Annapurna and Everest Spectacular

Nepal, 11 Nights

Trekking in the world's most spectacular mountain range, this itinerary has been designed so that guests can experience the best that both the Annapurna and Everest regions of Nepal have to offer in the time available. The accommodations are the most comfortable that each area has to offer. From the lodges there are magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. You will have the opportunity to experience first hand the differing cultures of each area together with the varying climactic regions from sub tropical to alpine to temperate. In Kathmandu there will be time to explore this fascinating city with all its history and culture. Aside from the trekking, one of the highlights will be your mountain flight in the Everest region which will allow you to view Everest and the surrounding peaks at close quarters.

Day 1 - Kathmandu
Reception and transfer to your hotel. After freshening up, there will be a full briefing on your program. This will be followed by a short 15 minute walk to  Boudinath. This is one of the largest Stupa's in Asia and is home to some 10000 Tibetans. The Stupa is surrounded by colourful Tibetan shops and tea houses. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel. Overnight Hyatt  Regency Hotel. D

Day 2 - Trek to Birethanti. [3470 ft / 1060m]. 
After breakfast, we transfer to the domestic airport for your 30 minute flight to Pokhara. This spectacular flight offers views of the Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. On arrival, you will be transferred by road by road with guides & porters to your trek start point {1-hour}. Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. Lunch is at the lodge followed by an optional walk to the nearby village of Birethanti. You may choose to spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding river valley Trek time 3-4 hours. Overnight Sanctuary Lodge B, L, D

Day 3 - Trek to Majhgaun. [4756 ft / 1450m].
Following a leisurely breakfast, we leave the Sanctuary lodge & trek to Ker & Downey's Gurung Lodge. The lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village. Every room has spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The route follows the Modi river before climbing and contouring through forests.. After lunch at the lodge, you will be escorted to the local village of Tanchok. There will be a talk at a local house, now made into a museum.  The contents of the house illustrate how the local people live, together with the tools and implements of day to day traditional village life. There will also be a visit to the school and should there be more than 6 guests, the school children will visit the lodge and perform a number of local dances and songs typical of the region. [Trek time 4 hours] Overnight Gurung Lodge.B, L, D

Day 4 - Trek to Dhampus. [5000 ft / 1525m].
This morning we start out trekking through the unspoilt village of Patlekhet. Our walk then takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. The trail from Pothana to the lodge offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range.  Trek time 4 hours. Overnight Basanta Lodge B, L, D

Day 5 - Trek to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu. [3300ft / 1000m]
After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor (3300ft/1000m).   We then transfer by vehicle to Pokhara airport (30 minutes). The flight to Kathmandu lasts 30 minutes.   En route to your Kathmandu hotel we will stop to explore the Temple complex of Pashupatinath the holiest of all Hidu temples in Nepal. The late afternoon is free to relax in the hotel gardens. Dinner tonight will be at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Trek time 1 ½ hours. Overnight Hyatt Regency Hotel. B,L,D
            
Day 6 - Trek to Phakding. [8613ft / 2610m]
After breakfast, we transfer to the  airport for the  flight to Lukla by Yeti Airlines. This flight follows the Annapurna, Manaslu,  Langtang and Jugal ranges before entering the Eastern region where you pass Rolwaling Himal. Gaurisankar and Menlumtse before approaching the Khumbu area. After your arrival at Lukla Airport we walk for 5 minutes  to the Yeti Mountain lodge for an early lunch. After lunch we trek to Phakding: We begin with a gentle climb up by the left bank of the Dudh Koshi River. Nupla 5885m and Kusumkang 6367m can be seen in the distance. Following the left bank of Dudh Koshi river we reach Phakding. Trek time 3 hours. Overnight Phakding lodge. B.L.D.

Day 7 - Trek to Monjo. [9500 ft / 2850m]
After breakfast we trek to the village of Monjo. Your route  follows a  level path along the right bank from the resort, Thamserku 6623m. looms skyward on the opposite bank. After crossing a stream and climbing the terraced hill from the Dudh Koshi route, you arrive at Banker. Continuing  through a forest you arrive at Chumow where you can visit the Vegetable Farm. Walking along a path with many ups and downs, you cross a stream and enter the  small village of Monjo Our lodge for the night is located above the village and overlooks the Dudh Kosi river. There are spectacular views of Thamserku [21860 feet /6623m. After lunch at the lodge your guide will escort you on a local walk before returning to the lodge in the late afternoon. Trek time 3 hours. Overnight Monjo lodge. B.L.D.

Day 8 - Trek to Namche [11350ft / 3440m]
After breakfast  we trek to Namche: . The route initially descends  until you reach a suspension bridge. After short climb you come to Jorshale, the entrance to the National Park where a park entrance fee is collected. Walking along the river you enter a forested mountainside and pass by a rocky area. After crossing a high winding path you descend to the riverbed and reach a V-shaped valley. Here river forks - to the right is Dudh Kosi and to the left the Bhote Kosi that leads to Nangpa La. Crossing a suspension bridge you walk a short distance along the Bhote Kosi before  ascending to Namche Bazar. The afternoon is free to explore the bazaar. Trek time 4 hours.  Overnight  Namche lodge. B.LD.

Day 9 - Namche Excursion
After breakfast we trek  to  Syangboche. Passing through a small forest we reach Khumjung Hillary High School. The village of Khumjung covers the largest area in Khumbu. After lunch at Khumjung we visit Khunde hospital. The hospital & school were built  by the late Sir Edmund Hillary.  From this area, there are spectacular  views of  Majestic Mountains like Thamserku, Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and of course  Everest.  We then return back to Namche. Trek time 4-5 hours Overnight  Namche lodge. B.L.D.

Day 10 - Kathmandu
After breakfast we return to Syanboche airport for our pickup and flight back to Kathmandu. Leaving the airport in the Pilatus plane, there will be spectacular views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. The plane will fly up the valley so that you will have a view of Everest base camp before returning to Lukla for your scheduled flight to Kathmandu.. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel in time for lunch.. The afternoon is free to relax. Dinner tonight will be at a specially chosen restaurant in the tourist centre of Kathmandu. Trek time 2 hours.  Overnight Hyatt Regency hotel Kathmandu . B,L,D.

Day 11 - Kathmandu
Today After breakfast, you will be escorted with your guide for the 40 minute drive to the medieval town of Bhaktapur where all the artisans of the Kathmandu valley practice their crafts. The town allows no vehicle access so walking around is a pleasure. The town is the most medieval and least modernized of the three ancient capital cities.  Here you will visit the Nyatapola Temple, the tallest in Nepal and a fine example of Nepalese architecture and craftsmanship. Nyatapola which means five stories, was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708.  You will also visit the Palace of Fifty-five Windows with its famous Barking Bell and the Golden Gate, which is said to be the most beautiful and richly molded gate of its kind in the Orient. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is free for any last minute shopping. Overnight Hyatt Regency Hotel Kathmandu hotel. B,L,D

Day 12 - Departure for your onward journey

The cost includes:
Accommodation in Annapurna and Everest lodges, all meals on trek, tea, coffee and water on trek, guides and porters on trek, vehicle transfers to and from Annapurna trek, all domestic flights. Hotels and meals in Kathmandu transfers and sightseeing in Kathmandu.,

The cost excludes: 
Gratuities, Domestic and International departure tax.