Compare Annapurna Base Camp Trek- 14 Days by Outfitter Nepal vs Choose Your Pace: Hiking in Shenandoah National Park by Road Scholar

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu airport transfer to hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

You will be met & greeted by our airport representative who will be on standby to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Your evening is free and after you’ve refreshed, you can go for a stroll down the street to get familiar with your surroundings. Window shopping would be a good start to look around. Your first overnight in the valley of temples & cows. Probably the most in the world; however, these unusual sights are sometimes welcome & interesting.

Day 2: Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu valley & an orientation:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6

After having breakfast at hotel, we take you for the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley; you will be escorted by a professional guide and Your tour will include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath (note, there are real monkeys down here & they can be a pain in the neck, especially if you are munching something while climbing the steps to the temple; whatever your munching could vanish from your hands in seconds if you’re not careful and the best way to appease these monkeys is by buying some bananas from vendors just by the roadside to the temple & distribute them on your way up, they’d be happy & leave you alone). Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhanath Stupa. The Pashupatinath is a significant place of visit because this is a heritage site & is the most important religious site for Hindus in Nepal & India and within the boundaries of this temple are cremation zones where the bodies of Nepalese, right from the pauper on the streets to the king of Nepal are cremated at this old temple. In the early evening we get back to our hotel & refresh after which your trek leader will meet the group & orient you on the whole program related to your trip. You will even have sufficient time to buy some trek gear if you need any in Thamel area.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 Kilometers west of Kathmandu):

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6

After having early breakfast at hotel, we start our drive and the drive goes along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi River to reach Pokhara, it’s a pretty good drive as we go by the beautiful river which is also good for rafting; we view Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak as well We drive along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi River to reach Pokhara, it’s a pretty good drive as we go by the beautiful river which is also good for rafting; we view Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak as well during the Driving. Pokhara is a tourist's paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, & temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with her lovely mountains; after 6 hours of driving; we will arrive in Pokhara, the city of lakes, welcome to this beautiful town of serene lakes that gives so much meaning to your holidays, overnight at your Hotel.

Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedunga:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 5 Max. Altitude: 1577

After having breakfast at the hotel, we start to drive to Nayapul which takes approximately one and half hours, we then start the first part of our hiking out to Tikhedunga (1577M) Via Birethanti (1065m.) this is a pretty easy flat out hike as we pass through several small lively villages and settlements, after some time, we will ascend gently to the final destination of the day, overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 2800

After having hot breakfast at lodge, we start trek and ascend steeply for the first 2 hours then ascend gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, villages. This path gives breathtaking views of Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), and the grand Annapurna (7219m) south on the way. Our trekking trail now gets quite easy going as we pass through rhododendron and shadowy forests amidst the cackling of birds which gives us good feelings till we ascend gently up to the final camp to the Ghorepani, check into the Lodge and overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 6: Hike to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 3210

Today, we hike to Poonhill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise views over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow capped mountains in the morning. Poonhill has always been a symbol of beauty for the Annapurna region then we will return down to Ghorepani and have a hot breakfast at our lodge and trek to Tadapani (2650m.). Most part of the trail we trek is through blooming rhododendron forest; the beautiful flower makes the jungle colorful in spring when they bloom, check in to the lodge in Tadapani and overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 7: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 2675

After having breakfast at lodge, we start the trek and enjoy our hike by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests along the trail, We hear the chirping of different kinds of birds on the way to Kimrung Khola. We then straightaway ascend steeply and walk at a flat level for 45 minutes with gentle steep paths in-between and flat all the way to Chomrong which the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp., check into the Lodge and overnight at lodge.

Day 8: Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 3500

After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek; the trekking trail descends on a stone stairway for the first one and half hour and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak, then we climb further on a rocky path, we will reach Sinuwa, at 2350m & then we trek gently through the forest and descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests to reach Bamboo and walk on gently up towards Dovan and Himalaya, check into the lodge.

Day 9: Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 4130

After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek, the valley widens and becomes less steep and we will see the gates to the sanctuary from here as the trail continues into the sanctum, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs. After a short trek we will be at Bagar (3310m.), a green meadow with some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail appears gently ascending until Machhapuchare Base Camp (3820m.) Which is one place where we enjoy some of the best landscapes in the venture; we will enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path follows through alpine meadows and after some distance our trails go gently up. After a short trek, we begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp at (4170m.), congratulation that you now have reached the Annapurna Base Camp, the destination of our holiday, overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 10: Trekking from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 2630

We will have great views of the Himalayas with sunrise in Annapurna base camp then we will have breakfast and ready to return trekking to Dove that takes about five hours and much easier as we go down. You should have no problem reaching Sinuwa from Annapurna Base Camp in a single day however; we have chosen this route as some trekkers may have problem on going down due to shaking or wobbling legs that could be fatigued, check in to the lodge and overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 11: Trekking from Dovan to Jhinudanda:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 1800

