Poon Hill Classic Lodge Trek

Today we discover the highlights of Katmandu and the valley. We adapt the programm to your interests and desires and what you have seen before. Usually, we go to Pasupatinath on the bank of the Bagmati River, where the most important Hindu temples and burning ghats of Nepal are situated. In Bouddhanath we circumambulate together with Tibetan and Nepali Buddhist pilgrims the whitewashed stupa. Our sightseeing usually ends in Patan, the city of Beauty, an astonishing center of fine art and Buddhist and Hindu culture.

After breakfast we drive with a comfortable tourist bus in 7 hours to Pokhara, the largest town in central Nepal which is known for its lake Phewa tal and spectacular panorama over the Annapurna peaks.

In the morning we take a private taxi to Phedi (40 minutes) where we start our trekking at an elevation of 1 130 m. We climb about 45 minutes steep over stone staircases, after we walk over a moderate path in 1,5 h to main Dhampus which is situated on top of the ridge at 1 700 m. As you continue along the ridge you are rewarded with great mountain views of Annapurna II and III and Lamjung. We also see clearly the astounding Macchapucchare (6 882 m) or “Fishtail” peak which will dominate the skyline the coming days. Dhampus area is inhabited by Brahmans, Chettris and Gurungs. We lunch in Damphus and enjoy a quiet afternoon in the garden of our lodge.

Today is a six hours long walk to Tolka (1 750 m). Our trail climbs through a rhododendron forest and the village of Pothana (1 990 m) where you have to show your trekking permit at the checkpoint of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. We descend to the pass of Deurali, where we enjoy our lunch with views on Annapurna South (7 219 m) and Hinuchili (6 434 m). We descend the forest to a hugh side canyon of the Modi Khola and later climb out again on flagstone step. We arrive at our camp place, Tolka (1 790 m), a pleasant Gurung village where you have beautiful vistas over Annapurna South.

We make a pleasant hike from Tolka to Landruk crossing Tigu Khola river, hiking through forests and walking along the river. In Landruk we cross the Modi Khola river and head for Chomrong (2 170 m) tomorrow’s destination. The narrow path leads to a Gurung staircase, from where we have beautiful vistas over the Modhi Khola canyon and her green-blue river. We climb through dense bamboo forests and enjoy the panormas over Annapurna South (7 219 m) and Hiunchuli. Tonight we stay in Jhinu (1 780 m), where you can soak in the steaming hot springs. From Jihnu you can see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III (7 555 m) and Gangapurna (7 545 m). Walking time: 4,5 h.

A long “stairway of heaven” takes us from Jihnu to Chomrong in approximately 2 hours. The long steep climb is broken only by a few teahouses. But we are rewarded by splendid views of Macchapuchhre or “Fishtail” (6 997 m). Chomrong is the last permanent village in the the upper Modi Khola river valley. Annapurna South is very close from here and looms over the village. Chomrong has some of the best guest lodges of the trek.

From Chomrong you descend steeply to the Kimrong Kola and then climb to Tadapani which lies along the beautiful Ghorepani Ridge Route. The Ridge Route passes through beautiful moss covered rhododendrons often providing excellent views of the Annapurna peaks. Our lodge at Tadapani is situated at 2 700 m. We hike 5 hours today and take a lunch break in Chulle, a small village which offers great views on the Annapurna peaks.

Note: The Poon Hill trek is extremely beautiful in spring (from first week of March – mid April) when you will see many rhododendrons in fully bloom. Rhododendrons are Nepal’s national flower and are not bushes but trees up to 18 m high and are covered in red, pink, occasionally white flowers. The rhododendron forests are to be found at elevations between 2 000 m and 3 500 m.

From Tadapani we descend steeply to the Bhurundi river and after directly climb up again to Ban- thanti (3 180 m), where we lunch. The peaks of Annapurna South, Macchapuchhre and Annapurna III dominate the skyline. In Deurali, at the pass (3 090 m) you can climb to a viewpoint. We reach Ghorepani (2 750 m) after 5 hours hiking. Tomorrow, from here we start our hike to the highest point of our trek Poon Hill (3 190 m) to see the sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range.

Early in the morning we climb in 45 minutes to Poon Hill to enjoy a stupendous wide-range view of the Himalaya peaks to the west, north and east. We have good views of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges and the Kali Gandaki Gorge which is the deepest canyon in the world situated between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. After breakfast we start the long descent to the charming Magar village of Ulleri. We first pass through a long junction of rhododendron forest until we reach the final “Gurung Staircase” of huge stone steps leading to Ulleri. Continuing the descent, you reach Tikedungha (1 480 m). Total hiking including Poon Hill: 6 hours – descent : 4 hours.

Trek from Thikedunga to Birethanti (1 070 m). We spend our last night in a cozy lodge and celebrate the last evening of our trek with our great trekking crew.

Our private taxi will bring us in 2 h to our hotel on Phewa Tal at Pokhara were you will spend one night. After arriving in Pokhara you still have plenty of time for cycling, boating or paragliding or a massage.

We conclude our trip with a morning flight back to Kathmandu.

On this last free day you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy more sights in Kathmandu: you can make a day trip to the splendid five storied Nyatapola Temple and exquisite woodcarvings like the Peacock window in medieval Bhaktapur, climb the long stairs to the stupa of Swayambhunath (Monkeytemple) or visit the sleeping Vishnu at Budhanilkantha. You can also shop, relax and drink coffee in the bakeries of Thamel or the Garden of Dreams. Traveltimes Treks recommends you plan one extra day at the end of your trekking in case in case of delayed schedules during your travel.

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport – We hope you enjoyed your stay!

Extra days:
If you like to stay longer in Nepal: Traveltimes Treks can offer you plenty of suggestions, we can arrange rafting and safari trips, helicopter flights, mountain biking, multi day tours to old historical city of Bhaktapur, the mountain stations Nagarkot & Dhulikhel or retreats in the serene monasteries of Namobuddha and Kopan.