A plate of rice, cooked vegetables, curry and flatbreads served in a circular arrangement in Pokhara

Operated by Intrepid Travel

Annapurna Foothills

From

CAD 1,225

Duration

9 days

Countries

Nepal

Activity

active

Group size

Max 12

Rating

4.9 · 7 reviewsvia Intrepid Travel

The adventure

Discover the Annapurna Mountains on this five-day hiking adventure in Nepal. Supported by experienced leaders, assistant guides and porters, you’ll hike Nepal's diverse landscape on trails that take you through farmland, waterfalls and small villages. Visit part of a once-vibrant trade route between India and Tibet, soak in the natural hot springs and watch the sunrise across the high Himalayas on your early morning hike to Poon Hill. Stay in mountain communities, meet the welcoming Nepali people and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of local villages and Sherpa culture along the way.

At a glance

Duration

9 days

Route

Kathmandu → Pokhara

Countries

Nepal

Activity level

active

Style

Culture & History, Trekking & Hiking

Group size

Max 12

Ages

15+

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Day by day

Aerial view of a Chinese town surrounded by lush landscapes and a river.

Your journey through

China

Day 1KathmanduNamaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. If you arrive early, maybe explore the city. Follow the narrow lanes to small courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples or immerse yourself in the Nepali culture with a visit to the markets and bazaars. Here you can wander the stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops that sell everything from bangles to Buddha statues to beetroot. Why not take time to climb to the Swoyambhu (Monkey Temple) Temple or visit Durbar Square where the palace of the Kumari Devi (considered to be a living goddess) is located. After your meeting, join your fellow travellers for dinner.

Group of Sadhu monks in traditional robes meditating at an ancient Hindu temple.

Kathmandu

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Your adventure begins in Kathmandu with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. If you arrive early, maybe explore the city. Follow the narrow lanes to small courtyards where ornate carved balconies overlook shrines and temples or immerse yourself in the Nepali culture with a visit to the markets and bazaars. Here you can wander the stalls and small hole-in-the-wall shops that sell everything from bangles to Buddha statues to beetroot. Why not take time to climb to the Swoyambhu (Monkey Temple) Temple or visit Durbar Square where the palace of the Kumari Devi (considered to be a living goddess) is located. After your meeting, join your fellow travellers for dinner.

Your journey through

India

Day 2PokharaWake up early this morning and drive to Pokhara. Part of a once-vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet, this is the land of Magars and Gurungs – hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis are known for their entrepreneurship. This afternoon you’ll have your hike briefing and preparation. Depending on when you arrive, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main streets are full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs.

Pokhara

Wake up early this morning and drive to Pokhara. Part of a once-vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet, this is the land of Magars and Gurungs – hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned world-wide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis are known for their entrepreneurship. This afternoon you’ll have your hike briefing and preparation. Depending on when you arrive, there may be time to hire a small boat for a quick paddle on the lake. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main streets are full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs.

Panoramic view of rice terraces near a rural village under a cloudy sky.

Your journey through

Nepal

Day 3UlleriAt 8091 m, Annapurna 1 is one of the tallest mountains in the world. Today’s hike covers a variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and villages to glaciers and mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, you’ll stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali people as they go about their daily lives. Along the way, see waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers and reward yourself with a soak in natural hot springs. Drive to Nayapul where you begin your hike. Gear up and follow the Bhurungi Khola to Thikhedhunga. Hike through farmland before a steep ascent to reach Ulleri. At Ulleri, if the sky is clear, you’ll get views of Annapurna South for the first time.

Ulleri

At 8091 m, Annapurna 1 is one of the tallest mountains in the world. Today’s hike covers a variety of terrain, from lowland pastures and villages to glaciers and mountain views. In the rugged mountain scenery, you’ll stay in mountain communities and meet friendly Nepali people as they go about their daily lives. Along the way, see waterfalls of melted snow, cross icy rivers and reward yourself with a soak in natural hot springs. Drive to Nayapul where you begin your hike. Gear up and follow the Bhurungi Khola to Thikhedhunga. Hike through farmland before a steep ascent to reach Ulleri. At Ulleri, if the sky is clear, you’ll get views of Annapurna South for the first time.

