Current as of: April 20, 2024 - 00:06
Annapurna Extension Trip Notes
- Destination: Nepal
- Programmes: Trip Extensions
-
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 7 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: XIN
- Carbon Footprint: 46kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover the foothills of the Annapurna region
This short 4 day trek is a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. The route takes us through the foothills of the Annapurna region, one of the most spectacular of Nepal’s Himalayan massifs. We will also pass through Gurung villages set amongst the steeply terraced fields with splendid mountain vistas.
This extension starts 2 days before the end of the main tour. At the end of the trek, you will then continue to Kathmandu following the rest of the main tour’s itinerary.
At a Glance
- 6 nights / 7 days land only (Pokhara and Kathmandu included as part of your main tour)
- 3 nights teahouses; 3 nights hotels
- Price – from £499
- Compulsory single supplement from £95 (hotels only)
- Compulsory single traveller supplement from £285
Highlights
- Traditional Nepalese villages
- Magnificent views of Annapurna South
Is This Trip for You?
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)
People who enjoy a weekend hill walking at home will appreciate this moderate trip. You do need to be in good health and reasonably fit, used to undulating trails. This trek stays under 2000 meters throughout so it is not a difficult trek with regards to any altitude concern.
This extension starts in Pokhara, 2 days before the main trip ends. This is Day 13 Land Only of the main trip, when the group travels from Pokhara to Kathmandu. At the end of the trek, you will travel to Kathmandu and will follow the rest of the main tour itinerary.
This is a moderate trek with 4 days point-to-point walking. We walk 3‐5 hours each day and stay in local mountain lodges (known as teahouses). When trekking in the Annapurna region, many of the trails include stone steps which can be uneven in places.
Please note that while we provide a tour leader for the main trip, there is no Exodus leader on the extension detailed above. We will provide you with an English speaking Nepali guide and porters to carry your luggage.
Although fairly basic the lodges have twin bedded rooms, dining room and some kind of toilet and shower facility. We do not include lunch and dinner on trek, allowing you to eat what you want when you want at each teahouse.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Pokhara on Day 13 (Day 14 ex London) of the main trip and brief you on the trek.
Group
All departures will have an English-speaking Nepali trekking guide throughout the trip. All Exodus guides are highly experienced and have undertaken Exodus training courses and wilderness first-aid training. The trekking guides are licensed by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and receive additional training through Exodus.
The guides are assisted by one porter for every two passengers to carry the kitbags. All your main gear is carried for you and you only need to carry whatever you require for that day’s trek. Porters carry two client kitbags each – kitbags should be restricted to 22lb (10kg). All the trekking staff are insured by our local partner in Nepal.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 1
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Pokhara
- End City: Kathmandu
Land Only Itinerary
Drive to Khare; trek to Pothana (day 13 of main land only trip)
We will set off with our guide and porter(s) and drive a short way (1hr) to Khare where we start our trek. From here it is pleasant gradual walk up through the forest to Pothana via the Australian Camp. On a clear day we have a magnificent panorama of the Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare ‐ the sacred Fishtail Mountain. We arrive at the lodge by lunchtime and after lunch we walk around 30 mins to Pothana.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Trek to Landrung (day 14 - land only)
The trail continues to ascend today as we climb up to Deurali, where there are a few tea shops ‐ ideal for a tea break. We then descend quite steeply through the forest to Tolka, from where we enter farmland, and the trail then undulates around a few corners to the pretty Gurung village of Landrung (1,648m).
We have plenty of time to explore the village; the people who live in this area come mostly from the Gurung tribe and the houses are made from a distinctive orange mud brick. Mainly subsistence farmers’ crops are grown on every inch of land and the terraces extend for miles up and down the hills.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Trek to Ghandrung (day 15 - land only)
Ahead are fine views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli and across the valley, we can see Ghandrung. To get there we must descend on a stone staircase to the Modi Khola River. Crossing the river by bridge we then have a long climb up through farms and hamlets to Ghandrung at 1,951m where we spend the night.
Ghandrung is the largest Gurung village in the area and we have time this afternoon to explore the old part of the village, which is a maze of narrow alleyways separating the neat slate-roofed houses. From the lodge, we can watch the sunset on Annapurna South.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Trek to Birethani; drive to Pokhara (day 16 - land only)
Today is an easier walk and mostly downhill. We follow the trail out of Ghandrung on a magnificent stone staircase all the way down to Birethanthi. Way below us the Modi Khola roars down the valley and above us the rocks and hills soar ever upward to the snowy peaks.
We have lunch in Birethanthi and then take a local bus or taxi back to our hotel in Pokhara.
