Annapurna Panorama Trek 11 Days

Most short Annapurna treks give you one big view and then send you back the way you came. The Annapurna Panorama trek is built differently. It is a loop of eight trekking days that strings together the Poon Hill sunrise, the Gurung village of Ghandruk, the hot springs at Jhinu Danda and the quiet ridge village of Pothana, so every day brings new ground and a new angle on the same great mountains.

You begin with the climb through the Bhurungdi valley and up the Ulleri staircase to Ghorepani, then rise in the dark to Poon Hill (3,210 m) to watch the first light reach Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre. From there the trail drops into rhododendron forest at Tadapani and on to Ghandruk, where stone-paved lanes, slate roofs and the Gurung Museum show how people live below the peaks. Day 7 takes you down to the Modi Khola river and Jhinu Danda, and a soak in the natural hot springs is a fitting reward. The last two days pass through terraced fields and forest to Pothana and Phedi, close to Pokhara.

The trail stays below about 3,300 m and there are lodges every few hours, so the risk of altitude sickness is low. The route is easy to moderate. The Ulleri staircase and the climb to Ghorepani are steep, and the long descents on days 6 to 9 are hard on the knees, but no technical skills or previous trekking experience are needed. It suits first-time trekkers, families with older children, and anyone who wants more days in the hills than the classic Poon Hill trek offers.

What's Included?

• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Nepal
• Two nights of deluxe hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
• Two nights of deluxe hotel accommodation in Pokhara
• Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
• Private transport between Pokhara and Nayapul, and from Phedi back to Pokhara
• Teahouse accommodation and three meals a day on the trek.
• Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card
• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Porter service
• All local and government taxes
• Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
• Trek completion certificate

* Travel insurance is required on every trek: see what cover you need
* Solo travelers pay no single supplement: see the solo traveler details

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our team meets you and transfers you to your hotel. Rest after your journey. In the evening your guide or Adventure Specialist goes through the plan, checks your gear and answers questions. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara

Leave Kathmandu after breakfast and drive to Pokhara (914 m), about 7 hours along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river valleys, with stops for tea and lunch. On a clear evening you may see the Annapurna range from the town. Spend the rest of the day by Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 3: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga

A short drive takes you to Nayapul (1,050 m), where the trek begins. Your permits are checked at the checkpoint, and you walk beside the Bhurungdi river through terraced fields and small villages to Tikhedhunga (1,540 m). About 3 to 4 hours of walking, an easy first day. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani

The hardest day of the trek. The path climbs the Ulleri staircase, a long stone stairway, and then eases into oak and rhododendron forest, with langur monkeys and many birds. You reach Ghorepani (2,675 m) after about 6 hours. Take warm clothes for the evening. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 5: Poon Hill sunrise and trek to Tadapani

Start before dawn with a headtorch and climb for about an hour to Poon Hill (3,210 m). At sunrise the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges turn gold and pink. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then walk through forest to Tadapani, 5 to 6 hours with several ups and downs. The forest is especially colourful in March and April when the rhododendrons flower. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 6: Trek to Ghandruk

An easier day, mostly downhill through forest and then through terraced fields to Ghandruk, a large Gurung village. There are fine views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Spend the afternoon in the village and visit the Gurung Museum if you wish. About 4 to 5 hours. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 7: Trek to Jhinu Danda

Descend to the Modi Khola river valley and climb to Jhinu Danda (1,750 m), about 5 hours of walking. In the afternoon you can walk down to the hot springs beside the river, about 30 to 40 minutes below the village. The soak is a good way to ease tired legs, though the climb back takes longer than the way down. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 8: Trek to Pothana via Deurali

Walk through terraced fields and forest by Deurali (2,100 m) to Pothana (1,900 m), a quiet village on the ridge above the Pokhara valley. The trail gains and loses height, so pace yourself. Evening views of Machhapuchhre and the lights of the valley below. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 9: Trek to Phedi and drive to Pokhara

A short descent through forest brings you to Phedi (1,130 m), where your car is waiting. The drive to Pokhara takes under an hour. The rest of the day is free for the lake, shopping and rest. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu

Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus, about 7 hours. In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner, where we collect your feedback and present your completion certificate. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 11: Departure

After breakfast, return any rented gear, shop for souvenirs and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Before you pay a deposit for your Nepal trek, read our booking terms and conditions. They explain what your trek price covers, which costs are extra, and what happens if flights are delayed or your plans change.

These are the sections trekkers check most often:

• Travel insurance: cover is mandatory, including trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation.
• Extra costs: meals, visa, gear rental, tips and a suggested spending budget.
• Schedule delays: learn how schedule changes and unexpected delays may affect your trek and travel arrangements.
• Deposit, rescheduling and cancellation: the refund window and how to change your dates.

Not sure about something? Call or WhatsApp us on +91 932 595 1234, or send us a message. We will explain any term before you book.

The following are what we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Nepal, and are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions. Trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu at cheaper prices, remember Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, there is plenty of choice and our staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements. Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. There is an allowance of 33lbs/15kg per person. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked in the hotel's storage room for no extra cost.

Head

• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses
• Head torch

Upper Body

• Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Down jacket

Lower Body

• Lightweight cotton long pants
• Waterproof pants

Feet

• Thin inner socks
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks
• Comfortable hiking boots

Hands

• Gloves

Accessories

• Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
• rekking bag/duffel bag
• Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
• Trekking Poles (optional, recommended)
• Water bottle or camel bag
• Toiletries