Keep Walking Nepal’s best of Annapurna and Everest is a lodge-based trek in the Everest and Annapurna region. The trek combines 2 of the best trek in Nepal; the Poon Hill Trek and the Ama Dablam Trek. some of the best scenery in Nepal with accommodation in comfortable family run trekkers’ lodges along the way.

You traverse through charming villages, dense rhododendron forests full of birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, all set below the Annapurna range with the picturesque fluted peak of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Peak) dominating the skyline on the Poon Hill Trek. The highlight of this trek is the climb up to Poon Hill at dawn. As the sun touches the snow-capped summits of the Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m) a maze of other peaks slowly begin to appear, like magic, before your eyes. It is an easy to moderate trek and everyone can walk each day at an easy pace. The maximum altitude reached is 3,150m at Poon Hill.

The next leg of our Best of Annapurna & Everest program will take you to Chitwan National Park. Chitwan means ‘heart of the jungle’ and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. It is renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife and conservation efforts. The program at Chitwan entails an elephant safari or a jeep jungle safari, nature walk, canoe ride, bird watching, and an introduction of the indigenous Tharu people. After 2 nights, you return to Kathmandu for the next adventure; Ama Dablam Trek (4600m).

Experience the best of Nepal while traversing the Best of Annapurna & Everest region treks.

Next, you will fly to Lukla; the gateway to the Khumbu region and the base for numerous Everest Treks. The journey provides an invaluable insight in the culture and traditions as you meander through the heart land of the Sherpa people. Plus, you get closer to the world’s highest mountains including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, and many other peaks. Ama Dablam Base Camp offers a breathtaking 360-degree mountain panoramic view.

Keep Walking Nepal would be pleased to take you on our Best of Annapurna and Everest experience. Join us along on this amazing adventure and we will introduce you to our country and way of life while you travel as part of my extended family.

Trip Grade - Moderate

Trip Summary

• Day 1 :Arrive at Kathmandu
• Day 2 :Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min), drive to Kande (1 hr; 30 km) and trek to Australian Camp (2 hrs; 2060 m)
• Day 3 :Trek from Australian Camp to Landruk (5 hrs; 1640 m)
• Day 4 :Trek from Landruk to Ghandruk (4-5 hrs; 2050 m)
• Day 5 :Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (4 hrs; 2650 m)
• Day 6 :Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani (2850 m; 5-6 hrs)
• Day 7 :Sunrise view at Poon hill (3,210; 45m) followed by the descent to Ulleri (1,960m; 4-5 hrs)
• Day 8 :End of Trek: Drive back to Pokhara (40km; 3 hrs)
• Day 9 :Drive to Chitwan (151km; 4 -5 hrs)
• Day 10 :Full day wildlife activities in Chitwan
• Day 11 :Late morning flight to Kathmandu (25 min). Preparation for Ama Dablam Trek at the evening.
• Day 12 :Fly to Lukla (2,820 m; 30 min) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m; 4 hrs)
• Day 13 :Trek to Monjo (2,900m; 3 hrs)
• Day 14 :Trek to Namche (3,440m; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 15 :Acclimatization day (Optional hike to Everest view hotel)
• Day 16 :Trek to Debuche (3,820m; 6-7 hrs)
• Day 17 :Trek to Mingbo (4,530m; 3-4 hrs)
• Day 18 :Explore Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,800m); back track to Pangboche (3-4 hrs)
• Day 19 :Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680m; 4-5 hrs)
• Day 20 :Trek to Khumjung (3,790m; 4-5 5 hrs)
• Day 21 :Trek to Benkar (2,800m; 5-6 hrs)
• Day 22 :Trek to Lukla (2,840m; 4-5 hrs)
• Day 23 :Fly to Kathmandu (30 min). Rest of day at leisure.
• Day 24 :Guided tour in Kathmandu - cultural and historical highlights
• Day 25 :End of trip: Departure

Daily Movements

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu

Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu International Airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending upon what time you arrive, you can enjoy a full day at leisure. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner with Keep Walking Nepal family.

Look out for the KEEP WALKING NEPAL board behind the railing once you exit the airport terminal.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (D)

 

Day 2: Day 2: Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 min), drive to Kande (1 hr; 30 km) and trek to Australian Camp (2 hrs; 2060 m)

You will leave Kathmandu for Pokhara on an early morning flight with close-up views of Annapurna and other mountains.

From Pokhara you will drive to Kande, get some lunch and then hike to Australian Camp. The hike is rewarding as you traverse pass through paddy fields, forest, and suspension bridge with views of the Annapurna Massif and Machhapuchhre in the distant.

