nepal-tour-experience

Nepal Heritage and Poon Hill Trek

  • duration 15 days
  • from usd 1,356
  • difficulty Moderate
  • best season Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr
  • activity Cultural sightseeing, wildlife safari, and mountain trekking in Nepal
  • max altitude 10,535 feet at Poon Hill

trip overview

The Nepal Heritage and Poon Hill Trek brings together the country’s most important cultural destinations and one of its most rewarding mountain treks in a single 15-day journey.

The first half follows Nepal’s heritage circuit. In Kathmandu you visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati and the great dome of Boudhanath Stupa. From Nagarkot you watch the sunrise spread across the Himalayas, with Mount Everest visible on clear mornings. Chitwan National Park fills a full day with jeep safaris through the tall grass floodplains, canoeing on the Rapti River, guided jungle walks, and an evening with the Tharu community. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, carries a quiet unlike most places you will visit: monasteries from a dozen Buddhist countries arranged around the sacred Maya Devi Temple, and a stillness in the garden that is hard to describe. The historic hilltop city of Tansen in Palpa adds medieval Newari architecture and wide Himalayan views before you reach Pokhara and the Annapurna lakeside.

The second half is the trek. Four days in the Annapurna foothills take you through rhododendron forest and traditional Gurung villages, climbing steadily to Ghorepani at 9,416 feet. The pre-dawn push to Poon Hill at 10,535 feet is worth every early alarm: the full sweep of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre turning gold in first light is one of the finest mountain views in Nepal. The descent through Tadhapani and into Ghandruk village, where the culture is warm and the food is excellent, closes the trek before a jeep returns you to Pokhara for a final night.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa
  • Watch sunrise over Mount Everest and the Himalayas from Nagarkot Hill Station
  • Track Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos in Chitwan National Park by jeep safari and river canoe
  • Visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and walk through the Sacred Garden and international monasteries
  • Discover Tansen in Palpa, a well-preserved hilltop city with panoramic Himalayan views
  • Explore Pokhara’s lakes, caves, waterfalls, and the World Peace Pagoda
  • Trek four days through the Annapurna foothills on forest trails between mountain villages
  • Summit Poon Hill at 10,535 feet for sunrise over the full Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
  • Spend an afternoon in Ghandruk, one of Nepal’s most welcoming Gurung villages

Detailed itinerary

  • day 01
    Arrival in Kathmandu

    Your trip starts the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport. A Mountain Kick team member will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, rest after your journey, or take a walk through the streets of Thamel.

    • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu
  • day 02
    Kathmandu UNESCO Sites and Nagarkot

    A full day of guided sightseeing through three of Kathmandu’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin at Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu sites in the world, where cremation ghats line the Bagmati River and the atmosphere is unlike any other temple in Nepal. Continue to Boudhanath Stupa, the great white dome believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha, with hundreds of prayer wheels lining its base. Then visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a former royal courtyard where traditional Newari architecture has survived centuries remarkably intact. By evening, drive up to Nagarkot Hill Station for clear morning views of the Himalayas.

    Duration: 8-10 hours | Activity: Cultural sightseeing and transfer

    Points of Interest:

    • Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
    • Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
    • Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
    • Nagarkot Hill Station
    • Accommodation: Hotel in Nagarkot
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 03
    Nagarkot Sunrise and Drive to Chitwan

    Wake before dawn to catch the sunrise from Nagarkot. On a clear morning, Mount Everest is visible along with the full Annapurna range. After breakfast, the drive south to Chitwan National Park takes around seven hours through changing landscapes as you descend from the valley hills into the subtropical Terai plains. Your accommodation for the next two nights is a jungle lodge inside the park boundary.

    Duration: 8-9 hours | Activity: Sunrise viewing and transfer

    Points of Interest:

    • Himalayan sunrise viewpoint at Nagarkot
    • Mount Everest and Annapurna range views
    • Scenic drive through hills and river valleys
    • Arrival at Chitwan National Park jungle lodge
    • Accommodation: Resort
    • Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
  • day 04
    Chitwan National Park

    One full day in Chitwan with a range of activities: jeep safari through the park’s grasslands and river floodplains, canoeing on the Rapti River, guided jungle walks with a naturalist guide, and a visit to a Tharu community where traditional culture and dance have been part of life here for generations. Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles, sloth bears, and hundreds of bird species all share this protected habitat. Most guests feel they could comfortably stay a second day.

    Duration: Full day | Activity: Wildlife safari and cultural activities

    Points of Interest:

    • Bengal tiger and one-horned rhino spotting
    • Jeep safari through grasslands and forest
    • Canoe ride on the Rapti River
    • Guided jungle walk with naturalist guide
    • Tharu cultural village and evening dance show
    • Accommodation: Resort
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 05
    Chitwan to Lumbini

    A five-hour drive west from Chitwan brings you to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Buddhist pilgrims from Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and many other countries all travel here, and the Sacred Garden carries a quiet that stays with you. This evening, walk through the garden, visit the Maya Devi Temple at the exact site of the Buddha’s birth, and begin to take in the significance of the place.

    Duration: 5 hours | Activity: Transfer and evening exploration

    Points of Interest:

    • Sacred Garden of Lumbini
    • Maya Devi Temple (Buddha’s birthplace)
    • Ashoka Pillar
    • International monastery zone
    • Lumbini Museum
    • Accommodation: Three-star hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 06
    Lumbini Exploration and Drive to Palpa

    Spend the morning properly exploring Lumbini. Walk through the international monastery zone, where each country’s Buddhist tradition has built its own temple: the gold-roofed Thai wat, the painted murals of the Burmese monastery, the stark white of the Sri Lankan vihara. After lunch, drive to Palpa and the historic hilltop city of Tansen, one of Nepal’s best-preserved medieval towns. Traditional Newari architecture lines the lanes, and the views of the Himalayan range from the surrounding ridgelines are excellent.

    Duration: 6-7 hours | Activity: Spiritual sightseeing and transfer

    Points of Interest:

    • Lumbini Sacred Garden continued exploration
    • International Buddhist monastery zone
    • Tansen historic city and Newari architecture
    • Amar Narayan Temple
    • Panoramic Himalayan views from Palpa ridge
    • Accommodation: Three-star hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 07
    Palpa to Pokhara

    A four-hour drive brings you to Pokhara. As you arrive at the lakeside area, Phewa Lake opens out with the Annapurna range filling the far horizon. Settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon at your own pace. The lakeside strip has everything from quiet cafes to lively restaurants, and the mountain backdrop makes it hard to stop looking.

    Duration: 4 hours | Activity: Transfer and arrival

    Points of Interest:

    • Scenic mountain highway drive
    • Arrival at Phewa Lake lakeside area
    • Free afternoon to explore
    • Accommodation: Three-star hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 08
    Pokhara Sightseeing

    A guided day through Pokhara’s main attractions. Visit Devi’s Falls, where the Pardi Khola stream drops into an underground channel, and the connected Gupteshwor Cave with its impressive stalactite formations. The World Peace Pagoda sits on a hilltop with a 360-degree view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. A boat ride on Phewa Lake brings you to the small island temple of Tal Barahi. In the evening the lakeside area is lively with restaurants and the optional Sarangkot viewpoint is worth the short drive for the late-afternoon light on the mountains.

    Duration: Full day | Activity: Sightseeing and natural exploration

    Points of Interest:

    • Devi’s Falls (Patale Chhango)
    • Gupteshwor Cave
    • World Peace Pagoda
    • Phewa Lake boat ride
    • Tal Barahi Temple
    • Optional Sarangkot viewpoint
    • Accommodation: Three-star hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 09
    Drive to Nayapool, Trek to Tikhedhunga

    Your trekking days begin with a one-hour drive to Nayapool at 3,477 feet, the starting point for the Annapurna foothills circuit. From here, a manageable six-mile walk along forested trails beside the Modi Khola river brings you to Tikhedhunga at 5,060 feet in around three hours. A gentle introduction to the trail, giving your legs time to warm up before the climbing starts tomorrow.

    Duration: 4-5 hours | Activity: Drive and easy trek

    Points of Interest:

    • Nayapool village (trek starting point) at 3,477 ft
    • Modi Khola river trail
    • Rhododendron and oak forest
    • Mountain stream crossings
    • Tikhedhunga village at 5,060 ft
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 10
    Trek to Ghorepani

    The hardest day on the trail. A long section of stone steps takes you from Tikhedhunga up through several villages, past terraced fields, and into dense forest as you gain altitude. The final push to Ghorepani at 9,416 feet will test your legs, but the trail has regular tea houses for breaks and the mountain views open up as you climb. Rest well tonight: tomorrow is an early start.

    Duration: 5-6 hours | Activity: Mountain trekking

    Points of Interest:

    • Stone step trail through Ulleri village
    • Terraced hillside views
    • Dense rhododendron forest
    • Mountain tea house stops
    • Ghorepani village at 9,416 ft
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • day 11
    Poon Hill Sunrise and Trek to Tadhapani

    The alarm goes off before 5am. The 45-minute walk to Poon Hill summit at 10,535 feet in the dark is worth it without question. As the sky lightens, the full Annapurna range appears: Annapurna I, II, III, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri, all catching the first light simultaneously. It is widely considered one of the finest mountain panoramas accessible on a short trek, and the reputation is fully deserved.

    After the sunrise you return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue to Tadhapani at 8,628 feet, a five-hour walk through forest and along ridgelines with the Annapurna range as a constant companion.

    Duration: 6-7 hours | Activity: Summit hike and mountain trekking

    Points of Interest:

    • Poon Hill summit at 10,535 ft
    • Full Annapurna and Dhaulagiri panorama at sunrise
    • Return to Ghorepani for breakfast
    • Forest and ridgeline trail to Tadhapani
    • Tadhapani village at 8,628 ft
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • day 12
    Trek to Ghandruk

    A downhill day, which your legs will appreciate. The three-hour walk descends through forest to Ghandruk at 6,398 feet, one of the Gurung community’s most welcoming villages, with the Annapurna South face directly across the valley. Spend the afternoon at the village museum, the local monastery, and talking to people whose families have lived here for generations. The food at the guesthouse is notably good, and the mountain views from the main lane are excellent in the afternoon light.

    Duration: 3-4 hours | Activity: Downhill trek and cultural experience

    Points of Interest:

    • Forest trail descending from Tadhapani
    • Ghandruk village at 6,398 ft (traditional Gurung settlement)
    • Gurung Museum
    • Local monastery and temple
    • Annapurna South views across the valley
    • Traditional mountain cuisine
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • day 13
    Jeep to Pokhara, Leisure Afternoon

    A scenic jeep ride takes you from Ghandruk back to Pokhara in around two hours, dropping you at the lakeside with the rest of the day free. A slow lunch, a boat ride on the lake, browsing the shops on Lakeside road, a spa session before dinner: the Annapurna range is right there across the water and there is no hurry.

    Duration: 4-5 hours | Activity: Transfer and leisure

    Points of Interest:

    • Scenic jeep ride with mountain views
    • Return to Pokhara lakeside
    • Free afternoon for lake, shopping, or spa
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 14
    Drive to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

    The seven-hour drive back to Kathmandu follows the mountain highway east, with good hill and river scenery throughout. Arrive in Kathmandu by evening for a farewell dinner hosted by Mountain Kick: traditional Nepali food and a cultural show as a proper send-off for 15 days well spent.

    Duration: 7-8 hours | Activity: Transfer and farewell dinner

    Points of Interest:

    • Scenic highway drive through hills and river valleys
    • Return to Kathmandu
    • Traditional Nepali farewell dinner with cultural performance
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
  • day 15
    Final Departure

    Your last morning in Nepal. After breakfast, Mountain Kick transfers you to the airport. You leave with a lot of ground covered: fifteen days, three UNESCO cities, a wildlife park, the birthplace of the Buddha, the Annapurna foothills, and one very good sunrise.

    • Meal: Breakfast

What's Included

  • Airport transfers in private vehicle
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Lumbini, Palpa, and Pokhara on twin-sharing basis with daily breakfast
  • Jungle lodge accommodation at Chitwan with all meals included
  • Guesthouse accommodation during trekking (twin-sharing; meals not included)
  • All sightseeing with local government-licensed guides and entrance fees
  • Naturalist guide and all activity fees at Chitwan National Park
  • Private tourist vehicle for all road transfers as per itinerary
  • Porters during trekking (one porter per two trekkers)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag loan for the trek
  • Traditional Nepali farewell dinner with cultural show
  • Duffel bag, sun hat, and t-shirt as souvenirs
  • All government taxes and official charges

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, and Palpa (except farewell dinner)
  • All meals during trekking (Days 10–12 and Day 13 morning; budget approx. $10–15 per day at guesthouse and trail restaurants)
  • International airfare and Nepal visa fees
  • Travel insurance (required; must cover trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation)
  • Alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks, and personal snacks
  • Phone calls, internet, laundry, and other personal expenses
  • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
  • Single room supplement (available on request)
  • Any activities or items not listed above

Accommodation during the Trip

City and Town Hotels (Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Lumbini, Palpa, Pokhara):

  • 3-star hotel, twin-sharing
  • Daily breakfast included
  • Private bathroom, WiFi, electricity, hot water
  • 4-star and 5-star upgrades available on request

Trekking Guesthouses (Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadhapani, Ghandruk):

  • Standard twin-sharing guesthouses
  • Meals not included; guesthouse restaurants and tea houses available on trail at own expense
  • Shared bathroom facilities
  • Common dining areas

Chitwan Jungle Lodge:

  • All meals included
  • Lodge-style rooms in a natural park setting

Single supplement: Available at city hotels on request. Not available at trekking guesthouses.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does this trip differ from the Nepal Highlights Tour?

    The Nepal Highlights Tour (14 days) follows the same cultural circuit through Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini, Palpa, and Pokhara but does not include any trekking. This trip adds four days in the Annapurna foothills, finishing with the Poon Hill sunrise at 10,535 feet. If you want the full cultural experience plus a genuine mountain walk, this is the trip. If trekking is not for you, the Nepal Highlights Tour is the better fit.

