Designed for beginners and students, Educational Tour- Annapurna Sunrise can be done in a little more than a week. The trekking experience is real, taking students from Kathmandu to the province of the Annapurna region. The route passes through typical villages, quaint valleys, and dense moss-lined forests. In higher altitudes, the route even passes through waterfalls whose water is literally ice-cold and fresh beyond reckoning!
This educational tour provides plenty of opportunities to photograph the mountains that are the essence of Nepal. Beginning from Nayapul in Pokhara, the trek takes the students to Poon-Hill (3,210m) for a magnificent sunrise over the Annapurna (8,091m) Massif. Undoubtedly, Poon-Hill is one of the most popular vantage points in the Annapurna region.
A popular trekking route of all time, the trail to Poon Hill feels even more beautiful with the lush greenery, amazing flora and fauna. Rhododendron forests, terraced paddies, and timeworn villages with equally old cultures. A more prominent mountain in the region is the majestic Mt. Fishtail, or Machhapuchchhre (6,993m).
From Poon Hill (3,200m), you will witness glory and beauty, as the sun gradually shines from all possible directions. The white and shining peaks become more and more sumptuous as the sun gets higher in the sky. For more than an hour, the spectacle continues; but the memory of it all becomes lifelong.
The ethnic villages resided by the Gurung and Magar are the prime socio-cultural beauties of this region. Ulleri is a Magar village popular for well maintained route and clean surrounding. The 3,000-stone-staircase is something worth visiting while in Annapurna region. Most of the men of the village are related with the British and Indian Army. So, it is also known as the village of the Brave Gurkhas.
Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani and Ghandruk are the Gurung villages keeping their socio-cultural aspects intact. Among them, Ghandruk is one of the largest Gurung Villages in Nepal. It is popular for homestay facilities that travellers can get a chance for cultural exchange. You can visit the Gurung Museum for the knowledge about lifestyle, culture and tradition of theirs. Likewise, there is an office of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).
Students are advised to carry power-banks so that they can charge their cameras and mobile phones during the tour. At night, they can charge the devices at the lodge. Orbit Alpine Adventure strongly recommends drinking bottled mineral water because although the water is fresh and natural, it is unprocessed. Other essential things to carry would be sunscreen and light jackets or coats. Pack lightly, as most part of the tour is pure trekking.
It’s a moderately difficult trek, which begins from either Kathmandu or Pokhara depending upon where you choose to begin it. We recommend travelling there from mid-autumn to early Spring, and again in mid-summer. You are also suggested to book the trip at least two months before your departure. The benefit of early booking ensures accommodations for a bigger group size.
Annapurna Sunrise Excursion is an ideal program for students of schools and colleges of Nepal and other countries. With a beautiful and diverse geography, Nepal is simply a foremost choice for student-tours. To gain a wider perspective on the rural culture and traditions, worldwide students are welcome in this Himalayan nation.
Apart from the core trekking programs, students will also have exposure to UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. They can observe the ancient and medieval architecture of Nepal, and the incredible culture of the people.
Highlights
- Poon Hill (3,210m) for the best sunrise view of the Himalayas in the world
- Gurung and Magar ethnic villages
- Homestay facilities
- Stunning view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massifs
- Well maintained trails that can be crossed by from children to senior citizens
- Gurung Museum of Ghandruk Village