The small village of Tikhedhunga, in the Annapurna Himalaya, is a common stop for trekkers in the region and is often the first overnight stop on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. It's easily accessible from Pokhara through a combination of vehicle travel and trekking. Here's what to expect on the way from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga.
By Private Transfer and on Foot
Duration: 5-7 hours
From Pokhara, take a private vehicle north-west along the Baglung Rajmarg Road. This scenic drive, which climbs in altitude and is windy in places, transports many trekkers in the Annapurna region to the starting points of their trek. The trailhead for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the way to get to Tikhedhunga is the small town of Nayapul, just off the Baglung Rajmarg Road. Nayapul's about a 90-minute drive from Pokhara.
While it is possible to take a local bus or shared vehicle to Nayapul, this is a much slower and less comfortable way of getting there. Plus, local buses can be crowded and unsafe. Most trekkers are keen to start walking as soon as possible, rather than spend hours on uncomfortable public transport, so a private vehicle or taxi is the better option.
From Nayapul, leave your vehicle behind and begin trekking. If the weather is clear, you should have good views of Macchapucchare (Fishtail) from here, one of the most distinctive peaks in the area. The trek to Tikhedhunga takes 4-5 hours, passing through cultivated farmland and over the odd suspension bridge along the way. There are stretches that follow a Jeep track, which can be dusty when vehicles pass. Tikhedhunga is located just before one of the more challenging parts of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, the 3,000+ steps up to Ulleri, so most trekkers like to have a good rest at Tikhedhunga on day one.
It's also possible to drive all the way to Tikhedhunga along a dusty Jeep track. Most visitors to Tikhedhunga come for the experience of trekking, so this isn't necessarily the favored option, but it does shave off a few hours of walking if you're on a tight schedule, or want to avoid walking along the Jeep track.
Map
