Annapurna Panorama trek

Annapurna Panorama Trek will give you a wonderful introduction to trekking in Nepal – at comfortable altitudes. The paths cross streams and waterfalls from the glaciers and snow fields high above and will take you through terraced farmlands, magnificent rhododendron, oak, maple and bamboo forests. From the ridges your will get spectacular views of the 6000-8000m snow clad peaks of Annapurna region.

This Annapurna Panorama trekking is ideal for families or groups who want to gain a ‘taste and feel’ of the Himalayas and either have limited time or fitness to go to Annapurna panorama trek. 

The adventure begins with a 200km, 5-6hrs. drive from Kathmandu through hilly forest and agricultural scenery to the holiday playground of Pokhara which nestles between the beautiful Phewa Lake and the 80km Annapurna Himal.

The second day begins with a 45km switchback drive over the middle hills to the village of Nayapul for the start of the trek. Hindu Brahman and Chhetri farmers inhabit these regions, along with two Tibeto-Berman groups: The Magars who are skilled craftsmen in stone and wood, farm on the lower slopes while the Gurungs, originally herders from Tibet, farm and tend sheep higher up. The distinctive architecture of these communities and the opportunities for experiencing their friendly and warm hospitality in the Tea Houses adds a special dimension to this Nepal Annapurna Panoramic trek. 

A highlight of this Annapurna view trek is the early morning walk from you hotel at Ghorepani to the view point on Poon Hill (3210m). From here there are magnificent sunrise views (from west to east) of such giants as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna South (7291m), Annapurna I (8091m) and on to Tara Kang (7069m). More closely, the fish-tail peak of sacred Machhapuchhare (6997m) rises as a sentinel above Pokhara.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best seasons, but we offer this trek throughout the year. Accommodation is plentiful and meals are offered to suit a wide variety of tastes. You will need a good pair of walking shoes, warm weather clothing and tops for cold or rainy days plus a sleeping bag. Porters will carry your luggage and you will need a day pack for rain gear, water and a camera.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft).

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft), 5-6 hrs drive

Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,495m/4,905 ft), 3-4 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft). 5-6 hrs.

Day 06: Hike Poon hill (3,210m/10,528ft), and trek to Tadapani (2,520m/8268ft), 6-7 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Ghandruk (1,950m/6,398ft), 3-4 hrs.

Day 08: Trek Ghandruk to Pothana(1910m/6266ft), 5-6 hrs.

Day 09: Short trek to Phedi (910m/ 2,986ft), 3-4 hrs and 30min drive to Pokhara

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus (1,300m /4,264ft), 5-6 hrs. drive

All flights Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu also offered

Day 11: Departure 

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination.

                   "OR"             

Extend your holiday with a visit to Chitwan National Park – on an elephant, or a tour of Tibet or Bhutan.    

Cost inclusive :

• All airport/Hotel transfers
• 2 star Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights on BB Plan
• City tour by private transport
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
• Hot drinks (Tea & Coffee)
• Safe Drinking water
• 2 star Hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights on BB plan
• All mountain accommodation
• Domestic flight (Kathmandu/ Pokhara / Kathmandu) or tourist bus on choice
• An experienced English-speaking trek leader (Govt. registered trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food and lodging
• All necessary paper work and permits(Annapurna Conservation  permit, TIMS )
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes
• Trekking equipment such as four season down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking boots, rain coat, walking stick and many more as per necessity

Cost Exclusive :

• Bottle drinks
• City monument fees
• Personal expenses
• Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
• Travel insurance & evacuation

Annapurna Panorama trekking detail itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Our MMT(Mountain Mart Treks) Airport Representative will be there to greet you outside the Terminal Hall (after you have completed passport, immigration and visa requirements). He will be displaying our Treks & Expeditions logo with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon free.  Evening: a welcome dinner, hosted by our management team, to introduce you to your guide, brief you on the trek and check on necessities.

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

After breakfast, the day will start with our city trip to cultural World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley such as (including), pilgrimage sites of Hindus temples at Pashupatinath, the world’s biggest Stupa Bouddhanath, visit Swayambhunath Stupa also known as the Monkey Temple. After exploring the surrounding areas, visit the historical Patan Durbar Square & Kathmandu’s Durbar Square (Freak Street) with temples, unique ancient art, architectures, museum and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip counseling and ensure once again trekking gears, medical kid and trek legalization needs. (Evening pre-trip discussion: a trekking gear and medical kit check, visa and legalization requirements.)

