Day 1: Depart UK
Leave London Heathrow bound for Kathmandu.
Day 2: Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to a local hotel for a full briefing on the challenge that lies ahead.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara - Tallokot
Leave early in the morning for a spectacular flight to Pokhara. On arrival we transfer to local buses and drive a short distance to our lunch spot. After lunch we start trekking through the valley, past rice fields and local villages to our first camp site at 1,234m.
Walking time: Approx 4 hours
Day 4: Tallokot - Ghalegaon
Having taken our tents down we set off following the Seti Nadi River. The path meanders through picturesque rice paddies and small villages as it gradually gains height. Some sections are steep and stepped, which are tough-going, while others contour the mountainside and gradually climb. As we ascend, we take in the beautiful views of terraced fields and small villages perched on the hillsides. Having stopped for a scenic lunch, we continue uphill to our camp at Ghalegaon at 1,641m. This is a tough finish to the day, but the views on arrival make it worthwhile.
Walking time: Approx 6-8 hours
Day 5: Ghalegaon – Tara Top
We have a tough day ahead as our route takes us higher, through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests. Trekking eastwards, we climb steeply up to the grassy, wooded knoll of Tara Top (Starlight Top) where we are rewarded by a 360° view of most of the Annapurna massif, including the monolithic hulk of Lamjung Himal and the famous fishtail peak of Machupuchare. The Himalayan foothills of central Nepal drop away before us towards the Ganges and the Indian plains below. We camp at 2,800m, hopefully enjoying clear skies and a sunset like no other.
Walking time: Approx 6-8 hours
Day 6: Tara Top - Parju
We head off along a trail that contours roughly along 2,500m elevation, taking us through shady rhododendron forest with overhanging mosses and lichens. Wild orchids hang from branches above us. We descend to the picturesque Gurung village of Parju, set in front of a backdrop of snowy peaks. We camp at the edge of the village in a large open area at 1,999m. If we have time we can head off and explore the village of Sikles not far away or just relax in the high pastures for the late afternoon.
Walking time: Approx 5-7 hours
Day 7: Parju – Lamakhet
We start the day with a tough, long descent along a stepped track that plunges into the valley through terraced fields. On this one section we will drop 780m in altitude which can be tough on the knees! From the valley bottom we follow a path to Setigaon and then continue descending along the Mardi Khola River. Lunch on the river bank may provide an opportunity for a refreshing dip in the glacial river waters! If the weather is clear we can enjoy breathtaking views along the way, including that of Annapurna II with its huge icefall and glacier marking the origin of the Mardi Khola River. We continue down the river valley to our beautiful campsite set on the banks of the river, at 870m, for our last night under the stars.
Walking time: Approx 7-9 hours
Day 8: Lamakhet - Pokhara
Breaking camp for the last time we enjoy a half-day trek, taking us to the edge of the Pokhara valley. A steep initial climb along a good track then leads to a descent, before a twisting path takes us down to the valley bottom. After lunch we walk for a short distance along the valley floor to meet our awaiting transport to Pokhara. A welcome shower and celebration meal waits just a short drive away.
Walking time: Approx 4 hours
Day 9: Pokhara – Kathmandu
We leave Pokhara and take the short flight back to Kathmandu, where we are free to enjoy some of the sights, sounds and smells of the town, visiting areas like the central Durbar Square, packed with Buddhist temples and palaces. If we have time we can visit the atmospheric Buddhist and the riverside Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath. In the evening we can
haggle for souvenirs at the many shops and markets.
Day 10: Kathmandu – London
Leave Kathmandu for London Heathrow
Day 11:
Arrive in the UK early morning.