Annapurna Panorama Trek itinerary is specially designed for the trekkers who prefers short and beautiful trek, especially with their family and kids in the rural mountainside with up-close Himalayan views. This trek is also known as Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.This trek provides some of the best views of the Himalayas especially from Poon Hill which is regard as the best viewpoint in the Annapurna Region by many trekkers and it is one of the most beautiful viewpoints that exist on this earth. The panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Manaslu (8157m) and other numerous mountains along the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki from Poon Hill is one of the trip highlights of Annapurna Panorama Trek.
Trip Duration | 11 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu |
Trekking destination | Poon Hill (3210m) |
Trip Grade | Easy |
Activities | Trekking & cultural sightseeing tours in Kathmandu |
Best Seasons | Best Seasons:Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring (March to May) |
Accommodations | 10 Breakfasts, 08 Lunches & 06 Dinners< |
Meals | 15 Breakfast, 12 Lunches & 12 dinners |
Trip Starts/Ends: | Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal) |
Transportation | Private vehicle / Tourist Bus |
Arrive Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our representative. Please look for signage of Natraj Trekking with your name once you come out of Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your luggage. You will be escorted by our representative to the hotel
Welcome to Kathmandu, capital of the ancient Mountain Kingdom of Nepal, has the air of a medieval city with a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces.
Upon arrival at the hotel, guest will be provided welcome drinks along with the room key.In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at a traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with the Nepali fine meal.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Dinner
After breakfast and a trek briefing, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of the city. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Interesting things for visitors to see are Taleju temple, gigantic figure of Kalbhairav (the god of destruction), Basantapur Durbar, and Temple of Kumari (living goddess)
This afternoon we will then have an opportunity to visit a local hire shop to pick up any last minute equipment still needed.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Deluxe Tourist Bus (Approx 200km- 7 hrs drive) including lunch on the way
After an early breakfast, today, we drive along the Trisuli and Marshyangdi River to reach Pokhara; we will see the beautiful river view and the view of great mountains of Ganesh Himala and Mount Manaslu.
Upon arrival at Pokhara, you will check in at your hotel.
Late afternoon, we will organize one hour boat ride at Phewa Lake including visit of Barahi Temple
Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the country, is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. We organize one hour boat ride across the lake to visit the island temple (Barahi Temple) in its middle. The Barahi Temple is the most important monument in Pokhara; Built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector deity representing the female force Shakti.
Free time or walking around lakeside market
Lakeside, the eastern shore of Phewa Lake, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Drive to Kande (Approx 1 hour drive) and trek to Landruk via Australian Camp – About 5 ½ hrs walking
After breakfast, you will drive to Kande in a private vehicle from where we begin our trek approx one hour climb to Australian Camp that takes us through a landscape of terraced fields and forests and affords some stunning views out across the central Himalayas.
Leaving Australian Camp, then, we will have trek involves a relatively easy hike along the ridge-line to the Gurung village of Landruk. Landruk lies along the trekking route to Annapurna Base Camp and is famed for its honey hunting festival, where intrepid harvesters climb bamboo ladders and dangle precariously from ropes to gather the honeycomb from the sheer cliff faces. Surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery of the entire journey, the village lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area and provides us with one of the visual highlights of the trek.
Overnight at the local lodge (teahouse) in Landruk
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
From Landruk, the trail makes a step descent through terraced fields to Modi River. Crossing the river on a suspension bridge, the train climbs all the way to Ghandruk. Situated at 1970 meters, Ghandruk, the second largest Gurung village is one of the most beautiful villages of Nepal. Ghandruk is wonderfully confusing cluster of closely spaced, slate roofed houses nestling between terraced fields of wheat and barley. We arrive at Ghandruk for lunch. After lunch we tour the village and visit a local Gurung museum.
Overnight at the local lodge (teahouse) in Ghandruk
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani -About 4 ½ hrs walking
All uphill today, the trail showcases rich rhododendron forests, gloriously cascading sparkling mountain streams and other mystical vistas of nature. After continuously climbing for 4 ½ hours, we finally reach the village of Tadapani. Tadapani offers magnificent mountain views of the overpowering peaks of Annapurna South.