Overnight at a local lodge in Australian Camp (B,L,D)

 

Day 3: Trek from Australian Camp to Landruk (5 hrs; 1640 m)

After a stunning mountain sunrise looking at Annapurna South and Macchapuchare, you will follow the trails ascending towards Potana with occasional descends through the forest and small village settlements.

You will pass the village of Tolka and Beri Kharka superb views of the Annapurna South. The trail  then descends through scattered forests and villages to the Gurung village of Landrunk.

Overnight at a local lodge in Landruk (B,L,D)

 

Day 4: Trek from Landruk to Ghandruk (4-5 hrs; 2050 m)

The village of Gandruk is visible just across the valley from Landruk.

Then, the trail begins with a steep descent towards the Modi Khola (river) for about an hour, followed by a steep ascent of 2-3 hours through scattered villages to Ghandruk, with great views of the Himalaya en route.

Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung settlements in western Nepal with great views of Gangapura, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna.

Overnight at a local lodge in Ghandruk (B,L,D)

 

Day 5: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani (4 hrs; 2650 m)

In the morning you can visit the local medical clinic and museum.

The trail is mainly stone stairway until the exit of Ghandruk followed by a mix of stone stairs and forest trail until a bridge. After the bridge, the trail ascends on a steep stone stairs to Bhaisi Kharka (buffalo pasture) and then an easy forest trail till Tadapani.

Overnight at a local lodge in Tadapani (B,L,D)

 

Day 6: Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani (2850 m; 5-6 hrs)

After breakfast, you will start descending down the forest to a river crossing across a wooden bridge. Descending further, you will arrive at Banthahti village, from where the trail gradually ascends through a dense forest to Deurali viewpoint. After Deurali, the trail ascends further north to Thinga Thapla viewpoint, a.k.a Gurung Hill, (3,165m), the highest point of the day. This is actually the best view as the snowcapped range of Annapurna appears than Poon Hill.

After a quick descent, you arrive at the village of Ghorepani.

Overnight at a local lodge in Ghorepani (B,L,D)

 

Day 7: Sunrise view at Poon hill (3,210; 45m) followed by the descent to Ulleri (1,960m; 4-5 hrs)

For the highlight of our Poon Hill trek, you will start early in the morning for a 45m to climb to Poon Hill. The morning gruel is usually rewarded by a spectacular sunrise over the mountains; the rising sun over the snow-clad Annapurna massif, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre and Himchuli is truly a sight to behold.

After spending some time on the mountain top, you will descent to the village of Ulleri.

Overnight at a local lodge in Ulleri (B,L,D)

 

Day 8: End of Trek: Drive back to Pokhara (40km; 3 hrs)

You will drive back to Pokhara on a dirt road passing through Tikhedhunga and Nayapul, from whence you will meet the Beni Baglung highway to Pokhara.

At Pokhara, the rest of the day is at leisure. You can explore one of the many local cafes, souvenir shops or just relax at your hotel.

Overnight at a lakeside hotel in Pokhara (B)

 

Day 9: Drive to Chitwan (151km; 4 -5 hrs)

Today, you will drive to Chitwan.

You will follow the main highway out of Pokhara, along the meandering yet beautiful Seti river, till Damauli. From here, sports adventure enthusiasts tend to take a different approach to Chitwan; a 2-day rafting adventure on the Seti and Trishuli river to Gaighat.

You will continue on the Prithivi Highway (named after the great Gorkha king who unified Nepal) to Mugling while following the Marshyandi river, another tributary of the Narayani river, at Dumre. The Marshyandi river originates just north of the Annapurna Massif near Manang, and is a force to reckon while on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

From  Mugling, you will follow the Trishuli, which has absorbed the harsh Marshyandi, and now looks almost peaceful. The scenic drive through mountain gorges and valleys, small settlements and thick forest is beautiful. From Narayanghat, the gateway to Terai, you will drive to Sauraha.

Once at your resort, you will have the rest of the day at leisure but you can also ethnic Tharu community. It’s a great learning experience about the lifestyle of the indigenous community. In the evening, there will either be a Tharu cultural dance presentation in the local village or a slideshow presentation about the wildlife and next day activities.

Overnight at Chitwan Resort (B,L,D)

 

Day 10: Full day wildlife activities in Chitwan

After an early breakfast, you will embark on a canoe ride on the Rapti River. The early morning river is excellent for bird watching. You will also see the 2 rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish eating Gharial.

On the way back you will walk through the jungle to the elephant bathing ponds.

