LANGTANG AND ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK

On arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking staff and transported to your hotel which will be followed by a short briefing concerning your trek.

Today we have a seven-hour road trip heading to the Langtang Valley. The road climbs out of Kathmandu Valley at which point you will have amazing views of the Annapurna Mountains, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and other snow-clad peaks in the Langtang region. Our first stop is Trishuli Village from where we continue until we reach Dhunche and then enter the Langtang National Park. From Dhunche we drive for another hour until we arrive at Syabru Besi where we stay the night.

Today we head out on the trail and cross the Bhote Kosi River (meaning Tibet River) which begins in Tibet. We then head up through the sub-tropical forest and join the trail coming from Syabru Besi before descending down through oak and rhododendron forests. On the trail, we may encounter Langur monkeys swinging in the treetops. We then head up a steep hill before reaching the Lama Hotel where we stay the night.

Today we begin with a climb up through the forest and will have sporadic views of Langtang Lirung from between the trees. At Ghora Tabela (3,000m) we come out from the forest and arrive at a Nepali army outpost. We continue on the trail and pass several small settlements occupied by herders who come to this alpine region in summer to graze their livestock, including Yak. A little further down the trail, we come to Langtang Village, which has nearly completely been rebuilt in a more modern style of architecture after the earthquake in 2015.

From Mundu we head uphill through yak pastures as the valley widens and the views become more far-reaching. After crossing several small streams and moraines, we arrive at the settlement of Kyanjin where there is a small monastery and a government-operated cheese factory - a good place to stock up for lunch and afternoon snacks. Because we arrive around lunchtime, you will have time to wander around the settlement and explore the nearby area. If you have the energy you may decide to trek up the Valley towards Langshisha Kharka where you will have some more awesome views.

Today is a day to sit back, relax, or explore the surrounding countryside. You may also choose to visit the monastery and the cheese factory – if you didn’t visit it yesterday. Another option is to walk up to the moraine where you will have some amazing views of the ice faces and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung. You may also decide to climb Kyanjin Ri - directly behind the village for gob-smacking views of the Langtang peaks.

From Kyanjin we head back down the valley alongside the Langtang Khola (river) to Mundu Village and then to Ghora Tabela. The descent will be much quicker than the ascent. After a lunch break we continue the steep descent to Lama Hotel.

Today we continue to follow the trail back to Syabru Besi through the calm forested hills. If you are feeling energetic then we may take the more exciting route from Rimche via Sherpa Gaon to Syabru Besi; it will take a bit longer to reach Syabru Besi, but it’s a worthy alternative route.

Today we head back to Kathmandu on a windy and scenic journey with views of green hills, rivers, and gorges. You will be taken to your hotel where you can either enjoy the free time and relax, or visit some sights in Kathmandu Valley or wander around Thamel.

We will pick you up at 6:30 am from your hotel and take you to the tourist bus station. The bus trip should take around six to seven hours before arriving at Pokhara – famous for Phewa Tal (lake). You will also have some incredible views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) to the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. Staying in a hotel at lakeside (Phewa Tal) means you are close to shops, cafes, and bars. Watching the sunset over the lake is also an option and a great way to end the day.

Today we head by private vehicle to Nayapul and then start trekking and follow the banks of the Modi Khola (river) until we reach Birethanti Village (1,015m). We will then follow the north bank of the Burundi Khola (river) before ascending up through the valley to Hille (1,495m) and then to Tikhedhunga (1,570m). The day’s trek is not too difficult and is relatively easy.

A steep trail brings us to the Magar village of Ulleri (2,070m). Leaving here we again head higher through rhododendron and oak forests until arriving at Banthanti (2,250m) and then to Nangethanti (2,460m). Another hour on the trail and we arrive at Ghorepani (2,840m) where we will stay overnight.

To truly appreciate the view from Poon Hill, we get up before sunrise and will then follow the trail for an hour to reach Poon Hill (3,210m) where the views are totally unbelievable. The mountains are gleaming in the pristine light of the morning, reflecting various colors of the snow-white peaks. After madly snapping photos we will head back to Ghorepani (2960m) for breakfast. Leaving Ghorepani we climb up and along mountain ridges through rhododendron and pine forests before coming to Deurali (2,960m). We then head downhill and come to a cross-road at Banthanti and then head to Tadapani.

Today we head down a steep hill through rhododendron forests before reaching a mostly Gurung village not far from Chomrong Village (2,140m). We will reach Kimrong Khola (river) around lunchtime and will stop here for lunch. The trail then heads uphill for 1-2 hours and once we get to the top of the ridge the walk is fairly easygoing all the way to Chomrong Village - the last village and the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Today the trail drops to Chomrong Khola (river) and then up to Khuldighar (2,380m) where there used to be an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) check point. We head along the west side of the river walking through bamboo. We then have to climb the steep stony steps to Dovan.

Today the trail takes us through a rhododendron forest beside the Modi Khola to Himalaya Hotel (2,920m). We will stop here for a lunch break and then head toward Hinku Cave which used to be a stopping point for the earlier Annapurna I expeditions when it was used as a camp and a supply depot. We now ascend along the jungle trail to reach Deurali (3,200 m).

Today we ascend and pass Machapuchare Base Camp before arriving at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC - 4,130m). At this altitude, you will have stunningly clear and unobstructed views over the surrounding snow-covered peaks. This is definitely another camera opportunity.

Today we follow the same route we took getting to ABC, descending an incredible 1,700 meters back down to the banks of the Modi Khola (river) and then on to Bamboo (2,345m).

Once again we retrace our footsteps and head back to Chomrong, first passing Khuldighar Village and then through rhododendron and bamboo forests. There is a very steep descent to Chomrong and to Jhinu Danda. At Jhinu Danda we can sit back and relax in the hot springs!

From Jhinu Danda we head along the banks of the Modi Khola for around 4.5 hours until we arrive at Birethanti. The trek today is considered to be the most pleasurable of the entire trek. It is more like a gentle stroll compared with what we have previously endured. Once we reach Nayapul we will then drive back to Pokhara. On arrival at Pokhara and checking in to our hotel we plan to take a boat trip to Barahi Temple, located on a small island in the middle of Phewa Tal (lake).

The next morning we travel back to Kathmandu. Along the way, you will have time to look back on your trek to Annapurna Base Camp and Langtang. On arrival at Kathmandu, we will drop you back at your hotel.

Today is your departure day and a representative from Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will drop you at the airport at least three hours prior to your departure. Flying home you may be compiling a wish list of places to visit on your next trip to Nepal. There is, of course, a Chitwan jungle safari tour, plunging down the rapids on a rafting adventure, mountain biking, or a guided shopping tour of Kathmandu.