Light Trails To Get You Started - Part II
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Panchase Trek
Nepal is a greatest destinations to escape the urban world and indulge in natural merry and joy. Treading all of the avid landscapes can be difficult for novice travellers and trekkers. In this series, we explore various light walking trails which are great to begin one's journey of exploring Nepal.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Basic Itinerary Days: 4 Days
Route: KTM (Flight) -PKR - Nayapul (Jeep/Bus) - Tikledhunga (Trek)- Ulleri (Trek) - Ghorepani (Trek)- Poonhill (Hike) - Tadapani (Trek) - Ghandruk (Trek) - Nayapul (Trek)- PKR(Jeep/Bus) - KTM(Flight).
Trek Style: Tea House
Max Elevation: 3210 M
Attractions: Best Sunrise view from Poonhill, View of magnificent mountains such as Dhaulagiri (8167M), Manaslu (8163M), Annapurna I (8091 M) and other Himalayas, Experience Magar and Gurung culture.
Best Season: April - December
ACAP Trekking Permit:
SAARC USD 2
Foreigners USD 30
Tourist Service Centre
Nepal Tourism Board Office, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu
Nepal Tourism Board Office, Damside, Pokhara
The trail of Ghorepani in the past few years has become a popular short leg of the greater Annapurna Circuit Trail. Filled with beautiful encounters with the Himalayas, waterfalls, terrace hills, and welcoming Gurung and Magar communities. The Ghorepani trail has garnered its popularity due to its quick accessibility, and proper management.. An itinerary that can be completed between 4 to 5 days, the trail offers a greater taste of the Annapurna Region compared to the Royal and Panchase Trail. Although crowded, this trail delivers in its promise to be a gateway for its trekkers to experience Nepal, and also fuel desires to explore Nepal more.
The trail begins in Nayapul and makes its way through the villages of Tikhedunga, Ulleri Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk.
The viewpoint of Poonhill (3210M) is a popular destinations to view sunrise/sunset over the Himalayas. Depending upon the season, it offers a tantalizing view of the Himalayan range, with dense rhododendron forests filled a variety of bird species. Making to the viewpoint to witness the sunrise can be a difficult ordeal if one doesn’t plan accordingly. As the hike to the view tower is an average 30-45 minutes, making that trip early in the morning can be quite a challenge. It is recommended that you call the night early, and wake up 1.5 hours ahead of the hike. Drink warm water, and give your body enough time to fully rise awaken and make sure to do some stretches. This assures that your body isn’t caught off guard, with a steep climb. Also, make sure that your headlamp or flashlight is fully charged as it can be fairly dark.
Trekkers can opt to begin this trail by headed towards either Tikhedunga or Ghandruk. Nayapul to Ghandruk features a direct uphill if one wishes to trek from Nayapul itself, and at Tadapani as well. Whereas in comparison, Nayapul to Tikehedunga features moderate highs and lows, except for the large steps at Ulleri which can be a challenge.
Panchase Trek
Basic Itinerary Days: 3 Days
Route: KTM - PKR ( Flight/ Bus) - Cross Fewa Lake (Boat) - Bhumdi ( Trek) - Panchase Hill ( Trek) - Australian Camp ( Trek) - Phedi (Trek) - PKR(Drive)
Permit: Basic Permit (T.I.M.S)
Cost: USD 25
Trek Style: Tea House
Max Elevation: 3210 M
Attractions: Panoramic Himalayan View, Cultural Experience
Best Season: September - November
Alike Royal Trek, the Panchase trail is another great opportunity to get a glimpse of the Annapurna Region, experience its culture and diversity in a short itinerary. Panchase is a set of five tall hills west of Pokhara with landmarks of both Hindu and Buddhist significance. The area is the intersection of three districts Kaski, Parbat and Syangja and offers an impressive view of Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machapuchre, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and others. The area offers a view tower which is perfect to witness the sunrise and sunset.
Away from the trails of ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area), this is a secluded off the beat trail with low to moderate crowds which can be enjoyed all year round. Recommended during the months of September- December, the post-monsoon setting offers clear skies and great panoramic views of the Himalayas. One must note if the monsoon is late, the skies can be looming with clouds even till late October. This trail can also be accomplished during the winters. With little chances of snowfall, this region fares well in terms of sudden temperature drops. Warm clothes, thermal inners and gloves are recommended for the winter trek.