Regardless of your age and experience level, you can enjoy one of the most luxurious and visually stunning trips in Nepal.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a popular, short, and enjoyable trek for tourists of all ages and levels of experience in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek usually takes 4-5 days and offers stunning chain views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. After new motorable road construction, the trail has been shortened. Nowadays, the trek starts in Hile village and ends in Ghandruk village. The pleasant and picturesque trek passes through charming villages, tranquil pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, crystal clear perennial rivers, and terraced fields. The main attraction of the trek is the opportunity to witness one of the most beautiful sunrise views from Poon Hill, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding western mountains, as well as the chance to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the local ethnic groups and relax in the beautiful city of Pokhara.
During a Ghorepani and Chitwan trip, tourists can expect very good accommodations, hygiene meals, and warm hospitality from the local people.
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Terai region of Nepal. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and Asian elephant. A visit to Chitwan offers an opportunity to explore the jungle through a variety of activities, such as elephant safaris, jungle walks, and canoe rides on the Rapti River. Visitors can also learn about the local Tharu culture and enjoy traditional dance performances.
Combining these two destinations can create a diverse and rewarding itinerary that showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal. Typically, visitors would complete the trek first and then head to Chitwan National Park for a few days of wildlife spotting and jungle exploration.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (TIA) 1,350 m (4,429 ft), transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and drive to Hile, starts to Ulleri 1,960m (6,430 ft).
Day 04: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani 2,860 m (9,383 ft), 7 hrs.
Day 05: Hike to Poon-hill (3,210 m) Sunrise view, trek to Tadapani (2,630 m).
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk 1,940 m (6,364 ft), 6hrs.
Day 07: Journey towards to Sarangkot 1,552 m (5,092 ft) 7hrs.
Day 08: Trek down to Lakeside hotel 820 meters (2,690 ft) 2 hours.
Day 09: Pokhara valley sightseeing and transfer to hotel.
Day 10: Drive to Chitawan Chitrasari or Tadi and transfer to hotel.
Day 11: Entirely sightseeing.
Day 12: Half-day for sightseeing and drive to Kathmandu Hotel.
Day 13: Rest Day, shopping, free sightseeing.
Day 14: Departure for home.
Representatives from Himalayan Diamond Adventures will greet you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be welcomed with a fresh flower garland, a traditional Nepali greeting, and then escorted to the hotel for bed and breakfast service. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, if there is no traffic jam on our way. After checking into the hotel, we will have a short refreshment meeting at the hotel. In the evening, the company will host a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with a cultural dance performance, to celebrate the start of your trip. During the dinner, your guide will provide a brief overview of the schedule for the following day.
Today, after breakfast, we will embark on a journey to explore some of the popular landmarks and milestones in the Kathmandu Valley, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Kathmandu is widely known as the city of temples and a cultural hub in Nepal. These places that we will visit today showcase the cultural and religious diversity of Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Both Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are important sites for Buddhism and are visited by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. These places display the unique architecture, religious tolerance, and diversity that can be found in Nepal.
As Kathmandu has a huge historical history and carries cultural and religious essence a popular destination for tourists. The city presents a remarkable blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism via its heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Our tour guide will provide you the relevant facts and historical significance of the places like Pashupatinath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in town- Boudhanath, the 15th-century palace of 55 windows in Bhaktapur and Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu which we will visit today.
A flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is a breathtaking experience as it takes you over the majestic Himalayan mountain range. The flight lasts around 25-30 minutes, during which you can see stunning aerial views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and terraced fields. The flight path also passes over several beautiful rivers and lakes, including the Trishuli River and Phewa Lake. On a clear day, you can see the entire Annapurna mountain range from the plane, which is an unforgettable sight. The flight itself is relatively short, but the views are worth the trip. Upon landing in Pokhara, we will take a tourist bus or Jeep to Hile, where our trek begins today towards Ulleri. This is an important day for adventure-loving trekkers, as it provides a unique and exciting combination of flight, bus ride, and trekking experiences.
We will commence our trek towards Ghorepani, gradually ascending uphill. Ghorepani is situated at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,383 ft) above sea level. Leaving Ulleri village, we will pass through several beautiful ethnic group's villages before reaching Ghorepani, which is an enchanting and bustling tourist destination. The trail can be quite challenging for novice trekkers, but the magnificent views of Machhapuchre make it worthwhile. After a short and enthralling hike, we will pass through oak, rhododendron, and magnolia forests towards Banthanti and Nangethati, which are popular stops on the way to Ghorepani. At the end of our beautiful hiking day, we will reach Ghorepani, a large Poon Magar inhabited settlement situated between two green hills that resemble a saddle. Ghorepani is a vibrant and highly touristy village.
