Annapurna View Trek – 10 Days

Kathmandu Valley is full of cultural treasures, and you spend the first full day sightseeing before heading into the mountains. This sightseeing day provides a rich context to the Nepali view of life and ways of death, architecture, and history.

Your journey begins at Swayambhunath, often called the Monkey Temple. This old Buddhist stupa is located atop a hill overlooking the city, providing a stunning panorama of Kathmandu while also providing a calm environment amidst a sea of prayer flags, spinning prayer wheels, and monkeys. This gives you an understanding of the symbolism of Buddhism and its daily religious ceremonies.

Next, you are taken to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world. A powerful presence with its large, white dome and the eyes of watching Buddha stare out in all four directions, while monks and locals circle the stupa in quiet devotion. The surroundings also consist of monasteries, cafes, and shops selling traditional handicrafts.

Depending upon one’s interest, along the way, one can visit Patan Durbar Square, celebrated worldwide for its elaborately decorated palaces and temples, or Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu site situated by the River Bagmati. After that, you return to the hotel in the evening to obtain a detailed briefing on the trek: the equipment required, preparation, and other aspects of the Annapurna View Trek.

Following breakfast, your journey will start towards the scenic route of Pokhara from Kathmandu. The driving distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara takes around six or seven hours. The route passes through the rolling hills, river valleys, and some villages. Along the way, you will see the terraced fields, suspension bridges, and rivers.

As you approach Pokhara, the scenery opens up, and things start moving slowly. Pokhara, situated by Phewa Lake and surrounded by lush greeneries, is known as one of the most attractive cities of Nepal. The rest of the day is free for you after you check into your hotel.

Few tourists like to walk on the lakeshore, enjoy their coffee, or look into the mirror of the lake reflecting images of the gently rolling hills. The serene atmosphere of Pokhara is ideal to ease oneself into trekking in Nepal’s majestic mountains.

Today is the first day of your Annapurna View Trek adventure. After an early breakfast, you have a short drive to either Nayapul or Phedi, which is the beginning of your trek. Where the road ends, your trek begins, taking you to the hills, away from civilization.

The trek to Ulleri takes one through forests, villages, and fields. One of the notable aspects of this trek is that traditionally, stone steps lead one steadily upwards. Though it is a bit tiring to climb these steps, it is easily accomplishable.

Along the way, teahouses and small settlements are passed by, where locals still lead a life quite at ease. Ulleri has situated itself on the side of a hill overlooking the valley for cool mountain air and a quiet atmosphere. You will stay overnight at a local teahouse and enjoy your first evening in the Annapurna region.

Ulleri-Ghorepani trek is usually classified as one of the most scenic routes of the Annapurna View Trek. On this trek, you hike through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees, which look exceptionally beautiful during the spring season.

The forest becomes quiet as you ascend in altitude, and the temperature becomes cool with well-trodden paths that are gradual with room enough to take in your surroundings and have occasional views of distant mountain ranges.

By afternoon, you get to Ghorepani at 2,860 meters. It’s a traditional village and also one of the important stops on treks into the Annapurna region, serving as a base for the famous viewpoint at Poon Hill. In the evening, after checking into the teahouse, you rest and prepare for an early morning hike

Before dawn breaks, you set out on the short but rewarding trekking adventure to Poon Hill, the highest point in the Annapurna View trekking route at an altitude of 3,210 meters. As the sun rises, the Himalayas start to reveal themselves in soft hues of gold and pink.

From the Viewpoint: You will have a wide view of the panorama including Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and several other peaks. This is often described as the highlight of the trek and one of the most iconic sunrise experiences in Nepal.

Upon beginning one’s breakfast from Ghorepani, the journey continues to Tadapani. Along the way, one can witness beautiful vistas. Tadapani is also surrounded by woods, giving one an experience of peace and pure mountain air. The evening is peaceful, giving one time to ponder over one’s most amazing experience so far.

Today’s hike slopes downwards through forests and terracing farmland down to Ghandruk, one of the prettiest villages in the Annapurna region. The scenery keeps adjusting according to the transition from alpine to settled hillsides.

Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village. Villages here are known for their traditional stone houses, narrow paths, and distinct culture. From this location, good views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchre rise sheer from behind the rooftops.

There are opportunities to explore the village, check out the local museum, and experience day-to-day activity deeply and richly informed by a history of mountain living, all of which are central aspects of the trip on the Annapurna View Trek.

The final day of the trekking is through beautiful hills and farmland to either Phedi or Dhampus Phedi. The route is not as hard, so you can take in the views at your own pace.

As you continue your descent, you will feel a warmer and greener environment, and this marks the end of the mountain section. When you reach the road, you continue your journey back to Pokhara.

The rest of the evening is at your own convenience to rest near Phewa Lake, have a dinner in celebration of what you have accomplished so far, or take an optional boat ride or try paragliding. Being in Pokhara brings a feeling of luxury after an accumulation of days of hiking.

Your last full day starts with some sightseeing in Pokhara. Most tourists like to go to see the sunrise at Sarangkot or ride the Annapurna Cable Car to see a panoramic view of Annapurna range.

A nice trip by boat across Phewa Lake will take you to Tal Barahi Temple, situated at a small island. This will provide you with a serene cultural tour. Now, after the sightseeing tour, the journey towards Kathmandu will start.

As you descend, you check into your hotel in Thamel, where you can unwind and enjoy a leisurely evening of your own before departing the next day.

Your Ten Days Annapurna View Trek comes to an end today. Depending upon your schedule for the return journey, you can plan some extra activities or last-minute shopping before departing for your onward journey.