Discover Lower Annapurna (by Ker & Downey)

Trip Facts

Difficulty

Medium

Max Altitude

2,012m/6,601ft

Accommodation

Standard Hotels (Pokhara/Kathmandu) & Tea houses (Trek)

Best Season

Autumn (Sept–Nov) & Spring (Mar–May)

Duration

7 Days

Trip Overview

The Annapurna region is one of Nepal’s most diverse, legendary, and celebrated trekking destinations. Located just a short drive or flight from the lakeside city of Pokhara, this expansive mountain arena sits entirely within the protected borders of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

The Ker & Downey Nepal program sets the gold standard for "rugged luxury" lodge-to-lodge trekking. Instead of staying in basic teahouses with shared facilities, guests hike famous Himalayan trails while enjoying premium, en-suite comfort lodges every single night.

Our signature flagship itinerary is the 5-6-Day Annapurna Luxury Foothills Trek. This curated journey is the ultimate way to experience Nepal's grand vistas without sacrificing modern comforts.

Trip Overview

Day 01

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. A Himal Trek Nepal representative will meet you at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, take time to rest. In the evening, meet your licensed trekking guide for your pre- departure briefing. Sort out gear, finalize last-minute preparations, and ask questions before departure.

Max altitude

1,400m/4,593ft

Day 02

Travel to the lakeside city of Pokhara today. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a moment to unwind. The rest of the day is entirely yours for self-exploration. Stroll along the vibrant Lakeside strip, rent a colorful wooden boat on Phewa Lake, or complete any final gear shopping before heading into the mountains tomorrow.

Max altitude

822m/2,697ft

Day 03

You leave Pokhara for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Birethanti. From here, you start a gentle, short walk along the Modi River. You arrive early at the Sanctuary Lodge, which features beautiful manicured gardens and a stunning view of Mount Machapuchare (Fishtail).

Max altitude

1,150m/3,773ft

Day 04

This is your main climbing day. You walk through lush forests and well-crafted stone staircases, passing traditional terraced farms. Your destination is Ghandruk, a large, historic Gurung village. The Himalaya Lodge sits directly across from the massive peaks of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Max altitude

2,012m/6,601ft

Day 05

You descend out of Ghandruk into the Modi River valley. You pass through small, remote hamlets and cross suspension bridges over rushing mountain rivers. A final, gradual climb brings you to Majgaun. The Gurung Lodge is built in the style of local village architecture but offers excellent modern comforts.

Max altitude

1,400m/4,593ft

Day 06

1,525 meters (5,003 feet) line village of Dhampus. Basanta Lodge offers a panoramic, sweeping view of the entire Annapurna mountain range.

Day 07

You enjoy a final mountain sunrise with breakfast. From Dhampus, you walk a steady downhill path through wooded hills and farmland to the roadside at Phedi. Your private vehicle meets you here for the short 30-minute drive back to Pokhara. Bid farewell to the mountains and make your way back to Kathmandu. After checking into your city hotel, the afternoon is free for any last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping in Thamel. Gather in the evening to celebrate the completion of your successful mountain trek.

Max altitude

1,400m/4,593ft

Day 08

Enjoy your final breakfast in Kathmandu. A Himal Trek Nepal representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport exactly three hours before your scheduled flight time, marking the conclusion of your journey.

Trip Cost

What to Expect

2 nights accommodations during Kathmandu stay in twin sharing basis in 4/5* hotel.
1 nights accommodations during Pokhara stay in twin sharing basis in 4* Hotel.
Internal domestic flight from/to Kathmandu & Pokhara.
Required Permits & Fees: 1. Annapurna conservation Park Entry Permit. 2. TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card if applicable.
Accommodation Along the Trail: 1. Standard twin-sharing rooms in local tea houses or mountain lodges for 3 nights.
Trekking Support Staff: 1. Salary, insurance, food, accommodation, and equipment for a licensed English-speaking guide. 2. Salary, insurance, food, and accommodation for porters (typically 1 porter shared between 2 trekkers, carrying up to 20–25kg total).
Meals on the Trek: 1. Full board meals: 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) chosen from the tea house menu. 2. Post-dinner hot beverages (tea or coffee) or a cup of hot water.
Safety Gear: 1. First-aid kit carried by the guide, including an oximeter to monitor oxygen levels daily.

