Trekking in the Himalayas. The minimum amount of time is spent traveling between each destination, enabling one to make the most of their time in Nepal. The Sacred Mountain Trek features the Gokarna Forest Resort (in Kathmandu), the Temple Tree Resort (in Pokhara) and Ker & Downey Lodges (while on trek).
Upon arrival you will be met and assisted by a Ker & Downey representative and transferred to the Gokarna Forest Resort. Gokarna Forest Resort is located inside the serene temperate Gokarna Forest, the former Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal. A winding road climbs through the forest, up to the main complex, comprising a mix of subtly majestic Malla period architecture, Rana period lodges, and sanctuaries harmoniously blending with nature. A quiet peaceful haven set between ancient towering trees with glimpses of the second fairway in the valley below make the perfect getaway for golf, enchanting forest walks, relaxation and rejuvenation at the Spa, as well as time close to nature.
Gokarna Forest Resort
After an optional early morning flight to Mount Everest, we fly to Pokhara (3300 ft /1000 m). We’ll have a briefing at the Ker & Downey 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).
Sanctuary Lodge
Meals: FB
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.
Himalaya Lodge
Meals: FB
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.
Himalaya Lodge
Meals: FB
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.
La Bee Lodge
Meals: FB
After breakfast, we leave the Bee Lodge & trek to Ker & Downey's 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.
Gurung Lodge
Meals: FB
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.
Basanta Lodge
Meals: FB
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 the Temple Tree Resort 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.
Temple Tree
Meals: BB
After breakfast we fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Durbar Square. Kathmandu's Durbar Square was where the city's kings were once crowned and legitimized, and from where they ruled (Durbar means ‘palace'). As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu's most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. We’ll then have lunch in a local restaurant, before visiting Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. From here, we’ll return to the hotel, where the rest of the day is free.
Gokarna Forest Resort
Meals: BB
Final Departure
Spring: Mid of April-June. Come and visit when the rhododendrons and alpine flowers are in full bloom. Expect clear skies and sunshine in the mornings with some light cloud cover later in the day
Autumn / Winter: Mid of September – December. October can be busy, but at this time of year the weather is normally very stable except crisp sunny days and cold evenings.
This is a combination of Moderate & Strenuous grade trek: most trek days are 4-5 hours long with only a couple being a little longer; altitude gain is usually around 300-500m /day and the paths and tracks are generally wide and well-marked. We ask that you have a reasonable level of fitness, but you don’t need to be an experienced trekker to enjoy this trip. But trekking experience would work wonder while going through these trails. Your trek leaders will ensure we take a comfortable pace on the trail and you’ll have Sherpa support in every step of the way.
If you’re comfortable going on day walks in low hills in your home country (e.g. the Cotswolds, UK) or maybe you swim, cycle or take a class a couple of times a week you should find this trek well within your means. Having a hot shower and many other creature comforts to look forward to makes each day’s trekking even more of a joy! (And you can always indulge in a massage or other spa treatment at our Namche and Lukla lodges to relax any tired or achy muscles)
Gokarna Forest Resort: 2 nights, Ker & Downey: 7 nights
Inspiring magical mountains, ethereal villages, living legends…. perfect for mixed ability groups, trek hard and high or soft and steady
All accommodation, meals and internal travel included