Short Annapurna Trek is a more leisurely walk inside Annapurna Conservation Area that reaches Poonhhill (3210 m / 10528 ft), suitable for trekkers who are short on time with family members, couples, and adventure seekers who are looking for acclimatization hikes.
Despite being a short and easy hike, the views are exceptional. The valleys, hills, and snow-covered mountains (Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks) look as if they are painted. The peaks look amazingly gleaming during sunrise and sunset, making the entire landscape photogenic.
Our Annapurna Short hike begins and ends at Pokhara, a city with a blend of natural, cultural, historical, and religious wonders. Immersing in Mother Nature, trekkers reach Poon Hill and trek back to Pokhara within just four days! Unobstructed sceneries of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Mardi, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri peaks make the journey lifetime memorable.
The ethnic communities of Gurung and Magars at Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani are exemplary Nepalese villages. The Gurung museum, religious and cultural shrines, cultural performances, etc., exhibit a typical Nepalese way of living.
A short journey to Annapurna begins after a short drive to Nayapul from Pokhara, 44.5 kilometers long. It approximately takes one hour and twenty minutes to reach there. Nayapul is the beginning and ending point of most of the treks in the Annapurna region.
Beginning the journey from Nayapul, we hike to Ulleri via Tikhedhunga. Spending a night at Ulleri, we trek to Ghorepani, the last accommodating place for Annapurna Short walk. Ghorepani offers majestic views of the surrounding landscapes, hills, ethnic settlements, and forested lands. It has several teahouses, local lodges, small shops, and many more. The following day (at around 4 – 4:30), we shall begin our upward hike for the first rays of the sun over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The entire Annapurna mountains, Machapuchhre, and Hiunchuli will be witnessed standing at the viewpoint of Poon Hill.
Ascending for about an hour with a torch following the footsteps of our leader, we reach Poon hill before dawn and eagerly wait for sunrise. As the weather in the early morning is cool, trekkers are advised to wear thick clothes (a down jacket and trousers are recommended), gloves, warm socks, cap (which covers ears) to be protected from the chill wind.
As the sun's golden rays kiss the majestic mountains, they look gleaming. Then, gradually they change their color and become crystal white. The hills just below the hills look lustrous green, and the valleys below the peak look amazingly colorful with the seasonal flowers.
Exploring the beautiful sceneries all around, we hike back to Ghorepani and get the first meal of the day before heading back to Tadapani. The next day, we walk back to Nayapul via Ghandruk village and Birethanti before completing our trek to Annapurna foothills. From Nayapul, we take a private car/jeep and drive back to Pokhara hotel.
During our Annapurna Short trek, we shall have three nights’ accommodation at the best available local lodges at Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Tadapani. Most of the clubs there are facilitated with attached bathroom and hot shower. Although the lodges are essential and offer only limited amenities, they try their best to satisfy you!
There are twin sharing beds in a room having a bed with a quilt/blanket, pillow, a chair, a table, and a charging station. Although the rooms are smaller, they are cozy and are the best places to rest your exhausted muscles.
While walking in the Himalayan foothills, in the high elevated lands, your body requires enough nutrition, protein, and carbohydrate as food fuel for the body to step in. The meal during Annapurna Short Walk is much convenient but not as in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Three breakfasts, four lunches, and three breakfasts will be provided in the trek.
In breakfast, trekkers can choose from toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, and honey, Tibetan bread, Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, Chapati, local tsampa porridge, varieties of eggs (omelets, boiled, fried), pancakes, Muesli, bread, fruits, vegetables, hot drinks such as coffees, teas, and hot chocolates and more.
The most popular lunch in Nepal is Dal Bhat (a set of steamed rice, seasonal vegetable, curry, lentil soup, pickles, etc.) Tibetan bread, soup items, Sherpa stew steaks, sandwiches, momo(dumplings), macaroni dishes, Sherpa pasta, Rice puddings, porridges, potato items, pizza (tomato, mushroom, and mixed), Pancakes, Apple Pie, etc.
Dal Bhat, soup items, momo (dumplings), noodle items, spaghetti, thukpa, pasta, vegetable curry, potato items, vegetables, salad pizza (mushroom, tomato and mixed), Korean Raman noodle, Rice pudding, apple pie, macaroni dishes, noodle items, snacks(prawn and papad), chips, etc.
Trekkers should be aware while selecting the food items. The chosen food must be fresh, hygienic, tasty, and nutritious. Almost every lodge/teahouse will get a similar menu combining local, national, Asian, and western cuisines. However, as we go up, the food varieties will be more miniature, and the menu list will be shortened.
We highly advise taking plenty of water during your hike. Other liquids such as lemon tea, green tea, hot lemon, garlic soup, and ginger tea will also be beneficial.
Varieties of meat items will be available during our Annapurna trek. But we do not recommend any of them as the meat in such places is not hygienic and healthy. In addition, we strongly suggest avoiding alcoholic drinks and caffeinated items throughout the journey.
