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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Himalayan Dream Team:
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular trekking itineraries in the Annapurna region, known for its accessibility and breathtaking views. This trek offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region within a shorter duration, making it perfect for families with children and first-time trekkers. The journey begins with a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, followed by a drive to the lively lakeside city of Pokhara.
Starting from Nayapul, the trek takes you through charming villages like Ulleri and Ghorepani, inhabited by the renowned Gorkha warrior clans, the Gurung and Magar. Along the way, you'll be enchanted by colorful orchids and clear views of the majestic high mountains, including the two eight-thousanders – Mt. Annapurna (8091m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m). The highlight of the trek is reaching Poon Hill (3210m), one of the most beautiful viewpoints on earth, offering panoramic vistas of the Himalayan range and picturesque rice terraces.
The trek continues to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk, where you can enjoy ethnic hospitality and explore the cultural richness of the Gurung Museum. After descending, you can explore Pokhara’s lakes, underwater caves, and waterfalls.
For those looking for more adventure in the Annapurna region, consider the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek, or the Mardi Himal Trek. Each of these treks offers unique experiences and stunning landscapes, from the base camp of the majestic Annapurna to the varied terrain of the Annapurna Circuit and the pristine paths of the Mardi Himal. The Annapurna region provides a diverse range of trekking opportunities, catering to all levels of trekkers and offering unforgettable views and cultural encounters.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek can also be easily combined with a 3-4 day jungle tour in Chitwan National Park. After the trek, drive from Pokhara to Chitwan for an unforgettable jungle experience before heading back to Kathmandu.
| Day | Itinerary | Food | Accommodation | Highest Altitude | Walking Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel & welcome dinner | Dinner | Hotel | 1,335 m | – |
| Day 2 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu & trek preparation | Breakfast | Hotel | 1,335 m | 5–6 hrs |
| Day 3 | Drive to Pokhara (200 km) | Breakfast | Hotel | 822 m | 6–7 hrs |
| Day 4 | Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Lodge | 2,050 m | 4–5 hrs |
| Day 5 | Trek to Ghorepani | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Lodge | 2,750 m | 4–5 hrs |
| Day 6 | Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise, trek to Tadapani | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Lodge | 2,700 m | 6–7 hrs |
| Day 7 | Trek to Ghandruk | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Lodge | 1,950 m | 3–4 hrs |
| Day 8 | Trek to Nayapul & drive back to Pokhara | Breakfast, Lunch | Hotel | 822 m | 5–6 hrs |
| Day 9 | Rest & sightseeing in Pokhara | Breakfast | Hotel | 822 m | – |
| Day 10 | Fly back to Kathmandu (30 mins) | Breakfast | Hotel | 1,335 m | – |
| Day 11 | Final departure, transfer to international airport | Breakfast | – | – | – |
The difficulty is graded as easy to moderate, making it accessible for beginners, families, and older travelers. Daily trekking hours range from 4–6 hours with some steep stone steps, particularly the Ulleri climb. Good fitness and comfortable walking shoes are sufficient preparation.
| Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March – May | Clear skies, rhododendron forests in full bloom. |
| Autumn | September – November | Best visibility, ideal trekking conditions. |
| Winter | December – February | Cold mornings, but quiet and peaceful trails. |
| Monsoon | June – August | Less recommended due to rain and leeches, but lush green landscapes. |
Kathmandu – Pokhara – Nayapul – Ulleri – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani – Ghandruk – Pokhara – Kathmandu.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – approx. USD 25.
TIMS Card – approx. USD 15.
Explain where to obtain permits (Kathmandu or Pokhara).
At 3,210 meters, Poon Hill offers one of the most spectacular Himalayan panoramas in Nepal. On a clear morning, trekkers witness golden sunrise views over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Himchuli, and Nilgiri. This makes it a photographer’s paradise and the highlight of the trek.
The trek passes through traditional Gurung and Magar communities, offering unique cultural experiences. In Ghandruk village, trekkers can explore the Gurung Museum, enjoy ethnic hospitality, and witness local traditions.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is graded as an easy to moderate trek, making it ideal for beginners, families with children, and even older travelers. Unlike high-altitude expeditions, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek does not require previous trekking experience, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended for an enjoyable journey.
