Price from

US$750

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Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Duration

9 Days

Trip Grade

Easy

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

3210 m

Starts

Kathmandu

Ends

Kathmandu

Group Size

1-20

Activities

Hiking

Best Time

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)

The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular short treks, famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek combines natural beauty, cultural experiences, and manageable trekking distances, making it ideal for beginners or those with limited time. Along the route, trekkers pass through lush rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture. The highlight of the trek is the early morning hike to Poon Hill, where the panoramic sunrise over snow-capped peaks creates unforgettable memories.

The trek typically starts from Nayapul, a small village about 1.5 hours’ drive from Pokhara. From Nayapul, the trail gradually ascends through scenic villages and forests, with the first night often spent in Ulleri. Each day’s trek is moderate, allowing for a comfortable pace while taking in the spectacular surroundings. Trekkers experience a mix of walking through dense forests, crossing rivers, and climbing stone steps, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of teahouses along the way. The journey usually ends back in Pokhara, providing a convenient return to the city after the adventure.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Highlights

Poon Hill Sunrise: Stunning panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare peaks.
Charming Villages: Experience traditional Gurung and Magar culture in Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk.
Rhododendron Forests: Trek through vibrant forests, especially colorful during spring.
Moderate Trekking: Suitable for beginners and those short on time, with manageable daily distances.
Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy waterfalls, rivers, terraced fields, and lush mountain scenery along the trail.
Teahouse Stays: Comfortable overnight stops with meals, offering a cozy and social trekking experience.

Why Choose the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek?

Short and Accessible: Perfect for beginners or those with limited time, usually 7–9 days.
Breathtaking Sunrise: Hike to Poon Hill for a stunning sunrise view over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare.
Scenic Trails: Walk through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and charming villages.
Cultural Experience: Visit traditional Gurung and Magar villages to experience local culture and lifestyle.
Comfortable Teahouse Stays: Overnight in cozy teahouses with meals included, offering basic but warm accommodation.
Moderate Trekking Difficulty: Gentle trails with manageable daily distances, suitable for most fitness levels.
Diverse Landscapes: Enjoy rivers, waterfalls, forests, and mountain vistas all in one trek.
Easy Access: Starts from Nayapul, just a short drive from Pokhara, making it convenient for travelers.
Photography Paradise: Amazing views, colorful villages, and nature make it ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Short Itinerary and Map

Starts From: Kathmandu

Ends At: Kathmandu

Max Altitude: 3210 m

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 2:

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 3:

Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri

Day 4:

Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

Day 5:

Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani

Day 6:

Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk

Day 7:

Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Day 8:

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 9:

Final Departure

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. Rest and prepare for the journey ahead. Optional short walk or sightseeing in Thamel.

Max Altitude: 1,300m (4,265ft)

Duration: 30 Mins

Distance: 4 KM

Meals: Break Fast

Accommodation: Hotel

Mode of Transportation: Car

Day 2

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Scenic drive through the Trishuli River Valley with Himalayan foothill views, arriving in Pokhara by afternoon. Evening at leisure by Phewa Lake.

Max Altitude: 820m (2,690ft)

Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Distance: 200 KM

Meals: Break Fast

Accommodation: Hotel

Mode of Transportation: Tourist Bus

Day 3

Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri

Begin your trek from Nayapul, passing through charming villages, rivers, and lush forests. Reach Ulleri after climbing ~3,000 stone steps.

Max Altitude: 1,960m (6,430ft)

Duration: 5-6 Hrs

Distance: 40 KM

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Tea House

Mode of Transportation: Car

Day 4

Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

Trek through rhododendron forests with occasional Himalayan views. Arrive in Ghorepani, the gateway to Poon Hill.

Max Altitude: 2,880m (9,448ft)

Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Distance: 12 KM

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Tea House

Day 5

Hike to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani

Early morning hike to Poon Hill for panoramic sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare. Descend and continue trekking through forests to Tadapani.

Max Altitude: 2,630m (8,628ft)

Duration: 5-6 Hrs

Distance: 14 KM

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Tea House

Day 6

Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk

Descend through terraced fields and traditional Gurung villages, enjoying cultural insights and scenic views. Overnight in Ghandruk.

