Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 9 Days
9 Days
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is undoubtedly one of the best short treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is a classic teahouse adventure that stretches in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary. This trek is ideal for those who are short on time but do not want to compromise on the Himalayas’ authentic experience.
Traversing through the rugged trails of Annapurna Sanctuary, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek integrates beautiful sceneries, rich Gurung culture, quaint villages, and rhododendron forests. In a short time, this trek takes you to the edge of the Himalayas. It provides an opportunity to witness the rustic mountain lifestyle.
The journey to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek begins with a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu valley to Pokhara. Furthermore, you’ll drive to Nayapul and start trekking in the world’s most popular trekking region—Annapurna Sanctuary. You’ll walk past several famous villages, including Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Ghorepani, before heading to Poon Hill.
Beyond a doubt, Poon Hill is the most significant highlight of this trek. At an altitude of 3,210 meters, this famous viewpoint of the Annapurna region marks the trek’s highest elevation point. Poon Hill is famous among the trekkers for its glorious view of sunrise and sunset. Likewise, this vantage point offers a breathtaking panorama of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Lamjung Himal.
Located in the most popular trekking region of Nepal, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek hosts a large number of comfortable teahouses and lodges. These teahouses and lodges provide all the necessary services, like cozy rooms, meals, WiFi, charging facilities, and hot showers, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Is Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Right For You?
- Although Ghorepani Poon Hill is a moderately difficult trek, it is not an easy task. On this trek, you will be walking up to 3,210 meters at Poon Hill. The trail to Poon Hill is steep and strenuous. This trek demands both physical and mental preparedness but is achievable, even for first-time trekkers.
- On the trek, you will be gaining approximately 700 to 800 meters elevation every day. Make sure both your body and mind can cope with the altitude gain. You’ll begin your adventure from 827 meters at Pokhara and trek up to 3,210 meters at Poon Hill. Although the risk of high altitude sickness is considerably less on this trek, we recommend you to stay cautious.
- On average, you will be walking for 5 to 6 hours every day on the rugged trail of Annapurna Sanctuary. If you think you have the endurance to take on this challenge, we’re confident that this trek will be suitable for you. Before you pack your bags and head to the Himalayas, we advise you to train and prepare for the trek properly. It is highly advisable to engage in cardio-oriented activities such as running, swimming, jogging, cycling, etc., at least a month prior to the trek.
- Bear in mind, the weather in the mountains is often unpredictable, especially in the upper section of the trek. In the higher elevation of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you may potentially have to bear cold weather, heavy rainfalls, and even snowfall in the worst-case scenario. Make sure you are aware of such unforeseeable circumstances and are ready to cope with them. Make sure to pack enough layers and weather protection gear to avoid the wet weather and extreme conditions.
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a classic teahouse trek. So, during the trip, you’ll be staying in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara only. You’ll be staying in a local teahouse during the trek. The rest of the days in the Himalayas won’t be as comfortable as your days in the city.
Generally, the teahouses of Annapurna are relatively more comfortable and cozy, compared to other treks. They provide basic amenities, such as rooms, a warm blanket, delicious food, WiFi, hot shower, and charging facilities. So, if you’re one of those travelers who can adjust with the basic services, and are not fancy for luxury, this trek is ideal for you.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - Outline Itinerary
| Day | Description | Altitude (Meters) | Trekking Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet at Airport and Transfer to Hotel | 1350 | - |
| 2 | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 827 | 6 hours |
| 3 | Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070m) and Trek to Tikhedhunga | 1970 | 6 hours |
| 4 | Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani | 2880 | 6 hours |
| 5 | Morning Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) and Trek to Tadapani | 2625 | 7 hours |
| 6 | Trek from Tadapani to Landruk | 1565 | 6 hours |
| 7 | Trek from Landruk to Phedi (1,700m) and Drive to Pokhara | 827 | 5 hours |
| 8 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu | 1350 | 6 hours |
| 9 | International Departure | - | - |
Important Notes
- In case of any emergencies, your trekking guide will be fully liable to alter the itinerary or trip plans. The guide will make the necessary changes or required delays to make the trek safe and successful in case of any health issues or any unforeseeable circumstances on the road.
- Although Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is moderately difficult, do not take this trek lightly. While the risk of altitude sickness is considerably less in this trek, it will certainly demand proper physical and mental fitness. We recommend you engage in cardio-related workouts, such as swimming, running, biking, and jogging, at least a month prior to the trek.
