Annapurna Panorama Trek
Grade 3 maximum altitude 2509m
Departs anytime September to May for a minimum of 2 clients.

The Annapurna Panorama is one of our most popular adventure treks, taking you from the heights of the Annapurnas, down through the rapids of the Trisuli River, and finishing in the Royal Chitwan National Park. Our trail avoids the route of individual trekkers and offers uninterrupted views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. The route is circular and may be trekked in either direction. The trails and campsites are always at the discretion of the Group Leader and Sirdar.

Day 01  Arrive Kathmandu                   1330m

Day 02  Kathmandu - at leisure

Day 03  By bus to Pokhara Camp915m             7 hrs

Day 04  Bhumdi                                    1170m  6 hrs

Day 05  Bhanjyang                               2110m  7 hrs

Day 06  Bhadaure via Panchase          2250m  6 hrs

Day 07  Nayapul                                   1137m  5 hrs

Day 08  Ghandrung                              1951m  6 hrs

Day 09  Potana                                     2010m  6 hrs

Day 10  Khoramukh                              1100m  5 hrs

Day 11  Pokhara                                   915m    6 hrs

Day 12  Bus to raft put-in point 700m    4 hrs

Day 13  Rafting            

Day 14  Drive to Royal Chitwan NP      200m    1 hr

Day 15  Jungle Safari

Day 16  Return to Kathmandu PM        200m    7 hrs

Day 17  At leisure in Kathmandu          1330m

Day 18  Day at leisure in Kathmandu

Day 19  Depart Kathmandu

THE TREK

Please bear in mind that trekking itineraries may change as a result of weather and trail conditions or the availability of porters and supplies. The following description should be seen as a guide only and is subject to change.

Early on day 3 we drive to Pokhara. The following morning we begin our trek north to the Himalaya. On the first few days of the trek we will climb gradually along the ridges that are the foothills of the Annapurnas. Remember, however, that you are in the Himalaya and that 95 percent of the country is hilly and criss-crossed by numerous trails. There is very little flat land. If you take it slowly and walk at an even pace you should not have any problems. We pass through many villages and you will have ample time to take photographs and chat with the local people. Language is not a big problem as many of the local people speak English. If not, our Sherpa staff will be happy to translate for you. There are many different ethnic groups along the trail, but the predominant people in this area are the Gurungs. Together with the Magar and Chetry peoples, the Gurungs are famous as soldiers in the British Army, better known ass Gurkhas.

Along the trail the views of Machapuchare and the Annapurnas are magnificent. The various trails from which we can choose lead us towards such Himalayan giants as Dhaulagiri, Lamjung, Annapurna II, and Machapuchare. Climbing higher, the winding trail passes through magnificent forests of oak and rhododendron that line the southern foothills of the Himalaya. The terrain varies from sub-tropical valleys with banana trees and rice paddies to high ridges clad in thick rhododendron forest. In January and February these may well be covered in snow, while during March and April they will be a blaze of red rhododendron flowers. Sometimes we may have to walk a long way to find a suitable camp spot, as there will be other groups on the same trail. This is why the itinerary is only a guide, the camp sites will vary with each trek departure. On some occasions, we may only walk a half day or take a full day off - it is much more pleasant to keep a flexible itinerary.

The altitudes of this trek vary between about 915m at Pokhara and 2450m at Panchase Peak, and going up and down will test the best pair of knees. The secret is, take it SLOWLY!

On the last day of our trek we return to Pokhara, which will seem like a teeming metropolis after the serenity of the hill trails. Our last night in Pokhara is a great time to throw a party for the Sherpas and porters. Early the following morning (Day 12) we travel by bus to the rafting put-in point.

RAFTING

Leaving the Pokhara valley you will have a final opportunity to view the Annapurnas and Machapuchare, so keep your camera handy. The ride from Pokhara to our put-in point on the Trisuli River takes a few hours.

Before we begin rafting our river guides will brief you on rafting and safety procedures. They will give you instruction on rafting techniques, paddling and turning before we enter the narrowing gorge and the first big rapids. The technique that needs no explanation, ‘Hang on’, is usually heard as we ride through rapids with names like ‘Surprise’ and ‘Upset’.

Your kit bag will be transported from camp to camp by road and you will not have access to it during the day. Each raft is equipped with a waterproof barrel in which you can put your plastic bag containing your camera, film, sun hat, sunglasses, water bottle and sunscreen.

Rafting days are more relaxed and shorter than trekking days. You rise when you wake and join the group for a help-yourself cup of tea or coffee, followed by breakfast a bit later. Then you pack up your gear, keeping whatever you will need during the day in a plastic bag. You are generally on the river by 10am and raft for 2-3 hours before pulling up to a sandy beach for a buffet lunch of salad, fresh fruit and brown bread. We spend another 1-2 hours on the river in the afternoon before setting up camp on the bank of the river. Afternoon tea is served, followed by free time until dinner is served. Evenings are spent recounting the day’s adventure and getting to know your Nepali River guides. They have been rafting for many years and have a few tales to tell!

Please note that the Trisuli River has widely varying flow rates depending on the time of the year. From September to November the flow is quite strong and the rapids bigger than during March to May, when there is not a great deal of rain and the water level is low. But rafting is always fun, and whether the river is high or low, there are always rapids and opportunities for swimming. While on the river, be careful NOT to DIVE in as there are many rocks just below the surface and you could seriously injure yourself.

ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

From the rafting put-out point we travel by bus to the Royal Chitwan National Park where you will see yet another side of Nepal. The days here are spent on trips into the jungle on elephant back, swimming, jungle walks, bird watching and if the river is up, even a canoe trip on the Rapti River to look at crocodiles. Or, if you prefer, you can stay at the lodge and just relax. Please inform the Lodge Manager if you wish to do any different or independent activities. Also, if you want to walk out of the lodge and down to the swimming hole, ensure that a guide accompanies you. Never wander about the jungle yourself.

Chitwan Jungle Lodge is very comfortable and in a great location within the park. Facilities are not luxurious - there is no electricity in the Park, so all lighting is by hurricane lantern and candle. Hot water for showers comes from wood-fuelled burners and is available only in the evening. However, after trekking, it will seem luxurious, and we are sure you will appreciate the rustic style. The food is excellent - a combination of western and traditional Nepali. The friendliness and knowledge of the staff will be a highlight of your stay here.

Situated in the Rapti Valley, Chitwan National Park is approximately 80 miles southwest of Kathmandu by road. The region in which the park is situated is known as the Terai, a flat and highly cultivated plain which constitutes the entire southern quarter of the country. Extremely hot in the summer while mild and cool in winter, this region produces most of the country’s food. Early this century, the Terai was a rarely visited jungle expanse with very few inhabitants, the only visitors being members of the Nepalese upper class on hunting trips.

During the 1950’s malaria was eradicated and the population began to expand rapidly. Loggers and farmers in search of new fields slowly cleared the jungle. Conservationists soon realized that if action was not taken it wouldn’t be long before all the animals of the Terai would be extinct. Thus, in 1962 King Mahendra designated Chitwan as a rhinoceros preserve. In 1973 it was finally gazetted in parliament as the first national park in Nepal.

Today there are only about a thousand one horned rhinos left in the world, and over 300 of these are in the Chitwan National Park. Fewer than 2000 tigers remain in the sub continent, more than 40 live in Chitwan. There are many other animals as well: the fish eating gharial crocodiles, buffaloes, sloth bear, hog deer and wild peacocks. For amore in-depth study of all the animals in the park you should read The Heart of the Jungle by KK Gurung.

Remember that although there are many animals to be seen in Chitwan, it is not a zoo. Nor is it like the vast open plains of southern Africa. It is a small compact jungle park where you must go out and find the animals. Bear in mind that it is even possible that you may not see anything at all. Yet if you rise early in the morning and go on a jungle walk or elephant ride with the park guides, you are very likely to spot some wildlife. It should also be noted that there are over 400 species of birds living in the park, and if you are interested in bird watching there will be plenty of opportunities. Just ask the Lodge guides.

On the morning of your departure from Chitwan, please place your bags outside your room for collection by Lodge staff before breakfast. Remember to check your room for any personal items you may have left behind. After breakfast we will board jeeps for the trip back to the main road to meet our bus for the trip back to Kathmandu. We generally arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon.

Kathmandu stands at 1350 meters and the valley is surrounded by hills at an altitude of around 2400 meters. There are three important cities in the valley, the most significant being Kathmandu itself. Patan is the most Buddhist of the three and is across the Bagmati River to the south of Kathmandu, but so close as to be almost an extension of the capital. Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, is the most “mediaeval” and is situated in the eastern part of the valley. While Kathmandu and Patan have undergone great changes in the two decades since Nepal ended its long isolation, Bhaktapur has changed very little and is still much as it was three decades ago.

Kathmandu, Machendra Nath Temple, a pagoda of high artistic beauty. Hanuman Dhoka, historic seat of Royalty with old temples and palaces. Temple of the Living Goddess (Kumari) with profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. Kasthamandap, an edifice constructed from wood of a single tree. The National Museum houses a splendid collection of ancient artifacts. Singh Durbar, an imposing stucco palace built in neo classical style as residence of the erstwhile Rana Prime ministers now acts as State secretariat.

Patan, 5 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, Patan is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples. It is also known as the city of artists. Visit Durbar Square, residential palace of Malla Kings. See Krishna Mandir with stone carvings from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabarata, statue of bird God Garuda, Big Bell Royal baths, Ashoke Stupa, Taleju Temple, Temples of Maha Buddha and Jagat Narian. Visit the Tibetan refugee centre to watch the spinning, dyeing and weaving of hand made carpets of intricate designs.

Bhadgoan, 13 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Bhadgoan was built in 889 A.D. and is home of medieval art and architecture. See Durbar square with the Lion gate, Palace of 55 windows, Bell of barking dogs, Nayatapola, Bhairava and Dattaraya Temples and monastery with carved Peacock windows.

Swayambu Nath, 6.5 kilometers west of Kathmandu, situated on a hillock, this 2000 years old stupa is the world’s most glorious Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The main temple is capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and is painted on the four sides with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Boudhnath, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu, this colossal Buddhist stupa is built on a octagonal base, inset with prayer wheels and is surrounded by houses of Buddhist priests and Lama monks. It is 1500 years old and is the largest Lamaist shrine in the world.

Pashupati Nath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest and most famous Nepalese temple. Situated 5 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda style structure with gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. It has bathing and cremation ghats, which are of absorbing interest to the tourist, particularly in the mornings and on festival days.