On this particular short moderate trek, one can experience three different ethnic groups, an altitude change from 990 m in Pokhara to 3250 m at Poon Hill, and a gradual change in vegetation as we ascend up.
The Annapurna region located in Central Nepal is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse regions for trekking in the country. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) working along with the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation has declared this region an area of conservation and sustainable development. Stretched over 2600 square kilometres, the area is home to a variety of diverse peoples and cultures: Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, Gurungs, Magars, Manangis and Tibetans. The region is also host to diverse environments: sub-tropical lowlands, stunning valleys, bamboo, oak, and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, windswept desert plateaus, and the towering Annapurna Mountains. The Annapurna region also contains the world's deepest river gorge, Kali Gandaki, laying some 6900 metres below some of the world's largest and most beautiful mountains. Annapurna I (world's 8th highest) and Machhapuchhre (aka: Fishtail) which is one of the most beautiful.
Highlights
We drive early in the morning from Pokhara to Nayapul which will take around one hour to reach. On arriving at Nayapul, we start our trek towards Tikhedunga via Birethanti. We walk for about 3 hours continuous with lovely view of small waterfalls while passing through forest finally brings us at Tikhedunga. We stay overnight at Tikhedunga.
We begin our trek on the morning from Tikhedunga towards Ghorepani. The trail leads us to Ulleri village after walking for two hours. Then, we gently gradual up until we reach Banthanti which takes about one hour. We rest for while and have a lunch here with the enjoyable beautiful view of mount Machhapuchre, Hiun Chuli, and Annapurna south. After having a beautiful lunch we start following our trail which goes gradually ascend until we reach Ghorepani. Ghorepani is the village of Magar peoples with their own culture and tradition. After arriving at Ghorepani we will meet some great view of mountains.
We hike for 40 minutes to Poon hill through the rhododendron forests to view the breathtaking Mountains like Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Baraha Shikar, Annapura I, Annapurana South, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhere, and so on. We walk back to the place we stayed last night and have a breakfast. We start our walk and our trail steeply ascend until Deurali-La. We pass through the forest with the company of wild animals like monkeys, local birds and so on. We follow the deep forest until we reach the Banthanti which takes two hours. After walking for one hour we reach the Tadapani village. This village is surrounded by beautiful forests. We can see more great view of Mount Machhapuchre, Annapurna south, Hiun Chuli, and Annapurna II.
After having the beautiful breakfast in the morning we descend through the deep forests until we reach the Ghandruk village which takes 3 hours. Ghandruk is the village of Gurung people with their unique culture. The view of Mount Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna South is remarkable. We have enough time to visit the Gurung museum which will introduce us all about the Gurung culture and tradition.
We start our trek in the morning towards the Nayapul form beautiful village Ghandruk. Trail of stoney steps leads us to Syauli Bazar. We continue our walk to Birethanti. From Birethanti we walk for half n hour and finally we reach Nayapul. Driving for one hour we then reach the Pokhara. After arriving at Pokhara depending on arrival time you can explore the town. You can walk by the street and observe the shops and visit the lake.
Day | Location | Activity | Transport | Hotel | Meals |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tikhedunga | Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul | Trek to Tikhedunga | car | trek | lodge | - |
2 | Ghorepani | Trek to Ghorepani | trek | lodge | - |
3 | Tadapani | Hike to Poonhill | Trek to Tadapani | trek | lodge | - |
4 | Ghandruk | Trek to Ghandruk | trek | lodge | - |
5 | Pokhara | Trek to Nayapul | Drive to Pokhara | car | trek | lodge | - |
Pokhara
Dense rhododendron forest on Poon-hill trail.
"View of Mount Machhapuchhere and Annapurna South"
"Trail to Ghandruk with Mt. Machhapuchhere on background"
GEAR LIST | What to bring on this Trek?
Think only safety. Safety from the rain, the cold, the heat and the altitude. So simply put the bare essentials would be