Annapurna Short trek, also known as Annapurna Panorama trek, is one of the shortest, easiest, and lower elevated journeys that take you to the small hills, settlements, stone-paved stairs, riverbanks, and ultimately to the famous viewpoint – Poonhill. Ascending Poon Hill in the early morning can be a bit strenuous, but seeing the majestic views of the mountain peaks, landscapes, hills, valleys, and beautiful houses will forget all the inconveniences.
During the trek, trekkers must walk 5-6 hours daily following the well-marked wide trekking route. During the hike, the trek routes involve long climbs, steep descents, and straight roads following a fair trial. As it is a 51 kilometers trek, trekkers need to cover approximately 13 kilometers daily.
Any trekker with good health conditions, average physical fitness, a positive attitude, mental determination, and self-confidence can complete this journey without any hazards.
If you find this trip suitable, contact us and book this nostalgic trip now!!
| Day | Highlight | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft) to Nayapul (1070 m / 3510 ft ) and trek to Tikhedhunga (1480 m / 4855 ft) and further to Ulleri (1,960m/6,431ft), 1½ hrs drive (44.5 km) and 5-6 hrs trek (12km) | Ulleri |
| Day 2 | Trek Ulleri (1,960m/6,431ft) to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 5-6 hrs trek (11km) | Ghorepani |
| Day 3 | Hike Poon Hill (3,210m/10,528ft), and trek to Tadapani (2,520m/8,268ft): 6-7 hrs (12 km) | Tadapani |
| Day 4 | Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft): 5-6 hrs trek (13 km) & 1 hr 30 min drive | Pokhara |
Our trekking begins with an hour and thirty minutes drive to Nayapul from Pokhara hotel. Nayapul (literally means new bridge) is a gateway to Annapurna trekking, where several journeys begin and end. From here, we will start our hiking journey and follows the well-marked and established trail to Birethanti and further to Hile (1,495m).
Following the terraced fields, fertile jungles, small pocket-sized settlements, diverse flora, and fauna, we climb shortly and reach the village of Tikhedhunga. Then, following a steep stone stair, we ascend to Ulleri, a large beautiful Magar village, for an overnight stay. On our way to Ulleri village, we’ll follow the trail that comprises 3000 stone steps.
Having our first breakfast viewing the Himalayan panorama, we begin our day hike to Ghorepani today. Crossing the rhododendron forests and oak woods and witnessing wild animals such as Langur monkeys, passing the streams and rivers, we reach Bhantanti (2250m) and further to Nangethanti (2460m). Finally, walking an hour more, we will arrive at our destination Ghorepani, a spectacular settlement on a ridgeline.
The mountain views from Ghorepani are breathtaking, and we can see the panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain massifs such as Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, V, Tukuche, Dhampus, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Barah Sikhar, Machhapuchhre (commonly known as Fishtail) and a couple of other mountains on a clear day. Populated mainly by Gurung and Magar natives, the village of Ghorepani opens a window of opportunity to explore traditional culture and lifestyle.
A big day today! We shall get the mesmerizing sunrise view from the famous viewpoint of the entire Annapurna region – Poon Hill. Getting up early (around 4 am), we gear up, catch a torch, and head upward following a well-established trail. It will be cold, and a soft breeze will blow; thus, we must wear proper clothing (down jackets and trousers, good trekking shoes, gloves, caps, etc.). Upon reaching our final destination, we will await the sun's first golden rays.
Poon hill is surrounded by the giant mountain peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks, amazing landscapes, and high cliffs. As we get a close-up display of the heart-warming sunrise above Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs Nilgiri (6,940m), as well as the towering Tukuche (6,920m), Varaha Shikhar (7,847m), Lamjung Himal (6,931m), and other adjacent lofty summits, will make us feel heaven is a place on earth. You are rejoicing in a natural amphitheater witnessing a true marvel of Mother Nature. This delightful moment is one of the trekkers' primary winnings after a back-breaking trek in the mountain terrain. What a fantastic day!
Capturing each moment in our camera and mind, we will leave the highest point of our entire Annapurna Short trek, hike back to Ghorepani, get a hefty lunch, and head back towards another beautiful village of Tadapani. On the way, we shall pass the towns of Deurrali (2960 m) and Bandhani, lustrous rhododendron and oak backwoods, exotic flora and fauna, ever-smiling welcoming people with amazing views of snowy peaks.
The ultimate day of our Annapurna Short trek begins after having a yummy breakfast at our hotel. The initial downward hike leads us to the village of Ghandruk via different rhododendron forests in a beautiful natural setting. Ghandruk, the largest Gurung settlement in the entire region, offers you the authentic Gurung culture and traditional living of those native people. Visiting the Ghandruk Gurung Museum and observing different dresses, jewelry, and other performances, one can find typical Nepalese culture and lifestyle.
The magnificence of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna South (7219m), Mardi Himal (5587m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and a couple of other mountains will force you to capture each moment in your camera. A beautiful scenery!
Leaving the neighboring villages, we will hike further down to Syaulibazar and Birethanti and to Nayapul to conclude our trek. We take a private vehicle from here and drive to Pokhara, completing our entire walk.
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