Step into the Heart of the Himalayas

The scenery of central Nepal is dominated by the Himalayan Mountain Range. Two mountains stand out, Annapurna 1, 8091m; the 10th highest mountain on Earth and Dhaulagiri, 8167m; the 7th highest. On this trek, Back Track follows a network of trails linking several viewpoints that give trekkers sensational views of these Himalayan giants.

Other outstanding features of this trek are the days spent trekking through serene alpine forests, close contact with friendly, hospitable Nepali villagers and the low numbers of trekkers encountered over the second half of the trek.

Although this trek does not go to the extreme altitudes of some Himalayan treks, particular emphasis is placed on safe and sensible acclimatization to the oxygen deprived higher altitudes reached on this trek. The highest altitude we spend overnight is 4130m at Annapurna Base Camp and the highest altitude we have the option to trek to is 4660m at Khayer Barah Lake.

 You are accompanied throughout by an experienced trek leader from Australia, plus a local trek crew of friendly, professional guides and porters.

Some sections of this trek are popular, and the trail may be busy with trekkers, porters and pack animals. On other days you’ll enjoy quiet serenity. Accommodation along popular trails may be crowded and noisy. There may also be some nights where you and your group are the only guests.

There are numerous days on this trek that involve long, steep ascents, and descents on stone staircases. To enjoy these physically challenging sections, you will need a high level of physical and mental fitness. Prior fitness training is essential, and Back Track can advise on a suitable fitness training program.

During the trek we stay overnight in lodges, guest houses and hotels (commonly called ‘tea houses’). Some are very comfortable, with free hot water, charging stations, and wifi. Some tea houses charge extra for these services, and some do not provide them at all.

In some tea houses, a wide variety of meals are available, and the food service is prompt and professional. In others, the variety of meals and speed of food service may not meet your expectations.

To enjoy this trek, it's important to treat these inconsistencies with an open mind and good humour.

Access to, and egress from the trek involves travelling by 4WD jeep on rough, winding roads for multiple hours. Again, a sense of humour will help you cope in these situations. The jeep drivers are experienced professionals and passenger safety is the highest priority.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a Back Track representative will greet and transfer you to the International Guest House.

HALF DAY WALKING TOUR OF OLD KATHMANDU

This morning, we will escort you on a private, guided walking tour of the Old City of Kathmandu for a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural and religious traditions of the local inhabitants. In the early afternoon, Back Track will conduct a pre-trek briefing in our hotel. This evening, we invite you to join us for a welcome dinner. (B-D)

flying time: 30mins

This morning, at a time to be advised, we will depart Kathmandu for the flight to Pokhara. If the weather is fine and clear, the views of the mountains from the aircraft are spectacular. In the afternoon we will take a stroll through Pokhara Town and along the lakeside. Accommodation will be a hotel overlooking Phewa Lake. Close to our hotel, there are some excellent yet inexpensive places to dine (B)

Driving time: 3hrs.

After breakfast, we board our 4wd jeeps for the drive to Landruk. Some sections of the road are unsealed and extremely rough. Upon reaching our hotel, we’ll have lunch and, in the afternoon, go for an exploratory stroll for an insight into life in a typical Nepali hill village.

(B)

Approximate trekking time: 6hrs

The day starts with a gentle descent through the charming stone village of Landruk. After passing the last house the trail reaches the floor of the Modi Khola (Khola = river) Valley. The trail passes by a spectacular waterfall, the first of many encountered on this trek. After crossing the Modi Khola on a suspension bridge, we join the trail leading to Annapurna Base Camp. After lunch in the village of Jhinu we cross an extremely long and high suspension bridge and commence a long ascent to Upper Chhomrong, our home for the next two nights.  

Approximate trekking time: 6hrs

The day starts with a long descent before crossing a suspension bridge over the Chhomrong Khola. Today is notable for the steep ups and downs on a stone staircase and the beautiful, forested sections. The trail gradient eases in the afternoon as we approach Dobhan.

Approximate trekking time: 5hrs

The walk today passes through a serene bamboo forest and descends to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking an enormous series of waterfalls cascading from the high ridge on the opposite side of the valley. This is a shorter day, and we expect to reach our destination by lunchtime. The afternoon is free for rest or exploration.

Approximate trekking time: 6hrs

It will be slow going today as we ascend 900 meters. Brilliant mountain views emerge as we approach the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high-altitude valley, surrounded by massive snow peaks. The forest thins out as we approach Machhapuchhare Base Camp, 3700m, for lunch. The afternoon walk to Annapurna Base Camp brings brilliant mountain views. Weather permitting, the early evening views from here are unforgettable as the mountains are lit with vivid orange and yellow colours from the setting sun.

Approximate trekking time: 6hrs

Before breakfast, rug up and take a short stroll to a nearby viewpoint. From here, as the first rays from the rising sun strike the high peaks, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of the rock, snow and ice changing colour as the sun rises. Today’s leisurely walk retraces our steps down to Dobhan.

Approximate trekking time: 5hrs

Today’s walk can be seen as a reward for the previous few days’ exertions. It starts with fine mountain views as we look back to where we have come from the previous day. The walk proceeds through a beautiful forest with lots of ups and downs on a stepped trail. After lunch, it’s a short descent to cross a bridge over the Chhomrong Khola, before commencing a long uphill walk to Upper Chhomrong and our comfortable hotel, perched on the crest of a ridge.

