Annapurna Balcony Trek

5.0

Do you feel like exploring a destination that provides amazing natural variety and an experience of different cultures? Look no further than the Annapurna Balcony Trek, where adventure and enchantment await at every turn.

At a Glance
Location

Annapurna Balcony

Duration

7 Days

Activities

Trekking

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge

Meals

All included Except in Kathmandu

Group size

Min 2 Pax.

Best time

Winter, Spring, and Autumn

Max. Altitude

3193m.

Annapurna Balcony Trek’s complete travel guide takes you on a journey from the heart of the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. It provides you with panoramic views, dense forests, and charming Gurung villages. This valley trek offers both adventure and peace, whether you’re climbing to Poon Hill for sunrise or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the largest Gurung town in Nepal, Gandrung, and its bordering villages that possess stone and slate buildings as their local architecture. Ghandrung is the biggest settlement of the Gurungs in Nepal and represents the proud cultural heritage of the Gurungs. Even though hiking can be quite demanding, with trekking poles one can complete the journey safely.

Similarly, this trail is perfect for anyone who wants a quiet escape from city life, and to experience the serene beauty of the Himalayan mountain range. The climb starts from a platform approximately 800 meters above sea level, part of the gentle adaptation to high altitude.

The Annapurna Base Camp sometimes gets overcrowded, however, this trek is sure to be less crowded so you can enjoy the greatness of nature and the hominess of Nepali hospitality.

Major Highlights

  • Experience classic itinerary
  • The trek offers panorama views of the Annapurna range and its neighboring summits such as Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre, and more.
  • Explore the Ghorepani region, including Poonhill and Ghandruk, and witness the breathtaking sunrise view
  • You will experience the beauty of Rhododendron forests on a journey filled with colorful blossoms and serene pathways.
  • Guides you through traditional Gurung villages, providing insight into the culture and way of life of the local communities.
  • Staying away from the busy crowds at Annapurna Base Camp.

Alternate Itinerary

For adventurous individuals seeking a unique experience away from the commonly traveled routes, an alternative itinerary beyond the well-marked paths of the Annapurna circuit is available.

The Annapurna Balcony trek begins in the beautiful villages in the Seti River Valley in the eastern region. The trails outside these villages are not commonly used by tourists. They offer an opportunity to experience the local way of life and enjoy the unspoiled natural scenery.

Apart from this, for those who want to enjoy more of a challenge, there is an opportunity to go higher to Kophra Danda.

If you’re interested in learning more about these hiking options or creating a custom tour that fits your desire for adventure, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Ideal Trekking Package

In our pricing structure, we offer three distinct categories to meet the diverse preferences of our travelers: Eco, Comfort, and Delux.

Comfort Package

The comfort trekking package is suitable for people looking for a balance between saving and convenience.

Here’s what you get:

  • Porter allocation: 1 for every 2 trekkers.
  • Overnight stay in Pokhara with breakfast included.
  • Dinner is provided in Kathmandu.
  • International airport transfers for convenience.

Deluxe Package

If you are looking for a more exceptional experience with maximum comfort and luxury, our Luxury package may be the best choice for you.

The package includes:

  • Personal porter assigned to each trekker.
  • Overnight accommodations in Pokhara.
  • Rooms with attached bathrooms whenever possible.
  • Complimentary massage is offered after the trek.

Whether you are an Eco, Comfort, or Deluxe class traveler, we will provide you with an incredible ride packed with personalized care and comfort tailored to your preference.

Permits and Regulations for Annapurna Balcony Trekking

Annapurna Balcony Trek offers adventurers amazing views and a cultural experience but one must set a plan properly before embarking on this journey and follow the regulatory norms. To set foot on this trail, securing two essential permits is imperative: provided by the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.

You just need to procure them in advance and these permits can be done through a vetted trekking agency on arrival in Nepal. Not only Kathmandu but also Pokhara have offices of Tourism Board Nepal permits can be obtained.

To avoid capture-causing troubles, it is better to make sure that you pack these permits at the beginning of your hike. This will guarantee that your trip will be a smooth one.

Itinerary

The first step of our adventure is a road trip from Kathmandu and Pokhara. In Kathmandu, we will take a local bus. Usually, it takes 6 to 8 hours to arrive at the destination. From Pokhara we have to make a trip to Birethanti, alternatively. Being a town and a busy bazaar Birethanti is located at the foothills of the busiest bridge across Nepal.

We started our day by directly climbing from Birethanti to reach through bamboo forests which were followed by the village pathway called Sudami. We arrived at a massive Gurung village and ascended a path made of stone, through the rhododendron forest.

Through Tirkhedhunga, we continued our journey towards Ulleri and were rewarded with breathtaking views. Even though the way was challenging for us, we managed to advance 6 hours, and climb 880 meters.

As you climb, you’ll be able to see the peaks of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. After passing through fields, crops, and forests, you will arrive at Nangathanti, about an hour away from Ghorepani.

The name Ghorepani means “water halt for horses.” Historically, this was a stopping place for caravans from Tibet before the Baglung Trail was carved into the rock.

You’ll be staying at a lodge, and the valley trek will take approximately 4 and a half hours, with an elevation gain of 900 meters.

From the base camp, we start early and walk for 45 minutes in the dark with our foot lamps as our guide to Poon Hills which is 3193 meters above sea level. Upon reaching the summit, you will be greeted by the glowing sun to emerge from the Annapurna south and Dhaulagiri range. It illuminated the hilly blue-tinted glimpses stretching towards the Indian plains in a magical glow.

