Ghorepani Poonhill Trek - 8 Days

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Trip Facts
  • Duration 8 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Country Nepal
  • Maximum Altitude 3250 m
  • Group Size 2 People
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Trip Style Trekking

Overview

The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is one of the most popular and easily accessible treks in Nepal, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range. Although this trek was once more of a local trail, its accessibility and popularity have grown significantly in recent years, becoming one of the most frequented trekking routes in Nepal.
The trek is ideal for those looking for a shorter, more moderate hike but still want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. It is a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal for beginners or those with limited time.

Starting with the traditional trekking experience, the Ghorepani Poonhill route offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse in the culture of the local Gurung and Magar communities while being surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain views. Today, modern infrastructure like tea houses has made it a much more comfortable trek.

What is the trek like

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek takes you to the famous Poonhill viewpoint, which sits at 3,210 meters, offering panoramic views of several peaks, including the towering Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and others. Starting the trek from Pokhara, a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, you will pass through lush forests, rhododendron blooms (especially during spring), charming villages, and terraced fields.

The trek’s highlight is the early morning hike to Poonhill to catch the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The view from here is absolutely breathtaking, making it one of the most iconic spots for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Along the trek, you’ll pass through picturesque villages such as Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. The trail is rich in cultural heritage, with opportunities to visit Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and witness the traditional ways of life in the mountain communities.

The trek can be comfortably completed in 8 days, with most days involving a 5-6 hour hike, making it suitable for beginners or people with moderate fitness.

The route also offers stunning views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and lush forests, and the closer you get to Poonhill, the more breathtaking the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges become. The trek is well-marked, and the trail is populated with tea houses, making it ideal for trekkers who prefer a more relaxed and comfortable trekking experience.

Terrain And Trail Difficulty

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is suitable for trekkers of all levels, from beginners to more experienced trekkers. Unlike many other high-altitude treks, the Ghorepani Poonhill trek doesn’t require technical climbing skills or heavy mountain experience, making it an excellent choice for those new to trekking in Nepal or those looking for a short but memorable trek.

While the trek is relatively moderate, the best preparation would include some basic physical conditioning. Engaging in walking, hiking, or any aerobic activity like running or cycling will help build stamina. Strength training for your legs and core will also improve your performance during the trek.

The most important items to pack for this trek include a good pair of trekking shoes, a warm jacket (as temperatures can drop at higher elevations), a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera for the epic views. You’ll also want to pack some energy bars and snacks, as well as a power bank for charging devices.

The altitude of the trek is generally not a major concern, as the highest point is Poonhill at 3,210 meters, but you should still be mindful of hydration, taking breaks, and adjusting your pace to avoid exhaustion.

Any Altitude Concerns

Altitude sickness risk is generally low on the Ghorepani Poonhill trek due to the lower elevations compared to high-altitude treks like the Manaslu Circuit. However, trekkers still need to be mindful of their bodies. At altitudes above 3,000 meters, some individuals may feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

To minimize risks, you should ascend gradually, drink plenty of water, and eat nutritious meals. If you start to feel symptoms of altitude sickness, such as dizziness, headache, or nausea, it’s important to rest, take in more fluids, and adjust your pace.

Symptoms: Mild headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Highlights:

  • Poonhill Viewpoint: Stunning sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • Traditional Villages: Experience the Gurung and Magar cultures in villages like Ghandruk and Ghorepani.
  • Rhododendron Forests: In spring, the trail is lined with colorful blooms.
  • Annapurna Range Views: See some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Dhaulagiri.
  • Comfortable Tea Houses: Stay in tea houses with basic amenities throughout the trek.
Itinerary

Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek Detailed Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary provided is a general guide for the Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek. While we try to stick to this plan, trekking in the Himalayas can be affected by factors like weather, trail conditions, and the health and fitness of the group. Our experienced guides will always prioritize your safety and may make necessary changes to the schedule or itinerary. This could include adjustments to the daily plan to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Your trekking adventure is our main priority, and we are committed to giving you the best experience while keeping your well-being in mind. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Day-to-day Plan
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Arriving at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is the first step of your adventure in the heart of Nepal.

Once you collect your luggage and clear customs, you will be greeted warmly by your Trekking Group Leader or our Office Representative with a "Mystical Nepal Treks" board who will assist you and transfer you to your hotel.

