Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek
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GHOREPANI AND POON HILL TREK Sensational Sights on this Short Himalayan Trek Trip Duration: 10 Days Highlights • Beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara • Native cultures and welcoming locals • Natural beauty of the ancient rhododendron forests • Sunrise on Poon Hill with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna and many more • The natural Jhinu Danda hot springs • A fully supported and well-organised trek • The UNESCO Kathmandu Valley and Temples Trip Summary The perfect trek for those of you wanting a taste of trekking in the mountains of Nepal, without needing to commit to the usual 2-3 weeks required for other classic Himalayan treks. A circular trek, the route allows you to experience the culture, hospitality and superlative views of the Himalaya – everything we love about this remarkable part of the world. The local people will welcome you to their tea houses, while the starlight shining through the dark Himalayan sky will convince you that you are that little bit closer to heaven. One of the highlights of this trek is the sunrise visit to Poon Hill. Here you will wait as the sky brightens, like a curtain being drawn back on a stage, giving you unparalleled views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. You will also get to relax in natural hot springs, experience colourful villages and see the prayer flags that flutter across the mountain ranges. IMPORTANT: This is one of the least physically demanding treks that you can do in Nepal. Due to its relatively low altitude, warmer weather and access to comfortable lodging (compared to some of the bigger treks) this is ideal for families, first time trekkers and those with time restrictions. Trip Grading - This trek is considered to be easy. There are a variety of ascents and descents, including a long trail ascending via steps, and we trek for 5-6 hours per day. As with most things a certain degree of fitness will make this trip more enjoyable. All trips are guaranteed to run. Welcome to Nepal, let the adventure begin! 1 Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu through the visually beautiful rhododendron forests that are a famous part of trekking in Nepal. Welcome to Kathmandu, enchanting and exotic, it is a city immersed with ancient temples and tradition! Fused Day 5 - Ghorepani to Tadapani (2710m) via Poon Hill with colourful markets and the bustle of spice sellers (3210m) 6-8 hours trekking and merchants, Kathmandu with its exhilarating allure is a city you won’t forget! Rise early to witness one of the highlights of this trek, the remarkable view from Poon Hill. The Himalayan You’ll be met at the airport by your guide and panorama from here is unforgettable, as you will see the transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the afternoon free whole of the Annapurna range lit by the spreading light to explore the streets and markets. In the evening we’ll of dawn. have dinner at a local restaurant. Day 6 - Tadapani to Jhinu Danda (1780m) Day 2 – Pokhara 5-6 hours trekking We drive west to Pokhara. The journey is breathtaking Impressive mountain scenery awaits you on this day of as we follow the gorge of the Trisuli River, passing by trekking as you pass along trails that cross the river and lush valleys, terraced rice fields and dramatic ascend slowly to Chomrong. We are greeted with a huge landscapes. Eventually we reach Pokhara, a quiet town mountain panorama of the greater Himalayan range nestled between the peaceful waters of Phewa Tal before descending to rejuvenate our tired muscles in the (Phewa Lake) and the spectacular Himalayan Annapurna warm waters of the natural hot springs. Massif! The rest of the day is free to explore this laidback town. Hire a boat and relax on Phewa Tal, Day 7 - Hot Springs to Landruk (1565m) wander the streets of Old Pokhara or visit the Gurkha 4 hours trekking museum and discover the achievements of this world- renowned regiment. Today is a relaxing day as we trek for a short time before reaching the pleasant mountain village of Landruk. A semi-rest day where we can get up late, eat a big breakfast, enjoy several cups of coffee, talk to the locals and enjoy the clear mountain air. Day 8 - Landruk to Phedi (1130m) and drive to Pokhara 7-8 hours trekking Walking in the shadow of the Annapurna range we will contour through the foothills of the Himalaya, through simple farming communities and uninterrupted views of Machapuchare. Further on and the trail descends to the banks of the Modi Khola and continues into Phedi via Day 3 - Pokhara to Tirkhadunga (1577m) some amazing mountain vistas at Dhampus. We will 4-5 hours trekking then head back to Pokhara. We set out in the morning, taking a short drive to Nayapul before beginning our trek. The trail at first descends sharply to a