We had breakfast at Ghorepani and later headed to Tadapani to continue our journey. The trail we follow passes through Deurali Pass and gives us an all-inclusive view of the surrounding mountain ranges. Your walk will take you through the Banthanti area before you enter a thick rhododendron forest.

After the river crossing of Bhurungdi Khola, we will go towards Tadapani, where we spend the night. This trek will take about 6 hours and is about 550m ascending and 850m declining.

After three hours of trekking from Tadapani, you can reach Gandrung, the second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal (1650m elevation above sea level). At the other end, your trekking starts along the Modi River and goes up to Landrung. The hike will take you approximately five hours.

The journey starts with a beautiful landscape that goes beyond Tolka. It runs through the terraced rice fields on the balcony walkway and crosses the pass giving an impressive view of the Annapurna range. After that, it descends along a ridge until it reaches Pothana.

The path meets the road and a vehicle for transportation to Pokhara. The valley trek takes about 6 hours, with an ascent of 505m and a descent of 900m. We will stay overnight at the Karuna Hotel in Pokhara.

After completing our 6-day valley trek to the Annapurna circuit, we will return to Kathmandu. You can choose to travel back by bus or flight. The journey by road takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, while the flight takes about 45 minutes. You can select the mode of transportation that suits your preferences.

Cost Includes
  • English speaking guide
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • All meals during the trek
  • Entrance to the Annapurna National parc and the TIMS
  • Local transports
  • GST’s Nepali staff insurance
Cost Excludes
  • Porter
  • Personal insurance with heli rescue in high-altitude
  • Nepali Visa
  • 1 night in Pokhara
  • Personal expenses
  • Cultural site entrance fees
Book your spot

Starting from

€475

Instant Booking

Secure Payments

No Hidden Costs

Trip Difficulty

Medium

5.0

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Tripadvisor Traveler Rating

Recent Traveler Reviews

star rating  Excellent voyage et découverte du Népal - Que du bonheur ce tour du Manaslu en 15 Jours. Apres un tour du Solou fait l'année dernière, c'était notre 2eme voyage avec GST au Népal. Circuit adapté à nos... read more

avatar thumb Arnaud B
November 14, 2023
Richmonda
Richmonda

Jul 01, 2024

Fantastic Trek- Annapurna Circuit Trek

My Annapurna Circuit trek with GST was amazing. Our guide knew a lot about the local culture and terrain. We trekked through beautiful rhododendron forests, and under clear blue skies.

Arnaud B
Arnaud B

Jun 06, 2024

Manaslu Trek - Incredible Journey

Wonderful Manaslu trek experience. The local people were welcoming, and our guide made the trek safe and enjoyable. Thank you, GST, for this incredible journey.

Harry Kc
Harry Kc

Jun 06, 2024

Excellent trek

I have used GST services multiple times over the past five years, in Kathmandu and Tibet. They are a highly reputable agency, and I highly recommend their services.

Christina Perri

Jun 06, 2024

Langtang Valley trek- Unforgettable experience

GST made our Langtang Valley trek unforgettable. Beautiful scenery, great guides, and perfect organization.

Alexander White

Jan 05, 2024

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The 15-day Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek was well-organized with a friendly guide. It offers challenges, breathtaking views, and diverse scenery. We highly suggest GST for anyone looking to discover Nepal’s beauty.

Trip Route Map
FAQs

The most suitable time for the Annapurna Balcony Trek is during Winter, Spring, and Autumn. During these phases, the weather can be expected to be stable, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, thus making mountain climbing the right time of the year. Furthermore, the green nature and blooming rhododendrons in spring, as well as the open view of the mountains in autumn.

Annapurna Balcony Trek has an itinerary that varies from 7 to 11 days depending on how long you want to spend there. This duration extends the hiker’s opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the scenery, Himalayan peaks, and cultural experience along the trail at their own pace.

The essential items for the Annapurna Balcony Trek are a layering system for clothes consisting of thermals, fleece, and a waterproof jacket for changing temperatures. As for the essential backpack, a reliable pair of hiking boots, and trekking poles are a must-have in terms of equipment. Additionally, always carry a headlamp for the early mornings and late nights at tea houses.

If you planning for trekking in Nepal, you should be up-to-date with all routine vaccines like MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Hepatitis A, Rabies, COVID-19, and Polio. It is wise to consult a healthcare provider at least a month before your travel cycle to get individualized advice and other preventative measures.

The Annapurna Balcony Trek offers both cell phone reception and internet access throughout the trek, where major telecom companies like Ncell and NTC provide services to this area. Also, in teahouses Wi-Fi is open, and some mobile network is available on the trek. At times, the signal strength becomes weak resulting in frequent disconnection.

As you traverse through Nepal, be ready to enjoy the traditional Dal Bhat, a rice dish that contains vegetable items like lentil soup. Furthermore, for those looking for local and international foods, tea houses provide multiple delicacies, including noodle soups, chapattis, fried rice, and momos,

Travel insurance for trekking in Nepal is not a legal requirement but is highly recommended. This is a complete coverage of medical evacuation missions, including search and rescue at high altitudes which can be quite expensive. Such financial security will assure you peace of mind while you enjoy the walking trip.