Poonhill Trek & Chitwan Tour

Welcome to vibrant Kathmandu, where ancient traditions come alive in modern times. From the moment of your arrival, you'll be charmed by the hustle and bustle of this huge cultural city perched at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters above sea level (4,593 ft).

Artistic heritage sites, including temples, palaces, and markets—all active—sketch minute detail into Nepal's history. After arriving, you can spend some time relaxing and refreshing for the day ahead. It's Kathmandu, where at every turn of each street and lane, there stands a history, begging to be discovered by you.

Today, you will have a scenic drive to one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal, Pokhara, which lies at an altitude of 822 meters, or 2,697 feet. The drive itself is breathtaking, with terraced fields, old villages, and serpentine rivers. The great Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges heartily greet you in Pokhara.

Coming to Pokhara, equally friendly to a nature lover, are its several calm lakes that are a pleasure hub for adventure seekers. Sit beside the calm Phewa Lake or move about in the streets, which are filled with cafes, shops, and bustling local life, to feel that peace in Pokhara.

This day turns very exciting with the drive to Birethanti (1,025 meters, 3,363 feet), the first camp of your trek. From here, you will start the hike through lush green forests and villages with thatched-roof houses to Ulleri, lying at an altitude of 2,070 meters (6,791 feet).

From the trail, you will get views of nicely arranged terraced fields, waterfalls, and towering peaks of the Annapurna range. On the way up, you will go through some of the charm of Gurung villages and can view the local culture firsthand. The uphill struggle up to Ulleri is worth it when you reach the breathtaking views.

From Ulleri now, you will start out on a journey upwards to Ghorepani, which is located at an altitude of 2,874 meters (9,429 feet). You will move through a thick rhododendron forest housing a great deal of different bird and wildlife varieties. Only then will you be surrounded by tall trees and a variety of flowers on the way—natural beauty that the Annapurna region holds.

Gradually, the uphill climb takes you closer to the panoramic view of the Himalayas. Ghorepani is one of the destinations of famous treks that can provide a comfortable resting spot with vistas of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. The serenity of this village, combined with the surrounding natural beauty, would refresh any tired mind after the day's trekking.

Early wake-up this morning for the man-of-the-moment trek to Poonhill at 3,210 meters. At the top, your breath will be taken away by the breathtaking view of sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulaghari ranges. The golden sun rising over the snow-capped peaks makes a scene that is unforgettable and spellbinding.

Then, behold the breathtaking views; later, descend back down to Ulleri, passing through these wonderful landscapes. Another drive from Ulleri brings you back to Pokhara, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past couple of days.

Today, appreciate Pokhara Valley sightseeing. Start the morning with a drive to the serene Phewa Lake and take a boat ride on its waters, where you can admire wide views of the surrounding mountains. The afternoon allows time to visit the surroundings of the World Peace Pagoda, located on a hilltop at an elevation of 1,100 m.

Other attractions in the area include the mystic Gupteshwor Cave and Devi's Fall, which adds a lot to its beauty. The temples and museums of the valley are dominators of local culture and history. The easygoing vibes of Pokhara and fresh nature are the ideal contrast to the pace of life before you head off on the next leg of your journey.

There is nothing that is as good as the environmental congeniality of Pokhara. Another privilege that you get is to make an overland journey to Chitwan. The drive will be an absolute scenic journey downwards from the hills to the tropical lush plains of Terai that rests at about 415 meters.

To the south of the Terai region, the Chitwan district is famous for its high rate of biodiversity, hosting Chitwan National Park, a World Heritage site. On arrival, the warm, moist air and the cacophony of the jungle will take you in at once. Today, moreover, is mostly about transition after mountainous walking downhill through different subtropical and then flatland of Chitwan, where venturing into another different wildlife experience awaits.

The days will be spent relishing Chitwan National Park's fantastic wildlife, which hosts exotic animals such as the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and many species of birds. All the dense forests, grasslands, and the rivers inside the park are the perfect home for those abundant wildlife species.

After this, you will basically have a very scenic canoeing in the Rapti River, whereby you will be able to see the sunbathing crocodiles and the birds flying in the sky. Get going for guided nature walks with great guides to unravel the secrets of flora and fauna of the region. Experience the lively Tharu culture with traditional dance and songs with your wildlife adventure.

Such experiences in Chitwan are unforgettable, and now it is time to drive back up to Kathmandu. A great journey on the way back appreciates the different landscapes of Nepal, from the flat plains of the Terai up to the rolling hills that take us into the Kathmandu Valley.

Upon arrival back to Kathmandu, the rest of the evening can be used to further explore the city or simply relax. This is a great time to take some last-minute shopping or visit the sights that you might have missed at the very start of the trip. The city itself is pumped with energy and history, creating the most fitting closure to the adventure.

Your journey will come to an end and you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. Take with you every moment—probably starting from that view of mountains from Poon Hill, to wildlife explorations in Chitwan. These serene diversified landscapes and rich cultural heritages indeed left undying marks within the lanes of memory.

Whether it is through souvenirs or the stories of your explorations, Kathmandu bids farewell with a promise that you will always be welcome for more exploration in this beautiful country. Safe journeys!