- Usually, the teahouses of Nepal use type C plug for charging sockets, which may not be compatible with your charger. In such a case, you may not be able to charge your phones or cameras on the trek. Therefore, to avoid such circumstances, we suggest you carry a universal travel adapter to charge your mobile phone or camera.
- Note that not every teahouse in the Annapurna region has access to hydroelectricity. Some villages in the upper reaches of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek use solar as the only source of electricity. Therefore, power may not be reliable all the time in the upper regions. As an alternative, make sure you carry a portable charger to charge your electronic devices, in case the power supply is not sufficient.
Before you begin your trek to the mountains, we recommend you carry enough cash for additional expenses in the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. There are plenty of ATM lounges and credit card facilities around Pokhara and Kathmandu. But, once you go further than that, you will not find any ATMs or credit card services along the trekking trails.
Therefore, it is advisable that you dispense as much cash as possible in Kathmandu or Pokhara itself. Additionally, make sure to exchange your foreign currency into local cash as most teahouses in the trek only accept local currency.
Required Permit for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
To trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill, you’ll need to acquire two trekking permits. They are:
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Where to obtain:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
- TAAN Lakeside Office in Shanti Patan, Pokhara
How much does it cost:
- US$20 for individual trekkers
- US$10 for group trekkers
- For SAARC, US$6 individual trekkers
- For SAARC, US$3 group trekkers
Things required to acquire TIMS Card
- Permit fees
- Photocopy of your passport
- Passport size photographs
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Where to obtain:
- Nepal Tourism Board Office on Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu
- Nepal Tourism Board Service Center in Damside
How much does it cost:
- US$30 for international travelers
- US$2 for SAARC travelers
Highlights
- Explore around the vibrant city of Pokhara and relax at the shore of Phewa Lake
- Hike to the famous viewpoint of Poon Hill at 3,210 meters
- Witness the glorious sight of pristine mountains gleaming with the golden rays of sunrise from Poon Hill
- Marvel at the majestic panorama of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Lamjung Himal
- Meander through the forest of rhododendron and witness its crimson bloom
- Indulge in rich Gurung culture and experience their warm hospitality
- Traverse through the Annapurna Conservation Area—home to 105 mammals, 518 species of birds, 23 amphibians, 40 reptiles, and 1,226 species of flowering plants
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary (9 Days)
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft). Meet at Airport and Transfer to Hotel
On this day, you will arrive in Kathmandu. Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the representative of Nepal Social Treks will pick you up and escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu via private transport. Once you reach your hotel, our staff will assist you through the check-in process. After that, you will have the rest of the day for yourself. Take rest, read some books, and get rid of the jet lag.
In the evening, you will join the rest of the group for a brief meeting with the trekking guide and receive all the trek’s necessary details. After that, you will have an introductory welcome dinner.
Highlights
- Pick up and greet at the Tribhuvan International Airport
- Transfer to the hotel via a private transport
- Short meeting with the trekking guide
- Join the rest of the group for welcome dinner
Special Note
Make sure you attend the meeting! Your trekking guide will provide you with all the essential details about the trek, including day-to-day itinerary, transportation, accommodation, food, packing list, culture, etc. If you have any concerns about the trek, please feel free to consult with your trekking guide and be clear about it.
Also, try to bond with the rest of the members from the group during the welcome dinner. Additionally, make sure to pack your bags before you go to sleep to avoid the rush in the morning. If there’s anything you want to leave at the hotel, keep it separate from your trekking bags.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft) to Pokhara (827m/2,713ft)
You’ll start the day with a long drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara via private transport. The route from Kathmandu to Pokhara alongside the Trishuli River is one of the most used travel routes in Nepal.
The 6-hour drive via the Prithvi Highway traverses through several small villages, terraced farms, occasional rural towns, diverse landscapes, and grassy hills. If the weather is good, you’ll also get a glimpse of snow-capped mountains right outside your window. After about six hours of drive from Kathmandu, you will reach the city of lakes, Pokhara.
Stretched alongside the shores of Phewa Lake, Pokhara is known as the tourism capital of Nepal. The valley integrates beautiful weather, chilled vibes, colorful markets, fancy restaurants, serene lakeside, and majestic mountain views. You will get to witness the giants of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre from Pokhara. In the evening, you will get to walk around the ambient Lakeside and relax at Phewa Lake’s shore.
