11-Day Poon Hill Trek with Kathmandu Sightseeing and Pokhara

• Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and meet the representative who will transfer you to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

• Begin the day with a meeting and introduction to your trek and tour leader.

• Then have breakfast and attend a short meeting in the hotel lobby. The meeting finalizes the preparation for the trek. You need to bring three passport-size photos and a copy of your travel insurance.

• Start the day tour soon after, and visit the most highlighted places of Kathmandu. During the tour, you will mainly visit three spots:

  • Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu.

  • Boudhanath Stupa, a popular pilgrimage spot for Tibetan Buddhists.

  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur kingdom.

• Travel to the scenic city of Pokhara after breakfast. The drive takes about 7 hours from Kathmandu and passes through the scenic countryside of middle Nepal. Pokhara is a holiday city, and looking at the lakes, hills, and mountains, it is no wonder why it is so well known. A wide panorama of the Annapurna range is clearly visible from the city, most notably Machhapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), which prominently overlooks Pokhara.

• Embark on a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul.

• Go on a short trek along the bank of the Modi Khola River to reach Birethanti, a large village with teahouses and shops.

• Reach Ramghai and stop for lunch. Continue on the trails after lunch to the north along the banks of Bhurungdi Khola. Then steadily ascend the trails heading north to reach Tikhedunga, at an altitude of 1,570 m.

• Stop here for the day and check into a guesthouse.

• Enjoy a steep climb to Ulleri at the start of the day, and the most difficult part of the trek will be behind you. Ulleri is a large village of the Magar ethnic group that lies at an altitude of 2,070 m. From here, the walking path gradually ascends to Banthanti through oak and rhododendron forests.

• Stop at Banthanti for lunch, which you will reach in 3.5 hours from Tikhedunga. The trail then heads up to Ghorepani (2,840 m) via Nangethanti (2,460 m).

• Get up early in the wee hours of the morning to hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m). The stunning sunrise view over the mountains is truly worth all the effort and the early wake-up.

• Spend about an hour on the hill, then head to Tadapani. The first climb takes you to Deurali, which boasts amazing views of Ghorepani against a backdrop of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

• Start heading down to Tadapani, with some uphills and downhills along the way through dense forests.

• Leave Tadapani and descend through forests to Ghandruk, a village of the Gurung people, one of the ethnic groups of Nepal. They have their own dialect, culture, costume, and lifestyle. Ghandruk is also home to many Gurkha soldiers. It is a famous destination for trekkers, known for its beautiful mountain views and also because it is within easy reach of Pokhara and Kathmandu.

• In the afternoon, visit the Annapurna Conservation Office, museums, and explore the village.

• Trek down towards Nayapul and encounter more beautiful views of the Himalayas, valleys, and waterfalls. Reach the bank of the Modi River at Syauli, which is the lunch place. The views of farmlands and villages are exceptional.

• The trail joins at Birethanti and continues to Nayapul, from where you will drive for 1.5 hours to the beautiful city of Pokhara, where you will enjoy the evening.

• Go off on a relaxing tour covering religious and historical places in Pokhara after a long trip in the mountains.

• Begin the day tour after breakfast. You will visit Phewa Lake, Barahi Temple, Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, museums, and Tibetan refugee camps during the tour.

• Embark on a 7-hour drive back to Kathmandu. You have the option to extend your trip to continue on to a Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu Valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight, mountain biking, and other activities. You can get more information on our Activities Page.

• Be served a farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with Nepali folk music and dance in the evening. It is also the time to review the trip with your guide.

• Your guide will drop you off at the international airport for your departure back home.