Explore Nepal. The Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek is a fascinating short and easy trek on the foothills of Annapurna. Passing by the marvelous viewpoint of Poon Hill, Ghandruk gives you the natural amphitheater known as the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trail leads you through passes, villages, fields, and rhododendron forests. You don’t need to be a great trekker to explore this area because it is a low-altitude trek that goes through the surrounding mountains of the Pokhara valley and offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and Himal Chuli, etc., which will obviously fascinate you to cherish. In the beginning, we will visit historic and cultural places such as Swoyambhunath, Kathmandu, and Patan Durbar Square, which have sacred monasteries.
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Day by Day Itinerary
The flight into the Himalayas offers breathtaking views of the major peaks Mt. Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Mt. Ganesh (7,422 m), Mt. Purbi Chhyachu (6,637 m), Mt. Langtang (7,227 m), etc. (weather permitting), taking you directly into the Himalayan capital of Kathmandu. After immigration formality on arrival, as you exit the airport terminal you will be greeted and welcome by a Sampurna Adventure personal & transferred to your hotel, Spend the rest of the day at leisure for personal activities following your program briefing or you may familiarize with the narrow lively, and endless streets around Thamel town (Touristic center), where you will find all kinds of good restaurants, ATMs and exchange money, full of typical Nepali handicrafts, fine jewelry, clothing, and trekking gear stores.
(Optional: Early morning you could take an optional Mount Everest flight tour – The Highest Mountain on Earth). Today we visit the most important monuments of the Nepalese capital. Visit the Kumari Palace (Living goddess) where the Kumari acknowledges their greetings from her balcony window, Kathmandu Durbar square (The World Heritage site) filled with the temples, courtyards & palace of the Malla Kings, who ruled over the city. The palace is known as Hanuman Dhoka, the statue of Monkey god adjoining to the palace entrance. The main courtyard of the palace is the place where the Kings of Nepal were crowned and have their coronations solemnized. Next to the palace we have gigantic figure of Kal Bhairab (the God of Destruction) and beautiful temples. Visit Swoyambhunath Stupa with its 2,500-year history, UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient religious complex mobbed by monkeys and soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the fascinating, chaotic jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. We could see ancient carvings everywhere and the smell of incense and butter lamps, the mystical atmosphere is heightened by devotees who make a ritual circumambulate, spinning the prayer wheels set into its base of this famous stupa, surrounded by beautiful typical houses of the priest, Chaityas and monastery. Later, visit Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site), the city of fine arts & craft in metal, stone, terracotta, known as Lalitpur Metropolitan City, it is famous for its rich cultural heritage, where we will see in its ancient palace with golden gate and window, temples of Krishna, Shiva, Golden temple (Hiranya Barna Mahabihar) as well as monasteries & beautiful courtyard.
After breakfast, in the morning take 30 Min, of flights to Pokhara (827 m), on arrival 1 ½ hour drive takes you to the trek starting point at Nayapool. The enchanting drives take you passing by local villages of Naudanda, Kanrhe and Lumle, later the trek start through sub-tropical region, first you will cross the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola River, and then we ascend slowly through terraced fields with classic mountain villages. Along the way you will encounter mule/goat caravans carrying goods to the mountains, along the way it offers a stunning view of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna up to Tirkhedhunga.
Today the trekking trail follows ascending tiresome stone footsteps up to Ulleri village, from Ulleri the path is gradual on the winding trail passing through shade of some beautiful villages, dense rhododendron forest, so characteristic of Nepal with few ups and down to Ghorepani, Ghorepani is the main Annapurna Circuit route and one will meet many trekkers passing through this ridge-top settlement. Ghorepani literally means "Horse water" and is a popular stopping place for the mule trains which ply the route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. The impressive peak could see across the broad valley of the Kali Gandaki,
Early morning our Sherpa guide will knock at your door to head up to the well-marked track by torchlight, hiking to an absolute celebrated viewpoint of Poon Hill (3195M), which overlooks the great valley and village. The first light of dawn illuminates Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with a surreal pink glow. From here you will see wide range of high mountains from west to east about 650 km by the morning cool sunrise. Later back to Ghorepani for breakfast, continue our trail with some ups and later descends through beautiful forests to Ghandruk village, along the way you could see some wild animals, such as languor monkeys with occasional stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Ghandruk is a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary trek, in the afternoon explore one of Nepal’s most famous Gurung ethnic villages, rich in culture, known for their distinctive dialect, costume & lifestyle. Ghandruk is also home to many soldiers from the famous Gorkha regiments.
