Day 1: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 2: Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After lunch in Pokhara we drive to Beni to the trek start point (3 hours). Overnight in Beni (817m) in a simple hotel, on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.

Day 3: Beni (817m) to Banskharka (1,526m). 3-4 hours walk. We take it slowly and steadily, stopping often along the way, and are rewarded by our first spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. It is an interesting walk through rural villages of different cultural communities. We will homestay in Banskharka.

Day 4: Banskharka (1,526m) to Nagi (2,320m). 5-6 hours walk. Nagi itself is home to remote wireless internet pioneer Mahabir Pun. Overnight in a community lodge offering opportunities to see village development projects, visit a school or just explore the village.

Day 5: Nagi (2,320) to Mohare Danda (3,320m). 6 hours walk. This day we will walk through rhododendron forests. We will carry pack lunches as there are no settlements along the way. You will get to see lots of bird life and maybe some wild animal as well. From this spot you will get to see views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Day 6: Mohare Dada (3,320m) to Swanta (2,300m). 7-8 hours walk. We depart Swanta through a giant rhododendron forest. We then cross the Annapurna Circuit route at Phalate and ascend to Swanta where we overnight in a community lodge.

Day 7: Swanta (2,300m) to Khopra (3,660m). 7-8 hours walk. A hard, but beautiful climb through lush forests. As we near the tree line, we may see yaks from a local Village Development Committee yak farming project. Once we near Khopra we should be treated with magnificent panoramic views of Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal. Overnight in a community lodge with the yak farmer who also manages the relay station for the villages’ wireless network.

Day 8: Rest day in Khopra or optional day hike. We depart early for the walk to Khayer Lake at 4,500m. This high altitude lake is visited only rarely by pilgrims and is seldom seen by outsiders. This is a long, hard day, usually about 10/11 hours walking for the return trip. We will however be rewarded for our efforts by magnificent mountain views along our route, and the opportunity to see this beautiful, often mirror-calm lake surrounded by mountains and shrines. Annapurna is right above us.

Day 9: Khopra (3,600m) to Paudwar (2,000m). 6 hours walk. A long descent, with inspiring views over Dhaulagiri and the Kali Gandaki River valley – the deepest gorge on earth. Overnight homestay in Paudwar village, a Magar village with about 350 houses. In Paudwar we can visit a cheese-making scheme, unique in this area.

Day 10: Paudwar (2,000m) to Tatopani (1,190m). 3 hours walk. An easy descent down to the Kaligandaki River and walk along the river to get to Tatopani for lunch. At Tatopani you can soak your weary legs in the famous hot springs. This town is busier than any other places we pass through, as this is on a main Annapurna Circuit trail. You’ll be able to contrast this to the places you’ve seen, buy things in the bazaar – and more importantly, enjoy a hot shower.

Day 11: Tatopani to Pokhara. We will take a jeep/bus from Taopani to Beni and then retrace our journey back to Pokhara. Altogether it’s about 5 hours drive. Over night in Pokhara.

Day 12: Pokhara to Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Kathmandu

Notes:

The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice

In order to preserve the remote nature of this trek, it is limited to a maximum of 12 trekkers

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

This is a guideline only

Your trek cost includes:

• Pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
• Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
• 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
• 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
• Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
• Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
• During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
• All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
• Porters
• Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
• Rescue assistance
• Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Visa for Nepal
• Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
• Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
• Meals unless specified
• Sightseeing
• Gratuities
• Excess baggage on internal flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests

Day 1: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 2: Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After lunch in Pokhara we drive to Beni to the trek start point (3 hours). Overnight in Beni (817m) in a simple hotel, on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.

Day 3: Beni (817m) to Banskharka (1,526m). 3-4 hours walk. We take it slowly and steadily, stopping often along the way, and are rewarded by our first spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. It is an interesting walk through rural villages of different cultural communities. We will homestay in Banskharka.

Day 4: Banskharka (1,526m) to Nagi (2,320m). 5-6 hours walk. Nagi itself is home to remote wireless internet pioneer Mahabir Pun. Overnight in a community lodge offering opportunities to see village development projects, visit a school or just explore the village.

Day 5: Nagi (2,320) to Mohare Danda (3,320m). 6 hours walk. This day we will walk through rhododendron forests. We will carry pack lunches as there are no settlements along the way. You will get to see lots of bird life and maybe some wild animal as well. From this spot you will get to see views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Day 6: Mohare Dada (3,320m) to Swanta (2,300m). 7-8 hours walk. We depart Swanta through a giant rhododendron forest. We then cross the Annapurna Circuit route at Phalate and ascend to Swanta where we overnight in a community lodge.