Highlights
- A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway
- Enjoy the altering scenery of the traditional villages, terraced farms, diverse landscapes, and grassy hills through the window of your vehicle
- Take a walk around the Lakeside of Pokhara
- Relax at the shore of Phewa Lake
- Witness the majestic sight of Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre
Special Note
Since you’ll be driving a long way from Kathmandu to Pokhara, we recommend you carry some snacks to enjoy along the way. It is a good idea to bring a book, a kindle, or download your favorite music, podcast, or series to spend your time during the drive.
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara (827m/2,713ft) to Nayapul (1,070m/3,510ft) and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,970m/6,463ft)
You will start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara. After breakfast, you’ll take a private transport and drive through Baglung Rajmarg Road towards Nayapul. This route is the most common path used by trekkers.
The 90-minute drive from Pokhara to Nayapul passes through the windy hills and bumpy roads. You’ll get a glimpse of the hills, mountains, surrounding landscapes, and the valley.
Upon reaching Nayapul, you will leave the transport behind and start trekking towards Tikhedhunga. If the weather is clear, you will get a marvelous sight of Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) along the way. Walking past several settlements, cultivated terraced farms, and over the odd suspension bridge, you will reach Tikhedhunga. The trail is relatively comfortable and easy compared to other days. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Tikhedhunga from Nayapul.
Highlights
- Breakfast at a three-star hotel in Pokhara
- A scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul
- Enjoy the majestic view of Machhapuchhre
- Cross over the old suspension bridge
Day 4: Trek from Tikhedhunga (1,970m/6,463ft) to Ghorepani (2,880m/9,448ft)
After an early breakfast, we’ll prepare for a strenuous climb from Tikhedhung to Ghorepani. Once you depart from Tikhedhunga, you’ll begin the trek with a steep stone stairway up towards the ridgeline. More than 3,500 steps are on this stairway and are considered the most challenging section of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Once you walk past this strenuous section, the trail opens to a more scenic terrain under the shades of blooming rhododendron blossoms and oak trees.
After a gradual uphill, you’ll reach Nangethanti, where you’ll stop and take some rest after an exhausting climb. If you trek during Winter, the trail above Nangethanti will likely be covered in snow. Furthermore, you’ll continue the gradual walk from the rest stop until you reach Ghorepani.
In ancient times, this small village used to be a popular rest stop for traders, where they could access adequate water (pani) for their horses (ghora). Hence, the nomenclature — Ghorepani.
Highlights
- Walk under the shades of blooming rhododendron blossoms and oak trees
- Experience the diversity in landscape and vegetation
- Overnight at one of the most popular villages of the Annapurna region at Ghorepani
Day 5: Morning Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m/10,531m) and Trek to Tadapani (2,625m/8,612ft)
This day marks the most significant highlight of the trek. You’ll wake up early before dawn and hike to Poon Hill, the Annapurna’s most famous viewpoint. The 45-minutes walk from Tikhedhunga is mostly uphill until you reach Poon Hill.
From Poon Hill, you will get to witness the most epic sunrise gleaming over the high Himalayas. You’ll also get to marvel at the panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Lamjung Himal. After spending a while at the summit, you’ll retrace your route back to Ghorepani. Upon reaching Ghorepani, you’ll make your way towards the small village of Tadapani.
The route to Tadapani has gradual uphill and downhill. You will be crossing over the Deurali Pass, a small pass that runs through the ridgeline of the hillside. Occasionally, you will be passing through thick rhododendron forest as you cross over Deurali Pass and head towards Ban Thanthi.
From here, you’ll leave the rhododendron forest behind and descend the valley towards the shore of Burundi Khola. After crossing the suspension bridge over the river, you’ll gradually climb until you reach Tadapani for the overnight stay.
Highlights
- Morning hike to Poon Hill
- Witness the majestic sunrise over the Himalayas
- Relish the panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, and Lamjung Himal
- Cross over Deurali Pass
Day 6: Trek from Tadapani (2,625m/8,612ft) to Landruk (1,565m/5,134ft)
After a hearty breakfast at Tadapani, you’ll begin the day with a relaxing walk through the scenic woodland. You’ll be walking along the gradual trail for about 3 hours to reach Ghandruk village. Ghandruk is one of the most popular Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region. This small village, at an elevation of 1,940 meters, offers an excellent view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna.
