representatives will escort you to the airport, as per your departure time. But, if the flight is scheduled later in the evening, you can go shopping and collect a few mementos or simply hang around shopping areas in Kathmandu. (The usual day for a trek: Every day, our guides will come to wake you up at around 7:00-7:30 am. In case of special days like the sunrise viewing day, our guides will wake you up early in the morning at around 4:30 am. The breakfast will be served around 8:00-8:30am. The lunch will be served from a teahouse menu around midday. The lunch time can be postponed on request. The dinner will be served around 8:30-9:00pm. Both breakfast and dinner are served at the accommodation. Your accommodation is arranged at a lodge, where we stop for overnight. While you are walking, you can also request your guide to slow down and stop at the places, where you want to take some snaps. After dinner and before going to bed, your team leader will brief you regarding the next day’s schedule.)