   “OR”

Leisure and rest day for your own interests.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft), 5-6 hrs drive

Early morning 07: 00 AM drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful countryside and following down steam of Trishuli River. ( famous river rafting for traveling with family & beginners) Arrive Pokhara about 02: 00 PM and transfer to your choice of Hotel / Resort / Guest House overnight in Lakeside next to Fewa Lake..

Day 04: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,495m/4,905 ft), 3-4 hrs

After breakfast in Lakeside (Pokhara) and 1 ½ hour car / van / hiace and bus drive according to group size to Naya Pul and commence our trek to Birethanti, a large and prosperous riverside village beside the Modi River & Broomdi Khola.( stream) We head up the main trail and follow upstream of Broomdi Khola (stream) to Sudame where we climb gradually up the side of the valley, reaching Hile (1495m) before pushing on to Tikhe Dhunga final destination of the day. Overnight at guest house run by the typical village family.

Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft). 5-6 hrs

After breakfast we prepare for the long uphill and start with steeply ascends on the long stone staircases to Ulleri village with the amazing landscape and marvelous view of Annapurna South and Hiuchuli. We spend a pleasant day's trekking through rhododendron and oak forests. The scenery gives you inner power to climb up these steps and immerse you to walk more. After few hours of walking with several breaks in between reaching at Ghorepani, we can enjoy the fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan range.

Day 06: Hike Poon hill (3210m/10528ft), and trek to Tadapani (2,520m/8268ft), 6-7 hrs

An early morning start for 45 minutes hike up to Poon hill (3210m/10530ft), the route offers the glimpse of the pleasant rhododendron forest. This brilliant viewpoint provides us an unobstructed sunrise over the high Himalayas and the wide range of panoramic scenery from the far western Himalaya of Dolpo, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and wised range of Annapurna Himalayas including Mt. Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) and all the way to Manasalu. After a great time in Poon Hill, trek back to Ghorepani, breakfast and continue trek to Tadapani through thick pine and rhododendron forest with occasionally flat, more ascends and descends along the ridge.

Day 07: Trek to Ghandruk (1,950m/6,398ft), 3-4 hrs

Today, we have short and pleasant walking day through the forested and downhill path most of the way with occasional view of the Mountain leads us through the gradual path most of the trail to Ghandrung village for overnight stop. This is heavily settled Gurung village, a modern sample clean and modern village of Nepal and explore the surrounding area, visit typical museum and simply relax at the hotel.

Day 08:Trek Ghandruk to Pothana(1910m/6266ft), 5-6 hrs

The trail descends following the stone staircases to Modi Khola and cross a suspension bridge. Trail ascend immortally to Landrung village. Annapurna South, Hiuchuli and Machapuchhre (Fishtail) are clearly visible along the route. Walk continues through scattered trees, bushes and village to Tolkha. Hereafter start to ascend steady to Deurali, will takes approximately two hours. This place has breathtaking view of Pokhara valley including Fewa Lake and present with another spectacular Himalayan scenery of Annapurna south, right flank Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri mountain, the highest mountain in the westerner Nepal. (8167m) Then the trail descends gradually through forested slippery red mud trail (during monsoon only) to Pothana, overnight.

Day 09:Short trek to Phedi (910m/ 2986ft), 3-4 hrs

Last day of the trek. Its an easy walk through the ridge about an hour with the fantastic view of right flank Annapurna range to another large village Dhampus. Trail descend down through scattered village and paddy field. Continue drop to Phedi (Pokhara, Baglung, Highway) Finish the trek before lunch an short drive to Pokhara (22KM, 40 minutes) and transfer to your Hotel.

Day 10: Pokhara - Kathmandu (1300m /4264ft), 5-6 hrs drive

Morning at 0730 drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, is best described as 'exhilarating' and winds through sub-tropical scenery for 5-6 hrs. Upon arrival about 1430 transfer to your Hotel. Free afternoon

All flights Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu also offered

Day 11: Final Departure

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination.

                       "OR"

Extend your holiday with a visit to Chitwan National Park – on an elephant, or a tour of Tibet or Bhutan.    

