Gorkha Pokhara trek is designed to be specially done during the month of late September and early October while local villagers prepare to harvest. The Gorkha Pokhara Trek is a visit to the rural villages of Nepal and the opportunity to see local people do their daily chores such as harvesting, planting and celebrating festivals.

The most scenic town of Pokhara will let you take in the superb natural landscape that Nepal is so famous for. A trek to the town of Gorkha on the other hand will take you back to the history of Nepal and the brave Gorkhali forces. A visit to the palace of Shah kings, museum and Gorakhnath Cave is a must. Gorkha is one of the most beautiful regions of Nepal, from where King Prithivi Nayarayan Shah began his ambitious work of reunification of modern Nepal. It provides diversity of culture, flora and fauna, snowy mountain views and excellent terrace fields.

About the Trek

Pokhara is perhaps the most popular touristic town of Nepal blessed with beautiful lakes, majestic mountain views and romantic green hills. Whilst Gorkha, a small historical town, is the seat of former Ghale and Shah kings and their Gorkha palace and the birthplace of Gorkha warriors.  A visit to Gorkha palace will take you back to the history of Nepal and the brave Gorkhali forces. The palace now turned into a museum has a collection of valuable arts and artifacts used by the then kings and soldiers of the Shah kingdom. Other places of interest in Gorkha are Gorakhnath Cave, Gorkha Durbar, Old Town, Ganesh Temple etc. Gorkha town provides a superb view of Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayas.  

From Gorkha you will follow the trail that leads you to Pokhara. Pokhara is a touristic town, a natural heaven and an adventurous destination for all tourists. You can spend your time here boating in Phewa Lake, hiking up to Peace Stupa and Sarangkot to take in the majestic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.  Some other places of interest are Davis Fall, International Mountain Museum, Bat Cave etc.  

Day 1 Drive from Kathmandu to Zerokilo via Abukhaireni

Trek from Zerokilo to Simalghari (1050m.) and it takes about three hours. You depart early morning for the five hour drive to Zerokilo west of Kathmandu. As you climb out of the Kathmandu valley, only to quickly descend again to the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyangdi gently up through heavily terraced fields. After you reach Abukhairent. Moreover, you head towards the North. After following the zigzag road you reach Zerokilo. After refreshment you begin your trek for Simalghari passing along flat land with views of beautiful sceneries. Simalghari is a village at the bank of the Daraundi river. There is a government school and old market.  

Day 2 Trek from Simalghari to Palungtaar

The path you follow is quite flat all the way to Palungtaar. En route you cross terrace fields and enjoy magnificent sceneries of villages at a distance. The peaks which are covered with snow appear at some distance. Palungtaar is a pretty big village inhabited by Brahmins, Chhetri and Newar. Here you feel exhilarated to see the terraces, mango gardens and oranges in some places. 

Day 3 Trek from Palungtaar to Tarkughat

This day you begin your trek following a flat path, crossing a stream and visiting a few villages. On the way you come across a few grazing fields where local people bring their domestic animals. As you enter Tarkughat , you are welcomed by Newar, Chhetri and Brahmins. This village lies at the bank of Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy swimming in the Marshyangdi river. You then continue your trek along a drivable road until you reach Tarkughat. 

Day 4 Trek from Tarkughat to Kunchha

Leaving Tarkughat you start heading uphill until you reach Sundar Bazaar. Here, there is an old market and you can see some villages at a distance. Now you move through terraces and have an opportunity to enjoy the views of splendid snow peaks. After some time, you arrive at Tuhure Pasal where you find a few typical tea shops. Walking gently uphill, you reach Kunchha, which is a popular village of this area. The mountain views visible from here are truly excellent. You can enjoy the views of Manaslu, Lamjung and the Annapurna range. Observing the sunset from this location is a highlight of the day. People living in harmony here belong to different communities and are farmers, government employees and a few have joined the army.  

Day 5 Trek from Kunchha to Sisaghat

To reach Sisaghat, you climb down passing through terraces growing millet and maize. Sisaghat is another human settlement of this area. The main inhabitants belong to a mixed community and it lies at the bank of Madi River. You can have a swim here and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  

Day 6 Trek from Sisaghat to Karputaar

You walk along the bank of Madi River passing through terraces. After trekking gently uphill you reach Karputaar. En route you come across several villages rich in their distinct culture. Karputaar is a small village with a mixed community. 

Day 7 Trek from Karputaar to Syaklung

This day is comparatively difficult as you trek gradually uphill in the beginning and later go steeply up for some hours. En route you cross through forests covered with local vegetation and cross a few streams. At some distance, you can also see snow peaks. Syaklung is a village dominated by Gurung, Magar and other communities of Nepal. There is an excellent camping spot here. Moreover, you will find recently opened tea shops and small lodges. This place grants you an opportunity to enjoy the views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, Annapurna II, Lamjung, Mardi peak, Manaslu and several unnamed peaks. 

Day 8 Trek from Syaklung to Kalikasthan

To reach Kalikasthan you trek downhill at first and then follow an ascending and descending path. The trail follows along the forested ridge top through rough drivable road, passing through Thulokot and Majhthana (1220m.). You are accompanied by views of Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna range, Lamjung Himal and Manasalu. Kalikasthan is a village inhabited by Hindu people and named after goddess Kali as there is a temple with an idol of Kali at the top of the ridge. There is also a well managed camping spot. Here, you will also find small local shops with minimal supplies, typical tea shops and very small lodges. Observing the sunset is a memorable experience. 

Day 9 Trek from Kalikasthan to Bijayapur

This day you gently climb downhill to arrive at Bijayapur Khola, passing through villages and drivable roads. After lunch, you drive back to Pokhara. 

Day 10 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple. En route, you can enjoy mountain views, green scenery, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to the capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.