Poon Hill trek

After breakfast we take a walk through the local market, through the winding, narrow alleys all the way to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is one of the most impressive world heritage sites in the valley with its old pagoda temples and palace. Afternoon is free for preparation for the trek.

Early in the morning we fly to Pokhara from where we drive to Nayapul. The drive takes around one and a half hour. Our trek starts from Nayapul and we begin by walking to Birethanti. Here we cross the river and head left along the gentle slope to Tikhedhunga. The trail is quite easy and gradually uphill on a gravel road up to the village Hile. Then we have 20 minutes steep uphill until reaching Tikhedhunga where we spend the night.

Todays trail is pretty challenging. In Tikhedhunga we cross two suspension bridges over Bhurungdi River and start the long steep climb to Ulleri which takes two hours. The stone stairs are said to have 3300 steps! From here gradual upwards through villages and Rhododendron forest until eventually reaching Ghorepani where we spend the night.

Early morning we hike for an hour to Poon Hill (3210 m) to see the sun rise over the mountains. Poon Hill is the one of the best breathtaking panorama viewpoints in Nepal. We can see the Dhauligiri, Annapurna and Manaslu range including the famous, holy, unclimbed mountain Machhapuchhre (or Mt Fishtail). You can enjoy your morning coffee, tea or hot chocolate with a Himalayan panorama view. After the sunrise we hike back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After that you have a free day to spend in the beautiful surroundings of Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a beautiful, relatively big Magar village with many small cafés and shops.

In the morning we have breakfast with a wonderful view of mountains. After that we head towards Tadapani. The trail to Tadapani climbs along Rhododendron and Pine forest to Deurali and on the way we pass hills where we get similar views as from yesterdays Poon Hill. Then we descend to Banthanti and turn off to Tadapani which is another great place for close up views of the mountains.

At sunrise we again get spectacular views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mt. Fishtail. After breakfast we continue the walk to Ghandruk. The trail leads down to Bhaisekharka through a dense oak and Rhododendron forest crossing a small stream. The forest is alive with tweeting birds, small tumbling waterfalls and scenic views of snow-capped mountains. The pleasant walk through the forest will get us to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal and counts as a Gurung cultural center with several Gurung museums and traditional architecture and activities. We get good views of Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna and other snow-capped mountains. We visit the Annapurna Mountain Conservation Area Project (ACAP) headquarters, the museum, the monastery and the village.

We have breakfast with good views of Annapurna South, Mt. Fishtail and Himchuli to the north. After that we hike to Nayapul. The trail is downhill with stone stairs to Shaulibazar and from there we walk on gravel road up to Nayapul. It takes us almost 5 hours to get to Birethanti where we have lunch. From Birethanti we have half an hour walk to Nayapul from where we drive to Pokhara and check in at our hotel.

Today we spend the day individually. If relaxing in one of the many cafés or restaurants is not your choice there are many activities to do, such as canoing, zipline and paragliding. Pokhara is also a good place to buy souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. Whatever you need help with your guide is there to advise you.

After breakfast we start our journey through an amazing landscape to Kathmandu. En route we see the countryside of Nepal. The road offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and mountain views. People live their lives of the streets as if their own backyards and we can see the everyday life of people through the window.

After breakfast we visit the old city of Bhaktapur with a city guide and we make a city walk to admire the four squares which today are world heritage sites. From our hotel it takes around 45 minutes to reach there. On the way back we visit Pashupatinath Hindu temple and the holy Buddhist stupa in Boudha, which of both are world heritage sites.

Transfer to the airport for a warm farewell and see you again to your guide and to Nepal!