The Annapurna Panorama Trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal, also called the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The trek lasts for nine days. Incidentally, it will take you to the views of tall mountains. This is a trek for people who want to see the country’s natural beauty and meet local people. This trek, on the other hand, is not overly difficult. Even a physically fit person can accomplish this trek.
Trek Details
The whole program takes nine days of which three are in Kathmandu and three are in Pokhara. The actual trek becomes five or six days. The hike starts from Pokhara and then the same place is the end part of it as well. Pokhara falls under the region of west Nepal.
Trek Area and Height
The trekking route relaxes in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Such is the case, that Poon Hill sets the peak at 3,210 meters. At this level, most people are guaranteed to be safe. From this small group, only a few might suffer from altitude sickness. The reason is the truth that the small altitude gives the visitors only some snow-capped peaks to see while still staying comfortable.
Trekking Trailheads
The expedition begins after a car ride from Pokhara. Previously, start of the journey was Nayapul. However, at this time, automobiles can go much further. Ulleri and Kimche are the departure points of some treks. This fact signifies that there are not that many walks on dirty roads. The trail comes close to Pokhara. Hikers usually leave Nayapul or Phedi as their finishing points. Next, they ride a car to Pokhara.
What You See on the Trek
The trail presents sight to a wide range of terrains. Initially, you walk through farm fields. The higher up the altitude changes the field completely.
The Special Forests
Adding to the above, in the middle of the hike, there the forests are thick and green. This region also has rhododendron trees with an outgrowth of deep-flowered petals. In spring, these tress have lovely bright flowers. The forests that are here also have many birds. Because these areas are the best for walking, you will enjoy a pleasant walk through them.
The Famous Poon Hill
The prime concern of this trek in Poon Hill is to take part Poon Hill. It rarely takes two hours. People set out early to catch the dawn. A display of high, extended mountains can be seen from Poon Hill in almost every direction. Some of the great ones are Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The spectacular view demonstrates the immense size of the mountains. The sunrise enhances their appearance as if they are magnificent.
Villagers Life
This trek is called the “tea house trek”. Hikers sleep in hotels set up by local families. This provides an authentic view of living in the mountains.
The Gurung and Magar People
Conflict exist in villages where Gurung and Magar people are inhabited by this path. The two factions are affiliated. They adhere to the ancient rules and recognize the common ancestry of the Gurkhas. They have an outstanding fashion sense that is traditional. The ways they have been building their villages are very unique to this region. They have polygonal flagstone footpaths and houses with roof slates, both of which are a special feature. This helps hikers experience a more thrilling journey.
Ghandruk Village
Ghandruk is an ancient town with a huge population. It is a site where Gurung people hang out. There are such small exhibits in this area. Demonstrations on these items are about their dress, habits, and history. Also, the surroundings are beautiful. As the village is on top of a mountain, it is surrounded by large and lofty Annapurna mountains a lot.
Meeting the People
The tea house system works as a platform for hiking tourists to interact with local families. Most of the food is given on the spot with rice, lentils, bread, and noodles normally included. Shopping at this food store is directly related to supporting the village.
The people here are related in the tea houses. Typical to this are dining areas commonly with stove ovens for heating the place. The people here may become a group of friends while walking with the guide and resting them by the stove.
9-Day Trek Plan
Day 1: Start Trek
Driving from Pokhara to Nayapul or Kande
It was an easy walk by the Modi Khola river.
Sleeping in Tirkhedhunga or Ulleri village
Day 2: Climb to Ghorepani
The walk through the forest was all day long exhausted.
Streams and small villages
Living in Ghorepani village
Day 3: Poon Hill and Tadapani
Early in the morning we started to the highest place in our walk, Poon Hill, from where we could enjoy the sunrise.
Trekking to the dense forest was one of the most amazing experiences.
Sleeping in Tadapani village
Day 4: Go Down to Ghandruk
The path down through the forest was a piece of cake.
Crossing the river valley
Remaining in Ghandruk village
Day 5: Break in Jhinu Danda
A short walk to the Modi Khola valley for the hot springs.
Seeing the hot springs.
After a day sightseeing in Pokhara, you can feel the adventure.
Day 6: The Last Walk and Return
It was an enjoyable walk visiting farms and a little bit of walking in the village.
The last day of the trek was such a wonderful experience for me and I was elated.
. After our couple of days in Nepal, our wonderful storm trek will come to its end, and on our last day, we will leave Nepal in the morning
Last Days
Day 7: Have a break from the trek and stay in Pokhara
Day 8: Go to Kathmandu
Day 9: Leave Nepal
Things to Know
Proper preparation can help make the trek successful. Here are some essential points to remember:
Permits You Need
You definitely need two permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Get them in Kathmandu or Pokhara before beginning. Bring them with you always.
Best Times to Go
- Fall (September to November): Good weather and perfect visibility
- Spring (March to May): Warm weather and flowers blooming
- Winter (December to February): Cold, might be snow
- Summer (June to August): There will be rainy weather, it is not good for trekking
Getting Ready
The route will not seem very tough but to be realistic you will have to deal with a lot of steps. Projects involving walking and climbing for example daily practice is the best way to get used to it. By this means, you will have a better experience with the trek.
What Makes This Trek Special
Discovering the Panoramic of the Annapurna with a tremendous view of mountains and interaction with the local culture is the most interesting part. This trek is of nine days, which is perfect for the novice hiker.
