Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek- 9days

Tour Info

Trip code

E-030

Starting Point/ End Point

kathmandu

Accommodations

Lodge/ Tea House

Max Altitude

3,210m

Duration

9 days

country

Trip grade

Moderate

Best Season

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

Highlights

  • Embark on the picturesque Gorapani Poon Hill Trek amidst the enchanting Annapurna region in Nepal.
  • Relish the scenic tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa.
  • Visit the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.
  • Hike among the scenic mountain villages of Tikhedunga, Gorepani, Tadapani and Tolka.
  • Get up early and hike to Poon Hill Viewpoint situated at 3,210 meters altitude to see the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayan range.
  • Marvel at the spectacular views of mountains such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri,
  • Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli and others around.
  • Walk through the scenic rhododendron forests and beautiful green surroundings.
  • Meet with the amazing cultures of traditional villages like the Gurung and Magar villagers and learn about their interesting way of life.
  • Admire the wonderful sights of the beautiful terraced farms, waterfalls, rivers and valleys of the mountain ranges.
  • Explore the wonderful hiking routes of Gorepani and Tadapani.
  • Enjoy the peacefulness of the Annapurna area without being interrupted by the interruptions caused by urban environments.
  • Observe the shift in scenery while taking the tour through the forests, villages, farms, and mountains.
  • Familiarize yourself with the warm welcome that the people have given you in their customary tea houses.
  • Go through the scenic drive from Pokhara to the trailhead.
  • Join in one of the most desired short treks in Nepal. 

Overview

Ghorepani Poon Trek is an adventurous 9-day trek that will take you through the scenic Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek starts with a scenic road drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu and then continues on towards Nayapul, which is considered the beginning of your trekking trip. Then you will walk past the scenic villages of Tikedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Tolka along with the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. The other major activity on this trek is the early morning hike up to the Poon Hill (3,210 m), which offers you a wonderful view of the sunrise on the majestic range of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains. On this tour, you would also walk through the forests of rhododendron, terraced fields of farming, villages, and the picturesque landscapes of the mountains. In addition, you would learn about the culture of the Gurung and Magar people, and eventually this trek concludes at Pokhara City.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, Trek Briefing and Welcome Dinner

Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from our trek team will greet us and escort us to our hotel, where we will be staying during the first two days. Here, you shall take some time to rest after an exhaustive journey to the place of the destination. Following that, you will attend a brief meeting with your guide and the rest of the trekking team in which you will receive information concerning the route, the walking program for each day, accommodation, diet, safety measures and others regarding your trek. On the same day in the evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner of Nepali cuisine. It will be an excellent chance for you to taste the local delicacies of Nepal and meet the trekking team members before setting out for your adventure to the Annapurna region.

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 5–6 kilometers
  • Travel Hours: 20–30 minutes by car
  • Meal: Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist Bus

Post-breakfast, you will set off from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus. It is a picturesque journey that takes you through the charming landscapes of Nepal, with winding roads, green hills, farms, river valleys, forests, and traditional villages along the way. On clear days, you can enjoy scenic views of the Himalayan ranges, including South Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other surrounding peaks. You will leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu Valley behind and savor the natural beauty of central Nepal. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and unwind. Pokhara is a lovely lakeside city and serves as a gateway to many treks in the Annapurna region. During the evening, you can take a stroll around the Lakeside area or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Phewa Lake. 

  • Max Elevation: 822 meters (2,697 feet)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 200 kilometers
  • Travel Hours: 6–8 hours by drive
  • Meal: Breakfast
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedunga

On this day, you will drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, from where you will begin your trekking journey. During the drive to Nayapul, which takes a few hours, you will witness amazing views of green hills, paddy fields, rivers, and traditional villages. On clear days, you can also enjoy beautiful mountain views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), South Annapurna, and Hiunchuli rising above the surrounding landscape. From Nayapul, you will start walking along the trail to Tikhedunga. The trail passes through charming villages and agricultural land, gradually acquainting you with the beautiful scenery of the Annapurna region. Along the way, you will pass through lush surroundings and local communities while experiencing the traditional rural lifestyle of the mountains. After walking for a few hours, you will arrive at Tikhedunga and settle into a local teahouse. 

  • Max Elevation: 1,540 meters (5,052 feet)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 35 kilometers drive + 10–12 kilometers trek
  • Travel Hours: 1.5–2 hours drive + 4–5 hours trek
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Trek to Gorepani

Following breakfast, you will begin your trek towards Gorepani, one of the most popular villages along the Poon Hill trail. For the first around two hours, you will walk uphill on stone steps to reach Ulleri Village. After reaching Ulleri, the trail continues gradually uphill, but the ascent becomes more gradual compared to the initial staircase section. The trail passes through beautiful rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, traditional villages, and terraced farmland, offering a pleasant trekking experience amid the natural beauty of the Annapurna region.
As you continue towards Gorepani, you will gradually gain altitude while enjoying occasional views of the surrounding hills and Himalayan peaks through the forests. Upon reaching Gorepani, you will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful mountain views, including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, South Annapurna, and other surrounding peaks on clear days. You will then check into your hotel and have some time to rest and explore the village, as you will wake up early the following morning for the famous sunrise from Poon Hill.

