Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Our adventure begins today as we meet amongst the charming chaos of Kathmandu. We'll bond with our new trekking crew as hop on for a 7-8 hour drive up to Pokhara. This beautiful lakeside settlement is framed by the spectacular Himalayas. We'll check into our hotel tonight ready for a day of trekking tomorrow.
Day 2: Pokhara to Dhampus via Phedi
After an included breakfast this morning - and we'll need all the fuel we can get -we'll drive our van up to Phedi. We'll start our trek from Phedi, where steep stone staircases snake their way up the rhododendron hillsides. We'll start our steep ascent, reaching lower Dhampus in 1 to 2 hours. Gently climbing up to 1,650m, past the terraced fields and small houses and rhododendrons, we'll reach our lodge, admiring the spectacular Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre (fishtail) in the distance. Hungry after our 3 hour trek? Dinner's on us!
Day 3: Dhampus to Australian Camp
Sip your tea this morning with your breakfast as you watch the sun illuminate the mountains ahead. A 4 hour trek today brings us to our lunch stop, which we'll climb up through the beautiful oak forests, reaching Pothana. We'll stop here for a brief recharge before we climb the stone staircases up towards the Australian Camp.Enjoy another magical sunset as it alights the Himalayas this evening from the altitude of 2,165m (!).
Day 4: Australian Camp to Sarangkot
After breakfast in Australian Camp this morning we'll resume our hike through the dense forests, on a slight descent towards Naudanda (Nine hill). After a stop for lunch we'll continue the hike to Sarangkot. The trail here is fairly relaxed, as we ease along a ridge to a dense settlement with the locals. Sarangkot (at 1,600 m) offers spectacular mountain scenery of Mt. Dhaulagri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri and more that we'll check out on our 4-hour trek day. As the night draws in, you can see lights illuminating the beautiful Pokhara Valley below. We've seen plenty of spectacular views, but this might just be the best so far.
Day 5: Sarangkot to Pokhara
After breakfast this morning we'll make our way to the legendary viewpoint at Sarangkot (climbing downhill this time - for approx. 4 hours). Through terraced farms and villages we'll finally reach the summit, offering spectacular Himalayan panoramas that are simply unforgettable. This is what we came for, and it makes the hard work so worth it. After posing for some photos we'll make the hike back to Pokhara. Upon arrival we'll have a free afternoon to chill by the lake and try the local foodie delights.
Day 6: Pokhara to Kathmandu
After a heavenly sleep and breakfast, we'll hop on for a 7-8 hour drive back to Kathmandu. Our trip finishes back where we started. But those mountains, forests and streams will stick with us forever.
