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The trek portion of this trip is similar to the Annapurna Skyline trek – making a slow ascent from Ghandruk to the Ghorepani ridge.
Your journey will begin in Kathmandu, the ancient capital city of Nepal. You’ll spend a day exploring the historic temples and landmarks that encompass the bustling city. A scenic flight to Pokhara will offer spectacular views of the Himalayas before starting the trek the same day. The Annapurna Skyline trek passes through several bucolic Gurung villages. The Gurung people are one of sixty ethnic groups in Nepal and the predominant race recruited in the famous Gurkha regiment of the British and Indian army. At the beginning, the trek goes through temperate terraced rice fields. Later the trail gradually ascends to old growth and bamboo forests. The highlight of the trek is the early morning ascent up Pun Hill for an opportunity to watch the sun rise over the Annapurna range. A certified Nepali yoga instructor will conduct daily morning/evening yoga on the entire trip.
This trek will also include a post-trek massage, Nepali cooking class and more special touches.
Every day on this incredible adventure there will be opportunities to commune with your body & spirit through yoga and meditation. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, the yoga will be in places suited for a comfortable yoga class. And while on the trek, you will be treated to some of the best and most unconventional settings for yoga classes ever. Each lodge will have a different arrangement, but often those classes – weather permitting – will be outside with the spectacular Himalayas standing guard over your practice.
Highlights
Day | Description | Overnight | Altitude |
---|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
Day 2 | Exploring Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
Day 3 | Kathmandu to Pothana | Pothana | 1,890m/5,300ft |
Day 4 | Pothana to Landrung | Landrung | 1,565m/5,150ft |
Day 5 | Landrung to Jhinu Hot Spring | Jhinu | 1,565m/5,150ft |
Day 6 | Jhinu to Ghandrung | Ghandrung | 1,940m/6,400ft |
Day 7 | Ghandrung to Tadapani | Tadapani | 2,630m/8,890ft |
Day 8 | Tadapani to Ghorepani | Ghorepani | 2,860m/9,020ft |
Day 9 | Ghorepani to Ulleri | Ulleri | 1,960m/6,400ft |
Day 10 | Ulleri to Pokhara | Pokhara | 827m/2,700ft |
Day 11 | Pokhara | Pokhara | 827m/2,700ft |
Day 12 | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | 1,340m/4,300ft |
Day 13 | Final Departure |
Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during group dinner. Overnight Hotel Shambaling or similar. (Dinner)
Visit Bodhnath – the Stupa of a million dew drops. Bodhnath is a sacred destination for Buddhists. Here, you will find devotees, many from Tibet, circumambulating the monument at any time of the day.
Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, the God of Destruction. Non- Hindu visitors cannot enter the main temple sanctum and must view it from across the sacred Bagmati River. Here, you are likely to witness a Hindu cremation.
After lunch, visit the well- maintained Patan Museum which houses ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar (Palace) Square. Patan is also known as Lalitpur, the City of Arts.
Overnight Hotel Shambaling or simlar. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Transfer to the domestic terminal at the Kathmandu airport for your flight to Pokhara. You must arrive at the airport one hour before your scheduled departure time. Be ready for a wait at the airport if your flight is delayed due to weather or other reasons.
The flight to Pokhara (800m/2,640ft) is approximately 30 minutes. Depending on the weather, you will be able to view the Himalayan range including Manaslu and Annapurna IV from your airplane window. Note: sit on the right hand side of the plane if possible.
After arriving in Pokhara, transfer by private vehicle to the starting point of your trek at Phedi. The first day’s walk is a steep ascent through terraced paddy fields and small villages to Dhampus and then to Pothana.
Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
The trail now becomes a steady ascent as you trek through rhododendron forest. Mt. Machhapuchare (Fishtail) is prominent in the distance. Slowly ascending, trek past Pothana and the pass at Deorali (7,100ft.). There are great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and, on a clear day, Dhaulagiri I. From Deorali, it is a steep descent through rhododendron forest (muddy and slippery at times) to arrive at Landrung.
Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Today is a short day of about three to four hours to Jhinu. Descend to the Modi Khola. Then ascend steeply to Jhinu, a small cluster of lodges. There is ample time to take a dip in the hot springs at Jhinu. The hot springs are about 15 minutes hike past Jhinu and are properly maintained by a caretaker who charges around US$2 per person.
Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
From Jhinu, descend to the Kimrung Khola. Ascend steeply (approximately 1,400 ft.) on switchbacks thorough a forest to Kimrong Danda (7,300 ft.). It is a short descent to Ghandrung.
Ghandrung, with 275 households, is the second-largest Gurung settlement in Nepal – Sikles is the largest. The older settlement of Ghandrung is a closely-knit village of slate-roofed houses with terraced fields both above and below the settlement. There is also a Gurung museum which you can visit.
Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
The trail continues steeply through thick mixed forests. Trek through Bhaise Kharka (Buffalo pasture) to Tadapani (far water). Look out for wild Langurs up on the tall trees. Rhododendron trees in this area are not shrubs but grow to become 90 feet or more.
The views of Annapurna South, Macchapuchare and Hiunchuli are spectacular from Tadapani.
Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Ascend through rhododendron forests gently to Banthati and then to Deorali. Continue to Ghorepani (literally translated as horse water) on a ridge with a big cluster of lodges. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Wake up early (4ish) and hike steeply (1 hour) to Pun hill (10,600 ft.) to view the sunrise over the Himalayas. From Pun hill, there are unobstructed views of Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Tukuche (6,920m), Nilgiri (6,920m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Glacier dome (7,193m).
After breakfast at Ghorepani, descend steeply to Ulleri.
Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Descend to Nayapul. Trek ends here. A chartered vehicle will take you Pokhara.
Short bus ride to Pokhara from raft put out point. Transfer to your hotel. After your long shower, enjoy the rest of the day for shopping, relaxing or exploring on your own.
Overnight: Fishtail Lodge or similar (B, L)
Short boat ride on the Phewa lake. 30 minute uphill hike to Peace Stupa.
Visit the International Mountaineering Museum which has an excellent display of exhibits of the world’s mountains. Lunch at the museum café.
Evening, enjoy a trekkers massage at the hotel.
Overnight: Fishtail Lodge or similar. (All meals)
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Morning is free for you shop, relax or explore on your own.
In the afternoon, a Nepali cooking class followed by dinner at a Nepali home.
Overnight: Hotel Tibet or similar. (All meals)
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. (Breakfast)
Per person price (valid until December 31, 2019)
2 – 4 participants: US$ 2,600 per person
5 or more participants: US$ 2,340 per person
Single Supplement: US$ 450
US$ 150 per person discount on January, February and December departures
Payment policy:
Cancellation policy:
Your international airfare, Nepal Visa, Meals not indicated in the itinerary, Tips and gratuities, Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you), Travel insurance (Required), Other expenses of a personal nature
This trip is fully customisable for a party of two or more. Please contact us…
On a yoga trek, besides trekking, you would practice yoga every morning (prior to breakfast) or in the evening. The yoga sessions will be led by a certified yoga instructor. There will also be time for instructor led meditation. Besides your trekking gear, all you need to bring is comfortable yoga attire. We will provide yoga mats.
On a yoga trek, besides trekking, you would practice yoga every morning (prior to breakfast) or in the evening. The yoga sessions will be led by a certified yoga instructor. There will also be time for instructor led meditation. Besides your trekking gear, all you need to bring is comfortable yoga attire. We will provide yoga mats.
Anyone who is reasonably fit and can hike 8 miles a day can participate in this trip. Most of the trek involves ascents and descents. That said, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the trek.
It is advised that anyone with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor before signing up for a trek.
We rate this trip a 3 (moderately strenuous) on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging).
In general, expect porridge (Oatmeal), toast, eggs (any style), muesli, hash browns, sausages etc for breakfast. And sandwich, pizzas, momos, noodles (dry and with soup), rolls, fried rice, Indian bread with vegetables etc for lunch and dinner. And expect Nepali dal-bhat (rice-lentils with vegetables and/or meat) at all the lodges.
Ours is an OPEN menu. Meaning we allow our clients to order anything from the lodge menu besides bottled beverages, specialty coffee and packaged snacks. We also don’t limit the number of items per meal as long as you aren’t wasteful. When choosing your trekking company, ask if meals are fixed or if you are only allowed to order one item from the menu.
Layering is key. And it’s always recommended to trek with good branded gear. A good pair of hiking boots that’s been broken in is very important. Good top and bottom base layers, a mid layer (fleece or capilene), and an outer layer (Gore-tex or other material). If you tend to get cold quickly, bring a down parka especially for the evening at the lodge. On most days, you’d be hiking in a convertible hiking pant that can be converted into shorts and one or two top layers.
if you’re trekking with Crystal Mountain Treks, we provide a sleeping bag (rated to 0 degree F or -17 degree C), duffel bags, down jacket and Steripen for water purification to our clients for no charge.
It is possible to buy cheap and relatively functional gear in Kathmandu – convertible pants, down jackets, fleece, Gore-tex jackets. But remember, you get what you pay for. Wool gloves, hats, socks are available too.
There are quite a few branded stores too. North Face, Moutain Hardwear, Marmot and Sherpa. If you’re coming from Australia or Europe, items in these shops are probably cheaper than back home. But if you’re coming from the US, it’s better to buy branded gear at home.
Nepali tap water is NOT safe to drink. Even if you see the locals drinking water straight from the tap, never drink water before boiling or sterilizing. Bring water purifying tablets or other water purifiers. At higher elevations during the coldest times of year the water will freeze, so you’ll need to buy boiled water from teahouses. If you plan to use a STERIPEN, bring wide mouth water bottles. You would need at least 2 one-liter water bottles for the trek. Even if you plan to bring a hydration pack, bring 1 one-liter water to sterilize the water before pouring into your hydration pack.
Crystal Mountain Treks will provide you with a Steripen to use on the trek for no charge.
Most of the places on the main Annapurna trail now have cell coverage. But once you get off the main trail, coverage may not be available. Lodges will offer wi-fi for between $1 to $10 per hour. You can also buy a Sim card with 5GB or 10GB data for under $25: do this in Kathmandu.
The more physically fit you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. There are three aspects to training for any trek. 1) Cardiovascular Training will make your body more efficient in using oxygen. Running, walking, swimming or biking, or any combination of these are great for cardiovascular conditioning. 2) Strength Training by either using free weights or machines at the gym will build hiking strength. Walking stairs, especially with a pack will simulate the hiking environment. We also recommend practicing squats. Trekkers will encounter low hanging obstacles to duck under, and many toilets are at ground level, which requires a low squat.
3) Endurance Training is where you build endurance in the months leading up to your trek, slowly increase your length of training sessions. By the time you are 2 weeks from the scheduled trek date you should be able to ascend 3,000 ft. in a 3-4 hour period.
In the end, the more your training simulates a trek, the better off you will be. So hiking 4-5 hours outdoors, uphill and downhill, about once or twice a week in addition to other cardio vascular training at the gym or at home will greatly benefit and prepare you for the trek.
Most tea houses have a common toilet. Some tea houses, especially those at the beginning of the trek, have en suite rooms. While squat toilets are more prevalent, newer lodges have Western style toilets.
It is possible to shower in almost all the lodges. And hot shower usually means a bucket of boiled water. Be prepared to pay anywhere from $2-$5 for this service.
Activity: Lodge Trek
Destination: Everest
Country: Nepal
The Gokyo Lakes trek is a great alternative for those who wish to avoid the popular (and busy) trail to Everest Base Camp. Moreover, the views from Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft.) and Renjo La pass (5,465m /17,930ft) are arguably better than those from Kalapathar. A little above Namche, the trail to Gokyo splits from the trail to the Everest Base Camp. Head North, following the Dudh Koshi river to its source near the Ngozumpa glacier. Trekking to the Gokyo Lakes allows you to enjoy views of giants such as Everest, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Pumori, Amadablam, Thamserku, Tarboche, Cholatse etc.
From Namche, head north west following the Dudh Koshi river to its source near the Gokyo Lakes. The Gokyo Lakes trek culminates at Gokyo on the banks of the third lake. Here, we will spend three nights exploring the area. On our second day at Gokyo, hike to either Gokyo Ri or Renjo La pass for views of the lakes and the mountains (see photo above). On the third day, hike to the 5th lakes for up-close views of Cho Oyu and other mountains.
It is possible to combine trekking to the Gokyo Lake with the Everest Base Camp trek. Check out our 19-day Everest Base Camp Trek or the 15-day Everest Base Camp – fast paced trek. Also, if you have more time and wish to be more adventurous, check out the Ultimate Everest Trek. This involves crossing two passes: the Cho La pass (Everest Base Camp to Gokyo lake) and the Renjo La pass (from Gokyo lake to Thame). Furthermore, an even more physically challenging trek is the Everest Three Passes Trek. No climbing skills are required for these treks. We are also happy to customize any of these treks for you. Click on the options tab to check out more options.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a lodge trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are quite comparable to those on the Everest Base Camp Trek. And quite a few of them have en suite rooms with hot showers. Meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on Everest treks.
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the trekking to the Gokyo Lakes are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November). It is also possible to do this trek in Winter months of December, January and February if you do not intend to cross the passes. While it will obviously be very cold (upto -20 C/, -4 F), it will be less crowded and there aren’t as many trekkers in the area.
