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Luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail Trek

Luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail Trek

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Duration

8 Days

Trip Grade

Easy

Maximum Altitude

4,130 m

Group Size

1-20

Starts

Kathmandu

Ends

Kathmandu

Activities

Hiking & Heli Flight

Best Time

Autumn & Spring

On the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek, you will discover the soul of the Annapurna region. You will embark on an extraordinary journey through the lush foothills of the Annapurna range and spend nights in beautiful mountain villages.

The trek is not challenging, nor does it pose a risk of altitude sickness. It makes the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek 8 days, a perfect choice for adventure lovers looking for a short vacation in the mountains of Nepal.

We have designed this short trip in Nepal to offer a timeless venture into Nepalese heritage, mountains, and luxury travel. You can do the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek solo, with your family, kids, and senior members of your family.

From Kathmandu's bustle and cultural immersion to traditional mountain villages and a helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp (with possible landing), the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek offers a lifetime trip to Nepal!

Trip Highlights

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the lush foothills of the Annapurna range
Spend nights in beautiful villages in the Annapurna region, such as Birethanti, Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus
Experience an authentic mountain lifestyle, culture, and practices
Trek through the winding, lush hills, rivers, terraces, and forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area
Enjoy stunning landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas
Take a cooking class in Dhampus village
Fly in a helicopter to Annapurna Base Camp and enjoy a short landing there
Return to Kathmandu from Pokhara in a helicopter
Enjoy jaw-dropping mountain vistas during the helicopter flights
Discover the rich Nepalese cultural heritage throughout the trip
Have a great time in Kathmandu, shopping, exploring tourist sites, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife of this incredible city

Overview

The Annapurna Heritage Luxury Trek is a thoughtfully planned trip in Nepal for travelers who seek authentic Himalayan experiences without compromising on comfort.

It is a luxury trip, so you stay at 5-star hotels and premium mountain lodges. Likewise, we provide luxury SUVs and elite guides and porters to accompany you during the trek.

It is not a physically or mentally challenging trip. So, all ages of travelers can do it without training for weeks before the journey begins. The luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek brings you close to the lives of the Gurung and Magar communities in Nepal.

You will see their daily lifestyle, culture, and practices. By spending nights in beautiful villages such as Birethanti, Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus, you will enjoy an authentic mountain experience and have peaceful times away from the bustle of big cities.

While trekking, you will explore the rich flora and fauna of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail ascends and descends through lush rhododendron forests, crossing waterfalls, rivers, streams, and stone staircases.

Every fold in the trail will present you with breathtaking landscapes and mountain vistas of Annapurna South, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, etc. We have handpicked the best premium mountain lodges, so you will have access to incredible amenities, services, and delicious meals.

We have also included an exclusive private cooking class in Dhampus. It will bring you closer to local flavors and life. You will probably learn to make momo or famous dal bhat.

The STAR of this 8 days trip is the helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp. From Dhampus, you will fly to Annapurna Base Camp in a helicopter. If the weather and visibility allow, you will land there and spend around 30 minutes.

It will be the most memorable time of your life. The mountain panoramas during the flights are also jaw-dropping. You will see magnificent views of Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri,

Tukuche Peak, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and many others.

Not only that, you will return to Pokhara in the same helicopter and take a helicopter flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu the same. Yes, it is going to be a long day of multiple helicopter flights.

Is the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek 8 days suitable for you?

The luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek is perfect for couples, friends, families, corporate trips, luxury travelers, and solo travelers. It is a great and unique way to travel to Nepal and explore the Himalayas.

The tip perfectly balances rich Nepalese heritage, culture, adventure, remoteness, and helicopter flights. Furthermore, we personalize the journey as per our guests' interests.

The luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek is an easy trip. The trekking part has just the right amount of adventure and difficulty that any regular individual can handle.

There is also no risk of altitude sickness on this trek. You do not have to worry about anything. Our team handles the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek logistics and permits.

You will get the best price and service with us. Customization is also available. If you have any questions or need help in booking the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek, feel free to contact us anytime.

Luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail Trek Itinerary

This itinerary is fully customizable to suit your preferences. Instead of taking the helicopter from Dhampus to Annapurna Base Camp and returning to Kathmandu, you may choose to drive back to Pokhara. Alternatively, you can enjoy an Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour and return to Pokhara by helicopter. We are happy to tailor the itinerary to create your ideal luxury Himalayan experience.

Day 1

Arrival day in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel

We will welcome you at the Kathmandu Airport upon your landing. You can meet our representatives with your nameplate at the arrival lounge.