Max Altitude: 1,940m (6,364ft)

Duration: 5-6 Hrs

Distance: 10 KM

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Tea House

Day 7

Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Trek down to Nayapul, passing through villages and rivers, then drive back to Pokhara for rest and leisure.

Max Altitude: 820m (2,690ft)

Duration: 5-6 Hrs

Distance: 44 KM

Meals: B,L,D

Accommodation: Hotel

Mode of Transportation: Car

Day 8

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Scenic drive back to Kathmandu with mountain and river valley views. Evening free for shopping or cultural exploration.

Max Altitude: 1,300m (4,265ft)

Duration: 6-7 Hrs

Distance: 200 KM

Meals: Break Fast

Accommodation: Hotel

Mode of Transportation: Tourist Bus

Day 9

Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for your flight back home.

Max Altitude: 1,300m (4,265ft)

Duration: 30 Mins

Distance: 4 KM

Meals: Break Fast

Mode of Transportation: Car

Still Confused?

Choosing the right trek in Nepal can be challenging. Our travel experts are here to help you select the best itinerary based on your fitness level, travel dates, and interests. Contact us for clear information about routes, difficulty, permits, seasons, and pricing. We respond quickly and help you plan with confidence.

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Altitude Chart

Cost Details

What’s Included

Airport transfers: Private vehicle for airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
Accommodation in Kathmandu: 3 nights at a 3-star hotel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast.
Kathmandu Valley sightseeing: Sightseeing tour by private vehicle with a professional tour guide.
Transportation: Tourist bus transfers between Kathmandu and Pokhara (round trip).
Accommodation in Pokhara: 2 nights at a 3-star hotel on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast.
Local transportation: Private vehicle transfers between Pokhara and Nayapul (round trip).
Permits and fees: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS card.
Guide service: Experienced English-speaking trekking guide, including all expenses and insurance.
Porter service: 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (carrying 15–20 kg), including all expenses and insurance.
Meals during trek: Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trekking days.
Trekking map: Detailed trekking route map.
Equipment provided: Complimentary sleeping bag and down jacket (to be returned after the trek).
Medical support: Basic first-aid medical kit.
Taxes: All government taxes and service charges included.

What’s Excluded

International airfare: Flights to and from Nepal.
Travel insurance: Personal travel insurance (must include trekking and emergency evacuation).
Nepal visa fees: Visa cost payable on arrival.
Meals in cities: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Extra hotel nights: Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early arrival, flight delays, or unforeseen circumstances.
Entrance fees: Monument and heritage site entrance fees during Kathmandu Valley sightseeing.
Personal expenses: Costs for Wi-Fi, hot showers, hot water, bar bills, charging electronic devices, and laundry.
Tips: Gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers.
Other costs: Any services or expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Dates & Availablity

Fixed Departure is for joining pre-scheduled group departures.

Private Trip is for personalized experiences.

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18 Mar, 2026

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15 Mar, 2026

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23 Mar, 2026

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28 Mar, 2026

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Trip Gallery

Equipment Lists for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

For the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, pack comfortable trekking boots, warm layered clothing, a down jacket, waterproof outerwear, gloves, a warm hat, and sun protection. Carry basic toiletries, personal medications, travel documents, a reusable water bottle, snacks, a sleeping bag, a small daypack, trekking poles, and a headlamp. Keep essentials light and practical for an enjoyable and comfortable trek.

Upper Body Layers

Moisture-wicking T-shirts
Fleece or warm jacket
Down jacket (recommended for cold evenings)
Waterproof and windproof jacket

Lower Body Layers

Trekking pants
Thermal base layer (optional)
Comfortable trousers for evenings

Footwear & Accessories

Sturdy trekking boots (well broken-in)
Lightweight shoes or sandals for lodge use
Trekking socks (wool or synthetic)

Head & Sun Protection

Warm woolen hat or beanie
Sun hat or cap
Sunglasses with UV protection

Personal & Medical Kits

Personal medications
Basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers)
Altitude sickness medicine (if prescribed)

Travel Documents

Passport and Nepal visa
ACAP permit and TIMS card
Travel insurance documents
Extra passport-size photos

Miscellaneous

Camera or smartphone
Power bank and charging cables
Quick-dry towel
Cash (small notes)
Earplugs

