Annapurna to Chitwan: Walks & Wildlife
Annapurna to Chitwan: Walks & Wildlife
Annapurna to Chitwan: Walks & Wildlife
13 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu
Visiting: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Ghandruk, Landruk, majgaon, Dhampus, Tashiling Tibetan settlement, Chitawan, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TNH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
One trip, two of the great adventure experiences in Nepal: walking in the Annapurna foothills and wildlife watching in Chitwan. The trekking portion of our adventure is the ideal introduction to walking in the Himalaya, staying at low altitude with spectacular views throughout. After, we experience another side of Nepal by going in search of roaming wildlife at Chitwan National Park. With the help of an expert naturalist, we explore the home of the one-horned rhino, while also spotting birds, crocodiles, boars and deer.
Why trek with Exodus?
More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal
Exodus annually commissions independent air-safety audits on domestic carriers in Nepal and only use those approved as part of the audit
Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid
All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage
Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselves
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
The tour starts at the Hotel Ambassador in Kathmandu. If you have free time after arrival, you may want to relax into the adventure with a drink at the rooftop bar, enjoying 360-degree views from the sun terrace over Kathmandu valley.
There is a full trip briefing this evening with your tour leader, in which we gather as a group for the first time and get to know each other a little.
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador (or similar)
Day 2 : Fly To Pokhara; Walk Through Farmland And Forest To The Modi River Valley
Location: Pokhara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a 30-minute flight to Pokhara this morning, bypassing a long, bumpy, drive and maximising our time in the Himalaya. On a clear day, we get magnificent views of those same mountains from the right side of the plane.
From the airport, we first head to the hotel in Pokhara to collect our trek packs and meet the guide for the trek briefing. After, leaving any luggage you don’t wish to take on trek at the Pokhara hotel, we take a short transfer to our trek start point: the village of Nayapul.
We begin by following a ridgeline in the lower Annapurna foothills with views of the Pokhara Valley. The route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Sanctuary Lodge is located. The property has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain (or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known).
Lunch is in the lodge; in the afternoon, we can either relax in the wonderful garden or join the tour leader on a bird-watching walk to Birethanti village.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Lodge (3,363ft/1,025m)
Day 3 : Picturesque Trek Through Villages, Rice Fields And Forests To Ghandruk
Location: Ghandruk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave the lodge after breakfast to start today’s trek through small farms. Following the Modi River, and with constant views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare ahead, we soon climb the valley towards the mountains.
Today is quite a long climb up stone steps, passing through rice fields and forest, but we take plenty of stops and have lunch en route. In the afternoon, we arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk. Enjoy tea and snacks on arrival, plus spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare.
Accommodation: Himalaya Lodge (6,601ft/2,012m)
Day 4 : Descend To Cross The River By Suspension Bridge, Then Climb To Landruk
Location: Landruk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Although we can see our next destination Landruk village across the valley, we must descend steeply to the river and climb up the other side to get there. Crossing the suspension bridge, trek up a stone staircase to Landruk, enjoying views of the Annapurna range and passing under the cliffs where honey hunters climb ropes to harvest wild bee honey.
Lunch is ready as we arrive at our lodge. After, rest and enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli or go on a sightseeing tour in the village with your guide.
Accommodation: La Bee Lodge (5,135ft/1,565m)
Day 5 : Gentle Walk To Majgaon; Afternoon Free To Relax In The Garden Or Explore The Village
Location: majgaon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It’s an easier walk today on a wide trail with no steep ups or downs, passing through village and farmlands with views of the Annapurnas behind. Today is a great day for bird watching in the forests above us. We arrive at the lodge by lunchtime; in the afternoon, enjoy mountain views from your room or spend time in the wonderful garden with views of Annapurna South. There is also the option of a guided walk to Thanchok, a traditional Gurung village home to many blacksmith families. Occasionally, if Gurung Lodge is full, we walk on for another 20 minutes to the equally wonderful Mala Lodge in Tomijun village.
Accommodation: Gurung/Mala Lodge (4,593ft/1,400m)
Day 6 : Trek Through Sub-Tropical Forests To Dhampus, With Spectacular Views Of The Entire Annapurna Range
Location: Dhampus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a spectacular sunrise on Annapurna South, walk along a wide forest track ascending gradually for a couple of hours. A short section on a forest trail brings us to the main trail at Potana. Half an hour further on, we come to Australia Camp, a collection of lodges with panoramic views of Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. We can stop here for a tea break before descending the ridge to Dhampus. Enjoy a hot lunch at the lodge, after which you can take a short walk into Dhampus village. The sunset and sunrise from the lodge garden are not to be missed – we can see all the way to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Annapurnas 4 and 2, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu.