Breakfast at the lodge, continue our downhill trail towards Syauli bazaar and, we trek through the beautiful village, forest, river, and finally reach Nayapool. Here we find our vehicle waiting for us to transfer at the hotel in Pokhara. In the afternoon take a boat ride in Phewa Lake and reach the temple of Tal Barahi temple in the island, later simply walk around the main tourist hub near Fewa Lake side,
Drive to “Chitwan National Park” A World Heritage Site lies in the Terai region of Southern Nepal and is well known to be the best managed National Park in Asia. One will discover a lost world of towering Trees, twisting vines, one horned rhinoceros, Crocodiles, python, deer and some of the world’s most Exotic birds. Upon arrival you will receive and greet by resort staff, accompanied with refreshment & be given a briefing on our lodge & its facilities. After being given your programs for the day, your room will then be allocated to you. After hearty Lunch, a Village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharu (inhabitant of Jungle). In the evening you will see amazing Sun set view from the bank of Rapti River. In the evening slide presentation. One of our jungle experts will introduce background data and the history of the Royal Chitwan National Park as well as some other topics relating to wildlife. Your questions are most welcome.
Enjoy the full day of jungle safari to discover the nature and wildlife of Nepal. Canoe ride along the Rapti River (Subject to water level), an excellent opportunity for Bird Watching, we could see two rare species of crocodiles; the Marsh Mugger and the fish-eating Gharial. In the afternoon, Jeep Safari, an excellent opportunity to see different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, monkey, leopard, sloth bear and the Royal Bengal Tiger (If we are lucky). We will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home. ( Note : Due to animal rights activists it is banned elephant-back tours in Chitwan by most resorts, instead will provide Jeep Safari. During monsoon period Canoe ride and Jeep Safari is closed from June till end of September as the national park authorities close its entry into the jungle to prevent damage to forest track, secure human lives from monsoon- induced disasters and felling of the trees) In the evening Tharu cultural dance presentation by the local villagers (in which we also could participate in).
Breakfast, we embark on a road trip to Kathmandu, (Optional: fly back) check-in at hotel, in the afternoon free for independent activities, we could explore the narrow lively and endless streets of Thamel town where we will find all kinds of good restaurants, full of typical Nepali handicraft, fine jewelry, clothing and trekking gear store. In the evening, a Nepali farewell dinner, we rejoice and express our gratitude to our Sherpa team who accompanied us to make our great trip successful!!
Breakfast, in the morning free for personal activities, later at the arranged time, transfer to the airport for final departure. We wish you a safe flight and hope to serve you back in near future. End of Service.
Includes
Meeting and Assistance on Arr./Dep. at the Airport or Hotel by Sampurna Adventure Representatives.
All transfers on A/C vehicles as per group size in Kathmandu.
Nonalcoholic welcome drinks on arrival at hotel.
Double / twin sharing rooms in bed and breakfast in three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Monument entrance fees during mentioned city tour.
English, Spanish, or any other major language spoken by an experienced local tour guide while on the tour in Kathmandu.
Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Trekking permits: ACAP & TIMS,
Twin / Dormitory room in lodge/guest house inclusive of 3 simple meals, breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Official licensed English-speaking trek Sherpa guide, One Porter for two trekkers basis to carry luggage (Permits max 12 kg. per trekker) Trekking permits.
One assistant Sherpa guide if group size is above 6 pax.
Trekking Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
Duffle bag for trekking, First aid medicine kit.
Sampurna Adventure Trek achievement certificate after the successful trek.
Heli rescue arrangement in case of health issue according to your insurance policy.
Authentic Nepali farewell dinner with the Cultural Program.
All presently applicable government tax and service tax,
Excludes
International air fares to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee; pay in cash at Kathmandu airport.
Any meal not mentioned in the program.
Photography fees inside the monument (if applicable).
Charging electronic devices and Wi-Fi on the trek.
Hot shower charges during the trek (if applicable).
Extra costs due to natural and political causes such as landslides, unrest, snow, strikes, etc.
All personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, food and drinks, etc., are not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal Trekking gear / materials.
Tips for guides, porters, drivers, restaurants, etc. (customary)
Personal travel insurance, including helicopter rescue in case of emergency (recommended to possess).
Due to any reason, expenses of any extra transfer, hotel accommodation, and other services abandoning the trekking or expedition trip before or after scheduled.
Any other service not mentioned in the column of services includes.