After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek to Jhinu dada, the trekking trail is a descent till Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants then, after Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up an hour and the trail is quite flat until Sinuwa. We trek gradually descending to the Chhumrong Khola and we have to follow a stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhumrong village, the last part of the trail is steep down to Jhinudanda. We check into our rooms at the guest house then we could go to the Hot Springs to take a refreshing bath in the warm salt waters, overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 12: Trek from Jhinudanda to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara:

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6

After having breakfast at guest house in Jhinu, we start our trekking and the first part of the trek is lttle descent then flat level trail until Birethati along with the bank of the river, we will stop at Birethati for lunch and after walking about 30 minutes to Nayapul, there will be our car/van waiting for us to take us back to the civilization, Pokhara the city of lakes and natural wonders, overnight at hotel..

Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu:

Accommodation: Hotel Hours: 6 Meals: Breakfast

You will have early breakfast at hotel in Pokhara and Our tourist bus leaves at 7 AM to drive us to Kathmandu and the driving will be a fantastic experience as we drive past many satellite towns on the way and we are able to see rural settlements, gushing rivers, terraces and green rural landscapes; after 6 hours driving we will arrive Kathmandu and its overnight at your hotel.

Day 14: Transfer to airport for your departure:

Meals: Breakfast

You will be transferred to the international airport for your final departure to your loving home. OUTFITTER NEPAL has taken pleasure in serving you all of these weeks; you counted on us & we didn’t let you down because we know how hard you’ve worked to enjoy this holiday. Meeting you was an immense pleasure & we do hope you will remember us down the years with memories of the time you’ve spent in this amazing country that’s Nepal. A safe BON VOYAGE home…takes care!!!.

Day 1
Check-in, Program Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Shenandoah National Park D Big Meadows Lodge
Activity note: Hotel check-in available by 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lodge lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Big Meadows Lodge is a complex of buildings that center on the 1939 lodge. Participant rooms may be in the lodge or in another building.

Dinner: In the Spotswood Dining room, we'll order plated meals from a select menu with choices of entrée, side dishes, bread, and dessert plus beverage choices of Blackberry lemonade, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. This bright and cheery space has a high, wooden-beam ceiling, stone fireplace, glass doors, and windows along two sides.

Evening: Orientation will take place in the Massanutten Room on the lower level of the lodge. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. The program staff will include the Group Leader, a local expert who is a retired Park Ranger, and another local expert/van driver. This is a representative schedule. The specific activities for each program date may vary depending on Park schedule, instructors, weather, and other factors. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.

Day 2
Hike to Dark Hollow Falls, Fishers Gap, Life as a Ranger
Shenandoah National Park B,L,D Big Meadows Lodge
Activity note: Hiking approximately 5 miles, rated by the National Park Service as mostly moderate with a portion rated strenuous. In mountain areas like this, all hikes go up and down; for the morning hike, the elevation change is 800 feet overall. Afternoon walking approximately 2 miles roundtrip; rated by NPS as easy, meaning terrain without much elevation change.

Breakfast: In the Spottswood Dining Room, we'll order plated breakfasts from a select menu with a variety of choices, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Led by the Group Leader and our expert, a retired park ranger, the walk this morning starts with one mile through the woods to the edge of the Big Meadows that give the lodge its name. We’ll cross Skyline Drive and descend three-quarters of a mile, in part quite steep and rated strenuous, to Dark Hollow Falls. This 70-foot waterfall is the most visited in the Park. At the Falls we’ll then divide into two groups. You may choose to continue hiking at the same pace or at a faster pace for the completion of today’s route. Each group will hike the same distance, just at different rates of speed. From the falls, we’ll descend a little farther down the hollow until we reach the Rose River Fire Road before climbing (more gradually than we came down) on the Fire Road back to Skyline Drive. Once we cross the road, we’ll pick up the Appalachian Trail back to the lodge. Total distance for the hike will be about 5.2 miles.

Lunch: In the Spotswood Dining room, we'll order plated meals from a select menu with choices of entrée, side dishes, bread, and dessert plus beverage choices of Blackberry lemonade, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll take a walking field trip with a local expert to the park’s Byrd Visitor Center. At the Center, our self-directed exploration will include opportunities to view the museum exhibition on the history of the park, a theater that shows films on demand, and a counter where rangers provide maps and answer questions. The museum display tells how Shenandoah National Park was authorized in 1926 and dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1936. Land was acquired through "eminent domain" and, as we'll learn, the history of the park's creation includes stories of families and communities that were "displaced." Displays show the people who pioneered and lived in that area, as well as examples of the ecology, natural history, and folklore of the Shenandoah. There is also a section covering a period in history when there were segregated facilities, a surprising fact about the National Park Service. Walking back to the Lodge, the remainder of the afternoon is free.

