Itinerary

Day 1

Pokhara to Tirkhedunga via Nayapul
Today it's the start of the trek. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel. You only need to bring the necessary kit such as warm clothing, hiking boots, camera and lots of stamina. You can leave the rest of your luggage safely at the hotel. You will drive up a twisty road to Nayapul, the starting point of this 'Trekking with a Treat'. Here you will prepare for the trek together with the guide and local porters.

The trek begins down a wide trail where women carrying children wave to you along the way. You'll hike across a lush valley through banana trees and palm trees. After about three hours you will arrive in the 'village with the blue rooftops' Tirkhedunga. Whoever thought apple pie was something very British is sorely mistaken. The area is full of apple trees and a couple of years ago the lodge owner got the bright idea of serving warm apple pie as the perfect treat after a long day's hike. You can sample a delicious slice at one of the local bakers.

Day 2

Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani After a satisfying breakfast it's time to pack your things and head off on the trek. Crossing a wobbly hanging bridge the path then leads through an aromatic rhododendron forest down into the valley. Crossing the Burungdi Khola, make sure to stop and admire this spectacular mountain river which at times is a peacefully flowing stream but can fast become a wild churning rapid. The freezing cold meltwater flows down from high up on the mountain. Then it's the most strenuous part of the trek. Heading up some stony steps you slowly make your way to 2000m.

At the end of this strenuous climb you'll be rewarded with an amazing view of the snow-capped mountains rising up about the surrounding hills. The last part of the trek is pretty level and leads through a colourful and aromatic rhododendron forest. On arrival in Ghorepani put your feet up, have a drink and relax. As you look around you see colourful prayer flags blowing in the wind at the many temples and snowy mountain peaks in the background.

Day 3

Ghorepani to Tatopani
On the third day you'll be up before dawn. It's still dark outside as slowly, torch in hand, you make your way to the top of Poon Hill at 3190m altitude. Your muscles may be a little stiff from yesterday's trek but the amazing sunrise will quickly make you forget all your ailments. When you reach the top you can sit down and enjoy the sun slowly lighting up the sky, painting the peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri deep orange. It's enough to give you goose bumps...

When the sun is high in the sky you hike back to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast. You will then descend to one of the many checkpoints you'll come across on this trek. The guide hands over all the paperwork and registers you. This registration gives you access to the next valley in this area. You'll spend the night in Tatopani, which means 'hot water'. We can recommend taking a dip in one of the natural pools after a long day's trek!

Day 4

Tatopani to Ghasa
Today you will descend into the deepest canyon in the world (according to the Nepalese). Donkey caravans with cowbells lead the way down the narrow paths. On the way you will pass the Rupse Chahara waterfalls and see the icy water crashing down the mountain. This is where you'll stop off for lunch in a teahouse where you can choose from a number of Nepalese specialities such as lentil curry.

Towards the end of the afternoon you'll arrive in Ghasa, a small village where colourful prayer flags fly in the wind. In the lodge where you will be staying for the night you can rest your weary feet on the terrace or the cosy dining room. As the sun sets you can catch a final glimpse of the snowy Annapurna giants.

Day 5

Ghasa to Marpha
You'll be heading out early in the morning in order to be out of the valley before the strong winds pick up before midday. Corn fields and apple orchards soon make way for the rocky, rugged scenery of the Marpha Valley. You'll be hiking for about 5 hours today, though there's plenty of time to stop off for pictures or a hot cup of tea in one of the traditional tea houses along the way.

Following the path of a dried-up river bed you soon reach the white chalkstone village of Marpha in the late afternoon. All the houses and even the streets are bright white, so keep your sunglasses handy. You'll be staying in a lodge with views across the village.

Day 6

Marpha - Jomsom - End of trek Today is the last day of the trek. After a relaxing breakfast you head off down the trail which eventually leads through a valley home to several mountain tribes such as the Thakalis and the Gurungs. Towards noon you arrive in Jomsom, where the trek ends.

If you're not planning to stay in Jomsom, your guide can take you to the airport for the quick flight back to Pokhara. The planes are small so you're guaranteed a window seat. Your nose pressed to the window you can catch a final glimpse of the Annapurna giants. The restaurants in Pokhara offer plenty of western food too so you can finally enjoy those burgers, pizzas and fresh fruit juices again. On a clear day you can see the snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance, you can rent a boat and go out on the lake or visit the golden Varahi temple.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

5 nights accommodation, National Park permit, English-speaking guide, one porter for every two people

Exclusions -

Flight Pokhara - Jomsom (approx £60), meals, tips