Ghorepani Poonhill and Muldai View Point Trek from Pokhara - 6 days

You will board a vehicle from Pokhara and drive towards Banthanti, the starting point of your Ghorepani Poonhill and Muldai View Point Trek. The road takes you past small towns and traditional villages surrounded by terraced fields. The snow-capped summits of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) glisten enticingly in the distance.

You will ride past Lumle and cross Nayapul and the iron bridge over the Modi Khola. As you head up to the mountain, the road turns into a rough dirt track. After a winding ascent, you will finally reach the village of Banthanti, where you will be dropped off.

After sorting your luggage, you will begin your trek and take the small dirt path that descends to the river. The trail takes you past a dense jungle filled with birdsong and the chatter of monkeys. You can spot troops of grey-faced langurs lounging on the trees. Enjoy the pristine nature as the trail follows a stream and goes upwards.

After hiking for about an hour and a half, you will reach Nangethanti, the first village on the route. Here, you will stop for lunch and a brief rest. Later you will continue your hike and walk on a mix of uphill and flat trails. The route weaves past a dense rhododendron forest. Before reaching Ghorepani, you will walk by the Magar village of Dansing. After climbing on a stone staircase, you will reach Ghorepani, a lively Magar settlement.

Ghorepani used to be an important stop on the old Tibet salt trade route and the Annapurna Circuit. The trade with Tibet has stopped and the tourists have now replaced the traders and mule caravans plying along this route. However, Ghorepani still remains an important stopover point for locals walking along this route.

On reaching the village, you will make your way to a guesthouse and rest for the night.

Overnight in Ghorepani.

Wake up before sunrise and hike to Poon Hill with your guide. Use a torch or a headlamp to find your way out of the village to the base of the hill. Poon Hill is a steep hill that sits next to the settlement of Ghorepani. It can be accessed by climbing a flight of stone staircases. Depending on your pace, it can take anywhere between forty minutes or an hour and a half. After climbing to the top of the hill, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains. The snow-covered summits of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Machhapuchre Dhampus Peak, Gangapurna, and other giants glow enticingly in the early morning sun.

Enjoy the view and take pictures before heading back to the guesthouse. Have breakfast and get ready to hit the trail. Today's walk involves a traverse through another amazing viewpoint, Deurali Pass, and a walk past a beautiful rhododendron forest. You can expect some steep ascents and descents en route.

After getting ready, make your way out of Ghorepani and head towards Thaple Danda. It is a steep uphill to the top of the hill. After climbing a long stone staircase, you will reach the viewpoint. Enjoy gorgeous views of the Himalayan mountains and Magar villages from the top. Later you will walk along a ridge and cross the Deurali Pass. 

The trail leads you down to the village of Deurali, where you can stop for lunch. After a short break, you will continue your hike and make a gradual descent down a forested path. Enjoy the isolated trail as you walk past the dense jungle. The route climbs up, and you will find yourself making a steep ascent across a treeless landscape. It is a steep uphill climb to Dobato, a place with only a few teahouses.

On reaching Dobato, you will check into a teahouse and take a well-earned rest.

Overnight in Dobato.

Muldai Viewpoint offers stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayan mountains, and you will head there early in the morning to enjoy the panoramic sunrise from the viewpoint. It takes about an hour or 30 minutes to reach the Muldai peak, depending on your pace. Stairs have been built, and it's easy to climb to the top. 

On reaching the Muldai Viewpoint or Muldai Peak, you can take pictures and soak in the spectacular views. Rearing close to the viewpoint are the summits of the Annapurna Fang, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli and in the far distance, the snow-covered spires of the Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna Tukuche Peak, and other giants shine brilliantly in the golden rays of the morning sun. You can spot more than twenty mountains while enjoying the 360-degree view. Unlike Poon Hill, Muldai doesn't receive that many visitors, so you can enjoy the views in peace.

Later you will climb down the staircase and head to the teahouse. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and make your way down to Ghandruk via Tadapani. The trail takes you past a steep downhill with inspiring views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. After walking for about two hours, you will reach Meshar Danda where you will take a short break. Walking through a dense rhododendron forest will bring you to the Gurung village of Tadapani. From here you will follow a stream and head downwards all the way to Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung Heritage Village.

Ghandruk is one of the largest villages in the Annapurna Region. Inhabited by the Gurung community, Ghandruk is regarded as a living museum of Gurung culture and tradition.

Overnight in Ghandruk.

If you wish, you can make a short exploration of the village before starting your trek. Ghandruk has a museum where ancient farming artifacts and traditional costumes are showcased. After a delightful stay in Ghandruk, you will leave the large, bustling village and make your way toward another Gurung village, Landruk. The trek can be tiring as there are a lot of steep ascents and descents on the route.

After you leave Ghandruk you will make a long descent via a stone staircase to the village of Kiyumi, where you can stop for a brief rest. The village lies close to the river, surrounded by paddy fields and farms. Walk past the fields and make your way down to the Modi River. Cross the river via a metal bridge and then make a steep ascent via a stone staircase.

After an exhausting climb, you will reach Landruk. The village is dotted with traditional stone cottages and teahouses. You can stop at one of the pretty teahouses for lunch. Landruk and Ghandruk are home to many soldiers who serve in the British and Indian armies. Later you will proceed towards Tolka and continue climbing the long stone staircase.

The landscape is dotted with terraced fields and small villages. While walking, you will get to observe the local villagers busy with their chores. After a long ascent, you will finally reach a dirt jeep track. Follow the track that weaves past rows of paddy terraces and traditional villages. Later you will cross a long suspension bridge and make another steep ascent. After climbing for a while, you will reach the village of Tolka. Your overnight stay is booked at one of the teahouses overlooking the hills and village farms. 

Overnight in Tolka.

Leaving Tolka, you will head towards Pothana, which is part of the Mardi Himal trail. You begin your hike by walking on a flat jeep track. The dirt road meanders past fields and isolated farms. Later you will hike up a steep path and enter a dense jungle filled with oak, alder, and rhododendron trees. There are some gradual uphills and downhills and flat sections. Unlike the previous day's walk, you won't come across that many villages on this route.

This is a pure forest walk. So, enjoy the pristine nature as you make your way to the Australian Camp. On the way, you can spot a variety of birds including the colorful Himalayan Monal, woodpeckers, thrushes, and magpies.

The last leg of the journey takes you up a steep path surrounded by a dense growth of trees. After this climb, you will finally arrive at Australian Camp. Also known as Thulo Kharka, the Australian Camp lies in a flat grassy meadow overlooking the scenic river valleys and hills. The camp offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains. This is one of the most popular short hiking destinations from Pokhara from where you can enjoy a magnificent Himalayan sunrise and sunset. You will stay at one of the guesthouses offering amazing views of the hillside villages and the snow-capped peaks.

Overnight in Australian Camp.

Leaving Australian Camp, you will trek towards Kande, the finishing point of your Ghorepani Poonhill and Muldai View Point Trek from Pokhara. The path follows a forested hill filled with lush greenery. On reaching Kande you will board a bus or a jeep and drive towards Pokhara where your trip will end.

If you are interested in extending your trek and exploring more places in the Annapurna Region, like Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp, please do let us know. The team at Third Rock Adventures will be more than happy to assist you in planning your adventure.