Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Annapurna Sunrise Trek

Trip Overview

cultural_tour Duration 8 Days
Easy Trip Level Easy
trekking Trip Type Trekking
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 stunning view of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The journey takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests and charming villages where you get the 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 Ghorepani Poon Hill trek commences with a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul along the Pokhara Baglung Highway, and then proceeds towards Ulleri, past Birethanti, 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 trail winds through lush forests adorned with a variety of flora and fauna, including rhododendron and oak trees. The highlight of this Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill to witness the breathtaking sunrise overlooking the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

At an elevation of 3,210 meters Poon Hill provides one of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas such as Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and Dhaulagiri. Watching the sun ascend over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre, bathing the landscape in golden hues, creates an unforgettable spectacle.

After enjoying the sunrise view and having breakfast at Ghorepani,you will continue toward Ghandruk via Tadapani. From Ghandruk, you will take a private 4X4 jeep and drive to Pokhara.

During this 3-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you will experience the lush vegetation of the Annapurna Conservation Area and the panoramic mountain views of the Annapurna Range and other mountains. This trek is suitable for trekkers of all levels, including beginners and families, as it involves moderate hiking over a well-established trail.

The best time to do this trek is during spring and autumn, although it can be done year-round. However, December and January can be challenging due to snow accumulation along the trail, and July and August can also be difficult due to monsoon rains.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

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

Trip Itinerary

Day 1. :

Arrive in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Wind Horse representative will meet and greet you, and transfer you to your hotel. No activities are planned for this day, so you will have the rest of the day at your leisure until the evening.

Later in the evening, your trip guide will meet you and present you with a brief orientation about the trek. After the briefing, you will enjoy dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a cultural performance. 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.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (palace) squares in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square is rich with its intricate wood carving and its history. Also known as the “Musuem of Temples” there are over 50 temples in the square. You will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments.

Following the visit, you will drive to Boudanath Stupa. Boudanath Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and also a World Heritage Site. Boudanath signifies peace and tranquility, and is a Centre of religious and spiritual significance. You will see thousands of pilgrims circumambulating the stupa, you will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries.

Afterward, you will proceed to Pashupatinath Temple. The Pashupatinath temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati river and is one of the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal. The main temple complex is not accessible to non-Hindus, but you can explore around the periphery of the temple complex which is quite large and impressive. Here you will be able to see the holy men, pilgrims and funeral pyres burning at the ghats on the banks of the Bagmati river. Overnight in Kathmandu.

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

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

This morning you will drive to Pokhara in a private vehicle. 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 from Pokhara to Ulleri - Trek to Ghorepani

The journey from Pokhara involves a drive along the Pokhara Baglung highway to Nayapul, at Nayapul you will take a diversion towards north and drive to Ulleri.

The drive goes through beautiful landscape past the villages of Birenthanti, Tikhedhunga, to Ulleri , where you will begin your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Today’s hike is a short one, it will take about 3 hours to reach Ghorepani from Ulleri .

The trail goes through thick forest, past waterfalls, rivers and guest houses with the views of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli along the way. Ghorepani is a large village with a number of guest houses and tea houses and a popular stop over for trekkers in this region. Overnight in Ghorepani.

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

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2880m
Duration Duration: 3hrs drive, Approx. 50kms/3-4hrs trek, Approx. 8kms
Day 5. :

Hike to Poon Hill-Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani

Starting early before dawn allows you to witness the gradual unveiling of the stunning scenery as the sun rises, casting its golden hues upon the snow-capped peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and South Annapurna.

Poon Hill is considered to be one of the best view points in Nepal. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the Poon Hill viewpoint (3210m), it is a steep ascent all the way from Ghorepani. The panoramic vista from Poon Hill is truly awe-inspiring and well worth the early start. The view point rewards you with the panoramic views of the Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurnas as the sun rises.

This is the highlight of this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. After taking in the beautiful mountain scenery, you will retrace back to Ghorepani for breakfast. After breakfast, you leave Ghorepani and continue along the ridge through pine and rhododendron forests towards Deurali (3130m) .

From Deurali, it is gradual decent passing by stunning waterfalls, gurgling streams, and lush forests to Banthanti. The last section of the hike just before arriving at Tadapani village is a steep uphill climb. Overnight in Tadapani.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 3210m at Poon Hill/2690m at Tadapani
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs, Approx. 11kms including Poon Hilll
Day 6. :

Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk-Drive to Pokhara

Enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayas with your breakfast, after breakfast you will begin your hike towards Ghandruk village. Today is a short and easy trek, the hike is over a short flat walk and then and easy descent to Ghandruk village with views of the Annapurna ranges along the way.

Ghandruk village is a large Gurung village with a Gurung museum and one of the best views of the Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. You will explore around the village and visit the Gurung museum. And after lunch at Ghandruk, you will drive to Pokhara in a private vehicle. Overnight in Pokhara.

If you wish you can extend one night in Ghandruk village and drive to Pokhara on the next day.

Accomodation: Waterfront Resort
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Altitude Altitude: 822m
Duration Duration: 3hrs, Approx. 6kms/3-4hrs drive
Day 7. :

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 drive
Day 8. :

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.
    • 2 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.
    • 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.