After exploring Ghandruk, you continue the walk on a stone-paved trail towards Landruk. The route is relatively pleasant and heads downhill towards the bank of Modi Khola River via the village of Kyumi. Here, you’ll cross the bridge over Modi Khola and head uphill towards Landruk. It takes about another three hours from Ghandruk to reach Landruk.
Highlights
- Walking past the scenic forest trail of Tadapani
- Explore Ghandruk — the largest Gurung village of Nepal
- Get a glimpse of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna
Day 7: Trek from Landruk (1,565m/5,134ft) to Phedi (1,700m/5,577ft) and Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,713ft)
After breakfast, you’ll begin the day with a gradual climb from Landruk towards Tolka. You’ll be walking through the stone-paved staircases on a narrow ridge alongside Modi Khola River. Upon reaching Tolka, you’ll continue the walk uphill towards the Modi Khola Valley.
You’ll continue the gradual walk towards Pothana from the Modi Khola Valley and head towards the ridge of Dhampus village. The route from Pothana to Dhampus abruptly changes into a steep climb. Once you reach the village of Dhampus, the trail descends vertically along the stone staircase towards Phedi. Here, the trail treats you with lush green forest and occasional terraced fields.
Upon reaching Phedi, you’ll catch a private vehicle arranged by Nepal Social Treks and drive back to Pokhara. It takes only half an hour’s drive from Kande to reach Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, you’ll have enough time for yourself in the evening. You can have fun in a fancy restaurant, colorful marketplace, chilled vibes, and enjoy beautiful mountain views.
From Pokhara, you will get to witness the distant view of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre Himal. In the evening, you’ll get to stroll around the Lakeside’s ambient atmosphere and relax at the shore of Phewa Lake.
Highlights
- Traverse through popular villages, including Pothana and Dhampus
- Enjoy the scenic landscapes throughout the way
- Evening walk around the Lakeside, Pokhara
- Relax at the shore of Phewa Lake
- Relish the distant view of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre Himal
Day 8: Drive from Pokhara (827m/2,713ft) to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft)
You’ll start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel and catch a private vehicle to get back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You’ll be retracing the route back to Kathmandu via Prithivi Highway. Throughout the way, you’ll be driving past several traditional villages, rural towns, diverse landscapes, terraced farms, and grassy hills.
On a clear day, you’ll also get to enjoy the breathtaking sight of the towering peaks from a distance. It takes about six hours to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara.
Once you reach Kathmandu, you will have the rest of the day for yourself. As per your will, you can either get some rest back at the hotel or take a walk around the colorful streets of Thamel. If you want to buy some souvenirs or gifts from Nepal for family and friends back home, you can do the shopping in Thamel. One of our representatives will pick you up at the hotel and take you for the farewell dinner in the evening.
Highlights
- A scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Enjoy the sight of the traditional villages, terraced farms, diverse landscapes, and grassy hills along the way
- Walk around the vibrant streets of Thamel
- Enjoy the farewell dinner in the evening
Day 9: International Departure
Departure day! Your adventure of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek will end as you’ll make the final preparation for departure. One of the representatives of Nepal Social Treks will pick you up from the hotel and drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for the final departure. He will transfer you to the airport via private transport and help you figure out your check-in terminal.
Special Note
We recommend you look over the entire room before you check out of the hotel to make sure that you have not left anything behind. Also, instead of rushing to pack in the last hour, we advise you to pack your bags and keep them ready a day before the final departure.
Cost Include(s)
- Arrival and departure transfer for international flights
- Accommodation at 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Two-way transportation from Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Annapurna region trekking map
- Accommodation in teahouse during the trek
- Three meals per day during the trek (B/L/D)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
- Group medical supplies (First Aid Kit)
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Licensed trekking guide with necessary staffs and porters
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment for all our staff
- Insurance and required transportation for support staff
- All government taxes
Cost Exclude(s)
- International flight ticket and airport tax
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Personal trekking gears and equipment
- Tips for trekking guide, porters, and local staff
- Travel and medical insurance in case of emergency
- Emergency rescue evacuation
- Personal expenses such as battery charging, laundry, alcohol, cold drink, hot showers at teahouses, etc.
- Unforeseeable expenses incurred due to accidents, strikes, natural calamities, political unrest, etc.
