Day 01 Drive to Nayapul. Trek to Tirkhedhunga(2080m) - 5 hours
It is one-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1100m) situated along the Modi River. You will have excellent views of waterfalls and meet friendly people along the trail. The trail ascends to Tirkhedhunga.
Day 02 Trek to Ghorepani (3194m) - 4 hours
The trail continues to climb up on a stone staircase through wet temperate forests of Oak and rhododendron forests until Ghorepani. Ghorepani is on of the most popular village along Annapurna circuit. Many trekkers who do not trek the whole circuit visit Ghorepani to view a magnificent panorama of the Himalaya peaks. Most of the habitants in this village are magars.
Day 03 Trek to Tadapani (2595m)- 5 hrs
Visit Poon Hill (3100m) early next morning about one hour walk you can have the excellent views of Machapuchre, Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Himal and in spring best views of Rhododendron flowers in its vicinity or in the trail in between Ghorepani-Ghandrung . The red one called Lali Gurans, which is the national flower of Nepal. From Ghorepani you leave the main trail that leads you to Jomsom/Muktinath, instead you now walk to Tadapani which fairy easy and leisure. Walk across the villages and tea house dotted on the trail gives enormous thrill feeling.
After the magnificent view from Poon hill, you will walk through easy trail, a little steep up at the beginning, this day walking is pleasant as you cross through rhododendron forests, beautiful view of Annapurna South is visible constantly on the trail. Lunch stop would be at Banthanti. From Banthanti to Tadapani is about 1 hour walk relatively easy and pleasant.
Day 04 Ghandrung (1940m) - 3 hours
Trek to Ghandrung leisurely. Some parts of the trail are slippery during December and January due to snow condition. Decend to Ghandrung.
Ghandrung is a large Gurung village located above Modi Khola (river). This place offers excellent views of Annapapurna South, Gangapurna (7455m). Annapurna III (7555m), and Machapuchre (Fishtail) at the far reaches of the valley. There are several hotels and tea houses here. Camp in terraced fields.
Day 05 Dhampus (1770m) - 6 hours
From Ghandrung it is a steep descent on a stone staircase down to the Modi Khola and then climb about 1000ft to Landrung. The trail then ascends very gradually through meadows to Tolka. From Tolka the trail climbs up to a pass and then descends very gradually to Pothana . From Pothana it is about 1-hour walk down to Dhampus.
Day 06 Phedi / Pokhara - 2 hours
From Dhampus there is a steep descent through farms to the flat valley. About 2 hours leisure walk you will able to reach the road head that leads to Pokhara. A scenery drive to Pokhara gives you is about an hour. Transfer to Hotel. |
Ghorepani (2530m) is the ultimate destination of Annapurna foothill trek. It used to be main pass through which traders with Mules from Mustang and Tibet used to pass through to reach Pokhara. Early morning sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Pun hill is very famous. The panoramic view of Annapurna range on the way to Ghandrung village is unforgettable. The other highlight of the trek is Ghandrung.This is a large Gurung village from where Gorkhas are recruited in the British and Indian army. It is situated above Modi Khola (river) at the elevation of 1951 meter. It is one of the best-known villages in the foothill of Annapurna. The village has an office of Annapurna Conservation. The panoramic view of Annapurna dominates the entire skyline. Lodge and teahouse along the trail make this trip affordable and easily accessible.
