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Poonhill trekking is an easy trek to the place nearby the beautiful lake city of Pokhara. This trekking trial never ascends to really high altitude, so it is best suited for the beginners and families including children as well. This Trek starts from Pokhara valley and takes you through the trail swings in and out of the forest of bamboos and blooming rhododendrons alive with an amazing variety of birds and flowers and traverses culturally rich villages of Gurungs (The Gurungs form the backbone of the famous Gorkha regiments) community and other ethnics in Birethanti, Tadapani, Ghorepani and other villages.
It is probably the best short trek in Nepal, which offers you a dramatic close up view of Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Machhapuchhare-the Fish-Tail Mountain (6,997m) in their full glory. The trail swings in and out of the forest of bamboos and blooming rhododendrons and traverses culturally rich villages of Gurung and other ethnics in Birethanti, Tadapani, Ghorepani and other villages.
Beside Trekking, this trip also offers you the Cultural and Heritage touch of an ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley, some breath-taking spots in Pokhara and the famous Chitwan Jungle Safari.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by our representative and transferred to your Hotel. The evening is free to venture around the city close to your hotel. Introduction Session at the hotel in the evening.
After breakfast, we will have a full day guided cultural tour to three of the famous UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu. We will first visit; the stupa of Swayambhunath (Moneky Temple) with its all-seeing eyes is perched on top of a hillock overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is perhaps the best example of the religious harmony of Nepal where both Hindus and Buddhists flock to pay their homage. This Buddhist shrine is considered to be over 2000 years old. It is interesting to visit the temple in the early morning when devotees flock the temple for their morning worship. The front access to the temple has 365 steps leading to the top and each step represents a day of the year. We take an alternate route with a drive to the top and a 5 minutes climb to the temple.
It is a 30 minutes drive to Patan, Once, an independent and mighty kingdom of the Kathmandu Valley, Patan became a melting pot of two influential religions, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The pious Krishna (Hindu) temple, which rests in the middle of the town; into the very own town, whose entire city's architecture was dedicated to the philosophy of the Buddhist Dharma-Chakra (Wheel of Righteousness) molds Patan, to this date, as a glorious city of culture, religion, art, and heritage. [Lunch at Patan]
From Patan, It is about 30 minutes drive to Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple located on the banks of Bagmati River also considered the holiest cremation ground for Hindus. The existence of Pashupatinath temple dates back to 400 B.C. and is believed to be the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. The main temple is built in Nepalese pagoda style having four main doors all covered with sheets and covered by copper roofs of gold plating. It comprises of 264 hectars of land including 518 ancient temples and monuments and is recognized by UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the most mesmerizing rituals at Pashupatinath Temple is the “Pashupati Bagmati Aarati” which usually starts at 6:00 PM. The Bagmati river divides the temple into two sides, with the main Pashupatinath Temple being on one side and the location of this Aarati on the other.
After early breakfast, We will be transferred to the domestic airport for a scenic flight to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara.
Pokhara is smaller and more relaxed place than Kathmandu and is beautifully situated on the banks of Phewa Tal (lake). This is a city of renowned Gorkha Soldiers, situated in a valley beneath the 8000 meters Annapurna Massif dominating the skyline in the northern horizon. Only foothills separate the town from the high mountains. The view of the Phewa Lake against the backdrop of perfectly shaped Machapuchere Range (the Fishtail Mountain) is the popular landmark of Pokhara. Pokhara is also the starting point of many of the major treks in Nepal.
We will reach Pokhara by 1:00pm, Check in Hotel, freshen up, take a hot water shower, relax for about hour or two then get ready for Guided Tour by 3:00pm. We will be visiting some of the major spots like:
Mahendra Cave is a cave located near Pokhara, Kaski district, close to the Seti River, is the large limestone cave. It is a rare example of a cave system in Nepal containing stalagmites and stalactites.The cave attracts thousands of tourists every year. A statue of Hindu lord Shiva can be found inside the cave.
Just a ten minutes walk from the Mahendra Cave, there lies another cave named the Bat Cave. As the name suggests, it is named after the bats as there is the prevalence or the habitats of the bats over the cave's wall and the ceilings. Apart from it's attraction, it is also rich in greenery as the surroundings of the cave is covered by the forest.
From Bat Cave, it is about 30 minutes drive to mysterious Devis Falls. Patale Chhango "underworld waterfall" or Hell's Falls in Pokhara has accumulated many different names over the years. It is also known as Devi's Falls, David's Falls, Devin Falls and Devis Falls. The name might take on different forms, but the sight remains the same. It is an area that is known for its beauty and tranquility, it is an attraction for tourists and locals.
5-6 hoursAfter breakfast, we will take 90 minutes drive through Pokhara-Baglung highway passing a beautiful Lumle village towards Nayapool, from where the trek starts. Following Modi River, we will walk past forest of blooming rhododendron and cross small stream. We can stop by Birethanti for a lunch break. Then start to hike to Tirkhedhunga. Total walking 5-6 hours.
