Annapurna Bandipur Trail

Day by Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 M)

  Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be met by a representative who will handle the arrangements for your transfer to the group’s hotel. After you check in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Later in the evening, we will gather for a formal group meeting over dinner at one of the city’s famous restaurants.

  Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti | Meals: Dinner

• Day 2 Explore Kathmandu

  Today, a guided half-day sightseeing tour is arranged to explore significant landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley, including the ‘Monkey Temple’ of Swayambhunath, the Hindu Temple honoring Lord Shiva in Pashupatinath, Durbar Square, and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Following the sightseeing tour, the rest of the day is available for unwinding in the hotel gardens or by the pool, and also for self-guided exploration. In the evening, we will gather again to dine out with our guide in another one of Kathmandu’s finest restaurants.

  Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Day 3 Fly to Pokhara (822 M) – Drive to Dhawa - Trek to Birethanti (1,025 M)

  Upon your arrival in Pokhara, you’ll be met with a friendly reception and transported by vehicle to the initial point of your walk, which takes approximately one hour. Accompanied by a local trek crew, you will then follow a trail through the lower foothills of the Annapurnas, enjoying panoramic views of the Pokhara Valley. Finally, you will descend to the comfortable Mountain Lodges of Nepal (MLN) Birethanti Lodge, located in the Modi Khola valley. Lunch will be served at the lodge, and in the afternoon, you have the option to take a leisurely stroll to the nearby village of Birenthanti (1025m). Alternatively, you can choose to relax at the lodge, engage in local exploration, or enjoy some birdwatching.

  Distance: 5 km | Trek: 2-2.5 Hrs. | Accommodation: MLN Birethanti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 4 Trek to Ghandruk (2,012 M)

  Following breakfast, your journey commences as you depart from the lodge and traverse through farmland and scattered small farms, tracing the path of the Modi Khola, the river flowing down from the Annapurna Sanctuary. Progressing along the river’s true right bank, you head generally northwards with the impressive sacred peak of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) standing ahead. As you ascend out of the valley and toward the mountains, the trail takes you through small hamlets, terraced rice fields, and forests, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks will be provided along the trail. Arrival at the MLN Ghandruk Lodge is expected in the late afternoon, where a hot lunch is served upon your arrival. The lodge offers fantastic views of the arrayed peaks of the Annapurna Massif.

  Distance: 11 km | Trek: 6 Hrs. | Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 5 Trek to Landruk (1,565 M)

  Following a relaxing breakfast with stunning Himalayan views at the Himalaya Lodge, you start your trek to Landruk. Departing from the village of Ghandruk, the trail descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River.  Along the way, you may catch sight of the cliffs where the renowned honey hunters of Nepal skillfully climb on ropes to harvest the nests of the world’s largest (and most dangerous) honey bees. We cross the river via a sturdy suspension bridge and ascend on a switchback trail to reach the village of Landruk. This charming village provides more breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. After a satisfying lunch at the MLN Landruk, our guide will lead you on a sightseeing tour of this picturesque mountain village.

  Distance: 7 km | Trek: 5 Hrs. | Accommodation: MLN Landruk | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 6 Trek to Majhgaon (1,400 M)

  Leaving Landruk and the valley of the Modi Khola, today’s walk contours the valley-side to the east and heads south, with fairly minor undulations, passing through picturesque villages and farmland with great views looking back to the Annapurnas. You will reach MLN Majhgaon in time for lunch. The lodge is built to resemble a traditional Nepalese village and every room has spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The afternoon can be spent in the lodge gardens or you can opt to do some exploration to nearby villages with our guide.

  Distance: 12 km | Trek: 5 Hrs. | Accommodation: MLN Majhgaon | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 7 Trek to Dhampus (1,740 M)

  This morning you start trekking through the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. The walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. Once again, we aim to reach our next lodge in time for lunch. Our accommodation for the night is at the small, but splendid MLN Dhampus, where we are treated to sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.

