Annapurna Foothills hike from Pokhara: Dhampus village trek

Forest trails, a Gurung village, and Himalayan views in one day

A private full-day hike in the Annapurna Foothills near Pokhara takes you through forest, past the stone-paved lanes of Dhampus village, and down to Hemja over 6 to 7 hours with a local guide. You'll see Gurung culture and traditions, walk the trekking routes that lead to longer Annapurna treks, and stand in front of views stretching from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu, with Annapurna and Fishtail as the centerpiece. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day hike in Annapurna foothills

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Drive to Phedi via scenic highway
• Start trekking through forest trail
• Visit Dhampus village and explore Gurung culture
• Hike downhill to Hemja village
• Meet vehicle and drive back to hotel

The experience

Your guide meets you at your hotel at 9 am, and you drive through the scenic winding highway toward Phedi, watching the Pokhara valley and Himalayan ranges unfold. Phedi sits on the approach to Nayapool, where the longer Annapurna treks begin. This is where your walk starts. The trekking route cuts through forest, climbing toward Dhampus, one of the most photographed villages in the Annapurna region and a typical Gurung settlement built on the mountainside with stone-paved lanes facing the ranges.

In Dhampus, your guide takes you through the village to witness Gurung cultures and traditions firsthand. The views here stretch from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu, with Annapurna and Fishtail dominating the skyline. After the village, the trail becomes mostly downhill through forest for the 3-hour walk to Hemja, where your vehicle is waiting to drive you back to Pokhara.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Pokhara hotel.
• private local guide speaking English.
• private vehicle transport to Phedi and from Hemja.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:45

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Nepal Tour & Trekking Services

Is this one for you?The 6 to 7 hours covers the walk itself, leaving the morning before and evening after free for the city. A significant amount of walking is involved, so it suits people comfortable on their feet for most of a day. It's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers, but it's suitable for all other fitness levels and ages 10 and up.

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Top questions

What's the walk actually like on this hike?

The route starts in forest and climbs to Dhampus village, then descends through forest to Hemja. A significant amount of walking is involved over 6 to 7 hours, but the trail is a trekking route carved into the mountainside, not a road. The descent to Hemja is mostly downhill.

Can I see the Annapurna range from Dhampus village?

Yes. Dhampus is positioned on the lap of Annapurna with views stretching from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu, with Annapurna and Fishtail as the main attractions. The village faces toward the Himalayan ranges, and it's one of the most photographed villages in the Annapurna region because of those views.

What will I learn about the people living there?

Dhampus is a typical Gurung village, and your guide will take you through it to witness Gurung cultures and traditions. The stone-paved lanes and the way the settlement is built into the mountainside are part of that traditional way of life.

How does the day start and end?

Your guide meets you at your hotel lobby at 9 am. You drive by private vehicle to Phedi on a scenic highway, then walk the trekking route through forest to Dhampus and down to Hemja. Your vehicle and driver meet you at Hemja to transfer you back to your hotel in Pokhara.