This trek is a colorful short foray into the Annapurna region. The trail winds through patchwork valleys, dense mossy forests and past waterfalls where you can stop to cool yourself. Around every corner is a tantalizing glimpse of the high mountains, whole horizons of which will be revealed to you as you reach the high points of your trek.
During this trek, you pass through different Gurung, Magar and Brahmin villages where you get an insight into their cultural, social practices. In short period, you can experience the colorful culture of these people and most of all you meet Buddhist and Hindus living in harmony and peace. The main occupations are agriculture, animal husbandry, tourism business and people serving in Gorkha and Indian regiment.
Outline
Itinerary
Day
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) which takes about six hours. You depart for the six hours drive to Pokhara (915m,), 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley, only to quickly descend again to the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyandi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Having pleasant weather, Pokhara is tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal (lake) to the white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This drive will take most of the morning, leaving much of the afternoon to fall in love with its beauty. You can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes.
Day
2
Drive from Pokhara (915 m.) to Phedi (1130 m.) and trek from Phedi to Pothana which takes about five hours. From here you begin your trek to Pothana (1900m.). The trail ascends all the way to Pothana through forests till you reach the village called Dhampus. It is a Gurung village which gives you an opportunity to look at the magnificent views of Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. The ascent trail follows to Pothana through the forests. This is a small village which is surrounded by forests having marvelous mountain views.
Day
3
Trek from Pothana to Ghandruk (1950 m.) which takes about six hours.
The early part of trek is gradual up for almost an hour up Deurali (2100 m.) which passes oak and mixed forests with splendid views of Manaslu, Annapurna ranges and Mardi Himal. Leaving Deurali, you begin to trek steep downwards to reach Tolkha (1840 m.) , a beautiful Magar and Gurung village. To reach the next destination Landruk, a village inhabited by mostly Gurung and few Brahmins the trail is gradual descent passing through terraces and few settlements. On this part, you will be mesmerized by the views of Annapurna South (7229 m.) and Hiunchuli (6441 m.). Now the steep descent trail moves downwards to Modi Khola river and crossing iron bridge you follow steep uphill to reach Ghandruk. This is the biggest which you come across during this trip. There are many lodges, Gurung museum and traditional houses made of stone slabs. The views in series you can enjoy from here are Annapurna South (7229 m.), Hiunchuli (6441 m.), Annapurna III (7755 m.), Glacier dome (7200 m.) and Fish tail (6997 m.).
Day
4
Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul via Birethanti which takes about 5 hours. This day you trek descend through Kimshe to Shaulo Bazaar. From here your trail goes quite flat until you retrace back to Birethanti. You need to walk almost half an hour to get to Nayapul. Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara by taxi.
Day
5
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes approximately 25 minutes.
