Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Bandipir and Chitwan Tour - 13 Days

Your second day in Nepal begins with a nourishing breakfast at your hotel, fueling you for an immersive cultural journey. Between 08:00 and 08:30 AM, your dedicated guide will meet you, and you'll embark on a short, scenic 20-minute drive to the revered Pashupatinath Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, a vibrant spiritual hub along the banks of the Bagmati River.

For about an hour, you'll be enveloped in a profound atmosphere of devotion and ancient rituals. Observe Hindu devotees, colourful sadhus, and the poignant cremation ceremonies performed on the ghats, offering a unique insight into the circle of life and death as per Hindu traditions. Your guide will provide explanations about the temple's intricate pagoda-style architecture and the spiritual significance of the activities unfolding around you, allowing you to respectfully witness this deeply moving site.

You’ll then embark on a short drive to Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest stupas in the world. Here, you'll step into the heart of Nepal's Tibetan Buddhist community. The colossal white dome, adorned with the watchful eyes of the Buddha and fluttering prayer flags, creates an undeniably serene and powerful ambiance.

After this rich morning of cultural exploration, you'll return to the bustling streets of Thamel for a well-deserved lunch. The late afternoon marks a pivotal moment as you'll meet your experienced trek guide for the highly anticipated Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Bandipir and Chitwan Tour. This is your opportunity to go over every detail of your upcoming adventure, ensuring you are fully prepared. You'll conduct a thorough gear check, reviewing your packing list and identifying any missing items. Thamel boasts numerous gear shops where you can easily purchase or hire any necessary equipment. This session is also the perfect time to ask any last-minute questions, clarify expectations, and ensure you feel confident and ready to embark on your epic Himalayan journey.

Prepare for an exhilarating aerial prelude to your Poon Hill trek as you take flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This isn't merely a transfer; it's a short, incredibly scenic journey that dramatically unveils the grandeur of the Himalayas and sets the stage for your trekking adventure.

This domestic flight typically lasts a mere 25 to 30 minutes, yet it packs a punch of breathtaking beauty. As your plane ascends from Kathmandu, you're immediately treated to panoramic views – a thrilling preview of the landscapes you're about to explore. On the right side of the aircraft, keep a keen eye out for an awe-inspiring parade of snow-capped Himalayan giants. You'll witness the majestic Annapurna range, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and the Langtang range, often appearing incredibly close and clear. Below, the terrain swiftly transforms, revealing a patchwork of lush green hills, terraced farmlands, winding river valleys, and scattered rural villages. The entire flight offers a unique bird's-eye perspective of Nepal's diverse geography, providing a thrilling sense of scale and beauty as you transition from the bustling capital to the serene lakeside city of Pokhara – your vibrant launchpad into the heart of the Annapurna region and the renowned Poon Hill trek!

Today, your Ghorepani Poon Hill adventure truly kicks off as you depart from the serene lakeside city of Pokhara. Your journey begins with a scenic private transfer to Ulleri. The drive itself is a delightful transition, winding through small, charming rural villages, past beautifully terraced fields, and amidst lush green landscapes and vibrant rhododendron forests, offering your first glimpses of Nepal's rural heartland.

Upon reaching Ulleri, a picturesque village nestled into the hillside, you'll prepare to begin your trek. The path from Ulleri is famous for its steep ascent, often characterized by countless stone steps that wind their way upwards through dense rhododendron forests. This initial segment of your hike is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Annapurna foothills. You'll gain significant elevation, pushing deeper into the tranquil trekking trails. Your day of trekking culminates upon arrival at Banthati (2,210 m), a small and welcoming settlement that offers a peaceful overnight stop after your inaugural trek segment.

From Banthati, your Ghorepani Poon Hill trek continues its ascent, leading you deeper into the enchanting landscapes of the Annapurna region towards the bustling hub of Ghorepani.

The trail predominantly winds its way through magnificent, dense rhododendron and oak forests. In spring, these woodlands burst into vibrant colors, creating a truly magical atmosphere. While the path involves a continuous uphill trek, it's generally a more gradual climb than your initial ascent to Banthati, offering a sustained but manageable effort. You'll pass smaller hamlets and isolated teahouses, providing brief resting points along the way. Although the dense foliage may intermittently obscure direct panoramas, you'll catch tantalizing glimpses of towering peaks like Annapurna South and Himchuli through the trees, constantly reminding you of the majestic giants surrounding you.

As you near Ghorepani, you'll feel the growing anticipation of reaching this significant trekking milestone. Your journey culminates upon arrival at Ghorepani (approximately 2,800 m), a vibrant village bustling with trekkers. Its numerous lodges offer a warm welcome, and its strategic location provides a clear sign that you are now perfectly poised for the iconic Poon Hill sunrise experience tomorrow, promising the grandest views of all.

