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Combine Kathmandu’s temples with a classic Annapurna trek: a private 10-day itinerary that pairs city sights, a scenic drive to Pokhara and an accessible sunrise hike to Poon Hill via Ghorepani.
Combine Kathmandu’s temples with a classic Annapurna trek: a private 10-day itinerary that pairs city sights, a scenic drive to Pokhara and an accessible sunrise hike to Poon Hill via Ghorepani.
You step out of Kathmandu’s humid air into a narrower world of stone courtyards, temple bells and the low hum of motorbikes, then trade that city pulse for the river-lined drive to Pokhara and the quieter trails of the Annapurna foothills.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Expedia Holiday · Pokhara, Gandaki Province
You step out of Kathmandu’s humid air into a narrower world of stone courtyards, temple bells and the low hum of motorbikes, then trade that city pulse for the river-lined drive to Pokhara and the quieter trails of the Annapurna foothills.
This 10-day private package pairs Kathmandu’s centuries-old plazas and stupas with a classic short trek to Poon Hill via Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk. Geologically the route skirts the southern flanks of the Greater Himalaya—river valleys, terraced farmland and steep ridgelines carved by monsoon-fed streams. Culturally, you’ll pass Gurung and Magar villages where stone houses and prayer flags mark long-established mountain agriculture and communal life.
Expect morning drives of several hours, steady ascents on stone steps and forested singletrack, and teahouse evenings with simple meals and shared common rooms. The Poon Hill sunrise is earned: a 300–600 m pre-dawn climb from Ghorepani that opens to Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare cutting the horizon.
Practical guidance: pack layered clothing for large temperature swings, a well-broken pair of trekking boots for steep steps and mud, and a daypack for water and snacks. Accommodations alternate between three-star hotels in cities and basic teahouses on the trail—expect shared bathrooms and hearty local food. Altitude is modest (Poon Hill ~3,200 m) but monitor acclimatization by moving at an easy pace and hydrating.
This itinerary is suited to travelers seeking cultural sights paired with accessible mountain trekking: scenic rewards, village encounters and a tangible sense of Nepal’s Himalayan geography without technical climbing.
moderate.
10 days.
Suitable for travelers in good general fitness comfortable with 3–6 hour hikes on uneven terrain; regular walkers will manage well.
Yes—ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permits and TIMS are required for treks in this region; your operator usually arranges them.
The trek is accessible to beginners with basic fitness—daily hikes are 3–6 hours on uneven paths; go slow, hydrate and use your trekking poles.
Teahouses are simple: private or shared rooms, hot meals, and basic bathrooms; standards vary with village remoteness.
Poon Hill peaks around 3,200 m—symptoms can occur; ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and inform guides about any severe headaches or nausea.
The Annapurna foothills have long been home to Gurung and Magar communities whose trans-Himalayan trade and rice terrace farming shaped local settlement patterns.
The trek passes through Annapurna Conservation Area—stick to marked trails, minimize plastic waste and use local teahouses to support community-based tourism.
Expedia Holiday operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step out of Kathmandu’s humid air into a narrower world of stone courtyards, temple bells and the low hum of motorbikes, then trade that city pulse for the river-lined drive to Pokhara and the quieter trails of the Annapurna foothills.
You step out of Kathmandu’s humid air into a narrower world of stone courtyards, temple bells and the low hum of motorbikes, then trade that city pulse for the river-lined drive to Pokhara and the quieter trails of the Annapurna foothills.
This 10-day private package pairs Kathmandu’s centuries-old plazas and stupas with a classic short trek to Poon Hill via Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk. Geologically the route skirts the southern flanks of the Greater Himalaya—river valleys, terraced farmland and steep ridgelines carved by monsoon-fed streams. Culturally, you’ll pass Gurung and Magar villages where stone houses and prayer flags mark long-established mountain agriculture and communal life.
Expect morning drives of several hours, steady ascents on stone steps and forested singletrack, and teahouse evenings with simple meals and shared common rooms. The Poon Hill sunrise is earned: a 300–600 m pre-dawn climb from Ghorepani that opens to Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare cutting the horizon.
Practical guidance: pack layered clothing for large temperature swings, a well-broken pair of trekking boots for steep steps and mud, and a daypack for water and snacks. Accommodations alternate between three-star hotels in cities and basic teahouses on the trail—expect shared bathrooms and hearty local food. Altitude is modest (Poon Hill ~3,200 m) but monitor acclimatization by moving at an easy pace and hydrating.
This itinerary is suited to travelers seeking cultural sights paired with accessible mountain trekking: scenic rewards, village encounters and a tangible sense of Nepal’s Himalayan geography without technical climbing.