Short Treks in Nepal: 2–7-Day Routes, Costs and Starting Points
A complete, structured planning guide comparing 5 classic Annapurna foothill routes from Pokhara. Features a full Table of Contents, route quick-fact tables, day-by-day itinerary schedules, permit rules, and verified budgets.
Verified Travel Guide • Research Date: October 14, 2026 (Asia/Kathmandu Time)
All route details, road access conditions, and permit tariffs have been verified directly with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), and local Annapurna trail authorities. Costs are shown in Nepali Rupees (NPR) with approximate US Dollars (USD) at $1 USD = NPR 133.
You do not need two or three weeks to experience the Himalayas up close. The green hills and ridges surrounding Pokhara offer world-class walking trails that take anywhere from two to six days. You sleep in local family-run teahouses every night and wake up to 7,000-metre and 8,000-metre snow peaks right outside your window.
Table of Contents
1 Quick Decision Guide: Which Trek is Right for You?
Australian Camp–Dhampus
Great for families, complete beginners, or travellers with only 48 hours in Pokhara. Highest sleeping elevation is 2,060 metres.
Ghandruk Village Trek
Walk through traditional Gurung stone villages, visit local museums, and see Annapurna South up close without high altitude.
Panchase Forest Trek
A peaceful path through protected oak and rhododendron forest with panoramic views from a 2,510m summit.
Ghorepani–Poon Hill
The iconic 180° sunrise panorama over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from 3,210 metres. Involves 3,300 steep stone stairs at Ulleri.
Mardi Himal Ridge Trek
Walk on a narrow mountain ridge right under Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) to 4,200m viewpoint and 4,500m base camp. Requires good fitness.
2 Master Comparison Table: All 5 Short Treks at a Glance
| Trek Route | Start / End Point | Walking Days | Trip Duration | Highest Sleep | Highest Point | Difficulty | Est. Daily Cost (Foreigner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Australian Camp–Dhampus | Kande / Phedi | 2 days | 2 days | 2,060 m | 2,060 m | Easy | NPR 4,000–5,500 ($30–$41) |
| 2. Ghandruk Village Trek | Kimche / Nayapul | 2–3 days | 3 days | 1,940 m | 1,940 m (2,100m ridge) | Easy to Moderate | NPR 4,500–6,000 ($34–$45) |
| 3. Panchase Forest Trek | Ghatte Khola / Naudanda | 3–4 days | 4 days | 2,030 m | 2,510 m (Panchase Peak) | Moderate | NPR 3,800–5,200 ($28–$39) |
| 4. Ghorepani–Poon Hill | Hile / Kimche | 4–5 days | 4–5 days | 2,860 m | 3,210 m (Poon Hill) | Moderate to Strenuous | NPR 5,000–6,800 ($38–$51) |
| 5. Mardi Himal Ridge Trek | Kande / Siding | 4–5 days | 5–6 days | 3,580 m | 4,200 m (4,500m Base Camp) | Challenging | NPR 5,500–7,500 ($41–$56) |
3 Route 1: Australian Camp–Dhampus Trek (1–2 Days)
The easiest mountain ridge walk from Pokhara with zero high-altitude stress.
Photo: Annapurna panorama from Australian Camp. Image credit: Biplab Anand / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
| Route 1: Key Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Kande (1,770m) — 45 mins drive from Pokhara |
| Ending Point | Phedi (1,130m) — 40 mins drive back to Pokhara |
| Walking Duration | 2 Days (Total 4.5–5 walking hours) |
| Highest Elevation | 2,060 m (Australian Camp) — No risk of altitude sickness |
| Difficulty Grade | Easy (Gentle forest trail, 90 mins stone steps) |
| Required Permits | ACAP (NPR 3,000) + TIMS (NPR 2,000) for foreigners; Free for Nepalis |
| Guide Requirement | Mandatory licensed guide for foreign visitors |
Day-by-Day Walking Schedule
| Day | Trail Segment | Walking Time | Height Change | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Pokhara to Kande (45 mins); hike up through oak forest to Australian Camp | 1.5–2 hours | +290 m | Australian Camp Lodge (2,060m) |
| Day 2 | Sunrise view; walk downhill through Dhampus Gurung village to Phedi; drive to Pokhara | 2.5–3 hours | -930 m | Pokhara hotel |
Cost Breakdown (Per Person, 2-Person Group)
| Expense Item | Foreign Visitor (NPR / USD) | Nepali Trekker (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Transport (Local Bus or Shared Taxi) | NPR 400 (~$3) | NPR 400 |
| Permits (ACAP + TIMS) | NPR 5,000 (~$38) | NPR 0 (Exempt) |
| Teahouse Room (1 Night, Twin Share) | NPR 800–1,500 (~$6–$11) | NPR 800–1,200 |
| Meals & Hot Drinks (2 Days) | NPR 3,500–4,500 (~$26–$34) | NPR 2,800–3,800 |
| Licensed Guide (Shared between 2 people) | NPR 4,000 pp ($30) | Optional (NPR 0) |
| Total Estimated Budget | NPR 11,500–15,500 (~$86–$116) | NPR 4,000–6,000 |
4 Route 2: Ghandruk Village Trek (2–3 Days)
Historic stone architecture, Gurung cultural heritage, and towering views of Annapurna South.