  Distance: 10.5 km | Trek: 5-6 Hrs. | Accommodation: MLN Dhampus | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 8 Trek to Phedi - Drive to Pokhara

  Following a relaxed breakfast at the lodge, you embark on a short downhill walk along a scenic ridge to the farmland and scattered houses of the broad Yangdi Khola Valley. Here, you encounter the road and find your awaiting vehicle for a 30-minute transfer to Pokhara. During this journey, you can choose to make a stop at the Tibetan refugee camp, known for its intriguing temple complex. Upon reaching Pokhara, you settle into a very comfortable resort hotel at Lakeside. Pokhara, known for its laid-back atmosphere and its Lakeside district is vibrant with interesting shops, cafes and bars, all with the sensational backdrop of the Annapurnas. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore this charming town. Additionally, you have the option to trek up to the ‘Peace Stupa’ for a panoramic view over the lake or take a boat out onto the water. In the evening, you return to the hotel for dinner.

  Distance: 5 km | Trek: 1.5 Hrs. | Accommodation: Hotel Barahi | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 9 Drive to Bandipur (1,030 M) - Trek to Three Mountain Lodge (1,010 M)

  With a reasonably early start, you will commence your journey with a short drive to the traditional Newari village of Bandipur, situated on a high ridge above the Pokhara to Kathmandu highway. Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch at the ‘Old Inn’ and will meet a local guide who will show you around the village. Bandipur grew up as a part of the Magar Kingdom of Tanahun and dates back several hundred years. It was once a staging post on a trade route between India and Tibet. With its 18th century architecture and narrow streets, it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours.

  You will then set off on a short trek, which involves an initial descent into a valley where you will find a mix of forest and farmland. There are several hamlets and schools along the trail and the final 40 minutes involve a steady climb to your overnight accommodation at the splendid lodge. Situated on a ridge at a little over 1000 metres, the lodge command views of three 8000 metres peaks; Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu. After checking in, drinks will be served around the central fireplace. Later, dinner will be served in the dining room.

  Distance: 9.1 km | Trek: 4 Hrs. | Accommodation: Three Mountain Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 10 Explore Bandipur

  You will be woken with a cup of tea or coffee in your rooms. If the weather permits and the mountains are clear, you have the opportunity to sit on your private verandas and relish the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Makalu. After breakfast, we will then set off on a short walk amongst orange trees to visit 2 local schools.  Alternatively, you have the option to hike to a higher viewpoint peak, offering an even more impressive panorama of mountains to the north and views southwards towards Chitwan and the Terai. Returning to the lodge for lunch, you will then join the guide once more to explore a couple of local villages, where you may have the opportunity to meet retired Gurkhas. This area has been little visited and retains much of its charm. You will return to spend a second night at the Three Mountain Lodge.

  Accommodation: Three Mountain Lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 11 Drive to Kathmandu

  After breakfast at this special lodge, you will walk back to Bandipur. Upon reaching Bandipur, you’ll meet your transport and commence a 4-hour drive eastwards along the Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu. After checking in at your hotel, there should be a couple of hours to rest and freshen up ahead of dinner.

  Trek Distance: 11.3 km | Trek: 3.5- 4 Hrs. | Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Day 12 A free day in Kathmandu

  One of the attractions of any visit to Nepal is the chance to walk the streets of Kathmandu, which present a fascinating mosaic of shops, cafes and restaurants, food markets and street vendors, as well as a bewildering array of colorful temples and shrines. Kathmandu is a very safe city (provided you watch out for the traffic) and exploring on your own is great fun.

  Accommodation: Hotel Yak and Yeti | Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

• Day 13 Departure day

  Airport transfers to Kathmandu are provided. If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, consider pre-booking a day’s sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu Valley or a multi-day excursion to the wildlife reserve at Chitwan. Feel free to contact our office for more details.