Overview
Sometimes a person can only take the time for a short trek. Or it could be that a person has never trekked before and isn’t sure that they want to attempt a long trek for their first time. But they do know they want mountain views and interesting local culture. If that is what you are looking for, then the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the perfect one for you.
This is one of the most popular of the Annapurna treks. Sometimes called Small Annapurna Circuit Trek, it combines the best features of the famed longer Annapurna Trek with an experience for either beginners or those who have very little time in Nepal. Don’t let the short duration of this trip fool you: it is packed with great views and an opportunity to experience local culture.
Poon Hill, located near Ghorepani, offers probably the finest place in Nepal to see sunrise over the mighty Himalayas. Thousands of people come here every year to witness the awesome sunrises that only this location can offer. It is just a 45 minute walk to the top of Poon Hill from Ghorepani in the dark (good trail) in order to watch the effulgent sun rise magnificently over the high mountains. Its morning rays turn the mountains from grey to reddish-orange and then finally a brilliant white. The mountains stand tall against the cobalt blue skies.
Ghorepani is home to the Gurung and Magar people and this area has produced a large percentage of the soldiers of the famed Gurkha regiments in both the British and Indian army.
This trip will be an exciting experience for anyone, whether a newby or a seasoned trekker, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.. We at Vertical adventures (P) Ltd is proud to be able to offer you this exciting trek into the beautiful Annapurna Mountains.
Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport where you will be met by your representative of Vertical adventures (P) Ltd. You will be escorted to your hotel where there are complimentary welcome drinks and a short briefing with plenty of time to relax from your flight.
Kathmandu to Pokhara By private bus and trek to Birethanti 40 minets walk.
The trip gains elevation as we go from river valley to the top of the ridge where we begin our trek. The high Himalayas tower over us with their snow capped peaks rising majestically. The day’s trek takes us past waterfalls and through forests, and there will be lunch on the trail. Our destination is the village of ulleri with a walk of five hours slowly. We will overnight in the village. The trail climbs upwards to village of Ulleri which we will reach after two hours from tirkhe dunga.
We continue up the trail until arriving at Banthanti . From on top, we can easily see the peaks of Machhapuchhre, Hiun Chuli and Annapurna South. The trail starts to level off to an easier ascent until we get to the Magar village of Ghorepani. The name means “horse water” and has been a popular watering spot for horses traveling for centuries. The village offers great views of the mountains, along with good accommodations for overnight.
Ghorepani is the gateway to the famous Poon Hill. We get up before the first rays of the morning sun begin to fill the skies. It is around a 45 minute trek in the dark through Rhododendron forests (with torchlights) until we reach the summit. There we stop in silence as we see the first of the rays breach the night skies. Here the morning sun turns the snowcapped peaks from grey to reddish-orange and finally to a brilliant white that stands boldly against the indigo blue skies. From on top, you can see a variety of snowcapped peaks, including: Dhaulagiri (8,167 m, 7th highest mountain in the world); Annapurna I (8091 m, 10th highest peak in world); Tukuche Peak (6920 m); Nilgiri (6,940 m); Baraha Shikhar (7,847 ); Annapurna South (7,525 m); Machhapuchhre (6,993 m); Annapurna IV (7525 m) and Annapurna II (7,937 m). There are even more peaks that the morning sun will illuminate. Return then to Ghorepani for breakfast, and then off to our next destination: Tadapani. The trail goes through deep forests of oak and rhododendron. There will be many opportunities to see monkeys along the way as well as many varieties of birds. At Tadapani, there will be another opportunity to see the high peaks of the Annapurna Range. We will overnight in a local lodge. Total trekking time is 5 – 6 hours.
The morning trek leaves after breakfast as we make our way toward the Gurung village of Ghandruk. We descend through a deep forest with fantastic views of the mountains from a variety of vistas and overlooks on the trail. Upon our arrival in Ghandruk, we can visit an ancient Buddhist monastery as well as the local museum that shares the culture of the Gurung people.
Ghandruk to Pokhara
The morning will be an opportunity to explore the wonderful lakeside city of Pokhara with its many attractions, including Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel.
