Duration: 11Days
Activities: Trekking
Country: Nepal
Trip Grade: EASY
Attitude:1960m
Group size: 2-10 People
Best Season: Sep – Nov
Overview
Annapurna & Wildlife is exciting trip which combines our ‘Annapurna Adventure’ trek with a jungle safari in one of Asia’s premier wildlife reserves. A relatively easy trek in the heart of the beautiful Annapurna region takes us through sweeping fields and verdant forests and is a great way to absorb stunning mountain views and spend time in quaint and remote villages. The lakeside town of Pokhara is Nepal’s prettiest and most relaxing town. Afterwards, we travel to Chitwan National Park, with its incredible wildlife experiences. We go in search of rhino, deer, crocodile and possibly leopard or tiger! Exploring by elephant-back and canoe only adds to the excitement. This unforgettable adventure is the perfect introduction to trekking as well as experiencing the wildlife of Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
DAY 02: Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
DAY 03: Kathmandu – Birethanti (1100m) 6-7 hours drive & half an hour trek
Day 04: Birethanti – Ghandruk (1940m) 4 hours
Day 05: Ghandruk – Landruk (1565m) 3 hours
Day 06: Landruk – Dhampus (1650m) 5-6 hours
Day 07: Pokhara (850m)
Day 08: Chitwan National Park(150m)
Day 09: Chitwan National Park
DAY 10:Drive to Kathmandu
DAY 11: Final Departure
DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Sherpa Holidays’ display board at the arrival gate and you will be picked up by one of our representative or your trip leader.You will be then transferred to hotel.After check in, you can either take a rest, wander around in the city,it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program followed by a set Nepali dish(Dal Bhat) for dinner.
DAY 02: Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast your trek leader will introduce you to rest of the members of the group and brief you about the trek . After the group briefing, you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour to two of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Both of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the famous Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After lunch you have an opportunity to prepare yourself for the entire trip and next day’s drive to Nayapul.
DAY 03: Kathmandu – Birethanti (1100m) 6-7 hours drive & half an hour trek
We leave early and drive towards the west of Nepal to Pokhara which is known as one of the beautiful city of Nepal and the city with the lakes. As we drive along we will see lots of mountains including Machhapuchhare and Annapurna. Leaving Pokhara we drive further to Nayapul and from here its 30 minutes walk to Birethanti 1100meter where we stay overnight. This is a beautiful small village situated along the bank of the river Modi khola.
Day 4: Birethanti – Ghandruk (1940m) 4 hours
In the morning after breakfast we start the climb to Ghandruk. The trail gradually climb to Lhamkhet Trail steepens and continues to climb passing through settlements of Gurungs and then climbs up to Ghandruk,which is known as the second largest village with the gurung settlement. Ghandruk is one of the beautiful Gurung village in that area and one can see the difference in the lifestyle of the people to that of their neighbor in the lower areas. Ghandruk is well known for the number of its men folk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments. From our lodge at Ghandruk, we have spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Machapuchhare (6993m).
Day 5: Ghandruk – Landruk (1565m) 3 hours
After breakfast, we retrace our steps back to the entrance gate of Ghandruk Village and descend down towards the Modi Khola walking on stone steps. We walk through terraced fields and pass through a school to reach a small linear settlement of Kyumi. We then cross a steel suspension bridge after which the trail climbs up gradually through terraced fields. Looking north you enjoy great views of the Modi Khola valley. The trail continues to climb up through the fields to reach our lodge in this small Gurung village of Landruk where we stop for lunch and spend the night.
Day 6: Landruk – Dhampus (1650m) 5-6 hours
We take the trail just above the small primary school of Landruk and the trail traverses though open areas and patches of beautiful woods. The trails undulates and traverses for some time and we climb for a section to reach a small settlement of Tolka. From here the trail steadily climbs through the forests to reach a small teashop after which the trails ascends for another 40 minutes or so to reach Pitam Deurali, where we stop for lunch. After lunch the trail traverses on the ridge through alpine and rhododendron forests with great views of the mountains. The trail and we reach the settlement of Pothana. From Pothana the trail descends for another hour to reach the Gurung village of Dhampus. Dhampus offers excellent views of the Annapurna range.
Day 7: Pokhara (850m)
After breakfast, the trail descends out of Dhampus through terraced fields and forests for an hour and half to reach the road at the small settlement of Phedi. From Phedi, we farewell our porters, then drive for about an hour to reach our hotel in Pokhara, which is located close to the lakeside. After a welcomed shower, we have the rest of the day free to relax or do some exploring. It is well certainly worthwhile hiring a boat for a row out on the lake (Phewa Tal), which is the second largest in Nepal. Pokhara has an interesting old area as well as an elaborate Hindu temple and a Buddhist monastery. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities and internet cafés. In the evening there is an option to dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants with your leader.
Day 8: Chitwan National Park(150m)
After breakfast we are driven to Chitwan National Park. After arriving and settling in, we are introduced to the camp staff and resident naturalists who will discuss our program. There is some flexibility and activities may vary with the time of the year and known wildlife movements and locations. We may visit the elephant camp to see how their handlers, known as mahaut, care for these beautiful animals. A late afternoon safari riding on elephants takes us into the forest and grasslands to observe the varied and exciting wildlife in the park. In the early evening the local Tharu dance troupe may perform a cultural program. We then enjoy dinner and afterwards we are free to relax in the bar and discuss the day’s sightings or listen to the exotic sounds of the jungle at night.
Day 9: Chitwan National Park
An early morning excursion could include either another elephant safari to different parts of the park in search of the great Indian rhino, deer and exotic bird life or joining one of several other activities including a visit to the elephant breeding centre. Tiger sightings are rare these days, but these magnificent animals do inhabit the park. After breakfast we leave the lodge for a trip by dugout canoe on the Rapti River. This is an exciting trip with chances to view marsh mugger crocodiles and various birds that inhabit the riverbanks. A program is organised for us for the rest of the day that may include further excursions by jeep or a visit to one of the nearby villages.
DAY 10:Drive to Kathmandu
After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu. Arriving Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. Spend the day leisurely or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. In the evening,there will be a group celebration dinner together.
DAY 11: Final Departure
The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today!If you have more time then you can do some shopping or just wander around thamel and relax before your flight. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, your leader will escorts you to the airport.
