The Annapurna Three Hills trekking is a breathtaking adventure that immerses travelers in the natural splendor of the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek is a hidden gem that is frequently overshadowed by its more well-known counterparts, but it offers a unique and captivating experience that is well worth exploring. The trek is named after the three prominent hills that it passes through: Poon Hill, Khopra Hill, and Ghandruk. You will also visit Khayer Lake (4,500m), a beautiful glacial lake with the grand Annapurna mountains as a backdrop.
What sets this trek apart is its incredible diversity. It takes you through lush rhododendron forests, charming traditional villages, and terraced farmlands where you can see the local Gurung and Magar communities at work. The real attraction, however, is the breathtaking mountain scenery the trek provides. Poon Hill, in particular, provides a breathtaking sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges.
The moderate difficulty level of the Annapurna Three Hills trek is one of its most significant advantages, making it suitable for a wide range of trekkers, including beginners and families. The trek itself typically takes 7-8 days to complete, giving ample time to acclimate and enjoy the region’s beauty. Furthermore, the teahouses and lodges along the route offer comfortable lodging and delectable local cuisine, ensuring a memorable and trouble-free journey.
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy the less-crowded trails with the glorious views of the surrounding Annapurna mountains
- Trek to the three hills: Poon Hill, Muldai Viewpoint and Khopra Ridge to catch breathtaking views of the mountains
- Experience the astonishing side trek on an off-beaten trail to the sacred Khayer Lake (4500m)
- Trek through lovely Gurung and Magar villages that shows the classic hospitable and interesting Nepali culture
- Encounter diverse flora and fauna along the dense forests
Trip Itinerary
Pokhara
Today, we will take a tourist coach from Kathmandu in the morning to Pokhara. The drive will take around 7 hours, and you will encounter beautiful sceneries along the way. Upon reaching Pokhara, we will check you in at your hotel. After checking in, you are free to roam around the beautiful city. We recommend you go to the Phewa lakeside and enjoy the serene atmosphere there.
Nayapul
After a short breakfast in Pokhara, we will drive to Nayapul (New Bridge) where your trekking journey will officially start. Upon reaching Nayapul, our trek guide will allocate the necessary load among porters. From Nayapul, you will walk along the Modi River to Birethani. After crossing several tributaries and passing through two settlements of Lamthali, Sudame and Hile, you will arrive at your destination for today: Tirkhedunga.
Ghorepani
Our trail today begins with a short descent towards Bhrundi River. After crossing the river, you will make a steep climb to reach Ulleri (2,073 m). From Ulleri, you will steadily climb through lush oak forests and cross numerous small streams. After passing a rest house, dubbed Dharmashala, you will continue on until you arrive at your destination: Ghorepani; which literally translate to "A Horse Watering Place".
Poonhill
Our first destination today will be Poon Hill, where you will reach before sunrise and watch the sun rise over the Annapurna mountain range. After witnessing the beautiful sunrise and spending around an hour there, we will return back to Ghorepani. After a short breakfast, your journey towards Upper Chitsbung will begin. You will walk along pleasant trails, passing by Deurali and Lower Chitsbung. You will then reach Upper Chitsbung, a temporary Herder’s settlement, where we will spend the night today.
Khopra Ridge
Today, our destination will be to reach the fabulous Khopra Ridge. Starting from Chitsbung, you will follow a trail which ascends above the tree line through alpine meadows and pastures. Along the trail, you may encounter flora and fauna like the Himalayan Thar and the Danphe, which is the national bird of Nepal. After the ascent, you will finally reach Khopra Ridge, where you can witness majestic views of the Annapurna Range, the Dhaulagiri Range, Mt. Nilgiri and many other grand mountains. From the ridge, you can also see the Kali-Gandaki River deep down in the valley.
Khayer Lake
After breakfast at Khopra, you will begin your ascent to Khayer Lake at 4500m, a holy lake among Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, It is believed that if making dips in the holy lake helps achieve nirvana to the common man. Upon reaching Khayer lake, the setting of the lake with the grand Annapurna mountains on the backdrop will surely awe you. After spending some time appreciating that beauty, we will descend down to Khopra Ridge and spend another night there.
Dobato
After breakfast at Khopra, you will begin your descent below the tree line back to Chitsbung. The descent is pleasant, as you will follow a trail along meadows. Later, you will cross a wooden bridge and ascend to the Bayli Kharka. The trail then spirals into ups and downs through thick Rhododendron forests to Dobato, which is our destination for today, In the evening, you can walk up to the Muldai viewpoint (40 minute walk) to see the sun set over the Annapurna Range with many notable mountains including Macchapuchre and Nilgiri.
