Ghorepani with Poon Hill - 10 Days

Day 1: Welcome at Kathmandu Airport: We will meet you at the Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. When you have had time to settle in and freshen up after your long flight you will be invited to our office (or we will come to your hotel) for a briefing about the trek. This briefing will be about the program and necessary documents for completion. We will check with you about any equipment you may need (little things) that we do not provide (i.e. aspirin, proper clothing, etc. If you arrive late in the day this will be done after breakfast the next day. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu: This morning after breakfast (if you wish) we will leave for a tour of Kathmandu. We will the pilgrimage center at Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath, ancient spectacles listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath will certainly bring you a sense of peace. We will also visit the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square where fine art and architecture illustrates our ancient Nepalese culture. Historic Kathmandu Durbar Square is the ‘House of the Living Goddess’ Kumari. On the journey back to your hotel, you can explore the local areas and famous streets enjoining your hotel. This is also a good chance to rest some more or shop for any last minute items. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 3: Flight or drive to Pokhara: After having breakfast we will take you to the Domestic Airport for a 25 minute scenic flight to Pokhara. During this short flight you will witness magnificent views of the Manaslu Peaks and the snow-capped Annapurna Range (also the Langtang Range on you right side soon after departure). If you choose not to fly you can drive by tourist coach via scenic Prthivi Highway for about 6 / 7 hours to Pokhara. Pokhara is in a beautiful valley, with panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail), Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. Overnight in Pokhara (Lakeside District is full of bars and cafés and just a cool place to hang out).

Day 4: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1570m): The first day of trekking starts at Nayapul after a 1 hour drive by private auto from Pokhara. After a 30 minute short walk along the banks of the Modi Khola we come to the village of Birethanti (1015m). Passing through Birethanti we walk along the terraced fields (and farms) beneath the panorama of the awesome glaciated Himalayan Range. We will stop for lunch at the small village of Sudame. After lunch the trail continues along the north bank of the Bhurugundhi Khola through more little villages and climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille (1495m). We will pass waterfalls with plunge pools that beg you to jump in (you may if the season is warm and you have the proper attire). Lastly we cross the Modi Khola River via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. Overnight in Tikhedhunga.

Day 5: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2860m): Breakfast first, and then we begin our journey with a steep climb to the large Magar (indigenous ethnic group) village at Ulleri (2070m). The trail crosses the Tikhedhunga Khola on a suspension bridge and then drops to the Bhurungdi Khola. We will walk today through dense rhododendron forest, oak trees and bamboo stands; enjoying the sounds of many different birds and the beauty of various butterfly species. As we trek towards Nangethanti (2460m.) the scenery is beautiful but quite the same. Within the hour we will arrive at Ghorepani. We will stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village. This place provides majestic views of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Tukuche Peak Nilgiri (6940m.), Annapurna South, Annapurna 1 (8091m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.) and Tarke Kang (7193m.) Look closely, pay attention; there will be a quiz in the morning! Just kidding; tonight we will stay in Ghorepani.

Day 6: Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2610m.) First some coffee or tea and then we will hike about 45 minutes to Poon Hill (3210m.) early in the morning to see the sunrise. Poon Hill (3,210m.) is a great viewpoint from here we will be able to enjoy a panorama of the high Himalaya with panoramic views of giants like Dhaulagiri (8,167m.), Annapurna (8,091m.), Machapuchare, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South. After this short climb we will have some breakfast. Next we will climb to the Deurali pass for a spectacular view over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna’s. The trail descends steeply today via Banthanti through dense moss-covered forest rich with bird life to Tadapani which provides you a close up sunset views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare. We will overnight here in Tadapani.

Day 7: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1951m.): After breakfast the trail starts with a steep downhill through rhododendrons and terraced fields. You will be surprised by the sight of thousands of cherry blossoms on the slopes of the other side of the ravine (seasonal). After 30 minutes we will enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung (another indigenous ethnic group) people. Most of the males from this village were descendants of members from the brave Ghurkhas of India and Great Britain. A unique vantage point in this pristine village offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna 3, Machapuchare and Hiunchuli. Overnight here in Ghandruk.

Day 8: Ghandruk Trek to Birethanti, then drive to Pokhara: Today is our last day of trekking. The trail passes through small hamlets, terraced rice fields and subtropical forests (a glimpse of life in these mountains). The trek is downhill all the way to Birethanti. We begin our step down onto a staircase paved with stone slabs, curving in and out of the villages and terraced farms. We complete our trek in Nayapul at an elevation of 1010 m. Then we will drive back to Pokhara (1 hour) by private auto. Overnight in Pokhara again. Lakeside is calling you!

Day 9: Pokhara to Kathmandu: Drive or Fly to Kathmandu today. As this entire trip is only 10 days we suggest an early morning flight. Also keep in mind tonight is the celebration dinner with Nepalese music. It’s a happy time with stories and photos and also a bit sad as we begin our goodbyes. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 10: Departure: After breakfast we will arrange your transfer to the international airport (KTM, Tribhuvan) for your flight to your next destination. Namaste.

Note: Above itinerary includes FB (Full Board) which is Accommodations, Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners. ALL DRINKS are excluded while trekking. Many beverages are available along the way.

Special note: Above itinerary can be designed according to your preferences. Please let us know whether you would like to make it a shorter or longer trek. Also, if you would like to stay more than 10 days, we offer city guided tours of Kathmandu, white water rafting, jungle safaris or Everest mountain flights.

Brief Package Highlights: In this package, we have included 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu at 3 star hotels on BB plan, meals and accommodations during trekking, farewell dinner in Kathmandu, Tourist bus to/from Pokhara, all ground transportation by private car, an experienced guide and porter and all of the government taxes and necessary permits.