Get here and we'll handle the rest. Get a feel for the streets the first day, absorb the sights and sounds, or rest at the hotel. We discuss the gameplan in the evening.

Kathmandu, the capital city, boasts an intense mix of cultures and religions unique to Nepal. Turn the Buddhist prayer wheels at Swoyambhu- the monkey temple, and meet the steady gaze of Buddha's eyes at the famous Boudhanath stupa. Experience the valley's olden days at the Kathmandu Durbar Square which has remained authentic even as modernization has crept in all around it. See Kathmandu, with your Advex guide.

The Tourist Capital of Nepal, Pokhara is loved by the world for being a picturesque jewel straight out of post cards. A valley of lakes, Pokhara boasts spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges and a lively party atmosphere. Spend the evening in this magical city after an early morning drive from Kathmandu.

We start walking an hour-drive away from Pokhara- at Naya Pul.  After a short walk along the banks of the Modi Khola stream, we'll reach Birethanti (1015 meters), a large village that has many quaint little shops and teahouses. As the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola stream, it climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1495 meters. A short climb takes us to Tikhedhunga at 1570 meters. Today's walk is relatively short and easy, and it will prepare us for the days ahead.

Leaving Tikhedunga, we begin our journey with a steep climb to Ulleri. Ulleri is a large village at 2070 meters- home to the friendly Magar people. The trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti at 2250 meters. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2460m. Another hour of walking and we get to Ghorepani at 2900 meters.

Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour-long hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3210 meters, a brilliant spectacle; this vantage point provides a superb view of the sun rising over the high Himalayas, including the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhare. In Poon Hill we will spend about an hour before returning to Ghorepani where we'll have breakfast at the hotel and continue our trek to Tadapani (2600 meters).

Along the trail towards Tadapani, we climb along ridges and through pine- and rhododendron forests. Our final destination for today, Tadapani, offers magnificent views of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South.

The trails drops down from Tadapani through dense rhododendron forests towards Chiule where a few lodges are located. A maze of small paths leads down through the terraced fields to a big suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola. From the bridge, the trail climbs past the school and along terraces to the little village of Klisigo Chiukle. After a series of waterfalls, the trail climbs and contours along the terraces to join the main Ghandrung-Chomrong route, from where we make our way to Chomrong for the night.

After a steep descent from Chomrong followed by a demanding climb to Sinuwa we continue up through the forests passing the small villages of Bamboo and Dovan till we finally reach Himalayan Hotel.(not really a hotel, the place is called Himalayan Hotel)

Here we have great views of the Machhapuchhure mountain (6997m) that will clarify why its name translates to "fishtail mountain." After crossing a ravine, the trail climbs along boulders, finally leaving the trees behind us. The valley broadens out and the scenery becomes wilder as we approach the gates of the sanctuary.

Passing between the heights of Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare, we will reach Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3700m) at the entrance to the great amphitheatre, where we will spend the night. The views are stupendous, the panorama including Himchuli, Annapurna 1, Annapurna 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhare.

After a very early wakeup call, a slight climb up for around 2 hours will take us to Annapurna Base Camp. The Base Camp is surrounded by the snow capped peaks of some of the highest mountains in the world. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna 1 and 3, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhhure all encircle us. The sunset and sunrise are really magnificent in this mountain arena.

Annapurna South glacier, the panoramic view is breathtaking. Annapurna 1 soars above rubble covered glaciers while to the south, Hiunchuli and Annapurna South loom behind. Machhapuchhare is magnificent and the beautiful Annapurna III can be seen.

For a view of Gangapurna you can climb the moraine with a few rock cairns to the south. Once you have soaked up the stunning views of the Annapurna range, breakfast's in your lodge at the Annapurna Base Camp before the descent all the way back to Sinuwa passing Deurali, Himalayan Hotel, Doban and Bamboo.

When leaving Sinuwa, immediately, the trail drops steeply to the river from where we have to climb up again till we reach Chomrong. After lunch in Chomrong we begin the steep descent towards Jhinu Ghandrung (1950m), which is a large, prosperous Gurung village and after arrival we will have time to explore the maze of narrow alleyways separating the neat slate-roofed houses and watch the sunlight on Macchapuchhare, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. It's also possible to visit the small but interesting Gurung Museum.

From Ghandrung we descend to Syauli Bazaar. From Syauli Bazaar it is a pleasant easy walk following the river to Birethanti (1040m) where we cross the bridge. A short walk from the village brings us to the road at Naya Pull where we begin the one and a half hour drive into Pokhara.

We pack up early and head back towards Kathmandu. We say our goodbyes at a farewell dinner in a Nepali cultural restaurant.

Departure from Tribhuwan International Airport.