Annapurna Panorama Trek
Highlights
- Enthralling sunrise views over the Himalayas from Poon Hill.
- Walk through colorful rhododendron forests. Magnificent views of the mighty Annapurna.
- Exploring ethnic cultures, i.e. Gurung and Magars
- Scenic drive to/from Kathmandu
Overview
Annapurna Panorama Trek easy short trek ideal for families and kids. Popularly known as the Ghorepani Poonhill trek, the Annapurna panorama trek is redefined as a short and easy trek in Nepal suitable for time-bound people of all ages and can be experienced all year around.
Reaching the famous viewpoint, Poonhill, and a visit to a culturally rich village of Ghandruk are the highlights of Annapurna Panorama Trek. Poonhill is considered one of the world's best viewpoints from where we have the Himalayas close up, literally almost in our face, and It is a breathtaking sight!
Our Annapurna Panorama Trek begins after exploring the historical Kathmandu valley and the next day taking a 7 hours drive to Pokhara. Then, after a short drive to Nayapul, we start our real trek. The second day of the trek is a little grueling as we have to climb about 3300 stone stairs. The next day, at dawn, we hike up to the famous viewpoint at Poonhill that offers the best panoramic view of Himalayan ranges, especially it is famous for its sunrise view.
Poonhill sunrise view of the snowy rugged Annapurna Himalaya Range is really worth every grueling step it took to get there. When the golden rays of the sun slowly strike the glorious snow-white Annapurna Himalayan range, Dhaulagiri Himalayan range, Manaslu, and Mt. Fishtail, well, its beauty just can’t be described in words. The same day, we trek towards Tadapani, and the next day treks down to Pokhara through ethnic settlements like Ghandruk, lavishly passing through rhododendron forests along the way.
Although Annapurna Panorama View Trek can be done all year round, the best time is from October to May. The maximum elevation reached during the Annapurna Panorama trek is 3,210m. There is no real risk of altitude sickness; thus, a moderate fitness level is adequate to complete the Annapurna Panorama Trek.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an easy trek that takes you close to the Himalayan mountains within a short timeframe. Ideal for beginners and families traveling with kids (4 years and above. If the kids feel tired en route, the porters can carry them.).
You need to be reasonably fit. If you hike regularly or can climb stairs without any difficulty, you can easily do this trek.
There is no risk of altitude sickness as the trail does not go beyond 3,000 meters. The highest point you will reach is the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m), where you will be spending only an hour or two.
The trip lasts for seven days. The first day’s trek is the toughest as you have to ascend a lot of stone staircases. If you have problems with your knee or ankles, you should opt for an easier trip. The maximum you spend 6 hours walking on the trail and a minimum of 3 hours. On average, you will be walking around 4 hours each day.
On the trail, you will have your meals and stay overnight at local teahouses or mountain lodges. These establishments have basic facilities and appear rustic compared to city hotels.
- Day 1 - Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (KTM) Kathmandu
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains
- Day 2 - Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m) Duration: 6 hours drive
Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30 am. Pokhara is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake.
The city is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our trek.
- Day 3 - Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1570m) Duration: 1 hour drive and 4 walking
On this day, we head out of Pokhara in a private vehicle. After two hours drive, we reach Birethanti (1039 m/3,409 ft). After a couple of hours’ hike, we reach Hile (1,495 m/4,905 ft), a large village with many shops and teahouses.
From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The route declines somewhat at first as you continue your journey from Hile. But soon after, you must trek a long, arduous ascent uphill before reaching Ulleri.
- Day 4 - Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2850m) Duration: 5-6 hours walking
From Tikhe Dhunga the trail crosses a stream on a suspension bridge near the camp site at Tikhe Dhunga. The trail ascends a steep stone staircase (which has about 3300 steps) to the large Magar village of Ulleri at 2080m. Above the village, the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields. There is a camp site for a rest and water stop one hour’s walk above Ulleri. The trail crosses two sparkling streams before making a short, final climb to Nangethanti where we stop for lunch. Thanti is a Nepali word meaning “rest house”. In the winter the trail can be covered with snow. From Nangethanti we will climb to Ghorepani at 2850m, from here we can see the spectacular panorama of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Nilgiri (6940m) Annapurna I (8091m) Hiunchuli (6441m) and more
- Day 5 - Hiking to Poonhill (3210m/10531ft, and trek to Tadapani (2,630m/8,626ft)
We get up early at dawn (one hour before sunrise) today as we have to reach Poon Hill before sunrise so that we do not miss the magical moment. It is a wonderful experience watching first ray of sun over the mountains. This is one of the best mountain vistas and is well worth the effort taken to climb to Poon Hill (45 minutes climb).