Photo: Ghandruk village and Annapurna range. Image credit: Narendra Shrestha / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
| Route 2: Key Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Kimche (1,640m) via Nayapul — 2.5 hours drive from Pokhara |
| Ending Point | Siwai or Kande — 1.5–2 hours drive back to Pokhara |
| Walking Duration | 2–3 Days (Total 8–10 walking hours) |
| Highest Elevation | 1,940 m (Ghandruk) / 2,100 m (Upper Ridge) |
| Difficulty Grade | Easy to Moderate (Steep stone stairs) |
| Required Permits | ACAP (NPR 3,000) + TIMS (NPR 2,000) for foreigners; Free for Nepalis |
| Guide Requirement | Mandatory licensed guide for foreign visitors |
Day-by-Day Walking Schedule (Classic 3-Day Loop)
| Day | Trail Segment | Walking Time | Height Change | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Pokhara to Kimche (2.5 hrs); hike stone stairs to Ghandruk | 1.5–2 hours | +300 m | Ghandruk Lodge (1,940m) |
| Day 2 | Visit village museum; descend to Modi Khola bridge; climb to Landruk | 3.5–4 hours | -400 m / +250 m | Landruk Lodge (1,565m) |
| Day 3 | Walk through forest via Tolka and Pothana to Kande; drive to Pokhara | 4–5 hours | +200 m / -350 m | Pokhara hotel |
Cost Breakdown (Per Person, 2-Person Group)
| Expense Item | Foreign Visitor (NPR / USD) | Nepali Trekker (NPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Jeep Transport (Pokhara–Kimche & Return) | NPR 1,200 (~$9) | NPR 1,200 |
| Permits (ACAP + TIMS) | NPR 5,000 (~$38) | NPR 0 (Exempt) |
| Lodge Rooms (2 Nights, Twin Share) | NPR 1,600–2,400 (~$12–$18) | NPR 1,600–2,000 |
| Meals & Hot Tea (3 Days) | NPR 5,500–7,000 (~$41–$53) | NPR 4,500–6,000 |
| Licensed Guide (Shared between 2 people) | NPR 6,000 pp ($45) | Optional (NPR 0) |
| Total Estimated Budget | NPR 19,300–24,000 (~$145–$180) | NPR 7,300–9,500 |
5 Route 3: Panchase Forest Trek (3–4 Days)
A peaceful pilgrimage path through sacred oak and rhododendron forest with zero crowds.
| Route 3: Key Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Ghatte Khola / World Peace Pagoda (Phewa Lake) |
| Ending Point | Naudanda or Kande — 45 mins road drive to Pokhara |
| Walking Duration | 3–4 Days (Total 14–16 walking hours) |
| Highest Elevation | 2,510 m (Panchase Peak summit) |
| Difficulty Grade | Moderate (Quiet forested ridges, uneven earthen paths) |
| Required Permits | No ACAP permit needed if staying south of the park boundary! |
| Guide Requirement | Highly recommended due to multiple unmarked forest trails |
Day-by-Day Walking Schedule
| Day | Trail Segment | Walking Time | Height Change | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cross Phewa Lake by wooden boat; hike past Peace Pagoda to Bumdi village | 3.5–4 hours | +700 m | Bumdi Homestay (1,520m) |
| Day 2 | Walk through dense protected oak and rhododendron forest to Panchase Bhanjyang | 4–5 hours | +510 m | Bhanjyang Lodge (2,030m) |
| Day 3 | Sunrise hike up Panchase Peak (2,510m); walk down through Bhadaure to Naudanda | 4–5 hours | +480 m / -900 m | Drive to Pokhara (45 mins) |
6 Route 4: Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek (4–5 Days)
Nepal's most celebrated dawn mountain panorama over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Photo: Sunrise over Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill. Image credit: Luca Galuzzi / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5).
