The Annapurna classic trek, also popularly known as Poon Hill Trek, is a relatively easy walk meandering through villages and rhododendron forests. This invigorating trek reveals some of the best views of the Himalayas especially from the Poon Hill, which is considered as the best viewpoint in the Annapurna region by many trekkers and perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints that exist on this earth. Reaching a maximum altitude of 3,210m, anyone with a normal level of fitness would easily undertake this trek comfortably. Climbing up to Ulleri village, you will be passing through several hundred stone steps been regularly used by locals for thousands of years. Just imagine the magnificence of the sunrise over the snow-capped mountains that you will witness during this trek, illuminating the peaks of the entire range and leaving you spellbound!

The journey begins with a guided sightseeing tour in the old city of Kathmandu valley. We take a short but exciting flight to reach serene lakeside city of Pokhara and then the real walking begins from Naya Pul. While trekking along to Ulleri and Ghorepani, we marvel at colorful orchids and clear views of the splendid high mountains including the two eight-thousand meter peaks – Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Reaching the final destination of Poon Hill (3,210m) is a reward in itself, perhaps one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth. Walking through rice fields completes the picture making it a photographer’s paradise. Then we trek to the largest Gurung village in the region at Ghandruk and enjoy the ethnic hospitality along with the cultural magnificence of Gurung Museum. We trek through the Rhododendron forest that blooms with red flowers during the springtime. Passing by beautiful waterfalls and few small villages, we descend back to the pretty village of Birethanti. Finally, we stretch our legs to Naya Pul and then drive to Pokhara.

Important Note: Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Griffon Travels. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary as planned; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc, can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Activity

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara
Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri
Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 06: Trek to Tadapani
Day 07: Trek to Ghandruk
Day 08: Trek to Pokhara
Day 09: Drive to Chitwan
Day 10: Jungle activities in Chitwan
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 12: Depart Kathmandu

Note: You only get Bed and Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You are on Full board rest of the trip.

» Medieval architecture, custom and Pagoda temples of Kathmandu valley
» Beautiful lakeside setting nestling in the shadow of the Himalayas
» Sunrise views across the Annapurna Himal from Poon Hill
» Outstanding views of Machhapuchhare
» Elephant back safari in Chitwan

• Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu,
  Check in to your Hotel (Yak and Yeti) right in the centre of the town, just off Thamel. It’s easy to get all the important sights in Kathmandu valley.
  Overnight 4-Star Hotel, Meals included: breakfast
  
  Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,350m),
  today there is a half day guided tour to visit the old part of Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of the old city. Here is the old Royal palace, with its intricate woodcarving and four fine towers. There are several Hindu temples to house for different Hindu deities and images including the resident for Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living Goddess from mid 18th century. You will get magnificent example of Nepali architecture from medieval period around this Durbar square. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls.

  You are free in the afternoon to visit the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath, one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world at Bodnath or you may wish to visit the monkey temple at Swayambunath.
  Overnight 4-Star Hotel, Meals included: breakfast

  Day 03: Fly to Pokhara (825m),
  You take short but scenic flight to Pokhara. Be sure to catch right side of the airplane for the best views of the Himalayas. You will have time to explore of this enchanting town and its serene lake. You may like to visit the Devi’s fall, thriving Tibetan village of Tashiling nearby and mountain museum. Perhaps you may take a boat trip out onto the lake to visit the small temple of Barahi Mandir. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Manaslu and lanjung Himal. There are numerous lakes in Pokhara, known as 'Tal' in Nepali, offer fishing, boating and swimming opportunities.
  Overnight Simple Hotel, Meals included: breakfast