Dinner: Dining room plated meal.

Evening: We’ll gather in the lodge meeting room for a presentation by our retired National Park Ranger on his experiences along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is live music each night in the New Market Taproom on the lower level of the main lodge.

Day 3
Skyline Drive, Hike to Residential Site, Ranger Talk
Shenandoah National Park B,L,D Big Meadows Lodge
Activity note: Getting in/out of a van; driving about 15 miles to/from trailhead. Hiking about 5 miles, approximately 4-5 hours including stops.

Breakfast: Dining room plated meal.

Morning: We’ll travel to our trailhead via van down Skyline Drive. Probably the best-known feature of the park, this highway with a top speed limit of 35 miles per hour was constructed in the 1930s to follow the crest of the Blue Ridge. Land acquisition conducted by the state of Virginia took place in the late 1920s and early 1930s. While on the hike, we’ll learn about residents of the area who were displaced from their homes for the park to be established and see sites associated with former residents.

Lunch: At a scenic spot along the trail, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll divide into two groups and continue our hike. You may choose to continue at the same pace or at a faster pace. Each group will hike along the same route back to the parking area where we will reboard the van and return to the lodge.

Dinner: Dining room plated meal.

Evening: We'll take a short walk from the main lodge to the Big Meadows amphitheater for a Park Ranger talk. Ranger talks are typically about the animals and birds of the Blue Ridge. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Day 4
Hiking in Whiteoak Canyon, Upper & Lower Falls
Shenandoah National Park B,L,D Big Meadows Lodge
Activity note: Two choices of hike. Choice 1: Hiking approximately 7.5 miles, rated mostly strenuous by the National Park Service; 1,100 foot change in elevation; uneven, sometimes steep terrain, climbing over rocks. Choice 2: Hiking approximately 4.5 miles, rated mostly moderate by the National Park Service; 800 foot change in elevation.

Breakfast: Plated meal in the dining room.

Morning: Setting out again on Skyline Drive, we’ll ride to the trailhead of Whiteoak Canyon for one of the park’s famous hikes. With six waterfalls, it has been counted “among the great day hikes in all the national parks of the United States.” We will divide into two groups based on your choice of the pace you prefer. There will be two routes to choose from. Choice 1, the longer of the two, is a 7.3 mile roundtrip route to the Lower Falls with a good portion of it rated by the National Park Service as strenuous. With an elevation change of 1,100 feet and necessary climbing over large rocks, it promises to be a fun yet challenging experience. The trip to the trailhead for Choice 2, the shorter route, will leave when the van returns from the first trailhead. The hike is 4.6 miles roundtrip with an 800 foot elevation change. It will reach the Upper Whiteoak Falls, the highest in the park, but not the lower falls.

Lunch: At a scenic spot along the trail, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: Each hike will continue and return along the same trail. The return portion is mostly uphill to the parking area. Upon completion, we’ll return to the lodge.

Dinner: Dining room plated meal.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Hike to Rapidan Camp, Ranger Program
Shenandoah National Park B,L,D Big Meadows Lodge
Activity note: Two choices of hike. Choice 1: Hiking approximately 4 miles roundtrip; 3 stream crossings, some steep sections; 700 foot change in elevation. Choice 2: Hiking approximately 8 miles roundtrip; across Big Meadow, 2 stream crossings, some steep sections; 1,100 foot change in elevation.

Breakfast: Dining room plated meal.

Morning: Our hiking destination of the day will be Rapidan Camp, built in 1929. The camp was President Herbert Hoover’s retreat that he used as a fishing camp where he and his wife would spend weekends during the warmer months. It is located where two mountain streams converge to form the Rapidan River. The Hoover cabin has been restored and another cabin has been made into a small museum. We’ll have a choice of two hikes for the day that will both converge here. Choice 1 will begin with a van ride to a trailhead at Milam Gap, then hit the trail for the rest of the way. There will be three stream crossings over rocks, down some steep sections, and on to the camp. Choice 2 will set out hiking straight from Big Meadows Lodge. This longer hike will cover approximately 8 miles roundtrip with 2 stream crossings, some steep sections, and a 1,100 foot change in elevation. It will wind up at the camp as well.

Lunch: At Rapidan Camp, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: A young history intern stationed at Rapidan Camp will act as our host to unlock cabins and provide commentary. We will look around the camp and hear stories about events that took place in the area. Each hiking group will then return to the lodge via the same route it came in on.

Dinner: Dining room plated meal. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We’ll attend another Park Ranger talk at Big Meadows amphitheater. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day 6
Program Concludes
Shenandoah National Park B
Activity note: The van will depart for Richmond at 9:30 a.m. Lodge check-out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Dining room plated meal. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!