Planning the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek was what brought me to Nepal, but it was the whole journey that made me never want to leave. My first journey to Nepal began with a simple intention: to explore the outdoors, to move, and to experience something real. What I didn’t expect was how seamlessly everything would unfold and how deeply this country would stay with me. It was an experience that constantly surprised me. I expected mountains, but I didn’t expect the diversity: dense jungles, vibrant cities, and peaceful trekking trails, all within just two weeks.
From the very beginning, traveling with A1 Excursion Adventure made a difference. Every question I had beforehand was answered quickly and thoughtfully, and once I arrived, everything was taken care of from transport and accommodation to permits for restricted areas. It allowed me to fully let go, trust the process, and be present.
Namaste, my name is Tanja — a traveller, a seeker, and someone who believes the best journeys find you when you stop planning every step. This is my experience of trekking and adventure travel in Nepal, made possible by the incredible team at A1 Excursion Adventure.
If you’d like to learn more about my work, you can reach me at
Tanja in Hemjakot village with an elderly Gurung woman while on the Ghorepani trek
Kathmandu: Arrival into a Different Rhythm
Landing in Kathmandu, we were welcomed with traditional scarves and a warm smile before being transferred to our hotel. Those first two evenings were about arriving not just physically, but mentally. We wandered around the peaceful stupa of Boudhanath, explored the timeless streets of Bhaktapur, and experienced the vibrant nightlife of Thamel. It was the perfect way to ease into the rhythm of Nepal.
Into the Wild: Bardia National Park Safari & the Jungle Stay
A short flight with Buddha Air took us deep into the lowlands, to Bardia National Park, a place that feels like a different world. For three days, we explored the jungle both by jeep and on foot, guided by experienced wildlife rangers whose knowledge and care were exceptional. Knowing when to stay silent, where to look, and how to move safely through the park made the experience. We encountered elephants with their calves, rhinos, countless deer, monkeys, and colorful birds, and even a tiger resting by the river. At 34°C, the heat was intense, but the adventure was unforgettable. Our jungle lodge was comfortable, clean, and welcoming with excellent food and a peaceful atmosphere after a long day in the wild.
Witnessing a Monk Ordination in Lumbini — Something I'll Never Forget
After an overnight bus journey, we arrived in Lumbini, a place of deep spiritual significance. Walking among pilgrims and temples was already special, but witnessing a mass ordination ceremony for young monks was something truly unique. We stayed at the Sakya Guest House, connected to a monastery school, where we were invited to join a morning meditation. As someone working in the field of Chinese medicine, with a focus on practices like Qigong, herbal therapies, and mindful movement, this moment resonated deeply with me. It was a rare opportunity to experience the roots of many philosophies that also influence my daily work, not in theory, but in a very real and grounded way.
Mesmerizing rhododendron forest on the way to Ghorepani Poon-Hill
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Six Days That Became the Heart of Everything
A few days later, everything changed. The sounds of the jungle gave way to the silence of the mountains in the Annapurna region. Trekking here is not just physical- it’s deeply mental. Early mornings, simple teahouses, and endless views of the Himalaya create a rhythm that slows you down in the best possible way. From Pokhara, we began our 6-day trek through the Annapurna region, which was undoubtedly the highlight of the entire journey. I appreciated having a local guide not just for navigation, but for understanding the culture, the people, and the landscape beyond what any guidebook could offer. Accompanied by our guide Raj, the founder of trekking agency A1 Excursion Adventure, and our porter, everything felt calm,well-paced, and deeply personal.
Moments that stayed with me:
Being welcomed at a community homestay in Hyangjakot with flowers, homegrown food, and genuine warmth.
Cooking together with a local family and sharing raksi (locally distilled spirit that is deeply rooted in Nepalese culture) by the fire.
Passing small mountain villages where daily life unfolds slowly and authentically.
Relaxing in the natural hot springs of Jhinu after a long day of hiking.
Staying in Ghandruk, surrounded by traditional Gurung houses and Himalayan views.
As we climbed higher, we walked through blooming rhododendron forests in shades of red, pink, and white, almost surreal in their beauty. The final early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) rewarded us with a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, a quiet, powerful moment that is hard to put into words.
Throughout the trek, I found myself naturally returning to simple routines, morning Qigong, conscious breathing, and moments of stillness in nature. Surrounded by the diverse plant life of the Himalayas, including blooming rhododendron forests, I was constantly reminded of how closely nature, movement, and well-being are connected, a connection that plays a central role in my own practice.
Welcoming in Hemjakot village while on the Ghorepani Poon-hill trek
More Than a Journey: Wellness, Movement & What the Himalayas Give Back
This trip was more than just travel; it was a deeply restorative experience. Daily movement, fresh mountain air, simple but clean accommodations, incredible food, and even moments for Qigong practice created a rhythm that felt both grounding and energizing. What made it all come together so effortlessly was the support behind the scenes. Traveling with people who deeply understand their country and manage to combine professionalism with genuine Warmth allowed me to fully immerse myself without worrying about logistics. Having local support meant that every transition- from jungle to mountains to cities- felt natural and well-organized.
Final Thoughts
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek will bring you to Nepal, but Nepal itself will be the reason you stay longer than planned. If you’re looking to explore Nepal in a way that balances adventure, comfort, and authenticity, I can only recommend experiencing it with people who truly know and love their country. With the right guidance, Nepal becomes more than a destination; it becomes a journey that stays with you. For me personally, this journey was not only an adventure, but also an inner one deeply connected to the principles I work with in my own practice.
At Jhino Dara, after finishing our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
Tanja Hölz
About the Author
Tanja Hölz is a practitioner of Chinese medicine, specializing in acupuncture, qigong, herbal therapy, and holistic healing. Her approach is deeply rooted in nature, movement, and the principles of Eastern philosophy, values that also shape the way she travels and experiences the world.
Her journey through Nepal with A1 Excursion Adventure, shared here, reflects more than just adventure travel. From the jungles of Bardia to the spiritual atmosphere of Lumbini and the serene heights of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, her experience is a personal story of connection, mindfulness, and discovery.
