Annapurna Comfort Trek | Perfect & Wonderful Trek in Nepal

Trip Facts

Trip Duration 12 Days

Trip Difficulty Moderate & Inspiring

Maximum Altitude 2,012 m

Best Season To Visit September - November December - February March - May

Trip Overview

Annapurna Comfort Trek is a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. This itinerary combines a 4-day trek through the Annapurna region with time to discover the medieval city, the lakeside city of Pokhara, and a safari to the wilderness.

The trek is a relatively gentle walk through the low-lying middle hills, that provide wonderful views of snow-capped mountains. The trails pass through rice fields and picturesque villages with the traditional thatched-roof roundhouses, which are quite a rare sight now. Moreover, spend your days adventuring and nights relaxing in comfortable accommodations. While you enjoy soaking views of the Himalayas and the warm hospitality of delightfully charming people.

After the wonderful Annapurna Comfort trek, you will drive back to Pokhara. Once you arrive in the vicinity of Pokhara, you can see the stunning view of snow-capped mountains. The next day, take a short drive to Seti River for a rafting experience, where you will be staying in a comfortable tent. You will take a spectacular drive to Chitwan on the following day for a jungle safari experience. A UNESCO-designed site, Chitwan National Park is popular as the home of the endangered one-horned rhino and the royal Bengal tiger. Asiatic elephants also roam the plains in herds, while gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles bask along the riverbanks. Furthermore, take a Tharu village tour to witness the daily lifestyle and activities of the Tharu community. After spending a couple of days, you will take a flight back to Kathmandu.

If you want to experience one of the best comfort treks, then Annapurna Comfort Treks is the one for you!

(This itinerary is an example. This itinerary designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curate ideas. You can select to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% tailor-made.)

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu airport

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time APT-HTL: Approx. 30 minutes depending on traffic

Accommodation: *Hotel Ambassador or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying a “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Day 02: Cultural Introductory Tour and Trek preparation

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration: 8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

9:00 AM: After breakfast, start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. Experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Local Market Tour

Take a short drive to Ason. Then, start wandering Ason and Indrachowk marketplaces to get a glimpse of traditional Nepalese life. Witness the bustle of the market, see how locals purchase the products, and haggle for a bargain. Whilst walking around, enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere this local market has to offer. Observe firsthand the local produce people from Nepal actually purchase. You will also take in the sights and smells of the market. Your friendly tour guide will explain in full detail all the products and procedures you will see. There are lots of photo opportunities to capture with your camera.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Next, head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess. Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Thereafter, take a short drive towards Boudhanath. From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupa in Nepal, built in the 5^th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. Observe a beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

Witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, visit Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. Witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also, see elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Day 03: Flight Kathmandu – Pokhara – Drive Lumle – Birethati Hike

Altitude above sea level: (1,263 m) Birethathi

Flight duration: 25 minutes approx.

Hike Duration: Lumle- Birethathi; Approx. 4 hours

Driving Duration: PKR-Lumle 1 hour

Accommodation: Sanctuary Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After having a decent breakfast, our representative will transfer you to the airport for a short, spectacular flight to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara take a drive along the Seti River valley to the trek starting point off the road at Lumle.

The path follows through the forest in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas where there are good views of the mountains and of Modi River far below in the valley. The trail passes through Tomijung known as the bee village due to the old-style beehives 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, cross the suspension bridge over the Modi River. Then take a short walk along the jeep track to Sanctuary Lodge, a few miles from Birethanti village.

Day 04: Trek Birethati – Ghandruk village

Altitude above sea level: 2,012 m

Hiking duration: 5-6 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you leave the lodge to start the trek through the scattered small farms. Following the Modi Khola and with a continuous view of Mt. Machhapuchhre ahead, you will ascend the valley towards the mountains. Passing through the rice fields and forest, you will arrive at the Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk early afternoon to a hot lunch that is served on arrival as you enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna Massif. The Himalaya Lodge is a 19th-century Gurung village house with a pleasant reception area, dining room, and open fireplace.

Day 05: Trek Ghandruk – Landruk

Altitude above sea level: 1,565 m

Tour duration: Approx. 4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: La Bee Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, set off the hike to Landruk. Leaving the Ghandruk village, the trek descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River. Crossing the suspension bridge, trek up into the Landruk village appreciating the views of the Annapurna range passing through the cliffs where honey hunters climb up on the ropes to hunt the wild bee honey. Lunch will be ready as you arrive at the lodge. After lunch, you are either resting in your room to rest, enjoying the remarkable views of the mountains or going on a sightseeing tour in the village with your guide.

