Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Overview
Ghorepani Poon Hill is a less demanding and beautiful trek through the Himalayan foothills which follows rivers through rhododendron forest, past waterfalls and up to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over the high peaks of the Annapurna Range. You’ll be staying in ethnic villages – an amazing chance to see the rural way of life. This trip, which starts in historical Kathmandu, takes in the stunning Pokhara Lake Valley and ultimately Chitwan National Wildlife Park, one of the last habitats of the Bengal Tiger!
Highlights
• Ancient temple and shrines of three Medieval Kingdoms
• Historical, Nature and Cultural Heritage Sites
• Traditional Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, and Kshetri foothill communities
• Excellent Himalaya sunrise views from Poon Hill
• Beautiful Gurung village at Ghandruk
• Pokhara Lake Valley
• Chitwan National park
Trip Summary
Trip Grade | Easy to Moderate |
---|---|
Trip Duration | 15 Nights/16 Days |
Trip code | NAP-GPC - 101 |
Trip Start/Ends | Pokhara, Nayapul/Kathmandu |
Maximum Altitude | Poon Hill (3200m) |
Trip Cost | Prices on request |
Group Size | Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group |
Accessibillity | 7 hours drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu, after completing the trip drive back to Kathmandu |
The Route | Maximum altitude Poon Hill (3200m) 5-6-hrs steady walking per day, easy to moderate trail. |
Season | Sept – Nov / March - April |
Trip Facilities | 3+ hotel in city on B/B and best available teahouse/lodge on mountain |
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. Generally there will not any tour activities today unless requested. Depending on your arrival time in Kathmandu, you may explore the touristy area “Thamel”. A pre trip meeting and briefing will held all together with you at hotel about the daily program activities by company representative and your trip Leader/Guide where you can discuss your final questions all together.
After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have..
Afetr breakfast we drive (200-kms/6-7-hrs) to Pokhara through the beautiful river view & Nepalese countryside to reach the Pokhara. You will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara approximately 2:00 O’clock
Pokhara is popular city after Kathmandu because of its beauty; relaxed atmosphere the lakeside town affords magnificent views of the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Annapurna mountain range. There is plenty to keep you busy in and around the town, including short walks, caves, boat rides and nearby excursions.
After breakfast from Pokhara, we drive to Nayapul and start the trek. We walk through a valley forest, cross the Bhurundi Khola before reaching Tikhedhunga Village. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward will really prove a test of our stamina. We reach Ulleri by late afternoon.
After breakfast, we ascend to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means ‘horse-water’ due to it being an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and crafts. The town has two parts: one in a saddle and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings.
To catch the sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m/10,529ft), the most popular trekking destination of the Annapurna region. It is also a great viewpoint to enjoy the amazing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than 20 of the highest mountains including the close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photographs and having some coffee or tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forests, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani to spend the night.
From Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the dense and dark forest. This part of the trek will be through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into amazing gardens. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we also get to enjoy cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking some more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandrung, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandrung.
We leave Ghandrung and enjoy the beautiful hill landscape of western Nepal on our way to Jhinuwa Danda (Hot Spring). Our lunch and dinner at same place.
After breakfat we leaving towards Pothana, along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains.
Today we trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi then drive back to Pokhara. The actual trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary and back ends today. We board our vehicle to Pokhara.
Early in the morning we drive approximately 30 minutes to reach the Sarangkot hill (1592m) At Sarangkot one gets to see the sunrise and the magnificent views of the Himalayan like Mt Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna IV (7525m), AnnapurnaIII (7555m), Machhapuchere (6993m). Enjoy the beautiful sunrise, mountains and Himalayan ranges and return back to hotel for the breakfast. After breakfast, depart for the full day sightseeing. Major tour highlights are Bindobasini temple, Devi’s fall, Gupteshowr cave, world peace stupa, Mahendra cave. Later enjoy the boating at Fewa Lake. In the evening, enjoy your free time for shopping and other individual activities.
After you have your share of experiencing the magic of Pokhara valley we drive Chitwan National Park:, The park is one of Asia's most famous national parks, the forest & grassland landscape is home to many birds and animals including the majestic Indian elephant and the ever-elusive Bengal Tiger. The park is most famous however for its population of the rare one-horned rhinoceros. We include various activities in and around the park, including a gentle canoe ride down the Rapti River, a half-day jungle walk, jeep and elephant safaris, as well as a local village walk and cultural program.
