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• 1
  Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m) O/N HOTEL  (D)

  On arrival in Kathmandu Airport, clear custom and apply Nepal Visa (if required, USD25 + passport photo). Meet our company representative with placard displaying your name and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. If there is enough time in the afternoon, you can explore Thamel or surrounding sites. Evening welcome dinner.

• 2
  Cultural Sightseeing around Kathmandu city & Trekking preparation (B)

  Today you will have a morning guided tour of two world heritage monuments, namely Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Boudhanath is one of the most popular and biggest Buddhist stupas in the world, a magnet for Tibetan Buddhism. Not far away you will visit one of the most holy and venerated Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. The golden-roofed pagoda-style temple hosts numerous monuments, cremation site, a deer and monkey park and a eastern classical music center.   

  Optional Trip: Mountain Flight in the morning which start form 6:40 to till 7:40. The flight offers you a bird's eye view of magnificent landscape and Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest

• 3
  Kathmandu-Pokhara (850m) O/N Hotel (BLD)

  We leave for Pokhara after morning breakfast. You can either drive for  6-7  hours to Pokhara or take a 30  min scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. On arrival at Pokhara, meet with our guide and transfer to hotel. Day is free at leisure to explore Pokhara on your own

  Optional (Rafting) Trip to Pokhara: 3 hrs drives to Charaundi, the put-in point for Rafting on Trishuli River that ends at Kuringhat, then continue drive to Pokhara. Rafting cost extra 40 US$ per person.

• 4
  Drive from Pokhara to Galeshor (921m, 5-6 hrs) - Trek to Banskharka (1526m, 3-4 hrs) O/N in Home Stay (BLD)

  Drive 5-6 hours early in the morning from Pokhara to Galeshor. Trek begins from Galeshor through beautiful ethnic Magar village, orange farms and streams until you reach Banskharka. Banskharka is famous for its local honey and individual home stay facility along with a large community hall for collective dining for trekkers. Despite few modern amenities, free WiFi is available in this village powered by solar panels. 

• 5
  Banskharka - Nangi (2330m, 6-7 hrs) O/N in Community Lodge (BLD)

  Today you will experience the first glimpses of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks. The beginning section of the trail goes through solitary forest that is abuzz with wildlife activity. There are no teahouses along the way however there is a locally run community dining hall in Danda Kateri where you will have your lunch. On a clear day, Dhaualgiri range is visible from the Danda Kateri. After lunch follow the straight trail to Nangi village that offers stunning views of south face of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri. The ethnic Magar communities of Nangi Village engage in many cottage industries such as local handicraft, lokta paper, fish farms and mushroom farming. In the evening you can enjoy sumptuous dinner at Nangi Community Lodge.  Solar powered free Wifi and hot shower are available here.

• 6
  Nangi - Mohare (3360m, 7-8 hrs ) O/N in Community Lodge (BLD)

  The trekking trail from Nangi to Mohare is one of the most challenging and rewarding section of this trek. The trail is an uphill journey through the dense forests of oak, rhododendron and spruce until you reach Hampal Danda at 3098m. At this altitude Hampal offers a magnificent panorama of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges leaving you with more to expect.  Another 3 hrs of almost steady walk passing through Jaljala will reach you Mohare Danda.  

  Mohare Dande / Ridge stands above a deep gorge and valley offering you an exclusive view of  Dhaulagiri I-V, Gurja peak, Nilgiri south, Baraha Shikhar, Annapurna I-IV, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Peak 29, Himalchuli, Gorkha Himal, Bouddha Himal and Ganesh Himal. Mohare is also a perfect place for sunrise and sunset views. Within its vicinity lies a lush forest inhabited by such wild animals as deer, leopard and fox. Enjoy your dinner at Mohare Danda Community Lodge where you can access Wifi.

• 7
  Mohare to Dandakharka (2820m, 3-4 hrs ) Afternoon rest and O/N in Community Lodge (BLD)

  Mohare is often dubbed as an alternative to the popular viewpoint Poonhill. So you will rise up early this morning to watch beautiful sunrise and impressive snowcapped peaks, namely Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri I & II, Machhapuchhare and Nilgiri. Afterwards you can begin your trek towards Dandakharka which is mostly a downhill trail via Fulbari. This is a short leisurely walk passing through a quiet stretch of forest full of blooming rhododendrons (especially during Spring season). 

  Dandakharka is bang on in the middle of rhododendron and pine forests surrounded by green hills with Himalayan peaks on the horizon. You will lodge at Dandakharka Community Lodge which has wifi access. Much of the afternoon is free for rest and relaxation. Alternatively you can visit a buffalo farm and the temple of Pyari Baraha or simply hike to the forest nearby. 

