Annapurna Circuit trek with Ghorepani/Poonhill is the recently commenced community base trail in Nepal. This route passes through the traditional Gurung and Sherpa villages, Glaciers, waterfalls, Suspension bridges and destinations as Ghorepani Poon Hill.
This trek encompasses various natural and artistic attractions of Nepal. Once you leave Kathmandu, the trail moves closer to the Himalayas. Moving a little high we make our final preparations to cross Thorong La pass. Paving our way through the tranquil snow we come in harmony with nature.
It’s an off beaten track where we can observe Annapurna I 8091m, Mount Dhaulagiri 8167m, Mt. Fishtail / Mt. Machhapuchhre 6998m, Annapurna south 7219m, Mt. Nilgiri 7041m, Annapurna II 7939m, Annapurna III 7555m, Mt. Lamjung Himal 6988m, e.t.c.
During the trek, you can enjoy the magnificent mountain views from Poon Hill (3,210 m), which is also the highest point of the trek. Poonhill, often called the photographer’s point provides a fabulous panoramic view of the whole Annapurna Massif.
Annapurna Circuit trek with Ghorepani/Poonhill takes us through the Magar and Gurung village that lies right on the Great Himalaya Lower Trail. Also, the tea house control by the local community where the whole village can be benefited from your visit.
Highlights
•Scenic drive to Pokhara
•Stay at community made tea house where one can experience a home-like environment and encounters with the various cultures
•Panoramic view from Kopra ridge
•Incredible view of Mt Annapurna range and Mt Dhaulagiri,
•Walking through the rhododendron and pine forest
•Visit Ghandruk village and Gurung museum
•Witness beautiful sunrise view from Poon Hill
Where to meet
We will meet upon your arrival at Kathmandu at Tribhuwan International Airport.
Itinerary:
Day 01 – Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport
Upon your arrival at TIA, our representative picks you from the Airport and transfers you to the hotel.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 02- City tour and preparation for the trek (1,400 m)
Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is a home for different cultural heritages and traditional spots. During your stay at Kathmandu, we will visit Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath. Pashupatinath is a famous Hindu pilgrimage which is the temple of Lord Shiva while Bouddhanath is the biggest monastery in Nepal.
We can spend the rest of the day shopping around Thamel and preparing for the trek.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 03 – Kathmandu to Beshishaar in a bus Beshishaar to Dharapani in a Jeep (1860m) – 7 to 8 hours of ride
Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishaar along the Trishuli River and Marsyangi River takes about 5/6 hours. During the journey, you can enjoy the view of suspension bridges above the Rivers, hills in the opposite side and few settlements along the highway. Then we drive to Dharapani in a local Jeep. The route to Dharapani is rough, so it’s a bumpy ride.
Overnight in Dharapani
Day 04 – Dharapani to Chame (2630m) – 5 to 6 hours of walk
The journey continues to Chame at 2630m. Along the way, you encounter a stone entrance Chorten that is typical of the Tibetan influenced villages. Then you visit the Bagarchhap (2160m) that has typical flat-roofed stone houses. The trail then climbs along rough and rocky way to Tyanja at 2360m, and then to Kopar at 2590m. Then we will crash at Chame, is the headquarters of the Manang district.
Overnight in Chame
Day 05 – Chame to Pisang (3300m) – 5 to 6 hours of walk
The day commences with a walk through the deep forest into a narrow valley. We cross a river on a long suspension bridge at 2910m and another one at 3040m. Then the glimpse of the soaring Paungda Danda rock clears up. From there the trail leads to Pisang.
Overnight in Pisang
Day 06 – Pisang to Manang (3570m) – 6 to 7 hours of walk
We will continue through the upper part of the Manang. Manang district from Nepal experiences the cut off from full effect of the monsoon. People here raise crops and herd yaks for some months of the year and get involved in trading for other months. Leaving Pisang, we take an alternate trail that lies north and south of the Marsyangdi which take us to Mungji. The southern route by Hongde involves less climbing than from the northern route via Ghyaru. From Mungji, the trail takes us to partially hidden village of Bryanga (3475m) before we reach to Manang at 3500m.
Overnight in Manang
Day 07 – Manang – Acclimatization day (3570m)
We spend a relaxing day to acclimatizing our body to increasing altitude in Manang. We will spend the day by doing some easy walks and overviewing the stunning views around the village. If you wish to walk, we can explore the Ice lake as well.
Overnight in Manang
Day 08: Trek to Yak kharka (4,110m) – 6 to 7 hours of walk
Today is a long hiking day. We will begin the hike early morning, and after 5/6 hours of walk, we will get to Yakkharka. The trail is steep upwards and downwards.
Overnight in Yak Kharka
Day 09 – Yakkharka to Thorong Phedi (4,600m) – 5 to 6 hours of walk
After leaving, Yakkharka the trail makes 2000m ascent to the Thorong La pass. Leaving Marshyangdi Valley, we climb through Tenki. After crossing Jarsang Khola Valley, we reach Thorong Phedi at 4450 m where we see the vegetations more sparse.
Overnight in Phedi
Day 10 – Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m)- 5 to 6 hours of walk
The journey from Phedi i.e foot of Thorong La pass begins with a steep climb. Sometimes, the snow may add to the issues. The prayer flags and Chortens marks about 4 hours climb to the pass. As we reach the top, we are rewarded by the magnificent view from the top.
Overnight in Muktinath
Day 11: Drive to Tatopani (1190m) – 5 to 6 hours of walk
From Muktinath, we will drive to Totopani. The drive takes only a couple of hours in the rough, narrow road. We will have rest for the remaining day and enjoy the view of Mountain ranges from Tatopani.
Overnight in Tatopani
Day 12: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2850m) – 5 to 6 hours of walk
We wake up early in the morning and have our breakfast. Then we walk slowly to Ghorepani. The journey is about 5 hours of walks through the narrow route. Ghorepani is a beautiful settlement which looks in the foothill of Poonhill.
Overnight in Ghorepani
Day 13- Trek to Ulleri and drive to Pokhara: 3 to 4 hours of walk
We wake up early in the morning and hike for an hour to enjoy the sunrise view in Poonhill (3210m). The panorama view of Himalayan ranges looks stunning from Poonhill. We will then hike down to Ghorepani and have breakfast. We will then walk for a few hours before we reach Ulleri and then drive to Pokhara in a jeep. The road is rough at the beginning, but it gradually gets easier and smoother.
Overnight in Pokhara
Day 14 – Drive back to Kathmandu
We will either fly or drive to Kathmandu after breakfast in Pokhara.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 15 – Farewell
Trip Includes
• Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
• twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
• One full-day guided city tour by private vehicle in Kathmandu
• Trekking permits like TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ANCAP)
• Transportation by Tourist Bus/public bus/local jeep/private car
• Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), during the trek
• Accommodation during the trek (Lodge/Tea House)
• Safe drinking water (Medicated), during the trek
• Seasonal fresh fruits (during the trek only) after dinner.
• Government-licensed, experienced, knowledgeable, well-trained, English-speaking guide and his entire expenses
• Farewell dinner.
• Porter and his entire expenses (One porter for every 2 trekkers)
• Insurance of Guide and Porter
• All required Government and local taxes
• Down jackets and sleeping bags (if required)
• First Aid service (Basic)