A Week of Himalayan Adventure in Nepal

My journey began with a gentle 3-mile (5K) walk—an ideal way to ease into the rhythm of trekking. We were greeted with fresh lemonade upon arrival, a small but meaningful gesture that set the tone for the week.

Our personal guide, born and raised in the Himalayas, brought deep local knowledge and a calming presence throughout the trek.

That evening included warm beds, charging outlets, WiFi, and a fire lit just for us—complete with popcorn.

We rose early the next morning to a 6:30 am sunrise over Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), glowing pink at first light.

We covered 8.45 miles with roughly 3,600 feet of elevation gain on quiet local trails under clear skies, with uninterrupted views of the Annapurna ridgeline.

The day included a visit to a local school, walks through hillside villages, and a stop at an orange orchard where we picked guavas and tasted fruit straight from the trees.

Himalayan cherry blossoms lined the trail as we descended into Ghandruk, where comfort at the lodge awaited after a full day on our feet.

The 8-mile trek to Landruk (2,379 feet of elevation gain) brought slower, more intimate moments: shepherding families tending baby lambs, waterfalls cutting through the forest, and wild chickens crossing the trail.

Lunch was a simple plate of momos—exactly what you want after a trek—before settling into another cozy lodge for the evening.

This was our most demanding day (which we asked for!): 13 miles and 3,570 feet of elevation gain. We requested a longer challenge intentionally because both my husband and I were feeling so physically good and wanted to take full advantage of our time.

Water buffalo wandered through the forest as we trekked through lush jungle, accompanied by birdsong echoing overhead.

Lunch was unforgettable—a home-cooked Nepali meal prepared by a close friend of our guide, featuring rice, dal, fresh vegetables, and stewed chicken.

That night, a warm fire, ginger-honey-lemon tea, and a hot shower reminded us how deeply restorative these lodges are after a long day on the trail.

We began the day with a much-needed morning massage before hiking eight miles to Dhampus, gaining 2,247 feet in elevation.

Passing through Australian Camp, the sky was so clear we could see the seemingly endless Annapurna range, with Himalayan vultures soaring above.

The lodge that evening featured gorgeous rooms, sweeping views, and—once again—the simple luxury of warmth, water, and rest.

After breakfast and coffee, a relaxed 3-mile walk brought us back toward Pokhara, followed by a seamless hotel drop-off.

Saying goodbye was hard because our time was so unforgettable. The kindness, attentiveness, and pride in service from the Nepali team truly set this experience apart.

We ended our week at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, the perfect luxury treat after a week of trekking.

My husband and I spent the day doing a few nearby hikes on our own and felt safe exploring unguided using AllTrails—a low-pressure way to stretch our legs and explore Pokhara one last time.

The hotel boasts: an infinity pool overlooking the Annapurna range, a serene spa, an excellent restaurant, and a pool bar that feels eye-level with the mountain range.

It’s a peaceful, luxurious finish to a remote adventure before heading to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu to fly home.