Ghandruk
If you wish to see the sun rise from Muldai today, you are free to do so. After breakfast in Dobato, you will descend down to Tadapani through a forest trail and beautiful views off the Annapurna range. After having lunch at Tadapani, you will descend down to Ghandruk, which is our destination for today.
Ghandruk is the biggest Gurung settlement in this region and is famous for having beautiful views of Macchapuchre. Here, you can get familiar with the hospitable Gurung people, and even get involved in the culture by wearing their cultural dresses. In the evening, we will walk around the village and even visit the Gurung Museum situated there.
Pokhara
In the morning today, we will enjoy our breakfast with glorious views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, Macchapuchre and Gangarpurna from Ghandruk. Then, you will descend down to Kyimche on stone steps from where we will take a private jeep back to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, the whole day is free for you. You can rent a cycle and roam around Pokhara, indulge yourself in delicious cuisines around Lakeside, and enjoy the evening along Phewa. You have successfully conquered the Annapurna Three Hills!
Services
Services Included in the Package
- Deluxe Tourist bus ( Kathmandu-Pokhara)
- Taxi/Car from Pokhara to Trekking starting point and from ending point to Pokhara
- Accommodation in lodge, guest houses and tea houses during trekking
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during trekking
- Annapurna conservation Permit
- TIMS trekking permits
- Trekking guide
- Food, accommodation, transport, equipment and insurance to Guide
Services Excluded in the Package
- Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara (We can assist you with your booking)
- Meals in Kathmandu, Pokhara and during the journey toPokhara
- Return bus ticket from Pokhara
- Trekking porter (You can hire porter with us by paying an extra fee of US$ 30 per day including daily food and accommodation)
- All drinks (Tea/coffee/beer/cola/mineral water)
- Travel and medical insurance with emergency rescue coverage
- Personal Expenses
More Info
Food and Accommodation
During the trek, you will be staying in humble lodges and tea houses which provide comfortable accommodation and have a menu of various food items (rice, pasta, noodles, potatoes, soups, desserts, dumplings, cereals, bread [including homemade and toast] delicious local dishes) and the menu is managed by the locals in the Annapurna region, hotel management community and ACAP. All soft and hard drinks will also be available at various prices. You will have an infinite preference for hot beverages such as tea (black / milk / lemon / ginger / mint / herbal, etc.) and coffee.
Note that the prices in these areas especially for food are considerably high, mostly because food, cooking equipment need to be brought passing through difficult terrains to these high altitudes.
Equipment
This list outlines the required things to bring during the Annapurna Three Hills trek: with the weight limit for your luggage being 15 kgs. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porters. However, you are advised to carry a small backpack for your valuables. Make sure you have the following items:
- Airline tickets
- Valid passport
- Two or more passport size photos
- Photocopy of your passport
- Insurance papers
- Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at the airport
- Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash
- Airline tickets
The equipment that you will need for this particular trek might include these things. Note that these are the recommended equipment and should not be the sole standard for the Annapurna Three Hills trekking.
Head Accessories
- Sun Hat, Bandana or Head scarf
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sun Glasses with UV protection
Upper Body Equipment
- Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
- Lightweight thermal tops
- Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater
- Wind Sheeter jacket
- Down Jacket
Lower Body Equipment
- A pair of lightweight thermal bottoms
- A pair of fleece or woolen trousers
- A pair of waterproof shell pants
- A pair of hiking trousers
Hands and Feet Equipment
- A pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- A pair of lightweight poly liner gloves
- Two pairs of thin inner socks
- Two pairs of poly or wool socks
- A pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support)
- A pair of running shoes and/or sandals
Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).
Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.
Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking
Permits
Annapurna Conservation Entry (ACE) Permit and TIMS permits are required for Annapurna Three Hills Trekking. We are a registered trekking agency in Nepal and will help in applying for the TIMS permit and other required permits.
Travel and Transportation
Regular tourist buses (Luxury and Standard) are available for your journey in Kathmandu and Pokhara. To make your journey more comfortable, it is possible to rent private cars or jeep as well. If you wish to save time, we can also arrange flights to reach Pokhara and Kathmandu.
FAQs
The duration of the Annapurna Three Hill Treks, including Poon Hill and Khopra Hill, typically ranges from 10 to 12 days. However, the exact duration can vary depending on various factors such as your fitness level, preferred pace, and the itinerary.
The Annapurna Three Hills Trek, which includes Poon Hill and Khopra Hill, is considered a moderate trek. It involves walking on mountainous terrain with few steep ascents and descents. However, it does not require any technical climbing skills or prior trekking experience. Regular exercise and good physical fitness are recommended to make the trek more enjoyable.
The Annapurna Three Hill Trek is best done in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months have consistent weather with clear skies and mild temperatures, making the trek more comfortable and providing excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