Day 7: Swanta (2,300m) to Khopra (3,660m). 7-8 hours walk. A hard, but beautiful climb through lush forests. As we near the tree line, we may see yaks from a local Village Development Committee yak farming project. Once we near Khopra we should be treated with magnificent panoramic views of Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Gurja Himal. Overnight in a community lodge with the yak farmer who also manages the relay station for the villages’ wireless network.

Day 8: Rest day in Khopra or optional day hike. We depart early for the walk to Khayer Lake at 4,500m. This high altitude lake is visited only rarely by pilgrims and is seldom seen by outsiders. This is a long, hard day, usually about 10/11 hours walking for the return trip. We will however be rewarded for our efforts by magnificent mountain views along our route, and the opportunity to see this beautiful, often mirror-calm lake surrounded by mountains and shrines. Annapurna is right above us.

Day 9: Khopra (3,600m) to Paudwar (2,000m). 6 hours walk. A long descent, with inspiring views over Dhaulagiri and the Kali Gandaki River valley – the deepest gorge on earth. Overnight homestay in Paudwar village, a Magar village with about 350 houses. In Paudwar we can visit a cheese-making scheme, unique in this area.

Day 10: Paudwar (2,000m) to Tatopani (1,190m). 3 hours walk. An easy descent down to the Kaligandaki River and walk along the river to get to Tatopani for lunch. At Tatopani you can soak your weary legs in the famous hot springs. This town is busier than any other places we pass through, as this is on a main Annapurna Circuit trail. You’ll be able to contrast this to the places you’ve seen, buy things in the bazaar – and more importantly, enjoy a hot shower.

Day 11: Tatopani to Pokhara. We will take a jeep/bus from Taopani to Beni and then retrace our journey back to Pokhara. Altogether it’s about 5 hours drive. Over night in Pokhara.

Day 12: Pokhara to Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Kathmandu

Notes:

The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice

In order to preserve the remote nature of this trek, it is limited to a maximum of 12 trekkers

Trekking Gear List

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments which retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain and snow.    

THIS IS A GUIDELINE ONLY

UPPER BODY LAYERS

• T Shirts – walking 2  Merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic, wicking fabric.  No cotton
• T-shirt – sleeping 1  Can be cotton
• Base layers 1  Light weight or mid weight thermal long sleeved t-shirt
• Top insulating Layers 1  Mid weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
• Fleece Vest 1
• Rain jacket 1
• Down jacket 1

LOWER BODY LAYERS

• Underwear  Sufficient for trek (remember you can wash them)
• Thermal long underwear 1       
• Trekking Trousers  2  Lightweight quick dry trousers (no cotton). Zip-offs are good
• Hiking Shorts  1  If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
• Rain Pants  1

PACKS & BAGS

• Day pack  1  35ltrs. HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
• Sleeping bag & compression sack  1  Minimum 3 season

FOOTWEAR

• Hiking boots  1  Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
• Socks  3 or 4  
• Flip flops/Camp shoes  1  Lightweight for evening use

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Water bottles  2  One litre each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
• Water purification drops  Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
• Sunscreen  We recommend SPF 30 or greater
• Lip Balm  With SPF factor
• Personal first aid kit  To include any prescribed medications
• Sunglasses
• Bandana/Buff
• Flash light /head torch  Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
• Travel towel  Lightweight and compact
• Wash kit  Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
• Hand Sanitizer   Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
• Sun hat
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Trekking poles  Optional, but advised if you have dodgy knees
• Toilet paper & rubbish bag
• Trekking snacks  Good selection available in KTM
• Camera  With charger &/or extra batteries
• Book/journal
• Pack of cards/travel game  For evening entertainment
• Mosquito repellent
• Passport photos  Always useful and a must have if you want a local sim card
• Photocopies of all your important documents
• A great sense of humour & positive attitude  Essential – don’t come without it!! J

Much of the above equipment can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu. You do not need to spend a fortune on gear.

Your trek cost includes:

• Pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
• Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
• 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
• 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
• Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
• Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
• During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
• All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
• Porters
• Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
• Rescue assistance
• Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Visa for Nepal
• Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
• Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
• Meals unless specified
• Sightseeing
• Gratuities
• Excess baggage on internal flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests