Ghorepani Trek

Ghorepani Trek

Ghorepani Trek
Easy to Moderate
9 Days 8 Nights
  • Destination:
    Nepal
  • Region:
    Annapurna
  • Type:
    Trek
  • Max. Altitude:
    3210m
  • Activity:
    Lodge Trek
  • Group size:
    2 - 8 people
  • Accomodation:
    Hotel, Lodge
Whatsapp:

+977-9801249349

Email us at:

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  • Ghorepani Trek is a short but a very rewarding trek that involves just 5 days of walk yet brings you close to the majestic Himalayan range in the Annapurna region. The landscape that constantly renews because of the rich diversity and variety of landscapes coupled with the diverse ethnicity, culture and religion that changes from as you continue and complete this wonderful and a classic trip to Ghorepani

    Trip Highlights

    • Visit the diverse landscape in just 5 days.
    • Poonhill hike, the high point of this trek to view the amazing sunrise.
    • Visit Ghandruk village, a Gurung village
    • The short and yet rewarding grandiose trekking facing the Annapurnas.

    What is included

    • 3 nights in Kathmandu Hotel as per program on Bed & Breakfast basis
    • 5 nights in local Lodge as per program on full board basis
    • Flight: KTM-Pokhara-KTM (Regular Flight) with airport taxes
    • National Park Fees & TIMS Permit Fee
    • 1 full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with english speaking tour guide
    • 1 English Speaking Guide (from Kathmandu)
    • 1 porter for every 2 members
    • All staffs insurance & daily wages
    • All Airport transfers

    What is not included

    • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
    • Personal Equipment & Insurance
    • Personal Expenses (Battery recharge on local lodge, laundry, telephone, etc)
    • Nepal Visa fee US $40 per person
    • Emergency Evacuation if required
    • Other personal Expenses
    • Tips for Staffs
    Our Travel Specialist
    Mingma Sherpa

    Mingma Sherpa

    Phone:  +977 1 4413842
    Mobile:  +977 9801249349
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Trip Notes

    Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

    View Trip Notes
    Difficulty Level
    Easy to Moderate

    Easy to Moderate

    Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

  • Detailed Itinerary

    • Day 1

      Arrival in Kathmandu

      Meals: B
      Depending on your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.
      Meals: B
    • Day 2

      Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu

      Meals: BLD
      Today after the breakfast we’ll be touring around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath temple are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar square shows us the regal life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath Stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chorten ever made around the world. Later on, after the sight-seeing we will introduce to our fellow participants and discuss our trip preparations.
      Meals: BLD
    • Day 3

      Fly to Pokhara (850m) (20 minutes) and drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri (2155m): 5 – 6 hours.

      Meals: BLD
      Transfer to Airport and fly to Pokhara. Pokhara is an enchanting Himalayan Valley of remarkable beauty. When we land, we will take one hour drive to Nayapul. After reaching Nayapul you will start your trekking. After 30-minutes of a walk along with Modi stream, you will reach Birenthanti - a gorgeous village that has plenty of tea shops and beautiful guest houses. Your trek continues when you follow the left direction through the village heading towards Ulleri along the bank of the Burungdi stream. You will hike up to the valley of Hille (1495 meters) and Tikhedhunga (1525 meters). The trail leads steeply up to Ulleri (2073m), a large stunning Magar village. Ulleri is stopping point for today.
      Meals: BLD
    • Day 4

      Trek to Ghorepani (2845m) - 4-5hours

      Meals: BLD
      We continue walking making sure that we're always on the inside of the path, thereby permitting the donkeys to pass through. Occasional views of the peaks give way to a narrower valley. We then proceed through Rhododendron forest and eventually reach to Ghorepani. It is a magnificent place to enjoy the most amazing views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.
      Meals: BLD
    • Day 5

      Early morning to Poon hilland trek to Tadapani (2655m) - 6-7hours

      Meals: BLD
      At very morning, we will be climbing today Poon hill for an hour. It is one of the most admired trekking routes in Nepal. It is located at an altitudinal range of 3210m from where we can see the amazing views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range. After the jaw-dropping views and taking a good pause, we will descend to Ghorepani village and will have a breakfast before proceeding to Tadapani.
      Meals: BLD
    • Day 6

      Trek to Ghandruk (1940m) 3-4hours

      Meals: BLD
      From Tadapani the trail descends through stunning forests to Ghandruk, which is a beautiful village of Gurung people, one of Nepal’s most popular ethnic groups, known for their distinctive language, culture, customs and lifestyle. It is also home to many soldiers from the famous Gurkhali regiments. From here we can have stunning views of Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Fishtail.
      Meals: BLD
    • Day 7

      Trek to Birenthanti and drive to Pokhara (850m) 5-6hours

      Meals: B
      Walk down to Kimchi after breakfast and drive to Birenthanti and drive further to Kathmandu.
      Meals: B
    • Day 8

      Fly back to Kathmandu

      Meals: BLD
      The very early morning view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki is stunning. We will take a short picturesque while on the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. After the arriving at the domestic airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be waiting to take you back to Hotel.
      Meals: BLD
    • Day 9

      Final departure

      Meals: B
      Depending on your flight time, our airport check in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM. In case our flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel. Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport.
      Meals: B
    Our Travel Specialist
    Mingma Sherpa

    Mingma Sherpa

    Phone:  +977 1 4413842
    Mobile:  +977 9801249349
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Trip Notes

    Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

    View Trip Notes

  • Visa

    Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.

    Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).

    Vaccinations

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 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 TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.

    Eating & Drinking

    Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).

    Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.

    Although meat is available in the tea houses, 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 buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.

    Drinking Water

    Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.

    We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.

    All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).

    SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.

    If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 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.

    While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.

    Weather

    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 in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.

    Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.

    Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.

    Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.

    Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.

    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.

    More Info

    This is a Tough+ trek. It is activity level 9 with 16 days walking and full porterage throughout. The maximum altitude is 6,189m (or 5,545m without Island Peak) and the average is 3,680m. There are some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails. As this trek also ascends to very high altitudes participants should be confident of their physical fitness and must have previous experience of trekking at altitude and in snow.

    Although it is not compulsory to participate in the climb (the summit attempt is optional), anyone who does must have previous ice axe and crampon experience and know how to use a jumar and abseil device. There will be equipment checks and practice sessions for rope use, ice axe, crampon and harness use, abseiling and crevasse rescue. For safety reasons it is compulsory to participate in these sessions. If you do not take part the leader and climbing Sherpas will not allow you to take part in the climb.

    Though technically harder than Mera Peak, for those with the necessary experience this expedition is within the reach of those seeking their first Himalayan summit. The climb requires strong lungs and a great deal of will power - it is graded alpine PD+ and starts with some rocky scrambling to a glacier. We cross the glacier roped up (there is one ladder to cross), and then come to a 200m steep 40-45 degree headwall, which leads to a 20m summit ridge. We will rope up to cross the glacier and you will be walking with an ice axe, crampons and plastic boots. There are fixed ropes up the headwall (approximately 200m) and along the summit ridge. On the ascent you will need to use a jumar and on the descent you will need to use an abseil device.

    Please be aware that altitude can have a significant affect on your physical state. It is important that you take heed of the leader's advice and decisions at all times. The leaders are trained in first aid and are well aware of AMS symptoms and will keep a close eye on the group. We ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes.

    The climb itself is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo and the main trail itself crosses three modern suspension bridges over rivers and valleys - all of these have mesh sides but some are quite long and high.
    Our Travel Specialist
    Mingma Sherpa

    Mingma Sherpa

    Phone:  +977 1 4413842
    Mobile:  +977 9801249349
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Trip Notes

    Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

    View Trip Notes

    Equipment Checklist

    Body Wear

    • Gore Tex Jacket
    • Gore Tex Pant
    • Hiking pant
    • Fleece trouser and jacket or warm jumper - Recommended not thick but warm enough that fits inside the Gore Tex pant
    • Anti-sweat T-shirtEarmuffs/Ear warmers (optional)
    • Thermal inner trouser
    • Down jacket with hoodie
    • Thermal inner trouser
    • Down jacket with hoodie

    Head Wear

    • Sun Hat/Normal cap
    • Fleece or woolen hat
    • Earmuffs/Ear warmers (optional)
    • Sunglasses with UV protection
    • Buff Scarf / thin face mask

    Hand wear

    • Fleece or woolen thin gloves
    • Expedition shell gloves
    • Gore Tex mitten gloves

    Other Equipments

    • Sleeping bag (comfort rated - 15ºC)
    • 30 Litre Rucksack with cover
    • Large size Duffel Bag with padlock
    • Headlamp with spare batteries
    • Water bottles 1 Litre X 2
    • Thermos
    • Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.

    Washing kit & Toiletries

    • Waterproof washing kit bag
    • Towel - medium size
    • Washing soap, towel, tooth pest, tooth brush etc.
    • Sun Lotion Enough +30SPF (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
    • Hand wash & sanitizer
    • Toilet paper (you can buy this in the lodges)
    • Wet tissue

    Foot Wear

    • Trekking boots
    • Hollow Out Outdoor Slipper
    • Trekking socks (4-5 pair)
    • Snow Gaiter

    Optional Items

    • Trekking poles
    • Trainers or similar for use in the lodges
    • Shorts
    • Base layer leggings
    • Gaiter
    • Sleeping bag liner
    • Pillowcase
    • Ear plugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring)
    • Travel clothes
    • Camera
    • Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
    • Repair kit – (egg. needle, thread, duct tape)

  • Accommodation

    This tour spends three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and five nights on the trek in lodges (tea houses).

    In Kathmandu we normally use a 3-star hotel located within walking distance of the Thamel and in Pokhara we use a 3 star hotel located near Lake Side.

    On the trek we will stay in tea houses for the most part. The tea houses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains.

    Our Travel Specialist
    Mingma Sherpa

    Mingma Sherpa

    Phone:  +977 1 4413842
    Mobile:  +977 9801249349
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Trip Notes

    Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

    View Trip Notes

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  • Overview

    Ghorepani Trek is a short but a very rewarding trek that involves just 5 days of walk yet brings you close to the majestic Himalayan range in the Annapurna region. The landscape that constantly renews because of the rich diversity and variety of landscapes coupled with the diverse ethnicity, culture and religion that changes from as you continue and complete this wonderful and a classic trip to Ghorepani

    Trip Highlights

    • Visit the diverse landscape in just 5 days.
    • Poonhill hike, the high point of this trek to view the amazing sunrise.
    • Visit Ghandruk village, a Gurung village
    • The short and yet rewarding grandiose trekking facing the Annapurnas.

    What is included

    • 3 nights in Kathmandu Hotel as per program on Bed & Breakfast basis
    • 5 nights in local Lodge as per program on full board basis
    • Flight: KTM-Pokhara-KTM (Regular Flight) with airport taxes
    • National Park Fees & TIMS Permit Fee
    • 1 full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with english speaking tour guide
    • 1 English Speaking Guide (from Kathmandu)
    • 1 porter for every 2 members
    • All staffs insurance & daily wages
    • All Airport transfers

    What is not included

    • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
    • Personal Equipment & Insurance
    • Personal Expenses (Battery recharge on local lodge, laundry, telephone, etc)
    • Nepal Visa fee US $40 per person
    • Emergency Evacuation if required
    • Other personal Expenses
    • Tips for Staffs

  • Detailed Itinerary

    Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

    Depending on your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.
    Meals: B

    Day 2 : Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu

    Today after the breakfast we’ll be touring around the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Squares, Pashupatinath temple, Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath temple are the major sight-seeing areas around the Kathmandu valley. These all are listed in a world heritage sites. The Durbar square shows us the regal life of ancient periods. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages. Swoyambhunath temple and Boudhanath Stupa is the Buddhist temple which is very popular around the globe. Swoyambhunath is also known as money temple stands on the hilltop west of the Kathmandu valley. It can also be known as the viewpoint of Kathmandu valley. Boudhanath temple is the biggest Chorten ever made around the world. Later on, after the sight-seeing we will introduce to our fellow participants and discuss our trip preparations.
    Meals: BLD

    Day 3 : Fly to Pokhara (850m) (20 minutes) and drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri (2155m): 5 – 6 hours.

    Transfer to Airport and fly to Pokhara. Pokhara is an enchanting Himalayan Valley of remarkable beauty. When we land, we will take one hour drive to Nayapul. After reaching Nayapul you will start your trekking. After 30-minutes of a walk along with Modi stream, you will reach Birenthanti - a gorgeous village that has plenty of tea shops and beautiful guest houses. Your trek continues when you follow the left direction through the village heading towards Ulleri along the bank of the Burungdi stream. You will hike up to the valley of Hille (1495 meters) and Tikhedhunga (1525 meters). The trail leads steeply up to Ulleri (2073m), a large stunning Magar village. Ulleri is stopping point for today.
    Meals: BLD

    Day 4 : Trek to Ghorepani (2845m) - 4-5hours

    We continue walking making sure that we're always on the inside of the path, thereby permitting the donkeys to pass through. Occasional views of the peaks give way to a narrower valley. We then proceed through Rhododendron forest and eventually reach to Ghorepani. It is a magnificent place to enjoy the most amazing views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.
    Meals: BLD

    Day 5 : Early morning to Poon hilland trek to Tadapani (2655m) - 6-7hours

    At very morning, we will be climbing today Poon hill for an hour. It is one of the most admired trekking routes in Nepal. It is located at an altitudinal range of 3210m from where we can see the amazing views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range. After the jaw-dropping views and taking a good pause, we will descend to Ghorepani village and will have a breakfast before proceeding to Tadapani.
    Meals: BLD

    Day 6 : Trek to Ghandruk (1940m) 3-4hours

    From Tadapani the trail descends through stunning forests to Ghandruk, which is a beautiful village of Gurung people, one of Nepal’s most popular ethnic groups, known for their distinctive language, culture, customs and lifestyle. It is also home to many soldiers from the famous Gurkhali regiments. From here we can have stunning views of Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna and Fishtail.
    Meals: BLD

    Day 7 : Trek to Birenthanti and drive to Pokhara (850m) 5-6hours

    Walk down to Kimchi after breakfast and drive to Birenthanti and drive further to Kathmandu.
    Meals: B

    Day 8 : Fly back to Kathmandu

    The very early morning view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki is stunning. We will take a short picturesque while on the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. After the arriving at the domestic airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be waiting to take you back to Hotel.
    Meals: BLD

    Day 9 : Final departure

    Depending on your flight time, our airport check in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM. In case our flight is late evening please let us know if you require half day use of the hotel. Our representative will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport.
    Meals: B

  • Essential Info

    Visa

    Most nationalities require a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15 day visa and £35 for a 30 day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US $25 for 15 days, US $40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entry. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee, and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90 day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.

    Non UK nationals should check requirements with their nearest embassy (a few nationalities are not permitted visas on arrival).

    Vaccinations

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is present in certain regions only (such as Chitwan); you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 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 TRIP NOTES for complete advice on AMS.

    Eating & Drinking

    Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping (all breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners).

    Breakfast is included throughout the trip and all meals are provided while camping. On trek the breakfast will be a set menu usually consisting of porridge and toast. Any additional items that are not included in the set menu should be ordered and paid for separately. We do not include lunch and dinner in the tea-houses, allowing you to choose what you want to eat and when. Although most lodges have almost identical menus, they are reasonably extensive and offer a varied selection, ranging from traditional Nepalese dal bhat to pizza and apple pie.

    Although meat is available in the tea houses, 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 buy imported food and drink whilst on trek you will spend more than the suggested amount.

    Drinking Water

    Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity but particularly so at altitude where it is generally recommended to drink at least 3-4 litres per person per day.

    We strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in Nepal’s trekking areas.

    All tea houses will provide cold water free of charge, if requested. Although this should not be drunk untreated, we recommend that you bring a reusable bottle with a wide opening (Nalgene or similar) with you and use a SteriPEN to treat it with. A SteriPEN is a handheld UV water purifier – small, lightweight and battery powered so easy to pack for a trek. In Nepal’s trekking regions most of the bottled water isn’t strictly ‘mineral water’ anyway but is UV treated, so it’s exactly the same technology. It’s quick to use, far more effective than purification tablets, and the water is ready immediately. It’s fine to use a SteriPEN on non-boiled water so long as it isn’t cloudy or full of sediment (which is uncommon in these regions).

    SteriPENs are widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.

    If you prefer not to invest in a SteriPEN, the tea houses also sell boiled water for approx. Rs150-300 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.

    While camping boiled water is supplied for drinking.

    Weather

    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 in the Kathmandu Valley to around 10ºC at 3,600m and progressively lower the higher we go.

    Different seasons offer different advantages for trekking.

    Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November. This is the main trekking season in Nepal. Day temperatures in Kathmandu are approximately above 20ºC. Skies are usually clear and days on trek are sunny and mild with clear mountain views. At the highest altitudes although the days can be nice and sunny the temperatures can drop to 10ºC and much lower. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as minus 10ºC and lower at the highest altitudes.

    Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May. Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but haze will often build up in the afternoons. It is very hot in the lowlands and temperatures rise to 35ºC in Kathmandu. Flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.

    Snow can be expected on any departure, usually at the higher altitudes. Summit day will be a very early start (usually about 2am) and will be extremely cold. Although mostly it is calm and clear on summit day the mountain does occasionally get high winds. You need to be equipped for temperatures as low as minus 25ºC plus wind chill on summit day.

    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.

    More Info

    This is a Tough+ trek. It is activity level 9 with 16 days walking and full porterage throughout. The maximum altitude is 6,189m (or 5,545m without Island Peak) and the average is 3,680m. There are some steep ascents and descents and some narrow trails. As this trek also ascends to very high altitudes participants should be confident of their physical fitness and must have previous experience of trekking at altitude and in snow.

    Although it is not compulsory to participate in the climb (the summit attempt is optional), anyone who does must have previous ice axe and crampon experience and know how to use a jumar and abseil device. There will be equipment checks and practice sessions for rope use, ice axe, crampon and harness use, abseiling and crevasse rescue. For safety reasons it is compulsory to participate in these sessions. If you do not take part the leader and climbing Sherpas will not allow you to take part in the climb.

    Though technically harder than Mera Peak, for those with the necessary experience this expedition is within the reach of those seeking their first Himalayan summit. The climb requires strong lungs and a great deal of will power - it is graded alpine PD+ and starts with some rocky scrambling to a glacier. We cross the glacier roped up (there is one ladder to cross), and then come to a 200m steep 40-45 degree headwall, which leads to a 20m summit ridge. We will rope up to cross the glacier and you will be walking with an ice axe, crampons and plastic boots. There are fixed ropes up the headwall (approximately 200m) and along the summit ridge. On the ascent you will need to use a jumar and on the descent you will need to use an abseil device.

    Please be aware that altitude can have a significant affect on your physical state. It is important that you take heed of the leader's advice and decisions at all times. The leaders are trained in first aid and are well aware of AMS symptoms and will keep a close eye on the group. We ask you to refer to the altitude warning within the Trip Notes.

    The climb itself is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or vertigo and the main trail itself crosses three modern suspension bridges over rivers and valleys - all of these have mesh sides but some are quite long and high.

    Is this Trip for you?

    Equipment Checklist

    Body Wear

    • Gore Tex Jacket
    • Gore Tex Pant
    • Hiking pant
    • Fleece trouser and jacket or warm jumper - Recommended not thick but warm enough that fits inside the Gore Tex pant
    • Anti-sweat T-shirtEarmuffs/Ear warmers (optional)
    • Thermal inner trouser
    • Down jacket with hoodie
    • Thermal inner trouser
    • Down jacket with hoodie

    Head Wear

    • Sun Hat/Normal cap
    • Fleece or woolen hat
    • Earmuffs/Ear warmers (optional)
    • Sunglasses with UV protection
    • Buff Scarf / thin face mask

    Hand wear

    • Fleece or woolen thin gloves
    • Expedition shell gloves
    • Gore Tex mitten gloves

    Other Equipments

    • Sleeping bag (comfort rated - 15ºC)
    • 30 Litre Rucksack with cover
    • Large size Duffel Bag with padlock
    • Headlamp with spare batteries
    • Water bottles 1 Litre X 2
    • Thermos
    • Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.

    Washing kit & Toiletries

    • Waterproof washing kit bag
    • Towel - medium size
    • Washing soap, towel, tooth pest, tooth brush etc.
    • Sun Lotion Enough +30SPF (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
    • Hand wash & sanitizer
    • Toilet paper (you can buy this in the lodges)
    • Wet tissue

    Foot Wear

    • Trekking boots
    • Hollow Out Outdoor Slipper
    • Trekking socks (4-5 pair)
    • Snow Gaiter

    Optional Items

    • Trekking poles
    • Trainers or similar for use in the lodges
    • Shorts
    • Base layer leggings
    • Gaiter
    • Sleeping bag liner
    • Pillowcase
    • Ear plugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring)
    • Travel clothes
    • Camera
    • Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
    • Repair kit – (egg. needle, thread, duct tape)

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    This tour spends three nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and five nights on the trek in lodges (tea houses).

    In Kathmandu we normally use a 3-star hotel located within walking distance of the Thamel and in Pokhara we use a 3 star hotel located near Lake Side.

    On the trek we will stay in tea houses for the most part. The tea houses are basic but adequate; please be realistic about what to expect in the mountains.

  • Gallery

Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

Our Travel Specialist
Mingma Sherpa

Mingma Sherpa

Phone:  +977 1 4413842
Mobile:  +977 9801249349
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Trip Notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

View Trip Notes
Round Annapurna Trek
19
Days

Round Annapurna Trek

Nepal - Lodge Trek - Annapurna

Moderate
3/6
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