Overview
Ghandruk Ghorepani Trek
It is one of the major trekking routes of Annapurna region. The trail takes you through beautiful valleys, dense mossy forests and icy waterfalls. One can view majestic Himalayas around every corner in the trek. No doubt, the trek also offers a unique experience to every visitor which would cherish in the rest of their live.
While in this trek, one can also view Punhill which offers best view point among other trekking routes of Annapurna region. From this point, one can view the mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m.), Annapurna I (8,091m.), Machapurhre (Fish Tail) (6993m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri ( 6940m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7219m), Lamjung Himal (6931m) and some other smaller peaks. The region is dominated by the Gurungs and Magars. Dense rhododendron forests, varieties of bird species, deep sub-tropical valleys, traditional villages, age-old tradition and culture, hospitable people, ever-smiling faces of the people, majestic mountain views are some of the major attractions of this trek.
Highlights
An opportunity to explore local culture, different community
Adventurous white water rafting
Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing
Activities, wildlife and jungle safaris
Short Itinerary
Days 01 : Arrival Kathmandu
Days 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing
Days 03 : Kathmandu - Pokhara. Overnight in hotel.
Days 04 : Pokhara - Tirkhedhunga - Ghorepani (2855m.)
Days 05 : Ghorepani - Punhill (3180m.) and then to Tadapani (2675m.)
Days 06 : Tadapani (2675m.) - Ghandruk (1950m.)
Days 07 : Ghandruk (1950m.) - Pothana (1990m.)
Days 08 : Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) to Pokhara
Days 09 : Pokhara – Bandipur (Explore Bandipur village)
Days 10 : Bandipur – Trisuli River Rafting - Chitwan
Days 11 : Chitwan Activities
Days 12 : Chitwan - Kathmandu
Days 13 : Kathmandu
Days 14 : Final departure
£10 from the purchase of this holiday goes directly towards supporting disadvantaged young children in Nepal through a charity chosen by Lumle Holidays Ltd.
Itinerary Detail
Days 01 : Arrival Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuwan international airport, Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the hospitable meeting and then you will be transferred to your hotel. Our guide will explain briefly the program upon arrival at hotel.
Days 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast we drive to Pashupatinath temple. The holiest of holy Hindu temple in south Asia is the focal point of pilgrimage from all over the sub-continent. The holy river Bagmati flowing nearby is the cremation ground of the Hindus. Funeral pyres can be viewed from across the riverbank. We then visit to Bouddhanath. Probably the largest stupa in the world is also found in Kathmandu valley-the great stupa of Boudhanath. Again the omni-sighted eyes of the Buddha stare all the directions. This Stupa is the place of worship of Tibetan Buddhists predominantly.
Days 03 : Kathmandu-Pokhara
You have breakfast being of the early morning before 7:00 AM. This morning you will be drive to Pokhara (200km), departure at 7:00 AM in the morning, approximately 6hrs away by tourist bus. You will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara approximately 2:00 O’clock. From the Pokhara valley you can see one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machhapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You're free in Pokhara valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place as your own like boating in Fewa lake overlooking the region of Annapurna range of Himalayas.
Days 04 : Pokhara - Tirkhedhunga - Ghorepani (2855m.)
In the morning you will prepare yourself for your trek to Ghorepani Trek. Today we could ascend down gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, Magar villages. On the way, one could see majestic view of Machhapuchhre (6997m.), Huinchuli (6441m.), and Annapurna South (7219m.). Overnight at Ghorepani.
Days 05 : Ghorepani - Punhill (3180m.) and then to Tadapani (2675m.)
Today we trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) and then to Tadapani (2675m.). We cover the distance within five and half hours of normal trek. Early morning, we start our trip to Punhill (3180m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and numerous other snowcapped mountain peaks. Having breakfast at Ghorepani, trek to Tadapani (2650 m.) through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, one can observe waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, birds and green valleys. Overnight at Tadapani.
Days 06 : Tadapani (2675m.) - Ghandruk (1950m.)
Trek from Tadapani (2675m.) to Ghandruk (1950m.). Comparatively, today is the easiest trek of all days. One has to trek through the forests of Rhododendron and oak One could hear soothing chirp of birds on the way. This trek is also offers best alternative for birds lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum. From this village you could observe good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. Ghandruk village is listed in World Heritage Site. Overnight at Ghandruk. In the evening, typical Gurung Cultural program will be organized on demand.
Days 07 : Ghandruk (1950m.) - Pothana (1990m.)
Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.). The first part of our trek is quite steep up to Kimbu (Bee hive in Gurung language). Kimbu is situated at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. One has to ascend following the stone staircase to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for early two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From here, one can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now the rest of the trail descends gently down to Dhampus passing through Pothana village (1900m.). Overnight at Pothana.
Days 08 : Pothana - Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) to Pokhara
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) which takes about four hours. The trail descends gradually for at least an hour and follows gravel road for two hours and then descend to Phedi passing through Dhampus village. Upon arrival at Dhampus Phedi, we take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Days 09 : Pokhara – Bandipur (Explore Bandipur village)
After breakfast proceed for s/seeing of Pokhara city (Gupteswar Mahadev, David’s Fall, Barahi temple and Fewa Lake). After lunch drive to Bandipur. Upon arrival in Bandipur, explore Bandipur village. Bandipur is a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, a land as famous for its natural beauty as for the hospitality of its people. Bandipur lies midway between the capital Kathmandu and Pokhara, another popular tourist destination. Situated on a hilltop above the highway town of Dumre (7 km.), Bandipur captivates the visitor with its cultural appeal and pristine scenery. This Newar town has maintained its age-old flavour, and presents sightseers with a heady mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves and unspoiled landscapes. Overnight at hotel.
