Eco-Community Cultural Trek - 14 Days - 14 Days

This trek gives you the experience of the beautiful mountain vistas and the rich cultural heritage of the Annapurna region in western Nepal. The trails will take you to the heart of the farming community while having one of the world’s highest mountains as the backdrop. This Eco-Community Cultural Trek will also get you acquainted with the beautiful rhododendron forests, sacred Hindu temples, lakes with stunning views of the Annapurna, as close to you. Also, this is a community-based trip where you will be staying in community-managed lodges/hotels where you can interact with the locals.

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Alpine Club of Himalaya will arrange to pick up from the airport. You will then be transferred to our hotel. In the late afternoon, you can take a rest in our hotel room. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Alpine Club of Himalaya where you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to our food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(Included Meals: Dinner)

Day 2: sightseeing in kathmandu
After breakfast, let’s begin our sightseeing tour by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square highlighted Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The architecture is typical of the Malla Dynasty who ruled over Nepal from the 12th to 18th centuries. Swayambhunath Temple is popular among the foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the river Bagmati and is one of the principal temples of Lord Shiva. The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia which is built on the ancient trade route to Tibet.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 3: Kathmandu to Syangja (268 km, 6-7 hrs)
Drive to Syangja District located west of the Kathmandu Valley. The district has also recently gained popularity for growing citrus fruits. Here you can interact with the farmers and observe their farming techniques. During the evening, drive to Pokhara and throughout the journey enjoying the beautiful hilly landscape. Overnight in Pokhara.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 4: Pokhara to Galeshwor Temple– trail walk to Banskharka (4-5 hrs walk)
Today visit the Galeshwor Temple that stands on a single rock and is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. Then walk to Banskharka following the Annapurna trail. Bansakharka is a scenic village inhabited by the Magar community of Nepal. This village is surrounded by beautiful rhododendron forests and with streams flowing through it. The village has lived for hundreds of years on the production of mandarins, oranges, and honey, which you might learn about and taste during your visit. Stay in a community managed lodge and enjoy the delicious local food. Overnight in Banskharka.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Sightseeing at Banskharka
Today will be a fun-filled day with lots of activities. Strolling in the Citrus farms meeting the farmers and observing their farming practices, while interacting with the retired British Gurkhas. There will also be a cultural program during the evening where you can enjoy the local dances with delicious tasty authentic rural Nepalese food. Overnight in Banskharka.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Banskharka to Dandakateri (5-6 hrs)
Embark upon a half-day trek to Dandakateri today and enjoy the beautiful Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges which are both among the tallest Himalayan Mountains. While enjoying the incredible mountain vistas we also interact with the locals within the area. Overnight in Banskharka.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Afternoon walk to Nagi Village (2-3 hrs)
Today we have two route choices. We could either follow a trail that passes through the Banmare village or walk in the dense high altitude pine and rhododendron forests. If you follow the first route, you will be surrounded by a beautiful hill landscape with bench terraces greeting us in every bend. However, if you follow the second trial, you may get lucky and spot some wild deer and varieties of birds and butterflies all along the way. Either way, we will reach Nagi village late in the afternoon. There is another cultural show waiting for you tonight while enjoying locally made food and millet liquor and spend the night at a community managed lodge in Nagi.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Tour of Nagi Village- 2330 meters
Nangi is a village situated at the height of 2330 meters in a valley surrounded by sacred forests that host several Hindu temples. While taking a tour of the village you get to witness high altitude subsistence farming system along with a few cottage industries like handmade Nepali papers, Sitka mushroom cultivation, as well as vegetable seed production. This journey will also get you acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of the area. Overnight in Nagi village.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Nagi to Mahare/Bhuwane Danda (6-7 hrs)
Enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery while walking up the slope in a stone-paved trail that leads to Mahare Danda located 3330 meters in altitude. Again you will spend the night at a community managed lodge and take delight in a delicious evening meal. Overnight at Mahare Danda.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Return to Nagi from Mahare Danda (3-4 hrs)
Mahare Danda stands above deep gorges and valleys on the verge of a steep ridge and offers pristine views of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. Today, you bid goodbye to this place and take a down-hill walk from Mahare Danda to Nangi. Overnight in Nagi.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Nagi to Pokhara via Mallaj Lekhphant
Today we leave for Pokhara via Mallaj Lekhphant in Parbat District. Enjoy the beautiful hilly landscape along the way and sit for lunch at Ratamata. You will then participate in a 2/3 hours long interaction program with teachers and students in Gram Prakash Higher Secondary School. Overnight in Pokhara.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Sightseeing in Pokhara
Early morning leave for Sarangkot, a hill that overlooks the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the north and Pokhara city in the south. From here, you can catch amazing views of the sun as it rises in the mighty Himalayas. Then head back to Pokhara and continue touring the city’s landmarks. Davis Falls is a unique waterfall that flows directly into a narrow and deep canal that has no end. The Shiva Cave is located near Davis Fall and houses a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, a primary Hindu God. We also do some boating in Phewa Lake, the largest lake in Pokhara, and visit Bindyabasini Temple located at the center of the lake. Visit the famous International Mountain Museum (IMM) that records, documents, and chronicles the past and present development of mountaineering activities in the world and the Himalayas in particular. You can also tour the Tibetan refugee camp and witness how the refugees keep themselves busy by producing and trading woolen carpets and other handicraft items. Overnight in Pokhara.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (213km, 5-6 hrs)
After breakfast, we bid goodbye to the beautiful northern skyline of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. This will be a journey along river banks with wonderful views of hills and rural Nepalese lifestyle. After reaching Kathmandu, take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. We will have a farewell dinner in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.
(Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 14: Final departure- Home Sweet Home
Our adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from Alpine Club of Himalaya will send you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.
(Included Meals: Breakfast)

Cost Include

Pickups and drops from hotels and airport
3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara; and teahouses during the trek
Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All meals during the trek/Tour
Welcome and farewell dinners
Transportation in a comfortable private vehicle(s) except Nagi Village to Milan chowk
English speaking, trained, and experienced local tour guide
Alpine t-shirt and map
Heritage sites entrance fees
All government and local taxes
Driver, His Salary, meals, and accommodation
Fuel, Road Taxes, and Parking Fees

Cost Exclude

Nepalese visa fee
Airfare for international flights to and from Kathmandu
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Extra night accommodation if required
Excess baggage charges
Personal expenses
Services not mentioned in the ‘Included in the Cost’ section