Options for Trekking Around Annapurna Region
‘a country of massif Himalaya Mountain range from cultural to scenic walks’
Annapurna Himalayas is one of the largest mountain ranges in Nepal and probably around the globe. Provides various options for trekking adventure within Annapurna Himalaya, located in Far North Mid-West Nepal in Gandaki Zone.
Annapurna Himalayas with more than seven major peaks the highest Annapurna-I at 8.091 m, A-II, III, and IV with Gangapurna. Includes Vara Shikar / Annapurna Fang, Annapurna South, and Huin Chuli with many peaks from above and below 6,000 m. Annapurna Himalaya is situated between Lamjung and Manaslu Himal in the east with Dhaulagiri Himalaya range towards the west.
Annapurna Himalayas offers moderate, adventurous, or challenging trekking for a day to more than a week adventures. Where one can enjoy the Himalayan country walks around the southern hills of Annapurna, as far as North in Manang Valley. Where all treks provide fascinating and delightful moments with ever-present stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range.
Besides, wonderful trekking around the Annapurna region, the local cultures, and the landscapes of great diversity make the adventure more interesting. Most people around the world are unaware, that
Mt. Annapurna-I was the first eight thousand meters peak ever climbed. Summited by French Expedition on June 3rd, 1950, three years ahead before the conquest of Mt. Everest in 1953.
In the Annapurna region, daily walks lead to various changes in vegetation and climate from sub-tropical to cooler temperatures on the Himalayan hills. Extending towards an arctic zone of remorseless fields of ice and glaciers as walk leads to the foot of high mountains. Most treks start and end at beautiful Pokhara city, located on a verdant valley enclosed by tiers of green hills. Facing grand views of Annapurna massif from the city itself, a charming place and renowned tourist destination.
Various options for trekking adventure around the Annapurna Region, with beautiful destinations from scenic walks in the harmony of immense cultures.
We have lined the following trekking around Annapurna Region, with grading moderate to adventurous, from short to longer walks.
Table of Contents
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
| Mode of Trekking | Accommodation on best available local lodges on the trek |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate to Adventurous |
| Highest Point | 4,130m/13549.87ft at Annapurna base camp |
| Trekking Days | 8 days to 12 days with from Pokhara to Pokhara |
| Best Seasons | Spring from March to May, and autumn-September to November months |
Annapurna base camp trek can be shorter or made a few days longer, adding with Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek. A beautiful and scenic trek in the close shadow of the mighty Annapurna Himalaya range, starting with a short drive from Pokhara.
Heading towards the foothills of Annapurna Himalayas, on ending the vehicle drive walk through farm villages of Bhirethati. As climb leads to a slow uphill past Hille village to Tirkhedhunga, a lovely spot with cascading waterfalls.
From Tirkhedhunga spend an overnight in a nice lodge, as the route leads to climbing on stone steps to Ulleri village. Walk on the winding path within the lovely forest of pines and rhododendron trees then reach a scenic village at Ghorepani.
Located on top of a ridge, at the base of the famous view-point Poon Hill, the next morning an hour’s climb. Reaching Poon Hill at the height of 3,210 m high offers a brilliant view of sunrise over the chain of peaks. Overlooking Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu range with majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the Fish-Tail peak. From Poon Hill and Ghorepani, the next adventure to Annapurna Base Camp and the picturesque Sanctuary. The walk follows the high hill covered in rhododendron forest to Tadapani, where the trail of Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and Annapurna base splits.
After spending an overnight at Tadapani, on the downhill to Kimrong River and then a steep climb with a gradual section to Chomrong. A large Gurung village and the last permanent settlement before Annapurna base camp and sanctuary.
Walk into a forested path and downhill to a place called Bamboo, situated in a gorge of Modi River. This is one of the few treks where the walk follows a river upstream right up to its glacial source. The adventure continues uphill past Dovan and Deurali a small settlement with several lodges for the trekkers.
As walk head steeply up to Machhapuchare Himal Base Camp, from here the start of Annapurna Sanctuary. A gradual walk once entering the scenic sanctuary then reaching the main highlight at Annapurna Base Camp. The highest spot of the trek at 4,130 m, is enclosed within amphitheaters of giant snow peaks.
Spending overnight in a simple cozy lodge at Annapurna base camp, return journey on the same trail to Chomrong village. From Chomrong down to Jhinu Danda, a village with a natural hot spring, trekkers can enjoy a refreshing dip in a warm pool. Next morning short walk to a road head for an exciting drive to Pokhara after a wonderful time on the high hills and at Annapurna Base Camp.
Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek
| Mode of Trekking | Accommodation on best available local lodges on treks |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate to Adventurous |
| Highest Point | 4,130m / 13549.87ft at Annapurna Base Camp. |
| Trekking Day | 06 Nights and 07 Days with drives Pokhara to Pokhara |
| Best Seasons | Spring from March to May, and Autumn-September to November months |
Annapurna Base Camp is the only shortest adventure to 8,000 m peaks base camp in the Himalayas range. As well the only base camp with the facilities of a nice and cozy lodge on the foot of the world’s highest peaks.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking is a perfect adventure of a week duration for eager travelers with limited time in Nepal. Start the exciting walk after a few hours’ drive from scenic Pokhara city, heading towards cooler hills from low warm areas.
A climb past the nice village of Jhinu with a natural hot spring, reaching the large Gurung village of Chomrong. Gurung is the main ethnic tribe of the Annapurna Himalaya range, which practices Buddhism and ancient Bon religions.
From Chomrong with down and ups reaching a river gorge at Bamboo, a small settlement with several nice simple lodges. The adventure continues heading through lovely woods of rhododendron, oaks, and pine trees past Dovan, Himalaya Hotel, and Deurali. As climb reaches a high ridge at Machhapuchare base camp, located beneath the towering North Face of Machhapuchare Himal.
After an overnight at MBC, short for Machhapuchare Base Camp, then enter into a picturesque valley at Annapurna Sanctuary. Walk for short hours to Annapurna base camp, a place with 3-4 good lodges catering to the needs of trekkers.
Annapurna Base Camp is at 4,130 m, the highest point of adventure in the heart of the massive Annapurna Himalaya range. Enjoy the panorama of giant peaks that surrounds the base camp, on the foot of the world’s ten highest Mt. Annapurna.
Return journey on the same route to Chomrong, with time at Jhinu for the last overnight stop. At Jhinu village enjoy a refreshing dip in the hot spring before heading back to Pokhara. After an enjoyable great adventure to Annapurna Base Camp, the shortest memorable trek to experience around the Himalayas.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
| Mode of Trekking | Accommodation on best available local lodges on treks |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate to Adventurous |
| Highest Point | 5, 416m / 17,700ft at Thorang-La Pass |
| Trekking Days | 10 days to 16 days with drives and walks |
| Best Seasons | Spring from March to May, and Autumn-September to November months. |
Annapurna Circuit Trek or Around Annapurna trekking is one of the most sought adventures around the Himalayas. Which is also listed as the world’s top ten adventure destinations, due to its dramatic change of scenery on daily walks.
Annapurna Circuit, the most popular longer-duration trekking adventure of two weeks, covers all the scenic and cultural highlights.
A mesmerizing walk from the North to the Southern region of the great massif Annapurna Himal range with a climb to the high Thorang-La Pass.
Annapurna Circuit trek starts from the low warm farm country of Lamjung, after an interesting drive from Kathmandu. The walk leads towards cooler hills, as you experience a great bio-diversity of landscapes, vegetation, climate, and cultures.
Heading above Masrsyangdi River to enter Manang at Tal Besi and towards Dharapani and Chame, headquarter town of the Manang district.
From Chame onwards within strong Buddhism cultures of age-old heritage, a walk leads from Chame to enter scenic Manang Valley. The adventure leads to Pisang village and then reaches the main Manang village, where most trekkers spend an extra day for acclimatization. Before heading towards higher ground and for the climb to Thorang-La, a perfect height and lovely place for rest days.
Manang at 3,540 m high offers many options for short day hikes to Gangapurna ice-falls and glacial ponds. As well as an adventurous walk to Ice Lake, or just relax and explore the village and the old monastery of Braga.
