Pony Trekking Tour

Pony riding is quite popular in the trans-Himalayan region (behind the tall mountains or the southern rim of the Tibetan Plateau). It offers a unique adventure journey in Nepal, making family holidays enjoyable and memorable.

Many places in the mountain region of Nepal are not accessible due to the uneven geographical features. People living in these regions use mules, horses, and yaks for travelling and carrying goods. Pony riding has become a culture, especially in the trans-Himalayan region.

For people who are tired of walking for long periods or those who wish to experience pony riding, this trek holds great importance. Ride a pony and explore the breathtaking scenic grandeur, experience untouched wilderness, and enjoy the amicable and amazing landscapes along the trails of the mighty Himalayas with us.

TRIP FACTS:

Trekking Region: Annapurna Region
Trekking Name: Pony Trekking
Best Season: September to December & March to May
Trekking Type: Lodge Trek (Tea House)
Maximum Height: 3880 m
Transport: Flight/Bus

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1320m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our representative will receive you and transfer you to the hotel. If time permits, after refreshments at the hotel, we will go for Kathmandu Valley sightseeing. We will visit world heritage sites, historical places, and other major attractions of Kathmandu. A welcome dinner will be served in the evening.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park

We take an early drive to the Trisuli River for rafting. After spending some hours on the river, we drive to Chitwan National Park. Upon arrival, welcome drinks will be served. A Tharu Cultural Program will be performed in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 03: Jungle Safari at Chitwan National Park

A wake-up call will be given, followed by tea or coffee at 5:30 am. Then we proceed on a nature walk. During the walk, we encounter Sal forests, open grasslands, various species of birds, and different types of wildlife. Our guide will help us identify them.

After breakfast at the resort, we go for elephant riding, followed by canoeing. A traditional dug-out canoe will take you on a silent trip down the Rapti River to view aquatic birds and animals along the riverbanks. We return to the resort through the jungle. In the evening, a Tharu Stick Dance will be performed for entertainment. Dinner will be served around the campfire.

Day 04: Chitwan National Park to Pokhara (914m)

Early morning bird-watching trip in the jungle. After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara. We arrive in Pokhara in the late afternoon. Welcome drinks, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 05: Pokhara to Sarangkot (1700m)

We ride ponies from Pokhara Valley to Sarangkot. Sarangkot is famous for paragliding in Nepal. It also offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

Day 06: Sarangkot to Pokhara

Early in the morning, we observe a beautiful sunrise from the viewpoint. After sunrise, we return for breakfast. Then we ride down to Pokhara. In Pokhara, we also ride to explore Fewa Lake. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 07: Pokhara to Begnas Lake (2990m)

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our pony ride to Begnas Lake, situated at an altitude of 2990m above sea level. Overnight at a hotel. On the way back the next day, we enjoy glorious mountain views and countryside cultural experiences.

Day 08: Pokhara to Jomsom (2710m)

Today we fly from Pokhara to Jomsom. Situated at an altitude of 2800m, Jomsom is also known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads across both banks of the Kali Gandaki River. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. The panorama glows with golden light, creating a dramatic contrast. Some of the oldest Jurassic-era fossils are found in the Jomsom area.

Day 09: Jomsom to Muktinath (3880m)

We start our pony ride from Jomsom to Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Holy water flows from 108 carved spouts surrounding the Vishnu Temple in a grove of poplars. This site is also home to many ethnic Tibetans and Buddhist devotees. One can see a miraculous natural flame burning in a stream of water inside a small but holy temple. The trek also offers beautiful cultural experiences and panoramic mountain views.

Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom

We ride back to Jomsom. On the way, we enjoy views of Mt. Nilgiri and Tilicho Peak. We descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into the Kali Gandaki Valley. We also pass through the Thakali settlement of Thak Khola. Overnight at Jomsom.

Day 11: Jomsom to Marpha (2610m) and back to Jomsom

We trek from Jomsom to Marpha. We visit Marpha and Tukuche villages, observe panoramic views of Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri, experience the beautiful Thakali culture, and return to Jomsom in the evening.

Day 12: Jomsom to Pokhara and to Kathmandu

We board an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon arrival, we have lunch, and then fly to Kathmandu. At TIA, we will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, a farewell dinner will be served in a traditional Nepali restaurant.

Day 13: Final Departure

Trip ends. Depart for your onward destination.

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

ACCOMMODATION:

2 nights hotel in Kathmandu

3 nights hotel in Pokhara

7 nights in tea houses

TRANSPORTATION:

Airport pick-up

Kathmandu to Chitwan

Chitwan to Pokhara

Pokhara to Kathmandu (flight)

Pokhara to the trekking starting point

SIGHTSEEING TOUR:

2 full-day guided sightseeing tours in Pokhara

All entrance fees for sightseeing in Pokhara

CHITWAN SAFARI TOUR:

2 nights/3 days jungle safari program

Pick-up from the arrival point

Cultural tour (Tharu village)

Riverside sunset view

Tharu stick dance

Canoeing ride and Elephant Breeding Centre visit

Elephant back safari

Bird watching

Drop off at the bus starting point

TREKKING:

Accommodation in teahouses

Sleeping bag

Down jacket

ACAP entry permits

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)

English-speaking guide

Porter

All necessary expenses for Nepali staff (meals, accommodation, equipment, salary, insurance, etc.)

MEALS:

12 breakfasts

9 lunches

10 dinners (including welcome and farewell dinner)

COST EXCLUSIONS:

International airfare

Nepal visa fees (US$40 per person for 30 days)

Applicable international airport taxes

Lunch & dinner as per itinerary

Medical evacuation in case of emergency

All kinds of drinks (alcoholic, hot, & cold drinks)

Personal travel & medical insurance

Personal gear & clothing (available for hire)

Any personal expenses, including laundry

Tips for Nepali staff

Expenses due to mishaps, landslides, strikes, political unrest, etc. (extra charges as per actual)

Any other expenses not mentioned in the “Service Includes” section