Days 10 : Bandipur – Trisuli River Rafting - Chitwan
Early wake up call followed by tea or coffee, and then drive to Trisuli River rafting spot point. This River is very popular as access to the Prithivi Highway makes "breaking off" the journey easy. After 3/4hrs rafting we drive to Chitwan upon arrival check into the hotel. Upon arrival, rooms assigned and there will be a short briefing on the program and our facilities. Overnight at hotel.
Days 11 : Chitwan Activities
Wake up call followed by tea or coffee, and then proceed on a Nature Walk, This encounter on foot with the environment will introduce the main features of eastern Chitwan. Sal forest, open grassland and reverie jungle. Our guides will help you identify some species of birds, plants and other wildlife that you may encounter. Around 8:30AM breakfast will serve. After breakfast we process on Elephant-back safari: Guests will ride on an elephant to explore the jungle and wildlife you will be able to see the one-horned rhinoceros, several types of deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. This exciting ride lasts for 2-3 hours. Lunch will be serving around 1.00 PM: After lunch we have Canoeing Trip: A traditional dugout canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view aquatic birds and the animals of the riverbanks. Back to resort through the Jungle. In the evening, Tharu Stick dance show: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances.
Day 12: Chitwan - Kathmandu
Early wake up call followed by tea or coffee, and then proceed on a Bird Watching after breakfast. We then drive to Kathmandu upon arrival check into the hotel. In the evening you're free to shop and pick up some last minute souvenirs. Overnight at hotel.
Days 13 : Kathmandu
Enitre day is left free for you to do shopping around Kathmandu.
Days 14: After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure
Cost Includes
Arrival and departure transfers by private Non AC car
Accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bandipur, Chitwan & teahouse on twin sharing basis with bed & breakfast
Accommodation in Chitwan on twin sharing basis with full board (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners)
Accommodation during trekking in teahouse (basic accommodation) with full board (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners) and Kathmandu-Pokhara-Bandipur-Chitwan in 2 star good hotels
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu & Pokhara by Non AC car as per itinerary
Pokhara to Tikhedhunga by private Non AC car
Trekking Guide/Porter during the trek (carry only maximum 20 Kg.)
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance and equipment for trekking staff
Trisuli River Rafting
Annapurna Conservation Area trek Permit
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Card
Kathmandu – Pokhara and Chitwan – Kathmandu by tourist coach
Pokhara-Bandipur-Rafting-Chitwan by private Non AC car
Cost Excludes
Other meals than mentioned in the itinerary
Applicable & Airport tax domestic
Sightseeing Monument/Temples entrance fees
All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks)
Personal Trekking Equipment
Personal travel and medical insurance
Tips for trekking staff
Any kind of personal expense / Laundry / Helicopter rescue/ Emergency evacuation
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Our Service Include section
Reviews
By Katie Goodliffe
Date: 3rd Jan, 2012
Katie Goodliffe successfully completed Mysterious Nepal Tour by joining group organised by Lumle Holidays in November 2011.
Upon her return to the UK, our Customer Relationship Manager approached her to know the experience she had from the trip. We were delighted to hear that, she enjoyed and had great experience from the trip.
By Justin Norris
Date: 3rd Jan, 2012
A very big thank you to all at Lumle for a trip of a lifetime in November 2011. I have never travelled as a single traveller before and entrusted Lumle to arrange the whole trip for me, I'm so glad I did. The support they gave me was fantastic, reliable and prompt. Others from the UK joined the tour also through Lumle which made the trip much more enjoyable. I researched and corresponded with many companies before deciding to go with Lumle and choose them because of their detailed knowledge and experience. The price by far was one of the most competitive, during my research I found that many other companies would add in additional hidden costs to their advertised prices. The range of experiences whilst in Nepal was amazing, our guide was very good and could not have been more helpful. Nepal is a beautiful safe county, kind and friendly people, the itinerary included everything I wanted with a wide range of cultural experiences, elephant riding, rafting and trekking in the most stunning scenery. The food was very good and weather was great, I really could not have asked for more, the only problem is finding the time to go back ! Thanks again Lumle
By Wendy & Martin Phillips
Date: 2nd Dec, 2011
We discovered the amazing real country of Nepal, whilst travelling by a range of modes of transport including tourist buses, private car, rafting, dug out canoes, on elephants, as well as on foot when trekking. With friendly and helpful guides, this tour offers great value for money. Overall an excellent packed holiday which included adventure, culture and nature – highly recommended!
By Kristy
Date: 20th Sep, 2011
We have just returned completing Mysterious Nepal tour. What a fantastic trip, as it provides almost every single taste that traveller expects from a Nepal holiday, city break, culture, temples and trekking.
We certainly return Nepal and recommend this tour for those who are really looking Nepal tour.
Kristy
United Kingdom
By Mike
Date: 11th Mar, 2011
This trip is simply great. We had a great time. I recommend all.