Trek and Yoga in the Annapurnas with Stéphanie Drouet
Initiatory Journey: Trek in the Heart of the Annapurnas & Yoga Sessions
A unique journey, a life changing experience awaits you on this retreat, which combines an 8 day off the beaten path itinerary deep in the heart of the Himalayas with the discovery of monasteries and must see sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
You will practice mindful walking (5 to 6 hours a day) to discover the jewels of the Annapurna region, and against a backdrop of Buddhist wisdom, you will feel that heart centered energy that characterizes Buddhist monks and mountain dwellers.
You will gently dive inward and connect with your body through the gentle yoga, meditation, and sound healing sessions offered by Stéphanie throughout the journey. Silent walking is recommended to fully experience the journey.
The hiking level is moderate, requiring no technical skills or presenting any particular dangers (no ridge paths, high mountain passes, or climbing). However, please keep in mind that this is still a high mountain trek; the days feature significant elevation gains that can be intense for a beginner hiker (uphill walking comparable to climbing up and down several ten story buildings). The trek is accessible to everyone, but since it takes place in the high mountains, good general physical fitness, strong cardio, and solid determination are essential.
Early bird = 2225$ before December 31, 2026
Yoga Teacher
Stéphanie Drouet, trained in Vinyasa, Yin, and Kundalini yoga by inspiring teachers, is a passionate advocate of holistic well being. She draws on her diverse training to offer thematic sessions adapted to all levels. Stéphanie focuses on body mind awareness, setting cells in motion and fostering a deep connection with oneself. Recently trained in sound healing by Marie Milla, she guides you toward liberation through sound, adding a sonic dimension to her practices.
Highlights
- 8 days of trekking on the southern slopes of the Annapurna range:- Discover the hidden gems of the Kathmandu Valley.
- An impressive 30-minute round-trip flight south of the Himalayas.
- Relax in hot springs of Jhinu Danda.
- Meditations & Sonotherapy.
- Tibetan singing bowl shops.
Itinerary
Arrival day. Transfer to the hotel in Boudhanath, (you can wander and get lost in the streets discovering Buddhist monasteries). Initial briefing with our guide. Dinner at your leisure in one of the nearby restaurants and overnight stay at the hotel (please note that restaurants close around 8-9 pm). You can take advantage of the peaceful evening to walk around the Buddha Stupa and enjoy the unique atmosphere surrounding this sacred site.
- Accommodation: Dolmaling Hotel or similar on BB basis, (meals not included)
- Accommodation: Dolmaling Hotel or similar on BB basis, (meals not included)
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 9:00 AM (if you're feeling energetic, starting at 7:00 AM, numerous ceremonies are held in the small monasteries near the hotel; you can join them for the puja and enjoy the monks' chanting). Then, depart for a full-day guided tour by vehicle. You will discover the renowned site of Pashupatinath (a sacred cremation ground for Hindus) and the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur with its magnificent architecture. Lunch is at your leisure, and in the evening is free time.
- Accommodation: Hotel Dolmaling or similar on BB basis. (meals not included)
- Accommodation: Hotel Dolmaling or similar on BB basis. (meals not included)
Late morning, we'll take a domestic flight to Pokhara. This approximately 30-minute flight will allow us, weather permitting, to admire the successive mountain ranges of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and finally the Annapurnas. We'll settle into a small, quiet hotel with a swimming pool on the shores of Phewa Lake. The afternoon is free for sightseeing, shopping, and/or relaxation (massage). Meals are not included, and in the evening is free time.
- Accommodation: Middle Path Hotel & Spa or similar, on BB basis. (meals not included)
- Accommodation: Middle Path Hotel & Spa or similar, on BB basis. (meals not included)
Early this morning, we'll take the bus to Beni (3-4 hours) where we'll have lunch. We'll begin our trek with a gradual ascent to the hills overlooking the Kali Gandaki River, leading to the village Banskharka. This will be a warm-up hike of 4 hours, all uphill. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
- Walking time: 4 hours
- Elevation: +750m
- Accommodation: Homestay
- Walking time: 4 hours
- Elevation: +750m
- Accommodation: Homestay
A day's hike to the large Magar village of Nangi. Lunch at DandaKateri (2000m) at the Community Dining Hall. Dinner and overnight stay in a community lodge.
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Elevation: +850m
- Accommodation: Community lodge
- Hiking time: 5 hours
- Elevation: +850m
- Accommodation: Community lodge
A gradual ascent through a beautiful rhododendron forest leads to the most significant climb of the trek. Enjoy views of 28 peaks exceeding 6,000 meters. We ascend to the Hampal Bhanjyang pass (3,090m) and then follow the final ridge to reach Mohare Danda, a peaceful spot with breathtaking panoramic views.
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Elevation: +1,050m
- Accommodation: Community lodge
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Elevation: +1,050m
- Accommodation: Community lodge
A descent and trek through a dense forest and the panoramic viewpoint Poon-Hill. Exceptional views and panoramas of the Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna massif, and Machapuchare. Free time in afternoon for sightseeing and relaxation.
- Walking time: 3.5 hours
- Elevation: +50m / -400m
- Accommodation: Lodge at Ghorepani
- Walking time: 3.5 hours
- Elevation: +50m / -400m
- Accommodation: Lodge at Ghorepani
A steep climb through the forest leads to the Deurali pass, followed by a descent alongside a waterfall. The route passes through Banthanti and then continues with a long descent through the undergrowth to the village Chuile. Enjoy exceptional panoramic views of Machhapuchare (6999m).
