Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 9 days

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Things to Know
  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Altitude 3,210 m
  • Trip Type Trekking/Hiking
  • Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Time Feb-May, Sep-Dec
What You’ll Do
  • Short and easy trek in the Annapurna Region
  • Gentle pace through beautiful rhododendron forests, rivers, waterfalls, and remote villages of Gurung & Magar
  • Excellent accommodation and food facilities along the trail
  • A perfect package for the family trek and people of all age groups
  • Low altitude gain but lifetime trekking experience
  • Witness stretching views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu ranges, along with a tempting sunrise from Poon Hill
  • Spend nights in beautiful Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages
  • Diverse landscapes and adventurous trail

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most rewarding short treks, combining spectacular Himalayan scenery, beautiful rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and warm local hospitality in a relatively easy and accessible journey. Located in the Annapurna region, the trek is a wonderful choice for families, first-time trekkers, and anyone looking for a memorable Himalayan experience without committing to a long and demanding high-altitude trek. The trail winds through lush forests, waterfalls, stone steps, and peaceful Gurung and Magar villages, with breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Nilgiri ranges along the way. The highlight is an early-morning hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, where sunrise slowly illuminates the Himalayan peaks in golden light. Ghorepani (2,874 m) offers a beautiful forested mountain setting, while Ghandruk adds a rich cultural experience through its traditional Gurung homes, local lifestyle, and stunning mountain backdrop. With comfortable accommodation, good food, and flexible options ranging from budget to more comfortable stays, we at Iconic Holiday Nepal arrange the trek with care so you can enjoy the journey without unnecessary stress. The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Ghandruk Trek is more than just a short hike—it is a chance to slow down, meet mountain communities, walk beneath blooming rhododendrons, and create genuine Himalayan memories.

A Classic Viewpoint in the Annapurna Region

Poon Hill, at 3,210 meters, is one of the most popular viewpoints in the Annapurna region, known for its breathtaking sunrise and sweeping views of the Himalayan ranges. From the viewpoint, trekkers can enjoy an impressive panorama of snow-capped peaks, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, along with Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and other surrounding mountains. Reaching Poon Hill is an experience in itself, with the trail passing through rhododendron and oak forests, traditional mountain villages, stone stairways, and scenic landscapes. As the first rays of sunlight touch the Himalayan peaks, the entire landscape changes into warm golden colors, creating one of the most memorable moments of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Itinerary
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  • Altitude1,400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time2-3 days

Welcome to Kathmandu. The Himalayas, terraced fields, and beautiful views of the Kathmandu Valley will welcome you as you approach Kathmandu. After completing customs and immigration formalities, you can find our representative outside the arrival lounge, who will escort you to your hotel. Spend the remaining day unpacking and relaxing. You can explore around your hotel.

  • Altitude1,400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time4-5 days

You will be taken for sightseeing of different cultural sites in Kathmandu as we complete your permit and other formalities. First, we will visit Swayambhunath Temple. The whitewashed stupa at the top of a hill is topped by a golden steeple with four sets of eyes looking in four directions. Then we'll visit Pashupatinath Temple. As only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple, observe the activities from a small viewing deck across the Bagmati River. We then stopped by Bouddhanath Stupa. The main attraction is a huge stonewashed stupa seated on a massive mandala. Engross in the spiritual ambience in the stupa as you circumambulate the stupa's rotating prayer wheels. In the late afternoon, we introduce you to the trek guide, and we do some preparation for the trip.

  • Altitude1,525 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time30 minutes flight, 1-hour drive & 4 hours trek

After an early breakfast, we will drive to Kathmandu domestic airport for a short flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we load our luggage in a private vehicle and drive to Nayapul, where the trek begins. Walk through fertile farms of rice, maize, and millet fields as we slowly climb up. You will reach your destination, which sits on the foot of Ulleri hills, in about three hours. The trail is easy and bustling with visitors. Tirkhedhunga is a small settlement with few teahouses.

  • Altitude2,860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6 hours

After breakfast, we begin walking, following stone stairways. Precisely 3,767 steps will welcome us. It’s a big climb to Ulleri (2,020 m). The climb takes about two and a half hours. Ulleri is a small settlement on the ridge overlooking the valley below. The walk is easy as we pass through wooded trails, terraced fields, and waterfalls cascading by our side. Keep climbing to Nangthanti, where we will have lunch. A climb of around two hours from here will take us to Ghorepani. The village offers spectacular scenery of mountains in the north. In the spring, blooming rhododendrons add magnificent colours to the village.

  • Altitude2,630 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6-7 hours

Big day today! Start early in the morning for a hike to Poon Hill. The hike takes about an hour. If we reach early, wait for the sun to rise. The view of snow-capped mountains glittering in the morning sun is something that will remain in our memory forever. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Himchuli stand out in the mountain range that runs from west to east. There is also a view tower for those who want a better view of the mountains. Grab a cup of hot beverage and immerse in the great spiritual experience that these mountains provide. After spending some time at Poon Hill, we’ll return to our lodge. We'll have breakfast and begin walking toward Tadapani. The trail is full of ups and downs and well-marked. It passes through beautiful rhododendron forests. Before Tadapani, you can see Langur monkeys jumping from trees near the trail. Tadapani is a small settlement with some good teahouses.

  • Altitude1,940 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time4 hours

The trail takes some four hours to reach Ghandruk. That means we can have a leisurely breakfast. The trail is mostly downhill and passes through pine and rhododendron forests. Pass by a small settlement called Bhaisi Kharka where we can take a tea break. Further up, the trail moves through a small tea garden. From here, it’s downhill for around half an hour to Ghandruk. We'll check into our lodge and enjoy lunch. After lunch, we'll visit the Gurung Museum and other local attractions. Ghandruk is a bustling village in the Annapurna Region.

