Luxury Annapurna Villages Trek – 5 Days

Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, is a dream destination for travelers seeking breathtaking mountain views, rich cultural experiences, and memorable adventures. Among its many trekking routes, the Annapurna region stands out for its stunning panoramas, diverse landscapes, and traditional villages. The Luxury Annapurna Villages Trek offers a perfect opportunity to explore this magnificent area in style, blending scenic treks with luxury lodge accommodations. This 5-day journey, tailored for both novice hikers and families, takes you through serene mountain villages, past terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and ancient Gurung communities.

With carefully designed trekking routes that stay at lower altitudes, this tour ensures stunning Himalayan views without overwhelming physical exertion. Here’s a detailed itinerary to guide you through this exceptional experience.

Day 1: Arrival in Pokhara – Drive to Hemja & Trek to Astam Village

Upon arrival in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, you’ll be greeted by your guide, who will take you on a short drive to Hemja. From here, you’ll begin your trek toward Astam Village, a picturesque hilltop settlement with magnificent views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and the surrounding Annapurna range.

The trek starts with a 2.5-hour climb, passing through charming villages and scenic landscapes. You can opt for a jeep trail that gradually levels out or take a more challenging, steep trail along a ridgeline, offering sweeping views of the Himalayas. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit a fascinating local shrine dedicated to the naga gods (serpent deities).

Your destination for the day is the Hana No Ie Lodge in Astam, where you’ll enjoy warm hospitality, delicious local food, and stunning views of the mountains. The serene environment will allow you to unwind and relax after your first day of trekking.

– Walking time: 2-3 hours

– Elevation: 4,921 feet (1,500 m)

Day 2: Trek from Astam Village to Dhampus

On the second day of your journey, you’ll wake up to spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and a delicious breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients. You’ll begin the trek by following a ridgeline trail, which leads to Dhampus, a scenic Gurung village.

The Gurung people are well-known for their role in Nepal’s military history, and as you pass through the village, you’ll experience the traditional rural lifestyle of this ethnic group. The trek itself is moderate, offering captivating views of the Annapurna range along the way. Upon reaching Dhampus, you’ll check in at the Basanta Lodge, an exquisite lodge run by the luxurious Ker & Downey group. The lodge provides exceptional amenities, including comfortable rooms, delicious meals, and a stunning garden where you can relax and take in the views of the surrounding peaks.

As the sun sets, enjoy a refreshing drink during happy hour while soaking in the panoramic mountain vistas.

– Walking time: 3-4 hours

– Elevation: 5,577 feet (1,700 m)

Day 3: Trek from Dhampus to Landruk

After breakfast, you’ll set out for another exciting day of trekking, as you head towards Landruk. The route climbs through lush rhododendron forests and vibrant orchid groves, taking you to Deurali, a vantage point that offers stunning views of Mount Dhaulagiri, the highest peak in the region.

From Deurali, you’ll descend through the culturally rich villages of Tolka and Beri Kharka, where you can interact with the friendly locals and learn about their traditional way of life. The trail continues downhill through forests and terraced fields, eventually reaching Landruk, a large Gurung village located above the Modi River.

You’ll be welcomed at the La Bee Lodge, where you’ll spend the night in comfort. This lodge, with its serene atmosphere, offers delicious meals and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a rewarding day of trekking.

– Walking time: 6-7 hours

– Elevation: 5,216 feet (1,590 m)

Day 4: Trek from Landruk to Ghandruk

Today’s trek takes you to Ghandruk, a charming village known for its slate-roofed houses and spectacular Himalayan vistas. The day begins with a steep descent towards the Modi River, followed by a challenging uphill climb with stunning views of the mountains, terraced fields, and scattered villages.

En route, you’ll stop for a leisurely lunch before continuing the ascent to Ghandruk. This village offers unparalleled views of some of the most iconic peaks of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre.

Once in Ghandruk, you’ll check into the Himalaya Lodge, another luxurious Ker & Downey retreat that ensures comfort and hospitality. Spend the afternoon exploring the village or visiting the Annapurna Mountain Conservation Area Project (ACAP), a conservation initiative aimed at preserving the rich biodiversity of the region. The ACAP office provides educational materials about local flora and fauna, sustainable tourism, and environmental protection.

– Walking time: 4 hours

– Elevation: 6,364 feet (1,940 m)

Day 5: Hike from Ghandruk to Kimche, then take a scenic drive to Pokhara before your departure.

On your final day of trekking, you’ll descend from Ghandruk towards Kimche, a small settlement located at the base of the mountains. The easy trail takes you through terraced fields and dense forests, offering a relaxed end to your trekking adventure.

From Kimche, you’ll take a drive back to Pokhara, where you can spend your remaining hours exploring the charming lakeside city. You might want to enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit one of the Tibetan villages nearby, or shop for unique handicrafts made by local artisans. If you’re feeling adventurous, try paragliding or rent a bike for a scenic ride along the lakeside.

When it’s time to leave, you’ll bid farewell to the majestic Annapurna region and continue your journey home, taking with you memories of an unforgettable experience in Nepal.

– Walking time: 1-2 hours

– Elevation: 5,347 feet (1,630 m)

Conclusion

The Luxury Annapurna Villages Trek offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Annapurna region in style. The itinerary blends short, scenic treks with stays in some of Nepal’s most luxurious boutique lodges, allowing you to experience the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage without compromising on comfort. Whether you’re hiking for the panoramic mountain views, cultural immersion, or simply to relax and unwind, this trek is sure to leave you with lifelong memories of Nepal’s majestic landscapes and warm-hearted people.