This day enjoy elephant back safari, canoeing elephant ride and breeding centre visit, bird watching and see wild animals like rhinos, peacocks, crocodiles, deer’s etc. You will visit deep in the national park on elephant back. You will see one-horned rhinoceros, several types of deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. After 2-3-hours of elephant safari, you can enjoy canoeing river. Later in the evening, you will enjoy Tharu cultural program. You can have the most thrilling and exciting wildlife experience of your lifetime in Chitwan National Park.
We complete our last activities at the Chitwan National Park then after drive to Bhaktapur durbar square via Kathmandu. There is plenty to keep you busy in and around the Bhaktapur town,
After breakfast, go on a tour around Bhaktapur Durban Square, the home of medieval art and architecture. Bhaktapur means the city of devotees and it lies about 14km east of Kathmandu. The main square of the city contains innumerable temple and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Golden Gate, the palace windows, the Batsaka Temple and the Bell of Barking Dogs, the replica of Pashupatinath temple and many more.
After lunches proceed to Pashupatinath Temple which is situated 5km east of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. The temple of Lord Shiva-Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its supreb architecture. However, entrance to the temple precinct is only permitted to Hindus but, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River, where dead bodies are cremated in bank of this river. Next, visit Boudhnath Stupa that is located 8km east of Kathmandu. The colossal and ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world and has all the seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is built on an octagonal based inset with prayer wheels.
We complete our birding trip and will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport to connect onward destination or join another programs with Nepal Adventure Point!!
Cost Included
• Accommodation: 4 nights in Kathmandu, 3 night in Pokhara, 1 night hotel in Bhaktapur on B/B, 6 nights teahouse/lodge on mountain, 2 night hotel in Chitwan*
• Food: Full board on mountain teahouse/lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner), and full board in Chitwan
• Staff: First hand knowledgeable city tour/trekking guide, porters and nature guide at Chitwan.
• Transport: All local transportation as per the itinerary
• Company & Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes & official service charges. Crew’s daily wages/salary, food, equipment, and road transportation
Cost Excluded
- Your international and local flight
- Travel/medical insurance coverage personal accidents, medical and emergency Helicopter rescue
- Parsonal travel and trekking equipments
- All lunch and dinner while in city
- Items of a personal nature such as normal drinks, hot shower, dessert, laundry, internet and phone call.
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable Events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
- Tips garuities for your trekking crews
- Temple and Monastery entrance fees
- Optional activities
- And ortareSeen expanses SnIch are out of con. by Nepal .wnture Point
Trip Notes
Arrival Information: If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please call us as soon as possible on our emergency contact number +9779851050327. Our airport representative will be waiting with your Name or Nepal Adventure Point sign, near the arrival gate. If for any reason you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes, we suggest you make your own way to the hotel by taxi and we reimburse the cost.
Trip briefing: There will be a short briefing about the trek at your hotel on the day of arrival. This is an opportunity to meet your group leader and other team members, who will answer your questions and give you advice on essential equipment and acclimatization, etc.
Documents: We will get the necessary Annapurna Conservation Project Area entrance permits and TIMS cards for you - please bring 2 passport size photos, and copies of your passport & visa. We also require the name of your insurance company, copy of insurance policy, and contact numbers of next to kin.
Accommodation: During the trek accommodation will be in traditional ‘teahouses’ and lodges in a twin-bedded room whenever possible, however, do be prepared to sleep in a multi-bedded room. In Kathmandu,Pokhara and Chitwan accommodation will be in a good hotel with comfortable bedrooms and en suite bathrooms. Accommodation is based on double occupancy. Single rooms may be available with a single supplement fee. If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender for the duration of the trip,
Food and Drink: In Kathmandu and Pokhara breakfast is included in this trip (usually buffet style at your hotel). All meals are included on the trek and accompanied by tea to drink. Lunch camp will be fixed in pleasant surroundings. Dinner and breakfast is served in the lodge where you spend the night. The menus are not extensive but there is usually a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread and egg dishes are generally offered for breakfast. Snacks such as biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks can often be bought along the way, and locally grown fresh fruits are available in some places. You can purchase bottled mineral water or ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat with water purification pills. Drinks and beverages are not included in the price of the trip..
