Ghorepani and Poonhill

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9 days
Kathmandu/Poonhill
Moderate

Highlights

This modest hike is a beautiful part of the Annapurna Circuit that takes you through beautiful rhododendron and magnolia woods and contains the highlight of the Poon Hill sunrise, which is perhaps the most memorable aspect of the entire Annapurna circuit. This journey is suitable for those who have limited time but still want to experience the full beauty of Himalayan trekking.

Introduction

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a circuit in the Annapurna Range's lower reaches. The highlight is ascending to Poon Hill's peak viewpoint at sunrise to experience panoramic views of the famous Annapurna region, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Manaslu.

The track passes through a rhododendron woodland, terraced hills, rice fields, and lush foliage, giving trekkers a strong impression of the region. The indigenous Gurung and Magar villages' warm greeting is equally as wonderful. Ghorepani is a village in central Nepal that lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area at a height of roughly 2874 meters (9429 feet).

This walk is also known as the Annapurna Sunrise Trek and involves the legendary Ulleri challenge, which entails ascending over 3000 stone steps. After a day of hiking and time spent in the colorful, dynamic town of Pokhara, about five hours by car from Kathmandu, there are also the hot springs of Jhinu to relax in.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Kathmandu meet our staff and transfer to Hotel.

When you arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport, our team will greet you and take you to the hotel, where our guide will give you a brief overview of the hotel, Kathmandu, Treks, do's and don'ts, and other pertinent information that you may need while in Nepal.

DAY 2

Fly to Pokhara 950m, drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri. 2,050m.

After a leisurely breakfast, go to the domestic airport for a scenic journey to Pokhara. Meet the trekking staff upon arrival and go by coach to Nayapul (new bridge), where the hike begins, for a brief 1.5 hour trip. The voyage begins by travelling through busy areas, where you will encounter merchants, traders, residents, trekkers, and mule and donkey trains, among others. As you approach Birethanti village, the trail splits into many directions after passing the newly erected suspension bridge. The primary track to the ancient Trans-Himalayan trading route is our choice. Our trek continues after crossing the bridge to the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entrance, where all hikers must register.

DAY 3

Trek to Ghorepani 2,874m 5 hrs.

The trek from here goes to a difficult ascent up stone steps for an hour or more to Ulleri village, which is quite a sizable Gurung village with traditional slated roof dwellings. From here, the path meanders to a winding gentle trek through the cool shade of rhododendron, magnolia, oaks, and pine trees till you reach Ghorepani for the night. Ghorepani gives wonderful views of the Dhaulagiri group of mountains as well as Annapurna South and Vara Shikhar Himal.

DAY 4

Hike to Poon hill and trek to Tadapani 2,721m.

If the weather is clear, go for an early morning climb to Pun Hill (3,190m) before breakfast to see the majestic view of the great Eight Thousander Himalayan peaks, as well as the gorgeous sunrise above the snow-capped peaks. After climbing Pun Hill, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour, descend to Ghorepani and continue walking to Tadapani. The walk begins with an uphill path through thick Rhododendron forest, eventually reaching the top ridge, which is almost the same height as Pun Hill. The path then descends through a gorge to another village called Bhanthati. After lunch, the walk continues through the forest on a downhill path to a small stream, where you will find Tadapani, a settlement of 8-10 houses that serve as lodges for trekkers. Tadapani offers spectacular views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II and IV, and beyond to the east, as well as the sunrise.

DAY 5

Trek to Landrung 1,430m via Ghandrunk. 5-6 hrs.

After a beautiful time here at Tadapani with amazing views of the Annapurna and beyond, the trek continues downwards through enchanting woodland with intermittent views of the Annapurna mountain range, passing through a few tiny towns until you reach Ghandruk for lunch.

Ghandruk is a major huge settlement in this area, and the walk from here is all downhill for an hour or more to the bridge at Phedi, then a leisurely trek uphill for another hour to the village of Landruk, where you will spend the night.

DAY 6

Trek to Pothana.

From Ghandruk we head towards Pothana, which is a trek of about 6 hours where we will stay for a night.

DAY 7

Trek to Dhampus Phedi 6 hrs, Drive to Pokhara 1hr.

After breakfast, we will trek towards Pothana and from there we will travel towards Pokhara which is one hour drive.

DAY 8

Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu

A short drive will take you to the Pokhara domestic airport, followed by a half-hour spectacular sweeping flight back to Kathmandu, according to the flight schedule. Our workers will greet you and take you back to the hotel after you have cleared your bags at the Kathmandu airport.

DAY 9

Transfer to Airport for International departure.

On this day, our staff will transport you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for you International departure so keep you passport and other necessary papers ready.