This is a combination of one of the most popular and best-known viewpoint treks in Nepal, and a Himalayan wildlife experience with elephant-back safari. The trail is not overly difficult, and there are plenty of villages along the way. It is possible to fit into one week a short, low-altitude trek to Ghodepani and Pun Hill, from where there are magnificent panoramic views of the snow- covered peaks of Dhaulagari I to V, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Bharashikar and other peaks.
 
After a couple of days and nights in Kathmandu, acclimatizing, sightseeing and resting, followed by an interesting bus or air journey to, and a night in, the lovely, lakeside resort of Pokhara (820m) - the Pokhara valley, incidentally, is the closest valley in distance (29 km) to the great Himalaya –  the trek begins at Nayapul, a short drive from Pokhara, and passes through many Gurung and Magar villages, such as Ghandruk, which is the largest Gurung village in Nepal, home to many male members of the local community who risk, or have sacrificed, their lives to serve with the British Gurkhas and security forces around the world.
 
In the first day or so, there is the challenge of a very steep hill climb of almost 4000 steps, before the trail moves along ridges where stunning panoramic views disclose spectacular mountain-scapes. One early morning sees a diversion from the trail,  when there is a steep, torchlit climb, to the famous Pun Hill (3210m), for one of Nepal’s best panoramic, 360 degree,  sunrise views, encompassing Daulaghiri I - V, Nilgiri (7061m) , Machhapuchhare (6993m) , South Annapurna(7219m) and Himchuli (6441m).
 
This is a classic trek with a well-deserved reputation for spectacular mountain views, breath-taking sunrises, jungles and beautiful rhododendron forests (the tree rhododendron, Lali Gurans, is Nepal’s national, and much-treasured flower). It culminates in the village of Pothana (1969m) where there will be a last night and farewell party – a cause for celebration and feasting at the end of this spectacular trek – before moving back to Pokhara.
 
Over night of rest at lakeside town of Pokhara, after leisurely breakfast an exiting bus journey takes us on to Chitwan National Park, sanctuary for the endangered one-horned rhino and the Bengal Tiger, where there will be a chance to take an elephant ride into the jungle, see the only elephant breeding centre in Nepal, ride in a bullock cart to the local Tharu village and Museum of Culture, and go on bird watching excursions. Also, Chitwan provides the opportunity to experience a completely opposite life style, landscape and climate to that of the Annapurna region, reminding you that Nepal is even more than mountains!
 
Next day sees you off on bus journey back to Kathmandu, and all the excitement of that heaving metropolis, as well as a chance to search the shops for souvenirs of your holiday in Nepal.

Itinerary at a glance

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transport to Hotel. . Overnight at hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu: half-day world heritage sightseeing (Monkey temple and Patan/Bhaktapur), and preparing for trek. . Overnight at hotel
Day 03: Early morning drive to Pokhara (820m.). Overnight at hotel
Day 04: Early Morning Drive to Nayapul (1070m.) and trek to Tirkhedunga (1540m.). Overnight at lodge
Day 05: Trek to Ghodepani Deurali (2870m). Overnight at lodge
Day 06: Ascend to Poon Hill (3210m) and trek to Tadapani (2520m). Overnight at lodge
Day 07: Trek to Chomrong (2170m). Overnight at lodge
Day 08: Trek to Landruk (1565m)/Pothana (1900m) via Jhinu Danda (1780m) - visit hot spring (tatopani). Overnight at lodge
Day 09: Trek to Kande (1770m.). Return to Pokhara and overnight at hotel
Day 10: Drive to Chitwan National Park. Overnight at resort
Day 11: Chiwan National Park. (see additional attached document for details). Overnight at resort
Day 12: Drive back to Kathmnadu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Optional Everest Mountain flight. Overnight at hotel
Day 14: Transport to international airport for departure