Mindfully around the Annapurna

📍 Kathmandu, Nepal

🏔️ Himalaya               

  📅 20 Mar - 4 Apr 2027

🥾 Moderate               

Price per person   

€ 2395

What to expect

• Off the beaten track: Explore quiet trails away from the crowds of the Annapurna region.
• Diverse landscapes: Trek through traditional villages, peaceful forests and hillsides covered in rhododendrons.
• Spectacular mountain views: Enjoy sweeping Himalayan panoramas, with the mighty Annapurna South dominating the skyline.
• Varied trekking: Follow easy mountain trails with steep climbs, descents and scenic ridge walks.
• Warm local hospitality: Stay with local families, enjoy home-cooked meals and experience Nepali village life.
• Settling into Nepal: Spend two days exploring the city and visiting a local NGO that supports and empowers women 

Trekking Together

I organise my Nepal treks in partnership with a local travel agency that employs and empowers women in tourism. Throughout the whole trip, we'll be accompanied by a wonderful Nepali team who take care of the local arrangements, show us around the historic towns and on the trek share their knowledge of local culture, traditions, plants, wildlife and everyday life in the Himalayan villages. My role is to help bridge cultural differences, offer insights from my years of travelling in Nepal and look after your wellbeing, pace and acclimatisation along the way. Together, we want you to feel well cared for while experiencing Nepal in a personal and meaningful way.

Why trek with us

• Two guides: A local guide with in-depth knowledge of the Himalaya and a UIMLA-certified International Mountain Leader.
• My Experience: Over 150 days trekking in Nepal, long-standing local friendships and an MSc in South Asian Studies.
• A trusted local team: Experienced Nepali guides and porters, treated with respect and provided with fair pay, insurance and proper equipment.
• Your wellbeing comes first: Careful acclimatisation, a flexible pace and two guides to ensure everyone feels safe and supported.
• Personal support: Practical advice and individual guidance before and throughout the trek, whenever you need it.
• Empowering women in Nepal: Supporting aspiring female guides through mentoring and partnerships with local organisations.

Programme

Saturday – Arrival
I highly recommend arriving in Nepal a few days before the tour officially begins, giving you time to settle in and explore at your own pace. On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you'll be picked up and transferred to our guesthouse in Bhaktapur, a historic town known for its beautiful temples, traditional architecture and lively squares. If you're already in Nepal, you're welcome to arrive at the guesthouse in the morning and join our free guided walking tour through Bhaktapur. In the evening, we meet for our first group dinner and get to know each other before our adventure begins.

Sunday – Visit Akasha Academy
We drive to the outskirts of Kathmandu to visit the Akasha Academy, where the women that are interested in becoming mountain leaders are attending their one-year traineeship. They will show us their project and its beautiful premisses, we have lunch at their artisan bakery, and they will take us for a gentle hike in the surrounding hills.

Monday – Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast we take an early bus to Pokhara, which takes approximately 6-8 hours. The afternoon is free to explore the cute little town, and we meet up for dinner by Phewar lake.

Tuesday – Starting the Trek
7 km, ↑ 800 m, 3.5 hrs
We begin early, traveling by private jeeps to a small Himalayan town - the starting point of our trek (approx. 3 hours). From there, we hike uphill and stop for lunch at the former regional king’s residence. In the afternoon, we continue to Bas Kharka (1525m), where we settle into a cozy teahouse nestled in the middle of an orange orchard.

Note: The estimated walking time does not include breaks. If not otherwise stated, we usually start hiking around 8 am and get to our accommodation between 3 pm and 4 pm each day.

Day 5 – Nagi (2300 m)
7 km, ↑ 1100 m, ↓ 450 m, 4.5 hrs
We continue our trek through beautiful forest trails of Rhododendron, which will be fully blossoming at this time of the year, and terraced hillsides to reach Nagi, one of the largest Pun Magar settlements in the region. This vibrant village is the heart of the community-based eco-lodge trek and a great place to learn about sustainable village life and immerse yourself in Pun Magar culture.

Day 6 – Mohare Danda (3300m)
9 km, ↑ 1100 m, 5 hrs
Today’s trek leads us through serene forests filled with oaks and bamboo, where we can spot a variety of wild orchids blooming along the trail. As we ascend to Mohare Danda, the landscape opens up to reveal one of the most stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, stretching across the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The sunset from this high ridge is a breathtaking experience, and the sunrise the next morning is equally unforgettable. We spend the night at a peaceful eco-lodge perched on the hilltop.