Accommodation: Dhampus/Basanta Lodge (5,003ft/1,525m)
Day 7 : Short Descent Through Wooded Hillside To Our Trek Endpoint; Transfer To Pokhara; Free Afternoon
Location: Pokhara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart along the ridge after breakfast and descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland. After 90 minutes to two hours, we reach the valley floor: the end of our hiking adventure in the Annapurna foothills.
We transfer (one hour) to Pokhara, a lakeside city that’s become a hub for adventurers tackling the Annapurna trails. Having just completed a multi-day hike, the afternoon is free for you to relax. You may want to chill by the hotel or wander along the lakeside browsing the shops. Alternatively, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Your tour leader will brief you on the various options available.
Accommodation: Hotel Pokhara Village (or similar)
Day 8 : Visit The Tibetan Refugee Camp In Tashiling With A Momo-Cooking Experience; Optional Visit To International Mountain Museum Or Boat Ride
Location: Tashiling Tibetan settlement
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head to the Tibetan refugee camp in Tashiling this morning, a 15-minute drive out of Pokhara. Established in the 1960s, when hundreds of Tibetans fled instability in their home region, the Tashiling camp is now a permanent home to around 100 families. Meet some of the residents and take part in a cookery experience, learning how to make the popular Nepalese snack momos, which originated from Tibet and was introduced to Nepal by the refugees. Before leaving, look around the carpet handicraft centre, souvenir shops and traditional Tibetan food shops with any purchases directly supporting the community.
We also have an optional visit to the International Mountain Museum in the afternoon, which delves deep into the history of mountaineering across the planet, or perhaps take the chance for a boat trip on the lake if you didn’t yesterday.
Accommodation: Hotel Pokhara Village (or similar)
Day 9 : Drive To Chitwan
Location: Chitawan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave Pokhara this morning (with magnificent Annapurna views on clear days) and embark on a four to five-hour drive to Chitwan. Along the way, we are accompanied, in parts, by the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The road heads towards Kathmandu for about 56mi (90km) before turning south to Chitwan National Park.
We should arrive around lunchtime; this afternoon, we meet our naturalist guide who discusses the activities for the next two days, followed by a bird walk late afternoon in the local area.
Activity timings may vary depending on the naturalist’s recommendations.
Accommodation: Green Mansion Resort (or similar)
Day 10 : Dugout Canoe Ride And Jeep Safari; Evening Tharu Culture Show
Location: Chitawan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to discovering the wildlife of Nepal and exploring the Chitwan jungle. In the morning, take a traditional dugout canoe made from a single tree trunk along the Rapti River, our naturalist guide helping us to spot birdlife and crocodiles as we gently cruise on the water.
After lunch, head out from our resort on a jeep safari through Chitwan National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for several deer species, wild boars, endangered one-horned rhinos and the very rare Bengal tiger. Our certified guides are typically local to the park, often from the indigenous Tharu community, who have a long history of living in close harmony with the Chitwan wildlife. Their knowledge of the local ecosystem, animal behaviour and traditional practices makes them excellent nature guides.
This evening, we watch a traditional stick dance performance, an important part of Tharu culture. The dance is performed by members of the Tharu community, who use long sticks to create an engaging, energetic performance. It is believed to have originated as a means of protecting the Tharu communities from various threats, including wildlife and evil spirits, and is now a celebration of Tharu identity and a way to preserve and showcase their cultural heritage to visitors. Please note, the order we do activities is decided by the naturalist depending on local factors.
Accommodation: Green Mansion Resort (or similar)
Day 11 : Optional Early Morning Bird-Watching Walk; Drive Back To Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have the option to rise early and head out before breakfast for a bird-watching walk in the Baghmara Community Forest, around a five to 10-minute stroll from our resort, joined by a naturalist guide. Then, after a leisurely breakfast, we set off for the six-hour drive back to Kathmandu, arriving in the evening.
Our journey takes us out of the lowlands to travel once more alongside the Trishuli River, before arriving at the Himalaya foothills. Taking a Chinese-built road running parallel to the range, the journey slows as we pass through the hilly region. Our reward, however, is plenty of amazing views encompassing terraced farms, numerous villages and the adjacent Trishuli River.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we typically have time to refresh before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador (or similar)
Day 12 : Optional Everest Flight; Sightseeing In Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
For those keen to see the highest mountain in the world, there is the option of an early morning Everest sightseeing flight from Kathmandu. This can be booked and paid for locally with help from your tour leader. Please note, it may not always be available due to weather restrictions.
Today is also your chance for sightseeing in the capital. A local guide escorts you on a city tour, visiting one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world at Boudhanath, and the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath.
