Tour Duration: 7 days or 12 days Ghorepani Trek days : 4 days or 5 days Trek grade: Easy Max altitude : 2855 m Trekking style :Lodge to lodge Best Seasons: All through Oct - June Minimum group size: One pax
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek has over the years been the bestseller among all our trekking tours.The breathtaking mountain scenery and the beautiful ethnic villages justify the popularity of Ghorepani trekking. The trek is easy, it has enough walking along streams and forests for those who are looking for a few days close to nature, yet it is not far away and involves no high climbing .You absolutely have no risk of altitude sickness on this trek. Ghorepani trekking can be done all through the year except during the monsoon.
The Ghorepani Poon hill trek is an immensely popular short trek to the Annapurnas. The trek starts from the beautiful Modi Khola river, after an hour of drive from Pokhara.Crossing the suspension bridge over Modhi Khola river, we ascend through ethnic villages and farm terraces enjoying the views of Machhapuchare peeking between the hills . On the second day we walk mostly through woods before we reach Ghorepani hill .Next morning we make an early climb of one hour to the nearby Poon hill for the spectacular view of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna , Nilgiri and other famous mountains of the region. The whole of Ghorepani is densely forested with rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Every spring it is tremendous scenery to watch these forests in bloom with the panorama of the high mountains on the skyline.
From Ghorepani we descend for the beautiful Gurung (name of a community) village of Ghandruk on the lap of the Annapurnas. The village is known for its traditional houses, rich culture and the great landscape. Walking down through the innumerable steps we make a loop at Birethanti and catch our vehicle for Pokhara at Nayapul .We trace back no part of the trail on this itinerary. On our whole trek, we use the mountain lodges called the tea houses for our food and accommodation.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek combined with a two days of elephant back safari in the tropical Chitwan national park (5 hr of drive from Pokhara) makes an ideal Nepal holiday. You see a great number of wild animals and birds including rhinos, crocodiles, deers, peacocks, leopards and if lucky even a tiger. You will enjoy a canoe ride in Rapti river, visit baby elephants in elephant breeding centre and the safari trip will conclude with a bird watching tour – Chitwan national park alone has 450 species of birds! Back at Kathamndu we celebrate our Ghorepani hiking with a traditional Nepali dinner followed by ethnic cultural show.
Ghorepani Trek Itinerary - 7 days
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu , transfer to hotel
Day 02: Early mornig flight to Pokhara and trek to Tikhedhunga Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani 2885 m Day 04: Early morning climb to Poon Hill ( 3200m ) for grand Himalayan panorama and trek to Ghandruk Day 05: Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara .Rest in beautiful Pokhara. Walk around the town , boating on the Phewa lake. Day 06: Fly back to Kathmandu early morning. Short guided tour of Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar square and Swoyambhunath stupa. Evening farewell Nepali dinner with traditional cultural show. Day 07: Fly back home.
Note: The above itinerary is for those having short holiday and for people having good fitness. For those who want a more leisurely tour, 8 days would be bettter for this trek.
Ghorepani Trek Itinerary - 12 days (with jungle safari)
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel Day 02: Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu including Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square. Day 03: Fly to Pokhara , short sightseeing tour and boating in the lake , Day 04: Drive to Nayapul( one hr) and trek to Tikhedhunga Day 05: Trek to Ghorepani (2855 m ) Day 06: Climb to Poon Hill (3200m) for great views of the Himalayas and trek to Tadapani (2595 m). Poon hill is the highest point on the Ghorepani trek. Day 07: Trek to Ghandruk (short trek of 3 hours), explore the ethnic village, visit the ethnic museum, enjoy the scenery Day 08: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara , relax in the beautiful lake city. Day 09: Drive to Chitwan, overnight on the lodge by the side of the national park Day 10: Diferent jungle activities in Chitwan including canoeing, elephant back safari, visiting elephant breeding centre, birdwatching etc Day 11: Fly to Kathmandu, free time . Evening , enjoy the farewell Nepali dinner with traditional cultural show. Day 12: Fly back home
Price: 985 Euro per person
Flight cost extra.
Included in the price
All surface transfers as per itinerary in private vehicle
Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara in twin sharing , BB basis
Fooding, lodging, insurance and other expenses of the trekking staff
Fooding (3 meals a day ) and lodging for the clients in trek days
Necessary permit and national park fees
Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara
(Incase of 2nd itinerary) all safari activities, three meals and lodging in excellent safari resort in Chitwan.
As we ascend to high altitude our bodies have to acclimatize to the decreasing amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. Failure to acclimatize, usually due to a too rapid ascent above 2000m (6500ft), results in symptoms of altitude illness. These problems become common above 2500m (8200 ft) and present in the following ways:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)is the most common and is not life-threatening
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)is a life-threatening illness that can develop from AMS
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)is a life-threatening illness; it may occur on its own, or with AMS or HACE
These three presentations of altitude illness can vary from mild to severe.
Preventing AMS, HACE and HAPE by acclimatising wisely
The most common preventable causes of altitude illness are gaining height too rapidly and over-exertion.
A conservative recommended rate of ascent is 300m (1000ft) per day with a rest day every third day up to 3500m (11500ft). Above that, 150m (500ft) per day with a rest day every three days. While many people can and do travel higher faster than this, the incidence of AMS rises proportionately
Walk at a steady plod with regular rest/drink breaks. There is no virtue in pushing on or striving to finish at the front. Aim to avoid getting out of breath!
If you are struggling to keep up with your group, do not hesitate to speak up so that timely help can be given
Rest days must really be REST days for even the mildest symptoms of AMS
While dehydration does not increase the risk of altitude illness, it does interfere with performance (so does over-hydration, especially without salts replacement!). The only way to be sure you are drinking enough is to keep your urine 'pale and plentiful'. This may mean drinking as much as 4 to 6 litres of fluids per day (as water, tea, soup, etc.)
Avoid all sedative drugs (antihistamines, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, etc.) as they suppress respiration and therefore increase the risk of altitude illness. This includes alcohol (drinking alcohol can give rise to social problems on a trek, especially if it is readily available. Better to save it for a celebration on return to lower altitude)
AMS is common; depending on the altitude gained and the speed of ascent, incidence ranges from 20 to 80%. Typically symptoms appear anytime during the first 36 hours after an ascent. If you rest at the same altitude, symptoms usually disappear quickly (but can take up to 4 days) and you are now acclimatized to this altitude. AMS may reappear as you ascend higher still and acclimatization has to occur again.
Symptoms are due to fluid accumulation in brain tissue and vary from mild to severe; it can progress to HACE if it is ignored. People often blame cold, heat, infection, alcohol, insomnia, migraine or exercise for their AMS symptoms and carry on ascending. This has lead to many deaths from HACE or HAPE.
NB. It may be quite difficult to tell if a young child is developing AMS. The only symptoms may be increased fussiness, crying, loss of interest or loss of appetite.
Symptoms & signs
Headache (typically throbbing, often worse for bending over or lying down),PLUSone or more of the following symptoms:
Tiredness, weakness
Dizziness, light headedness
Loss of appetite, nausea (or vomiting)
Insomnia, disturbed sleep, frequent waking
Treatment
Rest (avoid even the slightest exertion if this is possible) at the same (or lower) altitude until the symptoms clear (up to 4 days)
Drink enough to keep your urine pale and plentiful
Use ibuprofen or paracetamol for headache
Consider Diamox™ (125 to 250 mg 12-hourly) for 3 days, or for the rest of the time at altitude if symptoms return
Consider Stemeti™l (or other anti-vomiting medication) for persistent nausea/vomiting
If AMS symptoms are severe, give oxygen (1 to 2 L/min) OR use a pressure bag until symptoms clear
Check the victim regularly for signs of HAPE and HACE, especially during the night
Descend far enough to clear symptoms (at least 500m/1640ft) if symptoms of AMS do not improve or get worse
Symptoms of HACE are caused by an accumulation of fluid in or around the brain. Typically symptoms and signs of AMS become worse and HACE develops. Someone with HAPE may also develop HACE.
Symptoms & signs
Severe headache, which often feels worse on lying down and is not relieved by ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin
Tiredness, severe fatigue
Nausea and/or vomiting which may be severe and persistent
Loss of coordination, clumsiness. The victim needs help with simple tasks such as tying their shoelaces or packing their bag. They cannot do the finger-nose test
Staggering, falling. They cannot do the heel-to-toe walking test or the standing test
Blurred or double vision, seeing haloes around objects
Loss of mental abilities such as memory. They cannot do a simple mental arithmetic test
Heel-to-toe walking test: The victim is asked to take 10 very small steps, placing the heel of one foot to the toes of the other foot as they go. Reasonably flat ground is necessary and the victim should not be helped
Standing test: The victim stands with eyes closed, feet together and arms by their sides
Finger-nose test: With eyes closed, the victim repeatedly and rapidly alternates between touching the tip of their nose with an index finger then extending this arm to point into the distance (a useful test if the victim is in a sleeping bag)
Mental arithmetic test: Give the victim a mental arithmetic test, eg. subtract 7 from 100, 7 from 93, and so on (but remember some people may be poor at arithmetic even at sea level)
If the victim cannot do any of the above tests easily (or refuses to cooperate), or show excess wobbling or falling over in the two first tests (be prepared to catch the victim if they fall over!), assume they are suffering from HACE. If in doubt about the victim's performance, compare with a healthy individual. Be prepared to keep repeating these tests.
