Today begins with a real heart-starter! We have a steep ascent to get us going and then a more gradual uphill walk takes us to our camp at Ghorepani. We will pass through some delightful villages and the beautiful, dense rhododendron forest so characteristic of Nepal at these altitudes! If the weather is clear we will see stunning mountain views from Ghorepani, making the climb well worth it!

At Ghorepani, we are on the main Annapurna Circuit route and there are likely to be lots of travelers passing through this ridge-top settlement in both directions. 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 which can be seen across the broad valley of the Kali Gandaki to the northwest is Dhaulagiri.

Walking time: Approx. 6 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

First mountain views © Clare Mathiasen

It is an absolute must for those who stay at Ghorepani to make the walk up to the celebrated viewpoint of Poon Hill (3195m), which overlooks the village. Dawn is the best time to go so we arrange a wake-up call for 5 am and head up the well-marked track by torchlight. The first light of dawn illuminates Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with a surreal pink glow.

You may be able to buy coffee and breakfast from an enterprising local who has carried his produce up to Poon Hill to take advantage of the morning trade. Otherwise, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast, before trekking on to Tadapani through rhododendron forest. If you’re lucky we will see some wild animals, such as langur monkeys climbing through the trees. There are excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare from Tadapani.

Walking time: Approx. 5 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tadapani © Mohan Duwal

From Tadapani the trail descends through beautiful forests to Ghandruk, which is a stunning village of Gurung people, one of Nepal’s most famous ethnic groups, known for their distinctive dialect, culture, costume, and lifestyle. Ghandruk is also home to many soldiers from the famous Gurkha regiments. From here we can have stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Fishtail.

Walking time: Approx. 4 hours

Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gandruk fields © Mohan Duwal

After breakfast we descend along gentle paved trails through forest and terraced fields to Kimchi (1638m). We then follow the ridge downhill to Kehone Danda and on to Kliu, after which we cross a suspension bridge over the Sadhu Khola (river), finally reaching the Modi Khola at Seuli Bazaar (1140m).

Following flatter trails along the Modi Khola we walk through lovely forests and terraces to Birethanti and on to Nayapul on the Pokhara-Baglung highway. From here we relax as we drive about 1 hour to Pokhara.

Driving time: Approx. 1 hour
Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: None
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Goodbye Gandruk © Mohan Duwal