Annapurna Poonhill Trek

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Duration: 5 Days

Trip Grade:

Annapurna Poonhill Trek is one of the easier treks of Nepal and gives you a very good introduction and taste of trek trails and cultures. You will enjoy beautiful views of the Annapurna range and the famous Machhapuchare "Fish Tail Peak" and mid-hill cultures on the way.

Day 01: TREK TO ULLERI 1450m. Walking 4.30hr approx.

An approximately two hour bus ride to Nayapul Bridge on the Modi Khola River, a major river that flows off the glaciers of the Annapurna peaks and from the Annapurna Sanctuary. Walk past the large and prosperous village of Birethanti.  The trail past the Bhurungdi Khola along routes used by pony caravans, climb steadily up the side of the valley past Hille at 1495m, stop at Tirkhedhunga for lunch, cross the Bhurungdi Khola bridge and climb the steep stone staircase to Ulleri, 2070m, a large Magar village.  We see views of Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli.

Day 02: TREK TO GHOREPANI 2775m. Walking 5hr approx.

The trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields, then through deep forests and we approach Banthanti a small settlement at 2250m.  We climb steadily all day through steep fields, and forest of rhododendron and oak to Nangathanti 2460m. As we climb higher, we notice that the friendly peoples of the Magar tribe have a different physical appearance to the Indo-Arayan peoples of the lowland-dwelling Brahmin - Chettris. These hardy middle-hill peoples originally came from the Tibet-Burma border area to settle in Nepal many centuries ago.

From here it is about a 1-hour walk to Ghorepani, “watering horse”, which used to be a stopover for pony at the watering hole.  The stop is on the main trading route to Jomsom and has many tea houses and a number of small hotels catering to trekkers. This is a vantage point for panoramic mountain views.

Day 03: TREK TO TADAPANI 2540M. Walking 5.30hr approx.

This morning we leave early to climb up to Pun Hill 3232 m, above Ghorepani. The complete Annapurna (8011m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Nilgiri Himal (7061m) vista is laid out before our eyes.  There are views also of the Kali Gandaki valley, one of the deepest gorges in the world and magnificent views of the Himalayas to the north.

Today, a ridge walk through rhododendron and pine forest with superb views, begins with a gentle ascent to 2 Deorali passes at 3030m and 2960m. The trail ascends and descends through mountain paths and streams.  We reach Banthanti for lunch with views from the clearing.  The route continues with uphills and downhills though moderate in grade until the village of Tadapani 2540m. 

Day 04: TREK TO GHANDRUK 1940m Walking 3 hr approx.

The trek descends gradually to Ghandruk 1940m the second largest Gurung village, a closely clustered slate-roofed settlement with neatly farmed lands around the periphery.  The village now boasts of Internet and Wi-Fi!  It is a half-day walk and the post-lunch time can be used to enjoy this friendly village.  Visit the Annapurna Conservation Area Project which largely has contributed towards raising the awareness of the need for conservation and tourism management in the area.  And spend time visiting the school.

Day 05: TREK TO PHEDI – TRANSFER TO POKHARA AIRPORT OR SPEND A NIGHT IN THE LAKESIDE

The trail is a steep descent along stone stairs all the way down to the Modi Khola.  Cross the river.  Walk down terraced farmlands to Phedi  and onto Nayapul for the one-hour transfer to Pokhara airport.

DEPARTURES 2024 :

26 Feb - 01 Mar, 11 Mar - 15 Mar, 01 Apr - 05 Apr, 15 Apr - 19 Apr, 13 May - 17 May, 23 Sep - 27 Sep, 14 Oct – 18 Oct,  11 Nov -  15 Nov, 25 Nov – 29 Nov, 23 Dec – 27 Dec.

KINDLY NOTE : Participants are requested to arrive in Kathmandu preferably two days earlier than departure date.

Conditions apply, set to minimum 4 pax departures or enquire to set your own departure

Choice of hotels in Kathmandu pre & post trek and post trek in Pokhara from 2* to 5* category are available.

Book Annapurna Poonhill trek to experience hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas!

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