Treatment
Descend immediately (prompt descent will begin to reverse the symptoms). Descend as low as possible, at least 1000m/3280 ft. Descend at night or in bad weather if necessary. Carry the victim if possible, as the exertion of walking can make the illness worse
If descent is not immediately possible (eg. dangerous terrain or weather, not enough helpers or while waiting for a helicopter), oxygen or the use of a PAC and appropriate medications will keep the person alive until descent can be undertaken
Give oxygen: - From a bottle using a mask (2 to 4 L/min), OR - By using a pressure bag (this is roughly the equivalent of 2 to 4 L of oxygen/min) NB: If both oxygen and a pressure bag are available, give the oxygen while the bag is being prepared and after the victim comes out of the bag. Do not give oxygen inside the bag unless it is designed for this purpose and you have been trained to do so.
Give medications: -8 mg of dexamethasone at once (by mouth, IV or IM) followed by 4 mg 6-hourly. Dexamethasone takes several hours to work. Stop it once below 2500m/8200ft AND after at least 3 days of treatment by tailing off the dose slowly (give the last 3 doses 12-hourly) - Diamox™ 250 mg 8 to12-hourly - Treat persistent vomiting with anti-vomiting medication
Prop the victim up in a semi-reclining position as lying down flat may make their condition worse
Avoid even the slightest exertion if this is possible. Even walking a few steps may make their symptoms worse or reappear. Do not leave the victim alone
If a person is turning blue or is falling into unconsciousness, give them rescue breathing before they stop breathing
Symptoms of HAPE are due to the accumulation of fluid in or around the lungs. It may appear on its own without any preceding symptoms of AMS (this happens in about 50% of cases), or it may develop at the same time as AMS. HAPE can easily be mistaken for a chest infection or asthma: if in doubt treat for both.
Symptoms & signs
A reduction in physical performance (tiredness, severe fatigue) and a dry cough are often the earliest signs that HAPE is developing
Breathlessness. In the early stages of HAPE, this may mean just taking a bit longer to get one's breath back on resting after mild exercise. Later on, there is marked breathlessness with mild exercise. Finally, breathlessness occurs at rest. Record the respiratory rate (NB: At 6000m/19700ft, normal acclimatized respiration rate is up to 20 breaths per minute)
The dry cough may later become wet with frothy sputum, which may be bloodstained (pink or rust coloured). This is a serious sign
"Wet" sounds in the lungs when breathing in deeply (place your ear on the bare skin of the victim's back below the shoulder blades; compare with a healthy person). Note: There may be NO wet sounds in even quite severe HAPE: this is called 'dry HAPE'
There may be: mild fever up to 38.5ºC, a sense of inner cold, pains in the chest
Blueness or darkness of face, lips, tongue or nails due to lack of oxygen in the blood (cyanosis)
Drowsiness, difficulty waking up, coma, death
Treatment
Same general treatment as for HACE, EXCEPT:
Give oxygen as for HACE but give the bottled oxygen at a rate of 4 to 6 L/min till recovering, then 2 to 4 L/min
Give medications: - Nifedipine. This should only be used if bottled oxygen or a pressure chamber is not available and the victim is warm and well hydrated. Give the modified release (MR) form of the tablets (20 mg 12-hourly for 2 or 3 days). If a fall in blood pressure occurs due to nifedipine (pallor, weak rapid pulse, dizzy on standing), treat as shock - Diamox™ 250 mg 8 to 12-hourly - An asthma reliever spray (2 puffs 4-hourly) may help
Anyone seriously ill with HACE or HAPE and needing oxygen, treatment in a pressure bag or dexamethasone/nifedipine, should descend immediately after treatment. As, even if they feel completely recovered, symptoms may rapidly rebound with exertion or further ascent.