Day 4GhorepaniToday you’ll move on towards Ghorepani – a scenic village at an altitude of 2840 m. From Ulleri, the trail gently ascends through oak and rhododendrons forests towards Banthanti. Then continue hiking towards Nangethanti, before arriving at Ghorepani, where you’ll spend the night.

Group of trekkers enjoying a winter hike in Ghode Pani, Nepal with majestic mountain views.

Ghorepani

Today you’ll move on towards Ghorepani – a scenic village at an altitude of 2840 m. From Ulleri, the trail gently ascends through oak and rhododendrons forests towards Banthanti. Then continue hiking towards Nangethanti, before arriving at Ghorepani, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 5TadapaniThis morning you’ll set off early on your hike to catch the sunrise at Poon Hill. At 3210 m, you’ll have panoramic views across the high Himalayas and surrounding mountain ranges. Spend some time at Poon Hill before retracing your path back to Ghorepani. Here you’ll have a hot breakfast before making your way along the ridges and through the Pine and Rhododendron Forest towards Deurali. Continue via Banthanti to Tadapani, where your accommodation is for the night.

Stunning view of a snow-capped Himalayan mountain peak surrounded by clouds at sunset.

Tadapani

This morning you’ll set off early on your hike to catch the sunrise at Poon Hill. At 3210 m, you’ll have panoramic views across the high Himalayas and surrounding mountain ranges. Spend some time at Poon Hill before retracing your path back to Ghorepani. Here you’ll have a hot breakfast before making your way along the ridges and through the Pine and Rhododendron Forest towards Deurali. Continue via Banthanti to Tadapani, where your accommodation is for the night.

Day 6GhandrukYour hike today will take you along the forest to the traditional Gurung Village in Ghandruk. When you reach the top of the village, take in the views spanning across the village located among the mountains. Known for its picturesque setting, terraced fields and traditional stone houses, spend some time with the local Gurung People and learn about their unique customs and traditions. Tonight you’ll stay in Ghandruk.

Ghandruk

Your hike today will take you along the forest to the traditional Gurung Village in Ghandruk. When you reach the top of the village, take in the views spanning across the village located among the mountains. Known for its picturesque setting, terraced fields and traditional stone houses, spend some time with the local Gurung People and learn about their unique customs and traditions. Tonight you’ll stay in Ghandruk.

Day 7PothanaThis morning, set off from Ghandruk Village towards Pothana. This trail includes some steep ascents and descents, but the effort is well rewarded as you pass through lush forests, terraced fields and charming villages. Make sure to have your camera ready as today’s hike offers scenic landscapes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll spend tonight in Pothana.

Pothana

This morning, set off from Ghandruk Village towards Pothana. This trail includes some steep ascents and descents, but the effort is well rewarded as you pass through lush forests, terraced fields and charming villages. Make sure to have your camera ready as today’s hike offers scenic landscapes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll spend tonight in Pothana.

Beautiful mountain landscape with river in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

Your journey through

India

Day 8PokharaThis is the final day of the hike and it’s a short downhill stretch all the way from Pothana to Phedi, passing Dhampus village. After lunch, drive to Pokhara and check into your hotel for a hot shower before meeting with your group for an end-of-hike celebration to enjoy the good things in life – like a cold beer or cocktail!

Pokhara

This is the final day of the hike and it’s a short downhill stretch all the way from Pothana to Phedi, passing Dhampus village. After lunch, drive to Pokhara and check into your hotel for a hot shower before meeting with your group for an end-of-hike celebration to enjoy the good things in life – like a cold beer or cocktail!

Day 9PokharaYour trip comes to an end today and there are no activities planned. Pokhara is a stunning and peaceful lakeside haven, so if you would like to stay longer to relax or do any of the optional activities on offer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Peaceful scene of blue rowboats on a calm lake at sunset with mountain backdrop.

Pokhara

Your trip comes to an end today and there are no activities planned. Pokhara is a stunning and peaceful lakeside haven, so if you would like to stay longer to relax or do any of the optional activities on offer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.