Current as of: May 14, 2024 - 13:29
Walking Annapurna Foothills - Privately Guided Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Private Guided
- Destination: Nepal
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
5 out of 7 - Challenging
- 13 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: W12AN
Trip Overview
From ancient kingdoms to majestic mountain vistas, your private guide leads you through the breath-taking Himalayan landscape of the Annapurna Foothills.
Pass awe-inspiring glaciers, cross mountain pastures, and encounter mule trains carrying supplies to remote villages. Reaching an impressive 8,091m, Annapurna 1 is one of the highest mountains in the world. Its surrounding sister mountains are equally imposing and create magnificent panoramas from any viewpoint.
This trip covers a wide variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and peaceful villages to powerful glaciers and stunning mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, you stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali hill people as they go about their daily lives. This trip is not only visually superb, but also gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Rest and revive in cosy mountain teahouses with friendly locals around the foothills of Annapurna. Time spent in Kathmandu and Pokhara completes the adventure with insights into Nepali culture and tradition.
Please note: Due to the nature of this trip, please be aware that it could operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions.
Highlights
- Witness the sheer beauty of the Himalaya, hiking through remote villages & idyllic forests
- Immerse yourself in Nepali culture within mountain communities, Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Experience a magical sunrise over the Annapurna from the spectacular heights of Poon Hill
- Your own private English speaking guide and driver throughout the trip - benefit from insider knowledge and a personalised experience
- Add on 3 nights in the Chitwan Jungle National Park, truly a once in a lifetime experience
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 1
Max group size: 4
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Kathmandu
- End City: Kathmandu
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. You’ll be met at Kathmandu airport and transferred to your first accommodation (approx. 15mins); here you’ll receive your briefing from your private guide. If time allows, spend your evening exploring the bustling city of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu is an incredible mixture of legend and modern development with a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Narrow lanes lead to small squares and courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples. Buzzing markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life where stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops sell everything from bangles to Buddhas to beetroot.
If you arrive early, why not take time to climb to the Swayambhunath Temple. Situated on a hilltop, the instantly recognisable stupa with its Buddha eyes attracts a steady stream of pilgrims and the views out over the valley are superb.
Overnight Kathmandu.
Fly to Pokhara
Enjoy your breakfast before transferring to the airport for your internal flight to Pokhara (30mins). From here, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in Pokhara; this is where your unforgettable walking tour begins.
Pokhara enjoys a delightful setting on a lake beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, making it an excellent place to relax and contemplate what lies ahead. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs – hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers.
You can enjoy a walk in the lakeside area, only a short stroll from your hotel. Pokhara is a lively place in the evening, so it is worth heading out to experience another side of Nepalese life. You may even use your spare time for boating on the Fewa Lake which is highly recommended whilst in Pokhara.
Overnight Pokhara.
Pokhara to Landruk
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the start of your walk near Shyauli bazaar (approx. 2hrs). From here you begin your walk to Landruk (1,730m high) through the forest trails where you can see the spectacular Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Fishtail mountains.
Overnight Landruk.
Landruk to Jhinu Danda
Today’s trail descends, crossing the Modi river before stopping in Samrung village for lunch. Continue on to Jhinu Danda where you can visit the natural hot springs. This traditional village sits at 1,780m high.
Overnight Jhinu Danda.
Jhinu Danda to Ghandruk
Begin your walk by a small stream, climbing up a small stone staircase through the terrace fields. From the top of the ridge, you’ll have great views of Jhinu Danda and Chhomrong villages. Continue through dense rhododendron forest until you reach the beautiful village of Ghandruk (1,940m high). Here, they have their own dialect, culture, costume and lifestyle; Ghandruk is also home to many Gurka soldiers. This village is famous for it’s spectacular mountain views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli & Machhapuchhre. In the evening, you can choose to visit the Annapurna Conservation office and Gurung museums.
Overnight Ghandruk .
Ghandruk to Tadapani
After breakfast, begin your walk to Tadapani at a much higher elevation of 2,630m. You will see beautiful rhododendron trees alongside the awe-inspiring Himalayas right in front of you. You may even see white monkeys running around the trees as you follow your guide along the trail.
Overnight Tadapani.
Rest Day
Spend the day resting your feet in the village of Tadapani. Literally translating to ‘Far Water’, Tadapani’s name derives from a time when their water source was such a long distance from the village – this isn’t the case anymore!
Overnight Tadapani.
Tadapani to Ghorepani
Today’s trail climbs up many stairs amidst the lustrous rhododendron forests. Pass rushing waterfalls and imposing trees as you meander towards Ghorepani.
Overnight Ghorepani.
