After a quick breakfast, we will take a 42 km drive to Naya Pul via Lumle village from where a walk of about 20 minutes will proceed up to Birethanti. From here, the trail traversing through bamboo forests, large waterfall and swimming hole takes us to Ramghai where lunch will be served. After the relaxing lunch, a gradual climb along the trail up on the side of the valley is followed which takes us to Hille
Crossing a stream on a suspension bridge near the camp site, we walk from Hille ascending a steep stone staircase of about 3300 steps to a large Magar village of Ulleri at 2,080m. Above the village, the trail climbs gently through pastures and cultivated fields taking us to a campsite for rest and water stop after an hour’s walk. The trail crosses two sparkling streams before making a short final climb to Nangethati where we will be stopping for lunch. Thanti is a Nepali word for “rest house”. From here, we will climb to Ghorepani at 2,850m where we will be welcomed by the picturesque sight of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche Nilgiri (6,940m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m) and Tarke Kang (7,193m).
An early morning climb along the steep trial to the view point in Poon Hill (2,310m/10,529 ft) will be rewarded with the sunrays glistening over the bravura mountains. One of the most popular trekking destinations of Annapurna Region, it is endowed with astonishing views of Mustang, Pokhara and more than twenty of the highest mountains including the up-close view of the Annapurna and Dhaularigi ranges. It is a perfect spot for capturing the high mountains looming in the backdrop glistening with the morning light in the camera and beating the chill with some hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Breakfast awaits us as we follow the trail back to Ghorepani. We then head a nearby ridge and descending through the rhododendron forests passing on our way to Banthanti. After lunch in Banthanti ,we drive to Pokhara for around 3-4 hours in Jeep.
A steep descent through the dense, shady forest of old rhododendron tress that turn into marvelous gardens when the rhododendrons are in full bloom takes us to the slopes where cherry blossoms could be enjoyed in full bloom if the season favors. Few hours trek from here ends at the entrance of Ghandruk village, a slope settlement with stone houses inhabited typically by Gurung people. The village is an ideal place for enjoying and observing the affluent cultural traditions of Gurung people at the Gurung Museum with the backdrop of Fishtail, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli mountains. The descend from Ghandruk to Naya Pul commences just after the breakfast. The trek downhill to Birethanti will be filled with the picturesque images of mountain peaks in the backdrop with green hills and forests at the foreground. The staircase paved with stone slabs curving in and out of the village takes us to the terraced farms until the arrival of Modi Khola River valley. A half-an-hour walk from Birethanti to Naya Pul will be followed by an hour long drive to Pokhara.
Great trek organized by Arjun from start to finish. We were picked up from the airport and dropped off at the end of our stay in Nepal. Arjun was a good and friendly guide and made us feel very comfortable during the trek. Highly recommend.
Interesting story: Arjun, founder of Bharal Adventure is the guide who led my sister to safety during the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. My sis spoke of his calmness amidst chaos and good decision-making skills, and I know with 100% certainty that he can be counted on. So I emailed him to arrange for a trek in March 2020 and the replies come fast and polite, honest and informative. Arriving, I met Arjun and he introduced me to Deepak, my trek guide. We enjoyed chai in their office, I said my gratitude, Deepak even brought me to Swayambunath (monkey temple) after. From Thamel to Pokhara, and onwards the 4D3N Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and back, it is a 6 days' itinerary. I was worried about having to speak too much, or nothing to speak with the guide. I soon realised that Arjun made a good arrangement. With Deepak, we enjoyed nice conversations and beautiful length of silence where I can hear the birdsongs, tree rustlings, river flowing, the sounds of feet crunching on the ground. Our topics are lighthearted and meaningful - about family, nature, pointing out birds and the national flowers, discussing cultures, beliefs and dreams. I truly enjoyed his company. Skills wise, I felt safe and supported throughout the trek. I struggled with the steps and when I tried to go as fast as other trekkers, Deepak assured me to go at my own leisure pace to avoid altitude sickness. Where there was unexpected snow, he saved my ass many times by catching me when I fall. Deepak is well experienced with the trek route. We always arrive at our next lodge with enough time to enjoy the village, despite the many breaks along the way (for a snack, for a photo, to marvel at nature). I am glad for the decision to be on a guided trek. Simple things like having a guide to make sure dinner and breakfast are ordered in advance, so food is always on the table, not having to check the maps and so you'll get to fully enjoy the nature, and when the going gets tough, I am motivated by cheerful jokes and motivating nudges. Also, Deepak takes great photos! To trekkers who are considering going guide-less, I recommend to hire a guide because (1) support the local tourism business, they survive on just a short season of tourism a year (2) you'll get to enjoy the country and her land with full presence and being. Also, upon returning, Arjun and Deepak made a little dinner party at the office and gave me a certificate too! How wonderful. What a long review. From my heart I truly would recommend the Bharal Adventure to anyone who's visiting the mountains. They are honest Nepalis with a genuine love and respect for their country and the mountains. I'll be back. Dhanyabaad, Arjun and Deepak!
The common 4-day itinerary includes Nayapul, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and back to Nayapul. Specific variations may exist.
The trek is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for trekkers of various fitness levels.
Yes, trekkers need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Highlights include sunrise views from Poon Hill, panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, rhododendron forests, and cultural interactions with local communities.
The main variation is a sunrise visit to Poon Hill. Some may choose to extend the trek or include other nearby destinations.