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Elevation: +300m / -700m
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Walking time: 6 hours
- Elevation: +300m / -700m
- Accommodation: Lodge
A steep descent leads across the Kimrong Khola River on a suspension bridge, followed by a hike along the mountainside to the village of Ghurjung. We'll stop for lunch in the village of Jhinu Danda. To aid digestion, we'll take towels and swimsuits to enjoy the hot springs, a 15-minute walk downhill. After our soak, we'll pick up our packs, descend steeply again, and cross the Kimrong Khola River once more on a suspension bridge, before a gradual ascent to the Gurung village of Landruk.
- Walking time: 7 hours
- Elevation: +650m / -1050m
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Walking time: 7 hours
- Elevation: +650m / -1050m
- Accommodation: Lodge
A gradual, somewhat steep climb leads to the Deurali Pass, followed by a gradual descent through a rhododendron forest to Pothana. Finally, a short ascent takes you back to the iconic Australian Camp. Dinner and overnight stay in a lodge. This last evening will be an opportunity to share a meal with all our porters and for the individual distribution of tips (guide, assistants, porters). This convivial evening often ends with music and dancing, sometimes even a little late…
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Elevation: +550m / -150m
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Walking time: 5 hours
- Elevation: +550m / -150m
- Accommodation: Lodge
Last day of trekking with a short but steep 300m descent to Khande. Return to Pokhara by bus (1.5 hours) and transfer to the hotel. Lunch at your leisure by Phewa Lake. Free afternoon for sightseeing, shopping, and/or relaxation (massage). Dinner at your leisure.
- Walking time: 1 hour
- Elevation: -300m
- Accommodation: Middle Path & Spa Hotel or similar, BB basis (meals not included)
- Walking time: 1 hour
- Elevation: -300m
- Accommodation: Middle Path & Spa Hotel or similar, BB basis (meals not included)
Mid-morning flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the ancient royal city of Patan for lunch, and depending on time, the opportunity to stroll and visit Durbar Square. Return to our hotel in Boudhanath. Dinner at your leisure and evening at your own expense.
- Accommodation: Dolmaling Hotel or similar on BB basis. (meals not included)
- Accommodation: Dolmaling Hotel or similar on BB basis. (meals not included)
Free day in the Boudhnath. Several options are available to the group: Visit to monasteries. Visit to the tourist place Thamel (a trekker's paradise). For more tranquility, you can also walk around the Buddha Stupa or have a massage at the hotel (or elsewhere). Rest and/or shopping as you wish…
- Accommodation: Dolmaling Hotel or similar on BB basis. (meals not included)
- Accommodation: Dolmaling Hotel or similar on BB basis. (meals not included)
Airport transfers and departure from Kathmandu.
Notes
Trekking Equipment & Gear Recommended by the Agency:
Bring 2 pieces of luggage (1 carry-on, 1 checked):- 1 backpack (30 liters) for the trek (to be used as carry-on luggage for the flight)
- 1 duffel bag or 1 suitcase (checked luggage for the flight)
Reminder: 12 kg maximum for the trek. You can leave any travel items not needed for the trek in your travel bag or suitcase at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Recommended Personal Items:
- Warm sleeping bag (between +5° and -5°C), sleeping bag liner optional,- High-top trekking boots, warm socks, sneakers, flip-flops,
- Lightweight and warm pants, sweater or fleece, rain gear (poncho type), warm underwear for the evenings, down jacket or very warm anorak, gloves, scarf, hat,
- Shorts, t-shirts, scarf, handkerchiefs, hat, swimsuit,
- Sunglasses Sunglasses, spare prescription glasses if needed,
- Mini toiletry kit, sunscreen, lip balm, water purification tablets
- Metal water bottle or unbreakable thermos, flashlight with spare batteries, plastic bags, camera,
- Lightweight clothing for the trip and stay in Kathmandu,
Meditation mat:
- provided by the agency on site, just remember to bring comfortable clothing,Note: if you do not wish to invest in specific technical equipment, you can rent sleeping bags, Dawn jackets, as well as walking poles, from the agency. Ask the agency when you register.
Include
- All transfers by private vehicle as per the itinerary- 4 nights at the Dolmaling (or similar) in Boudhanath, bed and breakfast
- 2 nights at the Middle Path Hotel & Spa (deluxe room) in Pokhara, bed and breakfast
- 8-day trek with full board (meals and nights in lodges)
- Round-trip flight Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu
- French-speaking guide for the entire trip
- Trekking team: 1 assistant for groups of 4 or more, 2 for groups of 8 or more + 1 porter per person
- TIMS and ACAP trekking permits (please provide 2 photos)
- Staff insurance & round-trip flight for the guide
- Luggage transfer during the trek up to 12 kg per person
- Sound therapy & sound meditation sessions (French-speaking coach)
Not Include
- Lunch and dinner (excluding treks) - 6 days (allow $10 max per meal)- 15-day Nepal visa
- Entrance fees to tourist sites in Kathmandu
- International flight
- Mandatory repatriation insurance
- Tips, personal expenses, drinks…
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi access, bottled water during the trek
- Optional equipment rental: trekking poles, sleeping bag, down jacket…
- Single room option: 178$ for 6 nights excluding trek
Scheduled trips and confirmed dates
-
Date FromDate ToConfirm StatusPrice
-
28/03/202710/04/2027confirmUSD 2340
For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and consciously: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, so you leave no trace…