The Gokyo Lakes trek is rated “STRENUOUS”. It is rated 4 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). While the highest altitude reached is at Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), the highest overnight elevation is at Gokyo Lakes (4,750m/15,500 feet) which is much lower than on the Everest Base Camp Trek. Average daily hiking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 7 hours on the day hike to the 5th lakes. It is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
All our Gokyo Lakes Treks are private treks for a minimum of two participants for a date of your choosing. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – all inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. Most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We have been in business for over 30 years and we employ only the most professional and friendly staff.
We are also proud to give back to our community through 3 Summits For Nepal managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…
Activity: Trekking
Destination: Makalu
Country: Nepal
On the Makalu Base Camp trek, participants get up-close with the fifth highest mountain in the world – Mt. Makalu (8,485m). Eric Shipton was the first outsider to have trekked in the region in the 1950’s. Consequently, the Shipton Pass on this trek was named after him. The first climb on Makalu was made by an American team led by Riley Keegan and Sierra Club members including Bill Long and Allen Steck. They attempted via the southeast ridge but they turned back at 23,300 ft. due to bad weather. The first ascent of Makalu was by a French expedition team on May 15, 1955.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek starts at a relatively lower elevation which is home to Rai’s, Gurung’s and Tamang people. The last permanent settlement is Tashigaon which is the home of the Sherpa people. Ascending slowly, the trek follows a trail through the beautiful Makalu Barun National Park which is home to diverse flora and fauna. Continue to trek past the Barun river along spectacular granite rocks, pastures and waterfalls.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is quickly emerging as a popular trekking destination especially among trekkers who prefer solitude. Trekking to Makalu is a great alternative to the more busier treks in the Everest and Annapurna region. And with daily flights available to Tumlingtar, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is also quite easily accessible. It has all the makings of an epic Himalayan trek including stunning snow-clad mountain scenery, high passes, intriguing mix of Nepal’s culture and soaring Himalayan peaks.
The journey begins with a 35-minute flight to Tumlingtar from where we drive to the road-head on a chartered vehicle. The lower parts of the Makalu region are quite hot and humid with lush rhododendron and oak forests, cardamom plantations. Ascend slowly over several passes and follow the Barun river valley to the Makalu Base Camp. Return to Tumlingtar is along the same trail but vistas are quite spectacular in both directions. For more information, do check out Jwalant’s blog: My Makalu Base Camp Trek
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a combo Lodge Trek/Camping Trek. This means you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail and also in tents where necessary. The lodges on this trek are quite basic. Meals are not as varied as on the Everest or the Annapurna treks but options do include rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. On this trek, we will carry some food to supplement what’s available at the local lodges and a certified trekking cook will accompany the group to prepare more varied meals. Furthermore, we will also carry tents so you may opt to sleep in tents in some of the more basic places.
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Makalu Base Camp trek are Spring (April-May) and Autumn (October-November).
The Makalu Base Camp trek is rated “CHALLENGING”. It is rated 5 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). While it does NOT involve crossing 5,000 meter mountain passes, it is probably the MOST CHALLENGING trek in Nepal in terms of daily elevation gain/loss. No technical climbing experience is required but some sections of the trail (all stair-cases) are almost 50 degrees steep. The highest overnight altitude reached is at Makalu Base Camp (4,800 m/15,750ft) and the highest elevation reached is at the view point above base camp (5,300m/17,400 feet). There are two acclimatization days to allow for proper acclimatization.
Trekking to Makalu involves average daily hiking or around 6 hours with a few longer days of around 7-8 hours. Also, this is a relatively long trek in a remote area. Regardless of the rating, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a private trek for a minimum of two participants. We do NOT nickel-and-dime on services – inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed in cost details. Some companies will advertise trips for very low prices but they have a lot of exclusions that is usually not clear. With over 30 years of experience, most of our trekkers are either repeat clients or referrals. We employ the most professional and friendly staff. We are also proud to give back to our community through our giving arm – 3 Summits For Nepal – managed by Crystal Mountain Treks staff. Contact us to learn more…
There are few words in the English language to describe the grandeur and majesty of trekking in the Annapurna region or its people. Crystal Mountain Treks’ staff made navigating this adventure not only comfortable but joyful. Morning brings breathtaking vistas and evenings bring new villages with their warm welcoming people. Then there’s the trek itself…nothing can truly capture the spirit-filled adventure that I had. The words that come flooding to mind, are these: well planned, cared for, inspiring, heart stopping, gratitude, kindness, new friendships, yaks, glorious children, unbridled laughter, “a little up, a little down”, nightly dancing and trip of a lifetime!
Leslie Spero., Covington, WA: Annapurna Skyline Trek 2014