Essential Information

Overview

Location: Annapurna Region, Nepal
Trek Duration: 7–9 days
Starting Point: Nayapul (about 1.5 hours from Pokhara)
Ending Point: Pokhara
Maximum Altitude: Poon Hill – 3,193 m
Difficulty Level: Moderate, suitable for beginners and families

Best Time to Trek

Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons and clear skies
Autumn (September–November): Stable weather and spectacular mountain views

Trekking Highlights

Sunrise view from Poon Hill over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare
Traditional Gurung and Magar villages
Lush rhododendron and oak forests
Rivers, waterfalls, and terraced farmlands
Comfortable teahouse accommodation with full board meals

Distance & Duration

Daily Trekking Distance: 8–12 km on average
Daily Trekking Duration: 4–7 hours
Total Trek Distance: ~45–50 km

Accommodation

Kathmandu & Pokhara: 3-star hotels, twin sharing
On Trek: Teahouses or lodges with meals included

Meals

On Trek: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
In Cities: Breakfast included at hotels; other meals on your own

Transportation

Private vehicle airport transfers
Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Private vehicle for Pokhara–Nayapul and return

Permits

ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card

Packing & Gear

Trekking boots and layered clothing
Sleeping bag (provided by us)
Down jacket for high altitudes
Personal items: water bottle, sunscreen, hat, trekking poles

Health & Safety

Moderate altitudes reduce risk of severe altitude sickness
Porter service available (1 porter per 2 trekkers, carrying 15–20 kg)
First aid kit provided

Frequently Asked Questions

I heard the road from Kathmandu to Pokhara is under construction. Is the 10-hour tourist bus journey really worth it, or should I just fly?

As of 2026, the expansion of the Prithvi Highway means the journey can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. While we use "VIP Sofa Buses" for maximum comfort, the dust and traffic can be exhausting. If your budget allows (approx. $100–$120 each way), we recommend flying to save two full days of travel. However, the bus is the "real" Nepal experience and significantly cheaper. We include the bus in our standard package to keep costs transparent, but we can upgrade you to a 25-minute flight upon request.

Is the climb to Ulleri really just thousands of stairs? How do people with bad knees handle the descent later in the trek?

Yes, Day 3 is the 'Stairway to Heaven' (3,200+ steps). It is the most physically taxing day. For the ascent, our guides emphasize a 'slow-is-fast' pace. For the descent on Day 7, knees take the most impact. Mandatory Tip: We strongly advise all trekkers, regardless of age, to use high-quality trekking poles. They reduce the load on your joints by roughly 25%. If you have chronic knee issues, we can adjust the Day 7 route to use a jeep from Ghandruk earlier to minimize the downhill pounding.

Can I rely on a Lifestraw or purification tablets for water, or do I have to keep buying plastic bottles?

Avoid buying single-use plastic. Most villages on this route (Ghandruk, Ghorepani) are now "plastic-free zones." We recommend a reusable bottle + a Grayl filter or UV purifier (like SteriPen). While teahouses sell "Safe Drinking Water" (boiled/filtered) for about $1–$2 per liter, having your own filtration gives you independence. Regarding food, we advise our guests to stick to vegetarian options (like Dal Bhat) above Ulleri. Meat is carried up by porters without refrigeration; staying "veg" on the trail is the best way to avoid the "Himalayan Tummy.

How cold is the 4:00 AM hike to Poon Hill, and is there really a coffee shop at the top?

Expect freezing temperatures (0°C / 32°F) before dawn. Even if it’s warm in Pokhara, the summit hike requires a down jacket, gloves, and a warm hat. And yes, there is a small shack at the top selling tea and coffee! It is expensive (approx. $4–$5 USD), but the warmth is often worth it.

Practical Tip: Bring a headlamp with fresh batteries; the trail is well-marked but rocky, and you will be hiking in total darkness for about 45–60 minutes to catch the first light.

I’m a solo female traveler. Is the Ghorepani/Ghandruk route safe, and what should I expect regarding accommodation privacy?

Nepal is widely regarded as one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. By trekking with one of our licensed guides, you have a dedicated professional to manage logistics and safety. Regarding accommodation: most teahouses offer twin-sharing rooms. If you are solo, you will have a private room (unless it's peak season and the village is at 100% capacity), but toilets and showers are generally communal and located down the hall. We ensure our guides prioritize your comfort and help bridge any cultural gaps in the villages.

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