The Annapurna region combines some of Nepal's most iconic mountains. It offers easy and spectacular mountain trekking with superb infrastructure and easy access. Our Taste of Nepal tour showcases the beauty of Annapurna with a 4-day trek to the summit of Poon Hill where you will be rewarded by a magnificent sunrise and panoramic views.

Your Taste of Nepal adventure includes:

• All accommodation

• All travel within Nepal

• All meals

• Four-day Annapurna Trek

• 1-hour massage at Seeing Hands Nepal

• Trek guides

• Porters

• Trek permits

• Stunning mountain flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu

• Sightseeing half-day in Kathmandu including entry fees

• Service experiences and materials

• New Zealand guides and experienced Nepalese guides

• Kiwi guidance and assistance from the moment you book
  

You will need to budget for:

• International flights

• Insurance

• Entry visa into Nepal (USD$30 - it is best to take this currency for a visa on arrival)

• Spending money for souvenirs, snacks and beverages

• Tipping for porters and guides

• Shopping! - cashmere scarves, jackets, puffer vests, paintings and much much more!

Day 1 - Arrive in Kathmandu

Land in Kathmandu and meet our guide Dil Gurung from Nepal Unique Treks, who will transfer us to our hotel in Thamel, the tourist centre.

Day 2 - Introduction to Nepal

This morning we enjoy some sightseeing around Kathmandu. We will visit the Monkey Temple, and the impressive Boudha Stupa, one of the biggest Stupa’s in the world of its kind, standing with four pairs of eyes keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This afternoon you can explore the maze of Thamel’s shops and café, and get anything you need before our hike. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner in Thamel.

Day 3 - Kathmandu to Pokhara

Today we leave Kathmandu and travel to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city. The hustle and bustle of leaving Kathmandu by is a fun and interesting experience. Watching the traffic merge and busses navigate the people and other vehicles, is an adventure in itself. We will have lunch on-route and arrive in Pokhara late afternoon. Pokhara is the base for the Annapurna trekking and is world famous for its serene lake and amazing views of the Annapurna Mountain range. [B]

Day 4 - Hike begins Pokhara to Ghorepani (2,860m)

Drive from Pokhara via Tikhedunga to Ulleri (1,540m) and hike to Ghorepani (2,860m). The trail this afternoon offers views of the Annapurna's, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli. We will ascend gently through the rhododendron forest to reach Nanghethani (2460m) and then continue to Ghorepani. Ghorepani village also hosts small shops and stalls, selling local products and craft. The hillside just below Ghorepani is home to more than eight rhododendron species - Nepal's national flower.

Day 5 - Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m), Tadapani (2630m)

This morning we conquer Poon Hill - an icon of the Annapurna region. We make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint to catch the magnificent splendour of sunrise over the Himalayas and enjoy incredible panoramic views of Mustang and Pokhara valleys. After returning back to Ghorepani for breakfast, we will make our way to Tadapani. Enjoy a pleasant forest trail through rhododendron and oak groves to Deurali (2960m). Then continuing a descent through rhododendron forests to Banthanti (2606m). Finishing with steep climb to reach Tadapani (2710m), another beautiful village that provides stunning views of Annapurna range.

Day 6 - Tadapani to Jhinu Danda (1780m)

We continue our way down to the Kimron Khola and ascend while passing through the serene rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forest to reach Chomrong village before dropping to a small peaceful settlement - Jhinu danda. This village has natural hot springs.

Day 7 - April 13th Jhinu Danda to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi (1150m), drive to Pokhara (820m)

We reach our final day on the trails. After leaving Jhinu Danda, we follow the plain dust road along the right of Modi Khola to reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi. Here we meet our transfer and drive back to Pokhara. Tonight we will enjoy a Poon Hill Trek celebration dinner.

Day 8 - Free day in Pokhara

Check out the shops and relax by the lake, or perhaps add some thrill by paragliding. Visit the social enterprise Seeing Hands Nepal – a massage centre where blind Nepalise are given training to become massage therapists and later work within the organisation - you may choose to enjoy a 1-hour massage here by these talented people which is already included in your trip cost.

Day 9 - Pokhara to Kathmandu & IGWR Home Visit

On a clear day this 1-hour scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara offers magnificent views of the Himalaya mountain range. Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city known for its serene lake and views of the Annapurna Mountain range. After checking in our Thamel hotel, enjoy some free time and find some lunch. This afternoon we visit IGWR. We will be giving out brand new school bags which will have items required for the academic year (books, stationary, water bottles etc). Your trip has covered the expenses of these new backpacks and materials.

Day 10 - Rural School Visit (IGWR support project)

We will travel with Raja, in-country director if IGWR, to Kashi Bhanjyang for a Rural School Visit and gift the students and teachers’ toothbrushes and other resources. There are approximately 100 children who attend this school. On the way to the rural school we will stop at "Kailashnath Mahadeva” the tallest Shiva statue in the world standing 143ft high.

Day 11 - Free morning and Sunsar Maya Visit

We will visit Sunsar Maya for an afternoon where we will gain insight into two of their main programmes: Womens’ Literacy and the childrens After School Programme. In between the programmes we have some downtime in which we will visit one of the women’s literacy programmes success stories: When Laputi joined the SuMa Women’s Literacy Programme she couldn’t identify most letters or solve simple math equations. A little over a year later, she opened her own business, a shop providing clothing and necessities to her community. Your trip has covered the cost of buying Sunsar Maya a much needed new computer which we will deliver.

Day 12 - Free morning and Curry Without Worry

Free morning in Thamel before leaving after lunch for Curry Without Worry. Every Tuesday curry is prepared, cooked and then served to homeless of Kathmandu in Durbar Square “where any hungry soul can receive a nutritious meal once a week”. We will meet the CWC team and help prepare the evening meal. We will get a brief glimpse into Durbar Square while the curry is cooking and before meeting again to help serve. Your trip has covered the ingredients to feed approximately 350 people this night.

Day 13 - Final day in Nepal (optional cooking class)

Enjoy your last day in Thamel – purchase any last souvenirs or gifts, or visit The Garden of Dreams on the edge of the tourist centre. We will transfer to the airport in time for departure.

Optional Local Cooking Class NZD$60 - participate in a traditional cooking class where you will make traditional vegetarian momos, discover secret recipes, and learn more about Nepalese culture. This is an extra activity of having fun whilst giving back as all net proceeds from these classes will go directly to Seven Women’s scholarship program. How Seven Women was born: Stephanie Woollard began Seven Women at age 22 after meeting seven disabled women working in a tin shed in Kathmandu. These seven women were struggling to make a living in the face of harsh discrimination. With her last $200, Steph paid for a trainer to teach the women how to make products for sale locally and abroad.

Please note - this itinerary is subject to change based on community service needs and activities.