Day 06: Trek Landruk-Majgaon

Altitude above sea level: 1,400 m

Hike duration: Approx. 4-5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Gurung Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake to a misty morning, with Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre rising magnificently out of the valley. After having a hearty breakfast, start today’s trek following the side of the hill, with small uphill and downhill, passing through hamlets and countryside. You will reach the lodge for lunch, with the option of an afternoon walk to nearby villages.

The lodge consists of tribal-style houses and beautiful gardens on the edge of the village of Majgaun. You can enjoy the views of the mountains from your room itself, relax after the trek or spend your time in the garden.

Day 07: Trek Majgaun – Phedi via Dhampus & Drive to Pokhara

Altitude above sea level: 850 m (Pokhara)

Driving duration: Approx. 1 hr.

Hike duration: Approx. 4 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, start to hike through forests of oak, rhododendron, and silver birch with incredible views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Lamjung. The path soon levels out from here it is downhill to Dhampus (1,554 m) and the Basanta lodge. This lodge, like the Himalaya Lodge, is based on an old Gurung village house, and from its garden, there are superb views of the Fishtail peak and the Annapurna range. Enjoy the delicious lunch at Basanta lodge and then leave for Dhampus. Further, take a descent trail to Phedi passing more villages and terraced fields. Upon reaching Phedi, you take a private vehicle to Pokhara.

After check-in at the hotel, spend your afternoon at leisure. You can experience a tranquil boat trip on the beautiful Phewa Lake. In this lake, you can involve yourself in various activities like boating, sailing, bird watching, etc.

The image of the Fishtail Mountain in the crystal clear and calm water of Phewa Lake is something not to be missed. In the middle of the Lake, you will be landed on the island of the Barahi temple, which is the major attraction of the tour.

Day 08: Drive Pokhara - Damauli

Altitude above sea level: (349 m) Damauli , Seti River (1,834 m)

Driving duration: 1.5 hr approx. (PKR- Damauli)

Rafting Duration: 2-3 hrs. Approx.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After an early breakfast, take a short drive to Damauli. Upon reaching Damauli, meet our highly experienced rafting crew, who will brief us prior to lunch. The Seti River has no road access, so the river and surrounding valley remain pristine. Floating down the river provides you an opportunity to see village life along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds.

There will be a picnic lunch on a sandy beach on the way to the camp. On the way, there are 2 small rapids of no more than grade 2 and are no longer than 165′ / 50 m. The remaining of the trip is very much an afloat experience. Upon arrival, you will be shown to your safari-style tent with beds, changing room and balcony, and attached bathroom. Overnight at Seti River Camp.
After an early breakfast, take a short drive to Damauli. Upon reaching Damauli, meet our highly experienced rafting crew, who will brief us prior to lunch. The Seti River has no road access, so the river and surrounding valley remain pristine. Floating down the river provides you an opportunity to see village life along the banks as well as the abundant variety of birds.

Day 09: Drive Seti River Camp– Chitwan

Altitude above sea level: 415 m

Driving duration: 2-3 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you will be driven to Chitwan. Upon arrival, a welcome drink is served and there will be a short briefing on the program and our facilities, rooms will be assigned.

1:00 PM: Lunch is served at Banyan Café or by the Pool.

3.30 PM: Boat safari (Afternoon) with Sundowner at the confluence point. Floating downstream the Rapti River, towards the western boundary of the park formed by Himalayan Narayani, a boat safari will be arranged for the evening time offering our unique sundowner experience at the confluence point. (Duration approx. 2:00 hours)

6:30 PM: Tharu Cultural dance

Kumal Cultural Dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances

8.00 PM: Dinner at Banyan Café or by the pool.

Day 10: Jungle activities

Accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

6:30 AM- Jeep Safari with Breakfast in the jungle: (Duration – Approx. 3.30- 4.00 hours) Proceed for the Jeep Safari crossing the Rapti River by Patela Boat to start with from Bhimle army check post. There are two choices of routes available, which our naturalists pick upon their experience with current sightings and animal movement.

Route 1: Bhimle post – Sukhibhar post towards Kasara (park headquarter)

Route 2: Bhimle post – Reu River- Surung Khola

Route 3: Bhimle Post – Reu River-towards Khoria Muhan Post

Breakfast will be served in between the safari in a scenic and safe spot chosen by the Naturalist.

(Note: Jeep Safari is prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities from June-September and in some seasons it can prolong till October)

After the Safari, leisure time to relax by the pool or use Spa Facilities till the lunchtime.

1:00 PM-3.00 PM: Lunch at Banyan Café or by the pool

3.00 PM: Walking Safari: A walk inside the National park accompanied by an experienced naturalist and nature guide to explore the wildlife, flora & fauna, and birding.

