Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
TIA - Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Note: If you happen to arrive after 4 pm you would be briefed about the trip by our guide, this will be the pre-trip meeting for you, so please make sure that you ask all the questions. But if you arrive earlier than 4 pm, your pre-trip meeting would be on that very day at our office. During the meeting, we will introduce your trek leader/guide. For the meeting, please make sure you bring the passport, three copies of passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer.
Guided Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley
Pashupatinath Temple - Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Though you are not allowed to go inside the temple as it is strictly for Hindus only, you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is a square two-tiered pagoda temple built on a single-tier plinth which is famous all over the world.
Boudhanath Stupa - Boudhananath is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. It was built in the 5th century with four pairs of eyes of Lord Buddha in four cardinal directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings. You will find Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet going round the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the Royal Residential Quarter of Bhupatindra Malla, famous five-storied temple of Nyatapola in Pagoda style Batsala temple, Bhairavnath temple, Duttatraya temple, Pujari Muth and Palace of 55 windows.
Drive to Pokhara (900 m) in a Tourist Bus - 7 hours
Pokhara - Our trekking staff will pick you up at the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30 am. A beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, Pokhara is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our trek.
Drive to Nayapul (1,010 m) and Trek to Tikhedunga (1,570 m) - 4 hours
Naya Pul - We begin our trek at Nayapul after a hour drive on a private vehicle from Pokhara. After a short 15-minute walk along the banks of the Modi Khola, we reach Birethanti (1,015 m), a large village with many shops and teahouses. From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The trail climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille at 1,495 m. After a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga at 1,570 m. Today’s walk is relatively short and easy, a prelude to the trekking experience in the Annapurna region.
Trek to Ghorepani (2,840 m) - 5 hours
Ghode Pani - We move on towards the steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at an altitude of 2,070 m. The trail ascends more gently from this point, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons, towards Banthanti at 2,250 m. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2,460 m. After an hour walk we arrive at Ghorepani (2,840 m).
Hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and Trek to Tadapani (2,610 m) - 7 hours
Poon Hill - Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210 m, a brilliant mountain range spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas. There we spend about 1 hour and returning to Ghorepani, we take a hot breakfast. Then we make a climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests, towards Deurali (2,960 m). After that, we descend to the Banthanti, then turn off to Tadapani.
Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m) - 4 hours
Ghandruk - From Tadapani the trail descends through forests to Ghandruk, a village of Gurung people, one of the ethnic groups of Nepal. They have their own dialect, culture, costume, and lifestyle. Ghandruk is also home to many Gurkha soldiers. It is a famous destination for trekkers as it is known for its beautiful mountain views and also because it is within easy reach from Pokhara and Kathmandu. We have the afternoon to visit Annapurna Conservation Office and museums and explore the village.
Trek to Nayapul (1,010 m) and Drive to Pokhara - 5 hours
Naya Pul - Today, we are going to end our trek at Nayapul followed by a short drive back to Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, you can have a relaxing afternoon and take some stroll around the lake side.
Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,400 m) - 7 hours
Kathmandu - We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning.
If you are interested in extending the trip, there are many options such as Chitwan jungle safari, river rafting adventure, Kathmandu shopping tour, mountain biking and other activities.
In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances.
Transfer to the International Airport for Your Final Departure
TIA - The trip concludes today. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
- Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Twin-share room in three-star hotels with breakfast in Kathmandu (3 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights)
- Airport/Hotel transfers by private tourist vehicle
- Porter service during the trek (one porter for every two guests)
- Annapurna Conservation Park and TIMS trekking permits
- All staff expenses covered including food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine
- Government taxes, VAT, and tourist service charges included
- Complimentary Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag and sun hat
- Transportation: Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and private vehicle between Pokhara and Nayapul
- Sightseeing and monument entrance fees in Kathmandu
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu valley by private tourist vehicle
- Guesthouse accommodation during the trek (4 nights)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Nepal entry visa
- Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected.)
- Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section
The Annapurna Himalayan (Ghorepani and Poon Hill) Trek starts and ends in Pokhara; a colourful foray into the Annapurna region. The trail winds through patchwork valleys, dense mossy forests and past icy waterfalls where you can stop to cool your face. Around every corner is a tantalizing glimpse of the high mountains, whole horizons of which will be revealed to you as you reach the high points of your trek. Trekking to the view point at Poon Hill offers you unobstructed mountain views.
An easy trek in the spectacular mountain scenery through charming villages inhabited by Gurungs, Magars and other ethnic groups, dense rhododendron forests full of birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, all set below the Annapurnas with the picturesque peak of Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail Peak) dominating the skyline.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
