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TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1
Kathmandu – Arrive in Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal. You will be met at the airport by an Original Trails representative and transferred to the hotel. Meet your travel companions and then go out to try some Nepalese cuisine. Welcome to Nepal and the adventure ahead!
DAY 2
Kathmandu – You will be met by your local guide in the morning to explore Kathmandu. Travel down the narrow and winding streets into the heart of this bustling city to discover its ancient temples and religious sites. Visit Durbar square and marvel at the traditional architecture where former kings ruled. Afterward, you will travel up to the Swayambhunath temple to get a great view of the city.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
Pokhara – Today you will travel westward toward the city of Pokhara, the gateway to the world-famous Annapurna trek. Pokhara is a lively town with a laid back atmosphere nestled near Annapurna mountain range. Beautiful views dominate the town, made even more picturesque by its lake front location. Settle into the hotel and head out later on to experience Pokhara’s nightlife at one of its many restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Pokhara – Free day to explore Pokara and all it has to offer. Take a boat for a leisurely row on serene lake Phewa Tal,browse through the busy shops and souvenir markets in Lakeside or visit Pokhara’s many temples and museums. For the more adventurous, there’s tandem paragliding with a stunning mountain backdrop, white-water rafting and micro-light flights. Later in the evening you will be met by your trekking guide who will explain about your trek the next day.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
Annapurna Foothills Trek- Day 1 -The day starts with a drive to the town of Naya Pul where you will hike down through the village and cross the main bridge to Birethanti, the official start of the trek. Here you will continue through lush farm land and fields surrounded by forested hills. Passing waterfalls and farmed terraces, the trail heads up through the valley offering fantastic views of the surrounding area. Arrive in the small town of Tikedhunga, where you will spend the night at a basic guest house.
DAY 6
Annapurna Foothills Trek- Day 2 – Begin the day with steps as the path leads from Tikedhunga, passing over bridges and waterfalls up to the other side of the valley. The views are magnificent as you trek higher, passing through quaint villages and towns. See the locals go about their daily lives as you make your way further up the valley, as the path climbs higher through the lush forest. The trek ends at the town of Ghorepani, where you will settle into the lodge for the night.
DAY 7
Annapurna Foothills Trek- Day 3 – It’s up and trekking before dawn as you slowly make your way up the trail above Gorephani to the top of Poon hill. Arrive just before sunrise to witness the spectacular sight as the sun spills over the mighty Annapurna range and illuminates the valley below. The towering summits of Annapurna I and Annapurna South dominate the skyline amidst the numerous snow capped peaks. After, breakfast at the lodge, the trek continues up and over the valley and down through the forest to Tadapani.
DAY 8
Annapurna Foothills- Day 4 – Enjoy your breakfast with a stunning view; overlooking the valley below with the snow capped peaks of the Annapurna’s rising above. The trail takes you down through dense, lush mountain forest with occasional views of "fish tail" mountain, Machhapuchhare. Arrive in the town of Gandruk, set amongst green hills and towering peaks. Check into to the guesthouse and relax, and enjoy the views of the traditional village below with a mountain backdrop.
DAY 9
Annapurna Foothills Trek Day 5- Pokhara – You will make your way through the town before descending the many steps that will lead you down through the towns of Kimche and Syauli Bazar, ending at Birethanti to complete the loop! Continue on to Naya Pul to be picked up and taken back to Pokhara for one last night. Shower up and hit the town for some great good, you deserve it!
DAY 10
Bardia – Travel west ward along the plains on the road less travelled to the largest and most pristine national park in Nepal. Bardia NP is teeming with wildlife, and is the home of the One Horned Rhino, the Indian Elephant and the Royal Bengal Tiger. You will notice the distinct lack of tourists at Bardia, making it a more private and special experience. You will check into your lodge and relax in the Tharu style cottages surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11
Bardia – Today, venture out into the park in the early morning on top of an elephant!With your guide, you will travel through the bush and grassland with a great vantage point, searching for rhinos, elephants, leopards and if your lucky, the elusive tiger! Other animals that you may see are the sloth bear, civets, hyenas, grey langurs and hog deer. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12
Bardia – Today is a free day to enjoy other activities around Bardia. Relax on a raft on the Geruwariver as you search for animals along the park river bank, explore the park with a guide by foot on a walking safari, or visit the Tharu Cultural museum and the elephant breeding centre by bike. Lots to keep you busy, or you might choose to simply relax.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13
Kathmandu-Panauti – After a short flight back to Kathmandu, you will travel to the historical town of Panauti. . The town was once a major trading center with major religious importance. You will be taken to meet your host family, who you will be staying with in Panauti. The home stay program was started by the Panauti tourism development committee to promote cultural tourism and to provide an alternative income for local families. Not only will you get to meet and learn from your hosts, you will get to experience what it’s like to live as a Nepali for the night! In the early evening you will take a walk with your guide to see the ancient temples and ornate buildings in the old town.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14
Panauti-Kathmandu – In the morning after breakfast, take a walk with your guide through the town to a viewpoint to get a great view of the surrounding area. This is a great opportunity to see the real countryside and village life in Nepal. After, say good-bye to your host family and travel back to Kathmandu for a final evening. The next day you will be transferred to the airport for you flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15
Return Home Have a safe journey back home!
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
This trip will take you into the heart of Nepal to experience it's culture, nature and wildlife. This tour features comfortable hotels throughout, with traditional accommodation while staying with a local family and basic guesthouses during the trek. Transport during the trip is private and there are some long travel days, however you will be able to enjoy Nepal's scenery with the added flexibility of stopping for photos and breaks.
During the trek, you will be walking on average 5-6 hours a day at altitudes up to 3,200m. A moderate fitness level is required to enjoy this hike.
This well rounded journey is designed to get you off the beaten track and put you in touch with the local people and culture. This after all, is the essence of Nepal!
INCLUDED:
- Photography tips and advice from Red Hunt
- All accommodation within the itinerary
- Incoming Airport transfer in Kathmandu
- All ground transport(private) and internal flight within the itinerary
- Fully guided 4-day trek in the Annapurna Foothills with porters
- Elephant safari in Barida National Park
- Kathmandu City Tour
- Cultural Homestay
- Tour and local walk in Panauti
- Full-time adventure guide
- Local expert guides
- Meals indicated on the itinerary
NOT INCLUDED:
- International airfare
- Meals and drinks not indicated in the itinerary
- Optional excursions not included above
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees and airport tax
- Travel insurance
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