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Quick facts
A short, steep climb north of Pokhara to a little-known ridge viewpoint above the Sikles area — panoramic Annapurna and Manaslu views with almost no tourist traffic.
Overview
Tara Hill Top sits on the same ridge system as Sikles but approaches it from the south via Khadarjung and Ghalekharka — a route that sees a fraction of the foot traffic that the Sikles and Kori trails attract. The summit ridge at around 3,000m is open and exposed, with a clear sightline north to Annapurna II, III, and IV, west to Manaslu, and down to the Madi River valley below. On a clear autumn morning you can see all of this before most of Pokhara has had breakfast.
I use this trek as a quick get-away option for clients who have two full days to spare in Pokhara and want real mountains without committing to a week-long expedition. The drive to the roadhead at Khadarjung takes about two hours, and from there the trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and mixed forest to the ridge camp at Ghalekharka. The second day gains the Tara Hilltop summit before returning or continuing on to Sikles for a longer variant.
This is a camping or basic-homestay trek — the upper sections have limited fixed infrastructure. I organise tents and a cook crew for groups that want a proper mountain camp at Ghalekharka, and it makes a good night out: views of the Pokhara valley lights below and the Annapurna ridge above.
Who this trek is for
Anyone based in Pokhara who wants a genuine mountain experience in two days — no teahouse queues, no crowds, excellent views. Good for fit trekkers who have done higher-altitude routes elsewhere and simply want a short local outing. The steep ascent on day one requires solid fitness. Not suitable for people with knee problems given the steep descent. Note: upper trail infrastructure is minimal — I treat this as a camping trek for the summit camp.
Best views & moments
- Summit ridge views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu in a single sweep
- Steep rhododendron forest between Khadarjung and Ghalekharka — stunning in March-April bloom
- Quiet trail — very few organised trekking groups use this specific ridge approach
- Option to extend to Sikles village and return via the main Sikles road
- Compact two-day format perfect for Pokhara stopovers
Day-by-day itinerary
Route & terrain
The route begins at the roadhead in Khadarjung, accessible from Pokhara by jeep in approximately two hours via the Madi valley road. The trail climbs steeply south-facing slopes through terraced farmland, then enters rhododendron and mixed forest on the approach to Ghalekharka (approximately 2,100-2,400m). From Ghalekharka the ridge steepens further to the Tara Hilltop at around 3,000m — an open, grassy summit with all-round views. The standard return retraces to Khadarjung. The extended variant continues north from Tara along the ridge into Sikles territory, adding one additional walking day.
General info
Difficulty & preparation
Rated Moderate. The main challenge is the steep sustained climb from Khadarjung to Ghalekharka and then Tara Hilltop — there is minimal flat ground between the roadhead and the summit ridge. The elevation gain is around 1,200m to 1,500m over a half-day walk. The descent uses the same steep terrain. For fit trekkers with good footwear this is entirely manageable; for those unused to steep uphill walking it will be demanding. Total altitude is moderate at 3,000m — no technical difficulty.
How to prepare
Focus on uphill fitness before this trek — stair climbing, hill walking, or treadmill incline training will directly translate to the approach. The steep trail rewards good ankle stability and a broken-in boot over a trail runner. I carry first aid including blister kit. Bring your own snacks for the ascent day — food stops are not available above Ghalekharka on the Tara approach.
Permits you'll need
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
NPR 3,000 (foreigners) / NPR 1,000 (SAARC nationals)
The route enters the Annapurna Conservation Area. Permit obtained in Pokhara before departure.
TIMS Card
NPR 1,000 (with registered guide/agency) / NPR 2,000 (individual)
Standard TIMS card for all organised trekking in Nepal.
I handle all permit paperwork as your licensed guide.
Altitude & acclimatisation
Maximum altitude is approximately 3,000m. At this level, some trekkers notice mild altitude symptoms — slight headache, reduced appetite. The ascent is rapid (gaining over 1,000m in a single day) which increases the likelihood of mild symptoms compared to routes that ascend gradually. Staying well-hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and not pushing the ascent pace resolves most issues. If symptoms are more than mild, descend and the problem typically resolves within an hour.
Food & accommodation
Below Ghalekharka there are local households that sometimes offer simple food and a place to sleep. At Ghalekharka itself, basic accommodation may be available in one or two local homes depending on season — this is not guaranteed, and I typically arrange tents for the ridge camp. No teahouses exist on the Tara approach. Meals are prepared by myself or a cook from the group provisions — simple camp food or dal bhat from any household that has space for us. Plan for self-sufficiency above Khadarjung.
What to pack
Keep it light for this short trek. You need layers for the summit ridge (3,000m can be cold in wind) and a waterproof shell in case of afternoon cloud. A warm sleeping bag if camping at Ghalekharka. Trekking poles strongly recommended for the steep descent. Bring two litres of water capacity — sources above Ghalekharka are not reliable without asking local knowledge. Sunscreen and sunglasses for the exposed summit ridge.