A short easy to do wildlife and cultural trek between picturesque Gurung villages nestling in Nepal’s Himalayan foothills near Pokhara. The fantastic views reveal Himalchuli and Manaslu to the north east, Annapurna II to the north and Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South to the north west. This place is a wonderful experience – with early mornings mists, the beautiful Khudi and Midim rivers, rhododendrons, the chirping sound of the birds, forests, awesome waterfalls, one is completely at home with nature.
This tea-house (ie with food and accommodation provided) trek doesn’t yet get hordes of tourists. It can be done any time of year, though the monsoon (June to September) should perhaps be avoided. The spring months of late February to early May or the autumnal months of October to early December are perhaps the best.
Day 1 | Kathmandu to Khudi (790m) Your trekking guide will come to your hotel and, after breakfast, will take you to Khudi (6/7 hour drive). Along the journey we will witness some great scenery; white mountains, green hills, rivers and villages. In the evening we visit a Buddhist gompa (monastery) and also receive a talk and slide show about Gurung culture, life style, local sights etc. |
Day 2 | Khudi to Ghalegaun (2,020m) We trek west away from the famed Annapurna Circuit Trek on a less travelled hike through awesome forest, admiring the mountain and river views, to the pretty Gurung village of Ghalegaun, there enjoying a Gurung cultural (dancing) show. (5 hours trekking). |
Day 3 | Ghalegaun to Bhujung (1,500m) We wake up early, sample the local tea, view the sunrise, breakfast, take a hike to Talangyo Lake, bird-watch and view a cliffside honey hunting site. After lunch we trek the gradual ascent to Ghanpokhara (1 hour) and follow a ridge before hiking down to the village of Bhujung, (a further 2 hours trekking). |
Day 4 | Bhujung to Pasgaon (1,595m) After breakfast we take a 30 minute trek to the Midim Khola (river), followed by a 3 hour hike along the Khumre Danda (ridge). We then trek for another 90 minutes to the village of Pasgaun. Here we can visit a Buddhist gompa and a spectacular viewpoint and, in the evening, will enjoy a cultural show. |
Day 5 | Pasgaon to Nagidhar – Pakhurikot (1,450m) We make a 2 hour forest trek to the Rudi Khola, a 1 hour hike to Rabay Danda and, after lunch, a 2 hour forest trek to Nagidhar – Pakhuriko. |
Day 6 | Nagidhar – Pakhurikot to Begnas (1,030m) We start out with some morning sightseeing before a 1 hour trek to Gahate and a 2 hour hike to Thumsikot. After lunch we make a 3 hour trek to Begnas village and, in the evening, we will view Begnas Lake and a cultural show (dances). |
Day 7 | Begnas via Pokhara to Kathmandu Following some morning sightseeing and a 90 minute trek along Begnas Lake, we drive for 30 minutes to Pokhara. After lunch we return to Kathmandu though alternatively you might consider a paragliding flight, with or without an instructor. Tandem flights cost from US$ 95 to US$ 130.We hope you’ve had a great trek, had some adventures, tightened your belt a few notches and look forward to trekking with you again on your return to Nepal. |
Ballpark price; US$ 600 plus accommodation in Kathmandu. |
Price includes airport pick-up/drop-off. All inclusive trek costs; accommodation in twin shared rooms, breakfast, lunch, dinner, trekking and park permit fees, guide and necessary porters and all their costs such as transportation, accommodation, food, equipment, insurance etc. |
Price excludes food and accommodation in Kathmandu, alcoholic beverages, tips, your insurance and personal expenses. |
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