After Manang, head towards the end of Manang Valley to Phedi or High Camp to traverse over Thorang-La Pass. Start the day early morning to cross Thorang-La Pass the highest point of the adventure at 5,416 m. A vantage spot on top Thorang-La of the spectacular panorama of the Himalaya range of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Damodar, and Chulu’s peaks. From the pass a long downhill to nice areas of Muktinath. Regarded as one of the holiest of holy spots for pilgrimage, where Hindu pilgrims and Buddhists pay homage to worship.
Muktinath areas are located within the Mustang district, where Thorang-La Pass forms the boundary of Manang and Mustang areas. Spending time at Muktinath downhill to Kaligandaki River valley and reaching Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang district. The adventure continues on a pleasant trail towards a low warmer country after walking through the charming villages of Marpha and Tukuche.
Where views of Nilgiris, Tukuche, and Dhaulagiri peaks follow most of the way to reaching the warm low village of Tatopani. Before Tatopani, a walk leads through the world’s deepest gorge of Kaligandaki in between the staggering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks.
Tatopani is a lovely village with a natural hot spring, hence the name ‘Tato-Pani’ means Hot Water. Enjoyable time at Tatopani village and then a long climb to Ghorepani village is a scenic and popular village. Next early morning short climb to Poon Hill for stunning sunrise views over an array of Mid-West Himalayan peaks.
Adventure slowly comes to an end after an overnight at Ghorepani and a visit to Poon Hill. The last day’s walk leads down to low warm farm villages, and then a few an hour of exciting drive to Pokhara. On concluding the most fascinating and mesmerizing adventure and experience on Annapurna Circuit Trekking.
Annapurna Circuit With Tilicho Lake Trek
| Mode of Trekking | Accommodation on best available local lodges on treks |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate to Adventurous |
| Highest Point | 5, 416m on top Thorang-La or Mesokanto-La 5,099m |
| Trekking Days | 10 days to 16 days with drives and flights from Jomsom to Pokhara |
| Best Seasons | Spring from March to May, and Autumn-September to November months |
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trekking an adventure around both scenic areas of high Manang Valley. The trek is almost similar to the full Annapurna circuit but with a few days’ difference and options of routes. That is after visiting Tilicho Lake, one can either get back on the main trail of Annapurna Circuit.
Then continue towards Thorang-La Pass to end the trek at Jomsom taking a short flight a long drive to scenic Pokhara. As well as trekking to Tatopani and Ghorepani villages and then reaching Pokhara, on completing the full circuit.
The other route besides heading back to the main trail of Thorang-La is crossing Mesokanto-La at 5,099 m high. Then reach Jomsom for a scenic short flight to lovely Pokhara city, or take an exciting drive from Jomsom town.
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake begins after a drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara, heading towards Lamjung town at Besisar. As the drive heads higher up on rough hilly tracks to Chame, the headquarter town of Manang areas. Walk either from Dharapani village or Chame, eventually leading to the scenic high valley of Manang through Pisang village.
At Manang spend an extra day for acclimatization and then route divers from the main Annapurna Circuit trail to Tilicho Lake. An adventure around remote pockets of Manang, the walk leads past Khangsar and Sri Kharka, isolated settlements to Tilicho Base Camp.
The last place with lodges for overnight accommodation, the next day a few hour’s walk to Tilicho Lake emerald-colored. Enjoy the beautiful charming scenery enclosed within the towering peaks of Tilicho, Gangapurna, and Nilgiris, the lake considered sacred.
By the Hindu and Buddhist followers, with myth and history in Hindu epic tales of Ramayana. From Tilicho head back on the main trail of Annapurna Circuit joining at Yak Kharka. Where walk leads to the base of Thorang-La Pass, next morning head for the long undulating climb on top Thorang-La. From the top enjoy a grand panorama of surrounding giant peaks, the pass festooned with thousands of prayer flags. A long descent leads to the base of the pass and then an easy walk to Muktinath. Regarded as the holiest of holy sites for Hindus and Buddhists around the Himalayas, from Muktinath head down to Kaligandaki valley.
