Trekking Annapurna Foothills

Trip Facts
Destination:Nepal
Trip Grade:Moderate

One of the rewarding short trek venturing in the Annapurna region with lush green landscape, diverse culture, friendly villagers and most importantly the sunrise from the mighty mountains from the admired viewpoint of Poon Hill.

There are a number of options for short treks in the foothills to the north of Pokhara. Most of these variations will visit Ghandruk and Ghorepani. The former is a large, traditional Gurung village while Ghorepani is the settlement below the famed vantage point of Poon Hill, one of the best spots from which to view the central Nepal Himalayan range.

The most commonly trekked of the foothill itineraries starts and ends at Naya Pul on the Baglung highway (not to be confused with the Naya Pul on the Modi Khola beyond Landrung). Travelling by bus, taxi or any other vehicle, the journey to Naya Pul takes around one to two hours. Cross the Modi Khola at Naya Pul and trek through Birethanti to Syauli Bazaar following the river through cultivated fields and small villages. At syauli Bazaar the trail climbs steeply to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk. Here there is wide selection of teahouses and community operated craft and cultural displays. An extra day spent at Ghandruk experiencing the traditional Gurung way of life is well worthwhile.

From Ghandruk the main trail passes through Tadapani to the pass at Ghorepani. Above the village is Pooh Hill, a climb of around three hundred meters. The reward for making the climb at dawn or dusk is one of the best mountain panoramas in Nepal. The view takes in Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and, in the distance, the Manaslu range.

From Ghorepani there are three choices. The most commonly taken route drops down through the villages of Ulleri and Turkhedhunga to Birethanti, the original starting point of the trek. This is a steep trail and can be quite crowded during the peak seasons. It passes through dense stands of oak and rhododendron until Ulleri is reached after which the landscape is mostly cultivated fields. Another option is to continue to from Ghorepani and descend to the Kali Gandaki at Tatopani. After a night at Tatopani the river can be followed down to Beni from where buses to Pokhara are available.

The third possibility is to trek along the ridge that starts at Poon Hill. There is little in the way of permanent settlement until the high point of the ridge at Bhuka is reached. Just below the hill is a Gurung village of Langdi while a couple of hours further down the ridge is Tangle, another Gurung settlement. From here it is only a short distance back to the main trail at Birethanti and Naya Pul. This ridge way is quite isolated and no teahouse accommodation is available making self-sufficiency essential. It has the advantage of being well off the normal tourist route and allows for an insight into local culture that is harder to find on the main trails.

Day

1Arrival in Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft

Welcome to Nepal! A friendly representative from Purple Journeys will meet-and-greet you at the arrival area of the Tribhuvan International Airport with a flower garland – a tradition gesture of Nepalese hospitality. You will then be ushered to your pre-booked hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening at a traditional Nepalese restaurant for a fine meal accompanied by folk music and a cultural program.

2Kathmandu Sightseeing and trip prepration

Explore the cultural treasures of Kathmandu in our guided tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant array of bustling streets, incomparable historic buildings and heritage, exquisite temples and religious sites. The tour includes the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site of Pashupatinath Temple, the colossal stupa of Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as The Monkey Temple and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square with ‘Kumari Ghar’. There will also be time for shopping, picking up a thing or two for your trekking, if you have not done it back home. In the evening, we will have a pre-trek discussion and familiarize with our leader, other crew and participants.

3Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 823m/2700ft: 6 hours drive

We’ll depart Kathmandu this morning by private van or bus for Pokhara. The scenic drive will take us through scenic countryside to the famous lakeside city where we can relax for the evening and savor the spectacular mountain views over Phewa Lake.

4Drive from Pokhara to Naypul, Trek to Ghandruk 1940m/6360ft: 1 hour drive and 4 – 5 hour walk.

A short drive from Pokhara will take us to the trailhead at Nayapul, from where we ascend gradually following sub-tropical terrain along the Modi Khola through Birethanti to Shyauli Bazaar. From Shyauli Bazaar, the trail steepens and continues to climb passing through terraced fields and small settlements to Kimche. From here the trail again climbs steadily then traverses up the valley to Nepal’s second largest Gurung settlement of Ghandruk, a colorful village home to a bustling bazaar and cultural museum. The spectacular views of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Machapuchhare (6993m) is absolutely breathe taking.

5Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani 2700m/8860ft: 4 – 5 hours walk.

Leaving the village of Ghandruk behind, we enter oak and rhododendron forest, crossing through streams and passing small waterfalls under the canopy of the forest. There are a few teahouses at BaisiKharkha providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There are stupendous views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South (7237m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way and you reach your overnight objective at Tadapani. The village is perfactly situated to catch some wonderful sunset and sunrise views.

6Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani 2750m/9020 ft: 4 – 5 hours walk.

After enjoying the sunrise you initially descend to a small stream and then begin a series of ascents and descents through rhododendron forest to reach Bhantanti. We cross a series of small streams and continue climbing through forest to reach the open ridges at Deurali (2980m). From Deurali we ascend onto a ridgeline before descending to our overnight stop at Ghorepani.

7Trek from Ghorepani to Poonhill to Ulleri 2050m/6725ft: 5 – 6 hours walk.

An early morning wake up and vigorous climb to the top of Poon Hill awaits, accompanied by some of the most spectacular scenery in the Annapurnas. From Poon Hill we’ll watch the sun rise over a maze of peaks spanning from Annapurna to Dhaulagiri. After enjoying the amazing view, we begin our descent through beautiful rhododendron forest to Nangethanti and then to Ulleri a few hours later. After settling into the lodge there is plenty of time to explore this picturesque village.

8Trek from Ulleri to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara: 4 hours walk and 1 hour drive.

You make an early start to get the most out of the day. From the lodge at Ulleri there is a very steep descent of over 500 metres on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola where you cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tirkedunga. You continue on a more gentle gradient to the village of Birethanti, on the banks of the Modi Khola., we stop to rest before continuing on to Nayapul, the last walking stop on our journey. From here we board our bus for the hour drive to Pokhara.

9Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hour drive

After breakfast, we’ll board our bus bound for Kathmandu, arriving in the evening in time to relax in Thamel and enjoy a farewell dinner.

10Depart Kathmandu

Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Purple Journeys. Farewell and Namaste.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara valley
Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
Accommodations in tea-houses during trekking
Three daily meals while trekking
All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)

Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
Visa fee for entry into Nepal
Meals other than specified in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)