8-9 hoursAfter breakfast, hit back to the trail. We will cross a small wooden bridge and start to ascend. It is a long climb up the hills to the village of Ulleri (2,070m/6,791ft). The trail goes uphill through fields and rhododendron trees. We will cross the Magar village of Banthanti enjoying spectacular views of the great mountains. We will cross the small river and climb to Nangethanti and finally to Ghorepani. The word Ghorepani, translates into ‘Horse-water’ due to its importance as a campsite for past traders. We will come across mule trains carrying loads of foodstuffs; this is the traditional trade route to higher places and to Tibet. There are many shops in Ghorepani, it is one of the busiest village in the region and we will have the opportunity to explore the village. There are also amazing views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna South, the Nilgiri mountains and Mt. Dhulagiri. We check into our lodge and have free time until dinner is served. Our guides will provide the plan for the next day.
8-9 hoursThis morning we wake up before the sun rises and hike up to the summit of Poon Hill to witness the most fascinating and mesmerizing sunrise view reflecting over Dhaulagiri Mountain (8167m), Annapurna I Mountain (8091m), Annapurna II Mountain (7937m), Annapurna III Mountain (7855m), Annapurna IV Mountain (7525m), Annapurna South Mountain (729m), Nilgiri Mountain (6940m), Tukuche Mountain (6920m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Lamjung Himal (6931m) and many more mountains. we also get incredible views of Mustang and Pokhara.
After enjoying to fullest, taking some photographs and having some hot beverage, we descend back to Ghorepani. Upon arrival back in Ghorepani, we pack our gear and have breakfast. After breakfast, we begin our walk East and climb an adjacent ridge before descending through a rhododendron forest. we will cross the Deurali Pass and then walk down to the village of Banthanti. This village is below a hill and has a beautiful river passing through it. The people here are mostly Gurungs. From Banthanti we will start to hike a small hill at the end of which lies the village of Tadapani (2,700m/8,860ft). Upon arrival in Tadapani, we check into our lodge and have free time until dinner is served. Our guides will deliver the plan for the next day.
3-4 hoursThe trek from Tadapani to Ghandrung is beautiful going through mixed forest regions, the trails are sometimes very high and you can see the valley down to about 400 meters. Ghandrunk is probably one of the biggest villages on the Annapurna trails. Gurung people primarily inhabit the village; many of them are ex-British Gorkha soldiers. The village is beautiful and has beautiful front views of Machapuchare and Hiunchuli.
It is about 3 to 4 hours of easy walk through forest of oak, rhododendron and other alpine flowers will take us to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the large Gurung village. We can get striking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli and other Mountains from viewpoint in Ghandruk. Homestay in Ghandruk is a pleasant experience.
4-5 hoursFrom Ghandrung, we will descend gradually through village of Sauli Bhatti, Birethanti and finally ending our walk at Nayapool where we started the famous Ghorepani Ghandruk loop trek. This part of walk will take about 4-5 hours. We will now take a drive to Pokhara. Hotel Check-In. Free Evening.
After breakfast, we will take a Tourist Coach from Pokhara which usually depart at 7:30 am for Chitwan. Distance wise Pokhara is only 86 kilometers away from Chitwan, but due to the hilly road condition, it will take more time than we expect. Drive time is about 4 to 5 hours. However, it is worth noting that the view is simply breathtaking, and we get to experience the road of Nepal and drive around the mountain area for a scenic view.
Upon Arrival at Chitwan, The Jungle Lodge staffs will guide us to our designated room and Lunch will be served by 1:00 pm. From 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm we will be occupied by safari lodge package activities like village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus. Visit to the National Park Visitor’s centre where you can learn more about the history of the National Park and about wildlife & Sun set view from the bank of Rapti River. And of course one of the entertaining event at the evening is Tharu cultural dance presentation (which we will also participate in) by the local villagers or Slide show presentation on almost everything under the Chitwan.
The second day in Jungle Lodge, There will be a wake up call in at 6:00, Followed by breakfast at 6:30 and rest of the day will be occupied by activities like Canoe ride, Bird Watching, Jungle Walk, Elephant bathing, Elephant Safari , An excellent opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, wild boar, monkey, leopard, sloth bear and Royal Bengal Tiger (If lucky). We will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Chitwan their home.
Jungle Activities Ends by 10:00 am and Transfer to Bharatpur Airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Before departing from Jungle Lodge, we may enjoy the last jungle walk and a brief visit to the Government Elephant Breeding Centre.
Free evening in Kathmandu.
After Breakfast, Transfer to Airport to connect with the onward flight.
THN-PJS12
2-14 people
12 Days
Nepal
Easy
Trek, Tour, Cultures, Heritage and Jungle Safari
3,210m/10,529ft
415m/1,362 ft
Breakfast in Kathmandu & Pokhara. All meals during the trek & Jungle Safari
3-star hotel in Kathmandu, 4-star hotel in Pokhara, Tea house Lodge during the trek & Jungle Resort.
March-June | September-December