Poon-Hill Ghandruk Trek- 7 Days

Take the earliest flight departing from Kathmandu and arrive at Pokhara well before lunch. Once at this lake city, you will waste no second and hop into a car for a drive headed to Ulleri, the starting point of this trek. Driving via Lumle and Birethanti, you’ll have sights of charming little villages lined with shops and teahouses, and a pleasant climate. After a brief stopover and refreshment, your route continues through bamboo forests and incredible waterfalls. You will drive further through the terrain, cross rivers, and enjoy spectacular mountain views. This day is full of beautiful scenery and easy  relaxing views of terraced fields, forests, and hamlets. Hop into a comfortable teahouse and take plenty of rest as the trekking sections of the route are coming ahead.

Ulleri lies in the main trekking trail of Annapurna region. In the morning you will meet trekkers who arrived here last night after climbing the steep challenging ascent of about 3,300 stone steps. This village is picturesque but the hardship that people in this region go through in their daily lives is just extraordinary and heart-wrenching. After breakfast, you will continue through dense forests of rhododendron and oak before arriving at Banthanti. A lunch-stoppage ensues surrounded in a serene environment. A few more hours of trekking from there will bring you to Ghodepani — your destination for the night. Located at 2,850 metres, you will have panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peaks among others.

Wake up well before dawn and reach Poon Hill for a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. As the very first rays of the sun softly touch the white peaks, the landscape suddenly comes into colour. A cosmic wash of golden and pinkish hue creates the most surreal and magical sunrise. The distant mountains are dramatically illuminated in alpenglow, and cast long shadows, revealing their majestic aura. This experience is what draws people from all over the world to Poon Hill — the famed vantage point with unobstructed views of Himalayan peaks. Camera shutters click hastily around you as spectators marvel at the incomparable sight. Following this wonderful experience, you will descend to Ghodepani for breakfast. Later you will continue the trek through forests of pine and rhododendron, and several other landscapes before arriving at Tadapani for the night.

Wake up early and have your breakfast with spectacular close-up views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.  After breakfast, continue to Ghandruk, where you can experience Gurung culture firsthand, including their language, traditional dress, and food. Early on, you will trek downhill through rhododendron forests, and cross streams and hamlets. Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village, is renowned for its Gurung culture. It houses Gurung Museum — showcasing local traditions and history. Ghandruk, with its unique lifestyle and scenic beauty, provides stunning views of Mt. Lamjung and Manaslu. Hop into a lodge, enjoy a peaceful evening, and have a traditional dinner nestled in the laps of breathtaking nature. 

Your trek from Ghandruk to Birethanti is the last leg of this trek. A leisurely 4-hour walk along the gently descending trail near the banks of Modi Khola will bring you to the nature-clad village of Birethanti. Picturesque views of the beautiful countryside will begin to fade as you take one more glance at the peaks in the distance. The strenuous parts of the trek are over; and now the same strong legs of yours that carried you to Poon Hill, will suddenly feel tired at the first sight of your private vehicle. So take a break here, have a refreshment, and only then begin the drive to Pokhara. Once there, spare no second and head to the airport for a flight to Kathmandu. 

Upon arriving in Kathmandu you will immediately notice the vibrant energy of the city — a stark contrast to the peaceful trails you just travelled. Later, as we gather for the dinner, we will share stories of our unforgettable trip in the Annapurna Region. As you prepare to unwind for the night, you will reflect on the sheer grandeur and beauty of the Annapurna Region that you just visited. The remarkable adventure you undertook in the past week will be in your memories, which you will cherish for years to come.

After breakfast or depending upon your flight schedule we will transfer you to the airport. As your plane takes off from the runway in Kathmandu, your journey to Nepal comes to an end for this time — until you decide to visit again for some memorable and soul-searching trip in the Himalayas.