Eventually, the walk ends on reaching the large Jomsom town, headquarters of Mustang district with a small airstrip. The next morning enjoys the short scenic flight to the beautiful city of Pokhara, where the Annapurna & Tilicho Lake trek completes.
Nar-Phu Valley Trek
| Mode of Trekking | Accommodation on best available local lodges on treks |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate to Adventurous. |
| Highest Point | 5, 322m crossing Kang-La Pass or Thorang-La at 5,416m. |
| Trekking Days | Approx. 10 days to 16 days drives, flight from Jomsom to Pokhara |
| Best Seasons | Spring from March to May, and Autumn-September to early November months. |
Nar-Phu Valley, located on the far and remote high side of Manang Valley, is a restricted area. All foreign visitors require a special permit to enter Nar-Phu Valley from the last village of Kodo near Chame town.
The Nar-Phu opened in 2002 since then the area is gaining much popularity among trekkers in search of pure wilderness. The region is considered a Shangri-La, well-hidden around isolated pockets of the northern region of Annapurna Himalaya. Both Nar and Phu a village on a windswept terrain in between Damodar and Annapurna Himalaya ranges. The windblown villages are enriched with the ancient heritage of strong Buddhism culture, similar to its Tibetan predecessor.
It is truly a wild country to experience starting from the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit route to Kodo village. From here onward trek diverts heading due north into forbidden and restricted areas of Nar & Phu Valley. An awesome wild country to experience, the walk leads to a river gorge covered in dense pine and rhododendron trees. As the walk follows entering a wide-open valley, where tree lines fade for short Himalayan bush and shrubs. Then reaching Phu village with time to explore its old monastery and the closely attached houses. Overlooking superb views of Himlung Himal, Chulu’s with Annapurna Himalayan peaks, as the walk takes you to the next village at Nar. Quite similar to Phu village, an exciting place to visit around and observe the local traditional farm life.
After visiting Nar and Phu villages, and then towards the high Kang-La pass, a steep climb up to the pass. Facing a spectacular panorama of the Annapurna, Damodar, and Chulu ranges, a long descent leads to the main trail at Manang Valley.
On reaching the main Manang village, either head towards Thorang-La pass for the return journey from Jomsom on a flight to Pokhara. The other option is heading back on the same trail past Pisang and Chame town for a drive back to Kathmandu.
Upper Mustang Trek
| Mode of Trekking | Accommodation on best available local lodges on treks |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate to Adventurous. |
| Highest Point | Chogo-La Pass at 4, 230 m and Nyi-La Pass 4, 010 m |
| Trekking Days | 12 days to 15 days with flights/drive from Pokhara to Pokhara. |
| Best Seasons | Late spring from April to May, and Autumn-September and October. |
The Upper Mustang region, although it falls beyond the West of the Annapurna Himalaya range, is still included within the Annapurna area. This is due to ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), which also covers the Mustang region and Kaligandaki Valley. The Upper Mustang region is at one time a forbidden kingdom for outside visitors, which was opened from 1992 onwards
The main standard route of the Upper Mustang leads beyond Jomsom and Kagbeni following the ancient Trans Himalaya Salt Trade Trail. Where a caravan of yaks and mules laden with goods passed through from Nepal to Tibet border via Upper Mustang. The trail follows up to Karo-La Pass, the border between Nepal and Tibet, where trade still exists.
Starts from scenic Pokhara city, a short flight to land at Jomsom airport, the headquarter town of Mustang district. From Jomsom walk begins heading towards Kagbeni village, the gateway to Upper Mustang and the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. From Kagbeni onwards, trekkers need a special permit to enter the restricted area of the Upper Mustang. The walk leads towards a vast windswept plain, which is an extension of the South West Tibetan plateau within colored large canyons. As route takes you through the lovely villages of Chusang, Syangboche to Ghami crossing a few high passes of above 3,500 m.
During the walk enjoy grand delightful views of snow-capped peaks, as the walk follows through many Buddhist prayer monuments. Reaching Tsarang / Charang village and then enter the walled former kingdom of Lo-Manthang, an exciting medieval era-like town. Once inside the Lo-Manthang explore the narrow-paced streets and town, with more than 150 closely attached houses.