To prepare for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, light training such as regular walking, stair climbing, and basic cardio exercises will help improve stamina and leg strength. Daily trekking involves 4–6 hours of walking, with the most challenging part being the stone steps up to Ulleri. Good preparation ensures that trekkers can comfortably enjoy the scenic trails and cultural encounters along the way.
For those who may not have all the necessary equipment, rental gear is widely available in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. Items such as trekking poles, down jackets, and sleeping bags can be hired at affordable rates before starting the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. This makes the trek accessible to travelers who prefer not to carry heavy gear from home.
Teahouse lodges with basic facilities. Meals include dal bhat, noodles, momos, tea, coffee, hot chocolate. Mention Wi-Fi, hot shower, and charging availability (extra cost).
After completing the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, many trekkers extend their journey with a Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari. A 3–4 day Chitwan Jungle Safari offers thrilling wildlife encounters such as tigers in Chitwan, one-horned rhinos in Chitwan, wild elephants, gharials, and over 500 bird species. During the Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari, visitors enjoy jeep safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks, and cultural Tharu village tours. Adding a Chitwan National Park Jungle Safari after the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek creates the perfect mix of trekking and wildlife adventures in Nepal.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is also a great introduction before joining the Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC). By extending to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, trekkers reach the Annapurna Sanctuary for close-up views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is often combined with the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek to create a longer journey in the Annapurna region. Adding the Annapurna Base Camp Trek makes your adventure more rewarding with both cultural encounters and high Himalayan panoramas.
Another popular option is combining the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with the legendary Annapurna Circuit Trek. The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the world’s most iconic treks, famous for its diverse landscapes and the crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). When combined with the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, the Annapurna Circuit Trek offers both the short scenic sunrise views of Poon Hill and the challenging high-altitude adventure of the circuit. Doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek after the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is ideal for trekkers seeking a complete Annapurna experience.
For those looking for a quieter path, the Mardi Himal Trek is the best extension to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The Mardi Himal Trek features peaceful forest trails, ridge walks, and close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Many trekkers choose the Mardi Himal Trek after the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek to enjoy fewer crowds and more solitude. Adding the Mardi Himal Trek makes your journey through the Annapurna region diverse, combining the famous sunrise of Poon Hill with the pristine wilderness of Mardi Himal.
Himalayan Dream Team will pick you up at the international airport in kathmandu for your transfer to the hotel. As a welcome you will have a typical Nepalese dinner with some of the staff members. Learn about momo's and Dal bhat and do not forget to try our typical Nepalese drink with great mood of cheers.
fter breakfast, we'll take you on a tour of Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square offers insights into the lives of royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple holds great significance as a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest stupas, are both iconic landmarks.
fter breakfast you will drive by tourist bus to Nepal's most enchanting city, Pokhara (200km). On the route we will see more of the amazing countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. In the afternoon, we will arrive. The city is famous for its magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna. It is the starting point for all the adventurous trekkings. Pokhara is also called the city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. You can explore the most accessible and beautiful of it, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -also by taking a boat. Explore, relax and dine by this tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during evening hours in the colorful streets alongside the lake.
After breakfast we have an hour drive to the trekking starting point at Naya Pul, after 20 mins walking you reach Birethati, a village with mixed cultures , lifestyles, traditions. Here you will show your trekking permit and TIMS permits in the check point office. We first now pass through sub tropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on sometimes on the side of the cliff. After lunch, we cross the Modi Khola (river) on a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. The Ulleri Hill with thousands of steps and boulders that continually go upward would really prove a test of our stamina.
We make our ascent to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means horse-water owing as to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker's stop. Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls for selling local products and craft. The town has two parts: one up and the other a few hundred feet lower. We stop at the higher part of the Ghorepani village that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Annapurna South and Nilgiri mountains. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to feel the chilly weather especially in the evenings.
