Annapurna and Everest Luxury Lodge Trek

Start your unforgettable trek by flying to Pokhara (1,000 m/3,300’), enjoying spectacular views of the mountains from above. After a tour briefing from your guide, start your trek and follow the trail along a ridge that overlooks the beautiful Pokhara Valley in the lower foothills of the Annapurna range. The trail then descends into the Modi River Valley to reach the Sanctuary Lodge (1,150 m / 3,750’). From this lodge, you’ll have a clear view of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain). This mountain is considered sacred by the local people and remains unclimbed by human beings. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the trail and arrive at the Sanctuary Lodge in the late afternoon.

Follow the Modi River valley through the farms at the outskirts of the village. Soon the trail begins to climb up out of the valley and into the mountains. You’ll pass through small villages, forests, and rice fields, with incredible views of the valley always before you. You’ll eat snacks along your trek today, waiting to eat a delicious hot lunch when you arrive at the lodge in the afternoon. The Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk (2,000 m/6,600’) brings you close to the mountains and the views are simply breathtaking.

Wake up early this morning to watch an incredible sunrise from the garden as you sip your coffee or tea Watch as the peaks of Annapurna 1, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) Mountain shift in color with the dawning light. Enjoy a peaceful morning with a relaxing breakfast at the Himalaya Lodge surrounded by these majestic views, then take a guided tour of Ghandruk village. At one time, Ghandruk was known for being a recruitment center for the renowned Gurkha soldiers. Today, the women of the village drive a weaving industry, producing gorgeous traditional rugs. After exploring the village and its surrounding countryside, return to the Himalaya Lodge for another night.

Today you’ll trek to the village of Lhandruk. As you leave Ghandruk, there is a steep descent down to the edge of the Modi River. The cliffs before you are well- known due to the famous Nepalese honey hunters who climb them on ropes in order to collect honey. Use the suspension bridge to cross the Modi River, then a one-hour trek up a series of switchbacks brings you to Lhandruk (1,565 m/5,415’). Once again, this village offers beautiful and impressive Annapurna vistas. After a total of 4 hours on the trail, you’ll reach the La Bee Lodge in time to eat lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the village on a guided tour.

Leave Lhandruk after breakfast and trek for about 4 hours to reach Majgaun, where you’ll stay at the Gurung Lodge. The trail today follows the contours of the side of a hill, rising and falling gently. Pass through farmland and villages on this pleasant walk, and you’ll arrive at the Gurung Lodge (1,400 m/4,620’) in time to eat lunch. In the afternoon, there are optional hikes available if you’re interested in exploring nearby villages. Spend the night at Gurung Lodge.

After breakfast in the lodge, leave Majgaun and follow the trail as it descends through terraced farmland and wooded hillsides to reach the bottom of the valley. Here in the valley, a vehicle will meet you to transport you to Pokhara. The drive to Pokhara takes about 30 minutes, with an optional stop at a Tibetan refugee camp to explore a temple. You will arrive at your hotel in Pokhara in time to eat lunch. This beautiful resort is filled with local Nepalese details and decor, in addition to its comfortable rooms, swimming pool, landscaped gardens, and water features. Don’t miss the amazing mountain views from this luxurious hotel. In the afternoon, explore the lakeside area at your leisure. There is a great concentration of Tibetan curio shops here that are worth visiting. Spend the night in the Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara (830 m/2,640’).

Leave the Annapurna region today. Fly from Pokhara back to Kathmandu today on the morning flight, once again enjoying the breathtaking mountain views from the air. This short flight only takes about 30 minutes, then your guide will escort you from the airport to your hotel.

Begin your journey toward Mount Everest by flying from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,845 m/9,334’), witnessing more incredible Himalaya views from above. First, take a short break for tea with your guide and trekking crew. Then begin this part of your tour with a short and easy trek, which may feel more challenging since you are now at higher elevations. Trek northward to the Dudh Koshi Valley and descend from the plateau into the forests of the valley. After lunch, continue north, crossing several streams, to reach Phakding (2,650 m/8,694’). Spend the night in the Phakding settlement, surrounded by inspirational views.

The trail today leads you through settlements and across farmland as you hike from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286’). The trail follows the Dudh Koshi River northward, through wondrous magnolia, fir, and rhododendron forests. After you cross the Bhote Koshi, the western fork of the river, the trail climbs steeply up toward Namche Bazaar, the largest of the Sherpa villages. Namche Bazaar is prosperous thanks to its role as an important center for trade. A market bazaar is held here weekly, gathering sellers from many local villages to sell fresh food. The village is often referred to as the Gateway to Mount Everest, since it is a popular staging area for expeditions in the Himalayas.

Today is a day for rest and acclimatization in Namche Bazaar. Take time to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. It is important for you to continue to be active even on this rest day, since this will be helpful as you continue your trek. A short hike lets you explore the nearby villages of Thamo or Synboche and will help you prepare yourself both physically and mentally to continue your journey.

After breakfast today, you will leave Namche Bazaar and trek to the village of Thame (3,800 m/12,467’). Thame is the biggest village in this valley, and the birthplace of many famous Sherpa mountaineers and climbers. Among them is Tenzing Norgay, who climbed Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953 and was the first Sherpa to reach the summit. Another famous son of Thame was Apa Sherpa, who holds the record for climbing to the peak of Everest an impressive 21 times. Here in Thame, you will have the chance to learn more about Sherpa culture and traditions by interacting with the local people. You will also be able to explore both the village and the monastery while you’re here.

Set off early today from Thame, bound for the Kongde base camp. Today is probably the most difficult day of the entire tour, but also the most rewarding. Hike for 8-9 hours from Thame to Kongde, but as you ascend above the Khumbu region and reach Kongde’s crest, the mighty Everest comes into view along with its grand neighbors Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Kusumkangru, and Thamserku. These panoramic views will take your breath away. Spend the night at Kongde (4,250 m/13,944’).

Today is a day for you to explore the incredible Kongde. A short distance from your lodge is a small peak that you will hike to after breakfast. From here, the already impressive view is even better. Take in the many peaks of the Khumbu valley, including Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Thamserku, Ama Dablam, and of course the famous Mount Everest. There are more majestic peaks in your view than you can count, since the whole Solukhumbu range is visible from here. You can also see stunning views of the village of Tengboche. Take time to process this unbelievable experience, then return to the Kongde lodge to spend the night.

Descend from Kongde today, down a very steep trail toward the village of Phakding (2,610 m/8,563’). Enjoy the tranquil riverside walk and lovely gardens. You’ll find the lodge in Phakding on the shores of the Dudh Koshi River. On the opposite side of the river are dramatic cliff faces covered in pine forests. Relax in the sunroom, taking in the beautiful views, then gather around a warm, cozy fire in the evening.

Complete your trek today! From the lodge at Phakding, the trail is initially steep down to the Dudh Koshi River, then continues at a gentle grade all the way back to the town of Lukla. When you arrive, take the opportunity to sit at a local tea house and celebrate a job well done, while looking back and the very mountains you have just explored. It’s time to say a fond farewell to the crew who accompanied you on your adventure. Spend the night in Lukla (2,850 m/9,350’).

Enjoy a parting view of the Himalayas from above on your return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.