Although Kathmandu is the busiest city in Nepal with hectic traffic, it still holds a unique charm with its local beauty and lively atmosphere. You will enjoy the fun of driving through its unfamiliar roads. The drive to the hotel will take you through Kathmandu’s lively streets, where the old and new come together. You’ll pass by ancient temples, busy markets, and modern shops, all blending into the colorful culture of Nepal.

Highlights:

  • Airport pickup.
  • Transfer to the hotel with your Group Leader.
  • Brief introduction about your trip.
  • Early arrival gives you a chance to explore Kathmandu.

Altitude: 1,400m / 4,593 feet
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Distance: 6 km
Transport: Airport Pickup

Enjoy your time and relax as you prepare for your trek ahead!

This drive journey to Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital, via a scenic Prithvi Highway  is 200 km wonderful ride along the winding road. The road follows the Trishuli River, famous for rafting and lush hillsides. We have lunch on the highway stop, a beautiful spot by the river.  The new wider Pokhara Highway will soon make the journey more enjoyable.Upon arrival, check into a hotel near Phewa Lake. Free time to explore Pokhara, optional activities: Boating on Phewa Lake with stunning reflections of Annapurna peaks. Visit World Peace Pagoda for sunset views. Stroll along the Lakeside promenade, filled with cafes and souvenir shops.

After breakfast, we will leave Pokhara and drive along the winding mountain roads of the Annapurna foothills. As we drive, you’ll see ancient farming terraces on the mountain ridges and closer views of the mountains. Along the way, we’ll pass the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, the majestic Fishtail, and Lamjung Himal.

We’ll gradually move through traditional villages and beautiful landscapes, finally reaching Birethanti, also known as 'The Land of The Braves'. Here, we’ll take a quick break to check our permits before continuing our drive to the small village of Jhinu Danda.

Jhinu Danda is famous for its natural hot spring, where we will have our lunch. If time permits, we can visit the hot spring, and then take a short but steep climb to Chomrong. Chomrong is a lovely, traditional village with fascinating old-style houses.

If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking mountain view of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli right from your teahouse.

Altitude: 2170m (7,119 feet)
Accommodation: Local teahouse
Walking Time: 3 hours drive / 2 hours walk
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Private vehicle

After leaving Chhomrong, we will walk on an undulating trail that will take us to the beautiful village of Chuile. As we walk, we’ll pass through a lovely forest of Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, and other plants, heading towards Tadapani. Tadapani is a small settlement with a few teahouses, but it offers the best views of the Annapurna range and the holy Fishtail mountain.

Highlights:

  • Wake-up call as decided by your leader.
  • After breakfast, today’s walk will be on undulating trails with some steep climbs.
  • Spending the night in the small village of Tadapani is a memorable experience.
  • The landscape and mountain views along the way are stunning.
  • You’ll get a beautiful sunrise view right from the teahouse veranda.

Altitude: 2630 m (8,628 feet)
Accommodation: Local teahouse
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s walk will be a 6 to 7-hour journey through a stunning trail, which feels like something straight out of the "Lord of the Rings" movie. Reaching Ghorepani, a top protected area in Nepal, and home to the world’s largest Rhododendron forest, is truly an extraordinary experience.

Highlights:

  • An unforgettable hike through dramatic forest landscapes.
  • If you’re trekking in spring, there’s so much to see.
  • Lunch at Deurali (3090 m / 10,137 ft) is a highlight.
  • Walking down to the blue-roofed village is an exciting experience.
  • Overnight stay with a delicious dinner, and some time to relax.
  • Your group leader will give a briefing, and we’ll have some fun activities.
  • Since it’s our last night, we’ll have a great time with dancing, eating, drinking, and tipping.

Altitude: 2860 m (9,383 feet)
Accommodation: Local teahouse
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The morning sunrise view from Poon Hill is a moment you will cherish forever, offering a panoramic view of mountains like Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Dhampus Peak, Fishtail, and more. Looking down at the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world’s deepest gorge, is truly remarkable. After breakfast, we’ll begin our descent to the rustic village of Ulleri. From Ulleri, we’ll drive for 2 hours back to Pokhara.

