Annapurna Foothills Trek is ideal for those who want a taste of the Himalayas without the strenuous high altitude trekking, or have only a brief holiday you want to enjoy by yourself or with your family/children and friends, this trek is a perfect introduction to Nepal’s mountain treasure.
A major highlight of this trek is to climb Poon Hill (3,210m) from Ghorepani to watch the sunrise. Enjoy the glow of the sun-rays shine over the Himalayan giants.
Nestled across the backdrop of the Himalayas, Nepal is a diverse country hosting the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger; picture-perfect Pokhara to a few of the world’s highest peaks. At the heart of Nepal is enchanting the Kathmandu valley, almost a portal into medieval Nepal with its own cultural identity.
Day 01: Arrival: Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport; met by our representatives and transferred to the hotel.
Free for the rest of the day with a small brief in the evening about the trek.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 02: A.M. Sightseeing; P.M. Trek Preparation
A.M.: In the morning, explore Kathmandu Valley. Visit the ancient Durbar Square and a peek into Nepal’s rich history and a visit to Boudha Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage.
P.M.: The rest of the day is left free to pack and purchase any last-minute essentials for the trek.
Overnight: Hotel
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara
After breakfast transfer to the domestic airport and catch the flight to Pokhara Upon arrival met by a waiting vehicle and transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day is free to rest, relax and explore the lakeside city.
Overnight: Hotel.
Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi and Trek to Dhampus (1650 Meters)
Early morning after breakfast, board the waiting vehicle and drive to Phedi. Here meet the rest of the team and commence trek to Dhampus.
The trail becomes gradual passing through the villages and terraced rice and paddy fields and takes an hour to arrive at the Lodge which marks the end of the steep path and arrival at Dhampus Plateau. From here the incline is much easier as the trail continues to climb steadily to arrive at the entrance to Dhampus Village. Enjoy the magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiun Chuli, Mardi Himal and Machapucchre to the north.
On arrival at Dampus, we check in to the lodge to spend the first night of the trek. Evening at leisure or free to explore the village
Drive duration: 45 minutes Trek duration: 2 – 3 hrs.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge
Day 05: Trek from Dhampus to Landrung (1680 Meters)
The trek begins with a pleasant morning walk through the village to arrive at the first ACAP check post and report. We continue our trek, leaving the village behind. The trail follows a fairly gentle slope cut into steps in the middle of the forest. A short climb brings us to the settlement of Pothana (1990 m) with magnificent views of the Western Himalayas.
The path from here slowly ascends until it reaches Bichok Deorali (2149m) located at the crest of the ridge.. Pass the village and continues on a gradual undulating trail to arrive at Tolka which is a convenient place to stop for lunch.
After lunch, cross a small bridge to reach the hamlets of Tolka Naga and Tolka Medi Gara before again going down gently towards the village of Landrung on a trail where the forest gives way to vast expanse of terraced cultivation. Landrung, a small Gurung village at an elevation of 1680 meters is a collection of small lodges and restaurant where we check in to the lodge to spend the night.
Trek duration: 4 ½ to 5 ½ hrs.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 06: Trek from Landruk to Chommorong (2210 Meters)
Wake up to a marvelous sunrise (weather permitting) and a hearty breakfast.
The trek starts with a pleasant morning walk through the main village square. We walk towards north on a path which gradually leads to the river bank Bridge. The path rises steeply and it is tough going for about 45 minutes before it eases out on a gentle slope to arrive at Kyumnu Khola, a tributary of the Modi Khola.
Another 30 minutes of climbing, and we reach Jhinu Danda (1760 m), Jhinu Danda is a popular lunch spot and boasts of a hot spring.
After lunch, the climb to Chommorong is steep on a barren hillside making a shelter from the sun a difficult one. A few lodges located on the trail making the necessary stops an enjoyable one. At the end of the one-hour ordeal, we arrive at a ridge to arrive at the main Chommorong village. Chommorong at an elevation of 2210 meters is the gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary and the views of the Annapurna Range are closest from here during this trek.
Trek duration: 5 to 5 ½ hours.
Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge in Chhommorong
Day 07: Trek from Chommorong to Tadapani (2590 m)
Wake up to the fresh mountain breeze and views of the mighty Annapurna range to the north. Watch the rays of the rising sun against the Himalayas while sipping tea or coffee. The trail starts with a descent through the small settlements of the Gurung Villages. Descend further down to the Kymnu Khola (river), cross the bridge and a short climb brings us to the settlement of Chuele. Though a bit early, lunch will be prepared here because there is no settlement until Tadapani because of the acute shortage of water.
After lunch, a steady climb awaits us to arrive at an abandoned house in a clearing. There are a lot of marijuana plants growing wild. From here enter a dense forest of very tall Rhododendron trees. Continue the climb to arrive at Tadapani, with a row of tea houses and lodges on a ridge.
Trek duration: 5 -5 ½ hours.
Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge in Tadapani
Day 08: Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani (2860 m)
After breakfast trek to Ghorepani. The trail descends from the village square leading to a steady climb to arrive at Banthanti, located near a river. There is a further climb to arrive at our lunch spot at Deorali (3180 m).
After lunch, continue through the forest. The trail is a gently undulating one having reached our highest point. After about 1 ½ hour of trekking through the rhododendron forests along the ridgeline, arrive at a clearing to get views of the Annapurna South and the Ghorepani village far down below. Descend to approach the main gate to Ghorepani, the highest campsite on our trek.
Trek duration: 5 -5 ½ hours.
Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge in Ghorepani
DAY 09: Trek from Ghorepani to Ulleri & Drive to Pokhara
An hours’ trek to Poon Hill just before the sun rises, be mesmerized as different shades of orange break the dawn over the mighty Himalayas. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, and then begin the return journey. Descend steeply to reach a river. Descend further following a trail beside a stream and reach Ulleri, another Magar settlement.
Board a local vehicle to take us to Nayapool via the village of Tirkhedhunga. Change vehicle here and drive to Pokhara.
Trek Duration: 4 – 4 ½ hours
Drive Duration: 2 ½ hours – 3 hours.
Overnight: hotel in Pokhara
Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu
Enjoy the day to rest, recuperate and enjoy the city on your own
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu
Day 11: Free Day in Kathmandu
Free Day in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12: Final Departure
Free for final minute packing and shopping until transfer to the airport for final departure.
** End of Arrangements**
Note: Please bear in mind that all Trek and Drive duration are approximate times.
| Best Period | February to May, October to December |
| Total Duration | 11 Nights/ 12 Days |
| Trek Duration | 05 Nights/ 06 Days |
| In Kathmandu | 04 Nights |
| Flights | Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu |
| Highest Altitude | 3,180 meters (10,433 ft) |
| Precautions | Altitude Sickness |
| Trekking Grade | Moderate |
| Trek Start Point | Phedi |
| Trek End Point | Ulleri |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Kathmandu& Pokhara/ Lodges in Trek |
| Kathmandu Valley | Visit Hindu & Buddhist World Heritage Sites |
| National Park | Annapurna Conservation Area (7,629 km2) |
| Mountains | Machapuchare, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, Annapurna II, Annapurna South |
| Villages | Ghandruk, Landruk, Phedi, Ulleri |
| Tribes | Mostly Gurung and Thakalis |
| Forests | Subtropical Forests, of Magnolia and rhododendron |
| Landscapes | Varying from temperate to snow-clad mountains. |
(Please get comprehensive medical insurance/ accidental insurance and should include evacuation by helicopter due to any emergencies that may arise)
Any extra luggage not needed on the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu during your expedition.
| PACKING SYSTEM | You will need to carry a daypack. Other luggage will be carried by porters. We recommend you pack your items in a durable and large backpack/ duffel bag including your sleeping bags. |
| CARRIED BAG WEIGHT LIMIT | 15 kg |
| VALID PASSPORT | Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your arrival date in Nepal. |
| MEDICAL INSURANCE CARD | Should anything happen, we can get you the care you need |
| REQUIRED VACCINATIONS | It is important to receive required (or recommended) vaccinations before traveling abroad. |
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TREKKING GEAR |
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DOCUMENTS & LOGISTICS |
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OTHERS (optional) |
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