They will assist you with luggage and transfer you to the hotel in a private, comfortable car. After checking in at your hotel, you can rest. Later in the evening, you will meet the core team for the trip briefing.

End the day strolling on the bustling streets of Thamel and exploring vibrant shops. There are also many high-end restaurants, bars, and clubs in this area where you can experience Kathmandu's nightlife.

Max Altitude: 1400 m

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Duration: 30 min

Accommodation: 5- Star Luxury Hotel

Mode of Transportation: Private Car

Day 2

Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, drive to Dhawa, and hike to Birethanti

Today, you will take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It will be a short 25-minute flight. You can see outstanding aerial views of the western Himalayan range during the flight.

Upon landing at Pokhara Airport, our team will pick you up in a luxury vehicle and drive you to Dhawa, a small village. It will be around a 48 km drive that will take 1.5 hours.

From Dhawa, you will start hiking to Birethanti village. It will be around two hours of hiking through lush hills, terraces, and traditional mountain villages.

The trail goes alongside the Modi Khola river and crosses a few suspension bridges. Birethanti is a beautiful riverside village surrounded by greenery.

*Make sure you are wearing hiking shoes and clothes because you will not get a chance to change your clothes other than at the airport washroom. So, better wear hiking clothes and pack your luggage accordingly.

Max Altitude: 1025 m

Meals: Full Board (BL D)

Duration: 5-6 Hours

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Mode of Transportation: Flihgt, Drive & Hike

Day 3

Walk from Birethanti to Ghandruk

From Birethanti to Ghandruk village, you will cover around 9 kilometers. The trail slowly ascends through subtropical forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional Gurung villages.

Before leaving Birethanti, we will register our permits at the police checkpoint. The trail crosses the Modi Khol river and continues along a relatively flat path. You will walk through rhododendron forests.

Soon, you will pass by small settlements such as Chane and Syauli Bazaar. Then, the trail ascends to Kimche and follows a slightly steep stone path to Ghandruk village.

On the way, you will witness breathtaking landscapes and outstanding views of Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Hiunchuli.

Max Altitude: 2012 m

Meals: Full Board (BL D)

Duration: 5-6 Hours

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Distance: 12 km

Mode of Transportation: Hiking

Day 4

Walk Ghandruk to Landruk

Ghandruk to Landruk village is a scenic, moderate 3 to 4-hour hike. The trail goes along the Modi Kola river valley and descends via stone staircases to Kyumi. The trail goes through scattered forests, terraced fields, and small settlements.

From here, you will follow a gentle uphill route to Landruk for around 2 hours. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna South.

Max Altitude: 1,565 m

Meals: Full Board (BL D)

Duration: 3-4 Hours

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Distance: 7 km

Mode of Transportation: Hiking

Day 5

Walk from Landruk to Majhgaon

The trail descends around 2.5 to 3 hours from Landruk to Majhgaon. Leaving Landruk village, you will follow relatively flat terrain with minor ascents and descents.

The trail mostly goes through rhododendron forests and terraced farmlands. The view of Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South is incredible along the way.

Max Altitude: 1, 400 m

Meals: Full Board (BLD)

Duration: 2- 3 Hours

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Distance: 7 km

Mode of Transportation: Hiking

Day 6

Walk from Majhgaon to Dhampus – Nepali Cooking Class

Today is going to be another 3 to 4-hour hike through the beautiful foothills of the Annapurna. Following winding hillsides, you will gradually ascend to the ridgeline. The trail passes by peaceful settlements like Patlekhet and Pothana.

From Pothana, you will descend and gradually climb through tranquil forests to picturesque Dhampus village. From Dhampus, you can see a panoramic view of the Annapurna Range and Fishtail.

Max Altitude: 1650 m

Meals: Full Board (BLD)

Duration: 3- 4 Hours

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge

Distance: 8 km

Mode of Transportation: Hiking

Day 7

Helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) and return to Kathmandu via helicopter flight

Wake up early in the morning and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp. You will walk to the helipad point.

From there, our helicopter will pick you up and fly you across spectacular western Himalayan mountain ranges. You will soon reach Annapurna Base Camp. If time and weather allow, you may also land here and enjoy a short but memorable ground time.

After enjoying excellent mountain vistas, you will fly back to Pokhara Airport. Then take another helicopter flight back to Kathmandu the same day. The remaining day is free in the city. Shop and explore local markets.

Max Altitude: 1400 m

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Duration: 4-5 Hrs

Accommodation: 5- Star Luxury Hotel

Mode of Transportation: Helicopter & Private Car

Day 8

Final departure from Kathmandu

On this day, you will return to your home or fly to your next destination. Our team will seamlessly escort you to the international airport and help you with your luggage.

Prices & Options

Select Departure Date

Cost Includes

Private airport pick-up upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Two nights at a handpicked 5-star luxury hotel in Kathmandu, including daily gourmet breakfast.
Private transfers throughout the journey for maximum comfort and convenience.
Scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Private transfer from Pokhara to DHAWA, the the starting point of your Himalayan adventure.
Dedicated private, government-licensed trekking guide, offering personalized service throughout your journey.
Personal porter service for your trekking luggage (1 porter for every 2 guests).
Luxury mountain lodge accommodation with private rooms, carefully selected for comfort, hospitality, and breathtaking mountain surroundings.
Full-board gourmet meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) throughout the trek, including tea or coffee with every meal.
Water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.
All trekking permits, conservation area fees, and government entrance fees.
Exclusive shared helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp, with approximately one hour to immerse yourself in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Scenic helicopter flight from Annapurna Base Camp directly to Kathmandu, offering unforgettable aerial views of the Himalayas.
Complimentary First Himalayan Holidays signature cap as a keepsake of your Himalayan journey.
All applicable government taxes, luxury taxes, and service charges—with no hidden costs.

Cost Excludes

International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Comprehensive travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation).
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, and personal refreshments during the trek.
Private helicopter charter
Private charter flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, spa treatments, and gratuities.
Any services, activities, or expenses not specifically mentioned in the Cost Includes section or itinerary.

Select Departure Date

Cost Includes

Private airport pick-up upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Two nights at a handpicked 5-star luxury hotel in Kathmandu, including daily gourmet breakfast.
Private transfers throughout the journey for maximum comfort and convenience.
Scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Private transfer from Pokhara to DHAWA, the the starting point of your Himalayan adventure.
Dedicated private, government-licensed trekking guide, offering personalized service throughout your journey.
Personal porter service for your trekking luggage (1 porter for every 2 guests).
Luxury mountain lodge accommodation with private rooms, carefully selected for comfort, hospitality, and breathtaking mountain surroundings.
Full-board gourmet meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) throughout the trek, including tea or coffee with every meal.
Water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.
All trekking permits, conservation area fees, and government entrance fees.
Exclusive private helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp, with approximately one hour to immerse yourself in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Scenic helicopter flight from Annapurna Base Camp directly to Kathmandu, offering unforgettable aerial views of the Himalayas.
Complimentary First Himalayan Holidays signature cap as a keepsake of your Himalayan journey.
All applicable government taxes, luxury taxes, and service charges—with no hidden costs.

Cost Excludes

International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Comprehensive travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation).
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, and personal refreshments during the trek.
Private charter flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, spa treatments, and gratuities.
Any services, activities, or expenses not specifically mentioned in the Cost Includes section or itinerary.

Select Departure Date

Cost Includes

Private airport pick-up upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Two nights' accommodation in an Executive Suite at the award-winning 5-star heritage hotel, The Dwarika's, Kathmandu, including daily gourmet breakfast.
Private transfers throughout the journey for maximum comfort and convenience.
Scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Private transfer from Pokhara to DHAWA, the the starting point of your Himalayan adventure.
Dedicated private, government-licensed trekking guide, offering personalized service throughout your journey.
Personal porter service for your trekking luggage (1 porter for every 2 guests).
Luxury mountain lodge accommodation with private rooms, carefully selected for comfort, hospitality, and breathtaking mountain surroundings.
Full-board gourmet meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) throughout the trek, including tea or coffee with every meal.
Water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.
All trekking permits, conservation area fees, and government entrance fees.
Exclusive shared helicopter flight to Annapurna Base Camp, with approximately one hour to immerse yourself in the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Scenic helicopter flight from Annapurna Base Camp directly to Kathmandu, offering unforgettable aerial views of the Himalayas.
Complimentary First Himalayan Holidays signature cap as a keepsake of your Himalayan journey.
All applicable government taxes, luxury taxes, and service charges—with no hidden costs.

Cost Excludes

International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Comprehensive travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation).
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, soft drinks, and personal refreshments during the trek.
Private charter flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, spa treatments, and gratuities.
Any services, activities, or expenses not specifically mentioned in the Cost Includes section or itinerary.

Essential Information

Best time to do the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek

The best time to do the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons have perfect weather and climate for trekking and helicopter flights in the Annapurna region.

You will enjoy a moderate climate for pleasant walking. Visibility is great, so mountain vistas and landscapes are stunning. Likewise, the trail is safe to navigate.

