Meet at Adelaide International Airport for Singapore Airlines flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu (1330 metres) we will be transferred to the Radisson Hotel. Overnight Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Meals:  Nil

This morning we make a leisurely start. After breakfast we meet with our trek leader for a trek briefing and distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down jacket. We then will embark on an exploration of the cultural and historical highlights of the city. Overnight Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Meals:  B

After transferring to the airport we fly to Pokhara and begin our trek. On arrival we drive out of town for around an hour, stopping at Phedi where we leave the bus. A large hill hides the mountain views from us, and we hike to the top on stone staircases through forests of bamboo and rhododendron. As we reach the crest, the scale of the imposing mountains astounds us, and we rest and gaze at the adjacent peak of Machapuchare (6993m), and the many other huge peaks of the Annapurnas spread to the east. It is a short walk from here to our overnight accommodation.

Meals:  B,L,D

We trek through forest, and in and out of small gullies, as the path continues closer to the mountains. The rhododendron forests are lush and offer a protective canopy for the smaller delicate flora, such as primula and daphne. It also provides a haven for birdlife and you can hear their varied calls as you move through. The trail soon opens onto cultivated fields as we approach the village of Landrung, with its excellent views of Annapurna South. There are many opportunities today to observe rural life and to gain some appreciation of village life.

Meals:  B,L,D

After following the trail down towards the river, and trek towards the high peaks along a deep and often shaded valley that hides ferns and small delicate plants. It is not a long walk today, but there are some stepped ascents that will slow you down as we work our way up the west side of the valley.

Meals:  B,L,D

The trail starts with a steep ascent to the ridgetop where the trail flattens and we start to enjoy the spectacular views. Steady patient walking is the best approach. When you reach camp at the ridge top you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Machapuchure.

Meals:  B,L,D

Spectacular views of the mountains will greet you this morning as you take breakfast and prepare for the walk to Gandrung. It will take most of the day, with the trail ascending and descending as you make your way through fields and forest. The most dramatic views will be behind you, so take your time and turn to admire the view. At camp you will be rewarded with magnificent views. The sunset views of Annapurna South from the village are magnificent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into the forest of rhododendron and magnolia. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for daphne, and many small ferns and delicate plants. Tadapani is a small settlement and we stay in an ecolodge here. Once again, our efforts are rewarded with magnificent mountain views.

Meals:  B,L,D

We follow the trail through rhododendron forest to the pass at Deorali. We will pass above the tree-line, and now have excellent views of the dramatic range of mountains known as the Dhaulagiri Himal. At Ghorepani we join the busy Pokhara-Jomosom trail, which is the old Tibet-Nepal trade route and provides an interesting insight into the daily life of this area.

Meals:  B,L,D

We are half way through the trek, and take the opportunity to relax here, and to enjoy the stunning views from the summit of nearby Poon Hill. The views here are tremendous, with huge snow-capped mountain ranges soaring high above a foreground of terraced foothills. Both sunrise and sunset at Poon Hill splash spectacular colours across the mountains. During the day you can explore the village and enjoy some fun in games with the local children.

Meals:  B,L,D

From Ghorepani we pass Poon Hill and descend from the ridge through forest to our lodge at Upper Phulbari. We stay on the ridge-top between the Kali Gandaki and Ramche valleys, and sunset and sunrise views should be at their best. We are well away from the main trails and you will enjoy the traditional village lifestyle.

Meals:  B,L,D

We descend this morning to the village of Nah and make our way over the next foothill by slowly climbing and traversing its ridges. There are excellent views today as we meander through the forests on little-known trails where terraced fields are grazing lands are interspersed with neat houses. The local people attend to their traditional tasks and welcome our visit with interest. We pass through the village of Sailijan, crest the forest-covered ridge and continue on through rolling country to our camp near Lespar.

Meals:  B,L,D

We follow the ridgeline down, towards the valley floor, but head north near Ligdi and cross the ridge to the next valley. Once again we are stunned by the magnificent Annapurna peaks as they expand before us. We descend towards the Bhurungdi Khola, a river that flows from Poon Hill. The views of terraced fields, white-washed villages and snow-capped peaks that unfold are a delight.

Meals:  B,L,D

We follow the well-marked trail to Birethanti. These trails are a delight to travel, offering a variety of forests, villages and small settlements. The local people attend to their traditional tasks and welcome our visit with interest. At Birethanti we cross the Modi Khola and ascend on an ancient stone path to the village of Jhobang, once a trading town in the days when everything was carried by porters, but now by-passed by a road and modern transport. We traverse terraced fields, winding our way past small settlements where farmers till the ground by hand, and buffalo pull wooden ploughs. Each farmhouse has a buffalo, lots of chickens, and probably a beehive high under the eaves. Cooking is on an open fire, and little has changed over the years – except that children now mostly attend school.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we walk through terraced fields to gain altitude for our hill-top camp at Bhadure. We pass clumps of bamboo and pass through terraced fields as our trail levels, and passes through well-kept Gurung villages. We will have some time to relax in the village this afternoon, and the villagers will delight in our visit and treat us as honoured guests. The mountain panoramas from our campsite on the edge of the forest are excellent and Red Pandas are sometimes seen at this camp.

Meals:  B,L,D

Over the next two days we will visit the school and spend time with the students and meet the teachers. It is a wonderful and humbling experience to be made so welcome by people who genuinely appreciate what the Wilderness School Community is doing for their children’s education.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a walk of around 90 minutes, we have a short drive to Pokhara, where we will farewell our porters and sherpa guides before we can check into our hotel. This afternoon is at leisure in Pokhara. Overnight Landmark Hotel or similar

Meals:  B

This morning we travel to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. We have the afternoon free to explore Kathmandu or relax at the hotel.

Meals:  B

Today our journey ends with a transfer to the airport for our flight to Adelaide via Singapore.

Meals:  B

Meals:  Nil