  • Max Elevation: 2,860 meters (9,383 feet)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 12–13 kilometers
  • Travel Hours: 6–7 hours trek
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill for Sunrise and Trek to Tadapani

This is one of the key highlights of the trekking trip. You will get up early in the morning before breakfast and hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint at an altitude of 3,210 meters. From here, you will witness the first rays of the sun illuminating the magnificent Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. You can enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak, and other surrounding Himalayan peaks. After enjoying the sunrise and taking photographs, you will return to Gorepani for breakfast.
After breakfast, you will continue your trek towards Tadapani Village, a beautiful mountain settlement surrounded by dense rhododendron forests. The trail passes through several areas covered with colorful rhododendron trees, along with pine and oak forests, making this section particularly scenic during the blooming season. As you walk through the forest, you will get beautiful and increasingly close views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other Himalayan peaks appearing between the trees. After several hours of walking through the peaceful forests and mountain landscapes, you will arrive at Tadapani, where you can rest and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

  • Max Elevation: 2,630 meters (Tadapani village)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 11–12 kilometers
  • Travel Hours: 6–7 hours trek
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Trek to Tolka

Following breakfast, you will gradually descend from Tadapani towards the famous and beautiful Ghandruk Village, one of the most popular traditional Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region. The trail descends through lush greenery, rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and peaceful mountain landscapes. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains, including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other surrounding peaks.
Upon reaching Ghandruk, you will have the opportunity to explore this charming Gurung village and experience its rich local culture and traditional way of life. You will visit the Gurung Cultural Museum, housed in a traditional-style building, where you can learn about the history, culture, customs, clothing, and lifestyle of the Gurung community. You can also stroll through the village, admire the traditional stone houses, and interact with the local people. The combination of spectacular mountain views, traditional architecture, and rich Gurung culture makes Ghandruk one of the highlights of the Annapurna trekking route.

  • Max Elevation: Approximately 1,790 meters (5,873 feet)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 12–13 kilometers
  • Travel Hours: 5–6 hours trek
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Trek to Kande, Drive Back to Pokhara and Explore Pokhara

After breakfast, you will start the final trek of the journey which takes around 2 hours to get to Pitam Deurali which lies at 2100m. Then we gradually descend downhill till we reach Kande. The trail leads through forests, local villages, and terraced farms, giving you an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. When you are getting closer to Kande, you will start leaving the trekking trails and finishing your journey in the foothills of Annapurna. You will then be driven to Pokhara by a scenic drive. Once you get settled in the hotel, you will be free for a relaxing day. There are many places in Pokhara that you can visit, for example, Phewa Lake and the Lakeside region. You will surely like relaxing in Pokhara after long hours of trekking.

  • Max Elevation: Approximately 1,770 meters (5,807 feet)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 8–10 kilometers trek + 30 kilometers drive
  • Travel Hours: 4–5 hours trek + 1–1.5 hours drive
  • Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Drive Back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus

After breakfast, you will be taken to Kathmandu by the tourist bus. This will be done using the scenic route of Nepal’s highways, passing through numerous green hills, terraced fields, rivers, forests, and villages. During your journey, you can relax and have some time to enjoy the changing scenery and recollect the great adventure of your Gorepani Poon Hill Trek. You will arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon and check into your hotel. During the remaining part of the day, you can relax in your hotel or explore the area.

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 200 kilometers
  • Travel Hours: 6–8 hours by drive
  • Meal: Breakfast
Day 9: Final Departure

Today also signals the conclusion of your trek to Poon Hill via Gorepani. According to your flight schedule, you can either use the remaining part of the day for resting at the hotel or visiting one or two of the nearby landmarks. On the day of your departure, we shall arrange for our representative to transfer you from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight. You will be leaving Nepal with beautiful memories of witnessing the magnificent sunrise at Poon Hill, the amazing scenery of the Himalayas, mountain villages, forests, and hospitality from locals throughout the trip.

  • Max Elevation: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
  • Travel Distance: Approximately 5–6 kilometers
  • Travel Hours: 20–30 minutes by car
  • Meal: Breakfast

Trek Route

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek- 9days route image

What's included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • 2 Nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
  • Tourist bus transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Private transportation between Pokhara and Nayapul/Kande.
  • Teahouse accommodation throughout the trek.
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and full-board meals during the trek.
  • Licensed and experienced trekking guide.
  • Porter service.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • TIMS Card.
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Government taxes and service charges.
  • Basic first aid kit.

