Snow Dragons Nepal Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Himalayan Explorers
Trip Name: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Difficulty: Difficult.
Walking duration: Between 5 to 7 hours, plus rests.
Style: Tea House Trek - incl. breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Support: Guide and porters.
Transportation: Local bus or own jeep (more expensive)
Activities: Historical, culture, nature and trekking.
Cost: By request, dependent on number in party and total number of days.
Duration: 09 days
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, is also known as The Annapurna Sunrise Trek or The Annapurna Panorama Trek. Such royal titles are well deserved, and yes, the view from Poon Hill is virtually unsurpassed in Nepal.
The trek itself offers an introduction to the rural life of the people of the Himalaya. In addition it is ideal for those who wish to savor Nepal at a comfortable altitude and not follow a too demanding itinerary. The additional bonus: it requires only a moderate degree of fitness.
The day starts with a drive from Pokhera, and the trek itself starts from a comfortable altitude of 1100m. You follow a well-trodden forested trail - i.e. you can not get lost, to reach your first nights lodge, which is rustic and basic, but comfortable. It's mainly up-hill, but you pass through, and take rests, the colorful settlements of Tikhedhunga and Ulleri to reach Ghorepani itself. You meet Brahman and Chhetri Hindus and Bhuddhist Magars and Gurungs along the way. They live and farm side by side in harmony, with the Magar and Gurungs being famous for their bravery, as soldiers in the British Gurkha Battalion.
Joint for all these casts is their varied culture and warm hospitality. Add that the area is a naturalist’s paradise, with a wide range of flowers, trees, butterfly's and birds, then its ideal for all: young and old, new trekkers or the experienced. Wild animals are less obvious, but they are there! All this unfolds against a dramatic profile of some of highest mountains and stunning peaks in the world.
On reaching Ghorepani you will have time to rest-up, and/or explore your surroundings. In the evening there is often a local cultural song and dance group who perform age old and modern dance. A small contribution is appreciated, and all income goes to local community projects.
The ascent of Poon Hill requires a pre-dawn hike from Ghorepani to reach its grassy summit at 3,210m. From here you can watch the sunrise slowly creep up from behind shadowed peaks to light up Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Annapurna South, and the sacred Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Regarded as one of the three most perfect mountains in the world in its physical form.
A never to be forgotten panorama, exposing Mother Nature's magnificence at her best.
Day 01: Welcome to Nepal. Airport pick up and hotel transfer, trip planning (permits, equipment check etc).
Day 02: After breakfast, we visit to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and gain a view of Kathmandu valley and city. The afternoon is free to explore and shop, with a quick trip-planning meet before bed.
Day 03: (1) Very early drive from Kathmandu (1360m) to Pokhara (900m), lunch on way. Hotel, and explore the Lake Side bistros.
Dragon Day Saver: An alternative Day 2 or 3 is to fly to Pokhara, continue to NayaPul (1070m), by taxi. From here we trek to Tikhedhunga (1500m). Lodge/dinner. Reaching Ghorepani evening of day 4.
Day 04: (2). Taxi to NayaPul (1070m), then trek to Urerry (2020m). Lodge/dinner.
Day 05: (3). Trek uphill to Ghorepani (2800m). Dinner, possibly followed by traditional music and dance, by a local cultural group. We may well experience amazing sunset views as well!
Day 06: (4) A very early pre-breakfast walk up Poon Hill (3193m), hopefully to enjoy a spectacular sunrise view. After breakfast, we trek downwards, through forest-covered hillsides, to reach Tadapani (2630m). Hot springs!
Day 07: (5) Jeep or bus to Beni, bus or taxi to Pokhara. Rest.
Day 08: (6). Morning Para-gliding, Mountain Museum or White Pagoda visit, or take a lazy stroll along Lake Side. Flight back to Kathmandu. Evening free.
Day 09: Free day or depart.
Day 06: (4) A very early pre-breakfast walk up Poon Hill (3193m), hopefully to enjoy a spectacular sunrise view. After breakfast
Day 07: (5) Enjoy a great hike to Ghandruk village, and explore this interesting Gurung village.
Day 08: (6) Walk down through the farm lands, following the Modi River to reach Nayapul. Here we arrange a car or bus to drive back to Pokhara. Here you are free to explore the Lake area and sample the abundant selection of fine bistros and restaurants.
Day 09: (7) Try paragliding, visit the Mountain Museum or The White Stupa (for great views), or simply take a few hours to relax. Late afternoon we take the flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.