The magic of your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek truly culminates this morning with your essential pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m). Leaving Ghorepani in the cool, crisp darkness, the trail leads you steadily upwards through the silent rhododendron forest, guided by the beams of headlamps and the growing anticipation.

As you reach the summit of Poon Hill, find your vantage point and witness the sky begin its grand transformation. With the first light, a truly unparalleled 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas unveils itself. To your west, the colossal Dhaulagiri range dominates, with Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) piercing the dawn sky. Stretching across the north and northeast, the mighty Annapurna range reveals itself in all its glory, including the imposing Annapurna South and Hiunchuli nearby, the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) with its distinct summit, and further peaks like Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna II, Annapurna III, and Annapurna IV. On clear days, you may even spot Nilgiri South and North to the northwest, and the distant Manaslu range far to the east. As the sun rises, these snow-capped giants are bathed in a brilliant orange and golden glow, creating an unforgettable spectacle of light and shadow that captures the very essence of the Himalayas.

After soaking in this awe-inspiring sunrise and capturing indelible memories, you'll descend back to Ghorepani for a well-deserved breakfast. Following your meal, your trek continues with a descent towards Nangethathi. The trail winds through familiar dense rhododendron and oak forests, providing a peaceful backtrack and continued immersion in the serene mountain environment.

From Nangethathi, your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek continues its journey back towards Pokhara. This segment marks your final day of trekking, a predominantly downhill path that allows you to retrace familiar steps through the enchanting Annapurna foothills.

You backtrack on the now descending trail taking in the intermittently obscure direct panoramic views though the dense canopy as you complete this final stretch of your hike.

Upon reaching Ulleri, your trekking journey ends. From here, you'll return to Pokhara, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After the rewarding efforts of your trek, prepare for a completely different kind of adventure as you take to the skies of Pokhara. Your paragliding experience promises an exhilarating perspective and an unforgettable thrill.

The adventure typically begins with a short drive to Sarangkot, the famous launch point perched high above Pokhara Valley. Here, after a briefing from your certified tandem pilot, you’ll take a few running steps and suddenly, you'll be airborne! You'll ascend gracefully into the sky, effortlessly soaring like a bird. Your flight over Phewa Lake treats you to breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range stretching majestically before you, the tranquil lake shimmering below, and the vibrant Pokhara valley unfolding beneath your feet.

This incredible aerial journey usually lasts around 20-30 minutes, depending on thermal conditions, offering an unparalleled sense of freedom and a unique vantage point of Nepal's stunning landscapes. As you gently descend for a soft landing near the lakeside, you’ll carry with you the exhilarating sensation of flight and memories of truly spectacular mountain vistas from above.

Leaving behind the adventurous spirit of Pokhara, your journey continues with a comfortable private transfer to the scenic town of Bandipur, through Nepal's verdant hills and rural landscapes.

Upon your arrival in Bandipur, you'll be charmed by its unique ambiance. Known as an idyllic Newar settlement, Bandipur feels like a step back in time, preserving its traditional architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. With no guide accompanying you within the town, the remainder of your day is entirely at your leisure to explore Bandipur by yourself. This offers you the freedom to wander its historic cobblestone streets at your own pace, admire its intricate Newari arts and crafts, savor local delicacies, and perhaps even experience local festivities firsthand. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and timeless beauty of this quaint town, discovering its hidden gems independently.

Your unforgettable Nepali adventure draws to a close with your return to the capital. The morning begins with a convenient flight from Chitwan (Bharatpur Airport) back to Kathmandu. This swift aerial journey, typically lasting around 20 minutes, offers a final, unique perspective, as the lush jungle landscapes of the Terai give way to the rolling hills and the expanding urban sprawl of the Kathmandu Valley below.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is dedicated to a fascinating guided tour of two more iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a profound dip back into Nepal's rich history and spirituality.

First, you'll visit Swayambhunath Stupa, often known as the "Monkey Temple." Perched atop a hill, this ancient stupa offers not only spiritual tranquility but also panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Witness devotees circumambulating the stupa, spinning prayer wheels, and observing the resident monkeys, which add a unique charm to this sacred site.

Next, your guide will lead you to Patan Durbar Square, the ancient royal palace complex of Patan city. Here, you'll step into a living museum of intricate Newar architecture, stunning temples, and exquisite carvings that adorn every corner. Explore the historic palaces, visit the Golden Temple, and absorb the vibrant atmosphere of this culturally rich square, marveling at the craftsmanship of centuries past. This final immersion into Kathmandu's heritage provides a perfect reflection on the diverse adventures you've experienced.

Today marks the end of your incredible Nepal Debut Trip. You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Nepal's stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.