Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Annapurna Sunrise Trek

Trip Overview

cultural_tour Duration 10 Days
Easy Trip Level Easy
trekking Trip Type Trekking
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included Trekking
best Best Months March, April, May, October, November

best Good Months January, February, September, December

best Lean Months June, July, August

accommodations Accommodation In village lodge/guest house during the trek and in 3-4* category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
meals Meals All meals during the trek, only breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
seasons Best Seasons Throughout the year, best during spring and autumn

Trip Highlights

    • Experience the cultural variations with the panoramic Himalayan scenario.
    • Enjoy the majestic sunrise and sunset view from Poon Hill.
    • Gain insight into the culture and tradition of the Gurung and the Magar people.
    • Visit the monastery and Gurung museum.

Trip Description

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a relatively short and comparatively easy trek that traverses the foothills of the Annapurna region. This trek offers an opportunity to immerse in the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung and Magar ethnic communities, allowing interactions with locals, experiencing their traditions, and witnessing their lifestyle.

The trail winds through lush forests adorned with a variety of flora and fauna, including rhododendron and oak trees. The highlight is the panoramic view from Poon Hill at sunrise. Watching the sun ascend over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre, bathing the landscape in golden hues, creates an unforgettable spectacle.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek commences with a brief drive from Pokhara to Nayapul along the Pokhara Baglung Highway, and then proceeds to Tikhedhunga. The trail traverses through villages such as Ulleri and Nangethati before eventually reaching Ghorepani. The trail follows the Annapurna Panorama Trek until Tadapani and then diverges towards Ghandruk village.

The highlight of this trek is a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) to witness the breathtaking sunrise overlooking the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The panoramic vista encompasses peaks such as Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, among others.

After enjoying the sunrise view and having breakfast at Ghorepani,you will continue toward Ghandruk via Tadapani. From Ghandruk, the trail descends, passing through terraced fields and villages alongside the Modi Khola River, eventually reaching Syauli Bazaar. At Syauli Bazaar, you will board into a private vehicle and drive to Pokhara.

Outline itinerary

Day 1. Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2. In Kathmandu
Day 3. Drive to Pokhara
Day 4. Drive to Tikhedhunga-Trek to Ulleri
Day 5. Trek to Ghorepani
Day 6. Hike to Poon Hill-Trek to Tadapani
Day 7. Trek to Ghandruk
Day 8. Trek to Syauli Bazaar-Drive to Pokhara
Day 9. Drive to Kathmandu
Day 10. Departure

Trip Itinerary

Day 1. :

Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Wind Horse representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure until the evening. Later in the evening, there will be a briefing followed by dinner, along with a cultural performance, at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Nepali Ghar Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 1350m
Day 2. :

In Kathmandu

Today, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

At Kathmandu Durbar Square, you will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments. Following that, you will drive to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Here, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries. Afterward, you will proceed to the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. The evening is free for you to shop for any last supplies or gear needed for your upcoming trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Nepali Ghar Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude Altitude: 1350m
Duration Duration: 6hrs
Day 3. :

Drive to Pokhara

The drive to Pokhara is a picturesque journey that unveils the stunning beauty of the Nepalese countryside. Meandering along the riverbanks, the route showcases quaint local villages, terraced farmlands, and the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas. Upon reaching Pokhara, you can take the opportunity to unwind at the hotel or explore around the lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.

 

The drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara usually takes around 6-7 hours, but the duration can vary depending on traffic and the road condition.

Accomodation: Waterfront Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude Altitude: 822m
Duration Duration: 6-7 hrs, 201 kms
Day 4. :

Drive to Tikhedhunga-Trek to Ulleri

The journey from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga involves a drive along the Pokhara Baglung highway, passing through scenic landscapes before reaching Tikhedhunga. This is the starting point for the Annapurna Panorama Trek.

