Annapurna to Chitwan: Walks & Wildlife

13 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
One trip, two of the great adventure experiences in Nepal: walking in the Annapurna foothills and wildlife watching in Chitwan. The trekking portion of our adventure is the ideal introduction to walking in the Himalaya, staying at low altitude with spectacular views throughout. After, we experience another side of Nepal by going in search of roaming wildlife ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Combine a multi-day trek in the Annapurna foothills with wildlife watching in Chitwan
    • Stay in some of the best mountain lodges in the Himalaya with views of iconic peaks
    • Unwind after our trek with a stay in the lakeside city of Pokhara
    • Visit a Tibetan refugee village and learn how to make traditional momo dumplings
    • Game drive through Chitwan National Park with an expert naturalist
    • Ride a dugout canoe down the Rapti River in search of crocodiles

What's this trip about?

    One trip, two of the great adventure experiences in Nepal: walking in the Annapurna foothills and wildlife watching in Chitwan. The trekking portion of our adventure is the ideal introduction to walking in the Himalaya, staying at low altitude with spectacular views throughout. After, we experience another side of Nepal by going in search of roaming wildlife at Chitwan National Park. With the help of an expert naturalist, we explore the home of the one-horned rhino, while also spotting birds, crocodiles, boars and deer. Why trek with Exodus? More than 30 years’ experience organising treks in Nepal Exodus annually commissions independent air-safety audits on domestic carriers in Nepal and only use those approved as part of the audit Experienced English-speaking local leaders who are qualified in first aid All staff (leaders, guides and porters) are fully insured and paid a fair wage Speak to Exodus office staff who have done the trek themselvesEnjoy two Nepal adventures in one trip: walk among iconic Himalayan mountains and safari with an expert naturalist

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKathmandu
End CityKathmandu

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Kathmandu
  • Pokhara

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Nature
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife viewing

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners
    • All accommodation
    • Tibetan village with Nepalese momo cooking experience
    • Mountain Museum entrance (Pokhara)
    • Dugout canoe ride and jeep safari (Chitwan)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • One internal flight
    • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
    • Trekking permit and national park fees

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Kathmandu

The tour starts at the Hotel Ambassador in Kathmandu. If you have free time after arrival, you may want to relax into the adventure with a drink at the rooftop bar, enjoying 360-degree views from the sun terrace over Kathmandu valley. There is a full trip briefing th...

Day 2 Fly to Pokhara; walk through farmland and forest to the Modi River Valley

Take a 30-minute flight to Pokhara this morning, bypassing a long, bumpy, drive and maximising our time in the Himalaya. On a clear day, we get magnificent views of those same mountains from the right side of the plane. From the airport, we first head to the hotel in...

Day 3 Picturesque trek through villages, rice fields and forests to Ghandruk

Leave the lodge after breakfast to start today’s trek through small farms. Following the Modi River, and with constant views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare ahead, we soon climb the valley towards the mountains. Today is quite a long climb up stone steps, passi...

Day 4 Descend to cross the river by suspension bridge, then climb to Landruk

Although we can see our next destination Landruk village across the valley, we must descend steeply to the river and climb up the other side to get there. Crossing the suspension bridge, trek up a stone staircase to Landruk, enjoying views of the Annapurna range and p...

Day 5 Gentle walk to Majgaon; afternoon free to relax in the garden or explore the village

It’s an easier walk today on a wide trail with no steep ups or downs, passing through village and farmlands with views of the Annapurnas behind. Today is a great day for bird watching in the forests above us. We arrive at the lodge by lunchtime; in the afternoon, enjo...

Day 6 Trek through sub-tropical forests to Dhampus, with spectacular views of the entire Annapurna range

After a spectacular sunrise on Annapurna South, walk along a wide forest track ascending gradually for a couple of hours. A short section on a forest trail brings us to the main trail at Potana. Half an hour further on, we come to Australia Camp, a collection of lodge...

Day 7 Short descent through wooded hillside to our trek endpoint; transfer to Pokhara; free afternoon

Depart along the ridge after breakfast and descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland. After 90 minutes to two hours, we reach the valley floor: the end of our hiking adventure in the Annapurna foothills. We transfer (one hour) to ...

Day 8 Visit the Tibetan refugee camp in Tashiling with a momo-cooking experience; optional visit to International Mountain Museum or boat ride

Head to the Tibetan refugee camp in Tashiling this morning, a 15-minute drive out of Pokhara. Established in the 1960s, when hundreds of Tibetans fled instability in their home region, the Tashiling camp is now a permanent home to around 100 families. Meet some of the...

Day 9 Drive to Chitwan

We leave Pokhara this morning (with magnificent Annapurna views on clear days) and embark on a four to five-hour drive to Chitwan. Along the way, we are accompanied, in parts, by the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. The road heads towards Kathmandu for about 56mi (90km...

Day 10 Dugout canoe ride and jeep safari; evening Tharu culture show

Today is dedicated to discovering the wildlife of Nepal and exploring the Chitwan jungle. In the morning, take a traditional dugout canoe made from a single tree trunk along the Rapti River, our naturalist guide helping us to spot birdlife and crocodiles as we gently ...