Winter (December to February) is also an excellent time to enjoy the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek. Although the climate is quite cold and there can be snowfall at Annapurna Base Camp, you will still enjoy a very peaceful and incredible trek.

The summer/monsoon (June to August) has the highest weather and trail challenges. Heavy rainfall highly affects the foothills of Annapurna. The trails are muddy and slippery. There is a high risk of landslides. Likewise, leeches also infest the lower regions.

Trail difficulties and altitudes sickness

The trail between Dhawa, Birethanti, Ghandruk, Landruk, and Dhampus villages is not that challenging or steep. You will most likely walk through terraced fields, lush forests, and rugged hillsides.

Some sections will have stone staircases. Mostly the trail ascends and descends, so it needs good fitness. Any normal individual can do the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek without any worries.

Likewise, the highest altitude one reaches during the trek is 2,012 meters. So, the elevation gain is also nominal. The luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek is not a high-altitude trek, so there is no risk of altitude sickness.

During the Annapurna Base Camp helicopter tour, if you land at ABC and stay more than the allocated time, you may feel uneasy and see altitude sickness symptoms. So, follow our itinerary.

Accommodation and food

In Kathmandu, you will stay at a 5-star hotel. Private rooms will be booked, and amenities will be incredible. You will only get breakfast in our package in Kathmandu. You can have lunch and dinner as per your wish.

Similarly, during trekking, we will book premium mountain lodges. They offer private rooms with attached bathrooms, running hot water, and lovely services.

During the trek, you will have mostly delicious Nepali food that is made from organic ingredients. Momo, thukpa, dal bhat, soups, stew, fried rice, chapati, chowmin, pasta, etc, are some common dishes.

Clean drinking water, a variety of tea, coffee, and other beverages are also available throughout the trek.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek. However, you can get one that covers trip cancellation, medical bills, emergency helicopter evacuation, and baggage loss.

There is no good insurance option in Nepal for foreigners. So, it is best that you buy one online and bring the documents with you. Make sure your travel insurance is eligible for adventure activities in Nepal and the Himalayas.

Communication and charging

The luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek is not a high-altitude trek. You do travel in remote areas, but not too far in the Himalayas. So, the mobile network is available in many villages and even in many parts of the trails. There is also WiFi in lodges.

You can charge your mobiles and cameras in the lodges. Some lodges have charging slots in rooms, and some have separate charging stations. Carry backup such as a power bank and spare batteries.

Nepal travel visa

Our luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek package does not include a Nepal travel visa. Travelers have to obtain the visa by themselves.

A Nepal tourist visa is easy to obtain. Citizens of many countries can even get a travel visa upon landing at Kathmandu Airport or at any border entry points.

However, citizens of some countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Syria, have to obtain the Nepal tourist visa from the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate Office in their country.

You can learn more about the travel visa requirements and fees on the official site of the Nepalese government.

Tips for guides, porters, and drivers

Tips are not included in our luxury Annapurna Gurung Heritage Trail trek package. Travelers are supposed to tip their drivers, guides, and porters at the end of their services in Nepal. It is a custom practiced by everyone. You can tip them as per your satisfaction level.

Annapurna Base Camp helicopter flight do's and don'ts

Dress warmly. Follow the layering method. It allows you to add and remove the layer as the weather demands.
Definitely carry a beanie and gloves.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Apply SPF and carry it in your backpack to reapply.
You need UV Sunglasses.
Follow your pilot's instructions during the flight.
Secure loose belongings such as a camera, scarf, water bottles, etc.
Keep your seat belt fastened throughout the flight.
There is a strict weight limitation, so be mindful of what you are carrying in your backpack.
Stay hydrated.
Respect the time limit and do not ask the pilot to spend a long time at ABC. It is also not good in terms of altitude sickness.
Carry an extra battery because you will get plenty of opportunities to capture spectacular mountain vistas and landscapes.

Below are some of the things that you shouldn't do during the helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp:

Do not approach the helicopter without permission.
Never walk towards the tail rotor. You should always approach or leave the helicopter from the front or side as instructed.
Don't run around the helicopter.
Don't bring oversized luggage.
Don't smoke or vape inside the helicopter.
Don't litter the helicopter or the ABC area.
Do not throw anything out of the helicopter.
If your scarf or anything flew out of a helicopter, do not try to catch it.
Do not move around or try to change seats once you are in the air.
Do not move or lean for photographs.

Got a Question

Please feel free to contact us at your convenience. Our expert team of Luxury travel specialists will be delighted to assist you in designing your personalized Himalayan journey.

+977 9849278890 (Caroline)

[email protected]