ANNAPURNA TREK AND CHITWAN JUNGLE SAFARI

A representative from Sherpa Expedition & Trekking staff will be there to greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel, followed by a briefing that provides information about the trek and trip to Chitwan National Park. Your safety and comfort are top of our agenda.

Most of today will be spent sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley with our guide. We will visit Pashupatinath, which is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and where pilgrims worship Lord Shiva (situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River), Bouddhanath, a Buddhist temple known as ‘Little Tibet’ and then we head to Swayambhunath known as the Monkey Temple. From Swayambhunath we will drive to Kathmandu’s famous Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and situated just in front of the old royal palace. After arriving back at your hotel you may have time to do some last-minute shopping around Thamel – the tourist center of Kathmandu.

This morning we leave Kathmandu and have a 6-7 hour drive to the Pokhara Valley and its beautiful Phewa Tal (lake). We then check in to your hotel near to Phewa Tal. There is loads to see and do along Lakeside with its numerous shops, bars, and restaurants.

The trekking begins at Nayapul and on the trail, you will pass through several small settlements and will likely see donkeys and mules carrying heavy loads to these remote mountainous regions. The trail joins the main trail at Birethanti Village at which point we head west along the main trail - an ancient Trans-Himalayan trade route. We then continue on to Tikhedhunga for the night.

Starting out on the trail today we have a steep climb up to Ulleri (2070m) and then to the Magar village of Banthanti from where we have some wonderful views of Mt. Machapuchare (6997m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South (7219m). We then follow the trail through a lush white/red/pink - flowering rhododendron forest and cross a bridge before arriving at the village of Ghorepani where we can see a number of massive peaks, such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna that appear as a backdrop. This is an excellent place to sit back and take in the wonderful mountain views. We will stay here overnight.

Poon Hill is famous for its spectacular views of the Annapurna Ranges – especially at sunrise and sunset. An early start before sunrise will have us reach the Poon Hill viewpoint where we can witness the changing colors reflecting off the mountains, such as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7855m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (729m), Nilgiri (6940m), Tukuche (6920m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m) & Lamjung Himal (6931m). Be sure to have your camera batteries charged as you watch the changing scene in the morning light. We then head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue along the trail to Tadapani Village via Deurali Village (meaning ridge in Nepali) until we arrive at Tadapani.

Today’s trail takes us through forests of oak, rhododendron, and other alpine flowers as we head to Ghandruk. Stunning views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machapuchare, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli and other Mountains can be seen from Ghandruk, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. This is the second-largest Gurung village in Nepal and has a cultural museum, dance program, and Buddhist monastery.

Today is the last day of the trek as we head along a stony trail surrounded by terraced cultivated fields of rice and millet. The trail takes us down to the Modi Khola (river) and a few hours later we will reach Birethanti Village from where we will drive to Pokhara.

After arriving at Chitwan we will check in to our hotel/resort and then take an ox cart tour around the town. The Tharu people are one of the main castes in the Terai region. Your guide will take you around the town where you can interact with the local people. 

After breakfast, a park guide will take you on a walk through the area pointing out to you the various flora and fauna. Along the route, you will be able to climb the watchtowers to get a better view of the countryside. After lunch, we head out on a jeep safari to see the wildlife in the Chitwan National Park. From the jeep, we will able to see one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, spotted deer, and many other animal species. In the evening there is a Tharu cultural program where the Tharu dance and sing – including the peacock dance! 

An exciting attraction at Chitwan National Park is riding on the back of an elephant in the jungle. You are high enough to see into the distance and see numerous wildlife, such as the one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, deer, leopards, and monkeys. After lunch, we have a canoe ride down the Rapti River where you will see crocodiles and other marine animals. Later we will head to the elephant breeding center, a government-managed center, where you can watch mothers nurturing their young. The keepers will also show you the food they prepare for them and explain the habits and general nature of elephants. 

While enjoying breakfast you can do some bird watching. The park is home to more than 450 species of birds. We will then head to the back to Kathmandu and take you back to your own hotel.

Today is your final day in Nepal. You will take with you some incredible memories of your trek through the Annapurna Ranges, views from Poon Hill, and your experience at Chitwan National Park. A representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to the airport three hours prior to your flight departure.