Himalayas Trek
48.5km
Approx. distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
10 days
Challenge Duration
Nepal
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Discover the stunning Annapurna region of the Himalayas
Experience local culture as you trek through Nepalese villages
Explore dense forest, bustling with activity and wildlife
See the sunrise as you summit Poon Hill, taking in incredible views of the trans-Himalayan ranges
The Challenge
Your challenge takes place in the home of some of the highest mountains in the world – it’s pure Himalayan magic! The highlight of our challenge will be to summit Poon Hill at 3,210m – a majestic peak which offers trekkers an unobstructed view of the highest peaks in the Annapurna region. Our trek takes us through charming Nepalese villages where we will experience the culture of the mountain people of Nepal.
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK for our flight to Kathmandu.
Day 2 - Arrive in Kathmandu
We arrive in Kathmandu and are transferred to our hotel. A pre-trek briefing will be given to discuss the programme and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements and each trekker will be supplied with a trek pack and trek departure information. The evening is free but usually the group leader will organise an evening meal at one of Kathmandu’s fine Nepali restaurants.
Day 3 - Kathmandu to Syauli
We leave the hotel early in the morning to catch our internal flight to Pokhara, with a flight time of about 25 minutes, and spectacular views of the main Himalayan chain to the North. After arriving in Pokhara we transfer to the starting point of the trek at Nayapool, which we should reach early afternoon. Our first day’s trek follows the sub-tropical Modi Khola river valley to Birethanti – a large village on the old Nepal-Tibet trading route. After formalities at the check post, we continue on through terraced rice paddies to Chomrong and then to the very pretty village of Syauli, our overnight stop. Here we enjoy incredible views of the great
peaks of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Trekking distance – 6km approx. / 3 hours
Day 4 - Syauli to Ghandruk
Today’s trek starts with a steady ascent up a stone staircase high above the river valley. A short but steep section leads us to Kimche (1,630m) where we can take a well deserved rest. We then continue on to Chane following a wide, well-defined path of stone flags that contour around fields of wheat and millet. We soon reach the largest village of the region, Ghandruk. This Gurung village is well known for the number of its men-folk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments. Our guest house is located in the heart of the village where we enjoy fine mountain views.
Trekking distance – approx. 7km/5 hrs
Day 5 - Ghandruk to Tadapani
Another day ascending – by now, we will have found our trekking legs! Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind, we enter oak and beautiful rhododendron forests. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk as the forest is alive with the sound of birds, small tumbling waterfalls and, in spring, the rhododendrons are in full bloom. There are no villages on today’s route but there are a few teahouses at Baisi Kharkha providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. Our lodge at Tadapani is the perfect setting for sunset and sunrise views of the surrounding Annapurnas.
Trekking distance – approx. 7km/4 hrs
Day 6 - Tadapani to Ghorepani
We rise early to view the sunrise and after breakfast we initially descend to a small stream and then begin a series of ascents and descents through spectacular rhododendron forest. After lunch, we cross a series of small streams ascending through forest to reach the open ridges at Deurali (2,987m). Here we enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We continue on to Ghorepani (2,780m) where we rest for the evening. Ghorepani was an important stopover on the old trading route and today is a busy tourist centre.
Trekking distance – approx. 8km/5 hrs
Day 7 - Ghorepani to Tirkedunga
Today will see the highlight of our challenge! We rise early to summit Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s best view points. We arrive by torchlight just before sunrise, in time to enjoy fabulous mountain views that dominate the western skyline. To the north lie the trans-Himalayan ranges, which form the border between Nepal and Tibet. To the south, the rolling middle hills slowly disappear into the great plains of India. We drop back down to Ghorepani and then begin the day’s walk to the village of Ulleri, where we have lunch. In the afternoon there is a steep descent to the Bhurungdi Khola River where we cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tirkedunga.
Trekking distance – approx. 13.5km/5 – 6 hrs
Day 8 - Tirkedunga to Pokhara
Our last day’s trekking sees us wake early again to make the most of the day. From the lodge at Tirkedunga, we follow the Bhurungdi River down to the village of Birethanti, located on the banks of the Modi Khola. Here we have an early lunch and then follow the river to Nayapool. After saying farewell to our porters, we travel by coach back to Pokhara (approx. 1.5 hours). We will stay at a location close to the lakeside. After a welcome shower, the rest of the day is free to wander around the area, take a boat out on the lake for an hour or so, or enjoy some of the many shopping opportunities.
Trekking distance – approx. 7km/3 hrs
Day 9 - Fly to Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. In the afternoon we are free to take a sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu valley or explore the downtown bazaars. This evening we celebrate our fundraising achievements with a meal in Kathmandu!
Day 10 - Arrive UK
We depart Kathmandu for our flight to the UK, arriving the same day.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change including the timings and distances detailed. Mountain weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out in this brochure.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- Return flights from a London Airport to Kathmandu
- All transfers
- All accommodation
- All meals on trek and breakfast in Kathmandu
- Porters for trek
- Professional English-speaking local guides
- Local English speaking doctor, experienced in high altitude trekking
- Permits and National Park fees
- Kit bag including down sleeping bag, down jacket and fleece sleeping bag liner
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge Contribution – Please refer to Dates and Costs tab. These are approximately £250 and payable 12 weeks prior to departure
- Personal trekking kit (trekking boots, poles, etc)
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, including the celebratory dinner
- Visa for Nepal
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below. Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This challenge has been graded as Challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme meaning the trek has been designed to be challenging but achievable as long as you train beforehand. You will be trekking for 6 consecutive days at varied altitude and in varied temperatures, a good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register, and this is also available to download via our website. Why not join one of our challenge training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and other challengers, and train together prior to the event.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Where will we stay?
While in Kathmandu we will stay in hotel accommodation, twin rooms with en-suite facilities. Whilst on trek we will be staying in local guest houses. Whilst very basic, they offer some welcome respite after each days trekking! Typically they are twin-share. There is also the opportunity to buy some essentials and snacks from the guest houses.
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from broken in trekking boots and some trekking poles you do not need any specialist kit. To save incurring extra expense we supply you with a kit bag which includes a down sleeping bag, down jacket and fleece sleeping bag liner.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera, etc.) and your main piece of luggage will be transported between accommodations by our team of porters whilst trekking. You will be able to leave your main luggage with items not needed for trek at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided in trek, however you will need to budget for one dinner in Pokhara and lunches and dinners whilst in Kathmandu. Water will be readily available on trek, and we may have to use treated water and water purification tablets. We can cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form. Nepalese food is very varied and nutritious with plenty of vegetables and potatoes.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from Nepal, as well as local mountain guides, porters and a local English speaking doctor. Full, comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and mobile telephones will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times.
Can I stay in Nepal after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no-one is left alone. Remember this is not a race! The main physical problem you may encounter is altitude sickness, which can occur over 2,500m – the maximum altitude on this challenge is approx. 3,210m.
Will the altitude affect me?
Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the altitude, however the fitter you are the better you will cope in general whilst on the mountain. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at high altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be assured that this trek has been designed to maximise your chances for sufficient acclimatisation i.e. the speed at which we trek, the route taken, acclimatisation days taken and the number of highly trained experts in the support team.
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
2025
£299
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£3,990
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,995
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?