Today will be a special day because we conquer Poon Hill- an icon of Annapurna region. To catch the magnificent splendour of sunrise over the Himalayas, we make an early morning climb along the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill. Poon Hill (3,210m) is a great viewpoint from where we will be able to enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Mustang part and Pokhara valleys including the closest views of more than 20 highest mountains including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The snowy peaks of the high mountains loom above and around us glowing in the morning light. After taking photos and having some coffee or tea or hot chocolate, we return back to Gorepani. Upon breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through rhododendron forest, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way and reach Tadapani
Today after breakfast we start trekking about 4 hours to Ghandruk. It is a big village on the trek and a most interesting tribal Gurung village, from which Gorkha soldiers are recruited. It has excellent close -up views of Annapurna South, Machhapurchhe and Himachuli. We visit the cute village museum in the afternoon.
Today, we trek from Ghandruk to Naya Pul and then drive back to Pokhara. The trek will be downhill all the way to Birethanti. We step onto a staircase paved with stone slabs, curving in and out of the village and then along terraced farms. It keeps on going down almost without breaks from Ghandruk until the Modi Khola river valley. By the time, we arrive at Birethanti, some of us would feel like having made a downhill marathon. But our marathon is not over yet. From Birethanti, a final half-an-hour's walk takes us into Naya Pul. The journey on foot comes to an end and we drive from Nayapul to Pokhara.
Pokhara, also nicknamed as the Lake City, is the most beautiful place in Nepal. The town offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara owns numerous lakes, known as 'Tal' in Nepali, and offers fishing, boating and swimming. We visit Devi's Fall and the Gupteshwar Gufa Cave (also called Shiva Gufa). We also make a sightseeing trip to some of Pokhara's marketplaces, old bazaars, and landmarks. In the evening, explore the surrounding lakeside areas!
After a scenic flight upon our arrival in Kathmandu, you will be escorted to your hotel. The day in Kathmandu either will be for leisure to rest or for perhaps some shopping before going home or further trek /tours or explore any sights we missed during our first day in Kathmandu.
Our adventure comes to an end today! Himalayan Dream Team accompany us to the airport for our flight time. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
It's a short trek in the Annapurna region that offers spectacular mountain views, especially from Poon Hill, which is famous for its sunrise views over the Himalayas.
The trek typically takes about 4-5 days, making it ideal for trekkers who have limited time but still want to experience the Himalayas.
This trek is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners and those in moderate shape.
The highest point of the trek is Poon Hill, which stands at 3,210 meters (10,532 feet).
Trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card.
The best times are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is clear and dry.
The trek offers several comfortable teahouses and guesthouses along the route where trekkers can stay and eat.
Essentials include comfortable trekking boots, layered clothing, a warm jacket, a raincoat, a sleeping bag, a hat, gloves, a water purification system, and a first-aid kit.
Yes, it's possible to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek without a guide due to its well-marked trails and the presence of many other trekkers.
Key attractions include the sunrise view from Poon Hill, rhododendron forests, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages.
The trek usually starts from Nayapul, which is about a one to two-hour drive from Pokhara.
Teahouses along the trek serve Nepali and Western food, including the local staple dal bhat, noodles, soups, eggs, and pancakes.
The risk of altitude sickness is minimal on this trek as it does not go very high compared to other Himalayan treks
Moderate fitness is sufficient. It’s advisable to engage in some physical preparation like walking or hiking before attempting the trek.
The cost varies depending on the length of the trek, whether you hire a guide or porter, and your spending habits. Generally, budget around $30-$50 per day.
Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2026.
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Nona
24th April, 2024
I arranged everything online in advance by emailing. I received a quick response and together with Albert I adjusted the trip step by step to my wishes in combination with their options.
I spent a total of 3 weeks in Nepal and did the poonhill trekking. From the people who picked me up from the airport to the guide who did the trekking with me, everyone from this organization was helpful, friendly and I always felt at ease. Indira also regularly texted me to ask if everything was going well, for example with hotels or bus trips.
It was my first trip alone so far from the Netherlands and it was a wonderful experience. The country has so much to offer that I have to go back again. Guaranteed that I will contact Himalaya dream team again!
Indira, Albert, Probin, Manisch and Hem.. thank you 🫶🏽