Ker and Downey lodges are located in the Annapurna region, the most popular trekking destination in the Himalayas. Trekking in the region has become easier after Ker and Downey built staging lodges at the foothills of the Annapurna Mountains. The provides the opportunity to trek in comfort and enjoy the spectacular views without having to sacrifice the luxury.
Located on the fringe of small hill villages, the four Ker and Downey lodges are built in the traditional Nepali style, with eight to ten rooms and are surrounded by pretty gardens. Every room in each lodge has an ensuite bathroom with hot running water and cozy blankets and down bedding warmed nightly by a hot water bottle. Three course set evening meals are served at the communal dining table after drinks and appetisers around the fire, or on the terrace.
All Ker and Downey lodges operate as ecologically as possible. Food is prepared using gas, electricity for low level lighting is supplied by generator and hot water is provided by solar energy. The wood that is burnt for fires is driftwood. Local school children might give a short cultural performance and funds raised from these go directly to the school or communal village projects.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableGardenMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesWi-Fi AvailableStay Ker and Downey have four lodges with 8-10 rooms each. These are located in the foothills of the Annapurna Mountains near Pokhara. The first day of the trek ends at the Sanctuary Lodge, situated in the Modi River Valley. Built just above the village of Ghandruk, is the Himalaya Lodge, while the Gurung Lodge is built along the lines of a traditional Nepalese village on the edge of the Majgaun village. And, Basanta lodge has spacious central sitting and dining rooms. All rooms have spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
ChildCare Children above 16 years are welcome to join the trek and stay at the Ker and Downey but there are no specialist facilities available.
Dine Breakfast is in the veranda or near the last nights smouldering fire place. Lunch is mostly packed as most trekkers move on but those who wish to stay can have hot meals. In the evening, there is Happy Hour where guests are invited to free drinks followed with dinner which is a mix of continental and Nepali cuisine.
Relax There is a lot to do around the camps, like a short trek from Sanctuary Lodge takes you to Birethanti village, which is a nice place on the former trading route between China and India. There are numerous options for trekking in the surrounds of all camps and you return to see a hot drink waiting and smiling faces of the staff.
Adventure On the first day of trek, you cross a rather unnerving wire bridge over the Modi River near Birethanti in the Annapurna Conservation Area, and arrive at the Sanctuary Lodge. Surrounded by a beautiful garden and overlooking the Modi River, the 10-room lodge is a haven for trekkers. Guests are welcomed with a hot cup of tea and as the clouds settle down; you may be rewarded with magnificent views of the sacred Fish Tail Mountain or Machhapuchhre, as it is locally known.
A similar routine follows in other camps and even though trekking days aren’t difficult, the lodges with their decent level of comfort and service are a luxury. Each of the rustic yet charming lodges have hot showers and western-style bathrooms. The rooms though small, have ample space to hang your clothes. A generator is used which limits electricity in the rooms. Laundry is free of charge and washed on rocks at the river and dried on clothes lines.
Location Ker and Downey are spread out within the Annapurna Conservation Area, separated by picturesque terrain and a moderate half-day hike.
Getting There Kathmandu has an international airport from where there are regular 1-hour flights to Pokhara. Try to sit on the right-hand side of the plane for views of the Annapurna Range. Alternatively, it's a 4-hour drive to Pokhara. Avoid travelling during festivals.
When to go Nepal like the rest of the Gangetic plains has four seasons. Autumn and spring are the two most favourable seasons for visiting Nepal. The Spring (March to May) is good for treks when forests are full of rhododendrons in bloom. The heat wave runs through May until monsoon arrives in mid-June and stays until August. But in September, when the rains stop, the weather is balmy, the air is crip and the sky is clear; it is the perfect time to visit Nepal.
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