Annapurna Foothills Luxury Lodge Trek
- 9 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
We guide you through the Gurung villages and terraced hills of the Annapurna foothills while staying in high-standard mountain lodges.
At a glance
Trip overview
We design this 9-day journey for hikers who want to experience the footpaths and high peaks of the Annapurna region without sacrificing comfortable bedding and private amenities at night. Our route traces the lower ridges below Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna massif, linking traditional Gurung and Magar settlements through rhododendron and oak forests. We keep daily walking hours manageable at roughly four to six hours, allowing ample time to pause in villages and observe rural mountain life.
Starting with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and a brief boat ride on Fewa Lake, we drive to Birethanti to begin walking on foot. From there, our trail climbs towards Ghandruk at 1,940 m, before traversing to Landruk and Dhampus. Throughout the trek, our groups are accommodated in established lodge properties that offer twin-share rooms, hot showers, and dining rooms heated by central stoves.
While the maximum altitude of 2,012 m keeps the risk of acute mountain sickness low, the route features sustained stone staircases and rolling ascents and descents that require solid physical conditioning. We provide experienced English-speaking guides and support porters to manage luggage, ensuring you can focus on the trail conditions, local farming terraces, and close-up views of peaks like Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Annapurna & Machhapuchhre Views
We witness clear morning vistas of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre from vantage points in Ghandruk and Dhampus.
Gurung Heritage & Culture
We explore traditional stone-built villages, visit local museums, and learn about the daily agricultural routines of the Gurung community.
Mountain Lodge Comforts
We rest each evening in well-appointed mountain lodges featuring indoor plumbing, dining areas, and comfortable beds.
Diverse Lower Foothill Trails
We walk through dense rhododendron forests, cross suspension bridges over the Modi River, and pass terraced rice paddies.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals: B
We welcome you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and drive you to your hotel. After check-in, our team provides a pre-trek briefing to review safety protocols and gear requirements for the days ahead.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day touring key cultural sites around the Kathmandu Valley, including Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Temple, accompanied by our cultural guide. The afternoon is kept free for final gear checks and packing.
Day 3
Fly to Pokhara, Boating, and Drive to Birethanti (1,025 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Fly to Pokhara, Boating, and Drive to Birethanti (1,025 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We take an early morning 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, offering aerial views of the Himalayan range. After a boat ride on Fewa Lake, we drive by private vehicle to Birethanti to begin our trek.
Day 4
Trek from Birethanti to Ghandruk (1,940 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Birethanti to Ghandruk (1,940 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We climb steadily up stone staircases through terraced fields and forested slopes along the river valley. Our four to six hours of walking bring us into the large Gurung settlement of Ghandruk.
Day 5
Trek from Ghandruk to Landruk (1,565 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek from Ghandruk to Landruk (1,565 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We descend steeply through wooded paths down to the Modi River before climbing up the opposite hillside to reach Landruk. This shorter walking day allows us time to interact with villagers and view local architecture.
Day 6
Trek from Landruk to Dhampus (1,650 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek from Landruk to Dhampus (1,650 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our route contours across the hillside through the villages of Patlekhet and Pothana beneath a forest canopy. We arrive in Dhampus by afternoon, where lodge windows open directly toward the high peaks.
Day 7
Trek to Phedi and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek to Phedi and Drive to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We make our final descent on stone steps down to the roadhead at Phedi. A private vehicle meets our group for the short drive back to Pokhara, where we spend the afternoon resting by the lakeside.
Day 8
Fly Back to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Fly Back to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We take a morning flight back from Pokhara to Kathmandu, enjoying a final aerial panorama of the hills. Upon landing, our transport takes you back to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 9
International Departure
Meals: B
Day 9
International Departure
Meals: B
We provide private airport transfer services three hours prior to your scheduled international flight home, concluding our services.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- Three nights at 5-star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast
- One night at a 5-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Four nights full-board lodge accommodation during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porter support
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and local taxes
- Comprehensive medical kit and safety gear
Not included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee payable at the airport
- Personal travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
With a maximum elevation of 2,012 m at Ghandruk, the risk of acute mountain sickness is minimal on this itinerary. However, the continuous uphill and downhill walking on stone steps still demands good cardiovascular endurance.
Accommodation standards
We utilize comfortable mountain lodges along the trail that provide twin-share rooms, indoor dining halls, and attached or shared bathrooms with hot water options. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you stay in 5-star hotels.
Physical preparation
We recommend starting a cardio and leg-strengthening routine several weeks prior to departure. Expect four to six hours of daily hiking primarily on uneven stone steps and dirt tracks.
Responsible travel
We adhere to strict leave-no-trace principles, minimizing single-use plastics and supporting local lodge owners, farmers, and staff fairly across the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with good ankle support for stone steps.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Useful for cooler evenings in the mountain lodges.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms for layered warmth.
Waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Protection against sudden rain or wind.
Daypack (30–40L)Essential
Camping
To carry your daily water, layers, and camera gear.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
With purification tablets or filter for drinking water.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Necessary for early starts and lodge corridors at night.
Valid passport and insurance detailsEssential
Documents
Keep waterproofed in your daypack.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitMandatory entry permit for conservation area conservation and local community projects.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?
The highest elevation on this route is 2,012 m at Ghandruk, making it accessible for beginners concerned about altitude sickness.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?
We accommodate you in high-standard mountain lodges offering twin-share rooms, warm dining areas, and accessible facilities.
How many hours do we walk each day?
Expect to walk between 4 and 6 hours daily, primarily along stone steps, forest paths, and hillside trails.
Are domestic flights included in the package?
Yes, round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara are fully included in your trip cost.
What permits do we need for this trek?
We arrange your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) as part of our inclusive service; you only need to provide a passport-size photo.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, personal travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 3,000 m is mandatory for all our trekking participants.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 9 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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