Pink rhododendron
Pink rhododendron
Towering peaks as we descend from Poon Hill  | Mark Watson
Sunrise over the Annapurnas
Machapuchare, the famous 'fishtail mountain' in Nepal's Annapurna region  | Brad Atwal
Enjoy the traditional Gurung villages of the Annapurna region with the towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges providing the ideal backdrop  | Sue Badyari

Over 55's Annapurna Rhododendron Trek

Encounter rhododendron in full bloom along the forest trails of Annapurna

13 Days from

$2290 USD

Trip Code: AR5
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Duration

  • 13 Days

Activities

  • 9 day trek

Accommodation

  • 4 nights hotel
  • 1 night private eco campsite
  • 7 nights eco lodge

Meals

Valued at USD$450

  • 8 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 12 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

30kg of CO2-e PP per day

(361kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Annapurna Trip highlights

  • A gentle introduction to Himalayan trekking, taking in the beauty of the Annapurna Range without the pressure of high altitude or long days
  • Walk among Nepal’s national flower in full bloom, with rhododendron forests bursting in shades of red, pink and white
  • Watch the sun rise over Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri and the sacred Machapuchare from Poon Hill
  • Relax in Pokhara, the charming lakeside town framed by mountain views, perfect for unwinding after your trek

Overview

Timed perfectly for the rhododendron season, this trek lets you walk through forests bursting with Nepal’s national flower. There are around 30 native varieties here, blooming in brilliant shades of red, pink and white, thriving in the cool mountain air. It’s a real highlight of Nepal.

This trip is designed for those who’d like to explore at a slightly slower pace, making it an ideal introduction to trekking in the Annapurnas without feeling rushed. From Pokhara we head north toward the great Annapurna massif, passing through traditional Hindu villages with breathtaking views of the mountains. Our trails wind through oak and flowering rhododendron forests, and each night we stay in eco lodges set in peaceful locations with stunning views of the Annapurna Range.

All of this is enjoyed in the company of our wonderful local crew, whose warmth, humour and genuine care make sure your trek is not just rewarding but truly memorable

Itinerary

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You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals: Nil

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square. It is possible that the Kathmandu free day will take place at the conclusion of your trek instead of at the beginning. If this is to occur with your group, your leader will brief you locally.

Meals: B

We take a short 25min early morning flight to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city (820m). In good weather we are greeted with sights of the entire Annapurna range. From here we drive alongside the Kali Gandaki river and through foothills and valleys to Kimche. On arrival we will begin our walk to Ghandruk, our first overnight stop. Overnight: Exclusive eco-comfort camp Drive: approx 3 hours Walk: approx 2 hours

Meals: B,L,D

Our trail meanders uphill through fields and into forest of rhododendron, magnolia and lichen covered fig. We pass by waterfalls that cascade down narrow gullies that provide the perfect home for many small ferns and delicate plants such as exotic orchids bursting with colour. After lunch, mostly the trail goes through incredibly dense Rhododendron forests, where we may encounter playful Langur monkeys. The walking in the forest is like a fairy tale. We reach Tadapani which is a small village home to our eco lodge, where we will spend the night. Overnight: Eco-lodge

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, we enjoy the amazing view of sunrise on Annapurna South, Himchuli and Machapuchare from Tadapani. After breakfast, we will walk around the Rhododendron forest to enjoy the different species of colorful flowers.

Meals: B,L,D

Today the path winds slowly up through the forest as we make our way to Deurali. Weather permitting we will catch glimpses of Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South through the forest as we ascend higher. Today will be one of the most spectacular with Rhododendron everywhere throughout the trail. On arrival in the colourful village of Deurali we find our eco-lodge and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding ranges.

Meals: B,L,D

Today's walk will see us follow the trail with some downhill sections to Ghorepani. This is a sizeable town on the main tourist trail. You may wish to wander through the bazaar, browse through Tibetan wares on display and enjoy local treats from the bakeries. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Most trekkers to Ghorepani make the pre dawn 45 minute climb to the summit of Poon Hill (3200m). We will make the climb in the afternoon, when there are no crowds. From Poon Hill we leave the main trail and traverse on old yak herder trails to Upper Phulbari. We will descend again along winding trails through the Rhododendron forests, pine, bamboo and oak trees. Phulbari means the garden and we can enjoy the different varieties of wild plants and flowers. The location affords even more spectacular views than from Poon Hill, which we enjoy from the comfort of our eco lodge and with the luxury of no pre-dawn start. The photography is superb from here so you may wish to have an early night and get up early to catch the sunrise over the Himalaya.

Meals: B,L,D

Before heading to Ghorepani, if you feel energetic we can go for an optional walk to Mohore Danda (3300m) which takes approx. 2 to 3 hours from Upper Phulbari. Views from here over the mountains range are spectacular. We then make the return journey to Ghorepani and our eco-lodge where we overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

The walk today sees us descend through small settlements to enter a deep ravine where multiple waterfalls follow our trail. We over night in an eco lodge in the village of Ulleri. From Ulleri we will have an over view of our trek route, as well as views of the Annapurnas at the head of the valley. Overnight: eco-lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today we descend steeply down to valley floor, passing through the beautiful countryside villages of Tirkhedhunga. From here we board our vehicle for the picturesque drive back to Pokhara. Note that the walking hours include rest stops, are a guide only and can vary due to trail or weather conditions. Overnight: hotel

Meals: B,L

This morning we transfer to the airport for our spectacular flight to Kathmandu. The mountain flight follows the Himalaya range to Kathmandu where we transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for last minute shopping and sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similiar

Meals: B

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further arrangements have been made. Those people travelling by aircraft to further destinations will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures. *It is important to us that this trek follows few of the commercial tea-house trails. Accordingly the route and campsites may be varied at the discretion of the group leader. Note that the walking hours include rest stops, are a guide only and can vary greatly.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners including all meals on trek valued at US$450
  • Flight Kathmandu/Pokhara return valued at US$266
  • airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 13 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
  • Expert bilingual guide
  • Group medical kit
  • Good quality accommodation in Kathmandu on a twinshare basis
  • accommodation on trek in a combination of comfortable eco lodges, and our exclusive eco-comfort camps with off the ground camp beds, mattresses and pillows
  • The use of a trek pack including sleeping bag, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated mat, valued at USD $500
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
  • Private vehicle transportation
  • All park entrance fees and trekking permits and site entry fees
  • Porters to carry all personal and group equipment and porter's insurance

Not included

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

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