Starting from Tikhedhunga, you’ll hike along the Bhurungdi Khola valley. Crossing over the Bhurungdi Khola, it is a challenging uphill climb of about 3,000 stone steps leading to the village of Ulleri. Ulleri is a beautiful village located at an elevation along the trail, offering a glimpse of the local culture, traditional houses, and stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Ulleri.

The section of the drive from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga is over a dirt road, to avoid the dust and the traffic, we will drive until Tikhedhunga and begin our trek to Ulleri.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2050m
Duration Duration: 2hrs drive/3hrs trek
Day 5. :

Trek to Ghorepani

After departing from Ulleri, the trail ascends gradually through a forest of rhododendron , Nepal’s national flower. During the spring season, these woodlands transform into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors as the rhododendrons bloom, casting a magical atmosphere along the path.

As you continue climbing higher, the views become more breathtaking, offering glimpses of the snowcapped peaks such as the Annapurna South, Nilgiri South, and other surrounding mountains.

After crossing the Nange Thati River, you will proceed toward Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a popular stopover, known for its stunning views, particularly during sunrise from Poon Hill. Overnight in Ghorepani.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2874 m
Duration Duration: 5hrs, Approx. 10.5kms
Day 6. :

Trek to Tadapani

Before dawn, you will embark on a hike to Poon Hill (3210m) to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayan peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri South, and Annapurna I.

Once you’ve enjoyed the beauty of the sunrise and the panoramic vistas, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast, continue your journey towards Tadapani. The trail winds through lush forests, showcasing diverse flora and fauna along the way. Overnight in Tadapani

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 3210m at Poon Hill/2630m at Tadapani
Duration Duration: 5hrs, Approx. 8kms
Day 7. :

Trek to Ghandruk

Leaving Tadapani, you will descend through rhododendron and oak forests with the sounds of birds on the way to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a large village inhabited by the Gurung tribe. You will explore the traditional handicraft center and the Gurung museum, which will provide with a valuable insights into Gurung heritage, crafts, and their way of life. Overnight in Ghandruk

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2012m
Duration Duration: 4hrs, Approx. 9kms
Day 8. :

Trek to Syauli Bazaar-Drive to Pokhara

After breakfast, descend downhill through terraced rice fields, with the beautiful views of the landscape, until you reach Syauli Bazaar. At Syauli Bazaar, you will board a private vehicle and drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

 

Accomodation: Waterfront Resort
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Altitude Altitude: 822m
Duration Duration: 2hrs trek, 2hrs drive
Day 9. :

Drive to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will retrace your drive to Kathmandu. On arrival check into your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or go shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Nepali Ghar Hotel
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Duration Duration: 6-7 hrs
Day 10. :

Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast

Included

    • All transfers by private vehicle.
    • 5 nights accommodation in 3-4* category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
    • 4 nights’ accommodation in a tea house during the trek with an attached bathroom where possible.
    • Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
    • Three standard meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) during the trek.
    • 3 hot drinks (coffee/tea) after every meal during the trek.
    • One welcome dinner with a cultural performance in Kathmandu.
    • 1 full day guided city tour in Kathmandu.
    • English-speaking licensed trekking guide along with a porter (1 porter for every two trekkers).
    • First aid kit, duffel bag, and trekking map.
    • Trekking staff accommodation, wages, meals, trekking gears, and insurance.
    • All necessary paperwork and permits for the trek (ACAP/TIMS).
    • All government tax and service charges.

Not included

    • Nepal Visa.
    • International airfare.
    • Meals other than listed (lunch and dinner).
    • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, bar, beverages).
    • Bottled/boiled water, battery recharge, Wi-Fi and hot showers during the trek.
    • Tips and gratuities to Guide, Porter and driver.
    • Travel medical insurance covering rescue and emergency evacuation.
    • Personal trekking gears and equipments.
    • Trip cancellation cost due to your health, weather condition, political situation, and any other unforeseen events.
    • Any other expenses other than the listed above.