After lunch, you will drive through the forest. The conservation efforts has proven to be a safe haven for deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, monkey, leopard, sloth bear and many more animals. With some luck you might even the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Overnight at Chitwan (B,L,D)

 

Day 11: Late morning flight to Kathmandu (25 min). Preparation for Ama Dablam Trek at the evening.

After your idyllic stay at Sauraha, you will fly back to Kathmandu late in the morning. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

In the evening, your trek guide will brief you about your Ama Dablam base camp trek, and help you prepare for it.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (B)

 

Day 12: Fly to Lukla (2,820 m; 30 min) and trek to Phakding (2,610 m; 4 hrs)

You will drive to Kathmandu Domestic airport for an adventurous early morning 40m flight to Lukla’s Tenzing Hillary Airport (2,800m). The flight is an adventure in itself.  In clear weather, one is rewarded with the first glimpse of Everest.

At Lukla, you meet the rest of your crew. The porters will take your duffel bag and will meet you at the lodge (this will continue throughout the trek).

Once out of Lukla, you will descend past small fields and cozy little wooden houses with vegetable gardens; all with a picturesque mountain backdrop. Along the way, you might encounter some pack animals as they are the only means of goods transportation up and down the mountain.

Along the way, in clear weather, one can catch views of the ice-covered 6000m high Kusum Kanguru. The trail is marked by impressive black mani stones painted with Tibetan inscriptions and a large stupa which indicates our destination for the day, Phakding, is nearby.

Overnight at guesthouse in Phakding (B, L, D)

 

Day 13: Trek to Monjo (2,900m; 3 hrs)

After breakfast, you will continue on the trail. It is a relatively short day as you cross suspension bridges over raging streams, past small hamlets and fields. Though the trail isn’t difficult, it is undulating – what we call the Nepali flat.

You will reach Monjo for lunch and the rest of the day is at leisure. You can visit the local school, visit the local snooker house for some beer or just call it a day.

Overnight at guesthouse in Monjo (B, L, D)

 

Day 14: Trek to Namche (3,440m; 6-7 hrs)

Shortly after Monjo, you will arrive at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike is beautiful with beautiful pine forests, raging rivers, and mountains in the backdrop. Another hour and we cross the milky river (Dudh Koshi) – over an iconic suspension bridge hanging a 100m above the river bed.

Once across the bridge, you will definitely feel the mountain as you climb the steep uphill to Namche. The trail is frequented by porters carrying humongous loads and trains of pack animals.  In clear weather, Everest is also visible.

After the 600m vertical ascent in about 4 – 5 hours, you will arrive at Namche, the Sherpa capital of Khumbu.

Overnight at guesthouse in Namche (B,L,D)

 

Day 15: Acclimatization day (Optional hike to Everest view hotel)

An important rule for a successful trek is successful acclimatization. Following the mantra, you will spend a second night in Namche but visit higher grounds to adapt our body.

We suggest an hike early morning hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) and enjoy a breathtaking 360 panorama of Everest, Taboche, Thamserku, Kongde Ri and Ama Dablam.

Overnight at guesthouse in Namche (B,L,D)

 

Day 16: Trek to Debuche (3,820m; 6-7 hrs)

Leaving behind the bustling town of Namche, you will head east high above the raging Dudh Koshi river.

You will climb over open slopes, a few houses and sparse pine forest and then descend to the river again at Phunki Tenga to cross the Imja Khola. The trail now sharply ascends through mixed pine and juniper forest to Tengboche.

Tengboche monastery, largest in Khumbu, was completely destroyed by fire some decades ago but has been completely restored thanks to donations, especially from abroad. The double top view of Kongde Ri with the monastery in the front is picture-perfect. The monastery houses art, a large Buddha statue and musical instruments and robes of the Lama.

After a short rest, you will descend through Himalayan Birch, pine & juniper forest to the Deboche, your stop for the night.

Overnight at guesthouse in Debuche (B,L,D)

 

Day 17: Trek to Mingbo (4,530m; 3-4 hrs)

After breakfast, you will continue on the trail towards Imja Khola which you will cross on a suspension bridge. On the other side, the view of Ama Dablam twin towering requires a moment to admire.

You continue to ascend towards Pangboche past mani stones inscribed with mantras, and after a short tea break leave the main trail in favor of isolated trails. The trail descends gently towards Imja Khola which you cross on a suspension bridge and climb for about 2 hours or so.

Just across the river you will hike through the forest that lead above the tree line to summer yak pastures and contour around the ridge lines of Kantega. Further ahead is the small settlement of Mingbo.

