Annapurna Poon Hill and Khopra Ridge Trek

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights

Breakfast and finalization of luggage. Flight to Pokhara in the morning. Once landed, we board local jeeps. On the road to Nayapul, we make a stop at Khare to admire the mountains, before following the Modi Khola by a track. A few bends lead us to the village of Chane around 1700 m. Here, the porters load the bags and we start the trek on a beautiful path, with already views of Machhapuchhare, Gangapurna, and Annapurna South. From Chane, the trail climbs up to the village of Gandrung, where we stop to spend the night. Superb views of the Annapurnas and the Machapuchare

Gandrung is the largest village of the Gurung ethnic group. Each family is proud to have at least one member belonging to the clan of the famous warriors who are the Gurkhas! We take the time to visit the village, its temples, and museums, before starting the walk towards Thadapani. Tadapani means “distant water” in Nepali. We resume the climb towards the Komrong Danda pass (2650 m). Very nice views of the Machapuchare. A balcony path leads to the villages of Melanje (2050 m) and Chiule (2050 m). The path straightens and crosses a forest of imposing rhododendrons, real trees, in bloom from March. Placed on the ridge, Thadapani (2590 m) offers a plunging view of the steep-sided valley leading to the Annapurna sanctuary. Annapurna III (7555 m) and Gangapurna (7454 m) dominate the scene.

We leave the main path that leads to Ghorepani to follow a path rarely used by other people than locals. The path first climbs through the thick rhododendron forest before arriving at water buffalo pastures. Short grass is a precious commodity in these villages. The views of the Annapurna Range emerging above the tree line are stunning. We arrive at Dobato, After the place called Isharu.

Very early departure to watch the sunrise. We progress through a forest of rhododendrons. At the top, the Dhaulagiri appears in all its splendor and completes the spectacle of Annapurna South, Huinchuli, and Machapuchare. The Belvedere of Muldai has nothing to envy to the famous Poon Hill, over frequented by tourists. Descent to the community lodge of Dobato for breakfast then departure for Chistibung. Beautiful ridge course, a small pass, and long descent in the rhododendrons to reach the bottom of the valley, then ascent, still in the rhododendrons.

The path crosses a beautiful forest of rhododendrons to a small sacred pond; the view clears; the path winds between the blocks and joins a spur from where the view of the Dhaulagiri is remarkable. Another effort to reach the Kopra community lodge. Magnificent views, extraordinary panorama formed by the Annapurna South, close to a few kilometers (but the ascent of which takes weeks!), and the peaks of Fang and Nilgiri to the north. Beyond the depths of the Kali Gandaki valley, the Dhaulagiri Himal dominates the entire skyline to the west. After lunch, to enjoy this sumptuous landscape even more, a hike on the ridges that dominate Kopra Ridge, towards the sacred lake of Khayar (4025 m), is possible. In summer, a pilgrimage takes place on the shores of the lake; in spring and autumn, the snow does not allow it to be reached. A belvedere located at 4000 meters is already a beautiful objective. Return to the lodge.

We follow the path which descends steadily and steeply. This area is known for its wildlife; if you pay attention, you might spot a Himalayan tahr, a sturdy and agile mammal, or a Danfe pheasant, Nepal's national animal. We return to the dense forest of rhododendrons and pass in front of the Chistibung lodge before reaching a wooden bridge that spans a river. The path continues, pleasant and well-marked. We arrive at the pretty hamlet of Swanta, in the middle of the rice fields.

Walk in the middle of the rice fields. We descend to a small river and take a quick look at the watermill supplying the many villages around. From there, cross the suspension bridge and go up to the village of Chittre. We then join the wide path linking Tatopani to Ghorepani (end of the great tour of the Annapurnas). The path climbs to reach the village of Ghorepani, from where the views of the stages of the previous days are magnificent.

Rise at dawn for the sunrise at Poon Hill, we are not alone! While most of the visitors of the day turn back, we have breakfast in front of the spectacle of the Dhaulagiris and the Annapurnas. Then we take the Mohare Danda ridge and keep the Dhaulagiri in sight the whole way. We leave the rhododendrons, pass in front of a magnificent sheepfold of yaks and buffaloes and stay on the ridge lines.

Depart after admiring the sunrise: we follow a magnificent ridge, first in the open than in the forest, up to a small pass and down to a clearing. A gentle climb to the small pass of Hampal Pass (2990 m). Beautiful view overlooking the deep valley carved by the Kali Gandaki between Baglung and Beni. Descent to the village of Lespar. Free time to soak up the atmosphere of the Village

Early departure for our last day of the trek. We walk “on a balcony” first in the heart of forest landscapes than from hamlet to hamlet we descend along the Patikhola river to Patichaur. Transfer to Pokhara. Evening rest and a comfortable night at Phewa Lake.

According to flight schedules, the morning was devoted to the discovery of Pokhara on the shores of the beautiful Phewa Lake. Return flight to Kathmandu along the Himalayan range. The peaks of Annapurnas, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang parade on the horizon. Free time in the afternoon

Free day. Take advantage of this day to stroll in the city center, or visit the cultural sites. Marvel at Shree Buddhanath, a 36-meter-high stupa, in the Tibetan Quarter of the Nepalese capital. Discover Pashupatinath, the holy place of Hindus dedicated to Shiva, one of the four highest places of pilgrimage in Asia. Nestled in the center of old Kathmandu, Durbar Square never fails to captivate the visitor with its fine woodcarvings and rich history. Explore the dynamic district of Thamel, and its colorful bazaars, an ideal place to do your last shopping. In the Kathmandu Valley, the traditional village of Bhaktapur will amaze you with its 17th-century architecture.

We will drive you back to Tribhuvan International Airport for your scheduled flight to your destination