• Duration 12 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Maximum Altitude 3210
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Activities Tour, Trek and Safari
  • Best Time Sep-May

Annapurna Excursion 12 Days is a customized trip by Adventure Treks Nepal that allows our valuable customers to see a glimpse of all geographical features of Nepal. The trip is mixed with multiple activities allowing you to have most of Nepal. With diversified landscapes and easy days, this can be a good choice for Family Trekking in Nepal.

Our Annapurna Excursion is filled with thrilling activities as on 2nd day you will get into a raft and paddle your way through various levels of rapids in Trishuli River. Along with our professional river guides you will spend 2 - 3 hrs navigating your way. The next section of the trip is Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, one of the most popular treks in Nepal. During the hike you will be exposed to 7th and 10th highest mountains of the world. Once you step inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, many awesome views will appear in front of you. The Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range providing 180 degree views of the Himalayan Giants is a major attraction of the trip.

This Ghorepani Chitwan trek ends up in Chitwan National Park once you complete Poonhill trek. In Chitwan National Park we have various cultural and wildlife activities planned for you which can be a good experience learning about animals and their natural habitats. There are various luxurious hotels in Chitwan National Park, making it a good destination to relax after a trek in the Himalayas.

In the course of 12 Days during Annapurna Excursion trek, travelers will have an opportunity to witness lifestyles and culture of many ethnic groups of Nepal such as Gurung, Magar, Poon, Tharu and Bhramins. Not just the culture but the variety in landscape and fauna will also be diversified from high altitude grassland to sub-tropical forests in Chitwan National Park.

Booking for Annapurna Excursion 12 Days

Adventure Treks Nepal is very flexible with the travel date of this Ghorepani Chitwan Trek as this is our own customized trip. The trip has many activities suitable for big groups as well so it is better to book this trip as it will minimize the cost and will be a good experience. If you are a small group you can still book this trip. For private groups we can begin Annapurna Excursion 12 Days at any preferred date.

Annapurna Excursion Highlights

  • White water rafting experience in Trishuli River
  • Scenic drive with impressive vistas
  • Mesmerizing sunrise from Poonhill with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range
  • Jungle Activities in Chitwan National Park
  • Bird watching, canoeing, jeep safari with knowledgeable jungle guide
  • Getting in contact with Tharu community
  • Suitable for people travelling with kids
  • Covers all the geographical features of Nepal, i.e, plains (Terai), Hills and Mountains.
  • Unforgettable trekking in the Annapurna region.

Why with Adventure Treks Nepal?

  • Serving in the Himalayas of Nepal since 1991 AD.
  • Recommended in Lonely planet 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th edition.
  • Recommended in Trekking in the Himalayas 9th and 10th edition.
  • Easy and hassle free booking procedures.
  • Knowledgeable and experienced trekking guides with more than 15 years in the Himalayas.
  • Attention to small details to make your trip memorable.
  • Prioritize safety
  • First aid kit with oximeter in every trekking.

Activities in Chitwan National Park

Tharu Cultural Tour: Exploring the local villages and houses will showcase authentic displays of the Tharu community. Along with the local guide you will get to learn many things about them. Tharu people in central Nepal are also believed to be descendants of Gautam Buddha.

In the evening, a Tharu cultural dance show is planned where they will show you different types of dance performed during various festivals which the Tharu people celebrate. The stick dance performance is a wonderful display of their rich culture.

Bird Watching: Chitwan National Park and surrounding area is a wonderland for bird lovers. Some of the common birds found in this region are Lesser Whistling duck, Indian Peafowl, Kalij Pheasant, Peacock, Javanica, etc. Our Guide will share some interesting facts with you regarding all these birds while you walk in the forest.

Canoeing: A long trunk of tree turned into a boat has been used by the locals for many years and now this canoeing experience has been loved by many travelers. In the river spotting crocodiles along with birds and animals is what generally people love this ride for. Around 45 min to 1 hr canoeing ride in Budi Rapti River which leads us to another destination.

Elephant Breeding Centre: Located north of Sauraha, this breeding center helps you to know a lot about elephants. The giant elephants with some young ones are the major attraction of this breeding centre. On a lucky day wild elephants sometimes visit the breeding centre. Ronaldo and Dhurbe (names given by locals) are two of the famous wild male elephants spotted around in recent years.

Jeep Safari: An open jeep will take you deep into the national park where you will spot many wild animals and birds. Your guide and driver will stop the jeep for you to have the best view of the wildlife and capture some of the moments. On this 4 hrs Jungle safari in Chitwan, you may sometimes encounter Royal Bengal Tiger, Bear, One horned Rhino, deers and many more animals.

Elephant Safari: This activity generally includes 4 people on elephant's back which takes you into the Chitwan National Park. The elephant will be controlled by an expert who has known the elephant since its childhood. This is a unique experience to have while you are in Chitwan National Park.

