The Best Short Hike and Trek Viewpoints in the Annapurna Area

The Best Short Hike and Trek Viewpoints in the Annapurna Poon Hill Area

The Annapurna region of Nepal is famed for its stunning landscapes, diverse cultural experiences, and a plethora of trekking options. Among these, several short hiking and trekking viewpoints stand out for their breathtaking views, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. Here, we explore some of the best short hike and trek spots in the Annapurna Poon Hill area, providing insights into their difficulty levels, distances, durations, maximum elevations, connectivity, natural flora and fauna, and cultural practices.

Mohare Danda

Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance and Duration: 5-7 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 3,313 meters (10,869 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor (4 hours)
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25-30 minutes) and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: Rhododendron forests, oak trees, various bird species
  Cultural Practices: Home to the Magar community, traditional Magar dances and rituals

Mohare Danda offers a peaceful and less crowded short hike and trek experience. The trail takes you through dense forests and charming villages, providing panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. The area is rich in biodiversity, featuring beautiful rhododendron forests and numerous bird species.

Poon Hill

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance and Duration: 4-5 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 3,210 meters (10,531 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5-2 hours)
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: Rhododendron forests, oak trees, diverse birdlife
  Cultural Practices: Gurung and Magar communities, traditional music and dances

Poon Hill is renowned for its stunning sunrise views over the Himalayas. The short hike and trek is relatively accessible, making it a favorite among many trekkers. The trail winds through lush forests and picturesque villages, providing an immersive cultural experience with the local Gurung and Magar communities.

Mulde View Point

Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance and Duration: 4-5 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 3,637 meters (11,932 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk (4-5 hours)
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: Dense forests, variety of wildflowers, bird species
  Cultural Practices: Traditional Gurung culture, local handicrafts and museums

Mulde View Point offers some of the most spectacular views in the Annapurna region. The trail is moderately challenging and takes you through dense forests and serene landscapes. From the viewpoint, you can see the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, providing a rewarding short hike and trek experience.

Gurung Hill

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance and Duration: 3-4 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 3,075 meters (10,088 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk (4-5 hours)
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: Rhododendron and oak forests, various bird species
  Cultural Practices: Gurung community, traditional houses, and cultural museums

Gurung Hill is another excellent viewpoint in the Annapurna region, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The short hike and trek is relatively easy and passes through traditional Gurung villages, where you can experience local culture and hospitality.

Mardi Himal Upper View Point

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Distance and Duration: 5-7 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 4,500 meters (14,763 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Kande (1.5 hours)
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: Mixed forests, alpine meadows, rare wildlife
  Cultural Practices: Traditional Nepalese villages, local farming practices

The Mardi Himal trek takes you to the base of Mardi Himal and offers incredible views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. The short hike and trek is more challenging, with steep ascents, but the stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna make it worthwhile.

Khopra Danda Trek

Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance and Duration: 6-8 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 3,660 meters (12,008 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk or Tatopani
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: Rhododendron and oak forests, diverse wildlife
  Cultural Practices: Magar and Gurung communities, local festivals

Khopra Danda offers a unique short hike and trek experience with spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trail is less crowded and passes through beautiful forests and traditional villages. The trek includes a visit to the sacred Khayer Lake, adding to its allure.

Badal Danda

Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance and Duration: 4-5 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 3,200 meters (10,498 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk or Kimche
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: Dense forests, alpine meadows, various bird species
  Cultural Practices: Gurung culture, traditional farming practices

Badal Danda is a relatively lesser-known short hike and trek that offers stunning views of the Annapurna range. The trek is moderate in difficulty and takes you through lush forests and peaceful meadows. It’s a great option for those looking to avoid the crowds.

Khayer Barah View Point

Difficulty Level: Challenging
Distance and Duration: 7-9 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 4,500 meters (14,764 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk or Nayapul
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: High-altitude forests, alpine meadows, rare wildlife
  Cultural Practices: Magar and Gurung communities, local rituals and festivals

Khayer Barah View Point is one of the more challenging short hike and trek options in the Annapurna region, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to high-altitude meadows, and includes a visit to the sacred Khayer Lake.

Khayar Taal

Difficulty Level: Challenging
Distance and Duration: 7-9 days round trip
Maximum Elevation: 4,500 meters (14,764 feet)
Road and Flight Connectivity:

• Road: Drive from Pokhara to Ghandruk or Nayapul
• Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then drive
  Natural Flora and Fauna: Alpine meadows, high-altitude flora, rare wildlife
  Cultural Practices: Sacred rituals at Khayer Lake, traditional Magar and Gurung festivals

Khayar Taal is a sacred lake located at a high altitude, offering stunning views and a challenging short hike and trek experience. The trail passes through diverse ecosystems and provides a deep cultural immersion with the local communities.