Having descended and having become symptom-free at a lower altitude, they should not go up again as it is highly likely that the HACE or HAPE will reoccur (rebound)
If re-ascent is unavoidable (eg. driving out of Tibet over high passes), give Diamox™ 250 mg 12-hourly. If the original problem was HACE, add dexamethasone (4 mg 12-hourly); if the problem was HAPE, add modified release Nifedipine (20 mg 12-hourly). Give oxygen while crossing passes
This is a mild diuretic, which acidifies the blood thus improving respiration and acclimatization. There are three reasons for using Diamox™: prevention of AMS, treatment of AMS, and for sleeping difficulties.
1. Prevention of AMS
There is good evidence that Diamox is effective for preventing AMS as it speeds up acclimatization. However, routine preventative use for all trekkers on all treks is NOT recommended. Preventative use is recommended for those who have a past history of altitude illness, or when rapid height gain is unavoidable. Here are some examples of situations where gradual height gain is often not possible:
Any ascent of Kilimanjaro under 10 days, in which case use Diamox™ 125 mg twice daily from the start of the ascent till back below 2500 m (8200 ft)
Flying or driving rapidly to altitude (eg. Lhasa, Leh, Cuzco and Jomoson, to name some popular destinations). Consider using Diamox preventively (Diamox 125 mg twice daily, start one day before flying and for two or three days after arrival) especially if the traveller is expecting to be active and carrying on and up straight away, instead of resting for two or three days after arrival. Diamox is NOT needed when flying into Lukla (Everest trek) if two nights are spent below Namche Bazaar
2. Treatment of AMS
If the sufferer has a flexible itinerary, the preferable option is to rest at the same altitude, or even descend to cure the symptoms. This approach is often not possible on treks with a fixed itinerary and the case for the prompt use of Diamox is that much stronger. So if someone has symptoms of AMS, even just mild, it is important that Diamox is started promptly since it offers the best chance of enabling them to continue safely. (Diamox 125 mg twice daily, double this dose for those with moderate to severe symptoms or who do not respond quickly).
AMS symptoms should be treated vigorously at any time but especially at the end of a day with an ascent due the following morning. Give Diamox, rest in a warm environment, re-hydrate and give painkillers for headache and prochlorperazine (Stemetil) for nausea if pronounced or if vomiting. A spell in a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) is recommended. Try to abolish symptoms of AMS by active treatment before the victim goes to sleep for the night, rather than hoping it will have worn off in the morning.
Note: aperson with obvious symptoms of AMS that do not disappear should be watched carefully especially at night. Ascending to sleep at a higher altitude is not recommended!
3. Insomnia, disturbed sleep and periodic breathing (also known as Cheyne-Stokes)
Poor sleep is a common problem at altitude. First line treatment for simple insomnia includes checking warmth of sleeping bag, improving ground insulation, abstaining from caffeine. And reassuring. Diamox, which acts as a respiratory stimulant, is indicated for sleep disturbance at altitude, particularly if the insomnia is associated with periodic breathing. This is recognized by repeated short periods of normal or fast breathing followed by breath holding then several gasping breaths, which can be quite frightening for the victim's buddy; the victim often wakes feeling like they are suffocating. Some altitude physicians refer to Diamox as 'the high altitude sleeping pill'. The starting dose is Diamox 125 mg (half a tablet) an hour before going to bed. If symptoms persist, try 125 mg twice daily. If that doesn't work, try 250 mg in the morning and 125 mg at night, etc.
Diamox may cause an allergy and it must be avoided if there is past history of a severe adverse reaction to Diamox or sulfa containing drugs (mainly sulphonamide-type antibiotics such as Co-Trimoxazole, Septrin, Bactrin). If the sulfa allergy is mild (rash, diarrhoea etc.) a test dose or two of Diamox could be tried well before departure (do not do this if the sulfa allergy is severe!). Most people with mild sulfa allergy can take Diamox. Some common side effects of Diamox:
Extra urine output. Worries about this tend to be exaggerated. Keep your urine pale and plentiful. Use a pee bottle (sanifem or tupperware box for women) at night in tents or lodges to avoid getting cold or falling while going outside to the toilet
The most obvious side effects are paraesthesia (tingling) in lips, fingers, toes, and a metallic taste when drinking carbonated drinks. Both symptoms are milder with lower doses and disappear on stopping the medication
Diamox can cause photosensitivity (sunburn more easily), so use your hat, sunscreen and gloves
A common concern about Diamox is that it will mask the onset of altitude illness. There is no evidence that Diamox masks the onset of AMS, HACE or HAPE; however, Diamox is not guaranteed to work.Even if someone is taking Diamox, AMS, HACE or HAPE may still develop. In which case act accordingly.
