Annapurna Panorama Poon Hill – Nepal Guided Trekking

Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu

At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening.

Altitude: 1,350 m.

Day 2 Drive to Pokhara - Overnight in a Hotel.

The tour starts with a 7 hour drive out of the Kathmandu valley following the Prithvi highway down to the scenic and tranquil town of Pokhara. En route there are outstanding views of the Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges of the Himalayas, along with river valleys, terraced fields and local villages. Pokhara is set on the banks of lake Phewa Tal beneath the Annapurna range that create a spectacular backdrop for this serene town. On arrival, take time to explore the town, walk up to the peace pagoda, relax and soak up the atmosphere by the lake or take a boat out.

Altitude: 820m

Day 3 Drive to Nayapul then Trek to Hile - Overnight in a Lodge or Teahouse.

To reach the start point of the trek there is a short drive, west of Pokhara, to Nayapul. Today's trek is short and gentle following the river Bhurungdi Khola upstream to Hile. Pass streams, waterfalls, tropical vegetation and thriving rice fields that give this area its lushness. At Hile our hosts who are renowned for their hospitality welcome us.

Altitude: 1,430 m. Trek 3 hours.

Day 4 From Hile to Ghorepani - Overnight in a Lodge or Teahouse.

Leave Hile and follow wide, well established trails into which have been woven stone stairways. Continue following the Bhurungdi Khola river northwards to a suspension bridge with an imposing waterfall. Here is the first of many stone stairways, a steep climb that takes around 40 minutes. From here the path winds upwards passing villages and there are glimpses of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6,997m) before the path enters a rhododendron forest which In spring is radiant with colour. Beyond Ban Thanti the forest becomes denser with more stone steps to climb before emerging at Nangge Thanti. From here it takes around an hour to reach Ghorepani, the home of the Magars. Originally a horse watering post, Ghorepani has evolved into an important crossroads for tourists and the numerous mule caravans on the Jomsom-Pokhara trip.

Altitude: 2,860m. Trek 6 hours.

Day 5 Sunrise at Poon Hill then Trek to Tadapani - Overnight in a Lodge or Teahouse.

An early start today, heading for Poon Hill (3,210m), to capture the highlight of this trek.  A 45 minutes walk above Ghorepani takes us to the panorama of peaks of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre (6,997m), Manaslu (8,163m) and many more. As the sun rises over Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna Himals they glisten with the first rays of the sun while the skies glow through an array of reds to pinks. This is one of the world’s most incredible mountain vistas. After breakfast, join the trail heading north and  following a ridge with stunning views of the Annapurnas. The trail passes very close to Annapurna South (7,219m) before descending steeply into a dense rhododendron forest. The final climb of the day ends at Tadapani, a small, charming village sitting on a hill top, and surrounded by a rhododendron forest.  Here there is a close up view of Annapurna south (7,219m), much closer than the one seen on the trail, and distant views of Machhapuchhre (6,997m) and Annapurna lll (7,555m) and Annapurna lV (7,525m).

Altitude: 2,630m. Trek 5½ hours

Day 6 From Tadapani to Jhinu Danda - Overnight in a Lodge or Teahouse.

From Tadapani the trail descends steeply through an enchanting rhododendron forest that emerges out onto rice terraces. Keeping to their contour we continue onwards. Our morning descent leads us to a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola, a tributary of Modi Khola. From here the trail ascends steeply through open spaces with magnificent views of the surrounding Annapurna range and a spectacular view of the valley rivers below until we reach Chhomrung, a village that clings to the hillside. A short distance further on up the Modi Valley we arrive at Jhinu Danda our destination. Time is available to relax in Jhinu Danda’s hot springs with amazing views of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Machhapuchhre (6,997m).

Altitude: 1,780m. Trek 5½ hours.

Day 7 Trek from Jhinu Danda to Birethanti then Drive to Pokhara

Our final morning of walking starts with the trail dropping down to the Modi Khola. Following the river the upward trail contours the rice terraces bringing us to Syauli Bazaar. Beyond here, the trail’s gradient levels as we walk alongside the river passing through a number of villages and orange orchards to Birethanti. From here we drive back to Pokhara, arriving late afternoon.

Altitude: 820m. Trek 5 hours.

Our trek ends here.

Key Details:

• Nine day, eight night itinerary.
• This tour will start and end in Kathmandu.
• Maximum Alt: 3,210m/10,528ft
• Trek grade: Moderate

Essential Information:

• Group size: Minimum 2
• Ensure you have Personal Travel Insurance (cover your adventure activity as well as medical, emergency evacuation and personal belongings).  It is imperative to be insured with suitable cover.
• You need clothing and footwear such as down jackets, waterproofs, hat, gloves, hiking boots
• Take personal equipment, for example rucksack, day backpack, torch, water bottle, sleeping bag and mat. 
• Personal medical supplies and vaccinations.
• Take enough expenses in case of an emergency evacuation for any reason.

There are lots of attractions and places to explore during your adventure in Nepal including:

• Exceptional views of Himalayan peaks in Nepal’s foothills 
• Watching the sun rise over the unimpeded panorama of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiun Chuli and Tarke Kang 
• Soak in hot springs with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains
• Captivated by the spring beauty of Nepal’s national flower, the rhododendron
• Spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna Range

By Air – There are several airlines that run flights from the UK to  Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.  You will be collected from the airport and taken to your first hotel.

Here is the Skyscanner website to help you plan your journey.

For more information on getting to Nepal please visit the Nepal Tourism website.