Visit the famous monasteries Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, and Chyodi Gompa. Tour of the great Entrance Hall to visit the fort palace interior requires special permission, where the last King or Raja.
Named Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista resided from 1930 to 2016, the history traces back to Ame Pal, the warrior who founded this Buddhist kingdom in 1380.
The founder of Lo Country and Lo-Manthang has changed little over the years. After a great visit to Lo-Manthang and lovely villages on the route, return journey with options either take the high trail. Which leads to Muktinath holy temple premises before Jomsom, or follows the same route towards Kagbeni and Jomsom.
On reaching Jomsom in the comfort of nice hotels and lodges, then next early morning a short flight to Pokhara. After a great exciting adventure in the Upper Mustang trekking.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
| Mode of Trekking | Accommodation on best available local lodges on treks |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate with Ups and Downhill |
| Highest Point | 3,210 m on top Poon Hill |
| Trekking Days | 04 days to 06 days with drives Pokhara to Pokhara |
| Best Seasons | 04 days to 06 days with drives from Pokhara to Pokhara |
Ghorepani & Poon Hill trekking is the most popular and shortest-duration adventure on the southern hills of the Annapurna Himalaya range. An adventure without the problem of catching high altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). The highest spot for an overnight stop is above 2,885 m at Ghorepani village and on top Poon Hill at 3,210 m. This short adventure starts from the beautiful and renowned tourist city of Pokhara, a drive to the starting point of the trek. The walk leads past nice farm villages within paddy terraces, and then climbs up to Ulleri village, as the air gets cooler. After a steep climb on many stone steps, the walk gets better on a gradual uphill trail within a lovely forest.
As the walk proceeds then reach a high ridge at Ghorepani village, situated amidst rhododendron and pine forest surroundings. Spend overnight in the comfort of a nice cozy lodge, next morning an hour hike to Poon Hill.
The highest point of the trek rewards stunning sunrise views that reflect on an array of Mid-West Himalayan Mountain ranges. Includes Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himalaya range with magnificent Machhapuchare Himal the famed Fish-Tail peak.
After a glorious moment back to Ghorepani for a return journey to Pokhara, on an alternative route with a climb to Deurali. Facing grand views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas range, then down to a gorge at Bhanthati, a small settlement. From here descend to a stream, then climb to Tadapani a place with many lodges with views of Annapurna peaks.
A lovely walk into the cool shade of rhododendron and pine forest, and then downhill to the large village of Ghandruk. The village inhabited by Gurung the hill tribes of the Annapurna region follows Buddhism and ancient Bon religions.
At Ghandruk with time explore the village and its small museum, where one learns about the local culture and customs. Last day walk down to low farm areas and then towards a road-head for a few hour drive back to Pokhara.
Ghorepani and Poon Hill is a short moderate trek, a perfect hiking holiday for all types of travelers and age groups.
Mardi Himal Trek
| Trekking Mode | In the best local lodges available on route treks |
| Grade of Trekking | Moderate to Adventurous |
| Highest Point | At Mardi Himal base camp 4,500 m/14,850 feet. trek |
| Duration | 6 days to 8 days with drives and walks |
| Best Seasons | March to May and September to November |
Mardi Himal Trek, Mardi Himal is another exciting trekking adventure around the southern ridges of the Annapurna Himalaya range. Located a mere distance from Pokhara city, a short drive to the hills of Dhampus village at 1,530 m high.
The walk begins countering the ridges within a forested path to Potana village, a place with many good lodges for trekkers. The adventure follows up to Deurali a ridge top, where the route of Ghandruk, Landruk, and Mardi Himal diverts.
From Deurali into complete isolation, away from main trails and villages with only smaller settlements with simple lodges for trekkers. Following the forested trail within tall rhododendron and pine trees reach Low Camp and then reach High Camp. The last place for an overnight stop next morning hike to Mardi Himal base camp, the highest spot of the trek. Located at 4,500 m high close to Mardi Himal a trekking peak at 5,587 m / 18,330 feet.
Situated on a high ridge beneath towering Mt. Machhapuchare the Fish-Tail, offers a stunning panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna’s with Manaslu range.