What not to Expect

International Travel Costs: 1. International airfare to and from Kathmandu. 2. Nepal Tourist Visa fee (payable in cash USD upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport).
2. Single supplementary fee.
3. Internal flight transfer. 1. Round-trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara. 2. Airport transfers via private vehicle in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Travel and Emergency Insurance: 1. Mandatory: Travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters (most basic plans cap out at 3,000m).
Meals before & after trek in Kathmandu & Pokhara and extra stay in Kathmandu/Pokhara hotels other than mentioned above: 1. Hotel up-gradation might cost extra depending on your request.
Trail Luxuries & Services (Tea house Add-on): 1. Hot Showers: Gas or solar-heated showers cost between $3 to $7 USD per shower (prices increase with altitude). 2. Device Charging: Power banks, phones, and camera battery charging cost $2 to $5 USD per full charge. 3. Wi-Fi / Connectivity: AirLED or Everest Link Wi-Fi prepaid cards cost roughly $5 to $10 USD for a set amount of data. 4. Drinking Water: Bottled water costs $1 to $4 USD per bottle (it is highly recommended to bring water purification tablets/filters instead).
Personal Trekking Gear: 1. Down jackets, sleeping bags, hiking boots, trekking poles, and backpacks (though sleeping bags and jackets can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu for around $1 to $2 a day).
Beverages & Snacks: 1. Alcoholic drinks (beer, spirits), specialty coffees, soft drinks, and bakery items at trail cafes.
Tips & Gratitude: 1. Tipping guides and porters is custom and highly expected. The industry standard is roughly 10% to 15% of your total trek cost, pooled together by the group and handed out on the final evening.

What to Expect

Private En-Suite Bathrooms: Every room features an attached bathroom with reliable hot water and flushing toilets.
Premium Comforts: Rooms are stocked with cozy down jackets, wool gloves, slippers, hair dryers, and electric blankets.
Gourmet Dining & Happy Hour: Enjoy hygienic, organic meals prepared by trained chefs, followed by complimentary evening drinks around an open-hearth fireplace.
All-Inclusive Gear Care: Travel light with provided top-tier daypacks, duffel bags, walking poles, and specialized rain gear.

FAQs

• Best Time to Visit: October to November offers the clearest skies and best mountain views, while March to April brings beautiful blooming rhododendrons. • Trek Duration: Routes range from short 3-day hikes (like Poon Hill) to epic 12-to-22-day journeys (like the full Annapurna Circuit). • Required Permits: Trekkers need the ACAP Permit and a TIMS Card, both of which Himal Trek Nepal handles completely for our clients. • Solo Trekking Rules: Nepal restricts solo trekking in most mountain regions; our agency provides licensed, experienced guides to ensure full legal compliance and safety.

• Teahouse Lodging: Expect en-suite tea houses with twin sharing beds, communal dining spaces, and personal bathrooms carefully vetted. • Internet and Wi-Fi: Available in most lower-elevation villages for a small fee, but connection becomes unreliable and slow at higher altitudes. • Charging Devices: Electricity is accessible at most tea houses • Water Availability: Safe drinking water is available via boiled water from tea houses, water purification tablets, or UV filters; buying plastic bottles is discouraged.

• Physical Fitness: You need a moderate to high level of cardiovascular fitness; training with stairs and cardio 2–3 months prior is highly recommended. • Altitude Sickness: Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk above 3,000 meters; our guides are trained in altitude safety to monitor your pacing and hydration. • Travel Insurance: Your policy must cover high-altitude emergency helicopter evacuation up to 6,000 meters before starting your trip with us. • Packing Essentials: Prioritize sturdy hiking boots, thermal layers, a down jacket, a 4-season sleeping bag, and reliable rain gear.

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