We will wake up early in the morning, at dawn, and climb up to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,531 ft) to enjoy the splendid sunrise and panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalaya range, including Mt. Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. When the first sun rays hit the mountains, it creates a marvelous view. After enjoying the breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, we will head back to the hotel for a hot breakfast. Following breakfast, we will trek to Tadapani, enjoying the tranquility and scenic views of the rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, oak, and pine jungle along the way
Departing from Tadapani village, we will trek through a beautiful rhododendron forest to reach another popular tourist destination, Ghandruk village. The jungle trail is particularly splendid during the flower blooming season in April and May. Ghandruk is known as the British Gorkha Army village, and is home to a large Gurung community. The village is both naturally and culturally beautiful, with its unique dialect, costumes, and lifestyle unaffected by modernization. Ghandruk is a popular tourist destination that offers beautiful mountain views and has easy connections to Pokhara or Kathmandu
After leaving Ghandruk village, we will continue our trek downhill along a stone staircase until we reach the jeep station at Kimche. From there, we will drive to Naudanda while admiring the terraced farmlands and other villages on the trekking route, such as Tikhedhunga and Nayapul. The drive will take around an hour and a half. Once we reach Naudanda, we will trek for 2 hours to reach Sarangkot. Sarangkot is a very popular trekking destination accessible from Pokhara, offering captivating mountain views, serenity, and glorious landscape of the Pokhara valley.
After an incredible tour, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains such as Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Lamjung Himal, and other peaks, as well as the enchanting Pokhara valley with its captivating lakes, we will descend down to a lakeside hotel for an overnight stay that includes breakfast.
There are various activities to enjoy in Pokhara, such as mountain flights, paragliding, boating, cycling tours, motorbiking tours, etc. However, we will be taking a sightseeing tour around Pokhara. We will visit the Peace Pagoda (also known as the Peaceful Stupa), Barahi Temple in Lakeside, enigmatic caves, Davis Waterfall, and the International Mountain Museum
After trekking through some beautiful villages and sightseeing in Pokhara, we will take a tourist bus from Pokhara to Chitwan. Upon our arrival, our touring staff will meet us either at Chitrasari or Tadi and accompany us to the resort, where light refreshments will be served. After a short break, we will provide a briefing for exploring and sightseeing in Chitwan
13.00 hours: Lunch.
15.00 hours: We will take a village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village with our tour guide, where you can learn about the lifestyle and unique culture of the Tharu people. Afterwards, we will visit the National Park visitor's center where you can learn more about the history of the park and the wildlife that lives there. Finally, we will enjoy a beautiful sunset view from the banks of the Rapti River.
19.00 hours: Your last outdoor activity will be to participate in the local Tharu cultural dance. Chitwan is famous for its Tharu cultural dance performances, which are hosted and performed by local villagers. You can also enjoy a slide show presentation about the region's culture
20.00 hours: You will have dinner and return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
You will start the day early and enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in the serenity of the Terai region of Nepal. One of the first activities you will take part in is canoe riding, during which you may have the chance to see rare birds, crocodiles, and other wildlife. After this, you will embark on a jungle safari.
The detailed time and itinerary is-
06.00 hours: Wake up call.
06.30 hours: Breakfast.
At 7:00 am, you will enjoy a canoe ride along the Rapti River, which provides an excellent opportunity for bird watching and to see rare species of crocodiles such as the marsh mugger and fish-eating gharial. On the way back, you will take a jungle walk where you can enjoy the sight of elephants bathing. This experience will rejuvenate all your energy.
13.00 hours: Lunch.
At 15:00 hours, you will go on an Elephant Safari, which is an excellent opportunity to see four different kinds of deer, rhinoceros, boar, monkeys, leopards, sloth bears, and the royal Bengal tiger (if you're lucky). You may also encounter many other smaller mammals that call the Royal Chitwan National Park their home.
19.00 hours: Tharu cultural dance presentation or slideshow presentation.
20.00 hours: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Before departing for Kathmandu, we'll have time to visit any additional sites or activities in Chitwan National Park that you haven't yet experienced. This is your chance to tick off any remaining items on your Chitwan bucket list.
06.00 hours: Wake up call.
06.30 hours: Breakfast.
07.00 hours: Visit the government elephant breeding centre.
10.00 hours: Departure for onward journey.
Today is a leisure day for you, and you have the option to adjust the itinerary and depart, or to take the day off to relax, buy some souvenirs, or enjoy a spa treatment. In the evening, we will host a dinner program for you.
We will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport before your scheduled check-in time for your international flight. We will be there to see you off.
