An ideal introduction to trekking in Nepal while staying at high quality Ker and Downey lodges in the Annapurna region.

Our Annapurna Luxury Lodge trek is a superb way of exploring Nepal in style while staying in the comfortable lodges of the Annapurna region; they are at a standard far better than anything else available in the area. The Ker and Downey lodges provide a high level of service with landscaped gardens, comfortable communal areas and bedrooms including hot showers and western toilets.

The trail between lodges takes you through beautiful Nepalese villages with spectacular views of the Annapurna region. This trek is a walk in the low-lying hills fringing Pokhara and is a culturally rich journey through Gurung villages with wonderful mountain views. We trek for six days through the Annapurna foothills with each day having between four and six hours walking.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INFORMATION

During the trek you will stay in Ker and Downey luxury lodges located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. These properties are at a standard far better than anything else available in the area. All rooms have attached bathrooms with running hot water.

Ker & Downey lodges are conveniently placed within a reasonable days walk from each other making this itinerary a good objective for a wide range of people. The lodges are ecologically sympathetic and carefully located for their scenic views.

We have designed a wonderful trek based around these lodges where, not only do you get the superb mountain views of the high Himalayan peaks, but also visit Gurung villages. Along the trail you walk through terraced farmland and old growth forest.

For your convenience, we will provide each trekker with a day pack and duffel (kit) bag as well as a rain poncho, umbrella, trekking pole(s), water bottles, cotton scarf and sun hat. These items will be given to you when you arrive in Pokhara.

At Ker & Downey lodges the following items are available in the rooms: torch/ flashlight, candles, soap, towels and hair dryers. There are also down jackets, wool gloves, hats and slippers.

Day01 Fly to Pokhara (820m) and drive to Lumle ( 1hr drive) and trek to Sanctuary Lodge in Birethanti (1,100m)- 4 hours walking

You will be transferred from the hotel to Kathmandu domestic airport for the flight to Pokhara where, on a clear day, you will get superb views of the Annapurnas from the right hand side of the plane. After landing at Pokhara you will be driven to your trek start point,  Lumle (1,494m)- 1 hour driving and trek to Sanctuary Lodge in Birethanti (1,100m)- 4 hours walking.

The path follows through forest in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas where there are good views of the mountains and of Modi khola far below in the valley. The trail passes through Tomijung known as the bee village due to the old style bee hives attached to the side of the traditional houses. There are terraced fields nearby growing rice and maize as well as a variety of vegetables. Descending from

Tomijung we cross the suspension bridge over Modi river and then it is a short walk along the jeep track to Sanctuary Lodge a few miles from Birethanti village. During the months of April, May and October it will very hot and humid with temperatures often more than 30 Degrees Celsius during this trek. If you prefer cooler weather then it would be best to choose the March, November and December departures. It is important to bring plenty of water, wear a sun hat and frequently apply sun cream.

Day 02 Trek to Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (2,012m)- 5 to 6 hours walking.

After breakfast we walk along the jeep track for 20 minutes before turning off near Shyauli Bazaar to head on smaller local trails uphill away from the road. This trail passes through terraced fields and there are sections through forest of bamboo, rhododendron and oak trees. You will observe daily life in the hills of Nepal as you pass through traditional houses in hamlets and attractive villages such as Tikhyang. After 3 hours you pass through the village of Kimche (1,640m) where we may stop to eat our pack lunch.

There is a further two walk to Ghandruk contouring through terraced fields until we walk along a short section of jeep track then start ascending the stone steps into the village of Ghandruk. This village is a recruitment centre for Gurkha soldiers and has the headquarters of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project known as ACAP, which promotes many varied ecological projects.

Day 03 Trek to Bee Lodge in Lhandruk (1,596m)- 4 hours walking.

After breakfast we follow the trail on stone steps descending steeply down to the suspension bridge over Modi Khola. Before the bridge take a look at the cliffs overhanging the river and this is where the honey hunters of Nepal climb ropes to collect the honey.

After the bridge you ascend the trail passing through terraced fields and several teahouses to reach Lhandruk at an altitude of 1,596m. This village is at lower altitude than Ghandruk located on the opposite side of the valley across from Modi khola river. From Bee Lodge there are good views up valley of Annapurna South and Huinchuli.

You will arrive at Bee Lodge in time for lunch and then in the afternoon you can explore Lhandruk village and also relax at the lodge. After lunch the now familiar timings of tea will be served around 4pm, Happy Hour at 6pm followed by dinner at 7pm.

Day 04 Trek to Gurung Lodge in Majgaun (1,400m)- 4 to 5 hours walking.

Today we start off following the main trail to Pothana however after an hour we turn off onto a smaller path through the forest. The trail contours high above the Modi Khola river and then descends through terraced fields and forest to reach Majgaun village.

Built in the style of a traditional Gurung village, the buildings of the cosy and comfortable Gurung Lodge (a Kerr & Downey lodge at 4,620 ft) sit in extensive gardens on the edge of the village of Majgaun. The jaw-dropping views of the surrounding valley and mountains, in particular Annapurna South and Annapurna One, are incomparable.

The lodge has 10 simply appointed en suite rooms housed in tribal style houses, each with antique carved windows. There is also a centrally located dining area and bar with a large open fireplace around which guests congregate. Walks in the surrounding countryside provide superb photographic opportunities, and fascinating visits to local Gurung village houses may be arranged.

Day 05 Trek to Basanta Lodge in Dhampus (1,554m) for lunch then walk out to roadhead at Khare Khola for the drive back to Pokhara.- 5 hours walking and 45 minutes driving.

After breakfast we start the walk through forests of oak, rhododendron and silver birch with lovely views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Lamjung. The path soon levels out and joins the main trail near the lodges at Pothana. We descend through forest to Dhampus and the Basanta lodge where we have lunch.

Basanta Lodge, like the Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk, is a traditional Gurung village house and from its garden there are superb views of the Fishtail peak and the Annapurna range. After lunch at Basanta lodge and we leave Dhampus and descend to the Pokhara valley passing more villages and terraced fields. We meet the vehicle at Khare Khola for the short drive to Pokhara