The Muldai View Point Trek, offered by Hairy Yak Adventures, is a 5-day, approximately 50–60 km teahouse trek in Nepal’s Annapurna region, reaching Muldai View Point (3,637 m / 11,932 ft) for breathtaking 360-degree views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Gangapurna (7,455 m). Priced at $410 per person for a group of two or more, this easy-to-moderate trek is a less-crowded alternative to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, starting and ending in Pokhara (830 m / 2,723 ft). Following trails through Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Dobato, it offers a blend of natural beauty—rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife like Himalayan tahr—and cultural immersion in Gurung and Magar villages.
Ideal for beginners and time-constrained travelers, the trek involves 4–6 hours of daily hiking with gradual ascents, requiring moderate fitness (2–3 months of cardio preparation). The best seasons are spring (March–May), with blooming rhododendrons, and autumn (September–November), offering clear skies and mild temperatures (10–20°C daytime, 0 to -5°C nights). Monsoon (June–August) is feasible with rain gear, while winter (December–February) brings cold but clear views. The trail lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, requiring an ACAP permit and TIMS card, arranged by Hairy Yak Adventures, ensuring sustainable tourism and cultural respect.
Muldai Viewpoint: Witness breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other Himalayan peaks at 3,637m.
Poon Hill: Enjoy a stunning sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from this iconic viewpoint (3,210m).
Cultural Immersion: Explore traditional Gurung and Magar villages like Ghandruk, experiencing local hospitality and customs.
Rhododendron Forests: Trek through vibrant rhododendron and pine forests, especially colorful in spring.
Less Crowded Route: Discover a serene, off-the-beaten-path trail compared to popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp.
Wildlife and Flora: Encounter diverse ecosystems in the Annapurna Conservation Area, home to Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and Nepal’s national bird, the Danfe.
The $410 per person cost for a 5-day Muldai View Point Trek with Hairy Yak Adventures is budget-friendly for a teahouse trek, aligning with in-country package costs cited by The Longest Way Home ($250–$450) and slightly below Nepal Independent Guide’s estimates for similar routes ($400–$550). This all-inclusive price for a group of two or more covers:
Permits:
Transportation: Private jeep/taxi from Pokhara to Kimche (55 km, 2.5 hours, $50–$70, split among 4–6 people) and shared jeep from Hile to Pokhara (52 km, 2.5 hours, $10–$15 per person).
Accommodation and Meals: Teahouse lodging (twin-sharing, $5–$10/night, ~$20–$40 total) in Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, and Ghorepani, and three meals daily (Dal Bhat, momos, $10–$15/day, ~$50–$75 total).
Guide and Porter: Licensed, English-speaking guide ($25–$30/day, ~$125–$150) and one porter per two trekkers ($18–$20/day, ~$90–$100, carrying up to 25 kg).
Miscellaneous: Government taxes, first-aid kit, and agency fees.
Analysis of $410 Cost: The $410 price is feasible for a budget teahouse trek, covering permits, transport, basic lodging, meals, and staff wages, as supported by Wilderness Excursion’s similar itinerary pricing. It excludes international flights ($800–$1,500), Nepal visa ($30–$40), travel insurance ($50–$100, covering 4,000 m), tips ($20–$30), and personal expenses (snacks, hot showers, $10–$20). Solo trekkers may pay $500–$600 due to non-shared costs. The budget supports local Gurung communities through teahouse stays and porter services, making it an economical choice for a short Himalayan adventure.
The 5-day itinerary is ideal for the Muldai View Point Trek, as confirmed by Nepal Trek Routes and Day Tours Nepal, balancing 4 days of trekking (4–6 hours daily) and 1 day for travel to/from Pokhara. Covering 50–60 km from Kimche to Hile, it includes key sites like Ghandruk, Muldai View Point, and Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft), with sufficient rest at Dobato (3,350 m). Shorter 4-day itineraries (e.g., The Longest Way Home) rush the descent, while 6–7-day options add side trips (e.g., Khopra Danda). The 5-day plan suits beginners and busy travelers seeking a concise, culturally rich trek with Hairy Yak Adventures ensuring safety and immersion.
Muldai Viewpoint: Offers 360-degree vistas of Annapurna I, II, III, South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and Lamjung Himal, with golden sunrise and sunset hues.
