The Rhododendron Forest Trek
The Annapurna Region in central Nepal is the most geographically and culturally diverse region for trekking. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) working along with the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) has declared this region as area of conservation and sustainable development. Stretched over 2600 sq. km., the area boasts of a variety of diverse cultures, tribes and castes as the Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and the Tibetans. This area has sub-tropical lowlands, valleys, bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus and the towering Annapurna Mountains. This area has the world’s deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, lying some 6900-metres/22,563 ft. below some of the world’s largest and most beautiful mountains as Mt. Dhaulagiri (world’s 7th highest), Mt. Annapurna I (world’s 8th highest) & Fishtail (one of the most beautiful). Animals and birds are in abundance in this region. 440 species of birds and animals like the marten, deer, langur and the elusive snow leopard live in this area.
This trek is all about the views. In a short amount of time, you’ll ascend two of the best viewpoints in the lower Annapurna region for views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Himal. The route combines the very popular Ghorepani and Poon Hill trail with an off-the-beaten-path experience taking you up to the amazing Muldai viewpoint. As you’re going off-the-beaten-path, you’ll have one night in a more rustic accommodation in Dobato.
Get ready! During this trek, you find blooming rhododendron forests during April & May, incredible panoramic views, clouds spread under your feet, cozy villages, suspension bridges, rocks, gorges and an unforgettable sunrise at the footstep of Annapurna.
Route Map
Itinerary In Detail
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Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350m/ 4,428 ft.)
Upon arrival in Katmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, meet, assist and transfer to hotel. After welcome refreshments and room check in the hotel, there will be a short briefing and orientation about the trek
Eve: Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner at Authentic Nepali restaurant with culture program.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 02: Drive to Kurintar (308m/ 1,010 ft.) en-route White Water Rafting Trishuli River (3 hrs.)
Am: After breakfast, start 3 hours scenic drive to Kurintar, situated in the bank of Trishuli River. En route stop at Charaudi (raft starting point) where there will be a short briefing followed by some demonstrations related with white water rafting.
Shortly afterwards, commence exciting white water rafting in the Trishuli River for about 3 hours till we reach Kurintar (raft ending point). Initially, we begin with small rapids and soon catch up with bigger ones.
Bid farewell to your rafting crew short walk to River Side Resort for changing and Refreshment. Rest of the day is free to enjoy the surrounding beauty.
Overnight at Riverside Resort in Kurintar.
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Day 03: Drive to Ghandruk village via Pokhara (1,951m/ 6,399 ft.) – 3 hrs
Am: After breakfast, meet the waiting vehicle and start drive to Pokhara – 2 hrs. Upon arrival in Pokhara change the vehicle and drive to Ghandrung (1951m), which is the second-largest Gurung village in Nepal and is a confusing cluster of closely-spaced, slate-roofed houses. 2 hours drive on the blacktopped road and the 2 hours rest will be off-road on 4WD Jeep/s.
Pm: Explore the maze-like streets of this thriving Gurung settlement and enjoy a good mountain view of Annapurna south and fishtail. Rest of the day is free for rest, while enjoying the surrounding beauty.
Dinner & Overnight at Teahouse Lodge.
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Day 04: Trek to Tadapani (2,630m / 8,626ft.) – 6 hours.
After breakfast, trek up to Tadapani (2630m) – a small settlement consisting of about 5-6 Tea Houses with camping grounds set among rhododendron forests with chirping birds and a stream nearby. During the trek look out for some rare birds and pheasants as well as the Langur and Rhesus monkeys. The last forty-five minutes of walking is through a superb forest of giant rhododendrons to reach Tadapani or literally ‘far from the water’, situated at an altitude of 2630 meters.
Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge.
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Day 05: Trek to Dobato (3350m) – 5~6 hours.
After breakfast, start trek to Dobato which situated at an elevation of 3350 meters from sea level and it takes to reach approx 4-5 hours from Tadapani. Here we leave the main trail and begin walking in a more remote area through beautiful rhododendron forest. This off-the-beaten-path trail crosses beautiful Nepali villages and a variety of flora, fauna, and ancient trees. After a short climb and descent into a dell, we climb which continues all the way up to the lodges at Dobato.
Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge.
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Day 06: Trek to Ghorepani (2,926 m / 9,600 ft.) – 6 hours.
Early morning wake an hour before sunrise for an early breakfast, then will walk up to the viewpoint at Muldai, just in time to watch the sun crest from behind the mountains. From the peak, you’ll continue south down a steep trail towards Banthanti, means ‘jungle shelter’ located near a river. There is a further climb to arrive at our lunch spot at Deurali (3180m). After lunch, continue through a dense forest. The trail is a gently undulating one having reached our highest point. After about 1 & ½ hour of trekking through the rhododendron forests along the ridge line, arrive at a clearing to get views of the Annapurna South and the Ghorepani village far down below. Descend for 30 minutes to approach the main gate to Ghorepani with a big signboard welcoming trekkers to this village. It is an interesting walk as we pass through this densely populated village of a different ethnic community of Magars.