Accommodation: Standard hotel
Tourist bus to Kathmandu (day 17 - land only)
This morning we take the tourist bus to Kathmandu, and our guide will travel with us. The distance is only 125mi (200km) but it is a slow climb through the mountains and ongoing road widening construction along the route as well as some bumpy conditions in places mean the journey will take most of the day (10 to 12 hours). The views, however, are stunning as we follow the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers, passing numerous villages and terraces stretching up the hillside. We arrive in Kathmandu in the early evening and check into our centrally located hotel.
For those that wish to, there is the option to take a domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu which can be booked through our local operator directly in-country (approximately US$ 125 – 150 per person).
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Optional Everest flight; visit Pashupatinath and Bodnath; free time (day 18 - land only)
We have today to explore Kathmandu and the valley. In the early morning, you could take a scenic flight to see Mount Everest (this can be booked and paid for on arrival in Kathmandu; see the ‘Extra Expenses and Spending Money’ section of the main Trip Notes for costs).
Today there will be a half-day sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu temple in the valley, and Bodnath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The rest of the time is free for individual exploration. You may like to visit Durbar Square with its old royal palace and intricately carved temples, or Swayambhunath, a hilltop stupa that’s home to hundreds of macaques.
Kathmandu also offers many souvenir shopping opportunities: clothes, trinkets, Tibetan and Nepalese handicrafts and superb bookshops. It also has a wide variety of restaurants serving some of the best food from the sub-continent and you can also find wonderful pizzas and apple pie.
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
End Kathmandu (day 19 - land only)
The adventure comes to an end after breakfast.
Departure transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one.
Accommodation
Teahouses & Hotels
3 nights teahouses; 3 nights hotels. On trek we stay in local mountain lodges (known as teahouses). In Pokhara, we stay in a simple hotel near the lake. We then move into a more comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.
Please note that a single supplement is not applicable for the teahouses on the trek (available only for the 3 hotel nights)
The teahouses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains. We ask that you read our Nepal Destination Guide for further details about the lodge facilities.
The hub of the teahouse is the dining room, usually decorated with colourful traditional rugs, sometimes with a stove or heater (some lodges charge a fee to put the heater on). All teahouses sell snacks and other essentials such as tissues, soap and toilet paper. Most lodges have electricity but it is not wholly reliable and lighting may not be bright enough to read by – a torch is essential. Electrical charging facilities are generally available only in the dining room (charged at approx. Rs150-350 per hour per device). Many lodges have Wi-Fi these days but it is generally slow and temperamental and often cannot cope with more than a couple of people logging into it at once.
The bedrooms are mostly twin-share but occasionally during peak seasons, you may be asked to share a dormitory room (3-5 people max) for the odd night. Beds with foam mattresses, bedsheets and a pillow are provided. Bedrooms are generally unheated and can get cold at night – please note we will provide you with a sleeping bag for the trek ‐ your guide will bring it to Pokhara.
Most lodges have only one or two basic toilets and sometimes these are located outside the main lodge building. Toilets are usually Asian ’squat’ style; although many lodges have now installed ‘western style’ seated ones. Toilet paper is not provided so you should bring your own or buy it locally (please dispose of it the bin provided – do not put it in the bowl). If there is not a flush handle, there should be a container of water to pour down – if it is empty (or frozen) please either refill it or ask the lodge to.
Some lodges now have gas or solar hot showers (charged at approx. Rs250-500 per shower) but don’t expect them every night. Sometimes a hot shower is simply a bucket of hot water and not a shower head.
Standards of cleanliness vary especially in the peak trekking season and in winter when the water freezes at night. Please report any problems to your leader or the lodge and be vigilant in your personal hygiene regime – use soap or hand sanitizer gel before and after toilet breaks, snacks and meal times.
Food & Drink
All breakfasts are included.
The breakfasts on trek are fixed set menus, usually porridge or muesli with either toast, chapatti or pancake, plus an egg or omelette and a cup of tea/coffee. You may also be able to supplement your included breakfast with additional items on the teahouse menu should you wish. Items not included in the set breakfast should be ordered and paid for separately.
We do not include lunch and dinner on trek allowing you to choose what you want to eat. Lunch will be taken at a teahouse en route. Dinner will be in the same teahouse that you sleep at (this is custom in Nepal as teahouses base their room rate on it).
The menus in the lodges are almost identical to one another but offer a varied choice, ranging from traditional Nepalese dhal bhat to pizza and apple pie. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentils and meat or vegetables, rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a type of Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed and filled with meat or vegetables.
