Annapurna Foothills Trek and Chitwan Safari
- 11 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–December)
We combine a classic Himalayan ridge hike to Poon Hill with a lowland wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park over 11 days.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our eleven-day expedition brings together two distinct landscapes of Nepal: the middle hills of the Annapurna range and the subtropical floodplains of Chitwan. Designed for hikers who appreciate both mountain geography and lowland ecosystems, this journey starts with cultural exploration in the Kathmandu Valley before moving south to the Terai.
We leave the urban centers behind to drive toward the Rapti River valley, where we spend time tracking wildlife on foot and by vehicle within Chitwan National Park. Afterward, our route turns north toward Pokhara and the trailhead at Hile. From here, our team guides you up classic stone staircases through oak and rhododendron forests toward the Magar settlements of Ulleri and Ghorepani.
The high point of our trek is the pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill at 3,210 m for panoramic views across the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. We finish the walking portion through Tadapani before returning via Pokhara and Kathmandu. This route suits travelers looking for a moderate physical challenge paired with diverse natural environments.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Poon Hill Sunrise
We hike before dawn to the 3,210 m viewpoint for wide views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and the Annapurna range.
Forest Trails
Our path climbs through dense stands of rhododendron and oak trees, particularly vibrant when in spring bloom.
Chitwan Wildlife
We explore the Rapti River and jungle tracks by canoe and vehicle to spot one-horned rhinos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.
Gurung and Magar Villages
We walk through traditional terraced farming communities like Ulleri and Ghorepani, observing local rural architecture.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport holding our company placard and transfers you to your hotel. Later, we gather for a pre-trip briefing where we introduce your lead guide and check your equipment.
Day 2
Kathmandu World Heritage Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu World Heritage Sightseeing
Meals: B / L / D
Today we tour Kathmandu’s key cultural landmarks with a local guide, visiting the historic courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, and the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan
Meals: B / L / D
We depart early in a private vehicle, descending through terraced hills and river valleys toward the flatlands of Chitwan. Upon arrival at our lodge, we settle in for the evening.
Day 4
Chitwan National Park Exploration
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Chitwan National Park Exploration
Meals: B / L / D
Our day starts with a quiet canoe float down the Rapti River to observe marsh muggers and water birds, followed by a guided nature walk through the park's secondary forest and grasslands. In the afternoon, we take a jeep excursion to search for one-horned rhinoceros and deer.
Day 5
Drive from Chitwan to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Drive from Chitwan to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the lowlands behind and drive north alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers toward Pokhara. After checking into our lakeside hotel, we spend the afternoon boating on Phewa Lake.
Day 6
Pokhara to Hile Drive and Hike to Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Pokhara to Hile Drive and Hike to Ulleri
Meals: B / L / D
A morning drive along the Modi Khola valley brings us to Hile, where our trek begins. We cross a suspension bridge and climb the steep stone steps through oak woods to reach the Magar settlement of Ulleri at 2,050 m.
Day 7
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail continues upward from Ulleri through shaded rhododendron forests, following stone-paved paths past mountain streams. We arrive at Ghorepani in time to rest and view the surrounding hills.
Day 8
Poon Hill Sunrise and Trek to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Poon Hill Sunrise and Trek to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
We make a pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill at 3,210 m to watch the sun rise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, we trek through forested ridges to reach Tadapani.
Day 9
Tadapani to Pokhara via Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Tadapani to Pokhara via Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
Today we descend through terraced fields and forested slopes toward the Gurung village of Ghandruk, where we stop to view traditional local artifacts. Continuing down to the roadhead, we catch our transport back to Pokhara.
Day 10
Drive or Return to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Drive or Return to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We make the return journey to Kathmandu, tracing our route back through the middle hills. The evening is free for resting or picking up souvenirs.
Day 11
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 11
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our team provides a private transfer from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
- All meals during the Chitwan safari and Annapurna trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide and porter support
- All necessary National Park entry fees and local permits
- Ground transport by private vehicle between cities and trailheads
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, device charging, and bottled water
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
The highest elevation on this trip is Poon Hill at 3,210 m. While this is modest compared to high-altitude base camp treks, our itineraries include gradual daily gains to help your body adjust safely.
Fitness expectations
We grade this trip as easy to moderate. You should be prepared for several hours of walking each day and long stretches of stone staircases, particularly during the climbs to Ulleri and Poon Hill.
Accommodation on trek
Along the trail, we lodge in local family-run teahouses. Rooms are basic and twin-share, featuring foam mattresses, pillows, and blankets, with communal dining areas warmed by a central stove.
Ethical wildlife policy
In strict alignment with our company standards, all elephant-backed safaris and captive animal shows are excluded from our Chitwan program. We focus entirely on jeep safaris, canoe trips, and guided jungle walks.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle support is recommended for stone staircases.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Needed for cold mornings at Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated to -10 °C for unheated teahouse rooms.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Useful for protecting knees on steep stone descents.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
Essential for treating refilled tap or stream water.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for the pre-dawn walk to Poon Hill.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must include high-altitude rescue coverage details.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitMandatory entry permit for conservation area trekking.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for safety monitoring.
Chitwan National Park Entry Permit
PermitRequired authorization for entering protected lowland park boundaries.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the climb up to Ulleri?
The ascent involves approximately 3,300 stone steps rising steeply through the forest. We maintain a steady, manageable pace with regular rest breaks to complete this section.
What kind of wildlife can we see in Chitwan?
In Chitwan National Park, we commonly look for greater one-horned rhinoceros, spotted deer, wild boar, marsh mugger crocodiles, and numerous bird species along the Rapti River.
Do I need previous trekking experience for this route?
No prior experience is necessary. A basic level of cardiovascular fitness and comfort walking on uneven stone stairs for 5 to 7 hours is sufficient.
Are charging and hot showers available in the teahouses?
Yes, most teahouses offer device charging and hot showers for a small extra fee paid directly to the lodge owners.
What permits are required for this trip?
We secure all necessary Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits, TIMS cards, and Chitwan National Park entry tickets on your behalf.
What is the sleeping arrangement in the teahouses?
Accommodations on the trek are twin-share rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 11 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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