Accommodation: Hotel Ambassador (or similar)
Day 13 : End Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu or the surrounding valley region, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 14 : Fly To Pokhara; Afternoon Free To Explore The Lakeside.
Location: Pokhara
Meals Included: breakfast
The flights from Jomsom to Pokhara are usually in the early morning due to
the high winds which blow up the Kali Gandaki Valley later in the day. The
short but very spectacular flight takes us all the way down the Kali Gandaki
Valley with great views of Niligiri and Dhaulagiri. We fly to Pokhara, where
we transfer to a small guesthouse for the night. The rest of the day is free
to explore this lakeside resort. You can hire a bike and cycle around the
lake, shop or simply relax in one of the lakeside cafes. Â
Please note that flights from Jomsom are dependent on good weather. If the
flight from Jomsom is cancelled, we will return to Pokhara by road.
*Hotel Lakefront / Hotel Dahlia (or similar)*
Day 15 : Fly To Kathmandu.
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: breakfast
We fly to Kathmandu. If the weather is good there should be good views of the
western end of the Nepal on this flight. The rest of the day is free to
explore Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the
old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving, is
located. Outside is Kumari Chowk, home of the Kumari, the young girl who is
revered as a living goddess. You may wish to visit the monkey temple at
Swayambhunath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath, or
the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. Various
sightseeing tours can be booked and paid for locally at the hotel in
Kathmandu. For details see the Optional Excursions section. (Very
occasionally it may not be possible to fly, in which case we return to
Kathmandu by road, arriving in the evening).
*Hotel Royal Singi (or similar)*
Day 16 : Fly To London.
Location: London
Meals Included: breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast. Those not on the group flight will leave us
after breakfast.
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What's Included
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All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners
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All accommodation
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Tibetan village with Nepalese momo cooking experience
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Mountain Museum entrance (Pokhara)
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Dugout canoe ride and jeep safari (Chitwan)
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All transport and listed activities
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One internal flight
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
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Trekking permit and national park fees
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
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Single accommodation (limited availability, on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included. Allow approximately 3,000-5,000 rupees (US$22-US$38) per day for meals not included in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a Nepalese dumpling filled with meat or vegetables.
Meals in the lodges range from traditional Nepalese food to Chinese and Western dishes. The food is good quality and usually served buffet style. You are provided with safe drinking water on trek and in Chitwan.
If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available to you, particularly for breakfast. Even some soups are from powder/packets and contain gluten.
Drinking water
Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity; on this trip, it is generally recommended to carry a 33floz (one litre) water bottle and drink at least 67floz (two litres) per person per day.
However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the trekking areas of Nepal.
You can top up water bottles at tea breaks and lunch stops along the way – some villages have water stations selling UV-treated drinking water for about 50 rupees (US$0.40) per litre.
Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. This should not be drunk untreated, so we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. Talk to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time.
Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek.
Accommodation
On this walking and wildlife trip to Nepal, we enjoy a broad range of accommodation, including two hotels, excellent mountain lodges in the Annapurna foothills, and a jungle resort in Chitwan.
Kathmandu: Hotel Ambassador (nights 1 and 11-12)
Begin and end the adventure at the Ambassador, near the banks, stores and restaurants of the buzzy Thamel district. Inside the 72-room hotel is a range of drink and dining options, including Foreign Affairs, a rooftop bar and lounge with views over the valley. Other facilities include a gym and spa.
Annapurna: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (nights 2-6)
In the Annapurna foothills, we stay in excellent lodges with magnificent views of iconic peaks. These are run by Mountain Lodges of Nepal and are considered the finest accommodation in the area. Interior décor is in a traditional Nepalese Gurung style, local to the region. Expect a welcome drink on arrival and, in your room, down jackets, warm hats and gloves, and Crocs to keep you extra comfy.
Pokhara: Hotel Pokhara Village (nights 7-8)
Pokhara Village is ideally located close to Phewa Lake, the star attraction in the city, where you’ll find a viewpoint with vistas over the waters and mountains. The hotel itself has a swimming pool and garden for post-trek relaxation, plus a restaurant and bar.
Chitwan: Green Mansion Resort (nights 9-10)
On the edge of a community forest, Green Mansions offers traditional cottages encompassed by nature. The highlight may well be their in-house team of naturalists, who bring the landscape to life with their expertise. Other pluses include a pool with half-sunken loungers and a multi-cuisine restaurant where dishes include produce from the hotel garden.
Worth knowing
If you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara, either before or after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability), please enquire with your sales representative.
If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for all nights including during the trek; however, single rooms may be limited in the mountain lodges and twin share might be required (subject to availability).
Check out our Q&As
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.