The journey beings in Kathmandu, the heart of Nepalese culture and the countries’ largest and most interesting city. Here you will spend a day absorbing the bustling city streets taking in the environment where you pass by timeless shrines on one side of the road while a local peddles authentic handicrafts nearby. With a certain mystique, Kathmandu is a wonderful blend of Buddhist roots coupled with a strong Hindu influence that needs to be experienced to appreciate. You will see everything from the bustling backpacker hub of Thamel to the worlds ‘largest stupa to Hindu cremation sites and maybe spot a living Hindu Goddess in between. After a day exploring Kathmandu you travel to the peaceful lakeside city of Pokhora to prepare for the trek. Starting the trek at the relatively low altitude of 800 meters the climate acclimation will be gradual as your work up the scenic pass. A highlight of this low altitude is the chance to see the regional transformations that take place at different altitudes witnessing how elevation can change the landscape from a dry balmy farm to a frozen tundra in a matter of days. The trek begins in the town of Nayapool which is a short drive from the peaceful lake town of Pokhara. From here you will work your way up over 2 kilometers spending your days your days hiking and getting accustomed to the hospitality and warmth offered by the indigenous people inhabiting the small mountain towns. Each stop has its own charms ranging from the bustling markets to the quiet tranquil villages where you feel like living in a tiny bubble surrounded by the tranquility of the Annapurna range. Here you will have a chance to speak with sherpas whose families have guided the trails for generations and experience first hand their wisdom about one of the worlds most popular trekking destinations. Couple this with home cooked meals of Daal Bhat and other authentic Nepali cuisines to truly give you a taste of Nepal,
The trip is highlighted with the early morning poon hill hike under only the light of the moon and stars as you journey up the peaceful path to poon hill. In the early hours, the hike is peacefully quiet and you feel a world away from modern life with only the scenery while you follow the path with the stars as your guide. When you reach poon hill you await a spectacular panoramic view of the Annapurna giants featuring views of several of the tallest mountains in the world illuminated by the early sun as it rises and reflects its light displaying an awe inspiring mountain view.following the poon hill trip, you will begin your descent The beauty of the descent allows you to take a trip through different towns and trails rather than returning to villages you have always visited allowing the descent to be just as interesting on the way down as the climb up as it offers new views and landscapes where you can appreciate the local flora and fauna of the region as you return to Nayapool. The Annapurna truly offers a unique combination of views and villages that will relax the mind, strengthen the body and allow you to connect yourself to the simple outdoor pleasures and lifestyle offered by the region.
