Overview

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

The Poon Hill Ghorepani trek offers natural beauty, varieties of lifestyles, culture and traditions of people along with the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, towering snow-covered peaks, picturesque landscapes, diverse flora and fauna. The trekking trail passes through villages, forests, unparalleled scenic mountains and terraced farmlands. It discovers and develops an insight into the culture and living style of the Nepali people in the rural area.

This trek is graded as easy and you don’t need previous trekking experience. You will trek for 3-5 hours per day. The altitude of this trek ranges from 910m (Pokhara) to 3210m (Poon Hill). Ghorepani Poon Hill trek begins with the short scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Then you head to Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk following the banks of the Modi River.

The best seasons for Poon Hill-Ghorepani Trek are autumn and spring when the weather is clear and you can have clear views of the mountains and other natural wonders.

Trip Facts

Highlights

  • Seven-hour scenic drive to Pokhara, exploration of lakes, caves, museums and a walk around Phewa Lake
  • Enchanting early morning spectacular sunrise view over snowcapped mountain from Poon Hill (3210m) with the view of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna Himalayan range, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and several other spectacular views
  • Suspension bridges, waterfall and wildlife
  • Walk through rhododendron forests
  • Ghandruk Gurung village and Gurung Museum
  • Glimpses of a traditional farming system, including beautiful terraces with rice fields and farmhouses
  • Friendly, unique multiethnic groups (Gurung, Magar and Thakali) and their distinct cultures and traditions
  • Generous hospitality of peoples living in this region

Itinerary

Meet and transport to the hotel when you arrive at the airport. In the afternoon, you can choose for an escorted stroll around Thamel and Kathmandu’s local streets. Evening welcome supper with a traditional Nepali cultural program.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu (208km) via the Prithvi Highway, which takes about 6 hours (the alternative to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara is more expensive). Along the trip, we will stop at gorgeous areas for lunch and to refresh ourselves. En route, we will view more of Nepal’s landscape, which includes greenery, rivers, local communities, farmlands, and stunning mountain scenery. In the evening, you may go around Phewa Lake and the local market in Pokhara.

Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.

Accommodation Standard Hotel
Meal BSD

We’ll eat breakfast before heading to Naya Pool. Our trekking journey begins at Naya Pool. After going through Birethanti’s checkpoint, the road progressively ascends to Tikhe Dhunga, which takes 4 to 5 hours to reach.

Overnight.

Accommodation Local teahouse lodges
Meal BSD

We will begin our journey toward Ulleri after an early breakfast. The trek begins with 3,767-step stone stairs that lead you up the ridgeline and eventually past planted fields. As it emerges from the woods above Ulleri, the path becomes more mild, passing through farms and fields.

Continue rising until you reach Nangethanti, where your lunch will be served. Thanti is a Nepali word that means “rest house”; keep in mind that the road may be snow-covered during the winter. We carry on to Ghorepani after going via Nangethanti village. Several mountains, including Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545 ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,794 ft), can already be seen.

Overnight in Ghorepani.

Accommodation Local teahouse lodges
Meal BSD

Begin early in the morning with a one-hour climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) to see the sunrise over the Himalayas! Cool, hot tea is usually available in the early morning, which we sip while appreciating the spectacular view of a large array of mountains. This is a peaceful area with a stunning panorama, especially as the sun rises and casts a golden light over the nearby snow-capped peaks such as Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and others.

There are several additional peaks visible. We peel ourselves away from the camera and return to Ghorepani’s resort for a well-deserved breakfast before moving on to Tadapani. Tadapani is around 5 hours away. The road to Tadapani is difficult at first until we reach the Deurali Pass. We get a second look at the mountains we saw from Poon Hill from the Deurali Pass.

Overnight in Tadapani.

Accommodation Hotel and local teahouse lodges
Meal BSD

The hike today is shorter, so we’ll have plenty of time to explore Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung communities. We may go to the Gurung Culture Museum, which gives us an insight into people’s lives.

Overnight in Ghandruk.

Accommodation Local teahouse lodges or paying guest
Meal BSD

We’ll put an end to our exciting journey today. We’ll take a leisurely hike to Nayapul after an early breakfast, after which we’ll drive back to Pokhara. Once you return to Pokhara’s lakeside city in the evening, you may enjoy the night out.

Stay overnight at Pokhara.

Accommodation Standard Hotel
Meal BSD

We’ll take the early morning trip back to Kathmandu. Then, we’ll take you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. You can unwind at the hotel or undertake last-minute shopping.

Overnight in hotel.

Accommodation Standard Hotel
Meal BSD

You will depart Nepal with priceless recollections of your wonderful experience during the trek you had.

For your departure, our personnel will transport you to the airport.

Included

  • All transfers by private vehicle including pick up and drop to airport
  • Accommodation as per itinerary (3–4-star categories hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara) & Guest House/Lodge in Trekking Duration
  • BLD (breakfast, lunch, dinner) include in trekking Duration
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara & Full board during the trek
  • Professional English-Speaking Guide (4 trekkers: 1 trekking guide) & and porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary with entrance fees
  • All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP /Trekking entry fees).
  • Welcome or farewell dinners in Kathmandu
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes

Excluded

  • Nepal Visa fees ($25/40 upon arrival)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Meals other than listed (lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara is not included)
  • Battery charge, extra porters, mineral water or boiled water & hot shower
  • Personal expenses. (Tips, Laundry, Telephone, bar, beverages)
  • Travel & rescue Insurance
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • All other personal expenses not listed in the included section

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). It lies north of Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations.

The trek typically takes 4 to 6 days, depending on your pace and itinerary. Many trekkers start and end the journey in Nayapul or Tikhedhunga after a short drive from Pokhara.

The highest point of the trek is Poon Hill, standing at an altitude of 3,210 meters (10,532 feet). It’s one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal, offering stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

The trek is considered easy to moderate. It’s suitable for beginners, families, and even senior travelers with average fitness levels. The trail includes several stone steps and gradual climbs, but no technical climbing is required.

No prior trekking experience is necessary. Regular walking or light exercise before the trek will help you enjoy it comfortably.

The best seasons are:

  • Spring (March–May): Clear skies, pleasant weather, and rhododendron blooms.

  • Autumn (September–November): Stable weather, clear mountain views, and cool temperatures.

Winter (December–February) offers quiet trails but can be cold, while the monsoon (June–August) brings rain and leeches.

The trek usually begins from Nayapul (around a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara). You can reach Pokhara by:

  • Flight: 25–30 minutes from Kathmandu

  • Tourist bus: 6–7 hours

  • Private vehicle: Around 5–6 hours drive

Yes, two permits are required:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card

These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek.

You’ll stay in teahouses or lodges, which offer basic rooms with twin beds, blankets, and simple meals. Most lodges have shared bathrooms and hot showers available for a small fee.

ESSENTIALS

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

Ensure you have all the essentials to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

General

  • Duffel or Rucksack Bag
  • Day Pack (20-22 Liter)
  • Down Jacket
  • 4 Seasons Sleeping Bag
  • Extra Batteries/Power Bank
  • Charger for Devices
  • Travel Adapter

Body

  • Sun Hat or Scarf, Sunglasses, Headband
  • Light Balaclava or Warm Fleece Hat
  • Hiking Boots & Camp Shoes
  • Hiking pants & Fleece Pants
  • Wool Socks & Lightweight Inner Socks
  • Thermal Tops & T-Shirts
  • Gloves or Mittens

Accessories

  • Headlamp & Water Bottles
  • First Aid Kit
  • Trekking Poles
  • Toiletries
  • Lip Balm & Earplugs
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Dry Bags/Ziploc Bags

Other Essentials

  • Passport
  • Extra copies of passport-sized photos
  • Towel with Personal Care Kit
  • Toilet paper (2 rolls)
  • Maps and Trail Guides
  • Camera with Extra Memory Cards
  • Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes

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