Day 7 – Ghorepani (2874 m)
5 km, ↑ 150 m, ↓ 600 m, 2 hrs
We start our scenic hike toward the famous Poon Hill, a renowned viewpoint offering spectacular vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. In the early morning, the area is bustling with trekkers, all gathered to witness the sunrise. But by late morning, the crowds disappear, leaving the peaceful beauty of the landscape to us. From Poon Hill, we descend gradually through lush trails to reach Ghorepani, a charming village perched on a mountain ridge. The afternoon is free to relax, join for a class of yoga, and catch up on some laundry or rest. Overnight at a cozy teahouse in Ghorepani.

Day 8 – Dobato (3350 m)
8 km, ↑ 1100 m, ↓ 500 m, 4.5 hrs
While most trekkers head uphill to the crowded Poon Hill viewpoint at sunrise, we continue our route in the opposite direction, gaining an early start toward Dobato. The trail climbs gently through peaceful forests to Deurali Pass (3,090m), where wide views begin to open. We descend briefly to Deurali village for lunch, then leave the busy route behind and head north. The path leads through mystic, dense oak and bamboo forests, often veiled in mist, creating a magical atmosphere. After a steady ascent, we reach the highest point of the day at 3,560 meters. From here, we descend to Dobato with an optional short detour to the Muldai Viewpoint (3,637m)—a hidden gem offering a spectacular 360-degree panorama of over 25 Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare. 

Day 9 – Khopra Danda (3600 m)
11 km, ↑ 1000 m, ↓ 800 m, 6 hrs
We follow a scenic ridge trail from Dobato, ascending gradually through forests and alpine meadows. Lunch is at Dhan Kharka, a remote spot with just two shepherds’ huts. Continuing uphill, we reach Khopra Danda, where Annapurna South feels almost close enough to touch. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, we settle in for the night at the only teahouse on the ridge.

Day 10 – Khayar Lake (4660 m)
16 km, ↑↓ 1200 m, 8 hrs
Today offers a choice: Adventure seekers can embark on a challenging full-day hike to Khayar Lake, a sacred alpine lake nestled beneath towering peaks. The trail is long and demanding but rewards with solitude, dramatic scenery, and a deep sense of wilderness. For those preferring a rest day, Khopra Danda is the perfect place to unwind—soak in the views, read, practice yoga and/or meditation, or enjoy the peaceful high-altitude surroundings from the comfort of the teahouse.

Day 11 – Paudwar (2000 m)
10 km, ↑ 150 m, ↓ 1600 m, 4.5 hrs
After another beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas, we begin our descent toward the village of Paudwar on a trail that drops steeply at times, winding through alpine meadows, dense forest, and small grazing pastures. We pass through traditional Magar villages and terraced fields, where daily life continues much as it has for generations. By afternoon, we arrive in Swanta, a charming village surrounded by farmland.

Day 12 – Tatopani (1190 m)
14 km, ↑ 400 m, ↓ 1400 m, 5 hrs
We continue our steady descent through terraced fields and dense forest. The trail eventually joins the main Ghorepani–Tatopani route, becoming livelier as we approach lower altitudes. Crossing several suspension bridges and passing small hamlets, we follow the river valley down to Tatopani, which means "hot water" in Nepali. This riverside village is famous for its natural hot springs, the perfect place to end our trek and relax and soothe tired muscles after days on the trail.

Thursday – Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast in Tatopani, we begin our journey back to Pokhara by private vehicle. The drive winds along the Kali Gandaki River, passing through lush valleys, terraced hillsides, and vibrant villages. The road gradually improves as we reach the lower elevations, and by afternoon we arrive in Pokhara.

Friday – Drive to Bhaktapur
We have an early breakfast in our guesthouse and take a bus back to Bhaktapur (6-8 hrs).

Saturday – Bhaktapur
Today is yours to explore at your own pace. If you missed the walking tour of Bhaktapur on Day 1, you're welcome to join it today. Alternatively, head into Kathmandu with one of our team members to discover some of the best local eateries, cosy cafés or a fantastic spa offering massages – one of my personal favourites after a long trek! There's also plenty of time to do some souvenir shopping, visit a few sights or simply soak up the atmosphere. In the evening, we come together for one last group dinner to celebrate our adventure.

Note: This day also acts as a buffer in case we needed extra time on the trail due to weather or acclimatization. While departures are technically possible today, they come with risk and are not recommended.

Sunday – Departure
We say goodbye over breakfast, and you can start your travel home or onwards at any time.

