Nepal Sacred Mountains Lodge Trek

13 days from £2595 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 Qatar Airways flight to Doha. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive into Doha and connect onto the Qatar Airways flight to Kathmandu. This afternoon take a walking tour of the old city and explore the temples and palaces of Durbar Square – an astonishing area of regal and religious architecture which is the cultural heart of Kathmandu. End the day at the 2500 year old Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest and most important sites of worship in the city. (N)

Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Kathmandu – visit Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Patan

Start the morning at the Pashupatinath temple complex, Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrimage site and location of the Royal Cremation Ghats. Continuing, visit the nearby stupa of Bodhnath, one of the world’s oldest Lamaist shrines and a focus for Tibetan pilgrimage, before driving outside of Kathmandu to visit the ancient city of Patan, capital of the Malla Kings. Patan is the artistic and architectural centre of the valley and the central square houses an astonishing 55 temples and 136 monasteries. (B)

Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel (or similar)

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 (or similar)

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 (or similar)

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 (or similar)

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 Ghandruk: Himalaya Lodge (or similar)

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 (or similar)

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 (or similar)

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 (or similar)

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 (or similar)

Day 12 Kathmandu – visit Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur

This morning leave the city and visit the historic Changu Narayan temple. Standing upon a hilltop at the eastern end of the Kathmandu valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 1,500 years old and a fine example of Nepalese pagoda architecture. From here return towards Kathmandu stopping to visit charming Bhaktapur. 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, built by Newari artists and craftsmen. (B)

Accommodation in Kathmandu: Yak & Yeti Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Dwarikas Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Kathmandu to the UK

Today transfer back to Kathmandu Airport to catch the Qatar Airways flight to Doha. On your arrival connect onto the onwards Qatar Airways flight to 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.

Nepal Sacred Mountains Lodge Trek

13 days from £2595 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Nepal Sacred Mountains Lodge Trek

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What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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