Trip Facts
- Duration 11 Days
- Start FromKathmandu
- Group Size1-10 Pax
- End FromKathmandu
- Trip GradeModerate
- Max Height 3600 m
- AccommodationTea House
- TransportationCar/Bus
Best Season
Sept – Nov, March to May
Trip Highlights
- Emphatic display of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
- Authentic culture and traditions of the Gurung communities
- Trek across three of the famous hill stations in the region
Trip Overview
Annapurna Three Hills Trek is an easy trek across three of the most famous hills in the Annapurna region. The trek explores the hills along with the southern parts of the Annapurna massif. Moreover, the Gurung and Magar culture also decorates trail along the trip. The views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail ranges add even more charm to the trek. All in all, the trip is a mix of the natural and cultural facets of Nepal.
Firstly, the trip begins from Kathmandu with a drive to Pokhara, the tourist hub of Nepal. Here, you can enjoy a myriad of attractions including the Phewa Lake, Lakeside, and Tal Barahi Temple. After a short drive to Nayapul, you begin the trek. The trail heads northwest to Tikhedhunga and enters a dense rhododendron forest. As the trek reaches the Ghorepani village, you can enjoy the Gurung culture as well. Then, you trek to the Poonhill viewpoint where you can witness the beauty of the Annapurna ranges. Likewise, you can also enjoy the views of Mt. Fishtail (6997m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m).
Next, the trek heads to the Khopra Danda which is one of the lesser popular destinations in the region. Finally, you head to the final hill station on the trek, the Muldai viewpoint. Here, you can relish the vistas of the Annapurna range as well. Then, you trek to the Ghandruk village where the Gurung culture and lifestyle are on a surreal display. Further, you trek to Tadapani and continue to enjoy the authentic traditions. Then, the return trip begins as you pass Kimche and drive back to Pokhara.
This trek is one of the easy ones in the Annapurna region. So, travelers with average physical fitness can also do the trek. Similarly, autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times for the trek.
Note:
At Vista Treks, we always look to satisfy our clients with the best services. Moreover, we also offer you the choice to modify the trip itinerary.
Trip Itinerary
- Arrive in Kathmandu and meet our representative outside the airport. After a warm welcome, you'll drive to the hotel. Enjoy the unique scenery of the city as you drive past bustling streets.
- After checking-in and a little refreshment break, you will visit our office to discuss the trip. You will meet your trek guide, staff, and fellow climbers to discuss the trek in detail.
- In the meantime, you can assess your gear and equipment. If you need to buy or rent any gear or equipment, your trek guide will accompany you to negotiate a better deal in shops around Thamel.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
- After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you and your team will embark on a 6hr drive towards the touristic city of Pokhara.
- Pokhara is a popular tourist getaway that also serves as the gateway to the Annapurna Region. You will be accommodated in a nice hotel just beside the scenic Phewa Lake.
- You will drive almost 200km and traverse past Trishuli River, Manakamana, and Mugling en route to Pokhara.
- After checking in at the hotel, you can head out and explore the interesting evening life of the lake city.
- Overnight in Pokhara.
- Leaving Pokhara, you’ll begin driving through Baglung Highway for almost 1/2hr to reach Nayapul town located on the outskirts of Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Nayapul serves as the starting point for many different treks in the Annapurna Region. You’ll rather take a turn west from Nayapul and begin climbing through the scenic terraced fields and vegetation towards the village of Tikhedunga.
- The first day of the trek may last anywhere from 3-4hr and goes past the traditional settlements of the indigenous Gurung and Magar inhabitants towards Tikhedhunga.
- Overnight in Tikhedhunga.
- Wake up with the beautiful view of the Annapurna Valley. After a fresh and delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on the second day of the trek. This part of the trail can be a fatiguing experience.
- Leaving Tikhedhunga, you’ll begin trekking uphill through the lush forested path. Along the way, you may find small settlements surrounded by the beautiful rhododendron forests.
- At Ulleri, you will have your lunch. Then, you’ll begin climbing the mighty 3200 stone steps that lead you directly to Ghorepani Village.
- After completing the last section of the stone steps, you’ll arrive at Ghorepani amidst the beautiful background comprising of Dhaulagiri I and Annapurna Massif.
- Overnight in Ghorepani.
- You will wake up before sunrise and embark on a short hike towards Poon Hill. You must begin trekking before dawn to view the magical sunrise from Poon Hill.
- After a short hike, you’ll arrive at Poon Hill. Enjoy the beautiful sight of the sunrise along with the majestic panorama of Annapurna Valley surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the world such as Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Nilgiri (7,601m).
- Afterward, you’ll trek back to Ghorepani and enjoy your breakfast. From Ghorepani, you’ll begin trekking northwest from the main trail. You will trek almost five and a half-hour through rhododendron forests to reach Swanta.
- Overnight in the Magar village of Swanta.
- Leaving Swanta, you’ll begin trekking forward through the rhododendron forests towards Khopra. You can visit a local community cheese factory en route.
- You’ll begin climbing towards Chistibung village. After a brief rest, you’ll continue trekking upward towards KhopraDanda.
- KhopraDanda is a serene hill-top located at the western frontiers of the Annapurna Region. If time permits, you will visit the scenic Khayar Lake located at an altitude of 4,600 meters. Enjoy the beautiful sight of the surrounding mountains before heading back to KhopraDanda.
- Overnight in KhopraDanda.
- Wake up with views of the scenic snow-capped mountains. Make a short hike to Khopra Ridge viewpoint from where you can catch amazing sights of Kali Gandaki River and Dhaulagiri I in the distance.
- After breakfast, you’ll begin descending through the lush forests and small settlements towards Chistibung, a small herder’s settlement.
