Poonhill Trek – 9 Days
One of Nepal’s most classic short treks, this route takes you to the foot of some of the tallest mountains in the world. Along the way, you’ll spend the nights in Gurkha & Magar villages, in the lap of the Himalayas.
In some ways, the Poonhill Trek is a less-intense version of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek but can be done in a shorter amount of time. The route ascends a river valley that gradually narrows before opening up into an amphitheater of mountains. While other treks circle around the mountains or take you to panoramic viewpoints, this trek is more about getting to the base of these great Himalayan peaks.
This 9 Days Itinerary is an easy paced trek, who wish to spend time in the mountains. For shorter durations, it is possible to do the 8 Days Poonhill Trek programs.
For those with interest in white water rafting, a good experience is to add Trishuli Day rafting on Day 02. Family Groups love to visit Chitwan National Park to see the wildlife, after their treks too.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 01 : Welcome to Kathmandu
- Day 02 : Drive to Nayapul. Trek to Birethanti
- Day 03 : Trek to Banthanti
- Day 04 : Trek to Ghorepani (2850m)
- Day 05 : Visit Poonhill & Trek to Tadapani (2600m)
- Day 06 : Trek to Kimche. Drive to Pokhara (900m)
- Day 07 : Pokhara - Free Day for exploration
- Day 08 : Kathmandu
- Day 09 : Depart Kathmandu
Upon arrival, you will be met by our staff and transferred to hotel. Check into your hotel rooms. The rest of the day is free for self excursion around Thamel or trek preparation. Hotel - Meals: None
This morning, start early and you take a tourist bus to Pokhara. Your total drive to the trek start point will be 8-9hrs. Upon arrival at Nayapul, enjoy a short hike (30 min) to Birethanti, your night’s stay. Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your first full day of trekking in the foothills of the Himlayas is a wonderful exploration of the forests, villages & farmlands of Nepal. Walk to the village of Banthanti. (6 hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The ascent from Ghandrung rises slowly to the village of Ghorepani. At the end of the ridge you will enter through the densely populated forest area. From here the forest becomes denser, move on the path with stone steps and you will reach the village of Ghorepani (4-5 hours walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If the weather is favorable in the morning, then we will do the excursion of Poonhill at 5am. To reach Poonhill, it takes an hour's walk from Ghorepani. From here, you will have a wider view of the Himalayan range. From the east to the west, Machhapuchhare (69932m), Hiunchuli, Annapurna South Peak and Annapurna I (8091m) form the snow-covered main ridgeline. To the left, Nilgiri (7061m) looks like it is rising from the Kali Gandaki River. In front of you, you can see the imposing Dhaulagiri I (8167m). It is accompanied by Tukuche Peak (6920m) on its right. On its left stand Dhaulagiri II to V and Putha Hiunchuli (7246m). Upon returning to Ghorepani, take a short rest and head eastwards to the village of Tadapani (6hrs walk) Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The walk to Kimche becomes gentle in comparison to the previous day. Walk through the forest trails & stone steps and you will reach the lower village of Kimche (4-5 hours walk), a large Gurkha village nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Here, you will be met by your vehicle and drive to Pokhara. (4hrs drive). Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and bid goodbye to your trekking team. Hotel - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Pokhara is known as the adventure capital on Nepal. Here, for the adventurous, there are several activities that can be done in the vicinity of the lakeside area. Some of the popular activities are: Paragliding, Boating on Phewa Lake, Mountain biking, Bungee, Ziplining & Ultra light flight to see the mountains. Or guests can choose to rest & enjoy the ambiance in the lap of the himalayas.
Hotel - Meals: Breakfast
Drive back to Kathmandu via tourist bus (7hr). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest & shopping. Hotel - Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Meals: Breakfast