Mingbo sits high above the valley floor. At this altitude, with the clear air, and you can look across at the highest peaks, at their level, and only a few kilometers distant.

Overnight at a local lodge in Mingbo (B,L,D)

 

Day 18: Explore Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,800m); back track to Pangboche (3-4 hrs)

Today you will hike up the ridge high in a sheltered valley. You may see climbing expeditions on our arrival in the base camp as Ama Dablam is one of the world’s most beautiful mountains. It means “Mother’s necklace”; the long ridges on each side like the arms of a mother (Ama) protecting her child, and the hanging glacier thought of as the dablam, the traditional double-pendant containing pictures of the gods, worn by Sherpa women.

You will have lunch at the Base camp and retrace your steps back to Pangboche.

Overnight at Pangboche (B,L,D)

 

Day 19: Trek to Phortse Thanga (3,680m; 4-5 hrs)

You’ll start with a climb past the monastery in Upper Pangboche and then trek one of the most spectacular trails in all of the Everest region. It is the high trail to the less often visited village of Phortse (3810m) which is home to many Everest climbers.

The trail follows the side of the hill and climbs up and down often making steep ascents and descents on stone staircases some of which are quite steep. As you skirt the hill you can see the lodges of Deboche which you had passed a fews days ago. This trail has brilliant views of Ama Dablam, Melangphulang, Kangtega, and Thamserku and to the north Everest and Lhotse as well.

The trail finally climbs to a small chorten from where the village of Phortse Thanga lies below. Keep an eye out as you pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly colored pheasant, the Daphne Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal.

Phortse Thanga village is a maze of small walled lanes. It is one of the oldest villages in the Khumbu region. You can visit the Phortse Gompa at the top of the village.

Overnight at Phortse Thanga (B,L,D)

 

Day 20: Trek to Khumjung (3,790m; 4-5 5 hrs)

Initially, you follow the trail that drops sharply to the banks of the Dudh Koshi river. On the other side is the small settlement of Phungi Thenga. The trail then ascends to Mong La (4,000 m). The trail is frequented by trekkers either going to or returning from Gokyo.

After a scrumptious lunch at Mong la, with excellent views of Aama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Khangkaru, Kongde Ri and Tawache peak to keep you company, you will descend to Khumjung village, the largest settlement in the Khumbu region.

The only high school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 is definitely worth a visit. Also, don’t miss the mysterious Khumjung monastery where a Yeti scalp and skull are said to be “preserved”.

Overnight at Khumjung (B,L,D)

 

Day 21: Trek to Benkar (2,800m; 5-6 hrs)

You will hike to the small settlement of Kyangjuma, which you had passed a few days ago on the way out of Namche and retrace your steps to the quaint little settlement at Benkar.

The decrease in elevation from Khumjung to Benkar is almost a 1,000m, but it isn’t all descends. Just out of Namche, you will have the famed “Nepali Flats” all to yourself till Benkar. You shouldn’t rush as it can be hard on the knees; we suggest you pace yourself and don’t be intimated by the scampering footsteps of children’s and grannies.

Overnight at Benkar (B,L,D)

 

Day 22: Trek to Lukla (2,840m; 4-5 hrs)

Backtracking to Lukla on the famous ‘Nepali Flats’, your journey in the homeland of the Sherpas will have come to an end. Alas, its your last day with your crew of Sherpas and porters, and rightfully calls for a celebration.

Overnight at Lukla (B,L,D)

 

 

Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu (30 min). Rest of day at leisure.

Bidding farewell to your crew, you will fly back to Kathmandu, where Keep Walking Nepal’s diligent staff will be waiting for you.

The rest of the day is at leisure. We recommend a  quick shower and a visit to the laundromat.

Overnight at Kathmandu (B)

 

Day 24: Guided tour in Kathmandu - cultural and historical highlights

After breakfast you will get to experience 2 important sanctuaries in the Kathmandu Valley: Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupati is the most important Hindu site in Nepal. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the fierce god appears there in his benevolent aspect of Pashupati. A holy place often compared to Varanasi (in India), the last rites of Hindus are carried out on the banks of Bagmati river.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath is the largest Stupa in Asia. In the bygone days caravans after crossing the Himalayas arrived at the Stupa to thank lord Buddha when the trip went well. The eyes of the Buddha painted at the four cardinal points cast an observant gaze on men and their actions.

In the evening, we welcome you to join Keep Walking Nepal’s extended family for dinner celebrating your visit to Nepal.

Overnight at Hotel Tibet (B, D)

 

Day 25: End of trip: Departure

A KWN representative will accompany you to the Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight back home.

(B)

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