Highlights:

  • Early wake-up call for the 45-minute excursion to Poon Hill (3200 m / 10,498 ft).
  • The breathtaking sunrise view will leave many of us emotional.
  • After breakfast, enjoy a beautiful descent (1,240 m) down to Ulleri.
  • Although you won’t see the mountains on the way down, the local villages and their traditional farming terraces are beautiful.
  • This marks the end of your trekking days.
  • A 2.5-hour delightful drive back to Pokhara.
  • Depending on your preference, your leader can assist with activities in Pokhara like lake exploration, hiking to Peace Pagoda, paragliding, zip-lining, or you can simply relax and explore Pokhara for shopping.

Altitude: 3200 m (10,498 feet)
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
Walking Time: 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Private vehicle

You’ll enjoy a fantastic flight back to Kathmandu with amazing panoramic views. Once you land, you will be transferred to your hotel, and soon after, a city tour will be arranged. During the tour, you’ll visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites that are very sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

Highlights:

  • A sensational flight to Kathmandu.
  • Meet with our professional City Tour Guide.
  • Visit the two World Heritage sites: Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath.
  • Lunch based on your preference.

Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

 

Where will your next adventure take you?

Congratulations on completing an unforgettable trek! As you bid farewell to the breathtaking trails and cherished memories, we wish you a safe journey home. May the mountains call you back for another adventure soon. Until we meet again!

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Cost Details
Includes
  • Airport pick up and drop in a private vehicle as per the itinerary.
  • Hotel accommodation on B.B Basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per the itinerary.
  • Teahouse(lodge) accommodation during the trek.
  • Meals during the trek as per the Trip package. For Full Board all meals B.fast, lunch and dinner with a cup of hot beverage of choice.
  • Welcome Dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural show, beverages not included.
  • Use of warm gears such as Sleeping bag, Liner, Down jacket and Big Duffle bag.
  • Domestic flights as per the itinerary.
  • All applicable Permits for National Park entrance and tours to World heritage sites as per the trip package.
  • An experienced English speaking Group Leader and Guide for the Trek and Tours.
  • Service of  Assistant Sherpa and Porters during the trek.
  • Staff Cost including the Insurance, Wages, Meals and Domestic flights during the trek and Climbing is covered.
  • All necessary Government and Local Taxes.
Excludes
  • International Fare and Visa Fee ( US$25 FOR 15 Days, US$ 40 FOR 30 Days);

Note: No Visa required for Indian nationals.

  • Any Travel and  rescue insurance.
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, also in some tours as per the trip package.
  • Personal expenses on laundry, beverages, cameras and gadgets charging and hot showers in treks and tours.
  • Excess Baggage charges at the Domestic airport.
  • Extra expenses due to flight delays and cancellations.
  • Extra Night in Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain ( due to any unforeseen reason ).
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu ( also in the case of early return from mountain ).
  • Gratuity and Tips for the Local trekking staff, guides and drivers.
Essential Information

Experience the Best of the Annapurna Region

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers of all experience levels, including beginners. The trek is not overly challenging in terms of terrain, but it does include some uphill sections and moderate altitude. The trek takes you through picturesque villages, lush forests, and offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

Unlike more rugged, off-the-beaten-path treks, the Ghorepani Poonhill route is relatively well-maintained and accessible. However, trekkers should still be prepared for some uphill and downhill walking, especially on the final ascent to Poonhill.

Trek Distance: The total distance of the Ghorepani Poonhill trek is about 50 to 55 kilometers. On average, trekkers will cover approximately 10-15 kilometers per day, depending on the daily route and terrain. The trek involves gradual ascents and descents through the lush countryside of the Annapurna region, with an elevation gain as high as 3,210 meters at Poonhill.

Daily Walking Hours: On average, trekkers will walk between 5 to 7 hours per day. Some days may be shorter, particularly on the descent from Ghorepani to Tikhedhunga or Nayapul, but there will be more hours on the days leading to Poonhill, especially for the early morning sunrise hike.

Tourist Infrastructure: The Ghorepani Poonhill trek has excellent tourist infrastructure, with many tea houses and lodges available along the way. These tea houses offer basic accommodation and food. You won’t need to camp, and the teahouses provide a comfortable place to rest after a long day of trekking. The services include WiFi (sometimes), charging facilities, and hot showers at an extra cost. Insurance for Your Himalayan Journey

Although the Ghorepani Poonhill trek is relatively easy compared to more challenging treks, travel insurance is still highly recommended. In case of emergencies, travel insurance with coverage for evacuation (helicopter or otherwise) is important for added safety, as you will be trekking in a remote area with limited access to immediate medical facilities.