This herb has been suggested for use instead of Diamox for those who are allergic to it (rare) or who prefer the herbal approach. The evidence for its efficacy is much more limited than for Diamox. Recent reports suggest thatGinkgo may precipitate AMS and HACE especially if started only at the beginning of the trek(the leader/doctor should make their group aware of this and trekkers using this herb should tell their doctor/leader). In the current state of knowledge I DO NOT recommend using Ginkgo Biloba.
If pain relief is needed at altitude, paracetamol is a safe option while ibuprofen is better at treating the headache of AMS. Neither drug will mask symptoms of altitude illness.
Anyone contemplating taking anything but their regular medication must inform the leader/doctor.
THE 'HIGH ALTITUDE TRIAD'
At altitude, these three conditions often occur together and share some symptoms:
Altitude illness
Dehydration
Hypothermia
Be alert for their early signs and symptoms (fatigue, lethargy, irritability, headache, shivering) and assess.
WARNING: these notes are not a substitute for expert advice. The author has made every effort to ensure that the information given is as accurate and up-to-date as possible. However, he is unable to accept responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person, caused by errors and omissions, or as a result of the advice and information given here.
This is a short trek but probably most popular route. There is no other routes which have this much natural diversity & cultural variety . This trek start from Nayapul a hour car drive from Pokhara . In the beginning of trek village life, culture, terrace view , water falls & green hills view can be enjoyed. From Ghorepani Mt. Annapurna & Mt. Dhaulagiri Can be viewed . These are mountain over 8000m. Poon Hill offers most spectacular view of mountains peak & sun rise over Himalayas. Ghandruk village is another attraction of this trek. Ghandruk is habitation of Gurungs who are known is Gurkhas. Gurkhas have glorious history they created in Second world war.
High Light of this routes : Birethanti Water Fall, Poon Hill Sun rise, Ghandruk Village, Pokhara
Trip Summary Total Trip Duration : 10 Days (3 Nights in Kathmandu/ 2 Nights in Pokhara/ 5 Days trek/ 2 Days travel to and from Pokhara) Highest elevation : 32100 m Type of accommodation : Tea House Price : 170 US$
Itinerary In Detail
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu and check-in to Hotel
Day 2 Tour of some of the major tourist attractions in the Kathmandu Valley via car and city tour guide
Day 3 Travel to Pokhara via Tourist Bus. Visit around the lake and tourist markets.
Day 4 Drive to Naya Pul by car (1 hour) to begin trek. Arrive in Tikhedhunga (4 hours)
Day 5 Trek from Tikhedhumgha to Ghorepani (6 hours)
Day 6 Ghorepani (early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise to Tadapani (5 hours)
Day 7 Tadapani to Ghandruk (3 hours)
Day 8 Ghandruk to Naya Pul (4 hours) and drive back to Pokhara by car (1 hour)
The Everest or Khumbu region is justifiably the most famous of all trekking and mountain regions. Populated by Sherpas, the attractions of this area are the majestic mountains, the high mountain villages, the isolated monasteries, and the local peoples. This area includes the highest mountain in the world, Everest at 8848m, and many of the world's 8000m peaks such as Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. First climbed in 1953, Everest still holds a fascination for many, however the Everest region boasts many more spectacular and beautiful mountains, as well as some of the most rewarding trekking anywhere in the world.
Tengpoche monastery
The Everest View Trek
Whilst for many a visit to the foot of Mount Everest is a personal goal, for some it is enough to visit the Everest or Khumbu region and experience the culture, the people, and the spectacular scenery. The Everest View trek is a shorter trek than the Base Camp trek with the famous Tengpoche monastery at 3870m being the high point.
It is designed for those who wish to experience this region without ascending to high altitude. Entry to the Khumbu is by air into the airstrip at Lukla, and from here we follow the route of the Base Camp trek to Tengpoche monastery. From here we obtain breathtaking views of Everest as it rises above the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge, as well as a superb view of one of Nepal's most beautiful mountains, Ama Dablam - the 'Matterhorn of the Khumbu'. From here we return to Lukla by a slightly different route via Khumjung. Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. Check it out!
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek has over the years been the bestseller among all our trekking tours.The breathtaking mountain scenery and the beautiful ethnic villages justify the popularity of Ghorepani trekking. The trek is easy, it has enough walking along streams and forests for those who are looking for a few days close to nature, yet it is not far away and involves no high climbing .You absolutely have no risk of altitude sickness on this trek. Ghorepani trekking can be done all through the year except during the monsoon.
