Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Trek

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

After breakfast, we depart Kathmandu for Pokhara, renowned for its stunning lakes and scenic beauty. The bus journey lasts approximately six to seven hours, taking you through picturesque landscapes and charming villages. Upon arrival, spend your evening exploring the vibrant Lakeside area of Pokhara, where you can enjoy local cuisine and relax by the lake.

Day 2: Trek from Syauli Bazaar to Tadapani

Following breakfast, we drive to Syauli Bazaar via Naya Pul and Birethanti, a journey of about two hours. Upon reaching Syauli Bazaar, we set off toward Ghandruk, crossing the Khumnu Khola suspension bridge. Ghandruk is a Gurung village offering panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail. Continuing through dense rhododendron forests, we arrive at Tadapani (2,625 m), where we will spend the night in a guesthouse.

Day 3: Trek from Tadapani to Dobato

We start our trek after breakfast, navigating through diverse flora and fauna. The trail offers stunning views of Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South as we make our way to Dobato (3,350 m). This beautiful location will be our resting point for the night, allowing us to appreciate the breathtaking landscapes around us.

Day 4: Journey from Dobato to Upper Chistibung

Today’s trek begins with a descent to Lower Chistibung, followed by an uphill journey to Upper Chistibung (2,975 m). The trail winds through lush forests and meadows, where we might spot wildlife such as the Himalayan monal, Nepal’s national bird, and the Himalayan thar. After a day of exploration, we will settle for the night in a cozy guesthouse.

Day 5: Trek from Upper Chistibung to Khopra Ridge

A steep ascent through alpine meadows takes us to Khopra Ridge. As we reach the ridge, the breathtaking views of the Kali Gandaki River Valley unfold beneath us, while towering peaks like Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mount Nilgiri (7,071 m), Barah Shikhar (7,800 m), and Annapurna South surround us. This stunning vantage point offers a memorable experience of the majestic Himalayas.

Day 6: Day Hike to Khair Lake

We embark on a long day hike to Khair Lake, located at an elevation of 4,500 meters. The lake is revered as sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, with several shrines adorning its shores. This hike provides close-up views of the Annapurna Massif and a chance to appreciate the tranquility of this pristine environment.

Day 7: Trek from Khopra Ridge to Swata

We begin our descent from Khopra Ridge, taking a steep downhill route to Swata (2,200 m). As we hike through terraced fields, we enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Dhaulagiri, making for a scenic end to our trekking day. We’ll spend the night at a guesthouse in Swata, reflecting on the stunning landscapes we’ve encountered.

Day 8: Trek from Swata to Ghorepani

Today’s trek begins with a downhill journey that leads us to Chitre. From there, we continue through a beautiful rhododendron forest toward Ghorepani, where we will rest for the night. The vibrant colors of the rhododendron flowers create a picturesque backdrop, enhancing our trekking experience.

Day 9: Sunrise at Poon Hill and Return to Pokhara

Our day starts early with a climb to Poon Hill, which takes about 50 minutes from Ghorepani. This vantage point offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise illuminating the peaks of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges. After soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast before trekking to Hile. Upon reaching Hile, we catch a local jeep to drive back to Pokhara.

Day 10: Drive Back to Kathmandu

After enjoying breakfast in Pokhara, we prepare for our journey back to Kathmandu. This marks the end of our incredible Annapurna and Dhaulagiri trek, filled with unforgettable memories and breathtaking landscapes. We look forward to seeing you again on your next adventure in Nepal!