• 8
  Dandakharka to Tikot village (2250m, 6-7 hrs ) O/N in Community Lodge (BLD)

  The trail from Dandakharka to Tikot descends by almost 600m. You will be approaching nearer to the Annapurna massif with more spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. Tikot is by far the largest village settled by ethnic Magar community. Proudly perched on a prominent ridge, the village overlooks the Kali Gandaki river and offers majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri. Get a shared dining experience at Tilkot Community Lodge managed by local Magar community. 

• 9
  Tikot village to Khibang village (2060m, 5-6 hrs ) O/N in Community Lodge (BLD)

  After sumptuous breakfast prepared by the Tikot community, get ready to resume your trek. Our destination today is Khibang village, located about 5 hrs trekking distance from Tikot. The trail goes through rhododendron and pine forest which is looked after by the surrounding community. Khibang village is a typical Nepali village populated by Magar community. Majority of the community members are engaged in farming. In fact the community managed Tea Farm is a site worth visiting so is the temple of Barah Ko dedicated to forest god. Moreover the village directly affords striking panorama of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks. 

• 10
  Khibang to Swanta village (2270m, 5-6 hrs ) O/N in Local Lodge (BLD)

  Once you leave Khibang, the trail gradually descends often crossing through streams and slate roof settlements. The beauty of Swanta village is visible even from a distance with a splendid backdrop of Annapurna South. Once you reach Swanta, hot shower, delicious food and laid back relaxation awaits you. There are about 50 houses in Swanta, almost all inhabited by Magars. A striking panorama of Dhaulagiri, Gurja, Tukuche and Chuchura peaks are visible within the closest distance. You will be spending overnight at local lodge. 

• 11
  Swanta - Chistibang (3026m, 4~5 hrs) O/N Community Lodge (BLD)

  The trail from Swanta village to Chistibang (also called Dhankharka), initially levels with some downhill section, however steeply climbs to Chistibang on the final stretch. A locally operated Dhankharka Community Lodge has been recently built to cater to trekkers in the area. Your time in Chistibang will be crucial to acclimatize to the altitude and weather.  

   

• 12
  Chistibang Khopra Danda / Khopra Ridge (3660m, 4~5 hrs) O/N Community Lodge (BLD)

  The track ahead of Chistibang is a steady ascent through alpine meadows and pastures till you reach the isolated yak pasture known as Khopra Danda. Located above tree-line, Khopra Ridge is an excellent viewpoint and hosts Khopra Danda Community Lodge. After lunch and some rest at the lodge, you can go for a short walk down to lower part of Khopra. Khopra Ridge offers breathtakingly close-up panorama of Mt Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna South as well as the world's deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki down below.

• 13
  Day hiking to Khayer Lake (4620m, 10~11 hrs) O/N Community Lodge (BLD)

  Get up early and have warm breakfast. Today you will be hiking up to Khayer Lake at 4620m. Since there are no teahouses along the way and around Khayer Lake, you will have to carry a lunch pack. The trek runs below the Khopra ridge and across nearby cliffs with stunning views of Himalayan mountains. The Khayer Lake itself remains ensconced deep into a hill just below the summit of Annapurna South. Spread in an area of approximately 2 sq.km. the Khayer Lake is also named as Khayer Barahini after Goddess Barahini. It takes about 10/11 hrs to visit Khayer Lake and return. 

  Note: The trek is particularly suitable for adventure seeker who loves trekking in high altitude. So we recommend this trek as an optional trip. Those who do not want to take this adventure trip can shorten their itinerary by continuing their trek to Paudwar on this day. 

• 14
  Khopra Danda Paudwar (2000m, 4-5 hrs) O/N Local Lodge / home stay (BLD)

  From Khopra Danda, the trek is entirely downhill all the way to Paudwar. Paudwar is a densely settled Magar village that also has a community operated cheese factory and local honey facility. You will have plenty of time to take a village tour, taste the cheese and honey and interact with locals. You can choose either a home stay or local lodge for overnight (subject to availability).

• 15
  Paudwar - Tatopani  (1185m, 4-5 hrs) O/N Local Lodge (BLD)

  Paudwar to Tatopani is a downhill walk through unpaved road. Tatopani has a famous natural hot spring where you can relax and heal yourself. 

• 16
  Drive from Tatopani to Pokhara - 5/6 hrs O/N Hotel (BLD)

  After enjoying your breakfast, drive from Tatopani to Pokhara. Rest of day is free at leisure in Pokhara.

• 17
  Drive back to KTM

  Drive back to KTM  - Alternatively you can drive to Lumbini or Chitwan National Park for Jungle safari (BL) 

• 18
  Sight Seeing Bhaktapur (B)
• 19
  Fly back home

  Final time for shopping or exploring Kathmandu. You will realize there is much more to do in Nepal. If you have specific requests to see things not included, wish to contact professional peers in an informal setting, or pursue other ventures, let us know and we can easily add extra days to this itinerary to meet your needs. Late morning transfer to the airport for your onward flight or continuing on with other explorations in Nepal.