Nepal Sacred Mountains Lodge Trek

13 days from £2715 per person

Two walkers climbing an ascending path with the snow-capped Himalayas in the background

Trekking is synonymous with Nepal. High altitude scenery, crystal clear rivers and ancient trading villages all combine to make this one of the finest walking destinations in the world. Catering for all abilities, the trek in this itinerary is based around Ker & Downey's excellent lodges which offer fine accommodation and comfortable surroundings–the perfect end to a day's walking. With time spent in the picturesque Himalayan villages of Birethanti, Ghandruk, Tanchok and Dhampus sightseeing of Nepalese capital Kathmandu and the neighbouring Kathmandu valley is also included.

Route: Kathmandu – Birethanti – Ghandruk – Birethanti – Majgaun – Dhampus – Pokhara – Kathmandu

Itinerary Highlights

Capital of Nepal and gateway to the country, Kathmandu consists of three distinct districts and contains a wealth of unique temples, palaces, squares and bazaars.

The trekking lodges within the Annapurna foothills provide comfort for the weary trekker at the end of a long hill walk. They are invariably surrounded by jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery.

The town of Pokhara occupies a special position in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas and has views of two of the world’s 8,000 metre peaks – Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Itinerary: Nepal Sacred Mountains Lodge Trek

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu

After connecting in Dubai, arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. Later in the afternoon visit the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest and most important sites of worship in Kathmandu. (N)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 3 Kathmandu – visit Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Patan

Start the morning with a walking tour of the old city and Durbar Square where you can view the beautiful temples and palaces. From here continue to Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrimage site, the Pashupatinath temple complex, where you can explore the Royal Cremation Ghats. Visit the nearby stupa of Bodhnath, one of the world’s oldest Lamaist shrines and a focus for Tibetan pilgrimage. In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Patan, capital of the Malla Kings which is considered the artistic and architectural centre of the valley. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 4 Kathmandu to Pokhara – by air / Pokhara to Birethanti (3 to 4 hours)

This morning fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the starting point of the guided trek. Today’s walk follows a ridgeline of the lower Annapurna foothills and traverses the heart of the picturesque Pokhara valley. Continue down to the Modi River Valley and Birethanti where the Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain and it is here that you will stay overnight. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Birethanti: Sanctuary Lodge

Day 5 Birethanti to Ghandruk (5 to 6 hours)

After breakfast leave the lodge and walk through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley before climbing out of the valley and up towards the mountains. The trail today passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. In Ghandruk your accommodation provides far-reaching views of numerous snow-capped peaks. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Ghandruk: Himalaya Lodge

Day 6 Ghandruk

Wake this morning and watch sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Fishtail. Later explore the mountain village of Ghandruk and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers and the women of the town maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Ghandruk: Himalaya Lodge

Day 7 Ghandruk to Birethanti (4 to 5 hours)

Leaving Ghandruk, return on foot to Birethanti through small villages and tiny rural hamlets. Buffaloes and goats graze in the fields whilst donkey and mule trains carry goods to and from remote Gurkha settlements. Passing Shauli Bazaar, continue to Birethanti and the Sanctuary Lodge for an overnight stay. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Birethanti: Sanctuary Lodge

Day 8 Birethanti to Majgaun (2 to 3 hours)

Today walk to Majgaun where you can admire spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. After lunch visit the local village of Tanchok where there will be a talk at a local house, now made into a museum, and the chance to visit the welcoming local school. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Majgaun: Gurung Lodge

Day 9 Majgaun to Dhampus (3 to 4 hours)

After breakfast leave Majgaun and visit the unspoiled village of Patlekhet and Pothana where many Tibetan traders live. Today’s walk is particularly beautiful with the route winding through sub-tropical forest renowned for tree orchid, vibrant rhododendrons and pretty magnolias. Enjoy sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range, and later visit the old village of Dhampus. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Dhampus: Basanta Lodge

Day 10 Dhampus to Pokhara (2 to 3 hours)

This morning depart along the ridge and descend through wooded hillsides and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Here you will be met and transferred by car to Pokhara. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax and enjoy Pokhara. (B)
Accommodation in Pokhara: Fishtail Lodge

Day 11 Pokhara to Kathmandu – by air

This morning transfer to Pokhara Airport and return by air to Kathmandu. (B)
Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel

Day 12 Kathmandu – visit Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur / Depart Kathmandu

Today visit the historic hilltop temple of Changu Narayan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 1,500 years old and a fine example of Nepalese pagoda architecture. On the way back to Kathmandu, stop at Bhaktapur. The former capital of the valley between the 14th and 16th centuries, the highlight is Durbar Square and the Nayatpola Temple, the tallest pagoda-temple in Nepal which was constructed by Newari artists and craftsmen. Return to Kathmandu and later transfer to the airport for the Emirates flight to Dubai. In Dubai connect on to the UK. (B)

Day 13 Arrive UK

Arrive in the morning back in the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with an accompanying English speaking guide
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.