Day 1: Kathmandu

Upon your arrival the Tribhuvan International airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Wanders who will take you to our hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali cuisine restaurant where you will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali meal with a brief cultural program. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Kathmandu

A day to explore Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal. We organise a full day of guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu, probably to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, Swayambunath – the Buddhist monkey temple- and Pashupatinath a sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River. Three major towns are located in the valley, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, each having a great artistic and architectural tradition. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city in the country. Patan, the second largest is separated from Kathmandu by a river. Bhaktapur, the third largest, is towards the eastern end of the valley and its relative isolation is reflected in its slower pace and more distinctly mediaeval atmosphere. In the Kathmandu Valley the landscape is dramatically sculpted by the contours of the paddy fields. The towns and villages are alive with the colours of farm produce, ranging from pyramids of golden grain to the vivid reds of chilli peppers laid out on mats to dry in the sun. In the streets and towns there is a constant bustle of activity, especially in the bazaars and markets where the farmers sell their vegetables and fruit. You will get back to the hotel after your sightseeing tour around mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city further and pack bags ready for the start of the trek the following morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items you will not need on the trek. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3: Kathmandu to Birethanti

Fly to Pokhara (820m), drive to Nayapul (1 hour driving) and trek to Sanctuary Lodge in Birethanti (1,100m)- 1 ½ hours walking. You will be transferred from the hotel to Kathmandu domestic airport for the flight to Pokhara where, on a clear day, you will get superb views of the Annapurnas. After landing at Pokhara you will be driven for about an hour along the Seti River valley from Pokhara to the trek start point. The path follows a ridge in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas where there are good views of the mountains and Pokhara valley. The route then descends towards the Modi valley through bamboo and terrace farmland. The Sanctuary Lodge is located a few miles from Birethanti village overlooking the Modi river. The lodge is a typical Kerr and Downey set up with comfortable sitting room, dining room and attractive gardens. Overnight at Ker & Downey lodge

Day 4: Trek to Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (2,012m)- 5 to 6 hours walking

After breakfast we start with a climb to Ghandruk village. The trail passes through more terraced farmland and into rhododendron and oak forests. After 3 hours you pass through the village of Kimche (1,554m) where we stop for lunch. After lunch there is a further climb to Ghandruk at just over 2,000m. The Himalaya lodge is a 19th century Gurung village house with a pleasant reception area, dining room and open fireplace. Overnight at Ker & Downey lodge

Day 5: Ghandruk

Day walk from Himalaya Lodge. Today we explore Ghandruk and the surrounding area. There are good views from here of Annapurna South and Machapuchare. Overnight at Ker & Downey lodge

Day 6: Trek to Bee Lodge in Lhandruk- 4 hours walking

After breakfast we follow the trail descending to the suspension bridge over Modi Khola and then climb up to Lhandruk. This village is about the same altitude as Ghandruk on the other side of the valley. There are good views from here of Annapurnas. Overnight at Ker & Downey lodge

Day 7: Trek to Gurung Lodge in Majgaun (1,400m)- 4 to 5 hours walking

Today the trail follows the route down from the Annapurna Sanctuary and after several hours you will arrive at Shauli Bazaar. From here, we follow the the Modi River until the cable bridge that we crossed on the first day. It is a two hours walk uphill to the village of Majgaun and the Gurung Lodge. Overnight at Ker & Downey lodge

Day 8: Trek to Dhampus and back to Pokhara

Trek to Basanta Lodge in Dhampus (1,554m) for lunch then walk out to Phedi for the drive back to Pokhara.- 4 ½ hours walking and 45 minutes driving – After breakfast we start the walk through forests of oak, rhododendron and silver birch with incredible views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Lamjung. The path soon levels out from here it is downhill to Dhampus and the Basanta lodge. This lodge, like the Himalaya Lodge, is based on an old Gurung village house and from its garden there are superb views of the Fishtail peak and the Annapurna range. We have lunch at Basanta lode and then we leave Dhampus and descend to the Pokhara valley passing more villages and terraced fields. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 9: Pokhara

It is worth waking early to see the mountain views that at their best in the morning. After breakfast you take a boat trip around Phewa Lake or walk to Shanti Peace stupa above the lake. In the afternoon you can either relax by the pool or venture into Pokhara. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. You will be met at the airport and driven back to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Kathmandu

Sightseeing in Kathmandu to Bhaktapur and Patan. Today we have another day sightseeing where we drive to Bhaktapur and Patan. Bhaktapur is an ancient Newari town in the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork. Whereas Patan is famous for its architectural beauty. Patan is one of the oldest cities of Kathmandu valley. There are stupas built by Emperor Ashoka and its full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 12: Farewell Nepal

Our representative will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to international airport for onward journey.