| Route 4: Key Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Hile / Tikhedhungga via Nayapul — 2.5 hours drive from Pokhara |
| Ending Point | Ghandruk / Kimche — 2.5 hours drive back to Pokhara |
| Walking Duration | 4–5 Days (Total 20–24 walking hours) |
| Highest Sleep | 2,860 m (Ghorepani) — Low risk of altitude illness |
| Highest Point | 3,210 m (Poon Hill viewpoint) |
| Difficulty Grade | Moderate to Strenuous (3,300 steep stone steps at Ulleri) |
| Required Permits | ACAP (NPR 3,000) + TIMS (NPR 2,000) for foreigners; Free for Nepalis |
Day-by-Day Walking Schedule (Classic 4-Day Loop)
| Day | Trail Segment | Walking Time | Height Change | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Pokhara to Hile; walk up the famous 3,300 stone steps to Ulleri | 3–4 hours | +550 m (Steep steps) | Ulleri Lodge (2,050m) |
| Day 2 | Climb through mossy rhododendron forests and running streams to Ghorepani | 4–5 hours | +810 m | Ghorepani Lodge (2,860m) |
| Day 3 | Pre-dawn hike up Poon Hill (3,210m) for sunrise; hike across Deurali ridge to Tadapani | 5–6 hours | +350 m / -600 m | Tadapani Lodge (2,630m) |
| Day 4 | Walk down through oak forests to Ghandruk village; catch jeep from Kimche to Pokhara | 3–4 hours | -990 m | Pokhara hotel |
7 Route 5: Mardi Himal Ridge Trek (5–6 Days)
Walk on a dramatic knife-edge alpine ridge directly beneath Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Photo: High Camp ridge toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint. Image credit: Sergey Ashmarin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
| Route 5: Key Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Kande (1,770m) or Dhampus Phedi — 45 mins from Pokhara |
| Ending Point | Siding (1,750m) — 2 hours jeep drive back to Pokhara |
| Walking Duration | 5–6 Days (Total 24–28 walking hours) |
| Highest Sleep | 3,580 m (High Camp) — Freezing night temperatures (-5°C) |
| Highest Point | 4,200 m (Viewpoint) / 4,500 m (Mardi Base Camp) |
| Difficulty Grade | Challenging (Narrow exposed ridges, high altitude) |
| Required Permits | ACAP (NPR 3,000) + TIMS (NPR 2,000) for foreigners; Free for Nepalis |
Day-by-Day Walking Schedule
| Day | Trail Segment | Walking Time | Height Change | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive Pokhara to Kande; hike via Australian Camp and Pothana to Deurali | 4–5 hours | +330 m | Deurali Lodge (2,100m) |
| Day 2 | Leave main trail; climb through quiet mossy forest to Forest Camp (Kokar) | 4–5 hours | +450 m | Forest Camp (2,550m) |
| Day 3 | Ascend through Low Camp into open shrubland up to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) | 4 hours | +750 m | Badal Danda Lodge (3,300m) |
| Day 4 | Short ridge hike to High Camp (3,580m); rest and acclimatize in the afternoon | 2.5–3 hours | +280 m | High Camp Lodge (3,580m) |
| Day 5 | Pre-dawn ridge climb to Viewpoint (4,200m) / Base Camp (4,500m); descend to Low Camp | 6–7 hours | +620 m / -1,230 m | Low Camp Lodge (2,970m) |
| Day 6 | Descend steeply through forest to Siding village; take 4WD jeep back to Pokhara | 3–4 hours | -1,220 m | Pokhara hotel |
8 2026 Official Permits & Guide Rules
| Trekker Category | ACAP Permit Fee | TIMS Card Fee | Licensed Guide Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Nationals (All Countries) | NPR 3,000 (~$23 USD) | NPR 2,000 (~$15 USD) | Mandatory through registered agency |
| SAARC Citizens (India, Bhutan, etc.) | NPR 1,000 (~$8 USD) | NPR 1,000 (~$8 USD) | Mandatory through registered agency |
| Nepali Citizens | FREE (No permit required) | FREE (No TIMS card needed) | Optional (Independent trekking permitted) |
Permit offices: Permits can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Damside, Pokhara, or at the NTB headquarters in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Carry 4 passport photos and your passport copy.
