Breakfast and finalization of luggage. Flight to Pokhara in the morning. Once landed, we board local jeeps. On the road to Nayapul, we make a stop at Khare to admire the mountains before following the Modi Khola by a track. A few bends lead us to the village of Chane around 1700 m. Here, the porters load the bags and we start the trek on a beautiful path, with already views of Machhapuchhare, Gangapurna, and Annapurna South. From Chane, the trail climbs up to the village of Gandrung, where we stop to spend the night. Superb views of the Annapurnas and the Machapuchare.

• flight: 30 Min
• Drive: 2 hrs
• walking: 1 Hrs
• Final Altitude: 1,990 m
• Meals: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner

Gandrung is the largest village of the Gurung ethnic group. Each family is proud to have at least one member belonging to the clan of the famous warriors who are the Gurkhas! We take the time to visit the village, its temples, and museums before starting the walk towards Thadapani. Tadapani means “distant water” in Nepali. We resume the climb towards the Komrong Danda pass (2650 m). Very nice views of the Machapuchare. A balcony path leads to the villages of Melanje (2,050 m) and Chiule (2,050 m). The path straightens and crosses a forest of imposing rhododendrons, real trees, in bloom from March. Placed on the ridge, Thadapani (2590 m) offers a plunging view of the steep-sided valley leading to the Annapurna sanctuary. Annapurna III (7555 m) and Gangapurna (7454 m) dominate the scene.

• Walking: 5 hours
• Elevation Gain/ Loss:+700m/ -90m
• Final altitude: approximately 2,600 m
• Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
• Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea House

We leave the main path that leads to Ghorepani to follow a path rarely used by people other than locals. The path first climbs through the thick rhododendron forest before arriving at the water buffalo pastures. Short grass is a precious commodity in these villages. The views of the Annapurna Range emerging above the tree line are stunning. We arrive at Dobato after the place called Isharu.

• Walking: 6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +780m
• Final altitude: approximately 3,400 m
• Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
• Accommodation: one night in a lodge

For the more adventurous, the day begins before dawn with an optional sunrise walk to the Muldhai Viewpoint, reached in about 45 minutes from the lodge. This first encounter with Dhaulagiri is nothing short of spectacular. From this outstanding 360-degree panorama, the Himalayan giants unfold in every direction. To the north rise the Nilgiri peaks (North, Central, and South), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, and the iconic Machhapuchhre. To the east, emerging through the morning mist, lie Lamjung Himal and Himalchuli, extending as far as Ganesh Himal. To the south, rolling hills descend endlessly toward the distant Terai plains. Turning west, the view opens toward the remote ranges bordering Dolpo, with Putha Hiunchuli, Gurja Himal, and the vast Dhaulagiri massif dominating the skyline, crowned by Dhaulagiri I. Nearby stand Tukuche Peak and the rugged mountains of western Mustang.

It is the kind of viewpoint where one could linger for hours, captivated by the sheer scale and silence of the high Himalaya. Eventually, we descend back toward the trail and continue along this quieter second balcony route, far removed from the main trekking paths. After a few hours of walking, we reach the alpine pastures of Bayeli, home to a single, remote lodge. If weather conditions allow, the setting sun paints the surrounding peaks in warm evening light, offering another unforgettable moment high above the valley.

From here, the landscape becomes increasingly wild and serene. There are no signposts or famous viewpoints—only yak pastures, rhododendron forests, and wide-open mountain scenery. Surrounded by these magnificent Himalayan giants, we continue our descent to Chistibung, arriving after approximately three hours of downhill walking.

• walking: 5hrs
• Elevation Gain/ loss: +300 m / –700 m
• Final altitude: approx. 3,020 m
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge

The path crosses a beautiful forest of rhododendrons to a small sacred pond; the view clears; the path winds between the blocks and joins a spur from where the view of the Dhaulagiri is remarkable. Another effort to reach the Kopra community lodge. Magnificent views, extraordinary panorama formed by the Annapurna South, close to a few kilometers (but the ascent of which takes weeks!), and the peaks of Fang and Nilgiri to the north. Beyond the depths of the Kali Gandaki valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire skyline to the west. After lunch, to enjoy this sumptuous landscape even more, a hike on the ridges that dominate Kopra Ridge, towards the sacred lake of Khayar (4025 m), is possible. In summer, a pilgrimage takes place on the shores of the lake; in spring and autumn, the snow does not allow it to be reached. A belvedere located at 4000 meters is already a beautiful objective. Return to the lodge.