(Duration – Approx. -2-3 Hours Duration)

Short Village Walk: A visit around the village on foot to experience the daily life of the village people in the company of an experienced communicator to enhance knowledge of the life of the Tharu people

(Duration – approx. -2 Hours)

7.00 PM: Tharu Cultural Dance OR Kumal Cultural Dance: Farmers of the nearby villages will show some of their traditional skills and dances

8.00 PM: Dinner at Banyan café or by the pool.

Day 11: Flight Chitwan – Kathmandu

Driving duration HTL- Bharatpur APT: 50 mins approx. KTM APT-HTL: 30 mins approx.

Flight duration: 25 minutes approx.

Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will transfer to Bharatpur airport for departure to Kathmandu. Check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. You can visit Thamel, a buzzing, visitor-friendly area, Thamel is the city’s main tourist zone with bars and lively eateries serving Nepalese and international dishes.

Day 12: Final Departure

Driving Duration HTL-APT: Approx. 30 minutes depending on traffic

Meals Included: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. Make sure you reach TIA airport on time, as you should check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight. If you wish to stay a few more days, there are still plenty more places to explore around Kathmandu valley.

Price Included

What's Included

All airport transfers and other relevant surface transfer
Guided Sightseeing of Kathmandu with entrance fees.
Internal flight: Kathmandu/Pokhara/Chitwan/Kathmandu
Meals as mention above
3 Nights at Hotel Shangri-La or similar with breakfast
4 Nights at Ker & Downey’s Lodges on full board
1 Night at Temple Tree Resort or similar, with breakfast
2 days rafting on full board; overnight in Seti River camp
2 nights at Barahi Jungle Lodge on full board with activities, park fee, etc.
Duffel Bag
Guide and Porter
Annapurna Conservation fees, TIMS, and National Park fees
Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available)

What's not Included

Additional tours and meals that are not mentioned,
Beverage,
Personal bills,
International airfare
Visa fee: US$ 30 for 15 days and US$ 50 for 30 days and US$125 for 90 days for multiple entries
Insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects), Liability insurance
Tips

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Faqs

Why choose Annapurna Luxury Lodge trek?

Annapurna Region is one of the most visited destinations for trekkers in Nepal, about 2/3 of the trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna region. The area is easily accessible, hotels in the hills are plentiful and treks here offer good scenery of both high mountains and low villages. Along with mountain life, this trek includes rafting in the Seti River and an adventurous tour to Chitwan National Park.

How fit do I need to be for this trek?

You will be walking for minimum of 5 – 7hrs a day, you don’t have to really fit but the minimum level of fitness is required as the trek is not an easy one. You do have to be healthy and mentally prepared for trekking in this region although it doesn’t require mountaineering skills.

What is the best time of the year for this trek?

The trek is possible throughout the year. However, autumn and spring are the best seasons; choose to trek in autumn (Sep-Nov) as spring is busy with expedition stuff.

Why should I trek with Nepal Sanctuary Treks (NST)?

We (NST) believe in socially and environmentally responsible, sustainable tourism. Our personalized services are guided by these principles and our 27 yrs of experience in the field of trekking is invaluable in giving our clients quality service. Our itineraries are suitably designed for acclimatization and we use the best selected lodges through the trail and in Kathmandu.

Can children trek in this region or are there any age restrictions?

Yes, children can trek as there is no age restrictions. Nepal Sanctuary Trek can design suitable trekking itinerary for all age group above 8yrs. However, for children fewer than 8 can have high time trekking for longer period of time and altitude sickness can be a problem.

Do I need travel insurance covered while trekking/traveling in Nepal?

Insurance is a compulsion as anything can happen in the trek; for emergency rescue, personal liabilities, cancellation, loss of luggage and other reasons if necessary.

How much weight do I have to carry or how much will my porter carry?

You can bring as much as clothes you want but extra luggage is not required for the trek, you can leave your extra luggage in Kathmandu or Pokhara’s hotel. For the trek you can carry enough clothes you require in your backpack or carry only the camera, water bottle few clothes etc in your backpack. The potter can carry your extra duffle bag clothes which can weigh up to 15 to 30kg and a camping porter carries up to 30kg. However the local domestic flights allows maximum of 18kg per person.

What medical facilities are there on Annapurna Comfort Trek?

In case of an emergency, you need to get evacuated by helicopter to Kathmandu, you need to take proper care of your health. Anyway, you will find small clinics along the trek. There are major hospitals in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. However, you need to bring your medicine (if any) and a first aid box will be provided by Nepal Sanctuary Treks, also your guide will be trained for first aid in case of emergency.

For further inquiries, you can contact Nepal Sanctuary Treks at: sanctuarytreks@gmail.com or info@nepalsanctuarytreks.com

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Annapurna Trek with Comfort

Trip Facts

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