9 Real Itemized Daily Budgets
How much money do you actually need per day on the trail? Here is an authentic breakdown of daily living expenses:
| Expense Category | Foreign Trekker (Daily) | Nepali Trekker (Daily) | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teahouse Room (Twin Bed) | NPR 600–1,200 ($5–$9) | NPR 500–1,000 | Rule: Must eat dinner & breakfast at lodge |
| 3 Daily Meals (Dal Bhat/Noodles) | NPR 2,500–3,500 ($19–$26) | NPR 1,800–2,500 | Dal Bhat offers unlimited free refills! |
| Licensed Guide (Shared) | NPR 3,500–4,500 ($26–$34) | Optional (NPR 0) | Split between 2 to 4 people |
| Hot Shower & Charging | NPR 500–800 ($4–$6) | NPR 300–500 | Gas showers cost NPR 300–400 each |
| Total Daily Cost (PP) | NPR 4,500–6,500 ($34–$49) | NPR 2,000–3,500 | Assuming guide cost is shared |
10 Packing Essentials & Trail Advice
Essential Gear Checklist
- ✓ Trekking Poles: Vital for saving your knees on 3,000+ stone steps.
- ✓ Layers: Moisture-wicking t-shirt, warm fleece, and a light down jacket.
- ✓ Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots or sturdy trail running shoes.
- ✓ Water Purification: Bring purification tablets to avoid buying single-use bottles.
- ✓ Power Bank: Teahouse charging costs NPR 200–300 per device higher up.
Crucial Teahouse Rules
- • Order where you sleep: Lodges make their living on food, not cheap room rentals.
- • Bring Cash: There are no working ATMs on any of these five short trails. Withdraw cash in Pokhara.
- • Plastic Restrictions: Single-use plastic bottles are restricted past Chhomrong. Refill at safe water stations.
- • Respect Local Norms: Take off your shoes before entering private home areas or sacred gompas.
11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a guide for short treks?
Yes. Under the Nepal Tourism Board policy, all foreign nationals trekking in conservation areas (including ACAP) must be accompanied by a government-licensed guide hired through a registered agency. Nepali citizens do not need a guide.
Is there any risk of altitude sickness?
For Australian Camp (2,060m), Ghandruk (1,940m), and Panchase (2,510m), the risk is virtually zero. On Poon Hill (3,210m) and Mardi Himal (up to 4,500m), you may feel mild symptoms like a slight headache or breathlessness. Drink plenty of water and walk at a steady, comfortable pace.
How do I get to the trailhead from Pokhara?
Local buses depart regularly from Baglung Bus Park or Hari Chowk in Pokhara to Kande, Phedi, and Nayapul (NPR 150–250). Taxis cost NPR 2,500 to 4,000 for a private one-way drop-off.
12. Official Government Sources & Image Credits
HamroBuzz gratefully acknowledges the official authorities and photographers that provided data and imagery for this guide:
- Permit Regulations & TIMS: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
- Conservation Area Tariffs (ACAP): National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
- High-Altitude Guidance: CDC Yellow Book (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
- Photography Credits: Biplab Anand (CC BY-SA 4.0), Narendra Shrestha (CC BY-SA 4.0), Luca Galuzzi (CC BY-SA 2.5), Sergey Ashmarin (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons; Lead image by Prajwal K via Unsplash.
Explore More Nepal Travel Guides on HamroBuzz:
Before you go
- 1Table of Contents included: Jump directly to any of the 5 numbered routes, comparison tables, permit rules, or daily budgets.
- 2Route 1: Australian Camp–Dhampus (1–2 days, 2,060m) — easiest trail, perfect for beginners and families.
- 3Route 2: Ghandruk Village Trek (2–3 days, 1,940m) — traditional Gurung stone architecture, museums, and Annapurna South views.
- 4Route 3: Panchase Forest Trek (3–4 days, 2,510m) — uncrowded, peaceful trail through protected sacred oak and rhododendron forest.
- 5Route 4: Ghorepani–Poon Hill (4–5 days, 3,210m) — famous 180-degree dawn panorama over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna; 3,300 stone stairs.
- 6Route 5: Mardi Himal Ridge Trek (5–6 days, 4,200m / 4,500m) — alpine knife-edge ridge directly beneath Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
- 7Official 2026 permit rules: Foreigners need ACAP (NPR 3,000), TIMS (NPR 2,000), and a mandatory licensed guide. Nepali trekkers are exempt from permits and guides.
Official newsroom desk reports produced under HamroBuzz editorial verification, source authentication, and fact-checking standards.
