This short trek takes 6-7 days and brings you right to the foot of some of the Himalaya's most spectacular peaks. It is ideal for both the experienced and the first-time Himalayan trekker with some previous hiking experience, who is looking for a unique off the beaten track challenge with the comforts of our exclusive camp.
Trek Duration
6-7 Days
Max Trekking Altitude
3750m
Trek Grade
Easy-Moderate
Accomodation
Camping
Hours of Walking
3-8 Hours
Best time to go
October – November and
March – April
Area
Annapurna Conservation Area
This is a classic Himalayan Trekking route in Nepal. Though rarely traveled, we find it is one of the finest treks in the Annapurna Conservation Area for its outstanding scenery and the changing landscapes of the trail.
We start our journey from Pokhara, Nepal's "adventure capital", with a one hour scenic drive through beautiful Gurung villages and rice paddies. The Himalayan trek starts from a small village, and the route will quickly lead us away from any kind of civilization. It takes us first through dense rhododendron forest and we may encounter some scattered settlements and paddies.
The hills here are covered in thick jungle and boast rich birdlife. At higher elevation where the vegetation thins out, you are likely to encounter the Himalayan Monal. This is Nepal's national bird, and belongs to the pheasant family.
The scenery is as good as it gets, offering close views of Machapucchare (Mount Fishtail) straight north, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu to the East, and the Annapurna massif to the West. Located high above the nearest village and far from any road, opportunities for solitude and silence enroute are plenty.
We camp in selected areas with access to water and enough space for the tents. This is usually a clearing in the forest used by the local herders to graze their cattle, or a meadow on the ridge with 360 degree views of the Himalayas and the foothills. Here you may enjoy a well-deserved shower, followed by sundowners or some relaxing time with a book. Every day culminates with a delicious three course dinner and, if the energy-level allows, tales shared around the campfire.
Though we recommend this as a first time trek, be prepared to be physically challenged. It is a moderately difficult trek with some fairly steep ascends and descends along the trail. Expect to carry your personal pack with what you need while trekking. Our porters will carry everything else. The footing is mostly good, but the trail gets a little steep and exposed in some places.
We will walk between three to seven hours per day, alternating between short and longer days. As the trail ascends quickly on the second day, we soon reach the ridge line which we will be following for most of the trip. During the ascent we trek in the cool shade of the rhododendron trees with opportunities to cool down at each stream we cross. Once we reach the ridge, the forest opens up and we can enjoy the first glimpse of the magnificent view which will only get better as the trek continues.
While the first four days are of short to medium length, prepare for a full day challenging hike on day five, where we reach the maximum altitude of 3750 meters on the trek. While we have been steadily ascending till now, this long day offers both steep descents and ascents through the rocky, barren landscape just below Machhapuchhare Peak (Mount Fishtail).
The last day of the trek is a steep, knee-wobbling descend back down to the valley. We may be able to get glimpses of the glaciers of Machhapuchhare and the Annapurna when we take breaks to rest our legs on the way down. When we finally reach the river our vehicles are not far away, ready to take us back to the hotel in Pokhara.
If you have the time, we recommend extending this trek by a day. An extra day can be spent either with an additional camp en route, or with an additional night at the end in a charming Gurung Village in the valley.
Send us an e-mail or call us with any queries you may have. Alternatively click below on “Plan your adventure” to get started with your once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan journey.
We are ready to help you with any request you may have.
Mountain Travel Nepal
House No : 309
Shree Marga 1,Khursanitar
Kathmandu, Nepal
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