It’s an active but achievable route, perfect if you want mountain scenery, culture and that proper “I did it” trekking feeling - all in under a week.
Day 1 – Pokhara – Hile – Trek to Ulleri
Duration: approx. 3 hours drive and 4 hours trekking
Altitude 2,050m
You’ll leave Pokhara behind and drive into the foothills, passing small villages, rivers and terraced farmland on the way to Hile. This is where you start your trek and, spoiler alert, it’s a bit of a leg day! Be prepared for a challenging yet rewarding ascent to Ulleri. The trail climbs steadily up a long staircase of stone steps through fields and scattered houses until you reach Ulleri, a Magar village high above the valley. It’s a tough but satisfying first walk, and the mountain air and views over the hills make it worth it. You’ll sleep in a simple teahouse tonight.
Day 2 – Trek to Ghorepani
Duration: approx. 6 hours trekking
Altitude 2,880m
You’ll continue climbing today. The trail leads you through cool rhododendron and oak forests, a peaceful stretch where you’ll hear birds and pass the occasional waterfall. Small villages appear along the way, with teahouses where you can rest with a cup of tea. It’s a steady uphill walk as you gain height towards Ghorepani, set on a ridge surrounded by forest. If the skies are clear, you may already catch your first big Himalayan views here.
Day 3 – Sunrise at Poon Hill & trek to Tadapani
Duration: approx. 2 hours Poon Hill hike, then 5 hours trekking
Altitude 2,525m
It’s an early start, but for good reason. Before dawn you’ll embark on the 1 hour hike up to Poon Hill. Sitting at an altitude of 3,210m, it offers one of the best viewpoints in the Annapurna region. As the sun rises, the peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri light up in shades of orange and gold. It’s a magical moment. After heading back down for a well-deserved breakfast, you continue trekking towards Tadapani. The trail is moderately challenging, rolling up and down through dense forest, with occasional clearings revealing mountain views. It’s a full but rewarding walking day.
Day 4 – Trek to Ghandruk
Duration: approx. 3 hours trekking
Altitude 2,010m
Today you descend towards Ghandruk, one of the prettiest villages in the region. The path winds through forest and farmland, with regular views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare on clear days. Ghandruk is a traditional Gurung village with stone houses and narrow lanes, and you’ll have time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. It’s a shorter walking day, giving your legs a bit of a break.
Day 5 – Trek to Dhampus
Duration: approx. 6 hours trekking
Altitude 1,650m
After breakfast, leave Ghandruk and follow trails through terraced fields, forest and small rural settlements. This is a great day to see everyday life in the hills, as farmers work the land and children walk to school along the same paths you’re using. There are some gentle climbs along the way, but nothing too extreme. Your destination is the traditional village of Dhampus, that sits on a ridge with wide views across the valley and, if the weather’s kind, the Annapurna range once more.
Day 6 – Trek to Phedi & drive to Pokhara
Duration: approx. 2 hours trekking & 1 hour drive
Altitude 1,760m
Your final morning starts with a downhill walk through forest and farmland towards Phedi. As you descend, the big mountains slowly give way to rolling green hills. When you reach Phedi, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara. By the afternoon you’re back by the lake – a good spot to relax, have a proper coffee (or a chilled beer) and let it all sink in after your days in the mountains.
Accommodation
