Are you looking for a vacation package for your family? Are you new to trekking in the Himalayas? Is this your first time trekking?
We have the perfect trekking package to suit all your needs! Our nine-day Annapurna Panorama trek is an ideal package with a perfect itinerary.
The trek takes you across one of the most extensive rhododendron forests in the world!
On this tour, you will also glimpse Nepal's fantastic tourist attractions, such as the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, remote villages and towns, rugged landscapes, gushing rivers, lush green rhododendron forests, and the breathtaking Annapurna Valley.
Pokhara, Nepal's second-favorite tourist city, offers peaceful evenings strolling on Phewa Taal's Lakeside or lounging in one of the many restaurants and bars in the Lakeside area. Pokhara is also known for its boat rides and the thrilling sport of paragliding.
The trek to Annapurna Valley will broaden your knowledge about the region's indigenous people, the Gurungs, and Magars. You will familiarize yourself with their culture, traditions, and lifestyle through your interactions with them.
Some villages on the trails include Birethanti, Tikhe Dhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Kimche. You will also hike over to Poon Hill, the most popular viewpoint to catch the sunrise over Mt Annapurna (7,219 m), Mt Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt Machhapuchhre (6,933 m), Mt Himchuli (6,111 m) and others.
Annapurna Panorama Trek Highlights
- One of the most accessible hikes, the Annapurna Panorama trek, is best for novice trekkers seeking a less grueling adventure in the Himalayas.
- Visit Nepal's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Experience the vast cultural range of the Annapurna region, where we have different indigenous communities such as Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Loba.
- Early morning hike to Poon Hill, the vantage point to catch the perfect sunrise glistening upon snowy peaks of the Himalayan Mountains
- Overnight stays at teahouses on the trails run by Magar and Gurung communities.
- Spend rejuvenating evenings at the scenic Lakeside of Phewa Taal in Pokhara. Take a boat ride to the Lake temple (Taal Barahi) in the middle of the lake.
- Hike across one of the world's most extensive rhododendron forests on the way to Tadapani.
- View three of the world's highest peaks (Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu) from proximity.
- Complete the trip within just nine days! Annapurna Panorama trek package is an ideal short trekking adventure.
- In the Annapurna Conservation Area, you can glimpse rare endangered species such as the Himalayan musk deer, snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear.
Route Overview
Our Nepal Hiking Team member will welcome you to Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival. They will then escort you to a three-star hotel in Thamel and explain the trip's details. The next day, you will have a day tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The day tour will include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa.
Boudhanath Stupa is the most significant Buddhist religious site in Nepal. It has become a tourist destination with many cafes and rooftop restaurants around the Stupa. Swoyambhunath Stupa is another Buddhist religious complex. It is believed to be self-manifested, hence the name 'Swoyambhu.' The ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square is a Mall and Shah King palace. Its premises are filled with numerous temples showcasing splendid Newar architecture. Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred Hindu religious site. Hundreds of Hindu dharma followers visit Nepal to pay homage to Lord Pashupati (Shiva).
On the third day of your trip, you will take a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This drive takes 6 to 7 hours. You can explore Pokhara's famous Phewa Lake and its many restaurants and bars in the evening.
The next day, after a short drive to Birenthanti, you will begin your hike to Ulleri. This will be your first overnight stay on the Annapurna Panorama Trek. The trail leading up to Ghorepani is steep and has many stone staircases. You must take a rest whenever necessary. (We have allocated a manageable trek distance for each day so that you can enjoy your trek without feeling too tired at the end of the day.)
From Ghorepani, a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill will take you to the best vantage point to catch the sunrise over the Himalayan Mountains. After descending the Poon Hill, you will trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani. This section of the trail is the most scenic point on the Annapurna Panorama Trek. The village of Tadapani is surrounded by a vast rhododendron forest, which blooms during the spring season. From Deurali, another viewpoint, you can catch the looming figures of Annapurna South, Machapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.
Moving on, you will reach Ghandruk - one of the bustling villages on the Annapurna trail. It has a Gurung museum and many tea houses where you can stop for lunch before descending to Kimche. From Kimche, you will take a vehicle back to Pokhara.
Boarding a tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu via Pushpalal and Prithvi highways, you will once again stay at a hotel in Thamel. The next day, one of our Nepal Hiking Team members will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport with ample time before your departure.
We will bid you farewell and hope to see you soon on your next adventure! We hope you enjoyed your adventure in Nepal.
How difficult is the Annapurna Panorama trek?
The Annapurna Panorama Trek is graded easily. However, people who are not used to hiking may find it difficult. Many stone staircases are on the trail, which might prove exhausting for novice hikers. No technical climbing is required, and the trail is well-marked. The good thing about this trek is that there is not much risk of altitude sickness as you sleep well below 4,000 meters. However, prevention is better than cure, and you should take the necessary measures to safeguard yourself from any health issues. We recommend you build your strength and stamina before you embark on your trek by taking up strength-building exercises like jogging, cycling, swimming, stair climbing, and hiking. Physical fitness matters, as you will be hiking for 4-6 hours daily.
Is the Annapurna Panorama trek beginner-friendly?
This trek is quite strenuous as you will ascend many stone staircases that always seem to continue. You will be hiking for around 4 to 6 hours daily, so you must have proper stamina and physical fitness. Hence, even though the Annapurna Panorama trek is deemed an easy hike, beginners are strictly advised to undertake necessary strength-boosting exercises before the trek. These exercises include cycling, stair climbing, jogging, swimming, etc.
Another feature that makes this trek beginner-friendly is that it does not involve technical climbing or extreme heights (you will sleep at altitudes below 4,000 m). All the trails are well-marked. Also, there are many farms and villages along the trail, which means you will have many interactions with local people on the way to Annapurna Base Camp.
When is the best time to get on the trail?
Generally, spring, autumn, and winter are the best times to undertake the Annapurna Base Camp trek. However, the trails are open throughout the year.
During spring, the Annapurna region is adorned with pink and red rhododendron flowers, providing the best backdrop for a pleasant natural hike. Autumn has clear weather, hence better visibility and lesser precipitation. Similarly, you will have an unobstructed view of the Himalayan range and its landscapes during winter.
Trekking in the Annapurna region during summer has advantages. However, it would help if you were prepared for frequent rainfall and the following circumstances: The trails are less crowded and appropriate for peaceful/solo treks. It is also easier to get good rooms and other amenities. However, having proper gear for trekking in the monsoon season would be best, as the trails can get muddy, the weather is hot and humid, and the sky is foggy.
Alternative Treks You Can Consider
Ready to explore more? If you want to embark on other exciting adventures in the Annapurna region, browse our Annapurna trekking packages with different routes and itineraries. You can also hop on a different path while on your trek, as the trails are interconnected!
For instance, you can join our Annapurna Base Camp Trek after completing your Annapurna Panorama trek. You have to enter the route from Ghandruk by crossing over Modi Khola and heading up to Jhinu.
For a more remote trekking adventure, we have Khopra Ridge Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek via Poon Hill. If you are up for a more challenging hike, you can also choose our Classic Annapurna Circuit Trek. The circuit takes you through lush green Marshyangdi Valley and the desert area of Lower Mustang. You will also pass one of the world's highest mountain passes, the Thorung la (5,416 m).
Other moderately easier treks in the region include Mohare Danda Trek and Annapurna Luxury Trek.