Itinerary
Trip Plan
Expand allCollapse all

A Representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your welcome. You will then be transferred to your Hotel in Kathmandu. Looking at the time of your arrival trip, a briefing will be planned where your last minute question will be answered by our expert team members and you will be provided with a trekking map and duffle bags during the briefing. The evening is free for you to explore the hustling alleys of Thamel and surrounding areas.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft.
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 30 - 45 min

Today is the first day of getting in contact with Nepal's nature. We begin our drive west from Kathmandu towards Pokhara, also known as Nepal's Lake city. It is an exciting day as today we leave the highway for some time and get into the boat and paddle our way through rapids of Trishuli River. Anyone without any experience can easily do this Rafting as it is not a technical section and our river guides are very reliable and helpful to first time river runners.

Continue towards Pokhara after spending some time at the river. You will be staying at the Lakeside area, which is a popular place with various good hotels, restaurants and stretches on the side of Phewa Lake. The evening is at leisure for you to explore on your own.

  • Max Altitude: 970m / 3,182 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (during Rafting)
  • Accommodation: Hotel

The day starts off with a scenic drive as the entire Annapurna Range with Fishtail greets us while we head in the direction of Annapurna Conservation Area. An hour drive to Nayapul offers some of the great views of the outskirts of Pokhara valley. The trek begins at Nayapul from where we follow a wide road towards Birethanti where our permits will be checked for the first time and we will officially enter the Conservation Area. The trail then goes through the settlements of Ramghai, Sudame before reaching Hile from where we leave the wide road and step into the ancient trekking route. Generally, Tikhedhunga is an ideal place to have lunch and relax for some time before climbing up to Ulleri where we need to gain almost 500 meters of altitude. The climb from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri will take around 1 hr 30 min and offers outstanding views of the surrounding valley and terraced rice fields.

  • Max Altitude: 2,020m / 6,630 ft.
  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Distance: Approx 10.8 km / 6.7 miles

Hopefully on this day if the clouds favor us we will have our first glimpse of Annapurna South and Hiuchuli from our Tea House in the morning. The route today mostly follows Burungdi River towards Ghorepani and hikers need to cross many streams on the way. The trail enters into dense forest after Banthanti up until Nangethanti from where in spring Rhododendron blooms magically. It is an easy hike today as we head towards Ghorepani. Once arrived in Ghorepani our Permits will again be checked by the Tourist Police. After you reach Tea House you may relax and enjoy your time around this small town where you can also get Himalayan souvenirs for your loved ones.

  • Max Altitude: 2,810 / 9,220 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Distance: Approx. 10.3 km / 6.4 miles

This day is the highlight of this whole Annapurna Region Trek. We begin our day very early to catch a breathtaking sunrise view with spectacular scenes of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range. The 300 meters hike in the morning will be compensated by the Himalayan vistas which include Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri I,II,III,IV and V, Hiuchuli, Lamjung Himal, Barahi Shikhar (Annapurna Fang), and many more.

Return back to Poonhill for our breakfast from where we head east towards Chuile, via Tadapani. After ghorepani the trail climbs up until thapla danda followed by a steep descent to Banthanti. Enter Rhododendron forest after Banthanti and cross a stream before starting the uphill climb to Tadapani. It's an hour walk from Tadapani to Chuile, where we will be staying the night.

  • Max Altitude: 2,375m / 7,792 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Distance: Approx. 13.8 km / 8.63 miles

An easy day as we retrace back towards Ghandruk, a Gurung village facing Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Machhapuchre. The walk will take around 3 hrs to reach Ghandruk. In the evening, we visit the traditional Gurung museum where they have many things related to culture and lifestyles. Also take a walk round the alleys of Ghandruk village before getting back to Tea House.

  • Max Altitude: 1,945m / 6,381 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House

The day for us to exit from Annapurna Conservation area and retuen back to Pokhara. We will have a short hike to Kimche/ Klyiu . The trail today takes you into the village and provides you with the oppurtuinities to interact with the locals.The trail today is an old trail which people used to take before road construction and has some of the great view of the valley and terraced fields.

Upon reaching Pokhara, the rest of the day is at leisure. You may relax or walk around the lakeside area.

  • Max Altitude: 970 m / 3,182 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast in Pokhara, we leave for Chitwan for our jungle activities. A briefeing session will be conducted once you arrive at the hotel followed by Lunch. In the evening we take a walk with our local guide around Tharu village. Return back to the hotel for dinner. In the night time at 8 o clock we will drive you to the Tharu Stick dance show.

  • Max Altitude: 415 m / 1,361 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

This will be a busy day for you as you have many activities waiting for you. First event of the day is Canoeing in Budi Rapti River. Then a short walk to the elephant breeding center before returning back to the hotel for Lunch. On the day, you have the option to do either Jungle safari or elephant safari. If you want to do both, you have to mention that to our team beforehand. After the safari you have free time. A walk down to the river bank would be a good idea this evening.

