Overview
The Annapurna Panorama Trek is a shorter route through the foothills of the Annapurna range, reaching Poon Hill at 3,210 meters for one of the most famous sunrise views in Nepal. From the hilltop, you watch the sun light up Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the full Annapurna massif, Machapuchare, and the peaks stretching east toward Manaslu. The trail passes through Gurung villages, terraced rice fields, and thick forests of rhododendron that turn the hillsides red during the spring bloom.
This easy 7-day trek is one of the best introductions to Himalayan trekking. The altitude stays manageable, the teahouses are comfortable, and the cultural richness of the Gurung communities along the way adds depth to the walking. Villages like Ghandruk offer stone-paved paths and traditional homes with stunning mountain backdrops, and the whole route feels like walking through a postcard of rural Nepal.
Itinerary
After breakfast, you leave Kathmandu and drive towards Pokhara via Prithivi Highway. On the way, you admire the stunning rocky hills, countryside and river. You stop at Kurintar for a cup of tea where you can see Cable-car’s sliding up and down to Manakamana.If time permits, you visit the important landmarks of Pokhara city. Fewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, Davis Falls, Seti Gorge and Tal Barahi are important places to visit in Pokhara.
Overnight at lodge in Pokhara
After breakfast, you drive northward through farmland that leads us to Kadee. Climb up to the Dhampus Phedi and walk along a ridge to the prosperous village of Dhampus (1,700m) for lunch. you then follow the ridge through the rhododendron forest and rise steadily upwards to the beautiful village of Pothana. Here you get the angular views of sacred Machhapuchhre and higher peaks behind.
Overnight at lodge in Pothana
Today you trek from Pothana to Ghandruk which takes around 7 hours. Initially, the trek from Pothana to Deurali gradually ascends and then climbs down to Bheri Khara. Starting from here, your path until you reach Landruk is flat. Then the path takes a steep descent leading you towards Modi Khola and it again ascends all the way up to Ghandruk village. Ghandruk is a beautiful village of Gurungs from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Annapurna ranges and Machhapuchhre.
Overnight at lodge in Ghandruk
Today you walk for about 4 hours to reach Tadapani from Ghandruk. The trek starts through the Gurung village with a magical rhododendron forest, chirping birds and views of snowy peaks. you walk across the Bheri Kharka which offers some tea shops and lodges for a rest. The trek then continues further through the forest of rhododendron trees to reach Tadapani.
Overnight at lodge in Tadapani
The trail from Tadapani to Ghorepani (2,853m) takes around five hours. You will be starting your trek with a short descend till you arrive at a small stream and then ascend upwards through the dense rhododendron forests. You will reach a small village of Banthahiti after some time, which has plenty of tea houses and lodges. From this point, the trail goes high up to the Gurung Hill from where you will descend through the forest till you arrive at Ghorepani.
Overnight at lodge in Ghorepani
After breakfast, you hike down to Nayapul via Ulleri and Tikhedhunga. On the way, you have to walk down through countless stairs amidst the rhododendron forest. At Nayapul, you board a private car that drives us back to the hotel in Pokhara.
Overnight at lodge in Pokhara
You can take a drive to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara with an amazing countryside view. The duration of the drive will be about 6-7 hours. You can explore green hills, rivers and terrace farming. After your arrival, you can rest at your hotel.