This trek is designed as an add on to the Kathmandu-Ghorka- Pokhara Ride. Pokhrara is the gateway to Annapurna, and it’d be a shame not to trek the circuit, or opt for at least a slice of it.
Annapurna from Poon Hill.
Highlights
- Pokhara’s Lake Phewa and the reflections of Fishtail in its tranquil waters.
- Terraced farms and Hillsides covered in Rhododendrons.
- The famous Poon Hill Panorama including Dhaulagiri 8167m, Annapurna 8091m, Fishtail / Machhapuchhre 6998m, Nilgiri 7041m, Annapurna south 7219m, Annapurna II 7939m, Annapurna III 7555m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Lamjung Himal 6988m
- Gurung and Magar Villages and the wonderful tea-house hospitality along the trail.
- Soaking your muscles in Tatopani Hot Springs
- Dhampus Village, a famous Gurung villages on the trail.
Pick up point is your hotel in Pokhara
Cost: USD 399 – 499 per person
Trip length 4 days / 3 nights
Min 2 (499 pp) Max 12 (USD 399 pp)
Single supplement USD 89
March and April see the landscape transform with the flowering of the brilliant crimson Rhododendrons.
Watch the sun rise from Poon Hill over the best view of the high Himalaya in Western Nepal.
Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre – the iconic fishtail peak – are revered peaks and your companions for this trek. Late March and early April is springtime in Nepal. Between Ghorepani and Gandruk, the hills are crimson with Rhododendrons. Hike through ancient forests into the terraced hillside farmlands of the Gurung and Chhetri people and enjoy the tea house hospitality of the Western Himalaya.
Alive with a very rich and hands-on farming culture in the valleys between these stunning mountain ranges, the Annapurna circuit is consistently listed as one of the worlds best walks. The entire circuit takes about 14 days to walk, with many variations such as the trek to Annapurna Base Camp.
We have taken just a slice, but one with stunning mountain vistas, rich and luscious Rhododendron forests, hots springs and charming Gurung villages. Whilst still challenging – on the scale of Nepal trekking, this is a relatively easy trek with basic but comfortable accommodation in tea houses along the way.
Gurung women on the trail to Gandrung.
On a typical day, you will pack your duffle bag for the porters to set off before breakfast, hitting the trail at around 8 am, breaking at noon for two 2 hours, allowing time to explore the village or siesta, if thats your style. The afternoon walk is shorter. Check in to your tea house accommodation at around 4pm leaving time to explore the villages, nearby monasteries, or relaxing with a book.
Trekking out of Gandruk with Fishtail in the background.
Itinerary
Day 01 Drive Pokhara to Tirkhedhunga (1540m) 2.5hr drive, 6 hrs trek to Ghorepani (2987m, 6 hrs)
Day 02 Morning trek to Poonhill (3190m, 1 hr) then hike to Tadapani (2600m, 4hrs)
Day 03 Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m, 2.5 hrs)
Day 04 Gandruk to Dhampus (1640m, 6 hrs) Drive to Pokhara (915m 2hr drive)
Into the forest. Anchient Rhodendrons.
Includes
Transportation from Pokhara to start of trek and back
3 Nights Twin Share Accommodation whilst on trek.
English speaking trekking guide while on trek
Asst. guide while on trek
Porters to carry luggage
National park permits
Does not include
Meals
Flights
Travel insurance
Emergency evacuation
Tips and gratuities
Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Bike Aways or our partners.
Contact bruce@bikeaways.com to book
Getting There and Away
- Arrive by Bike via Ghorka on our Kathmandu to Pokhara Bike Ride.
- Pokhara is a 50 minute flight from Kathmandu.
Tickets cost USD124 each way, and there are relatively flights throughout the day. - Catch a tourist bus for nine scary hours down the Privthi Highway. Its cheap but much scarier than flying.
Kathmandu is an exciting airport to fly into. If you have a day flight. Sit on the right side of the plane going in for stunning views of the Himalaya from Kanchenjunga and Everest in the East and to the Central Himalayas around Kathmandu.
Dragon Air has five flights a week from Hong Kong to Kathmandu ( Sun, Tue, wed, Fri, Sat) departing HKG at 17.35 and arriving in Kathmandu at 10 pm the same evening.
This is brilliant for those trying to minimise time off work. The return flight departs from kathmandu at 11pm and lands in HKG the following day at 5 am in the morning. Return Ticket prices average out at HKD 5800.
Thai Airways departs from Bangkok at 10.30 am and arrives in Kathmandu at 12.45pm (seven days a week). The return flight is at 13.30 pm arriving in Bangkok at 18.30 ( 3.5 house flight). This flight is usually around THB 15500 ( 450 USD). The tickets are very flexible and you fly in the day light hours – brilliant for viewing the Himalayas ( book your seat for right side in and left side out).
Malaysian Airlines are cheaper still if you are arriving from the South East Asia or Australia.
Air China flies via Lhasa. We have good connections in Lhasa for travel and can organise a fantastic three day Lhasa trip (with permits) for those who are flying from Beijing. It would be a pity not to stop if you are crossing over the top anyway!
Photos
Gandruk , also known as Gandrunk is a traditional Gurung village and a popular stop on the Annapurna circuit.
Marigolds are a sacred flower in Nepal and used on a daily basis for prayer and other rituals.
Gurung women on the trail to Gandrung.
marigolds are woven around handmade hemp rope for a Festival in Swantai Village.
Ghorepani, cross roads on the ancient Pokhara to Tibet salt trading route, is now a popular stop on the Annapuna Circuit.
Sunrise is the event at Poon Hill, one of the best panoramas in the Western Himalaya.
Contact bruce@bikeaways.com to book