  • Altitude820 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time1-hour trek & 2-hour drive

Wake up early in the morning to watch the sunrise. The view of the western Himalayan mountains will keep us mesmerized. After breakfast, we'll start walking toward Syauli Bazaar. The trail is mostly downhill and takes about an hour. We'll board a waiting car at Syauli Bazar and drive toward Pokhara. We'll reach Pokhara in a couple of hours of drive. We'll spend the evening at Phewa Lake and Lakeside Market.

  • Altitude1,400 m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time30 minutes flight

We'll take an early flight back to Kathmandu. The flight offers great panoramic mountain views. We'll drop you at the hotel in Kathmandu upon landing. The rest of the day is leisure. You can shop for souvenirs and enjoy your last day in Kathmandu as you wish. In the late evening, we see you for a farewell dinner.

    Your trip with us ends on this day. Our airport representatives will transfer you to the Tribhuwan International Airport as per your flight schedule. They will bid you our last goodbye. If you have feedback fell free to write to us.

    Trip Map
    Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 9 days map
    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • Airport pick up & drop by Private Tourist Vehicle
    • Accommodation in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara including breakfast
    • Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in twin-share and dormitory-style rooms
    • All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) with seasonal fruits
    • English-speaking trekking guide
    • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
    • Domestic airfare from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
    • Annapurna Conservation Park Permit and TIMS Permit for trekking
    • All our government taxes, VAT, and Tourist Service Charges
    • Official Expenses
    Excluded
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
    • Nepal Visa Fee | Nepal Visa Information
    • Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
    • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks
    • Personal trekking equipments
    • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected)
    Useful Info

    Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

    The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a relatively easy and rewarding short trek, making it a great choice for first-time trekkers, families, and travelers with basic fitness. The trail reaches around 3,210 meters and usually involves 5–6 hours of walking per day, passing through peaceful forests, traditional villages, stone stairways, rivers, and waterfalls. While the altitude is moderate and previous trekking experience is not necessary, the trail has plenty of uphill and downhill sections, so a little preparation and a steady pace will make the journey more comfortable. The climb from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani, with its long series of stone steps, is generally considered the most demanding section—but the beautiful scenery along the way makes the effort worthwhile.

    Best Season for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

    The best seasons for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is generally pleasant and the Himalayan views are at their best. Mid-April to May is especially beautiful for rhododendron lovers, as the forests around Ghorepani burst into vibrant red, pink, and white blooms. Autumn brings crisp mornings, clear skies, and excellent mountain visibility, while the festive atmosphere of Nepal adds a special cultural touch. The trek is possible in winter and monsoon as well, but colder temperatures, rain, snow, clouds, or slippery trails can make the experience more challenging. For the perfect balance of comfortable trekking, colorful landscapes, clear mountain views, and authentic village experiences, spring and autumn remain the ideal choices.

    FAQs
    • The Ghorepani Poon hill trek is usually 6 days to 9 days long. If you are already in Pokhara, then it'll be a short hike for you. You can extend the Poon hill trek to ABC or other beautiful parts in the Annapurna Region or keep it short as you prefer.

    • Poon Hill Trek is an easy trek. The difficulty level is marked as easy to moderate, which means very doable. Given the good pace of the trail and low elevation gain, Poon Hill trekking is recommended for inexperienced trekkers.

    • There's no road to drive to Ghorepani directly. Ullery may be the option in dry seasons. You will enjoy a short drive from Pokhara through the beautiful landscape to Nayapul / Birethanti and then to Ulleri. From Ulleri, we begin the trek to Ghorepani - Most of the people hike from Nayapul. From Nayapul, you can reach Ghorepani in two days of walking.

    • From Kathmandu, drive or fly to Pokhara. Then you have to drive to Nayapul from Pokhara. It's an hour-long drive. From this point, you can hike towards Poon hill.

    • It's up to you, whether you want to trek with a guide or solo. No doubt, trekking with a local guide makes the journey hassle-free and safe. Because Poon Hill is a famous trekking route and has a well-made trail, you can do this trek without a guide in a group too.

    • From Pokhara, Ghandruk, is located only 55km away. It takes less than two hours to drive from Pokhara to reach Ghandruk. Likewise, if you are in Ghorepani, then you have to descend to Tadapani and walk to Ghandruk village.

    • Poon Hill is known for its gorgeous sunrise and stretching views of the western Himalayan mountains. The trail leading to Poon Hill is also very beautiful, covered with rhododendron forests and other alpine vegetation.

    • The trek package cost depends on two things mostly; what kind of services do you need and what itinerary do you choose? This Poonhill trekking package cost around USD (500 to 900) and go below in a group but it totally depends on whether you take a flight to Pokhara or not. Compared to some other countries, domestic flight cost in Nepal is relatively high, primarily due to geographical and logistical challenges and what kind of hotel is included in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

    • Poon hill is located above the Ghorepani village in the Myagdi and Kaski district, Gandaki Province in Nepal. It is a famous hill station that offers views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

    Client Reviews
    • Lisa T
      Lisa TFranceOct 31, 2024

      Amazing experience in Nepal

      Our first trip in Nepal for me and my family and Upendra did everything for us and even more than expected !!
      He is ver very nice and welcoming, you can trust him for your trek because he is always aware and choose best guide and package for you.

      Thanks to him we had an amazing trip !!! 🙏🏼

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