  Day 04: Drive to Naya Pul and trek to Ulleri (2,050m),
  From Pokhara we do one and half hours drive to Naya Pul and start the trek along Modi Khola to Birethanti village. We walk through this pretty village by following the Burungdi Khola upstream. After lunch stop in Tirkhedunga (renowned for its variety of local beer called Chhyang) we start the steep climb up on the stone staircase through the neatly terraced hillsides to the top of Ulleri.
  Overnight Teahouse, Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  Day 05:  Trek to Ghorepani [2,855m),
  We make our ascent to the Ghorepani village. Winding out of Ulleri the trail now enters through huge fir, magnolia and rhododendron forests. In spring, the forest is a blaze of colour. Trains of mules provide colourful and noisy interludes to the continuous ascent today. Carrying rice and other supplies north to the kingdom of Mustang the trail resounds with the sound of their bells. Finally we emerge from the forests at Ghorepani and suddenly a splendid mountain vista appears before us - Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung and other Himalayan giants.
  Overnight Teahouse, Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  Day 06: Trek to Tadapani (2,745m),
  We make an early morning climb along the steep trail to see the spectacular Sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal from the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210m). As the sun emerges from behind the mountains, the sky glows red and pink in the first rays of the sun and the panorama is surely one of the world's great mountain vistas. Best seen at dawn, it is well worth the effort of the climb. After breakfast, we head east, following a ridge to cross a pass at 3,193m. We pass through countryside that is more open and then descend again through jungle to a few lodges in a clearing called Banthanti at 2,620m. Climbing back to 2,745m, we reach another small pass at Tadapani where we have a superb view of Annapurna South and the peak of Machhapuchhare.
  Overnight Teahouse, Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  Day 07: Trek to Ghandruk [1,940m),
  Leaving Tadapani, we make a steep descent through the huge dense forest. This part of the trek is through a thick forest of old rhododendron trees. When the rhododendron trees are in bloom, these forests actually turn into gardens of dazzlingly beautiful flowers, mostly red, when seen from the air or from far. By afternoon, depending upon the season of travel, we will be pleasantly surprised by the sight of some cherry blossoms in bloom on the slopes on the other side of the ravine. After trekking some more minutes, we enter the village of Ghandruk, a slope settlement with stone houses mostly inhabited by the Gurung people. Along with enjoying the stunningly close-up towering views of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiuchuli mountains, we also acquaint ourselves with the simple but rich cultural traditions of the Gurung people at the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk. Overnight Teahouse, Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  Day 08:  Trek to Pokhara,
  Today, we trek from Ghandruk village to Naya Pul then drive to Pokhara. We descend on a stone staircase towards the Modi Khola. Passing through Shyauli Bazaar, we come back to the pretty village of Birethanti. We will have lunch break here overlooking the river. Another short walk brings us to Naya Pul, where we will meet the private bus and drive back to Pokhara.
  Overnight Simple Hotel, Meals included: breakfast

  Day 09: Drive to Chitwan,
  Leaving Pokhara early this morning we drive eastwards following Prithivi High way to Mugling and then take right turn along Trisuli River to complete our journey into the lush landscapes of Chitwan National Park. Over the next two days, our time here will be spent in a range of diverse activities, including jungle walks, bird spotting excursions, canoe trips along the Rapti River (seasonal) and elephant safaris.
  Overnight Jungle Lodge, Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner,
  
  Day 10: Jungle activities in Chitwan,
  Lying at the foot of the Himalayas, amidst subtropical lowlands, Chitwan is home to a staggering array of flora and fauna, with some 450 different species of birds being recorded here, as well as tiger, rhino and Gangetic Dolphins. During our stay we will enjoy exploring the jungles and riverbanks with local guides, both on foot and (river conditions allowing) in dugout canoes. We will also take elephant back safaris in search of the rare one-horned rhino, possibly even getting an opportunity to join the elephants for their daily bath (early autumn and late spring trips only). Royal Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s oldest reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the exclusive hunting reserve for the Rana ministers. It was turned into a rhino sanctuary in 1963 and its rich alluvial flood plains and Sal forests are home to a rich array of wildlife, including striped hyena, python, monitor lizards, sloth bear, leopard and mugger crocodiles. We aim to cram, as much into our time as possible whilst we are here, but it won’t all be hard work. There will be plenty of opportunity to relax around the lodge and in the evenings, we will enjoy informative slideshows about the park and its wildlife.
  Overnight Jungle Lodge, Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  Day 11: Return to Kathmandu,
  If you wish to do something early in the morning, usually you can do any suitable activity - bird watching or Tharu village tour if you haven’t done so. After breakfast, you pick up your transport and drive back to Kathmandu arriving in the evening.
  Overnight 4-Star Hotel, Meals included: breakfast
  
  Day 12: Depart Kathmandu,
  The trip ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for the flight back home.
  Meals included: breakfast

Price Includes:

» Arrival and departure -transfer
» Transport-Comfortable Bus, elephant, on foot, canoe,
» Accommodation - Hotels, Tea House and Lodge (twin share basis)
» All sightseeing in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and jungle activities in Chitwan
» Local leader throughout the trip, local guide and naturalist
» All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), snacks, welcome drink, Tea/Coffee as listed in the itinerary
» Domestic flights and applicable taxes.
» All National Park permits and entrance fees
» Comprehensive medical kit

Price Excludes:

» Personal expenses such as soft drinks, beverage, postage and laundry
» Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
» International flights and departure taxes
» Visa and passport fees
» Travel insurance
» Emergency evacuation
» Tips and gratuities
» Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Griffon Travel