Overnight at the local lodge (teahouse) in Tadapani
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani–About 6½hrs walking
To start with the trail descends for a while and a steep 20 mins climb to a small tea house in the clearing. From here its undulating till you reach Banthanti 2520m. Banthanthi is a good place for a tea stop as from here it’s a steep approx 2 hrs walk to Deurali. From Deurali the trial ascends gently through the forest for 20mins till you see the Dhaulagiri range and Nilgiri Himal. Its one of the best walk on this trip coz on a clear day the views from the ridge is just breath taking. The path then descends to Ghorepani as you can see the blue roofed houses of Ghorepani
Overnight at the local lodge (teahouse) in Ghorepani
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Early walk from Ghorepani to Poon Hill for sunrise over the Himalayas (it will be an approx 45 min walking) and return back to Ghorepani will take approx 30 minutes
Especially during the autumn, we recommend that guest should take warm jackets, gloves, hats and torch. Best sky colors are before the sunrise so its better to get to the top 20/30mins before the sunrise. Sunrise is spectacular on a clear day. You can see the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Ranges and many more. Come back down to Ghorepani for breakfast and packing up. Its down hill all the way in through the woods to Ulleri via Nangethanti and Banthanti. Lunch at Nangethanthi or Ulleri (depending on what time you left Ghorepani) and after lunch its a very steep descend of approx 3600 steps to Tikhedhunga for overnight.
Overnight at the local lodge (teahouse) in Tirkhedunga
Meals include: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trek to Nayapul & drive back to Pokhara
Overnight at the hotel
Trek from Tirkhedunga to Nayapul (about 4½ hrs walking) and drive from Nayapul to Pokhara (about 1 hour driving)
It’s an easy walk following the river to Birethanthi where you can stop for tea stop and then cross the river and it is 30 mins to Nayapul where you finish your trek. Today you’ll be walking along the River Burundi so there is a very good chance of seeing lots of aquatic birds including 3 species of Kingfishers, wagtails, forktail, thrushes, Brown dippers and the river chats.
From here we then continue to follow the Modi River towards Nayapul, where we rejoin our vehicle for the hour and a half drive on to Pokhara, on the banks of Phewa Tal Lake. Nepal’s second largest town, Pokhara is more relaxed than Kathmandu and its beautiful lakeside setting, beneath the imposing shadow of the stunning Annapurna makes it the perfect ending for our trek, with only the foothills separating the town from the high mountain landscapes of the snow-capped Annapurna.
Meals include: Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel
Drive back to Kathmandu (approx 7 hrs drive) by Deluxe Tourist Bus including lunch on the way
Leaving Pokhara we take the Prithvi Highway originally constructed by the Chinese in 1975. We drive initially through mostly Brahmin and Chhetri villages, distinguished by their ochre coloured houses. We soon leave the flat Seti Valley behind though and then cross the Madi Khola near Damauli, where there may be good views of the Annapurnas to the north up the valley. We’ll pass the Marsyangdi hydroelectric project and soon afterwards the town of Mugling, at the confluence of the Marsyangdi and Trisuli rivers. The road starts to climb once we reach Naubise, and reaches a pass on the Kathmandu Valley rim via a series of breathtaking zigzags, from where we complete the journey back to the Nepalese capital. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, recheck in at the hotel.
Alternatively you may choose to take optional 25 minutes flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (The extra cost of flight will be USD 99 per person (this cost includes airfare and transportation in Pokhara and Kathmandu)
You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or if you prefer you may celebrate dinner together with our trekking guide.
Overnight at the hotel
Meals include: Breakfast&lunch
Optional Tour – Mountain flight
In the morning there is the opportunity to take a flight to Everest. Mountain flight appeals to all categories of travelers. For those who are restricted by time or other considerations from going trekking, these flights offer a panoramic view of the Himalaya in just one hour. Even those visitors who like the rigors of a trek still don’t miss the opportunity to “conquer” the mountains in one fell swoop.
Mountain flight in Nepal is to be “Once in a life time experience”
Note: If your international flight from Kathmandu in the morning, this tour can be organized on day 02.
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you`ll be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya of Nepal again.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Natraj Trekking will transfer you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal
Meals included: Breakfast
The cost of optional Everest flight will be USD 185 per person (cost includes airfare, roundtrip transfers and domestic departure tax)
Transport, Entrance Fee, Guide, etc
Accommodations
Trekking Portion
The above rates are valid till December 31, 2013
Note: The price does not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees. Any large tax hikes and new levies shall be payable extra and shall be billed accordingly with prior notice.
The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we suggest that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable. You can find variety of these gears to hire or buy in Kathmandu.