Although meat is available in the teahouses, we advise against eating it on trek. The meat has often been carried in the heat from lower altitudes for several days before reaching the lodges and can cause stomach upsets or illness. Germs can also be spread by handling dirty money – we recommend using hand sanitiser.
If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available to you, particularly for breakfast. Even many of the soups are from powder/packets and contain gluten.
If you buy imported food and drink on trek, you will spend more than the suggested amount.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity, on this trip it is generally recommended to carry a 33floz (one litre) water bottle and drink at least 67floz (two litres) per person per day.
However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the trekking areas of Nepal.
You can top up water bottles at tea breaks and lunch stops along the way with some villages offering safe drinking water stations selling UV-treated water for about 50 rupees (US$0.40) per litre.
The teahouses also sell boiled water for approximately 150-300 rupees (US$1.15-US$2.30) per litre (the price increases the higher you trek) which should not require treating. This is also perfect for a bedtime refill as it can double up as a hot-water bottle.
Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend you bring a reusable bottle and use an effective form of water treatment. There are a wide range of products available that are more effective than traditional purification tablets – we recommend talking to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Make sure to check the product’s performance in cold/freezing conditions and consider battery life (lithium batteries are best in cold conditions).
Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. Please note, if the water freezes it will clog up the filter. In this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
Transport
For the journey to Dhampus Phedi and from Birethanthi we use a local taxi or bus. For the journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu we use the tourist bus.
The journey between Pokhara and Kathmandu can take approximately 8-10 hours due to the main highway undergoing major construction work. Delays along the route are likely and some of the road surface will be rough/bumpy. Comfort stops are scheduled along the route to stretch your legs, get some refreshments and use the facilities.
Weather & Seasonality
The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to mid‐May when daytime temperatures at most altitudes are generally comfortable for walking, the sky is clear much of the time and rain and snow are occasional occurrences. Daytime temperatures will vary from 15ºC to 35ºC. Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.
Post Monsoon/Autumn: October to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures will be up to 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be cooler with temperatures dropping to about 5ºC.
Winter: December to end February. Despite the cooler conditions this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Early mornings and evenings are cold with temperatures down to about freezing but once the sun is out days are pleasant and sunny with temperatures up to 19ºC. The trails are much less busy at the time of year.
Pre‐monsoon: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons and there can be some rain. The days will be hot (up
to 25ºC). Nights will be a bit cooler. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people choose to trek in spring. The Annapurna region is famous for its rhododendrons in spring.
Please remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions
described above.
The Annapurna trek extension is not available on any departures during the summer months of June – early September due to poor weather from monsoon rains in this period.
Weather Charts
Kathmandu
What To Take
Essential Equipment
A soft kitbag is recommended for the trek. The porter will carry the kitbag and you only need to carry a small daypack with your water, camera etc. Please note that many Nepalis are still
traditional in the way they dress. Out of respect for the country we ask you to dress conservatively ‐ no sleeveless tops. Although shorts are acceptable they should be modest and reach to just
above the knee.
You will be restricted to 10 kgs of luggage whilst on trek. You can leave anything else in the hotel in Pokhara whilst trekking.
- Two passport photos for your trekking permit
- Daypack
- Sleeping bag liner
- Three-season jacket (winter/early spring departures)
- Refillable water bottle/water bladder (also known as a hydration pack/CamelBak, which are useful for rehydrating on the go)
- Water purification treatment
- Waterproof walking boots (worn in)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
- Trainers (sneakers)/sandals for the evening
- Warm hat (winter/early spring departures)
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip salve with sun protection
- Scarf/buff (which can be pulled over your nose and mouth to protect against fine mountain dust)
- Gloves
- 2-3 pairs of walking socks
- 1 Warm mid-layer (fleece)
- 1 pair Light/mid-weight trousers (pants) – warmer for winter
- 1 pair Walking shorts or a skirt for women
- 2 T-shirts/shirts/base layers
- Dry bags to line daypack and for packing clothing in the kitbag
- Mosquito repellent (please refer to advice on avoiding dengue fever in vaccination section)
- Small personal first-aid kit
- Toilet paper
- Towel
- Hand-washing gel
- Biodegradable mini toiletries for the trek (please do not bring full-size items and limit to essentials)
- Headtorch (head lamp)
- Plug adaptor
- Solar charger/spare batteries/powerbank
Please note we will provide you with a sleeping bag for the trek ‐ your guide will bring it to Pokhara.
There are many equipment shops in Pokhara where you can buy much of the above clothing. The quality does vary however so you must chose carefully.
Optional Equipment
- Trekking pole(s)
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.