Annapurna Skyline Trek

Today we have a 200km (124 miles) drive (6-7 hours by bus or car) from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We take a tourist bus that leaves at 7am from Kantipath, near Thamel. This is a scenic drive along the bank of the Trishuli River with great country side. Alternatively one can also fly between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Today we travel by bus or taxi to the small settlement of Phedi – which literally means “foot of the hill” (1,130m/3,707ft) where our trek starts by climbing steps through forest and then continues steeply to reach some small Lodges where the gradient eases and the paved trail leads round rice terraces. About two hours from the road we reach the strung-out village of Dhampus (1,650m/5,413ft) which has an ACAP check-post. From this point the way becomes a stone-paved trail through a rhododendron forest, climbing steeply to reach our overnight stop, the village of Pothana, with a superb view of Mt. Machhapuchhare “Fishtail”. From a clearing in the wooded ridge above the village there are also great views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna South. Trekking time 4-5 hours.

Today’s trek starts on a stone-paved trail and reaches Bhichok Deurali (2,080m/6,824ft) on the crest of a ridge and then descends the north slope, still in rhododendron forest, passing several teahouses before arriving at Bheri Kharka, with more of the same. After crossing a stream the trail then emerges on to a broad terraced hillside and comes to the small village of Tolka (1,700m/5,577ft) with lodges and a school. We cross a suspension bridge below Tolka, then rise over a wooded ridge to catch our first sight of the larger village of Landruk also known as Landrung. This is a Gurung settlement, with a paved street and a number of circular thatched houses and it is set on a steeply sloping hillside, from which there are magnificent views of Annapurna South (7,219m/23,685ft) and Hiun Chuli (6,331m/20,771ft). Trekking time 4-5 hours.

After our overnight stay in Landruk, we proceed north up the east bank of the Modi Khola (River) via Himalpani, Namildung and Siuli and arrive at the settlement of New Bridge (1,340m/4,396ft), so called because of the adjacent suspension bridge constructed in the mid-1980’s. We now cross the bridge continue north to the west bank of the river through an area of huge boulders and then carry on to reach Jhinu Danda (1,780m/5,840ft), where there is a natural hot spring pool. We then continue our trek uphill (steep trail) to arrive at Chhomrong. Trekking time 4-5 hours.

From Chhomrong, we turn south-west to start our trek to Tadapani “far water” and go through the village of Kimrong (1,880m/6,168ft) and trekkers to the Annapurna Base Camp continue towards north. The name of the village Tadapani “far water” should not to be confused with the village of Tatopani “hot water”. The “far water” title dates back to times before a piped supply came to this remote lodge settlement and water had to be carried here from afar by locals and porters. The seven fairly large lodges provide spectacular views across the Kimrong Khola valley to Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare. Trekking time 5-6 hours.

Today, heading for Ghorepani, we start off by descending a steeply winding trail through woodland and then proceed via Liui Kharka, Thulo Odar Kharka and Banthanti (3,180m/10,433ft). On the approach to this point the route ascends through hillside forest. From Banthanti, we continue our trek passing through rhododendron forest and reach our overnight stop Ghorepani. This is a bustling village with shops, lodges and camp grounds and because of the attraction of nearby Poonhill the route is the most heavily traversed in Nepal. Trekking time 4-5 hours.

We have an early morning start to catch the sunrise at the summit of Poonhill - a unique trekking experience. We start out on a path from the centre of Ghorepani village and climb for about one hour before sunrise and climb through rhododendrons to the top. There is a lookout tower on the highest point and below it is a very welcome teahouse. We will take in the stunning view of the sun rising above the whole Annapurna range and the Dhaulagiri massive, a truly spectacular event. After taking many photo’s we return to Ghorepani and after breakfast set off for Tatopani, first arriving at Chitre (2,390m/7,841ft) which has several lodges and also refreshment facilities. Then we continue to Phalante (2,270m/7,448ft), with its large school, one shop, a teahouse and two lodges. Proceeding downhill we will reach the small settlement of Ghopte Kharka, from which point one can get a sighting of distant Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,796ft). Continuing on downhill, we will reach the village of Shikha (1,935m/6,348ft) which is built on ascending levels with teahouses and lodges in the lower part and a few simple shops and a school in the upper region (there is a 15-20 minute walk between the two levels). This part of the village commands superb panoramic views of the big mountains and of the glorious landscape of the lower terraced countryside. Now continuing downhill, we first arrive at the village of Ghara (1,700m/5,577ft) which has several teahouses and shops and then the settlement of Birauta and follow on to Santosh Hill (1,500m/4,921ft) from which there are excellent views to both the north and the south. Before reaching our overnight stop Tatopani, we will pass through just one more village, Gharkholagaon (1,175m/3,855ft), aptly named because it straddles the Ghar Khola tributary of the Kali Gandaki River which we will cross on a long suspension bridge. From here we will descend a stairway of stone steps and arrive at Tatopani. The name Tatopani literally means “hot water” which is appropriate as down by the riverside there are two pools of steaming hot water in which one can relax but not bathe or do laundry, the water must be kept free of soap. In addition to a street lined with shops, the village has a post office, telephone facilities, a police check-post and a health post. Trekking time 7-8 hours.

After the relaxing stay in Tatopani, we prepare to find a regular bus service between Tatopani to Beni or Pokhara. After breakfast, we proceed our bus journey for about one hour until Beni. The road is uneven, dusty and rough in this section. As we continue our drive just after leaving Baishari, we cross the Rahughat Khola tributary and enter an attractive village – with good views – of Galeshwor (1,170m/3,412ft) which has a post office, telephone facilities and a Hindu temple. Soon after passing by Galeshwor, we arrive to the busy township of Beni (830m/2,723ft) which has plenty of shops and teahouses. It also has a hospital, pharmacies, banks, telephone facilities and a police station. In Beni, we have options to get a Taxi or continue with the same or diferent bus to Pokhara. In about 3 hours drive, we arrive in Pokhara. Interestingly Pokhara is the third largest city, population-wise in Nepal, but second largest in tourism terms and it is situated on the eastern shore of the gorgeous Phewa Tal (Lake Fewa) and the skyline is dominated by the perfect pyramid of Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,997m/22,957ft). In the north of the city is located the British Gurkha Camp, which is the recruitment site for Nepalese men hoping to join the Gurkha regiments.

We are more relaxed in Pokhara with the beautiful morning and later we drive or fly back to Kathmandu. Regular tourist buses leave at 7am.
Option available for extending your trip with Jungle Safari adventure, white water rafting or a trip of your choice.