Note: - that the outlined itinerary is designed for those who prefer a full package service. However, we understand that preferences and time constraints may vary, so we offer the flexibility to customize the itinerary according to your needs. The selection of itineraries and staff will be based on your specific requirements and budget. Additionally, we have options available for partial visits to accommodate your preferences and financial situation.
When going on a tour, it's important to bring essential documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. Here are some documents that we highly recommend you bring with you.
Passport: When traveling to a foreign country, it is important to ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining before its expiration date and at least 2 blank visa pages. This is because many countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure date and has sufficient blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps.
Visa: Depending on your destination, you may need a visa to enter the country. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting to see if you need a visa. Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal at https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
Travel itinerary: It's always a good idea to have a printed copy of your travel itinerary, including flight and hotel reservations, tour bookings, and any other important travel plans.
Travel insurance: As a traveler, it is advisable to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance package that covers potential medical issues, personal accidents, emergency helicopter evacuation, loss or damage of personal belongings, and trip cancellations, especially if you are planning to trek to high altitudes up to 3,200 meters, such as Ghorepani Poon-hill. It is also important to ensure that the insurance covers the cost of cancellation for both your international flight and the trek. The minimum recommended coverage amount is USD 100,000. Many insurance companies offer travel insurance services online, so you can easily find a plan that meets your needs.
COVID-19 vaccination certification: To obtain a Nepal tourist visa during the ongoing pandemic, travelers need to show either a completed COVID-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code or a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of boarding.
Health documents: If you are traveling to a country with specific health requirements, or if you are planning to participate in adventure activities, do not forget to bring your necessary health documents with you.
Driver's license: If you plan on driving while on tour, make sure to bring your driver's license.
Credit cards and cash: Bring enough cash and credit cards to cover your expenses while on tour.
Emergency contact information: Write down the contact information for someone you trust in case of an emergency. This could include a family member, friend, or employer.
It's always a good idea to make copies of all your important documents and keep them in a safe place in case the originals get lost or stolen. Additionally, you may want to consider using a travel document organizer to keep all your important documents organized and easily accessible. If you are traveling to Nepal, then here are some essential documents you will need to have with you in order to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
❖ Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank visa pages
❖ Travel insurance policy document
❖ Photocopies of your passport's personal information page
❖ One or more recent passport-sized photos with a white background (1.5 inch x 1.5 inch)
❖ Completed and signed Nepal visa application form
❖ Proof of accommodation in Nepal (such as a hotel reservation or address)
❖ Valid return flight or travel ticket
❖ Proof of sufficient financial means, such as recent bank statements
❖ Mastercard, Visa, and some cash in USD
❖ Proof of payment of the Nepal visa fee
❖ To obtain a visa for Nepal, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the travel date and you must present either a completed COVID-19 vaccination certificate with QR code or a valid PCR test negative result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal at https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
1. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and intended travel dates.
2. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG or PNG format.
3. Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or debit card. The cost of the visa depends on the length of your stay in Nepal, but it typically ranges from $30 to $125.
4. Once you have submitted your application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt and an application ID.
5. After your application has been processed, you will receive another email with a link to download your visa. You should print out the visa and carry it with you when you travel to Nepal. It's important to note that the online tourist visa is valid for multiple entries and is valid for 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on your length of stay. Also, be sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date to allow time for processing.
It is essential for foreign travelers to secure insurance coverage while trekking or climbing in Nepal. Although trekking in Nepal is generally safe, travel insurance is compulsory for mountaineering activities in Nepal. The trip can pose physical challenges and hazards, particularly at high altitudes where altitude sickness is prevalent among trekkers and climbers, especially those who have not acclimatized properly. Physical injuries can also occur on mountain trails or during climbing activities, and in emergency situations, foreign trekkers or climbers may need to be rescued by helicopter and transported to hospitals in Kathmandu, which can be costly if the traveler does not have insurance coverage.
We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance package that covers high altitudes up to 6,500 meters, potential medical issues, natural disasters, personal accidents, emergency helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, loss or damage of personal belongings, and trip cancellations. The minimum recommended coverage amount is USD 100,000. There are many insurance companies that offer travel insurance services online. You should compare plans to find the one that best meets your needs.
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As Nepal's topography is divided into three geographical regions - Terai, Hills, and Mountains - each region experiences different temperatures during different seasons. Below is a tabular illustration of temperature changes throughout the different seasons in Nepal, which will allow you to better understand the changing weather conditions.
