The week below Annapurna or Poonhill trek is well suited for the beginners or for those who have limited time but still want a real Himalayan experience. The trek starts from Nayapul a couple of hours drive from Pokhara. The trail passes through dense rhododendron forest of Annapurna Conservation Area Project and fascinating traditional villages dominated by the families of brave Gurkha warriors, Gurungs; a nice opportunity to witness the culture and tradition of Nepalese countryside. Along the way, there are spectacular views of the snowy peaks of the Annapurna Ranges and the varied views of Mount Fishtail.
An easy trek which winds through highland settlements including Tadapani and Ghorepani caps off at Poonhill. Poonhill is a pre-dawn trekking destination, popular for the unforgettable mountain panorama and breathtaking sunrise view. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek can also be combined as an extension trip to cultural tours of Kathmandu & Pokhara. The trip can be done throughout the year except during monsoon [July & August].
Camping Trek:
Lodge Trek:
GAP Trek:
Single room supplement: USD 175 (compulsory if no one to share room with)
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities..
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva- Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square..
We take a thirty-minute flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu airport. During the flight, we get to savor the most mesmerizing views of glorious Manaslu and the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range. Soon after touchdown in Pokhara, we take a one-hour leisure drive to Naya Pool along the graceful Modi Khola Valley. On reaching our destination, we begin our highly panoramic Annapurna trek. The route skirts through lush forest leading finally to Birethanti after walking for one hour. Birethani houses well-resourced shops, hotels, cafes, a police check post, a bakery and a bank, a nice little village town to have fun and settle in for our first over night on the mountains..
Leaving Birethani, we trail along terraced fields beneath the splendid panorama of awe-inspiring glaciated Himalayan mountain ranges. On passing a succession of flatlands, forest, cultivated lands and a suspension bridge over Khumnu Khola, we arrive at the beautiful village of Ghandruk after walking for 3 to 4 hours. An ideal vantage point in this pristine village offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare and Hiunchuli. Several hotels and teahouses at the village welcome us with warmth and sincere hospitality while catering to the requirements of all trekkers’ who hit the trail through this village. Camping in its terraced fields can indeed be very exciting and adventurous! .
We descend further along the trail showcasing rich rhododendron forests, gloriously cascading sparkling mountain streams and other mystical vistas of nature. After continuously climbing for 3 hours, we step on the territory of Tadapani at an altitude of 2540 meters. Tadapani offers the most magnificent mountain views of the overpowering peaks of Annapurna South. [Walk approx 3 hours] we then crash out for the night..
From Banthanti, you proceed further along steep trails. Nature spreads exotic sight of majestic snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and rich plant life before you. You climb through rhododendron forest to Deorali [3100m] and reach a hamlet and cultivated fields. Continue walking for 3 hours and finally you will find yourself in Ghorepani. Ghorepani also houses lodges to provide food and accommodation to travelers. .
After savoring the mesmerizing sight of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the popular vantage point of Poon Hill [3195m], you leave Ghorepani and march ahead for Nayapul. You further descend towards Birethanti. Birethanti lies stretched beside the Modi River and has resourceful town. On your trails of stone steps, you pass through dense forest and a small village of Ulleri. From Ulleri, a very steep section [with 3767 steps!] leads down to Hille on the Bhurungdi Khola. .
Forty minutes beyond Birethanti, you come to the main road. Now you can easily access any means of transportation to drive to Pokhara. In the evening, you are free to wander by the lakes of Pokhara. You can spend your day in Pokhara as you like, you can either relax in your hotel or do sightseeing on your own. .
From Pokhara you will fly to Kathmandu. Rest of the day in Kathmandu you will have enough time to spend on your own. Wonder in Thamel to find an ideal souvenir of Nepal, revisit or visit the place of your choice or stay in your hotel, choice is yours..
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, and mountain biking, etc. - ask us). .
Soft Adventure trek
The treks on this grade last for about a week to 10 days. It generally doesn't go above 4000 meter and each day, you can expect to be walking for around 4 – 5 hours. It is a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. The activity level is fairly easy but don't expect it to be all easy going, there will still be some big hills to climb as well as the well-known 'Nepali flat' – a little bit up and a little bit down.
