Birethanti (Nepal)

Once I'd finished the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, Birethanti was the next and last stop of a trek I'd begun 8 days earlier. As the hike was near to its end, I speeded up so as to reach Nayapul during daylight and be able to catch a bus for Pokhara. It was with sore, blistered feet that I stopped for a break at the village of Birethanti. A nice cup of chai and samosas were on the cards before I attacked the final hour-long leg.
The village has numerous trails from which you can explore the local countryside. To reach Ghorepani and the Poon Hill trek, head west towards Tikhedhungga. For Ghandruk and Tadapani, take the path that heads east. From Ghandruk you can cross the Modi Khola and continue along to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Just a couple of tips for hiking fans!

*After the devastating earthquakes that shook Nepal in April and May 2015 the country is slowly getting back on its feet. This article was written before these catastrophic events occurred.

Birethanti was the first stop on my trek to the Annapurnan Base Camp. Situated at an altitude of around 1100 metres, the charming village has some lodges and tea houses. Cross the Modi Khola river on a hanging bridge - you'll take many of these - and reach the village. Abundant vegetation lets you discover the brick houses with wooden beams little by little.

Generally the treks depart from Nayapul, a bus station thirty minutes from Birethanti by foot. You won't necessarily have the chance to sleep in the village then. However, if you arrive in Nayapul late afternoon it can be wiser to start the trek after an overnight stay.

I really appreciated the little bedroom with wood panelled walls where we slept. The view from there was amazing: an energetic river and vegetation dripping with humidity created a steamy atmosphere. In the early morning it's very pleasant to enjoy a milky tea on a covered terrace. Birethanti is a regenerative stop off point before starting your adventure trip in Nepal.

I must add that I visited Nepal before the 2015 earthquake so it's possible that places have changed a lot since then.

Birethanti was the first stop on my trek to the Annapurnan Base Camp. Situated at an altitude of around 1100 metres, the charming village has some lodges and tea houses. Cross the Modi Khola river on a hanging bridge - you'll take many of these - and reach the village. Abundant vegetation lets you discover the brick houses with wooden beams little by little.

Generally the treks depart from Nayapul, a bus station thirty minutes from Birethanti by foot. You won't necessarily have the chance to sleep in the village then. However, if you arrive in Nayapul late afternoon it can be wiser to start the trek after an overnight stay.

I really appreciated the little bedroom with wood panelled walls where we slept. The view from there was amazing: an energetic river and vegetation dripping with humidity created a steamy atmosphere. In the early morning it's very pleasant to enjoy a milky tea on a covered terrace. Birethanti is a regenerative stop off point before starting your adventure trip in Nepal.

I must add that I visited Nepal before the 2015 earthquake so it's possible that places have changed a lot since then.