Annapurna Sanctuary
This immersive homestay trip begins in the Kathmandu Valley, the historical and cultural heart of Nepal. We’ll stay in the ancient royal city of Patan, the cradle of Newar art, before heading south to meet the Tharu people, the only indigenous group in the Terai. In this region of plains and forests, we’ll experience daily life through traditional activities: fishing, canoe rides, local dances, and even an elephant ride—combining cultural immersion with a connection to nature.
- Nepal Country
- 14 days Duration
- 9 days Hiking days
- 4 130 m Max. altitude
- Katmandou Departure / Arrival
- Pokhara > Katmandou Domestic flights
Scheduled departures
- 11 Oct. 24 Oct. 2026 Planned 1 220 € per person
- 18 Oct. 31 Oct. 2026 Confirmed 1 220 € per person
- 1 Nov. 14 Nov. 2026 Confirmed 1 220 € per person
Itinerary
Meals on your own.
Transfer to hotel.
– Accommodation: Hotel Holy Himalaya in BB or similar
Visit to the Pashupatinath Temple, the Bodhnath Stupa, and the imperial city of Patan.
Meals on your own.
Departure for Pokhara. The road winds through the hilly region separating the Terai jungle from the Himalayan mountain range. About an 8-hour drive in total to Khoramukh (1,000 m). From the bridge, a short walk through the countryside with a somewhat steep climb up a flight of steps leads to the beautiful Gurung village of Luwang (1,460 m), known for its tea cultivation. Beautiful views of the valley and surrounding villages. A panoramic view due north of the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhare, and Annapurna III. Welcome and overnight stay with a local family.
From Luwang, we’ll begin a steep climb through the rhododendron forests, where we may spot some wildlife, including deer and many birds. Lunch in Deurali (2,100 m), followed by a descent—at times steep—along a narrow trail to the village of Landruk. Dinner and overnight stay in Landruk (1,700 m)
We cross the Modi Khola on a suspension bridge. Lunch in Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) after a steep half-hour climb. A relaxing afternoon in the hot springs. Overnight in Jhinu Danda.
We start the day with a steep climb to Chomrong (2,170 m). After a descent, we make our final climb through the terraced fields to Sinuwa (2,360 m), where we’ll have lunch. We pass through a beautiful tropical forest and arrive at the bamboo grove near Bamboo Lodge.
In the morning, we walk through a beautiful rhododendron forest before reaching Deurali.
We start the morning with a gradual ascent to Machhapuchhare Base Camp, where we’ll have lunch. One final climb to reach the Annapurna Sanctuary (4,130 m). An unforgettable 360° view of 13 peaks in the Annapurna range.
In the morning, a magnificent sunrise over the Sanctuary. A long descent to Bamboo (2,325 m).
We hike for about 4 hours to reach Chomrong, a beautiful Gurung village facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare.
Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung village with impressive dry-stone houses. It offers a superb view of Annapurna and Machhapuchhare.
We’ll take a jeep at least as far as Birethanti (1,100 m) to reach the road, then transfer by vehicle to Pokhara. Free afternoon and relaxation in Pokhara.
Return trip to Kathmandu. Meals on your own. * Optional flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Free time in the morning. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Practical Info
Walking times are approximate, as they depend on the group, photo stops, and other breaks. Elevation changes are also general estimates and not GPS readings. Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
What is included
- All transfers by private vehicle according to the itinerary.
- 3 nights at the Holy Himalaya Hotel or similar in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- 1 night at the Batika Hotel or similar in Pokhara, bed and breakfast
- Full-Board Lodge Trek
- French-speaking guide for the entire trip (minimum of 4 participants)
- A day of guided tours in Kathmandu with transportation provided.
- Trekking team: assistants for groups of 4 or more, porters for the entire trek.
- Luggage transport up to 13 kg per person during the trek
- ACAP & TIMS Trekking Permits
- Staff Insurance
What is not included
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, excluding breakfasts
- Site Entrances During Visits
- Nepal Visa (Please contact us)
- International Flight
- Mandatory repatriation, rescue, and search insurance; tips; personal expenses and gear; beverages; sleeping bag…
- French-speaking guide option for small groups (2–3 participants): 350 € per group (No additional charge with an English-speaking guide)
- Single-room supplement for a 4-night hotel stay: 105 €
- We recommend taking the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu to avoid retracing your route by road, which will save you time and provide greater comfort. Please inquire about the flight surcharge.
FAQ
This journey begins with a deep dive into the historical soul of Nepal, in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, a place rich in spirituality and heritage. From Patan, a refined royal city featuring Newar architecture, to the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and the great Buddhist stupa at Bodhnath, every site visited is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bears witness to a millennia-old harmony between religions and peoples. Far from a mere sightseeing tour, this is a sensory journey, set to the rhythm of rituals, artisans, and narrow streets steeped in history.
The heart of this journey beats within Nepalese homes, where hospitality is a way of life. In Chitwan, among the Tharu people, or in the Gurung mountain villages, you’ll be welcomed as a member of the family, taking part in simple yet meaningful activities: net fishing, making momos, harvesting vegetables from the garden, or even traditional dances. These moments of shared experience give this trip a unique human touch, a far cry from traditional hotels.
Between cultural experiences, the Himalayas reveal their majesty. From the ridges of Namo Buddha or the heights of Bandipur, sunrises illuminate the snow-capped giants of the Himalayan range. In Pokhara, the reflections of Machapuchare in Phewa Lake create moments that seem to stand still. The village of Lwang, nestled between forest and mountains, offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Annapurnas—an ideal setting to savor the peaceful beauty of Nepal’s landscapes.
As you leave the mountains behind and head into the Terai plains, you enter a different side of Nepal: tropical, lush, and vibrant. Chitwan National Park, a World Heritage Site, is home to exceptional biodiversity. Whether on an elephant ride, a canoe trip, or a trek with a local guide, you may be lucky enough to spot one-horned rhinos, deer, crocodiles, or tropical birds in their natural habitat. A break in nature that enriches this journey with a wild and sensory interlude.
