Central Nepal Village Trekking: 10 Days

You’ll get vistas of the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below as you soar into Kathmandu. After clearing customs, a representative will be there to welcome you outside the airport and help you navigate the initially disorienting tiny, winding streets of Kathmandu to your accommodation.

After you’ve settled in, go exploring in the city. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is an excellent site to start your trip because it is surrounded by tiny stores, historic temples, and neighborhood eateries. Swayambhunath, the white stupa standingabove the valley, is the ideal location to watch the sun set over the valley if you want to get some exercise.

The evening is a nice time to eat, and Thamel, a popular tourist destination, offers a wide selection of eateries serving both Western and regional Nepali cuisine.

Your route today entails a beautiful three-hour drive through the Nepalese foothills. You’ll follow the Trishuli River’s banks as you go, through quaint towns and terraced fields.

A fertile area of agriculture and hilly forests surround the small settlement of Kurintar. You will travel to Summit River Lodge, where you will spend the night, and then take a short 30-minute walk through the charming hamlet and across a bridge. Excellent views of the forest can be found at this charming little resort, which also includes a pool. Pack a swimsuit, please!

Driving time: 3 hours (100 km)

You’ll depart the resort after a late breakfast and travel by land to Bandipur, a historic village close to Gorkha that has spectacular views of the Annapurna range, particularly the eastern high peak, LamjungHimal.

Bandipur was originally the hub for trade between the lowlands and highlands, as well as between British India and autonomous Tibet, thanks to its convenient location between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Bandipur is still a well-liked mountain getaway today. Discover the former splendor of Bandipur, stroll among orange groves, take in the straightforward architecture, and take in the dawn’s pink Himalayan sky.

Driving time: 3 hours

You’ll leave Bandipur after taking in the sunrise and the early morning hours and travel by land to Pokhara, one of the magical sites to see the Phewa Lake and the beauty of Machhapuchhere (6,977 m), rising behind it. You can go to Begnas Lake en route, a lovely location for a quick walk or boat cruise.

We will check into our hotel after we arrive in Pokhara, then go out and enjoy the lakeside before unwinding over dinner.

Valley of Pokhara

The second-largest city in Nepal, Pokhara, is located at an elevation of 827 meters in a serene valley next to Phewa Lake. Many of Nepal’s well-known treks and rafting locations begin here. The valley that surrounds Pokhara is home to dense forests, raging rivers, a clear lake, and the Himalayas, which are famous across the world.

Driving time: 3 hours (79 km)

The first day of your trek is today!

A vehicle will be waiting to transport you from Pokhara to Phedi, where the journey into Pothana starts. Up until you reach the village of Dhampus, the trail ascends through forests of rhododendron, magnolia, oak, sandalwood, and pine. This is a genuine Gurung village from which you may enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna ranges and other noteworthy peaks like LamjungHimal.

The trail from Dhampus continues to climb along a stone-paved path past more mossy trees and woodlands (keep an eye out for orchids). The little settlement of Pothana has a variety of amenities for trekkers, including stores, teahouses, and restaurants. Unwind and savor the breathtaking mountain views.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours (3.5 miles / 5.6 km)

Following breakfast in Pothana, you will proceed on a trek over the ridge to Deurali in the direction of Landruk. You’ll go through welcoming Gurung settlements like Chandrakot, Tolka, and BheriKharka as well as rhododendron forests teaming with unique birds. As you ascend, keep an eye out for a tiny lake and expansive mountain views, particularly of the Annapurna South.

Once you reach Landruk, where you’ll spend the rest of the day, the trail descends through more dispersed trees and communities with traditional dwellings.

Trekking time: 2-3 hours (4.5 miles / 7 km)

With breakfast in Landruk, savor the last of your higher elevation vistas. The trail then begins with a sharp fall for approximately an hour towards the ModiKhola (river), followed by a steep ascent for two to three hours via dispersed settlements to Ghandruk, with stunning Himalaya vistas along the way.

You’ll eventually arrive in Ghandruk, one of the biggest Gurung communities in western Nepal. You’ll have time to take in the scenery and snow-capped mountains including Gangapura, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mount Annapurna after you arrive.

Visit the Annapurna Mountain Conservation Area Project (ACAP) headquarters if time permits. The ACAP is the country of Nepal’s first and biggest protected area. The region has approximately 1,000 species of blooming plants, animals, amphibians, and birds, making it rich in biodiversity. You can get knowledge about initiatives that support local communities and tourist management (including its impact on the environment).

Trekking time: 4-5 hours (2.5 miles / 4 km

Breakfast first thing this morning in Ghandruk, then stroll through sleepy towns and lovely rice fields to Nayapul. When you get there, a private jeep transfer will be ready to drive you back to Pokhara.

Driving time: 1.5 hours
Trekking time: 4-5 hours (5.3 miles / 8.6 km)

You might have time to do some sightseeing, unwind, or visit one of Pokhara’s coffee shops after breakfast. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the domestic airport in time to board your aircraft back to Kathmandu, which departs around 1.5 hours later.

You will be driven to your hotel in Kathmandu where you can spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your own. Take a rickshaw, bicycle, or foot tour of Kathmandu’s streets to look for souvenirs or to see anything you might have missed at the start of your vacation.

In the evening, choose from a selection of Nepali, French, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern dishes in Kathmandu.

It’s time to bid Nepal adieu. Take advantage of your final moments in Kathmandu by eating breakfast in a café, taking one more stroll around the congested streets and temples, and buying one last souvenir. To get you to the airport for your journey back home, a driver will be waiting for you at your hotel. It is ideal to arrive at the airport at least two hours before takeoff.