bridge crossing the Burundi Khola. After crossing the river we will begin to ascend through bamboo forests to Tirkhadunga. Day 4 - Trek Tirkhadunga to Ghorepani (2810m) 6-7 hours trekking Following stone steps we gain height as we head towards the village of Ulleri. From here you will be able to see some interesting views of terraced fields sloping down to the river’s edge. Onwards and the trail passes 2 Day 9 – Return to Kathmandu streets with over 600 stupas whilst discovering ancient pagoda temples. See why local people still call it by its We return to Kathmandu arriving in the afternoon. original name, Lalitpur – the City of Beauty. Wander around the medieval Durbar Square in the heart of the city, sample some Newari cuisine, or shop for A Flight Amongst Giants some locally made handicrafts and souvenirs. We will have a group farewell dinner in the evening at a local As the clouds part and the sun breaks through the early restaurant. morning sky, ascend towards the Himalaya in an exhilarating mountain flight. Fly east towards the highest mountain in the world – iconic Mount Everest (8848m) and on the way take in breathtaking views of the Himalaya including Kangchengjunga (8586m), Shisha Pangma (8013m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Nuptse (7864m) and Lhotse (8,516m). Quite simply – spectacular! Trip Notes & Additional Information Please Note: While we endeavour to stick to the details and schedule of the itinerary, some things may change due to circumstances beyond our control, such as changes in local transport, weather and infrastructure. Such is the reality of adventure travel. Although we Day 10 – Fly Home update our itineraries regularly it is not possible to guarantee that our trips will go exactly as planned. A Lost Earth Adventures group services end after certain degree of flexibility is needed and is part of the breakfast. Transfers to the airport are complimentary. joy of travelling in Nepal! What’s included: See you next time! • 4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara Have an extra day or an afternoon flight? Treat yourself • 5 nights teahouse accommodation to… • Included meals: All meals while trekking, breakfasts in Kathmandu, welcome and farewell dinner in Spend the day exploring the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Kathmandu. No meals in Pokhara or on the journey Valley and its mesmerising temples! to and from Pokhara. The food available in the tea houses is brilliant and there is a large selection of Explore three awe-inspiring temples and discover why western, Chinese and Nepalese food available for the entire Kathmandu Valley is designated as a UNESCO you to choose from. We do not want you to be World Heritage site! Along the banks of the Bagmati restricted in what you eat and want you to enjoy the River is Pashupitinath. The temple is dedicated to Lord vast menus and locally grown produce of the tea Shiva and is the most important site for Hindus in Nepal. houses. We will let you choose whatever meal you Cremations and acts of devotion can regularly be seen at want from the menus at meal times. this atmospheric place of worship. Located in a tranquil • part of the city is the peaceful and majestic Bodhnath Afternoon tea and biscuits while trekking • Stupa, where thousands of pilgrims gather daily to show Entrance fees and trekking permits their respect and faith. Climb the steps to • Airport transfers to and from the airport on the first Swayambutinath, high on a hilltop overlooking the city. and last day Used by both Hindus and Buddhists, the temple is • Fully qualified, first aid trained Trekking Guide regarded for its many holy (and very cheeky) monkeys! • All transportation for duration of tour (unless otherwise specified) Patan – The City of Beauty • Porters and support staff to carry luggage • Sufficient means of communication. Satellite phones Patan is a city standing still in time, immersed in rich can be rented on request for £10 per day. cultural history, bustling with the energy of today. A • Guides will check in with our office to get regular place best explored by foot, we’ll walk the cobbled bespoke weather updates and confirm locations 3 • Financial protection: we are an ABTA and ATOL Scenic Mt. Everest Flight bonded and insured, UK based tour operator Bungy Jump or Canyon Swing • Pre-departure support and advice by email, phone Paragliding and face to face meetings in York if you would like. Rafting or kayaking After booking with us we will send you a highly Sightseeing tours informative and comprehensive trip information pack Allergies/Dietary Needs • Remote medical support from specialist doctors There are numerous options available for vegetarians travelling in Nepal. Please advise Lost Earth Adventures • Small groups. No more than 12 people on a set of any severe food allergies or dietary needs you may departure trip have prior to your trip.