Seasons Minimum temperature (approx) Maximum temperature (approx) Weather Condition
Spring 4°C/ 39°F (Mountain) 20°C/ 68°F (Mountain) Moderate with occasional rain
Summer 12°C/ 53°F (Mountain) 25°C/ 77°F (Mountain) Extreme high with heavy rain
Autumn 3°C/ 37°F (Mountain) 18°C/ 64°F (Mountain) Moderate
Winter 10°C/ 50°F (Terai) -4°C/ 24°F (Mt.) 20°C/ 68°F (Terai) to 12°C/ 53°F (Mountain) Extreme low
After a thorough analysis of all the seasons, it has been suggested that autumn is the best time of the year to trek in Nepal. The mild temperatures from September to November make the trekking experience more enjoyable. During this time of the year, trekking routes throughout the country are jam-packed with travelers from all around the world.
However, as mid-December is generally the holiday season in most countries, including the United States, there is a spike in the number of international tourists during early winter as well. Interestingly, to make the holiday season even more special, travel companies offer some of the best holiday destination packages during this time. So, be sure to take advantage of the best travel opportunities with the assistance of Himalayan Diamond Adventure.
Nonetheless, if you cannot make it in autumn, spring also allows for favorable conditions for trekking in Nepal. The warmer days and nights, lush plants and vegetation, and clear trekking trails during spring make the trek worthwhile. However, the downside is occasional rain and slightly higher temperatures in the lower elevations. All in all, after autumn, spring is the second-best time to trek in Nepal.
Thousands of tourists visit Nepal every year to enjoy the picturesque nature and trek through the adventurous and diverse terrain. However, the best times to trek in Nepal are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these seasons, travelers are blessed with moderate temperatures and enjoyable weather conditions throughout the country.
As calm as it may seem, the challenging terrains of the Himalayas in Nepal can present trekkers with gruesome scenarios during harsh weather conditions. To avoid any unforeseen situations and to enjoy nature at its best, most trekkers prefer autumn for backpacking. However, it may not be the best time of the year to trek in Nepal for everyone. Some may prefer off-season trekking to avoid the crowds. Therefore, exploring the various seasons can help you choose a favorable time for trekking in Nepal based on your preferences.
Throughout the year, the landscape of Nepal experiences four seasons, each with its own uniqueness that brings significant changes to the natural environment. Below are some detailed insights into the four seasons in Nepal.
Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May and is one of the preferred seasons for trekking throughout the country. During this time, the climate is moderate, with slightly higher temperatures reaching up to about 32°C (89°F) in the lower elevation regions and around 20°C (68°F) at higher altitudes. The sky is usually clear with mild days and occasional rain.
Spring brings a rejuvenation of nature. Flowers begin to blossom, trees become lusher with newly sprung leaves, and spring vegetation sprouts again. Likewise, the flora and fauna of the Himalayan terrain also resuscitate from the harsh winter. Overall, spring is considered a great time for trekking in Nepal due to the alluring freshness of nature.
With the end of May, summer starts in Nepal and lasts from June to August, which is also the monsoon season in the country. During these months, the weather can be harsh, with scorching heat and heavy rain throughout the nation. The rising humidity and extreme hot weather conditions may restrict travelers from fully enjoying their trip.
Although the lower elevation regions experience harsh summers, the Himalayan terrains are not as brutal. In the mountain regions, temperatures can range from approximately 25°C to 12°C (77°F to 53°F). However, heavy rains can make trekking through rocky mountain terrain challenging, and the cloudy sky may obscure mountain views.
With the arrival of autumn from September to November, Nepal becomes a popular destination for trekking. During this season, the weather is usually pleasant with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and gentle sunshine throughout the day. However, early autumn may bring occasional light rainfall. As the season progresses into October and November, the monsoon season completely ends, and cooler weather conditions prevail.
Many people choose to trek to popular destinations such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Poon Hill during this season. Additionally, autumn is festival season in Nepal, and visitors can witness major celebrations such as Dashain and Tihar, which provide an opportunity to experience Nepali culture and traditions. Many travel packages are available for the best treks in Nepal during this season, and our travel experts can help you plan your trip to align with the festival season.
Winter, which lasts from December to February, is the harshest season for trekking in Nepal. As the temperature drops in December, nights become chilly, and temperatures can reach around 9°C (48°F) during the day and below 0°C (32°F) during the night in higher altitudes. During peak winter, many high passes and trekking routes in the mountains are covered with dense fog and snow, increasing the risk of unexpected accidents.
Because of the risks of unpleasant trekking conditions, most travelers avoid trekking in the Himalayan terrains during the winter season. Additionally, most expeditions and mountain climbing, including trekking in the Everest region, also come to a halt during the harsh winter. Overall, it may not be the best time to trek due to the challenges presented by the weather conditions.