Please remember that at the start of the trek, apart from your day pack, your luggage that will be carried by porters should have weight limitation of approximately 12 kg.
Head
Clothing
Footwear
Toiletries
Miscellaneous
Other equipments
Annapurna Panorama Trek is graded as Easy Trek and suitable for all walkers who have the capability to walk 4-5 hours a day with a light day pack. Some days, you may even need to walk more than above. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior of the trip is a good idea to improve your strength and stability. No technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform Natraj Trekking before booking the trek.
Our accommodation whilst on trek on twin room sharing basis in a simple locally run lodges, known as teahouses and it’s a great pleasure to support these small local businesses. Rooms are simply furnished with just a bed and occasionally a small table. You will need to bring a sleeping bag. Only few lodges have attached toilet during the trek (we will try to provide attached toilets where available during trek). However, please note, normally washing and toilet facilities are shared and may be in a separate part of the teahouse or outside. It’s great to enjoy the company of your fellow travellers and share a tale with other trekkers in the evening in the dining area.
If you are a solo traveler, you will share a room with someone else of same sex of your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single rooms on request by paying extra as indicated on cost section. But, you need to understand that in teahouses/lodges of higher elevation area single room is not always possible. We guarantee single room in Kathmandu, Pokhara and during trek in lower elevation areas but towards higher elevation single room is may not be always possible, although we try our best to provide you with single room.
On this trek we provide standard breakfast, lunch and dinner, tea or coffee will also be included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodge and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water (extra cost to be paid) and treat with water purification pills.
During the trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 kg. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel’s safekeeping. You may also leave your extra things at your hotel which is not required for your trek in your main luggage. Please note that we will provide complimentary kit bag for you before your trek starts so that you can pack all your necessary things.
On tea house trek you will be accompanied by a team of local crew whose aim is to make the trek as comfortable and enjoyable as much possible. The crew consists of a trek guide/leader and a team of porters to carry all your gear. On average, there will be a ratio of one porter to every two trekkers.
The most important thing that makes your Trek successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek guide and the crew members with ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by experienced trek guide. All of our trekking guides/leaders are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personal aptitude.
Each morning after packing our bags and having a good 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 heading off to bed for a well-earned sleep.
On this trek breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided during your trek. 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).
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a ‘meeting and greeting’ service at the Kathmandu Airport. You just pass through the Customs and come out of the Arrival Terminal Hall after collecting your baggage where you will see our representative /guide standing with a placard that states Natraj Trekking’ with your own name.
Autumn (mid Sept to mid Dec) and Spring (March to May) are the best seasons for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The weather is sunny and warm, with outstanding views but the nights are cold and can fall to freezing. Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) is also good for Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, only colder (obviously). The trekking routes are crowded during spring and autumn but during winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather best of nature. However, please note, there may be snowfall / avalanches during the winter.
Depending on the prevailing situation, itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your trek 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 remotest 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.
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, Bhrikutimandap, 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.
If you are obtaining Nepal Visa upon arrival (please note that some of nationalities cannot get visa upon arrival), please be noted that Nepal Visa Application Form can be received through us by e-mail. Two passport size photo graphs are required and following visa fee to be paid at the airport as per your stay in Nepal
Visa Facility Duration Fee
Note: Please note that visa fees and rules are subject to change.
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses 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 in Kathmandu.
It is recommended of joining any of Natraj Trekking trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we do not arrange or sell insurance. Altitude 4130m to be covered by Insurance Company
Natraj Trekking is the one of the leading and oldest trekking agency in Nepal since 1967. We organize Tibet, Bhutan & India tour as well. We excel in this field because we genuinely love what we do and are committed to providing you with the best services as we commit you.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
The beautiful environment of the Himalayas is also an extremely fragile one. At Natraj Trekking, we are extremely conscious about the environment and aim to minimize the detrimental impact on the environment as much as possible.
CARE FOR PORTERS AND STAFFS
We make sure that all porters and all other staff climbing in high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We also ensure that the porters we hire are insured. We run the trek according to the guidelines of the International Porter Protection group (IPPG- www.ippg.net).
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships.
TIPPING
Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ for good service. Tips do not form part of the wages of your guides, porters and trek crew but they are very much appreciated. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. Normally the tips are given at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Most groups will give the tips with a bit of ceremony (or sometimes a party) on the last evening, to mark the end of the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work.