In particular the dawn views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchare and Annapurna South, from Poon Hill, the vantage spot for viewing, are the highlights of this trek. Short and fairly easy, this trek is a perfect starter for those not sure of their walking ability, or those who wish to make the most of only a few days.
Max. Elevation : 3193m | Grade : |
Best season : Sep-Dec&Feb-June | Type of trek : Tea house/Lodging |
Duration : 9-11 Days | Starting point : Pokhara |
Ending point : Kathmandu | Highlights : Nature/Culture |
The Annapurna Panorama (Ghorepani – Poon Hill) Trek is also known as the Annapurna Sunrise Trek. This low-altitude trek enables you to enjoy the breath-taking scenery of some of the highest Himalayan peaks. From the terraced rice-fields above Pokhara, the trek goes along good trails through picturesque Gurung villages and the world’s biggest rhododendron forest which, in spring, bursts with in many different hues. Although a short course by general standard, it however offers superb Himalayan views including the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Mt. Fishtail (6998m), Nilgiri (7041m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna II (7239m, Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal (6988m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Tukuche peak (6920m )and many other surrounding peaks
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport (1300m/4264ft), transfer to hotel
Day 02: Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu valley’s cultural, historical and religious sites followed by welcome dinner in the evening with live Nepalese culture shows.
Day 03: Fly (35min) to Pokhara (915m) and trek to Ulleri (2050m), 6 hrs
Day 04: Ulleri – Ghorepani (750m), 5 hrs
Day 05: Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Tadapani (2700m/8,860 ft): 6-7 hrs
Day 06: Tadapani - Ghandruk (1940m/6360 ft) 3-4 hrs
Day 07: Ghandruk – Pokhara, 4 hrs trek and 1hr drive
Day 08: Fly or drive back to Kathmandu, rest of the day is at leisure
Day 09: Final departure
Option 2
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu International Airport (1300m/4264ft), transfer to hotel.
Day 02: After breakfast we set out for an extensive guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley’s cultural, historical, religious and world heritage sites. During the course, we visit the famous Pashupatinath temple of Lord Shiva situated at the holy bank of River Bagmati where we will also observe the Hindu cremation ritual. We then proceed to the Boudhanath Stupa, a major pilgrimage centre for the Buddhist faith which also is the largest of its kind in the world. We then have a short break for lunch followed by a visit to Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple from where we can have a bird’s eye view of whole of Kathmandu valley. Following this we then proceed for a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, the oldest royal palace of Kathmandu and a UNESCO world heritage site. The whole are of Kathmandu Durbar Square is dotted with numerous fascinating Nepalese architect dating back many centuries. The site is also the home of Nepal’s living Goddess – Kumari, where we will also have the opportunity to experience firsthand this unique Nepali tradition. In the evening we will attend the welcome dinner hosted by Makalu Adventure.
Day 03: Fly (35min) to Pokhara (915m): After an early breakfast, we fly to Pokhara which shall take us about 35 min. Upon our arrival, the rest of the day is kept free for you to explore this beautiful lakeside city on your own or if you would like you can just sit back and relax.
Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 915m, Pokhara is a place of natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and tranquility. The most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range.
Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks - creating the ambience that has made it such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Relax in a café, hire a boat and float around the lake, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops.
Day 04: Pokhara - Tikhedhunga (1577m):
After an early breakfast, we drive to Nayapul (1050m) from where we actually set our foot on the trail via Birethanti (1065m) till we reach Tirkhedhunga for an overnight. From Nayapul it is about 5 hours walk to Tirkhedhunga.
Day 05: Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani (2855m.)
Today we could ascend down gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, Magar villages. On the way, one could see majestic view of Machhapuchhre (6997m.), Huinchuli (6441m.), and Annapurna south (7219m.). Overnight at Ghorepani.
Day 06: Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) and then to Tadapani (2675m.)
Today we trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill and then to Tadapani. We cover the distance within five and half hours of normal trek. Early morning, we start our trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and numerous other snowcapped mountain peaks. Having breakfast at Ghorepani, we then trek to Tadapani through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En route, one can observe waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, birds and green valleys. Overnight at Tadapani.
Day 07: Tadapani – Ghandruk (1950m):
Comparatively, today is the easiest trek of all days. One has to trek through the forests of Rhododendron and oak One could hear soothing chirp of birds on the way. This trek also offers best alternative for birds lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum. From this village you could observe good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m.), Annapurna III (7755m.) and Fishtail. In the evening, typical Gurung Cultural program will be organized on request.
Day 08: Ghandruk – Pothana 91990m):
The first part of our trek is quite steep up to Kimbu (Bee hive in Gurung language). Kimbu is situated at the elevation of 1200 meters on the bank of Modi Khola. One has to ascend following the stone staircase to Landruk. The trail ascends gently for nearly two hours and again ascends steeply for an hour to Deurali (2150m.) passing through Tolkha village (1850m.). From here, one can see panoramic view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), Fishtail (6997m.), Annapurna III (7755m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.) and Lamjung Himal (6930m.). Now the rest of the trail descends gently dow to Dhampus passing through Pothana village (1900m.). Overnight at Pothana.
Day 09: Pothana – Dhampus Phedi (1113m) – Pokhara:
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi which takes about four hours. The trail descends gradually for at least an hour and follows gravel road for two hours and then descend to Phedi passing through Dhampus village. Upon arrival at Dhampus Phedi, we take a vehicle to reach Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 10: Pokhara – Kathmandu:
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus. After a normal drive of seven hours, we reach Kathmandu. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 11: Final departure