Hiking in the Annapurna foothills – 12 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

If you are a first-time visitor and want to see a mix of Nepal’s culture and nature in a few days, try to squeeze into our 12 day trip that involves only 6 days of hiking. Head out on a short hike to the Annapurna region while discovering the area’s culture and scenery. Enjoy an easy hike around the foothills of the mighty Annapurna mountain ranges.

We especially recommend this trip to families and average walkers who prefer short, pleasant walks over long, strenuous hikes and to the traveller who does not have time for month long treks, but nevertheless wants to experience the thrills of hiking in the Himalayas!

Fixed Departure Dates:
13 March, 6 April, 18 April, 30 April and 12 May, 
16 September, 10 October, 3 November and 27 November

Trip Overview

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 2
Sightseeing around Kathmandu.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hrs)
Day 4
Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1525m).
Day 5
Trek to Ghorepani (2834m).
Day 6
Hike to Poon Hill (3210m) and Tadapani (2540m).
Day 7
Trek to Ghandrung (1951m).
Day 8
Trek to Pothana (1990m).
Day 9
Trek to Phedi and drive to Pokhara.
Day 10
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6-7 hrs)
Day 11
Spare day in Kathmandu
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu.
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Detail Itinerary

Day 1

After clearing the immigrations and collecting your bags, you will need to come out and look for the sign Icefall Adventures. Our representative will greet you and take you to the hotel. In the evening, we will take you to a traditional Nepali restaurant for welcome dinner.

Day 2

You will spend the second day sightseeing around Kathmandu - there’s the monkey temple, the Boudhanath Stupa and some ancient heritages of Nepal to be visited. In the latter half of the afternoon our guides will brief you and help you sort out all the equipment for the trip.

Day 3

The highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara follows deep river valleys, across bridges and modern townships with roadhouses for travelers to stop and eat. The journey is about 6-7 hours long and if we start early you’ll be in Pokhara by mid day. You can spend the rest of the day strolling around Lakeside, a chilled out place to eat and hang out, go paddling in the Phewa lake and sort out any last minute trekking gear.

Day 4

Nayapul is an hours ride from Pokhara and is the starting point for our trek. Today’s destination is Tikhedhunga which is a 540 meter ascent from Nayapul. The trail starts with a steep set of stairs, levelling up to some flat fields and then ascends up a hill into the woods before ending in Tikhedhunga.

Day 5

The strenuous part of the trek begins today as you climb 3500 stone steps only to reach Ulleri which is only halfway to Ghorepani. The ascent never stops until you reach Ghorepani after climbing a tiring 1300 meters! The hike to Ghorepani is infact one of the more difficult trekking days during the entire trek.

Day 6

An early morning ascent of Poon Hill (3210m) makes sure you see an extraordinary sunrise view, where the sun seems to rise from behind the mountains. You’ll then head back to your tea house for an early lunch before you start walking to Tadapani. After an initial steep incline the trail becomes flat as you enter a heavily forested surrounding. Look out for monkeys, mountain goats and snakes!

Day 7

After a hearty breakfast against the backdrop of a picturesque scenery you start walking to Ghandrung. Once you arrive in Ghandrung you can take a leisurely walk around the little stone village and observe the local lifestyle and culture.

Day 8

From Ghandrung the trail first climbs quite steeply until Deurali and then descends gently to Pothana. Pothana offers a really magnificent view of the Machhapuchhre peak.

Day 9

The last hiking day is quite pleasant because the trail between Pothana and Phedi descends only gently and the scenery is very beautiful. Our vehicle will be waiting for you in Phedi to take you back to Pokhara.

Day 10

The journey between Pokhara and Kathmandu is about 5 hours long and if we start early you’ll be in Kathmandu by mid day. You can spend the rest of the day strolling around the eateries and souvenir shops of Thamel.

Day 11

An entire day in Kathmandu for yourself. Eat as much as you want, go shopping or do nothing at all! In the evening, we will take you for farewell dinner at Rum Doodle restaurant. This is an unique restaurant in Kathmandu where they have signatures of all everest summiteers on yeti foot.

Day 12

Again our representatives will be there to transfer you to the airport and bid you farewell.

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