  • How difficult is the Poon Hill trek?
    • The trek is rated moderate. The hardest day is the climb to Ghorepani on Day 10, which involves several hours of continuous stone steps at elevation. Poon Hill itself is a 45-minute walk from Ghorepani before dawn. Anyone who can handle 5-7 hours of walking on consecutive days on mountain trails should be able to complete it. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not required.

  • How fit do I need to be?

    You should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours on consecutive days on uneven mountain trails with a daypack of around 5-8 kg. Prepare with cardio exercise 3-4 times a week for 6-8 weeks before your trip, including stair climbing and long walks. Consistency matters more than athletic ability.

  • What do I see from Poon Hill?

    Poon Hill at 10,535 feet is one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. On a clear morning you can see Annapurna I (26,545 ft), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri across more than 200 km of mountain horizon.

  • What wildlife can I expect in Chitwan?

    Chitwan National Park is home to Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, sloth bears, leopards, gharial crocodiles, and over 540 bird species. Rhino sightings on jeep safari are very common. Tiger sightings are rarer and always memorable. The Rapti River canoe section is excellent for crocodiles and river birds.

  • What is the trekking accommodation like?

    All trekking nights are at standard twin-sharing guesthouses. Meals are not included during the trek; guesthouse restaurants and tea houses are available on the trail at your own expense. Rooms are simple with beds, pillows, and blankets, typically with shared bathrooms. Guesthouses have common dining areas. This is the standard setup across the Annapurna foothills circuit.

  • Can I customise this trip?

    Yes. Mountain Kick offers private departure dates and itinerary adjustments. Common modifications include adding days in Pokhara, extending the trek toward Annapurna Base Camp, or upgrading city hotels to 4-star or 5-star. Contact us with your preferences for a custom quote.

  • What is the best time of year?

    October to November and March to April offer the clearest mountain views and most stable weather for both trekking and cultural sightseeing. December to February is quieter and colder, with some risk of snow on the upper trail. Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rain and muddy trails and is not recommended for this trip.

  • What permits are required?

    The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the TIMS card are required for the trekking section. Chitwan National Park entrance fees are also included. Mountain Kick arranges all permits. You need to provide your passport details and one passport-size photo.

  • How much cash should I carry?

    Budget $200-400 for the full trip, covering self-pay meals in cities, tips (10-15% of trip price), and personal expenses. Withdraw cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek, as there are no ATMs in trekking areas.

Essential Trip Information

Fitness: This trip includes four days of mountain trekking reaching 10,535 feet. You should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours on consecutive days with a daypack. No prior trekking experience is required, but arriving in reasonable cardio shape will make the trek considerably more enjoyable. Good preparation: cardio exercise 3-4 times a week for 6-8 weeks before your trip, including stair climbing and long walks on varied terrain.

Permits: Mountain Kick arranges all permits and entrance fees. Required trekking permits are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the TIMS card. You will need to provide your passport details and one passport-size photo.

Altitude: The maximum altitude is Poon Hill at 10,535 feet (3,210m). Altitude sickness at this level is uncommon for people in reasonable health who follow a gradual ascent. Drink 3-4 litres of water daily during trekking, avoid alcohol on trek days, and tell your guide immediately if you develop a persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness.

Gear provided: Down jacket and sleeping bag for the trekking section are provided on loan. You need to bring: well-worn hiking boots, daypack (25-35L), warm layers, waterproof jacket, trekking poles (recommended), and headlamp.

Temple visits: Dress modestly for all temple and monastery visits. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Remove shoes before entering. Ask permission before photographing people or religious ceremonies.

Money: ATMs are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Withdraw enough cash before starting the trek, as there are no ATMs in trekking areas. Budget approximately $15–25 per day for self-pay meals in cities, and $30–35 per day for meals during the trekking section (Days 9–13).

Best time: October to November and March to April offer the clearest mountain views and most stable weather for both sightseeing and trekking. December to February is colder but quieter. June to September is monsoon season and is not recommended for the Poon Hill trek.

Packing Checklist

Documents & Money

  • Passport (valid 6+ months) and photocopies

  • Travel insurance with medical coverage including trekking and helicopter evacuation

  • Cash (Nepalese Rupees and USD for 15-day journey)

  • Neck wallet for essentials

  • Passport photos (for permits)

  • Visa documents (if obtained in advance)

view full list
Travellers PRICING FROM (USD)
1 1910
2-3 1356
4-9 990

We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.

Customize your trip single

csr

As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.

READ MORE ABOUT CSR

Ready to Book Your Trip?

QUICK INQUIRY

Quick inquiry form

More Trip Inspiration

Nepal-Tour-Basantapur
from usd 1,290 All inclusive
amazing-nepal
from usd 1,345 All inclusive
Our Representatives