Himalayan view from Poon Hill is indescribable when the rising sun’s rays gradually strikes the Himalayan giants including Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,040m), Annapurna south (7219m),Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Hunchuli (6441m), fishtail or Machhapuchhre (6,997m), Lamjung Himal (6,986m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), Dhampus peak (6,012m) among others.
We spend some time picturing at Poonhill and return to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast, and continue our trek to Tadapani through rhododendron forest. Specialty of this forest is that it hosts more than 15 species of rhododendron and if you are trekking in springtime the blooming colorful rhododendrons will fascinate you. We have our lunch at Banthanti and again continue through rhododendron forest.
We have about thirty minutes climb before reaching Tadapani. From here we have great views of Annapurna South (7219m), Huinchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail 6993m).
Walking Time: 6-7 hrs
- Day 6 - Tadapani to Pokhara (910m) Duration: 4 hours walking and 2 hours drive
From Tadapani the trail descends through forests to Ghandruk, a village of Gurung people, one of the ethnic groups of Nepal. From Ghandruk village easy walking all downhill to Kimche, we then drive to Pokhara. Overnight at the hotel,
- Day 7 - Pokhara to Kathmandu (1337m) Duration: 6 hours drive
We drive back to Kathmandu today. Try to get the left pane of your vehicle to enjoy the river gorges, greeneries, mountains, villages and terraces during the drive. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a cultural performance. Driving Time: 6-7 hrs. Accommodation: City Hotel
Note: You have the option to extend your trip with an extra day at Pokhara (Pokhara is a beautiful city to relax after a trek), Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting adventure, Bunjee Jumping, Kayaking, Canoeing, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, Bhaktapur and Patan sightseeing, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking, and other activities.
- Day 8 - Transfer to Tribhuvan international airport for your final departure.
Experiencing awesome time and collecting wonderful memories after finishing your Annapurna Panorama Trek, you will return back from Nepal. Our airport representative will transfer you to the airport and then you will depart from Nepal.
- Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu. Normally, at Kathmandu suite home and Spa or Similar.
- Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara and private tourist vehicle from Pokhara to Birethanti and from Syauli Bazaar to Pokhara
- Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
- Surface transfer to and from Pokhara on tourist bus
- Surface transfer to and from Nayapul by private vehicle
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, meals and accommodation.
- Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion).
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP and TIMS, please bring 3 passport size photographs)
- All government and local taxes
- International airfares
- Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
- International/Domestic airfares
- Excess baggage charges
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Added night/s accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara because of early arrival, delayed departure, early return from mountain (due to any cause) than the programmed itinerary
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the programmed itinerary)
- All kind of drinks (alcoholic, hot, or cold)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, bar bills, laundry, battery recharge, bottle or boiled water, hot shower, extra porters, etc)
- Personal equipments and clothing
- Tips for guides and porters (tip is expected but not mandatory)
Important Information
We give you a free duffel bag and baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies.
For every two participants, we assign one porter. The duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg/22 lbs, will be carried by the porter throughout the walk.
To carry your daily necessities like cash, crucial papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, clothing, etc., you must have your own daypack (with a waterproof cover).
You can store your luggage (non- trekking items) at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Down jacket with a hood is a must for altitudes above 4,000 m to keep warm. You can rent a down jacket for USD 25. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you need to reimburse the cost of USD 100 per item.
You can rent a 4-season sleeping bag for USD 25. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you need to reimburse the cost of USD 100 per item.
Note: Some clothing, especially form-fitting, figure-hugging items made of elastic material (like yoga pants), may offend locals. Therefore, if you choose to wear these clothes for comfort, please make sure to wear something over them.