Rest Day/Optional Poon Hill Walk
Take a rest day or enjoy the incredible sunrise from Poon Hill, a fantastic vantage point to witness the breath-taking mountains, especially Annapurna South, Fishtail and Dhaulagiri (approx. 1hr) – you have to do this at least once in your life, right?
Overnight Ghorepani.
Ghorepani to Ulleri/Hille
Leave the beautiful village of Ghorepani behind as you head towards Ulleri. The sound of flowing streams, birds chirping, bright rhododendron flowers, and of course, the striking mountain views accompany you along the path to Ulleri.
Overnight Ulleri/Hille.
Ulleri/Hille to Pokhara
Enjoy a short walk, mostly downhill with some stairs before meeting your transfer back to Pokhara (approx. 2hrs). Spend your afternoon and evening soaking up the atmosphere in Pokhara.
Overnight Pokhara.
Fly to Kathmandu
Wave goodbye to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara as you’re transferred to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Enjoy your last night in this fascinating city, reliving the unforgettable memories of your Annapurna Foothills adventure.
Overnight Kathmandu.
Optional Extension to Chitwan Jungle National Park or Depart Kathmandu
You’ll be transferred back to Kathmandu airport for your onward arrangements. If opting for our Chitwan National Park extension, we’ll arrange your flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur to begin your once in a lifetime jungle experience!
Accommodation
Hotels & Local Tea Houses
Hotels: Modern western-style hotels are used. The rooms are generally smaller than equivalent hotels in the West. All have en-suite facilities.
Local Tea Houses: These are very simple with only basic facilities; you will always have a private room. Hot water may not always be available and may cost extra, as will access to electricity points for charging devices. Wi-Fi is available at some locations, but connections may be poor.
What To Take
Practical Information
Visa
Nepal
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Nepal. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/nepal
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/nepal
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nepal/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Nepal.html
You can obtain your visa in advance or on arrival. If possible, apply in advance as queues on arrival can be very long and the Immigration Department of Nepal has suspended visas on arrival for certain nationalities – please check if this applies to you with your nearest embassy or consulate.
Visa in advance: Apply for this through your local consulate or embassy. The Nepalese government has an online application system, but it is currently only accepting payments through Nepalese payment channels.
Visa on arrival: When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, there will be three lines. If you have already secured your visa, go straight to the Immigration line. If not:
- Fill in a tourist visa form at the electronic kiosks. After inserting your passport, the machine will automatically fill out an application form, take an electronic photograph of you and print a paper slip. If the machine won’t read your passport, complete the details manually using the touchscreen. We recommend taking a passport photo with you just in case.
- This process can be completed through the online immigration portal (click ‘Visa On-Arrival’) within 14-days prior to arrival in Kathmandu, helping you to avoid lengthy queues at the kiosks when you come through immigration – ensure you print and bring the confirmation with you. If you have completed your visa on arrival form in advance, go directly to the visa fees counters with your printed confirmation and skip the kiosk queues.
- Proceed to the visa fees collection counter and pay the visa fee (in cash, if possible). Make sure to keep the receipt. Card payments are not always possible, so paying in cash is easiest, most currencies are accepted but US dollars are preferred.
- Go to the relevant immigration desk and present your tourist visa form, payment receipt and passport to obtain your 15-, 30- or 90-day visa stamp. Please check you have been given the correct visa duration.
Vaccinations and Health
Nepal
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
There is little to no risk of malaria in Nepal; therefore, antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain high-risk groups. You may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Additionally, dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in Nepal with an outbreak in September 2022. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis, so take extra precautions (such as wearing full-length trousers, long sleeves and applying insect repellent during the day, dawn and dusk) to prevent being bitten.
Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further advice on AMS.
When trekking at altitude, and particularly in cold weather, there is a higher chance of developing a cough (sometimes referred to here as the Khumbu cough) or cold symptoms. These symptoms could be a result of inhaling cold mountain air or dust (in the Everest region). You can mitigate against picking up coughs and colds by washing your hands with soap and water at available opportunities and using hand sanitiser. Also wear a buff over your neck and mouth when walking at altitude, particularly in colder weather, which will help limit cold, dry air entering your airways and keep your neck and chest warm.
Local Time
Nepal's time zone: Asia/Kathmandu (UTC +05:45)
Electricity
Nepal's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz Mains electric 'load shedding' (planned temporary power cuts) occur regularly throughout towns and cities in Nepal. On teahouse treks, the majority of lodges now have electricity and charging facilities in the communal areas for batteries, for a fee. Battery life can be affected by cold; lithium batteries are best.
Money
Nepal's currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR) It is illegal to import or export rupees, but foreign currency is not limited, provided it is declared on arrival. Keep your change receipts, as you will need them if you want to change rupees back into hard currency at Kathmandu airport.
Responsible Travel
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Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…