Short trek: Poon Hill and Ghandruk from Pokhara

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Boudhanath Stupa evening kora · 2 h. Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.
• Thamel and Asan bazaar walk · 2 h. Walk from Thamel via Kathesimbhu Stupa to Asan and Indra Chowk; spice, bead and brass stalls. Bargain politely for souvenirs and trekking gear.

Local tip: Join the clockwise kora at dusk when pilgrims light butter lamps; rooftop cafés overlook the dome. Foreigner entry about NPR 400.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Kathmandu

Kathmandu

• Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) · 1.5 h. About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square & Kumari Ghar · 2 h. Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000; ask at the office for a pass if you will come back. The Kumari sometimes appears at her window — photos of her are not allowed.
• Pashupatinath Temple & evening aarti · 2.5 h. Only Hindus may enter the main temple; others watch from the east bank of the Bagmati. Open-air cremations take place on the ghats, so photograph discreetly if at all. The aarti starts around 6pm (earlier in winter). Foreigner ticket about NPR 1,000–1,500.
• Narayanhiti Palace Museum · 1.5 h. The former royal palace, including the site of the 2001 massacre. Phones and cameras go in lockers at the gate; check opening days locally.

Local tip: About 365 steps up the east side; the west car park is easier. Walk clockwise around the stupa and keep food out of sight of the monkeys.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Kathmandu → Ghandruk & Poon Hill

Ghandruk & Poon Hill · Kathmandu to Ghandruk & Poon Hill, Flight to Pokhara ~25 min + jeep ~2.5–3h to the trailhead

• Poon Hill sunrise trek (Ghorepani) · 3 h. Usually walked as a 3–4 day loop Nayapul/Ulleri–Ghorepani–Poon Hill–Tadapani–Ghandruk. Leave Ghorepani about 4:45am for the 45-min climb to 3,210 m. ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) needed, and since 2023 foreigners are generally required to use a licensed guide.

Local tip: Usually walked as a 3–4 day loop Nayapul/Ulleri–Ghorepani–Poon Hill–Tadapani–Ghandruk. Leave Ghorepani about 4:45am for the 45-min climb to 3,210 m. ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) needed, and since 2023 foreigners are generally required to use a licensed guide.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Ghandruk & Poon Hill

Ghandruk & Poon Hill

• Ghandruk village walk · 2 h. Stone-paved lanes and slate roofs facing Annapurna South and Machapuchare; lots of steps.
• Gurung museum · 1 h. A traditional house with tools, clothing and Gurung customs; small entry fee.
• Tadapani rhododendron forest walk · 5 h. The Ghorepani–Tadapani stage passes through rhododendron forest, flowering mainly March–April. Trails can be icy in winter.

Local tip: Stone-paved lanes and slate roofs facing Annapurna South and Machapuchare; lots of steps.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Ghandruk & Poon Hill

Ghandruk & Poon Hill

• Gurung cultural dance evening · 1.5 h. Local mothers' groups perform on request in the trekking seasons; ask your lodge.
• Jhinu Danda hot springs · 5 h. About 3h from Ghandruk, then a steep 20-min path down to riverside pools. Often combined with the walk out to the road.

Local tip: Local mothers' groups perform on request in the trekking seasons; ask your lodge.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Mohare Danda community trek sunrise

Ghandruk & Poon Hill

• Mohare Danda community trek sunrise · 8 h. A quieter alternative to Poon Hill on a community-lodge route; adds 1–2 days and needs the same ACAP permit.

Local tip: A quieter alternative to Poon Hill on a community-lodge route; adds 1–2 days and needs the same ACAP permit.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Ghandruk & Poon Hill → Pokhara

Pokhara · Ghandruk & Poon Hill to Pokhara, Jeep ~3h to Ghandruk, or bus to Nayapul/Kimche + 1–3h walk

• Phewa Lake boating & Tal Barahi Temple · 1.5 h. Rowing boats are hired by the hour from Lakeside (roughly NPR 700–1,000 per boat). Mornings are calmest, with Machapuchare reflected on clear days; life jackets are provided.
• Sarangkot sunrise · 3 h. Taxi up at about 5am, then a short walk to the viewpoint (small entry fee). Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare are clearest Oct–Feb.

Local tip: Rowing boats are hired by the hour from Lakeside (roughly NPR 700–1,000 per boat). Mornings are calmest, with Machapuchare reflected on clear days; life jackets are provided.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Explore Pokhara

Pokhara

• World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa) · 3 h. Boat across Phewa and climb about 45 min, or drive most of the way. Late afternoon gives lake and mountain views at sunset.
• Davis Falls & Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave · 2 h. Opposite each other near the airport road; the falls are fullest Jul–Oct and the cave steps are wet and slippery.
• International Mountain Museum · 2 h. Mountaineering history and Himalayan cultures; good on a cloudy afternoon.

Local tip: Boat across Phewa and climb about 45 min, or drive most of the way. Late afternoon gives lake and mountain views at sunset.

Open day 8 route in Google Maps

Day 9: Depart from Pokhara

Pokhara

• Ultralight flight over the Annapurnas · 1.5 h. 15–60 min flights from Pokhara airport early on clear mornings, mainly Oct–Mar. Book a day ahead and keep a spare morning.

Local tip: 15–60 min flights from Pokhara airport early on clear mornings, mainly Oct–Mar. Book a day ahead and keep a spare morning.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 9 route in Google Maps