Nepal » Trekking in Nepal » Annapurna Region »Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking

Day 01: KATHMANDU TO POKHARA:
There are two alternative tours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. The flight to Pokhara airport takes 30 minutes while the road journey takes about 5 to 6 hours. Local buses and micro buses are available at Kathmandu while luxurious tourist coaches leave to Pokhara t 7 am every morning from Kathmandu Kantipath. There is no shortage of hotels or lodges in Pokhara. One can shoose from simple lodges to five star hotels in Pokhara from accommodation. After reaching Pokhara, it is better to shop for a while for the trek. You can find all the necessary items for the trek at Pokhara's Lakeside. It would help a lot if you plan for the next day the same evening. The road distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara is about 200 km.

Day 02: POKHARA TO GHANDRUK TREK:
The first day of trek from Pokhara is full of fun and cheer for the treks as the prospect of trekking to the world famous Poonhill is an exciting proposition in itself. The trek starts from Nayapul which serves as the gateway to the trek. It takes 2 hours on bus and 1 hour on taxi to reach Nayapul from Pokhara. However, some tourist even shoose to arrive here directly from Kathmandu. Likewise, there is also an alternative route starting from Fedi some 20 km away from Pokhara that leads to Ghandruk passing through Pothana and Landruk. The altitude of Nayapul is 1070m while that of Ghandruk is 2000m. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach Ghandruk from Nayapul, walking along the banks of Modi Khola. The montain ranges, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna II and Machhapurchhre, can be observed from Ghandruk. There are enough restaurants and eateries on the way to take meals during the trek. Just over a dozen lodges are in operation in Ghandruk that provide both accommodation and food.

Day 03: GHANDRUK TO TADAPANI TREK:
It is better to set off on the journey right after the breakfast. After returning from viewing the sunrise and the mountains. Tadapani also has a huge potential to attract tourist. With an altitude of 2650m Tadapani is also famous for viewing the sunrise. An uphill climb from Ghandruk that cuts across the amber green wilderness takes to Tadapani within 4 to 5 hours. There are 7 lodges in Tadapani that provide accommodation and food to tourist . The number of mountain peaks visible from Tadapani is more than Ghandruk. The environment is clean and quiet due to the location surrounded by wilderness. It is quite cold in the winter and snows heavily during the coldest period of the season. Mountain ranges, including the magnificient Annapurna South, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna II, Machhapurchhre, Lamjung and Ganesh Himal rages could be observed from here. A walk through Sikryu and Bhainsi Kharka cutting across dense forests takes to Tadapani from Ghandruk. Although the route is frequented by trekkers, a lone journey is not considered safe, thus not advised.

Day 04: TADAPANI TO GHOREPANI TREK:
Ghorepani at an altitude of 2874m is located at the base of the famous Poonhill. It is suitable to start the walk to Ghorepani after observing the morning view of the mountains at Tadapani. A 5 to 6 hour uphill trek from Tadapani takes to Ghorepani. The path ascends till the pass at Deurali 3100m in altitude, followed by a gradual descent that ends at Ghorepani. Ghorepani is famous for its natural beauty and unmatched view of the mountains. The memory of trip to Ghorepani characterized by the exquisite natural beauty and walk through the dense forest lasts for ever. Deurali is a suitable place to take lunch during the day. The Gurung Hill located near Deurali is also know for observing the beauty of the surrounding environment. Some even compare Gurunghill with Poonhill. There are 3 lodges operating at Deurali that offers both accommodation and food. Deurali is also the border between Myagdi and Kaski district. It is colder in Ghorepani then Tadapani. But the dinning rooms of all the lodges in Ghorepani are provided with fireplaces that keep the trekkers warm, a facility not available in Tadapani. Some 17 -18 lodges provide accommodation at Ghorepani. It is also possible to travel to Jomsomfrom Ghorepani.

Day 05: POONHILL EXCURSION:
Poonhill's fame is spread around the world as an ideal place to get lost in the wonders of the nature. Poonhill lying in the Ghara Village of Myagdi disctrict at a 3210m altitude is a favourite place for tourist from both in and out of Nepal. A series of mightly Himalayan peaks including he Gurja Peak, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Dhampus peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Gangapurna and Machhapurchhre stand tall extending from one side to another. The lights of the sun illuminate thse montains with such spendor that is beyond anyone's wildest imagination. Poonhill is also famous for its assortment of natural diversity, the traditional culture of the native Magar communtity and the numerous species of flora and fauna. The period between September to March is regarded appropriate for a visit to Poonhill. The row of maountai peaks is covered entirly with snow during this part of the year and the view allures anyone. Poonhill is actually just a hilltop near Ghorepani and there is a wide open ground on top of the hillock. A view tower has also been sonstructed at the middle of the plateau. Toursits climb the hillslope in droves in the wee hours of the mornig to reach the top before the firest light hits the earth. They pack the hilltop in anticipation of the first rays of sunlight that turn the yonder mountainranges into the fabulous golden color. Tourist push and shove each other in the crowed for an opportunity to capture the spledid scenery on their cameras. It is very cold on top of the hillock but the tourist seem to ignore the cold and the stroung breeze while taking photographs of the radiant mountains. The hustle and bustle of the crowd suddenly stops and an eeric silence befalls the crowd of tourist just as the first rays of sunlight hits the mountains. A sudden chatter of clicking camera shutters then takes over as an undeclared competition kicks off amoung the onlookers to capture the best shot of the sunrise. Tourists who had never met each other previously begin to share their views and exclamation with enthusiasm when the magic of the moment begins to previal. There are innumerable instances of unknown tourist beginning lasting friendship during these breif moments of ectacy anbd glory. Those in a hurry return back after the day break while many choose to stay there until their thirst for beauty is satisfied.

Day 06: GHOREPANI TO POKHARA TREK:
The trek to Poonhill ends with the walk from Ghorepani to Pokhara. The last phase of the journey involves longer walk than the previous ones. One has to walk hard for 8 to 10 hours in order to reach Pokhara in one day from Ghorepani. Otherwise, it is better to spend a night at Ulleri or Tikhedunga and take a rest. There is however no need to climb up anywhere aling the walk from Ghorepani to Nayapool. But the steep slope from Banthanti to Tikhedunga is frightening to some. One should climb down the slope slowly as walking fast downhill hurts the legs. To reach Nayapool from Ghorepani one has to walk past Ulleri, Banthanti, Tikhedunga, Hille Bazzar, Birethanti and from there take a cab or public bus vehicle to Pokhara