The sightseeing trip includes visits to all these exotic places. Phewa Lake is the center of all attraction it is the largest and most enchanting of three lakes. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across visit the island temple in the middle of the lake. The eastern shore, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam, is the Favorite haunt of all travelers’ restaurants, handicraft shops and other facilities are located.
From pokhara, scenic drive to Chitwan by Car / Coach Depend on the group size and lunch in hotel. After lunch activities- village tour / birds watching tour, evening tharu culture Programs.
Full day Jungle wildlife activities; – Elephant ride, Jungle walk, canoeing, Bird watch etc and Overnight stay
After Breakfast, drive to Kathmandu. Check in at Kathmandu hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight stay hotel.
This full day sightseeing trip will combine various monument culture and Heritage site within the valley- Boudhanath Buddhist stupa, Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, Patan durbar square, Swoyambunath Budhist and Hindu Shrine. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Hanuman dhoka, museum and Kumari (virgin) living goddess temple.
All good things must come to an end, and your trip to Nepal is no exception. Before leaving, why not talk to your representative at Vertical adventures (P) Ltd & about returning to Nepal for your next holiday. The vast majority of people make a return trip to Nepal because they are impressed by not only the beauty, but also the local people. Vertical adventures (P) Ltd offers trips into neighboring Tibet, Bhutan and India. Be sure to discuss your interests and plans with them today.
Trip Information
- All airport/hotel transfers
- All the local transportation as program
- Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara
- 2 nights in Chitwan with full-board and jungle activities
- During the trek, double occupancy in tea houses/local lodges is all that is available.
- All accommodations and meals during the trek.
- sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, along with tour guide and entrance fees.
- An experienced, English speaking trekking leader/guide. French speaking guides, porters and Sherpas are government licensed and experienced. There will be one porter provided for two trekkers to carry luggage. Your fees cover their salaries, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging. We take good care of our trekking guides, Sherpas and porters, as well as giving them additional training that is not required by the Government of Nepal.
- Farewell Dinner along with one cultural show.
- Trekking t shirt and kit bag
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes
- Nepal Visa (bring US currency along with four passport size photographs. You can buy visa upon arrival at airport.)
- International airline ticket to and from Nepal.
- Excess luggage charge
- Personal clothing and gear
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountains (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower in mountains, etc.)
- Cost raised by cancellation, landslide, weather, political unrest and illness will not be our responsibility as these are factors out of our control.
- Tips for driver, guide and porters.
Extras
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Your safety is of paramount importance while traveling with Vertical adventures (P) Ltd . Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary. However, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not be forced to make last minute changes due to weather conditions, health conditions or any member of the group, unexpected natural disasters, etc. The team leader will do everything possible to ensure that the trip runs according to plan. Be prepared for any last minute changes. The Himalayas are big and wild, and worthy of your respect.
TREKKING GROUP
For the Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking, there will be a trek leader and Sherpa Porters for carrying luggage (2 trekkers = 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that if anyone in the group is sick the trip can still go on as planned.
ACCOMMODATIONS
All accommodations for the Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking are on twin-sharing basis. The lodges and tea houses have been selected by Vertical adventures (P) Ltd after personal inspection. We look at the conditions of the inns, local hygiene, quality of food, type of service and more.
We offer two types of accommodations on this trek. In Kathmandu you will stay three nights at a Three Star Hotel and one night in Pokhara. As there are no Three Star Hotels available on the trek, you will spend three nights in standard tea houses. These places have pleasant, unheated rooms and wooden beds with foam mattresses.
All rooms are double occupancy, but you can request a single occupancy room for an additional fee, which will be available only during the trekking. However, sometimes single rooms are not available in some places, depending upon local conditions. We do work to provide the best possible options when trekking in the High Himalayas.
MEALS
Food will vary between typical Nepali in the mountains. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are far more choices, which include Indian, Continental, Italian, Tibetan and more. The city areas offer everything from good steaks and burgers to apple pie and pizza.
Nepali food is nutritious, and ranges from our traditional dhal/bhat and momo to fantastic breads, fruits and more. The cooking is wholesome and the food is tasty.
The trek does include a farewell dinner where you will experience a cultural show with music, dance and the finest of local foods. There is also a daily breakfast in hotels and on the trail.
FAQS