Make sure to choose an insurance plan that includes medical coverage, especially for high-altitude trekking, as well as coverage for personal belongings in case of loss or theft.

Permits and Regulations 

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek requires two permits:

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: USD 30 per person. This permit is mandatory for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, where the trek takes place.

Tim’s (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: USD 20 per person. This card is required for all trekkers in the region and helps keep track of the number of trekkers for safety and administrative purposes.

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

The Best Time to Do 

The best time to trek Ghorepani Poonhill is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the clearest weather and the best views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Spring (March to May): The weather is mild, and the trekking trail is adorned with vibrant rhododendron blooms, making it an ideal time for trekking. Temperatures typically range from 24°C in lower elevations to -4°C at higher altitudes.

Autumn (September to November): This season offers stable weather and clear skies, with moderate temperatures ranging from 25°C to -6°C. Autumn also coincides with major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar, adding a cultural touch to your experience.

If you’re planning to trek in the off-season (June to August or December to February), be prepared for varying weather conditions, including possible rainfall during the monsoon months or colder temperatures in winter. While trekking in the off-season can offer quieter trails, the weather and trail conditions may be less predictable.

Teahouse & Local Flavours

Accommodation on the Gorepani Poonhill Trek is mostly in tea houses, where you’ll be staying in basic rooms. Most tea houses offer shared rooms with squat toilets, and you may not have a private bathroom, but the experience adds to the charm and simplicity of the trek. Some tea houses offer hot showers for an extra cost, and you can also charge your devices for a small fee.

Breakfast: Porridge, eggs, toast, pancakes, Tibetan bread, and tea/coffee.

Lunch/Dinner: Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, curry), noodles, pasta, soups, momo (dumplings), french fries with burgers and fried rice.

Beverages: Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and electrolyte drinks are available

.Drinking Water: Throughout the trail, boiled water is available at tea houses for a small charge, or you can bring your own water purification tablets to purify water from streams.for group size over 2 pax we provide hot boiled water every evening, so bring bottles and camel bag recommended.

 

FAQs

Definitely! Our airport representative or your group Leader will be there catering you from day of your arrival till departure. Do check for Mystical Nepal Treks clip board on your arrival in Kathmandu airport outside the arrival terminal hall. Make sure you have provided your flight details to us in advance.

Yes, you can obtain Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. In fact for some countries Nepal visa is to be prearranged from their country itself prior to their entry to Nepal. For more details please check Nepal Visa and Entry Procedure in the website

All  our trip itinerary have an arrival and departure day from Kathmandu so you can arrive and leave Kathmandu as per the program. You are also welcome and encouraged to arrive a day earlier or leave Nepal a day later to have a look around the vibrant Kathmandu Valley. Mystical Nepal Treks will help arrange any extra activities as per your interest outside the main package.

Yes, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be undertaken year-round, including during the monsoon season. While trekking in Nepal during monsoon is typically not advised due to heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and the presence of leeches, the trek itself is still feasible. However, it’s important to note that the monsoon season often brings cloudy, misty conditions, meaning you may not get the crystal-clear mountain views you’d expect on a clear day. The weather can be unpredictable, so trekkers need to be prepared for a different experience than during the drier months.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a shorter and more accessible trek, making it ideal for beginners or those with limited time. The elevation is moderate, allowing for a relatively easier journey without venturing too high into the mountains.

On the other hand, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek) is more demanding, both in terms of duration and altitude, reaching up to 4,130 meters. The ABC Trek presents a more challenging adventure due to its longer duration and higher elevation, making it a more strenuous experience compared to the Ghorepani trek.

Yes, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can be done both clockwise and anticlockwise. Below are two popular 4-day itineraries for this trek:

Option One (Clockwise):

Day 1: Drive from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga, then trek to Tikhedhunga (overnight)

Day 2: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani

Day 3: Early morning hike to Poon Hill, then trek to Tadapani for the night

Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk, followed by a drive to Pokhara

Option Two (Anticlockwise):

Day 1: Drive from Nayapul to Ghandruk (overnight)

Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk to Tadapani

Day 3: Trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani

Day 4: Early morning hike to Poon Hill, then trek to Banthanti and drive back to Pokhara

Both itineraries offer a fulfilling experience of this beautiful region with stunning mountain views, and both are designed to give you enough time for acclimatization and enjoyment of the stunning landscapes.

8 Days
Price from US$940 (All-Inclusive Price)
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