- Head down towards Lower Chistibung en route to Dobato Village. Dobato lies in transit between Khopra Ridge and Tadapani village.
- Catch the beautiful sight of Dhaulagiri I, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South from Dobato.
- An early morning hike to Muldai Peak adjoining the Lower Chistibung Village offers the majestic panoramic view of the mountains and the beautiful sunrise.
- After breakfast, you’ll begin descending from Dobato and head towards Tadapani Village.
- Walk past the Gurung Temple and a viewpoint of MesharDanda towards rich oak and conifer forests.
- A short uphill and downhill hike through the offbeat trail will bring you to Tadapani Village.
- Embark on a short downhill hike through BhaisiKharka, which will bring you to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk. Overnight in Ghandruk.
- Leaving Ghandruk, you’ll begin walking down the stone steps through the traditional village and take a detour towards Kimche.
- An easy descent will take you to Kimche village adjoining the Baglung Highway within 2hr.
- Embark on a jeep ride and drive back to Pokhara.
- Once at Pokhara, you can indulge in a short sightseeing tour of the city and visit some of the most popular tourists destinations such as Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and Pokhara Peace Stupa.
- Overnight in Pokhara.
- After breakfast, you’ll bid adieu to the scenic Phewa Lake and the majestic sight of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre. Embark on a 6hr long drive through Trishuli Highway alongside the massive Trishuli River towards Kathmandu.
- Once in Kathmandu, check-in and freshen up. Afterward, you can head out to shop for souvenirs at Thamel and enjoy the interesting nightlife of Kathmandu.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
- On the last day in Kathmandu, we’ll drop you to the airport just in the time of your flight.
- If time permits, you can choose to visit the local massage center for a full-body massage or a special trekker’s massage.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and transfer by car from Airport-Hotel-Airport.
- 2 nights Deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and one night in Pokhara as per the itinerary.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea/coffee during the trek.
- Local lodges accommodation during the trek.
- Government licensed guide,plus experience porters ( including his food, salary, accommodation, equipment, medicine & insurance).
- All local transportation by bus as per the itinerary.(Tourist bus from Kathmandu-Pokhara -kathmandu)
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- Medical kit box.
- Rescue assistance.
- All government taxes.
- Necessary equipment (sleeping bags, down jackets etc. if needed).
- Trekking Map
- Vista Trek’s T-shirt as a souvenir.
- Our service charge.
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa fee ($40).
- Your travel insurance (should include your medical and rescue).
- Any personal expenses.
- Bar bills.
- Staff & driver tipping.
Trip Map
Useful Info
About Accommodation.
In Kathmandu, we will accommodate you at Hotel Himalayan Traveller’s Inn, and In Pokhara at Hotel Green Tara. Local lodges accommodation provided during the trek on a twin sharing basis. Hotel in Kathmandu and in Pokhara comes with a private bathroom, however, in the mountain, toilet, and shower will be on a sharing basis. In the busy months, (October/November & April/ May) you may have to share the room with other travelers as some villages have a limited number of local lodges.
About Meal
You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Dinner and breakfast served at the teahouse where we stay and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. In Kathmandu and in Pokhara, only breakfast is provided. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, no worries, Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options.
About Staff:
A Guide and a porter assist you from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. In a group with more than 8 clients, 2 guides will be provided. A porter provided for 2 trekkers and carries between 15 to 20 K.G.
About Equipment
Following the Equipment, the list is recommended to bring for the trek.
Down Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Long-sleeved shirt, Jumper or fleece jacket, T-shirts, Trekking shoes or boots, Comfy shoes for around the camp, thick and warm woolen socks, Light cotton socks, A day bag to carry your valuable, Sun hat, Woolen hat, Gloves, raincoat, sunblock, lip balm, Goggles or sunglasses, Long underwear, Thermal wear, Nylon windbreaker, Nylon wind pants, Water bottle, Sewing kit, Medical & first aid kit, Flashlight, Batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, Towel, and toiletries, etc. Please kindly check our Equipment list for complete details.
About Temperature. Temperatures vary as per the elevation and season in Annapurna. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to December) is quite warm below 3000m that you can walk with t-shirts and shorts during day. Above 2500m, day time temperature is around 10-15 °C and night time temperature is below 0 °C. Ghorepani and Khopra Ridge are generally cool in Spring and Summer but cold in the winter. Early morning temperature can reach up to–10 °C in winter. There are no heating system inside the room in guest houses, therefore it is important to prepare warm clothes and sleeping bag for the trek.
Physical Fitness and experience
Annapurna Three Hills Trek is a moderate trek which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours ups and downs in a day carrying own day bag. Some days are even longer with 7- 8 hours of step ups and downhill walking, which demands more physical fitness. Therefore it is better to do some training prior to trek. We suggest you to start hiking or long walk at least once a week 10-12 weeks prior to trek. Carrying your day bag, you should walk for 5-6 hours ups and down to improve your strength. If you don’t have mountain or hills for hiking, running or doing some Cardio training at Gym, specially knee strengthening exercise will work . Past experience is helpful but no technical skill is needed. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or for blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to Vista Trek P. Ltd.
About Insurance,
You have to obtain travel insurance which should cover emergency evacuation and medical expenses. Some Insurance policies cover only up to 4000 meters, so please kindly confirm with the insurance company before you purchase it.
About Seasons
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Ghorepani Annapurna View Trek. You can also do it in winter (December to February )if you are used to in extremely cold temperature.
About Bus Drive
Highway in Nepal is safe, however, sometimes transport can be halted due to landslide, strike or political issues. In such a case the trip itinerary will be affected. Thus, we would like to request you to add a few days extra in Kathmandu. If you complete your trip smoothly, then you can enjoy your time with other activities like sightseeing, White water rafting. Jungle activities or more.
Please cheque our FAQs for various issues of the trek