Dinner and overnight at teahouse lodge.
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Day 07: Hike to Poon Hill and descent down Ulleri – 6 hours. And Drive to Pokhara – 4 hrs.
Pre-dawn alert and trek up to the Poon Hill (3200m) to view a magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna Range. The views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range are truly magnificent from Poon Hill. Shortly afterwards, return back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast, start trek by going through a subtropical forest and reach the village, Nayathanti (2450m). Continue trek for about one hour to reach Banthanti, from where the forest disappears and seems to be replaced by terraced cultivations that is spread to the village of Ulleri, about thirty minutes away. Upon arrival in Ulleri meet the waiting vehicle and start drive to Pokhara – 4 hrs. Upon arrival, check in hotel at hotel. In the late afternoon, go on a boatride on Lake Phewa (Time permitting).
Eve: Free for most deserved Rest.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 08: Free day in Pokhara.
Today is a free day in Pokhara. Therefore, you are free to relax, walk around the city, do shopping or enjoy the adventure activities.
Pokhara is Nepal’s leading adventure destination as here you can experience the excitement of various adventures: boating, hiking, pony rides, paragliding, bungee, zipline or simply relaxing at one of the several lakes in the valley. Let Pokhara be an amazing highlight of your travel experience in Nepal.
Some of interesting activities are as follows:
- Charter Helicopter flight to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- Ultra-light flight
- Paragliding
- Zip Line
- Bungee Jump
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 09: Fly to Kathmandu and Sightseeing tour.
After breakfast transfer to Pokhara domestic Airport, to board the 25 minute flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City. It includes visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) – an ancient durbar (palace) with its numerous old palaces, temples and pagodas, the Temple of Living Goddess “Kumari”, and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name. In addition also visit the Boudhanath Stupa – an ancient colossal stupa and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world and the Pashupatinath Temple- the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River.
Pm: After lunch drive up to the Swayambhunath Stupa situated atop a hill from where you could get a bird’s eye view of Kathmandu Valley. The Swayambhunath Stupa is also known as the “Monkey Temple”!!
Eve: Group farewell dinner at nice restaurant in Thamel.
Overnight at hotel.
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Day 09: Final departure from Nepal.
Check out from the hotel and meet Himalayan Holidays representative and transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu for final departure.
10 Days From
Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.
+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018
info@asiaticroads.com
Whats Include and Exclude
Services Inclued
- All arrival/departure transfers, drives in a private vehicle with a/c accompanied by an English speaking tour representative/escort from Himalayan Holidays.
- Two night’s stay at hotel (As above) in Kathmandu on twin / double room sharing basis with bed, breakfast and all applicable taxes.
- Two night’s stay at hotel in Pokhara (as above) in Pokhara on triple room sharing basis with bed, breakfast and all applicable taxes.
- One night stay at Riverside Resort (as above) in Kurintar on MAP basis.
- 04 nights / 05 Days “Muldai Peak & Poon Hill Trek ” in the Annapurna region inclusive of all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), accommodation in best available Teahouses/Trekkers Lodges, services of trained, trusted and highly experience trek Guides & Sherpa assistants including a team of strong and reliable porters.
- White Water rafting arrangements in the Trishuli River.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee.
- Trekking Information Management Service (TIMS) fees.
- All meals as listed on the above Itinerary.
Services not Inclued
- International airfares and airport departure taxes.
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, mineral water, telephone calls, laundry, mineral water, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays etc.
- Airfare for sector Pokhara / Kathmandu (Quoted Separately)
- Additional expenses due to illness, hospitalization, travel medicines, loss of valuables, thefts, change of Itinerary, flight and tour cancellation.
- Any kind of insurance.
- Emergency Helicopter Charter for Evacuation.
- Items not specified in the above “Costs include column”
Other Costs (if Applicable)
| Particulars | Cost per person in US Dollars |
|---|---|
Cost Note
Notes:
- Single rooms are available only at hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
- Quoted airfares are subject to change without prior notice.
Accomodations
Accomodation (Hotels envisaged or similar)
| Kathmandu | Kathmandu Marriott, Hotel Shambala, Hotel Manaslu | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurintar | Summit River Lodge | 1 | |
| Pokhara | Fishtail Lodge, Atithi Resort & Spa, White Pearl | 2 | |
| Ghandruk | Ker & Downey Lodge, Teahouse lodge | 1 | |
| Other Stay | Teahouse lodge | 3 |
10 Days From
Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.
+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018
info@asiaticroads.com
10 Days From
Any Question?
Feel free to call our travel experts.
+977 9851189018, +977 9801089018
info@asiaticroads.com
Reviews
In my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.
Steven Stone
TravellerIn my 2 week stay, John was very professional and took me around to experience all that Kathmandu and surrounding areas has to offer. Sites were seen and many locals were met through John’s network.
Steven Stone
Traveller10 Days From