NB: Allow 3 to 4 hours of walking for Kopra Ridge and 3 hours of walking for the optional hike to Khayar Lake.

• Walking: about 7 hours
• Elevation Gain: 600m
• Final altitude: approximately 1,300 m
• Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
• Accommodation: one night in a lodge

After admiring one last sunrise over the familiar peaks—Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli—we begin a long descent toward lower valleys. The trail winds through high alpine pastures, first shared with grazing yaks, then gradually giving way to buffalo herds as we lose altitude. Beyond Chistibung, the landscape changes once more, leading us into rhododendron-covered slopes. Crossing a suspension bridge, we tackle a final short climb before reaching the welcoming village of Swanta.

• Walking time: 6 hours
• Elevation Gain: +200 m / –1,700 m
• Final altitude: approx. 2,250 m
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: Lodge 

After leaving the village, we descend to a river and cross it by suspension bridge before rejoining the classic trekking trail. The path then climbs gently through a series of villages toward Ghorepani, whose name—“water of the horses”—recalls its long history as a stop on regional caravan routes. Today, Ghorepani is a lively mountain settlement with numerous lodges and convenient facilities.

• Walking: 5 hrs
• Elevation Gain/ Loss: +800m/ -100m
• Final altitude: approximately 2,685 m
• Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
• Accommodation: night in a lodge                                                                                                                       

Early departure for Poon Hill (about 45 minutes), the region’s iconic viewpoint. While the sunrise attracts many visitors, once the crowds turn back we continue onward toward our fourth panoramic ridge, heading for the quiet heights of Mohare Danda. The trail becomes increasingly wild, crossing open alpine pastures where yaks and buffalo graze, with the immense face of Dhaulagiri constantly in view.

Reaching Mohare Danda, we spend our final evening in the highlands, surrounded by vast Himalayan scenery. As the light fades, the silhouettes of Lamjung Himal, Mardi Himal, and many other peaks stand out against the sky. With clear conditions, some may even catch a distant glimpse of Phewa Lake far below in Pokhara—a fitting and memorable conclusion to this high-altitude journey.

• Walking: 6 hrs
• Elevation gain/ Loss: +880m / -100m
• Final altitude: approximately 3,300 m
• Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
• Accommodation: night in a lodge, Tea house.

On this final day of walking, we remain on the ridge with Dhaulagiri still in view. The trail leads us gently toward the Hampal Pass (2,990 m) before descending into the beautiful Gurung and Magar village of Lespar, a fitting and authentic conclusion to our journey through the highlands.

• Walking: 6 hrs
• Elevation Gain/ Loss: +200m/ -1200m
• Final altitude: approximately 2,160 m
• Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
• Accommodation: a night in a lodge

Early departure for our last day of the trek. We walk “on a balcony” first in the heart of forest landscapes then from hamlet to hamlet, we descend along the Patikhola river to Patichaur. Transfer to Pokhara. Enjoy rest and a comfortable night at Phewa Lake.

• Walking: 4 hrs and driving: 2 hrs
• Elevation Gain/ Loss: +100m / - 1000m
• Final altitude: approximately 850
• Meals: breakfast – lunch
• Accommodation: one night in a Hotel

Return to Kathmandu along the Himalayan range. The peaks of Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang parade on the horizon

• Drive: 6 hrs 
• Final altitude:  1,355 m
• Meals: Breakfast 
• Accommodation: one night in a Hotel

Free day. Take advantage of this day to stroll in the city center or visit the cultural sites. Marvel at Shree Buddha Nath, a 36-meter-high stupa in the Tibetan Quarter of the Nepalese capital. Discover Pashupatinath, the holy place of Hindus dedicated to Shiva, one of the four highest places of pilgrimage in Asia. Nestled in the center of old Kathmandu, Durbar Square never fails to captivate the visitor with its fine woodcarvings and rich history. Explore the dynamic district of Thamel and its colorful bazaars, an ideal place to do your last shopping. In the Kathmandu Valley, the traditional village of Bhaktapur will amaze you with its 17th-century architecture.

• Final altitude: 1,355 m
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: one night in a Hotel

We will drive you back to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled flight to your destination.

• Meal: Breakfast