Approximate trekking time: 6hrs

Before we set off this morning, there will be time to admire the glorious panorama of peaks seen from our hotel terrace. The trail descends gradually through farms and small villages before crossing the Khimrong Khola. The trail winds up for an hour to Chuile village where we stop for lunch. We then enter a forest, and the ascent continues to Tadapani village where we stay overnight in a recently built, comfortable hotel

Approximate trekking time: 5hrs

The walk today involves a long and, at times, steep 700m climb through a lush forest. Cooler temperatures will be noticeable when we reach today’s destination, the small collection of tea houses at Dobato. We arrive here for a late lunch and the afternoon is for rest in preparation for a big day tomorrow

DAWN VISIT TO MULDE DANDA, 3637m

Approximate trekking time: 5.5hrs

Today starts with an optional, pre-dawn trek to the viewpoint of Mulde Danda. The expansive panoramic view from here encompasses both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges and is a major highlight of this trek. There’s a small shop selling barista coffee at the viewpoint so you can enjoy the scenery and a warming latte at the same time. The round trip takes about 1.5hrs, including time at the viewpoint. We return to Dobato for breakfast before heading to our next destination. We follow a narrow trail that skirts a high ridge before reaching Bayeli (3420m) for an early lunch. We then take a long descent through rhododendron forest to Dhan Kharka for an overnight stay.

Approximate trekking time: 3.5hrs

Commence a long ascent to reach our accommodation, spectacularly perched on a small plateau on Khopra Ridge. We arrive at Khopra in time for lunch then have the afternoon at rest in preparation for the next day. In the afternoon, there’s the opportunity to take a short walk up to a nearby viewpoint for outstanding sunset views.

Approximate trekking time: 10hrs

This is the longest, most challenging day and goes to the highest altitude on the trek. Your efforts over the 1,100m ascent and descent will be amply rewarded. We have an early breakfast and set off before dawn. The trail is gradual at first and becomes increasingly steep. There are wonderful views all day; most notably of Dhaulagiri, 8167m, Bharha Chuli 7647m and Annapurna South 7219m. You’ll also peer down into the Kali Gandhaki; the deepest river valley on the planet and the oldest trade route between India and China. The apex of today is the Hindu Temple and Sacred Lake of Khayer Barah. During the full moon period of the summer monsoon, this is the destination of many Shiva worshiping pilgrims. On our return descent, we’ll stop at a conveniently located tea house for a welcoming lunch. We expect to arrive late afternoon back in Khopra, weary but elated.

Approximate trekking time: 5hrs

After our previous efforts, we have the easiest day of the trek. The morning section consists of a long, steady downhill before stopping for lunch at Aal Kharka. Shortly after crossing a wooden footbridge over a small stream below a waterfall, the trail levels out and traverses below a ridge line high above a canyon. A trail through a peaceful alpine moss forest emerges into terraced farmland and our guest house in the village of Swanta.

Approximate trekking time: 7hrs

The day starts with a short descent past fields and farms to cross a suspension bridge over the Bayeli Khola. Follow a long steep trail through dense forest to cross a sealed road at Phalante village. We gain an insight into Nepali rural life as we pass through scattered farms to our lunch stop at Phulbari. From here it’s a 1.5hr uphill walk to today’s high point at Mohare Danda, 3300m. Weather permitting, the mountain views from here are among the best on the trek. The trail descends gradually to Kothe Danda where we overnight in a comfortable guest house.

Approximate trekking time: 6hrs

Our last opportunity for panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges is with another pre-dawn walk up to a viewpoint. Fortunately, in this case the walk from our guest house to the viewpoint is only about 10 minutes. After breakfast we start out on our last day on the trail; and this is a memorable day with a descent of 2kms. The first section is a descent down an open ridge line giving great mountain views. Then we plunge into a densely forested trail and continue descending for 2hrs. We emerge from the forest at Banthanti Village. From here to our destination at Hille the trek is down a stone staircase through a long continuous series of villages. We stop for lunch at Ulleri then, after crossing our last suspension bridge, we arrive at Hille and the welcoming smiles of our guest house hosts

DRIVE HILLE TO POKHARA

Driving time: 2hrs

FLY POKHARA TO KATHMANDU

Flying time: 30mins

After our final breakfast on the trek, it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the road and our waiting jeeps. The first hour of our drive is on an unsealed road. Progress is slow until we reach a sealed road for the drive to Pokhara Airport. Fingers crossed for clear weather and great views from the aircraft of the Himalaya, stretching from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We will be greeted on arrival in Kathmandu and driven to our accommodation at the International Guest House

This is a free day to explore Kathmandu. This exciting, vibrant city is a favourite destination of travellers from all over the world. Kathmandu is a giant, living museum of Hindu and Buddhist art with more shrines and temples than anywhere else in the world. Our hotel is located a short walk from the narrow, winding streets of the old city. Tonight, we will dine in a nearby restaurant for a farewell dinner. (B-D)

Tour concludes today after breakfast at the hotel. If you are leaving Kathmandu today, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight. (B)