Pokhara in Nepal: the lake city and the Poonhill trek
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationHimalaya / Annapurnas
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions93.44 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Starting from the lakeside city of Pokhara, this short trek takes you to one of Nepal's most beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri (8167m) mountain ranges. Hike along ancient trails connecting local communities, passing through villages, sandalwood forests, giant rhododendron groves , and terraced rice paddies. Enjoy spectacular views of several peaks. The cozy little teahouses—the lodges—and the "trekking and mountains" atmosphere in the various villages are another fascinating discovery to be made.
The highlights
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One of the most beautiful treks in the Annapurnas: from 900m to 3300m
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More than 25 Himalayan peaks
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The paths between the villages, terraced fields and forests
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 1h
- Average daily elevation gain: 400 m
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 526 m
- Average daily descent: 552 m
Management
French
Program
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Pokhara - Australian Camp (1900m)
- Transportation Car - 01h05 - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h05
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast in Pokhara, we have a short transfer to Kande (1650 m), the starting point of our trek in the Annapurnas. Then, we begin our easy walk to Australian Camp (1900 m). First view of the most beautiful peaks in the region: the sacred Mount Machapuchare, also called the "Fish Tail" (6993 m), Annapurna III (7555 m), Annapurna II (7937 m) and Annapurna IV (7525 m).
Day 1 -
Australian Camp - Landruk (1565m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day's hike will reward us with breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. The pleasant walk leads through sandalwood forests and past the village of Tolka. After lunch, we'll reach the charming Gurung village of Landruk.
Day 2 -
Landruk - Ghandruk (1980m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We cross the Modi Khola on a suspension bridge. A steep climb leads us to Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful villages, known for its dry stone houses, under the gaze of the Annapurnas: Annapurna South (7219m) and Machapuchare (6993m).
Day 3 -
Ghandruk - Tadapani (2640m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 745 m
- Negative elevation 80 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We take the time to explore the village of Gandruk, its small temples, and traditional houses. We then set off on a climb through rice paddies and rhododendron forests to reach the hamlet of Chiule (2050 m). The balcony trail steepens as we arrive at the Komrong Danda pass (2655 m) with its views of Machapuchare. A short descent leads to the village of Tadapani. Upon arriving in the village, we enjoy the view over the Modi Khola valley, which leads directly to the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Day 4 -
Tadapani - Ghorepani (2850 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We resume our journey along the path that winds through the rhododendron forest and plunges into a gorge. After a somewhat steep climb, we reach Ban Thanti and continue up the gorge to reach "Deurali," the "pass" in Nepali, at an altitude of 3090 meters. We then walk along a ridge offering superb views: we catch our first glimpse of the summit of Dhaulagiri I, its white mass standing out clearly from the rest of the massif. We descend the ridge and finally arrive at Ghorepani.
Day 5 -
Ghorepani - Poon Hill - Mohare Danda (3330m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 710 m
- Negative elevation 280 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A superb day is in store with two stunning viewpoints. We begin at sunrise with a climb to the Poon Hill viewpoint (3150 m), a more classic and popular spot than the Mohare viewpoint, which we'll visit later in the day. Superb views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges await. We then set off along a beautiful ridge to reach Mohare Danda, with constant views of the Dhaulagiri mountains. This still-wild trail crosses alpine meadows where yaks and buffalo often graze. We arrive at Mohare Danda in the mid-afternoon. The view is breathtaking: Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare unfold before us!
Day 6 -
Mohare Danda - Hile (1550m) - Pokhara
- Transportation Car - 02h - 55km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 1700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today we set off on our final day of trekking, passing through rhododendron forests. It's a steep descent to the village of Hile, followed by a long stretch on "Nepalese steps" before we board our vehicle for Pokhara. Arrival in Pokhara. End of our services.
Day 7
Accommodation
Access
Price details
The price includes
- Private ground transfers according to itinerary
- Full board lodge accommodation
- The French-speaking management
- Trekking permits
- Staff insurance
- All local taxes
The price does not include
- Private international airport/hotel/airport transfers
- Accommodation in Pokhara
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned
- The Nepalese visa costs $30.
- Repatriation insurance, helicopter, hospital, medical…
- Tips, all personal expenses and equipment, drinks (including water), sleeping bag and anything not listed under “Price includes”
Options
- Duvet rental : CHF22.87 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Trekking bag
Equipment to bring
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Water bottle or hydration pack (ideally 2 liters)
Clothing to bring
- Cap or hat
- Cap
- Neck warmer or scarf to protect yourself from the sun
- Warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- Lightweight down jacket for breaks or evenings
- Long shorts
- Comfortable walking pants
- Waterproof and sturdy walking shoes with a grippy sole
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days