Poon Hill: Renowned for panoramic sunrise views over snow-capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, alongside Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge.
Trail Scenery: Lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and traditional villages framed by towering Himalayan peaks.
Best For: Beginners, families, or trekkers with limited time seeking a short, moderately challenging Himalayan adventure.
Challenges: Involves 4–6 hours of daily trekking, steep ascents/descents, and a maximum altitude of 3,637m, requiring moderate fitness and some hill-walking experience.
Ideal For: Those who enjoy stunning mountain views, cultural experiences, and quieter trails without the intensity of high-altitude treks like Annapurna Circuit.
Train for 2–3 months with cardio (jogging, cycling, swimming) and leg-strengthening exercises (squats, lunges) to handle daily treks and steep terrain.
Practice hill walking to build stamina for ascents to Muldai Viewpoint and Poon Hill.
Wear sturdy, broken-in trekking boots with good grip.
Pack layered clothing (moisture-wicking base layers, fleece, rain jacket), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a sleeping bag for colder nights.
Keep your pack to 8–10 kg with essentials only (clothing, toiletries, water bottle, first-aid kit). Porters can assist, but a lighter load eases steep climbs.
Drink 4–5 liters of water daily to stay hydrated in dry mountain air.
Monitor for altitude sickness symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness) at 3,637m. Carry Diamox and descend if symptoms worsen.
Ascend gradually, following the itinerary’s pacing (e.g., overnight stops at Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato) to adjust to altitudes above 2,500m.
Take rest breaks and avoid rapid ascents to minimize altitude sickness risk.
Bring sufficient Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara, as ATMs are unavailable after Nayapul.
Wi-Fi is limited; teahouses may offer paid Wi-Fi. Consider a local SIM for basic connectivity.
Carry a power bank or solar charger, as teahouse charging points are limited and may incur extra fees.
Pack toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap, and wet wipes, as teahouse facilities are basic.
Dress modestly and ask permission before photographing locals or religious sites.
Respect Gurung and Magar customs, especially in villages like Ghandruk and at local temples.
Obtain Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP, NPR 3,000 for foreigners) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card (NPR 1,000–2,000).
Permits are typically arranged by trekking agencies like Hairy Yak Adventures and can be secured in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Duration: 4–7 days, starting with a drive from Pokhara to Kimche or Nayapul, trekking through Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, and Ghorepani, and returning to Pokhara.
Route: Pokhara → Kimche/Nayapul → Ghandruk → Tadapani → Dobato → Muldai Viewpoint → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Hile → Pokhara.
Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) for blooming rhododendrons and autumn (September–November) for clear skies and stable weather.
Accommodation: Basic teahouses with twin beds, blankets, and meals (Nepali dal bhat, international options). Hot showers may cost extra.
Safety: Moderate trek, safe with a registered guide (mandatory since 2023). Follow acclimatization and hydration guidelines to avoid altitude sickness.
Transport: Drive from Pokhara to trailhead (2–3 hours); return by jeep or bus. Flights to/from Kathmandu optional.
Contact: Hairy Yak Adventures
Phone: +977-9801214198
Email: [email protected]
The best seasons are spring (March–May) for vibrant rhododendron blooms and autumn (September–November) for clear skies and stable weather. Avoid the monsoon (June–August) due to slippery trails and reduced visibility.
It’s easy to moderate, with 4–6 hours of daily hiking, a maximum altitude of 3,637 m, and some steep ascents (e.g., Muldai View Point). Suitable for beginners with 2–3 months of cardio training and no prior high-altitude experience needed.
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit ($25) and a TIMS card ($8 for groups). Hairy Yak Adventures arranges both, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Teahouses (twin-sharing, $5–$10/night) in Ghandruk, Tadapani, Dobato, and Ghorepani offer basic lodging and meals (Dal Bhat, momos, $10–$15/day). Pokhara stay is in a 2–3-star hotel.
Stay hydrated (3–4 liters daily), ascend gradually, and rest at Dobato (3,350 m). Hairy Yak Adventures’ guides monitor health with oximeters and carry first-aid kits. Consult a doctor about Diamox (125–250 mg) if needed.