Departure Dates for Annapurna Panorama trek

Body wear:

T-shirt, long sleeve, half pant, long trouser, warm Jacket, fleece Jacket, Gore-tax windproof Jacket & trouser, warm trouser, rain Jacket, sleeping bag, down jacket

Head wear:

Sun hat, woolen hat/fleece hat, sunglass & scat

Hand wear:

Gloves

Foot wear:

Warm woolen socks, trekking boots & sandal

Accessories:

Personal toiletries, personal first aid kit, sun block, lip guard, shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, passport copies, pocket knives, flash light, camera & film, tawel, water bottle, music & books.

What you carry for the trek:

Please, bring the equipment listed above and pack your gear for the trek into a duffel bag or rucksacks, and small day bag for you. The larger bag with your kit will be carried by the porter to meet you each evening. You should bring a day pack to carry by yourself for water, rain jacket, hat gloves, camera money etc. The weather in mountain is changeable so you will need some warm cloths with you on your day pack.

What to do about the left over baggage:

One day before your departure for the trek you could leave the valuable things which you do not need on the trek such as passport, visa card, flight tickets, in our safety box, and the rest of the things you could store it in our store room.

What is a tea house trek? Accommodation and food facilities!

Tea house trek mean staying and eating in the local lodges. We stay in double room, rooms are basic but comfortable mattress, normally just a bed and pillow. Most of them have electric light and all have and all have specious dining room –lounge. Mostly in tea houses there are common bathroom. Hot shower also available on the tea- houses but the hot water depend on weather conditions and to pay to get the shower.  We eat at tea- house, though food is usually potential and delicious, menu is not extensive. They offer variety of potato rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup. You could choose food from the menu what you could choose the food from the menu what you would like to have. You would be able to eat the food as much as you like but you would not able to order more than enough and left the food.

Health:

It’s very important not to get sick while you are going on the trek and you need to be careful about what you eat and drink.  You need to stay healthy and avoid getting sick in order to have a successful trek.

Some tips for staying healthy:

Avoid drinking or brushing your teeth with tap water. Drink only sealed bottled or proper boiled water or use water purification tablets. During the trek avoid the temptation to test your fitness through fast walking at altitude.

Medical kit

Your guide will bring normal medical kits with him while on the trek. It is recommended that you also bring a small personal medical kit including pain killers, sore throat, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular mediation you need to bring those medicine with you and do not forget to bring extra supply if somehow one pack is lost.

The trails:

The trekking trail of Nepal vary from wide, rode-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be final. One most pay attention at all the time to where you are placing your fact. Be specially  careful not move while looking through the view finder of your camera.

The weather:

Nepal has the wildest altitude range of any country of the earth. Each altitude will have its’ own weather problem, from typical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking season in the spring and fall, the weather is often stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times. Those trekkers who encountered an easy at altitude nasty spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. That sudden storm can occur at any time, dumping one or two meter of snow on the passes. At that point, any one with simple running shoes will not be able to processed and may even be stranded for a number of days. Frostbite is a constant risk if one walks in snow at high altitude.

If you trek in the winter, you most be prepared for cold and snow. If you trek in the monsoon you might be face with slippery trails and difficult rivers crossing. You are heading into the world highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather.

Altitude and preventing altitude:

Being in a hurry in the mountain of Nepal can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends. Ascend slowly and drinking lots of water is one of the best ways not to get high altitude. You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have know heart disease, difficulty to breathing at sea level or are pregnant. For other chronic medical conditions its better to consult your doctor. Sleeping pills, alcohol, smoking should not be used at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to Acute Mountain Sickness. It comes that during 3-4 liters of fluids (Water, Soup, etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.

Tipping and cash requirement

On the trekking route do not forget to bring Nepalese rupees for drinks bottled water drinks/alcohol that might purchage on the way. The sum of amount to carry on the trekking route depends on the day and area you are going to trek in. Tipping is now common in Nepal but there is no certain rules how much should be tips and it’s not the must to tip.

Photographing people:

During a trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and amazing society. You could usetons of films taking amazing natural scenery but talking the picture of people it’s a good idea to ask before taking. Some people do not like you to take the picture of them. So always ask before taking the pictures.

Considering Environment:

While trekking you have to consider on the environment not to destroy the environment. There are so many ways you could help not to polluted the environment of the area such as pick up papers, film wrappers, burn all your toilet paper and bury your farce, do not make camp fire.

Insurance:

All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss or damage to personal effects.