Day 11 Optional early morning bird-watching walk; drive back to Kathmandu

You have the option to rise early and head out before breakfast for a bird-watching walk in the Baghmara Community Forest, around a five to 10-minute stroll from our resort, joined by a naturalist guide. Then, after a leisurely breakfast, we set off for the six-hour d...

Day 12 Optional Everest flight; sightseeing in Kathmandu

For those keen to see the highest mountain in the world, there is the option of an early morning Everest sightseeing flight from Kathmandu. This can be booked and paid for locally with help from your tour leader. Please note, it may not always be available due to weat...

Day 13 End Kathmandu

The trip comes to an end after breakfast. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu or the surrounding valley region, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $3,820
Price per day$294
Last Updated: 11/6/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Mini Annapurna Circuit - October 2017

A wonderful trip with beautiful mountain views of the Annapurna region. The trip starts at a low altitude (approx 600m) and you get a variety of scenery, rice padd...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Best of the Circuit

The AP mini circuit has to be considered as a viable alternative to the full circuit(which I have not done) - if you have a fortnight and are confident of your tre...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Mini Annapurna Circuit

An amazing experience. The guides and porters ensured the group were supported, prepared, guided and encouraged throughout the trip. The views were incredible and s...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Mini Annapurna Circuit (Tour code TNH 161030)

An outstanding experience. The trek was extremely well organised and led by an outstanding tour leader and assistant guide and guides. After reaching Thorung La and ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Miss

The mini Annapurna circuit was my first long trek and it was definitely one of the most challenging experiences to date but also the most fulfilling, with breathtaki...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

premier
View Profile

It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel Insurance
    • Single accommodation (limited availability, on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

11 days point-to-point walking with full porterage Snow and ice may be encountered Altitude maximum 5416m, average 2800m
On this walking and wildlife trip to Nepal, we enjoy a broad range of accommodation, including two hotels, excellent mountain lodges in the Annapurna foothills, and a jungle resort in Chitwan. Kathmandu: Hotel Ambassador (nights 1 and 11-12) Begin and end the adventure at the Ambassador, near the banks, stores and restaurants of the buzzy Thamel district. Inside the 72-room hotel is a range of drink and dining options, including Foreign Affairs, a rooftop bar and lounge with views over the valley. Other facilities include a gym and spa. Annapurna: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (nights 2-6) In the Annapurna foothills, we stay in excellent lodges with magnificent views of iconic peaks. These are run by Mountain Lodges of Nepal and are considered the finest accommodation in the area. Interior décor is in a traditional Nepalese Gurung style, local to the region. Expect a welcome drink on arrival and, in your room, down jackets, warm hats and gloves, and Crocs to keep you extra comfy. Pokhara: Hotel Pokhara Village (nights 7-8) Pokhara Village is ideally located close to Phewa Lake, the star attraction in the city, where you’ll find a viewpoint with vistas over the waters and mountains. The hotel itself has a swimming pool and garden for post-trek relaxation, plus a restaurant and bar. Chitwan: Green Mansion Resort (nights 9-10) On the edge of a community forest, Green Mansions offers traditional cottages encompassed by nature. The highlight may well be their in-house team of naturalists, who bring the landscape to life with their expertise. Other pluses include a pool with half-sunken loungers and a multi-cuisine restaurant where dishes include produce from the hotel garden. Worth knowing If you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara, either before or after the tour, we can book this for you (subject to availability), please enquire with your sales representative. If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for all nights including during the trek; however, single rooms may be limited in the mountain lodges and twin share might be required (subject to availability).
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners are included. Allow approximately 3,000-5,000 rupees (US$22-US$38) per day for meals not included in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos, a Nepalese dumpling filled with meat or vegetables. Meals in the lodges range from traditional Nepalese food to Chinese and Western dishes. The food is good quality and usually served buffet style. You are provided with safe drinking water on trek and in Chitwan. If you have a gluten-free diet, we strongly recommend you bring extra food and snacks with you to supplement the food on trek as there will be little variety available to you, particularly for breakfast. Even some soups are from powder/packets and contain gluten. Drinking water Staying hydrated is important when undertaking any physical activity; on this trip, it is generally recommended to carry a 33floz (one litre) water bottle and drink at least 67floz (two litres) per person per day. However, we strongly encourage you not to buy bottled water on trek as this contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution in the trekking areas of Nepal. You can top up water bottles at tea breaks and lunch stops along the way – some villages have water stations selling UV-treated drinking water for about 50 rupees (US$0.40) per litre. Alternatively, all teahouses provide free cold water. This should not be drunk untreated, so we recommend you bring a reusable bottle/water bladder (ideally two) and use an effective form of water treatment. Talk to an outdoor retailer for the latest advice as technologies are improving all the time. Exodus has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates more than 99.99 percent of all microbiological contaminants from any non-saltwater source – visit Water-to-Go for more information. Exodus customers can claim 15 percent off their first order and, better still, 15 percent of the purchase value will be donated to the Exodus Travels Foundation. These bottles filter the water as you drink through the spout may not be the most efficient while on the go on a trek.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (5 mountain lodge, 2 jungle lodge), 3 Classic nights (hotel)
  • Travel by air-conditioned private bus and one internal flight
  • Six days of walking with full porterage
  • Low altitude throughout, maximum reached: 6,601ft/2,012m
  • Small group size (maximum 16). Minimum age: 16
Trip ID
exodus-TNH

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >