- Duration: 9Days
- Activities: Trekking
- Country: Nepal
- Trip Grade: EASY
- Attitude:3200 m
- Group size: 2-10 People
- Best Season: Sep – Nov
Overview
The Annapurna Panorama Trek, also famously known as Poon Hill Trek, is a relatively easy walk meandering through villages and rhododendron forests. This invigorating trek reveals some of the best views of the Himalayas especially from the Poon Hill which is considered as the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region and in earth. Reaching a maximum altitude of 3210m, anyone with a normal level of fitness would easily undertake this trek comfortably. We can test our stamina at the Ulleri Hill with more than 3,000 stone steps, one of the world’s largest numbers of stone steps on a hill of this kind. We just imagine the magnificence of the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas that we will witness during this trek, illuminating the peaks of the entire range and leaving us spellbound!
The Annapurna Panorama trek begins with a guided sightseeing program in Kathmandu. After we take a flight to reach serene lakeside city of Pokhara, the real walking begins from Nayapul. While trekking along to Ulleri and Ghorepani, we marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousanders – Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). Upon reaching the final destination, Poon Hill (3210m) is a reward in itself, perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth. The added presence of rice terraces completes the picture making it a photographer’s paradise. Then, we trek to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk and enjoy the ethnic hospitality along with the cultural magnificence of Gurung Museum. Trekking through the Rhododendron forest that bloom with red flowers during the springtime, descending down to Birethanti, passing by waterfalls and few small villages and settlements heightens our thrilling experiences. We further walk to Naya Pul and then drive to Pokhara which announces the end of this marvelous Annapurna Panorama trek.The Annapurna Panorama Trek, also famously known as Poon Hill Trek, is a relatively easy walk meandering through villages and rhododendron forests. This invigorating trek reveals some of the best views of the Himalayas especially from the Poon Hill which is considered as the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region and in earth. Reaching a maximum altitude of 3210m, anyone with a normal level of fitness would easily undertake this trek comfortably. We can test our stamina at the Ulleri Hill with more than 3,000 stone steps, one of the world’s largest numbers of stone steps on a hill of this kind. We just imagine the magnificence of the sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas that we will witness during this trek, illuminating the peaks of the entire range and leaving us spellbound!
The Annapurna Panorama trek begins with a guided sightseeing program in Kathmandu. After we take a flight to reach serene lakeside city of Pokhara, the real walking begins from Nayapul. While trekking along to Ulleri and Ghorepani, we marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousanders – Mt. Annapurna (8091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). Upon reaching the final destination, Poon Hill (3210m) is a reward in itself, perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth. The added presence of rice terraces completes the picture making it a photographer’s paradise. Then, we trek to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk and enjoy the ethnic hospitality along with the cultural magnificence of Gurung Museum. Trekking through the Rhododendron forest that bloom with red flowers during the springtime, descending down to Birethanti, passing by waterfalls and few small villages and settlements heightens our thrilling experiences. We further walk to Naya Pul and then drive to Pokhara which announces the end of this marvelous Annapurna Panorama trek.
Itinerary
- DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
- DAY 02: Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
- DAY 03: Drive to Pokhara and trek to Tikhedhunga (1480m) 6-8 hours drive
- DAY 04: Tikhedhunga – Ulleri (1960m) – Banthanti (2210m) 5-6 hours
- DAY 05: Banthanti – Ghorepani (2750 m) 4 hours
- DAY 06: Ghorepani – Poon Hill (3200)- Tadapani (2700m) 6-7 hours
- DAY 07: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m) 3-4 hours
- DAY 08: Ghandruk to Pokhara : (860m) 3hours trek & an hour drive
- DAY 09: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 25minutes
- DAY 10: Final Departure
DAY 01: Kathmandu (1300m)
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with company display board at the arrival gate and you will be picked up by one of our representative or your trip leader.You will be then transferred to hotel.After check in, you can either take a rest, wander around in the city,it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program followed by a set Nepali dish(Dal Bhat) for dinner.
DAY 02: Kathmandu : Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today after breakfast your trek leader will introduce you to rest of the members of the group and brief you about the trek . After the group briefing, you will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour to two of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Both of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the famous Buddhists shrine (Bouddhanath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After lunch you have an opportunity to prepare yourself for the entire trip and next day’s drive
DAY 03: Drive to Pokhara and trek to Tikhedhunga (1480m) 6-8 hours drive
After breakfast we drive to Pokhara. We can catch an amazing views of the Himalayas,enjoying the landscape driving through Nepalese highway.And then we stop for lunch after 4 hours of drive.After lunch it’s another 2 hours drive to Pokhara.After getting there to Pokhara,we drive to Tikhedhunga via Nayapool for another 3 hour.Overnight in Tikhedhunga.
DAY 04: Tikhedhunga – Ulleri (1960m) – Banthanti (2210m) 5-6 hours
after breakfast we cross the Modi Khola (river) via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward would really prove a test of our stamina. We reach Ulleri by afternoon for lunch.After lunch the walk gets better and t’s a gradual climb pass magar village enjoying the walk through dense rhododendron forest and Phultise village.Finally we arrive in Banthanti.Overnight here.
DAY 04: Banthanti – Ghorepani (2750 m) 4 hours
We make our ascent to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means horse-water owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker’s stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. The town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings. Overnight at Ghorepani.
DAY 05: Ghorepani – Poon Hill (3200)- Tadapani (2700m) 6-7 hours
Today will be a special day because we conquer Poon Hill- an icon of Annapurna region. To catch the magnificent splendor of sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill. Poon Hill is a great viewpoint from where we will be able to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Mustang part and Pokhara valleys including the closest views of more than 20 highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photos and having some coffee or tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Gorepani. Upon breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forest, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani for overnight.
DAY 06: Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m) 3-4 hours
From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into gardens of dazzlingly beautiful flowers, mostly red, when seen from the air or from far. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we will be pleasantly surprised by the sight of some cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking some more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annaurna South, and Hiuchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk.
DAY 07: Ghandruk to Pokhara : (860m) 3hours trek & an hour drive
Today, we trek from Ghandruk to Naya Pul then drive back to Pokhara. The trek will be downhill all the way to Birethanti. We step onto a staircase paved with stone slabs, curving in and out of the village and then terraced farms. It keeps on going down almost without breaks from Ghandruk until Modi Khola river valley. By the time, we arrive at Birethanti, some of us would feel like having made a downhill marathon. But our marathon is not over yet. From Birethanti, a half-an-hour’s walk takes us into Naya Pul. The journey on foot comes to an end at Nayapul. Then, we drive from Nayapul to Pokhara.
DAY 08: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 25minutes
We choose an afternoon flight to Kathmandu. Till some hours before flight, we may take an optional sightseeing tour within Pokhara or enjoy adventure activities such as boat riding, paragliding, etc. While returning to Kathmandu from Pokhara, we have to be sure to catch the left side of airplane for the best views of Himalayas. Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted into our hotel. The day in kathmandu either will be for leisure to rest or for perhaps some shopping before further trek to Everest Region or explore any sights we missed during our first day in Kathmandu. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
DAY 09: Final Departure
The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today!If you have more time then you can do some shopping or just wander around thamel and relax before your flight. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, your leader will escorts you to the airport.