Money: Credit cards are not accepted on the mountain so please bring local currency with you (denomination of Rs.50, 100, 500 and 1000). Some teahouses/lodges may accept foreign currency. ATM facilities are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Guides: On Poon Hill Trekking trip you will be accompanied by one of our local group leaders, plus an assistant guide when there are 8 or more trekkers. There is one Sherpa porter/pack animal for every two people to carry your trekking gear. Please remember, porters are allowed to carry a maximum10kgs/22Ibs per trekker while lodge accommodation is available (30kgs/66Ibs max. weight during camping treks). Leave any other luggage at your hotel before starting the trek, or at our local agent's office.
Safety and Security: Customers’ safety and security is our prime concern. All our guides are licensed by Nepal Government, professional men who can be trusted to look after your welfare. Do take the usual sensible precautions, don’t leave your baggage unattended and keep your room locked. Anything of value should be locked up or kept on your person.
Physical Condition & Experience: This is an easy trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk for 5-6 hours a day with a light daypack. Exercising and jogging regularly for a few weeks prior to the trip is good idea to enhance strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Himalayan Glacier before booking the trek. We also recommend that you consult your doctor before the trip.
Packing List: This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure trip. The items listed below will vary according to the season and trek duration. Only pack what is necessary. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg. Remember, your luggage will be carried by your porter but you will need to carry your own daypack
Head Items
Bandana or head scarf |
Wool or synthetic warm hat |
Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs |
Sunglasses |
Upper Body and Hands
Polypropylene shirts (1 short and 2 long sleeved) |
Light and expedition weight thermal tops |
Fleece windbreaker jacket or pullover |
Waterproof shell jacket |
Down jacket |
Gore-Tex jacket with hood |
1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves. |
1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves |
Lower Body
1 pair of hiking shorts |
1 pair of hiking trousers |
1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms |
1 pair of fleece or wool trousers |
Feet
2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks |
2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks |
1 pair of hiking boots |
1 pair of running shoes and sandals |
Sleeping and Travel Bags
1 Sleeping bag (-10 degrees C, 14 degrees F) |
Fleece or silk sleeping bag liner |
1 Large Duffel bag |
Small daypack |
Basic first aid supplies
Personal first aid kit bag |
Aspirin |
Skin-blister repair kit |
Anti-diarrhea pills |
Painkiller and anti-inflammatory |
Throat lozenges or cough drops |
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide |
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin |
Water purification tablets |
Suntan lotion or sun block cream and insect repellant |
Bandaids (plasters) and tape |
Bactrim, Norbactin or other diarrhoea remedy |
Toiletries
Medium sized quick-drying towel |
Toothbrush and paste |
Multipurpose soap/shampoo |
Deodorant |
Nail clippers |
Face and body moisturizer |
Female hygiene products |
Small mirror |
Personal Hygiene |
Wet wipes |
Tissue paper / toilet paper roll |
Anti-bacterial hand wash or gel |
Mountain Rescue/Emergency Evacuation: In the unlikely case of a serious sickness or a casualty, you may need helicopter rescue and your guide will organize this. Please get adequate insurance that covers this eventuality since you are entirely liable for all expenses incurred in the case of evacuation.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory for Poon Hill Trekking trip. The minimum cover required is USD 30,000 to cover medical, hospital, emergency evacuation and full trip cancellation. Make sure your policy covers altitude treks. It should also include personal liability, loss of luggage and personal effects.
Respect Local Dress: In Nepal dress standard is rather conservative. Please dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and sleeveless tops when visiting temples and holy sites, or local villages.
Additional trips and activities: We can arrange trips to neighboring countries, or additional tours and activities in Nepal. Please contact us if you want to add extra night hotel accommodation before or after your trip.
Tipping: Nepal has recently introduced a 10% ‘service charge’ on hotel & restaurant bills however; a modest, friendly tip is more or less expected by drivers. For Trekking staff who have been looking after your welfare for several days, tipping has as much to do with a sense of recognition. As a guideline 4 US$ per person per day for a guide, and 3 US$ per person per day for a porter, however if you wish to tip more this is always welcome.
Additional Information: The above information is a standard guide of our services. Our trips can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip please contacts us by email nepaladventurepoint@gmail.com or call +985105037.