Everest and Annapurna Trek

After an early morning b/fast, we take the mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla on STOL aircraft. Flight time is about 35 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. At Lukla we are immediately overcome by the scale of the massive peaks that surround the village but this is only an indication of what is to come. After meeting the crew, we head up the Dudh Koshi Valley on a well-marked trail and then stay overnight in Phakding.
Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 1,250m/4,100ft

Early in the morning after breakfast, we will continue our journey along Dudhkoshi River. The trail stretches through pine forest. After crossing thrilling suspension bridges at several points and passing through small settlements of Zapute, Toktok, Benkar and Chumoa, we will reach Monjo which is known as the gateway to the Sagarmatha National Park. We will take sharp descend to the river and crossing another suspension bridge, we will proceed towards high Hillary Bridge located at the foot of the hill. Crossing this bridge, we will climb uphill to the Namche Bazaar. We can get view of Thamserku Mountain. If weather is clear, we can also have first view of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Kusum Khangru mountains.
Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 850m/2,788ft

We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large protected hollow. After breakfast, there are a number of options: perhaps a hike up to Everest view hotel, Khumjung and Khunde, or walk towards Thame (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna. Your guides will be on hand to offer advice and escort you on your walks.

Leaving Namche Bazaar, we will walk along the glacial water of Dudh Koshi River. We will be greeted with views of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse and, Thamserku and Ama Dablam Mountains. Our journey continues through the colorful forest of blooming rhododendron to Sanasa. The region is rich in wildlife like musk deer and different colorful local birds. In Sanasa lies the junction point. One of the paths leads us to the Gokyo valley while the other one leads us to Everest Base Camp. We will take sharp climb to Tengboche monastery which is the largest monastery in the Khumbu region. The journey rewards us with close-up views of many surrounding mountains.
Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 350m/1,148ft

After breakfast, we say our byes to Tengboche and descend steeply through beautiful forests of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga. After a welcome break and perhaps a cup of tea we cross the Dudh Kosi, and ascend to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley through Shanasa and its then a gradual walk to Namche Bazaar.

Our last day of Everest trek following the Dudh Kosi River down to Lukla. It’s only a gradual walk along the Dudhkhosi river after our steep descent from Namche. We’ll have lunch on our way and we make the final climb up to the airstrip at Lukla. Rest of the day is free and you can relax under the warm sun & reflect on the emotional experiences we had while hiking through these massive mountains. Later we celebrate our successful completion of Everest trek with our Sherpa guides and porters who we’ve got to know so well & are now good friends. It’s a pleasure to end this wonderful trip on a happy note. We then slumber into blissful sleep.

We get up early in the morning, enjoy our b/fast & get ready for the arrival of our aircraft for the flight back to Katmandu. On our touchdown at the Kathmandu airport, we will be met by our office reps and transferred to your hotel. Rest of your day is free to do your own things.

Including a contingency day in our itinerary ensures that our trekking follows the schedule even if we are delayed by some unknown factors.

We will take an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It takes 20 minutes of sweeping flight above clouds to take us to Pokhara airport. Being airborne, we can get close-up views of Annapurna and other mountains. From Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to hotel near Lakeside. After refreshment, we will set out for exploring Pokhara. Davis Falls, Mountaineering Museum, Seti Gorge, Mahendra Cave and Gupteswor Cave are places of interest in Pokhara.

After having an early breakfast, we will drive towards Nayapul. It will take an hour to reach Nayapul from Pokhara. From Nayapul, we will begin the trek along the bank of peaceful Modi River. We will reach Birethanti village in about 30minutes. Birethanti is a scenic village where we can find tea shops and guest houses in abundance. Heading left from Birethanti, we will move towards Ulleri along the edge of Burungdi River. We will move through the valley of Hile and Tikhedhunga (1525 m) to Ulleri (2073 m) which is a large Magar village.
Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 1,223m/4,012ft

We will take couple of hours of steep uphill climb on stone steps. The route is scenic with views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre Mountains in the backdrop. We will move past sub-alpine forest of rhododendron to reach Deurali which greets us with views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and other mountains. Following the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route, we will reach the Magar village of Ghorepani. We will enjoy the views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.
Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: 700m/2,296ft

We will wake up early in the morning before dawn and then take an hour hike to reach Poonhill (3195m). Poon hill is the famous hill station in Pokhara. We will enjoy the sunrise view over Annapurna. Poon hill allows scenic views of surrounding mountains including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail and other peaks and mountains. After spending quality time in Poon hill, we will descend to Ghorepani for breakfast. Later, we will take 5 hrs of trek through rhododendron forest to Tadapani via Banthanti where we will stay overnight.

Leaving Tadapani, we will follow the descending trail through forest to arrive at a tiny village of Bhaise Kharka. The trail progresses through farm houses and terraces. We can get views of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Machhapuchhre from most of the points. We will proceed through stone steps to Ghandruk village which is inhabited by Gurung ethnics.

From Tadapani, we will follow the rhododendron forest to Ghandruk which is the second-largest Gurung village in Nepal. We will descend to Birethanti and reach Nayapul. Our trek culminates at Nayapul. We will drive to Pokhara which is also known as City of Lakes and the Gateway to Annapurna Region. Tropical climate can be experienced in Pokhara. This is a peaceful city existing at the backdrop of Annapurna. Explore the market area in the afternoon.

In the morning hours we might do some last hour shopping too. After that, we drive to Kathmandu. We grab seats on the left aisle of the vehicle for the best views of the rivers along the highway because it’s our last time we’ll probably see them. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we get transferred to our hotel; and we spend the day at our own leisure.

Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Annapurna and Everest Trek.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles
Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.