Over 55's Annapurna Rhododendron Trek

You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals:  Nil

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. It is possible that the Kathmandu free day will take place at the conclusion of your trek instead of at the beginning. If this is to occur with your group, your leader will brief you locally.

Meals:  B

We take a short 25min early morning flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city (820m). In good weather we are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna range. From here we drive alongside the Kali Gandaki river and through foothills and valleys to Kimche. On arrival we will begin our walk to Ghandruk, our first overnight stop. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp Drive: approx 3 hours Walk: approx 2 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into forest of rhododendron, magnolia and lichen covered fig. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for many small ferns and delicate plants such as exotic orchids bursting with colour. After lunch, mostly the trail goes through incredibly dense Rhododendron forests, where we may encounter playful Langur monkeys. The walking in the forest is like a fairy tale. We reach Tadapani which is a small village home to our eco lodge, where we will spend the night. Overnight: Eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we enjoy the amazing view of sunrise on Annapurna South, Himchuli and Machapuchare from Tadapani. After breakfast, we will walk around the Rhododendron forest to enjoy the different species of colorful flowers.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today the path winds slowly up through the forest as we make our way to Deurali. Weather permitting we will catch glimpses of Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South through the forest as we ascend higher. Today will be one of the most spectacular with Rhododendron everywhere throughout the trail. On arrival in the colourful village of Deurali we find our eco-lodge and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding ranges.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's walk will see us follow the trail with some downhill sections to Ghorepani. This is a sizeable town on the main tourist trail. You may wish to wander through the bazaar, browse through Tibetan wares on display and enjoy local treats from the bakeries. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Most trekkers to Ghorepani make the pre dawn 45 minute climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3200m). We will make the climb in the afternoon, when there are no crowds. From Poon Hill we leave the main trail and traverse on old yak herder trails to Upper Phulbari. We will descend again along winding trails through the Rhododendron forests, pine, bamboo and oak trees. Phulbari means the garden and we can enjoy the different varieties of wild plants and flowers. The location affords even more spectacular views than from Poon Hill, which we enjoy from the comfort of our eco lodge and with the luxury of no pre-dawn start. The photography is superb from here so you may wish to have an early night and get up early to catch the sunrise over the Himalaya.

Meals:  B,L,D

Before heading to Ghorepani, if you feel energetic we can go for an optional walk to Mohore Danda (3300m) which takes approx. 2 to 3 hours from Upper Phulbari. Views from here over the mountains range are spectacular. We then make the return journey to Ghorepani and our eco-lodge where we overnight.

Meals:  B,L,D

The walk today sees us descend through small settlements to enter a deep ravine where multiple waterfalls follow our trail. We over night in an eco lodge in the village of Ulleri. From Ulleri we will have an over view of our trek route, as well as views of the Annapurnas at the head of the valley. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we descend steeply down to valley floor, passing through the beautiful countryside villages of Tirkhedhunga. From here we board our vehicle for the picturesque drive back to Pokhara. Note that the walking hours include rest stops, are a guide only and can vary due to trail or weather conditions. Overnight: hotel

Meals:  B,L

This morning we transfer to the airport for our spectacular flight to Kathmandu. The mountain flight follows the Himalaya range to Kathmandu where we transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for last minute shopping and sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similiar

Meals:  B

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further arrangements have been made. Those people travelling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures. *It is important to us that this trek follows few of the commercial tea-house trails. Accordingly the route and campsites may be varied at the discretion of the group leader. Note that the walking hours include rest stops, are a guide only and can vary greatly.

Meals:  B