  • Max Altitude: 415 m / 1,361 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Early morning bird watching session will be conducted where you take a walk in the forest with our Guide. After that we return back to the hotel for breakfast and leave for Kathmandu. The drive today has some of the great views of Rivers and valleys. Once you arrive at Kathmandu you will get free time.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel

There are plenty of interesting sites to visit in the Kathmandu valley like the Old Palaces at Patan, Bhaktapur, Durbar square, Swayambhunath (the monkey temple or you may wonder downtown Thamel to shop for souvenirs and sample the various restaurants of Kathmandu. We are happy to offer you some recommendations.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel

A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport. Return back home with the memories for lifetime.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft.
  • Accommodation: Breakfast
Unable to locate what you're seeking?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Customize Trip
Cost Details
Included
  • Arrival and Departure Transport.
  • Standard accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (Twin sharing) with breakfast.
  • Standard accommodation in Chitwan (Twin sharing) with Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
  • Rafting in Trisuli River.
  • Cultural Tour with entrance fees.
  • Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
  • Kathmandu -Pokhara Transport.
  • Pokhara-Nayapul Transport.
  • Kimche - Pokhara Transport.
  • Pokhara - Chitwan Transport.
  • Chitwan-Kathmandu Transport.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking guide and porter's food and accommodation, wages etc.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Ghorepni Poonhill Trekking map.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit fee.
  • Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
  • All Jungle activities in Chitwan National Park.
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program.
  • Water purification tablets.
  • All Government taxes.
  • Office service charge.
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 30 for 15 days and US$ 50 for 30 days, you should get visa open your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.
Route Map
Annapurna Excursion - 12 Days
Altitude Chart
Annapurna Excursion - 12 Days
Essential Information

Permit: During Annapurna Combination trek there are multiple permits you may need which will be issued by the government authorized bodies. For the trekking section of the trip to Ghorepani circuit, you require Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).

After trekking for Chitwan National Park, you need additional tickets/permits to enter the National Park and Tharu cultural Dance show. All these permits will be prepared by Adventure Treks Nepal and are all included in the cost.

Accommodation: In Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan we generally provide budget and deluxe options for you to choose from. There are various properties and you have the privilege to choose for yourself. If you have any specific hotels that you wish to stay at we can arrange the trip with that hotel as well.

In the course of trekking you may choose to stay in rooms with an attached bathroom with additional costs. If you want to choose that option then we expect you to mention that prior to your trip with Adventure Treks Nepal.

In Chitwan, no matter budget or luxury, both of our regular hotels have swimming pools and open space with great hospitality.

Transportation: All of your land transportation will be done by Private vehicle with Air conditioning. The size of the vehicle may vary depending on the group size. But all these vehicles which we will be using will be clean and in good conditions. There are flight options as well which can be arranged without any difficulty.

Meals: As mentioned in our itinerary, breakfast is provided in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During trekking and your stay in Chitwan National Park all three meals are included.

Dal Bhat is a common food that locals have in Nepal which comes with Rice, vegetables, spinach, lentil soup and pickle. This dish is available throughout Nepal and is regarded as a hiker's meal by many people who have trekked around Nepal. You should try this during your trekking in Annapurna Combination because it will be prepared organically with nothing but love.

Other than Dal Bhat there will be a menu including many western meals such as Oat Porridge, Toast, Muesli, Noodles, Pizza, Fried Rice, Spring Roll, etc from which you may choose from. Some of the local dishes that are in Menu are Thukpa, Momo, Tibetan Bread, Egg Items and more.

FAQs

Autumn and spring are considered the best seasons for Annapurna Excursion but if you want less people on the trail then it is possible to do this trip throughout the year.

Of course yes. Since there are lots of activities like rafting, trekking, jungle activities where many people can share costs we encourage you to have a minimum of 4 people in the group. If you are less than 4 people we can still arrange and operate this trip for you on your desired date.

Wi-Fi is available in every tea house that you will be staying in. However, the connection may not be as fast.

There will be blankets in your room but just for precaution we always encourage our clients to take sleeping bags with them because of uncertain weather.

ATN is very flexible with its itinerary and you can easily customize the same trip if you want to skip some sections and few of your own ideas.

Once you arrive in Thamel there are several money exchange shops around your hotel. You can easily exchange money in one of these shops as the rate is pretty much similar everywhere.

Tipping is quite common in Nepal especially with people working in Tourism like Guides, Porters and Drivers. Anyway Tipping is always about happiness.

For water there are two options for you. First you can buy bottled mineral water and the second one is to use purification tablets. We highly recommend you to use a Purification tablet which helps to conserve nature.

Generally people never face problems with altitude as it is not a high trek. People of all age groups have been doing this trek without any difficulty.

Days12
15 reviews
Book This Trip
Customize TripdownloadDownload PDF