Note that our hiking days may differ from the described programme due to weather and path conditions or the physical ability of the group.

Physical requirements

This trek is quite different from hut-to-hut hiking in the Alps. Although we follow non-technical trails, the main challenges are the length of the trek, the altitude and the basic facilities along the way.

You should be comfortable with:

• Long hiking days: Previous multi-day trekking experience, good fitness and the stamina to hike steadily for several days in a row.
• High altitude: Spending much of the trek above 3000 m and sleeping at elevations of up to 3600 m.
• Physical resilience: Being in good health, and able to cope with the combined demands of trekking and basic living conditions.
• Simple accommodation: Modest rooms, limited amenities, shared washing facilities and toilets that are sometimes outdoors
• Limited choice: Less variety and fewer fresh ingredients as we climb higher.
• Cold temperatures: Chilly mornings and evenings, with unheated bedrooms that can drop to 5°C at night.

Please keep in mind that you're in the best position to decide whether this trip is the right fit for you. Multi-day hikes in the Alps can sometimes feel more challenging than expected, especially if you're new to Alpine hiking. If you haven't hiked with me before, or you're unsure about your fitness level or equipment, I'd be more than happy to have a chat with you beforehand and help you decide whether this tour is a good match for you.

Altitude & Health

Your safety is our priority. Our experienced guiding team takes a gradual, cautious approach to acclimatisation and closely monitors everyone's wellbeing. Yet, even with careful acclimatisation, altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or experience. With multiple guides on the trek, one of us can accompany you individually if problems arise, whether that means descending to a lower altitude or getting you to the nearest suitable medical facility if necessary.

There are generally no special vaccination requirements for travellers arriving in Nepal directly from Europe or the Americas, although requirements depend on your travel history. 

You'll receive more detailed information on altitude, health precautions and preparation after signing up.

Service included

Framework & Organisation

• Small group of 4–12 guests
• Tour organised and insured by a registered travel company
• Experienced Nepali guiding team and a Europe-based International Mountain Leader (UIMLA)

Personal support prior to the trip

• Practical advice on flights, visas, vaccinations and packing
• Detailed travel information and an online group meeting before departure
• Individual support by email, phone and a WhatsApp group chat

Accommodation & Meals

• Guesthouse in Bhaktapur and Pokhara, including breakfast
• Accommodation in locally run teahouses and homestays throughout the trek
• Welcome and Farewell dinner on the first and last night
• All meals and hot water on the trek

Transport & Trekking

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• All scheduled group transport, including private jeeps to and from the trail
• Trekking permits
• Porter service for up to 10 kg of luggage per guest

Extra costs

• International flights to Kathmandu
• Nepal visa (approximately €50)
• Lunches and dinners outside the trek (approximately €5–20 per meal)
• Tips for local guides, porters and drivers
• Personal travel and health insurance
• Optional extras on the trek, such as drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging (approximately €1–5 each)

Additional costs may vary and are for guidance only.

Practical Information

Travel

Our journey begins and ends in Bhaktapur, a historic town in the Kathmandu Valley. We'll arrange your airport transfers, so you can settle in without worrying about transport.

We travel between Bhaktapur and Pokhara by tourist bus (approximately 6–8 hours), while private jeeps take us to and from the trekking route. Roads in Nepal can be slow and unpredictable, so some flexibility is part of the adventure.

I recommend arriving a few days early if possible, giving you time to recover from your flight and explore at your own pace.

Accommodation

In Bhaktapur and Pokhara, we stay in comfortable, family-run guesthouses. During the trek, we sleep in local teahouses, homestays and community lodges. While accommodation is simple, we know all our hosts personally and are always welcomed with genuine warmth.

Rooms are usually shared and become more modest at higher altitudes, with unheated bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging facilities may be available for an extra fee. The communal dining room is often heated and provides a cosy place to relax after a day's walking.

Food

On the trek, we'll enjoy freshly prepared Nepali meals, especially dal bhat – rice, lentils and vegetable curry. Teahouses also offer dishes such as soups, noodles, pasta and porridge. Food choices become more limited at higher altitudes, but meals remain hearty and filling. Hot water will be our main drink on the trek, as boiling is a reliable way to make water safe to drink. Start collecting a variety of your favourite teabags to add some flavour to your hot water along the way!

Payment Information

A deposit of €150 is required within seven days of booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before the start date. Payment in instalments is possible; please contact me directly at info(at)shantitreks.com. Please note that the cancellation policy applies as outlined in the T&Cs.