Return journey on the same trail, and then route diverts downhill to low warm farm village of Siding. Where drive leads to Pokhara, with another option is to walk to Landruk village and then drive back to Pokhara.
Khopra Ridge Trek
| Trekking Mode | In the best local lodges available on route treks |
| Grade of Trekking | Moderate to Adventurous |
| Highest Point | At Khopra Ridge 3,870m and Khair Lake 4,620m |
| Trek duration | Approx. 08 days to 10 days with drives |
| Best Seasons | March to May and September to November |
Khopra Danda / Ridge an adventure around the hidden pockets of the massive Annapurna Himalaya range. An enjoyable trek, a perfect country walks within pure mountain wilderness away from mainstream trails and villages for some days.
For Khopra Danda / Ridge trekking with few options, either walk on the main trail of the Ghorepani and Poon Hill route. The other trail leads away from the main trail, eventually ends at Poon Hill and Ghorepani, then continues to Khopra Ridge.
A lovely walk following the main trail to Ghorepani, after a short drive from Pokhara and then towards cooler hills. The first section of the trek on the main trails to Tirkhedhunga, past Ulleri village to Ghorepani for an overnight stop.
Next morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views with a grand panorama of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himal. From Poon Hill and Ghorepani a slow downhill walk to the village of Chitre. Where route diverts away from the main trail heading towards remote corners to Khopra Danda past the Sauta farm village.
On leaving the last village of Sauta, following the forested path up to Chistibung, from here onward tree lines drop. As climb leads to the high ridge at Khopra Danda, located in between the staggering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya ranges.
From Khopra Danda a day hike to Khair Lake, a holy spot hidden behind Annapurna South and Vara Shikar peaks. Once a year a religious festival is held in the full moon of August, a Hindu festival called Jani Purnima.
After an enjoyable time at Khair Lake and Khopra Ridge, return journey on a different route to Tadapani and Ghandruk villages. Back on the main trail, and then drive to Pokhara, after a great experience and adventure on Khopra Danda / Ridge.
Siklis Eastern Annapurna Trek
| Mode of Trekking | On best available local lodges and tented camping |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate with Ups and Downhill |
| Highest Point | 2,550m at Nauli Kharka |
| Trekking Days | 06 Nights and 07 Days with drives Pokhara to Pokhara |
| Best Seasons | 06 Nights and 07 Days with drives from Pokhara to Pokhara |
Siklis Eastern Annapurna Trekking, a short week’s walk away from the main trail, is a great country walk. Starts from Pokhara with a short drive to Mardi Pul, on the outskirt of Pokhara Valley. As the walk begins facing Machhapuchare Himal and Annapurna peaks and then climbs up to Khairpani and Ghale Gaon.
Lovely nice hill villages of Gurung the main hill tribes of Annapurna and Lamjung area. Where one can witness the local cultures, with time to explore the villages on route, and then into complete wilderness. A walk leads to a steep climb on top of Nauli Kharka, the highest point of the trek at 2,550 m. Enjoy close views of the majestic Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, IV, and A-II. Includes majestic Mt. Machhapuchare at a mere distance right ahead of Nauli Kharka, a cattle herder grazing meadow amidst the forest surrounding.
From Nauli Kharka, head downhill to a river and then up for an hour and on a gradual pleasant path. As the walk continues towards a lovely large village at Siklis, located right beneath Annapurna-II and Lamjung Himal.
Spend an extra day at Siklis one of the largest and most lovely villages populated by Gurung people. The main ethnic hill tribes of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal follow the Buddhist religion, as well as the ancient Bon sect of pre-Buddhism.
A great place to explore and observe the local culture along with amazing views of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. From Siklis down to a road-head, for a short drive to Pokhara, after a wonderful adventure on Siklis and Eastern Annapurna range.
