Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek

Start your trip by being picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu after breakfast and driving to western Nepal and the beautiful city of Pokhara. Enjoy the fresh air and astounding scenery as you surround yourself with some of the tallest mountains in the world. Spend the afternoon boating on Lake Phewa, where you’ll have a fantastic view of the Annapurna range and its snow-capped peaks reflected in the clear waters of the lake. This is arguably one of the most incredible panoramic mountain views on earth. Stay on the lake as the sun sets then have dinner in a famous lakeside restaurant. Spend the night in a hotel in Pokhara (850 m/2,789’).

Begin your trek today after a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Nayapul. The massive Himalayan peaks will be hidden for most of the day, except for a few glimpses early in the trek. Your journey begins with easy walking on a dirt road that follows a lovely stream surrounded by green mountains. Pass through several local villages before coming to Tirkhedhunga, where you will spend the night.

Today is a strenuous day as you climb 3,300 stone steps and gain about 2,000 m (6,562 ft) in elevation. First cross the stream using a suspension bridge then climb the steep steps up to the Magar settlement of Ulleri. After this, the climb is gentler as you walk through meadows, rhododendron forests, and cultivated fields. Bird watchers will enjoy the variety of birds that call this area home, including redstarts, dippers, kingfishers, and forktails. Continue your trek until you reach Nangethanti and eventually Ghorepani. Spend the night in Ghorepani, where you can expect wonderful views of famous peaks such as Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Tarke Kang, and Hiuchuli.

Get an early start today for a short, 45-minute climb to Poon Hill where you can watch an incredible Himalayan sunrise. Before your eyes, the mountains of the Annapurna range seem to change color, from a soft pint to a glittering gold, in the light of the rising sun. There are only 14 peaks in the world that are taller than 8,000 m (26,247 ft), and 8 of them are in Nepal. On a clear day, you can see two of these peaks from Poon Hill. After enjoying this marvelous wonder, return to your lodge in Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek onward to Tadapani to spend the night.

Descend from Tadapani through a forest to a chorus of birdsong. The trail is a gentle descent for the first 45 minutes, but it then becomes very steep. Cross the terraced fields to reach the Kimrung Khola river, which you will cross via suspension bridge, then continue walking to Gurjung. Here the trail climbs again for about 45 minutes to bring you to Chhomrung (2,170 m / 7,119’). Spend the night in Chhomrung.

Trek today from Chhomrung to the Gurung settlement of Tolka. Here you will have a chance interact with local people and learn more about their traditions and culture.

Enjoy beautiful Himalayan scenery today as you descend from Tolka back to the city of Pokhara.

Return to Kathmandu by air, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Himalayas from above. Your journey will end with you being transferred back to your hotel.