Itinerary D:

Day 1: Trek to Sanctuary Lodge(3750 ft / 1150m)

We’ll have a briefing at the MLN head office before we transfer by road with guides & porters to our trek start point {1-hour}. Our walk will follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with surrounding views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Ker & Downey's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain, or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known. A picnic lunch is provided with a late afternoon arrival at the Lodge. (Trek time 3-4 hours).Overnight Sanctuary Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 2: Trek to Himalaya Lodge, Ghandruk (6,600 ft / 2012m)

After breakfast, we leave the lodge walking out through the outlying farms following the Modi River Valley. Soon we begin to climb out of the valley & up towards the mountains. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and forests with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. Snacks are provided along the trail. Hot lunch is served on arrival at the lodge in the early afternoon. (Trek time 5-6 hours). It is from this lodge that there are magnificent close up views of the surrounding mountains.

Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3: Himalaya Lodge

We wake up this morning with tea and coffee served in the garden and watch the sunrise over Annapurna South, Annapurna 1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the Fishtail. After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, our guide will take us on an exploration of this mountain village and the surrounding countryside. Ghandruk was once a major recruitment centre for the famous Gurkha soldiers. The women of Ghandruk maintain a local industry of weaving traditional Nepalese rugs.

Overnight Himalaya Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4: Trek to Bee Village Lodge, Lhandruk (5415ft /1565m)

After enjoying a relaxing breakfast and the glorious views from the Himalaya Lodge, we start our trek to to Lhandruk. After leaving the village of Ghandruk, the trail descends steeply to the banks of the Modi River. Here, you’ll be at the base of the cliffs where the famed honey hunters of Nepal climb on ropes to collect the honey. You’ll then cross a strong suspension bridge to the opposite banks of the Modi. From here is it about a hour’s trek up switch backs and steps to reach the village of Lhandruk. Lhandruk affords more glorious views of the Annapurna range. Trek time about 4 hours. Arrive in time for lunch. Your guide will take you on a exploration hike of this mountain village after lunch.Overnight Bee Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5: Trek to Gurung Lodge, Majgaun (4620 ft / 1400m)

After breakfast, we leave the Bee Lodge & trek to MLN Gurung Lodge. Todays trek contours the side of the hill, with small ups and downs, passing through villages and farmland. Trek time to the Lodge is about 4 hours. You’ll reach the Gurung Lodge in time for lunch with optional afternoon hikes to the surrounding villages.Overnight MLN Gurung Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6: Trek to Basanta Lodge, Dhampus (5000 ft / 1525 m)

This morning we start out trekking through the unspoiled village of Patlekhet. Our walk takes us through sub-tropical forests that include tree orchids, rhododendrons and magnolias. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Pothana where many Tibetan traders live and sell their souvenirs. After about 3 ½ hours, we arrive at the Basanta Lodge. From the lodge, there are sweeping views of the entire Annapurna Range. After lunch at the lodge there will be an optional walk through the old village of Dhampus.

Overnight Basanta Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 7: Trek to Pokhara(2640 ft /830 m)

After breakfast, we depart along the ridge & descend through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. Trek time 1 ½ hours. We then transfer by vehicle to in Pokhara (30 minutes). On the way back to Pokhara, the vehicle can stop on request at the Tibetan refugee camp where you will have time to explore the temple complex. We’ll arrive at the centrally located Temple Tree Resort in time for lunch. The rooms at the Temple Tree are filled with ethnic touches. Surrounding the rooms are landscaped gardens, water features, a swimming pool and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll have a chance to enjoy lunch and dinner at local restaurants. The afternoon is free to explore the lakeside where most of Nepal’s Tibetan curio shops are located.