Panchase Hill Trek
| Mode of Trekking | On best available local lodges |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate with Ups and Downhill |
| Highest Point | On the best available local lodges |
| Trekking Days | Approx. 04 Nights and 05 Days Pokhara to Pokhara |
| Best Seasons | On top Panchase Hill is 2,509m / 8,278ft high |
Panchase Hill is located a mere distance from Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake towards South West at 2,509 m high. An interesting short, scenic country walk of less than a week duration, within an enchanting forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Where views of Annapurna Himalayan peaks follow throughout the trek from the start to the end. A perfect trek for all types of travelers and age-group with limited holidays in Nepal. An opportunity to refresh in the cool mountain air facing spectacular views of dramatic landscapes with snow peaks.
From Pokhara, various options to start the trek, walk from the Phewa Lake dam side, or on a boat. After a short boat ride hike up to a hill towards Buddhist Peace Stupa or take a short drive. Choosing various ways to start the trek eventually reaches the first village of Bhumdi, situated on a high ridge. A farm village with a backdrop of Annapurna Himalayan peaks and Machhapuchare Himal the famed ‘Fish-Tail’.
After spending an overnight at Bhumdi, the next morning walks follow beyond the village and farmland into a forested path. The route leads around nice open meadows then a steep climb to a hill downhill to Panchase Bhanjyang.
A small farm village with few simple lodges to cater to trekkers, next morning early morning hike of few hours. As climb leads to the top of Panchase Hill for stunning sunrise views with a panorama of the world’s three highest peaks.
Namely Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu Himal with an array of peaks as far as Ganesh Himal in the east direction. Panchase Hill with temples and Hindu shrines with a clam holy pool, where pilgrims take a bath and a dip.
Explore around Panchase hilltop along with amazing views of peaks, and then down to Bhanjyang for breakfast or lunch. From Panchase Bhanjyang options for the return, journey either head downhill to Pame or take a bus ride to Pokhara.
To spend a few more days around the hills of Annapurna, walk to Bhaduare village and then to Naudanda. Where trail follows the scenic hill of Sarankot, a famous and popular place above Pokhara City and the valley. From Sarankot offers grand views of sunset and sunrise with an ever-present panorama of a Himalayan snow mountain range. Sarankot is a famous tourist spot as well for Paragliding take-off and Zip-Linear, a popular hill for adventure sports. From Sarankot spend an overnight and catch spectacular sunrise and views of the snow peak range.
Trek completes heading downhill to Phewa Lake, and then back to the hotel, after a marvelous time on Panchase Hill trekking.
The Royal Trek
| Mode of Trekking | On best available local lodges |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate with Ups and Downhill |
| Highest Point | On the best available local lodges |
| Trekking Days | Approx. 03 Nights and 04 Days Pokhara to Pokhara |
| Best Seasons | Spring from March to May, and Autumn-September to November months. Can visit in wintertime also during December to February months |
The name Royal Trek was coined due to Prince Charles of Wales, who trekked the high southern-east ridges of Annapurna Himalaya. Was in the late 1970s, and since then it was known as the Royal Trek, which is a moderate country walk.
The Royal Trek begins from Pokhara city taking a drive northeast to Bijayapur Khola (stream). The river walk leads uphill for an hour to the farm village at Kalikathan for overnight, staying in a simple lodge.
The next morning faced the grand super panorama of Annapurna-Lamjung Himal and Manaslu mountain range with Machhapuchare Himal, the Fish-Tail peak. Includes views of Mt. Dhaulagiri range in the far north-west, from Kalikathan walk on a winding gradual path to Bahun Gaon. The village of Bahun Gaon inhabited by Hindu Bharamins and Chettries mid-hills tribes, walks heads further into a foretasted area.
As climb leads on stone-paved steps with a gradual up to Syaklung Hilltop, a scenic hill. The highest spot of the trek is at 1, 730 m, a place with a lovely small village populated by Gurung. The indigenous mountain tribes of the Annapurna Himalayas offer a wide panorama of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu ranges. Next, early morning enjoy striking sunrise views over an array of snow peak ranges and then head downhill to Begnas Lake.
The walk is pleasant past Chisapani village with a view of Lake Rupa Tal, and then finally trek ends at Begnas Tal. A scenic Begnas Lake is located east of Pokhara at a mere distance of 25 km, with views of Annapurna Himalaya. From Begnas Lake a short drive back to Phewa Lake in Pokhara, after a wonderful short walk on Royal Trek.
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