Nepal is one of the few places in the world that can offer awe-inspiring mountain vistas and incredible trekking. This trek, at low altitude, has been arranged to allow you to enjoy some of the highest Himalayan peaks as you walk through the foothills of the Annapurna Range, as well as experiencing the world heritage sites of Kathmandu City.
From the terraced rice-fields above Pokhara, we walk along good trails through picturesque Gurung villages and one of Nepal’s biggest rhododendron forests which, in spring, bursts with many different hues, as we make our way to Poon Hill at 3,210m. The dawn view of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m) and Annapurna South (7,219m), from the world famous Poon Hill, is the highlight of this trek. Short and fairly easy, this trek is a perfect introduction to Nepal’s mountain treasures. It is a good starter trek for those not sure of their walking ability, or simply for those who wish to make the most of only a few days. The trek finishes at the magnificent lake town of Pokhara, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the lake and its backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
At Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met by a Trek Nepal representative and transferred to your hotel. There will be a full tour briefing in the evening.
We drive out of the Kathmandu valley following the Prithvi highway, and descend to the scenic and tranquil town of Pokhara. En route we will have outstanding views of the Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna ranges of the Himalayas, along with river valleys, terraced fields and local villages. Pokhara is set on the banks of Phewa Tal (lake) beneath the Annapurna range that create a spectacular backdrop for this serene town. On arriving you are free to explore the town, take a boat out on to the lake, walk up to the peace pagoda or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere by the lake.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
To reach the start point of our trek we have a short drive, west of Pokhara, to Nayapul. Our trek today is short and gentle as we follow the Bhurungdi Khola (river) upstream to Hile. We pass streams, waterfalls, tropical vegetation and thriving rice fields that give this area its lushness. At Hile our hosts who are renowned for their hospitality welcome us.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
As we leave Hile behind the trails we follow from today are established and wide, and woven into these are stone stairways. We continue following Bhurungdi Khola northwards until we reach a suspension bridge, where there is an imposing waterfall on the other side of it. It is here we face the first of many stone stairways, a steep climb that takes around 40 minutes. From here the path winds upwardly until it enters a rhododendron forest. In spring the forest is radiant with colour. En route we pass a number of villages and encounter our first glimpse of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6,997m). Beyond Ban Thanti the forest becomes denser as we continue upwards with more stone steps to climb before emerging at Nangge Thanti. It takes around an hour to reach Ghorepani, the home of the Magars, from here. Originally a horse watering post, Ghorepani has evolved into an important crossroads for tourists and the numerous mule caravans on the Jomsom-Pokhara trip.
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
To capture the highlight of this trek we leave early in the morning for Poon Hill (3,210m). A 45 minutes walk above Ghorepani brings us to the panorama of peaks of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre (6,997m), Manaslu (8,163m) and many more. As the sun rises over Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna Himals they glisten with the first rays of the sun while the skies glow through an array of reds to pinks. This is one of the world’s most incredible mountain vistas. After breakfast we join the trail that heads north following a ridge with stunning views of the Annapurnas from east to west. Passing through open space the trail brings us very close to Annapurna South (7,219m). The trail descends steeply as it enters adense rhododendron forest. The final climb of the day brings us to Tadapani. A small, charming village sitting on a hill top enclosed by a rhododendron forest; and where we have a close up view of Annapurna south (7,219m), much closer than the one seen on the trail, and distant views of Machhapuchhre (6,997m) and Annapurna lll (7,555m) and Annapurna lV (7,525
Overnight Lodge/Teahouse.
Away from Tadapani the trail descends steeply through an enchanting rhododendron forest that emerges out to rice terraces. Keeping to their contour we continue onwards. Our morning descent leads us to a suspension bridge over the Kimrong Khola, a tributary of Modi Khola. From here the trail ascends steeply through open spaces with magnificent views of the surrounding Annapurna range and a spectacular view of the valley rivers below until we reach Chhomrung, a village that clings to the hillside. A short distance further on up the Modi Valley we arrive at Jhinu Danda our destination. Time is available to relax in Jhinu Danda’s hot springs with amazing views of Annapurna South (7,219m) and Machhapuchhre (6,997m).
Our final morning of walking starts with the trail dropping down to the Modi Khola. Following the river the upward trail contours the rice terraces bringing us to Syauli Bazaar. Beyond here, the trail’s gradient levels as we walk alongside the river passing through a number of villages and orange orchards to Birethanti. From here we drive back to Pokhara, arriving late afternoon.
