Poonhill Ghorepani Trek and Kathmandu City Tour – 8 Days

Kathmandu Valley

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative from the Alpine Club of Himalaya will assist you with your accommodation. Upon arriving at your hotel, rest for a while. Later join in for a short briefing regarding the trek. In the evening join in for a special dinner program where you will experience excellent Nepalese cuisine.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m
Meal: Welcome dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple

After breakfast, head on for a full-day sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley. First head towards Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance with glorious old Newari architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess.

Afterward, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Thereafter proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa which is one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for the righteous behavior of mankind and human prosperity. After exploring the valley head towards your accommodation. Later join in for a brief orientation regarding the trek.

Note: There are various sites that you can choose from.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel

Tikhedhunga

After a mouth-watering mountain breakfast at the tea house, we start the trek of the day. Probably the most difficult day of the trek given that the trail goes only higher in elevation. The first part of the trek is a steep upward walk for about 2 Hrs and then a gradual upward walk. The walk on the stone-paved steps is a daring adventure early in the morning. The whole trail leads you through villages and forests to Ghorepani where your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent close-up views of the Himalayas (given the weather is clear). We will stay the night at a Guest House at 2810 meters.

Maximum Altitude: 1577m (Tikhedhunga)
Duration: 30 minutes flight, 1 hour drive, and 4-5 hours trek
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Start by traversing along the deep wilderness and crossing the Thikhedhunga Khola on a suspension bridge. As you progress you will cross another river network of the Bhurungdi Khola on a large bridge at an elevation of 1520 meters. Next, you will be ascending a steep section of a well-maintained series of stone stairs, more than 3300 which eventually leads you to the
large Magar village of Ulleri nestled at an elevation of 2080 meters.

Furthermore, head past the pasture and lush agriculture fields and you will come across the
deep forest trails. Following the trail, you will reach Banthanti. From Banthanti, traverse across magnificent oak and rhododendron forests crossing several sparkling clear streams, a small ridge to another Magar village of Nangathanti at an elevation of 2460 meters. Along this section witness eight different species of Nepal’s national flower rhododendron. After a brief walk from Nangathanti, you will finally reach the settlement of Ghorepani.

Maximum Altitude: 2840m
Duration: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Our guest enjoying view at Ghorepani Poon Hill

Wake up before dawn and head towards Poon Hill, which is regarded as one of the best vantage points in the Annapurna region. The climb to the top takes around a couple of hours on an ascending trail with well-maintained series of stairs. Upon reaching the top witness views of the great landscapes of the deep wilderness and the snowcapped peaks. Mountain peaks from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna to Machhapuchhre: Dhaulagiri I ( 8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Tarke Kang (7193m). All standing at its grandeur basking in the morning rays of the sun and changing their colors.

After exploring head towards Tadapani. Traversing across the deep wilderness of sub-tropical woodlands smeared by orchids and ferns with miles of undergrowth. Passing various settlements and river networks you will eventually reach Tadapani. Upon reaching Tadapani head out to explore the region and start friendly conversation with the locals. Later enjoy awe-inspiring views during the sunset, changing the snowcapped Annapurna South and Fishtail into colorful vistas.

Maximum Altitude: 3210m (Poon Hill)
Duration: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Ghandruk Village

Today's trail is mostly on downward sections, so take it slow. Start traversing across mossy Rhododendron forest, through deep gorges, and along a clear creek. From this section witness grand views of the old-growth forest and the snow-white loft peaks. As you progress on this downward trail you will emerge out of the wilderness and the landscape starts changing to a dryer, more open forest. After a brief walk, you will eventually reach the settlement of Ghandruk.
Ghandruk is a beautiful village mostly inhabited by the Gurung community and a significant stop for various treks of the region. Witness the amazing vista Annapurna South, Himchuli, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, and visit the Gurung museum to get an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the people. After exploring the settlement head towards Nayapul, following the downward trail through sub0tropical woodland. Once you reach Nayapul, head towards Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara after a brief rest head out and stroll around the banks of Phewa lake. Later explore the region's pubs and restaurants.

Maximum Altitude: 2012m
Duration: 8 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

Kathmandu valley

After breakfast, head towards the airport and catch a flight towards Kathmandu. Witness views of the Himalayas and green lush hills. Upon reaching Kathmandu head towards your accommodation. Later in the evening join in for a farewell dinner program to mark the end of your adventure.

Maximum Altitude: 1400m (Kathmandu)
Duration: 30 minutes flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport

Our staff will drop you off at the airport, bid farewell to your newfound friends as well as
Nepal.

Note: All of the aforementioned trekking hours are approximations and should only be used as a general guideline.