We offer several options regarding the organization of your trek:
1) Camping trek
On camping trek you will be sleeping and eating in tents. A trekking crew contains one sirdar, one cook and the numbers of kitchen crew, Sherpa assistants and porters depending on the size of the group. Under the leadership of the Sirdar (the local trek leader) the crew will ensure you take the right path. The kitchen crew will keep you well fed with delicious and nutritious meals. The porters shall transport the gear from camp to camp. Our main aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. Sirdar and his assistants speak basic English, good enough to explain to you about the places, local culture or any sight that catches your eyes.
Includes: Guide, Porters, Cook, All meals and tents
2) Guide, Accommodation and Porter trek (GAP trek)
This is an abbreviation of Guide Accommodation and Porters (GAP). This option of the trek is for those who want basic support from us. This is the most economic way to do trekking in Nepal. We provide an English speaking local Sherpa guide, book and pay for the accommodation in local lodges during trek and arrange required porters and trekkers pay for meals directly to the local lodge owner.
Includes: Accommodation, guide and porters
Excludes: Food
3) Lodge or tea house trek
Although simple, the teahouses or lodges do provide shelter and warmth and are normally run by friendly local families. The lodge or tea house treks are less expensive then camping trek and are largely suitable for small group.
Includes: Accommodation in Lodge, guide, porters and all meals
YOUR TREK CAN BE ORGANIZED IN ALL THE 3 WAYS AS MENTIONED ABOVE.
Trekking in the Annapurna region does not need tremendous logistics in terms of accommodation as you will find plenty of clean and friendly lodges along the trail. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We will accommodate you and your group in local lodge available each day. We send a porter ahead of us to book the required rooms for the group (rooms cannot be booked in advance). Please remember that some of them are very basic and a sense of adventure is necessary. It is cheaper to stay in lodge rather than organizing a camping trek.
Camping trek means sleeping in tents. On a camping trek, the tents provided are ‘Two men dome’ or ‘A’ shaped. Foam mattress with insulation underneath is provided for sleeping. Clients need to have their own sleeping bag. Bags or cloth packs are used as pillows. If you wish, you can bring your own ‘Air pillow’.
We have a pool of hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara under 3 Star categories which we provide to clients in connection to this itinerary, unless it is mentioned otherwise or clients have a special choice. You can check on the description of such hotels through our website.
Lodge trek:
Meals are included in our price and are taken in lodges available along the trail. You can find a wide variety of Nepali and Western food as well as drinks (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, beers….
Camping trek:
Meals are prepared by our cook. We provide three tasty and nutritious meals daily along with drinks.
GAP trek:
You will have to make your own eating arrangements in the many lodges available along the trail. Expect to spend approximately 1000-1500 Rupees a day for food. Guide, accommodation and porters are covered in the price.
We provide different options concerning leadership in order to match your requirements: 1) Western leader 2) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable) 3) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)
The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. On camping trek, there will be 2/3 porters for each members while on GAP and on Lodge trek 1 porter for 2 members.
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our ‘2008/09 departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time).
If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.
If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 12 people.
Personal expenses depend largely on the type of trek, duration and the trekking region.
If you are on Camping or Tea house trek all meals will be provided. You only need money for table drinks (alcoholic/non alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are available along the trail in some areas) tips, souvenirs, hot shower (available in some places).
If you are on ‘GAP’ trek style you need to pay for all your meals. NPR 1000-1500 a day should be enough to cover your meals. We pay for your accommodation at mountain hut (tea house) along the trail and bear all the expenses of staff assigned by us.
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate 5 - 10% of the total tour cost as tips.
During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kg, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors.
You can choose any mode of transport to commute from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Please do check for price difference. From Kathmandu, you take a 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Nayapul or we drive for 8 hours from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway to Nayapul. The starting point of the trek is Nayapul. On your return, our car/bus shall pick you from Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. You can choose between flying or driving back to kathmandu from Pokhara. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport.
While trekking in the remote parts, you may not have an access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, en route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working.
If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, EXPLORE HIMALAYA can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
Trekking: You will need walking boots, sleeping bag (3 seasons/ -10C rated), waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, sun-screen and day pack.
Comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip or check CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT LIST LINK.
It's not necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Majority of these gears can be bough or hired at reasonable rates in Kathmandu.
Each morning after packing our bags and a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before retiring for a well-earned sleep.
However, on a camping trek, you begin your day with a hot cup of tea which is served to you in the tent at 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. Other day activities are the same as mentioned above.
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. You just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘Explore Himalaya’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland.
The best seasons to trek in the Annapurna region are Autumn (from mid-September till November end) and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). As it is a soft adventure trek, you can take on this trek anytime of the year, except during the monsoons (June to September). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. As this trek does not go too high nights you can expect nights to be a bit colder (between 5 C to 15C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 15C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking in the winter is possible; however, it is much colder than Autumn and Spring.
March, April, October and November are the most popular and favored months for traveling.
The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.
You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remote region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
The day-to-day program is subject to weather, conditions and the progress and wishes of the group. Most importantly, the leaders will be making daily decisions, for example, about exactly how far or which way we go, and will be thinking ultimately about the safety and health of all in the party, as well as the enjoyment of the group and success in the outcome of the trek and climb.
We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the air port or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph. So, please download form from the link below (visa form) and get ready while you are passing through the immigration Point.
Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries
Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency
Tourist Visa Extension
* Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.
The trekking trail on this trip does not go into high altitude area (i.e not above 2775m) so there is no chance of altitude related sickness (Acute mountain sickness, AMS). However, one needs to be careful and take all the necessary precautions.
We supply a first aid kit with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors. Since our staffs/guides do not possess much knowledge about medications. Hence, we would request you to use the medicines by yourself. It would be better if you bring your own medical supplies. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. Age is no barrier to take an unforgettable trekking experience.
We supply a first aid kit with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors. Since our staffs/guides do not possess much knowledge about medications. Hence, we would request you to use the medicines by yourself. It would be better if you bring your own medical supplies. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. Age is no barrier to take an unforgettable trekking experience.
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expense incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
Wonderful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. Increasing population density and numbers of trekkers threaten the very beauty of Nepal. At Explore Himalaya, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize our impact as much as possible.
As deforestation is one of the greatest environmental threats, we do not have camp fires and use kerosene for cooking as an alternative fuel to wood. We also discourage trekkers from using wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the way. Many lodges, however, now provide solar hot showers, a far more eco-friendly alternative.
Garbage disposal is another major problem and some of the busier trails can, at times, appear strew with litter. Our staff members are well motivated towards eco-friendly practices. We carry out all our garbage, apart from that which can be safely and easily burnt at the campsite. Our aim is to help protect and preserve this beautiful environment for future generations of trekkers to enjoy.
In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try water rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tour. You may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan, whichever seems more appealing to you. Since the trek ends in Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, it would be nice and relaxing for you to spend a day or two taking in the sights and sounds of this scenic city.
Explore Himalaya works with the motto ‘Development through Tourism’. Keeping in line with this motto, Explore Himalaya Community Service Project (EHCSP) was conceived to empower underprivileged, marginalized, poor and minority segments of Nepal.
Since its inception, EHCSP has been incessantly facilitating and advocating for school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agriculture, culture preservation and fund raising. Explore Himalaya encourages its clients to contribute for the development of Nepal.
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. We are the first ever company to supply high-altitude porters with crampons. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porters Protection group (IPPG - www.ippg.net).
1) It is fundamental you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken only as a guideline. We can not be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall provide suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Explore Himalaya shall only be responsible for refunds after deducting the expenses already incurred.
2) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of USD 500 and the signed copy of booking form and contract.
The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
3) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (US$ 00)
29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost
10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost
Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost
If you still have any queries regarding this trip, please don't hesitate to contact our office staff. We will respond to you within 24 hours. You can book a trip by e-mailing us at enquiry@explorehimalaya.com or by phone: 977-1-4418100.
I have had a very good time. We will definitely use the services of Explore Himalaya again.
We work with the motto "Tourism for Development". Explore Himalaya Community Service Project was conceived to empower underprivileged segments of Nepal.