- Trekking
- Nepal
- 12 days
This low-altitude trek, by Himalayan standards, on the Annapurna foothills, is explicitly devised for families (boutique-quality accommodation).
Key Information
Book this Nepal trek and get a complimentary one hour Trekker’s’ massage after the trek is over. The masseuses will be from a marginalized community. This is part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Experience this diverse trip in luxury
This incredibly varied trip offers everything from fascinating ancient Kathmandu to seeing Nepal’s countryside while driving to Pokhara and Chitwan and game-watching in Chitwan. However, the highlight is a short trek, with our expert trek leader and porters visiting some of the most attractive villages in Annapurna’s foothills surrounded by magnificent mountain views.
We use a series of picturesque luxury lodges that offer a much higher comfort level than is ordinarily available while trekking. Each lodge has twin rooms, attached bathrooms, hot running water, dining rooms, cosy lounges, gardens, and stunning views.
The trekking part is ideal for active persons, from a child to someone in their 80s.
Why Choose Us?
- Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety while enhancing your trekking experience.
- Your private social bubble by staying in less busy lodges and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.
- Experience the Himalayas in style.
Detailed Itinerary
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Arrive at Kathmandu airport. Our representative will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. You will be given a full trip briefing in the evening.
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We will leave the hotel in the morning for our sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. First, we drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath to see the famous Buddhist stupa with its giant mandala, one of Nepal’s largest stupas. We then continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square (which also has UNESCO status). This is one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Unfortunately, Kathmandu Durbar Square was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake. Nevertheless, the many palaces, courtyards, and temples built in the Newari style are fascinating. You will be given a full briefing for the trip today.
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We leave for Pokhara early this morning in a private vehicle. The drive to Pokhara can be delayed by traffic leaving Kathmandu. Once we are out of Kathmandu, the trip usually takes around 6 hours, depending on the road and traffic conditions. In the afternoon, your trek leader will take you for a familiarization walk along the shore of Phewa Lake. Pokhara is a pretty lakeside resort at the foot of the Annapurna range.
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We have a short drive to the starting point of our trek. We follow a trail on a ridgeline in the middle hills of the Annapurna range. We walk through terraced fields, and forests and descend to the Modi River Valley to the Sanctuary Lodge. Machapuchare or Fishtail is a sacred mountain that is unclimbed. You can see fine views of the holy ‘Fishtail’ Mountain on clear days from the Sanctuary lodge.
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You leave the lodge after breakfast and hike past scattered farms. We go upstream of the Modi River with endless views of Machapuchare in front of us. You will soon start ascending the hills on quite a long climb on stone steps. The trail takes you through a mixture of farmland and forests with plenty of stops for rehydrations, photos, and observing the scenery.
We arrive at the Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk for a late lunch. Then, hopefully, the spectacular views of the Annapurna massif will be clear.
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Landruk village can be seen on the other side of the Modi valley. We have a steep descent to the valley floor. You might be able to see the hives of cliff bees. The honey from these bees is known to be hallucinogenic if consumed in quantity – this could be as little as three teaspoons!
We cross a suspension bridge and ascend for about one hour until we reach our stop for the day at Landruk. Impressive views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli will inspire you to keep walking. Lunch will be ‘waiting’ as we arrive at our lodge. After that, you can rest or go for a walk in the lovely village with your trek leader.
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Today the hike to Majhgaon is somewhat levelled and gentle in the morning. We will trek through farmlands and villages. We arrive at the lodge for lunch once again. In the afternoon you can relax in the lovely garden or explore the quaint town and surroundings. If you want, a guided tour can be arranged as well.
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We start our morning by hiking towards Patlekhet, a small village on the way to Pothana. Then, we will walk in subtropical forests until we reach an opening close to Pothana. Tibetan traders will display their gifts and souvenirs for the trekkers that pass through Pothana either on the way to or from Annapurna Base camp.
The panorama from Dhampus is something you will not forget for a long time.
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We depart after breakfast along a ridge before descending through the wooded hillside to Phedi. We board the waiting vehicle and transfer to Pokhara. We have a free afternoon (optional boat trip on Lake Phewa).
After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor—Trek time 1.5-2hrs hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Pokhara (1hr). The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara. You may want to visit the exciting mountain museum, or you can go for a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Or you may want to relax by the hotel pool or wander along the lakeside, browsing in the shops. Your leader will brief you on the various options available.
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We take a private vehicle for the drive to Chitwan, which takes about 4 hours. The Annapurna and Manaslu mountain range’s panoramic views will be clear on the left side of the vehicle on a clear day. We drive back to Mugling, where we drive south to Nepal’s lowlands and our resort in Chitwan. We should get to the resort by lunchtime. We will meet our naturalist guide, who will go through the program of activities available for us. We can participate in activities that have been planned for us.
The activities include – jungle walk, village walk, bird watching, canoe ride, etcetera. Knowledgeable staff from the lodge always accompany us on all activities.
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We will participate in activities we didn’t partake in yesterday. The jungle is home to more than 800 bird species, the great one-horned rhino, four types of deer, monkeys, two types of crocodiles, the sloth bear, the spotted leopard, and the ever-elusive Royal Bengal tiger, to name a few wildlife.
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There is an opportunity for an early morning bird-watching walk before breakfast. Then, we leave for Bharatpur airport for our flight to Kathmandu.
You will have one last dinner with your trek leader and talk about the many highlights of this tour.
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International departure. You will be brought to the airport three hours before your departure time.
Cost Includes:
- A family-owned Boutique hotel in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis on twin sharing basis
- A Boutique hotel in Pokhara on a bed and breakfast basis on twin sharing basis
- All transportation
- Responsible Adventures’ expert trek leader or Hire Raj
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Use of trekking kit bag during the trek
- One assistant guide between 4 trekkers
- One porter between two trekkers
- Proper clothing for porters and crew
- Food for porters & crew members. (we are less than a handful of trekking companies that provide this facility)
- Insurance for team and porters
- All permits
- Two nights in Chitwan with game viewing
- All meals on the trek and in Chitwan
- Domestic airfare
Cost Excludes:
- International airfare
- Visas
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transportation outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (compulsory to have insurance that covers helicopter evacuation)
- Tips (suggested amount; US$100 per week for staff only), Leader’s tipping up to your discretion
- Items of a personal nature, e.g., alcoholic drinks, bottled beverages, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
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A Responsible promise
Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.
To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.
Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee
For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Complete flexibility on your booking
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
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Trek FAQ
Am I too young or old? Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a Visa?
A visa for Nepal can be acquired on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.
A visa can also be obtained outside of Nepal at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
For more information, go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).Here are some helpful articles:
- Am I too old to go trekking?
- Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
- Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
- The differences between luxury lodges and teahouse lodges
- What to pack for a trek?
- Do I need to train for a trek?
- What is a typical day on a trek like?
- What is the food like on the trek?
- The Benefits of using trekking poles.
- What do I need to know about high altitudes?
- High altitude myths.
- How to trek safely?
- For more articles, you can go to our blogs.