What's excluded

  • International airfares and visa charges in Nepal.
  • Travel insurance and medical insurance.
  • Trekking gear and clothing.
  • Midday and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Personal expenditures such as snacks, beverages, internet, hot showers, and laundry.
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Helicopter or other evacuation in case of emergency.
  • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
  • Other costs arising from unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, landslides, harsh weather conditions, and political unrest.
  • Any activity or service that is not included in the cost inclusions list.

Packing List

Since the Gorepani Poon Hill Trek reaches Poon Hill at 3,210m, you should pack for changing weather, cool mornings, and comfortable walking conditions. Make sure that you keep your primary luggage light and bring along with you only the necessities in your daypack.

Clothing

  • Moisture-wicking T-shirts
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Thermal base layers
  • Fleece jacket or warm sweater
  • Lightweight down or insulated jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Trekking pants
  • Comfortable hiking trousers
  • Thermal leggings or base-layer bottoms
  • Underwear
  • Sports or woolen socks
  • Warm hat or beanie
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Lightweight gloves

Footwear

  • Comfortable and durable trekking shoes
  • Lightweight sandals or camp shoes
  • Extra pairs of trekking socks
  • Gaiters in case of snow or rain

Trekking Gear

  • Comfortable daypack
  • Duffel bag to hold all your main belongings
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag
  • Headlamp and extra batteries
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder
  • Sunglasses
  • Backpack rain cover
  • Waterproof bags/dry bags for valuables and clothing

Personal and Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Shampoo
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and tissues
  • Wet wipes
  • Lip balm
  • Moisturizer
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Small personal mirror

Sun and Skin Protection

  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • UV protection sunglasses
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Lightweight moisturizer

First Aid and Medication

  • Personal prescription medicines
  • Basic painkillers
  • Bandages and adhesive tape
  • Blister treatment
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Basic medication for stomach problems
  • ORS or electrolyte packets
  • Small first aid kit

Documents and Money

  • Passport
  • Nepal visa and travel documents
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Trekking permits and TIMS documents
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Copies of necessary documents
  • Nepali rupees in cash
  • Credit/debit card

Electronics

  • Mobile phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers and charging cables
  • Power bank
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Spare batteries or memory cards

Snacks and Hydration

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Water purification tablets or filter
  • Energy bars
  • Nuts and dried fruits
  • Chocolate
  • Electrolyte or hydration powder

Optional Items

  • Binoculars
  • Book or e-reader
  • Journal and pen
  • Trekking towel
  • Earplugs
  • Small travel pillow
  • Camera tripod
  • Portable solar charger

Frequently Asked Questions

How tough is the Gorepani Poon Hill Trek?

The trek to Poon Hill has been deemed moderate and is ideal for people who are physically fit. It is not necessary to have any prior experience of mountaineering or trekking at high altitudes. People who are capable of walking hours every day on rugged terrain, stone steps, and uphill routes should join this adventurous trek.

What is the best season for the Gorepani Poon Hill Trek?

There are two best seasons for the Gorepani Poon Hill Trek: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). In this period, the weather is more stable, skies are clear, and it will be easier to see mountains. Spring season is also good as the trail is filled with blooming rhododendrons. Autumn will provide cool weather and beautiful views of the Himalayas. The trek is also feasible during winter and monsoon season, but weather may affect your trip.

What is the highest elevation point on the route?

The highest elevation point on the route is Poon Hill at 3,210m (10,531 feet). You will have to make an early morning hike and go to the viewpoint to see the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Despite reaching above 3,000 meters, the trek is not associated with the high altitude of longer trips in the Himalayas.

Do I require prior trekking experience to do this trek?

No, it is not mandatory that one should have prior trekking experience in order to go on the Gorepani Poon Hill Trek. This is quite a moderate trek that can be done by beginners provided they are physically fit enough to trek for a number of days. There are some points where you might get very steep stairs to climb, like the ones in Tikhedunga and Gorepani. It is essential to practice walking before going on a trekking adventure.

What type of accommodation will I get while trekking?

While trekking, there will be different teahouses and lodges where you can stay. The rooms in these places will usually consist of comfortable and modest accommodation facilities like twin-bedded rooms and bathrooms. Kathmandu and Pokhara accommodation is generally provided in standard hotels. Facilities become more basic as you move deeper into the trekking region, so it is useful to carry essential personal items with you.

What permits are required for the Gorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Normally, trekkers require an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card when going for the Gorepani Poon Hill Trek. Such permits assist in regulating trekking activities and developing conservation as well as tourism in the Annapurna region. In case you book the trek with a trekking agency, then the trekking agency would be able to organize the necessary permits for you prior to starting the trekking aspect of the journey.

What will I see in the Gorepani Poon Hill Trek?

The trek features a blend of mountains, forests, villages, terraced fields, and culture. The biggest attraction in this trek is the view of the sunrise from Poon Hill, as there is no doubt that you will get to enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. You will trek through rhododendron forests and some villages such as Tikhedunga, Gorepani, Tadapani, and Tolka.

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