The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a perfect short trek in Nepal, offering breathtaking sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This easy-to-moderate trek takes you through lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, and panoramic mountain landscapes, making it ideal for beginners and nature lovers alike.
Trip Info
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English
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Feb-May, Sep-Dec
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Bus, Private vehicle
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5-6 hours
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Included
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview:
Best and Affordable Ghorepani Poon hill Trek
Highlights
- Hike through lush rhododendron forests and terraced farms along the trails.
- Witness the enchanting sunrise at Poon Hill, casting a golden glow over the Himalayan peaks.
- Majestic view of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges.
- Immerse Yourself in Gurung Culture at Ghandruk Village
- Breathtaking Himalayan views without extreme altitudes
- Charming teahouse stays along the trekking route
Itinerary
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The journey to Pokhara, which departs around 7:00 am, offers picturesque views along the way.
As you travel, you’ll be treated to stunning landscapes featuring winding rivers and rolling hills, providing a captivating preview of the natural beauty awaiting you in the Annapurna region.
For those who wish to save time and avoid a long drive, we offer the option to take a flight instead. The flight provides a scenic view and a quicker way to reach the starting point of the trek. Please note that this option comes with an additional charge of $90, which covers the cost of the flight. By choosing the flight, you can skip the drive and directly head to the trekking starting point, making your journey more convenient and allowing you to begin your adventure faster.
Our journey begins with a scenic drive out of Pokhara in a private vehicle. After a 2 hours’ drive, we’ll arrive in Birethanti (1,039 m/3,409 ft). Here, we can stretch our legs and energize for the trek ahead with a delightful lunch stop at one of Hile’s (1,495 m/4,905 ft) many charming teahouses.
Hile, a quaint village nestled amidst the hills, boasts a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of shops. But today, its true charm lies in its welcoming teahouses, perfect for savoring a delicious meal and a steaming cup of tea.
After a refreshing break, we’ll continue our adventure with a short uphill hike to Ulleri, a large Magar village. This initial leg is designed to gently introduce you to the rhythm and beauty of trekking in Nepal’s stunning landscapes.
Our trek continues towards Ghorepani, a scenic village at 2,840 meters (9,318 feet). The climb eases from Ulleri, following a rhododendron trail through charming forests.
Keep an eye out for these colorful blooms, especially vibrant during the spring season; March and April.
We’ll stop at Banthanti (2,250 meters/7,382 feet) and Nangethanti (2,460 meters/8,071 feet) before reaching Ghorepani in about an hour.
Rise and shine for an unforgettable pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft). This hour or two hike will be rewarded with a spectacle unlike any other.
As darkness gives way to light, witness the majestic Annapurna range come alive with the colors of sunrise. Poon Hill boasts an unobstructed panorama, offering breathtaking views of the high Himalayas bathed in golden hues.
Keep an eye out for the first flight of the day – a twin-otter plane – flying closely to the Poon Hill viewpoint.
After spending 1-2 hours enthralled by the sunrise spectacle, we retrace our steps back to Ghorepani for a well-deserved hot breakfast.
Refueled and energized, we embark this day’s journey to Tadapani. Be prepared for a series of uphill and downhill sections that test your endurance.
However, the ever-changing scenery and the satisfaction of pushing your limits will make it all worthwhile.
We’ll ascend to Thapla Danda (3,165 m) before turning off on the trail towards Tadapani. This final leg offers stunning mountain vistas, making the effort well worth it.
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast in Tadapani (2,630m) before beginning your trek towards Ghandruk. The trail descends through lush rhododendron and oak forests, offering stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) along the way. The trek takes about 3-4 hours, allowing you to enjoy the peace and beauty of the forested landscapes.
Upon reaching Ghandruk (1,940m), take some time to relax and explore this charming Gurung village. The village offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, and you can visit the local Gurung Museum to learn more about the area’s culture. Enjoy a leisurely lunch while soaking in the panoramic mountain views.
After spending a few hours in Ghandruk, you’ll take a vehicle from Ghandruk to Pokhara. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, giving you a comfortable and scenic journey back to the lakeside city. Arrive in Pokhara by the late afternoon, with plenty of time to unwind by the serene Phewa Lake or explore the lively lakeside area.
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant where your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you.
For those who wish to save time and avoid a long drive, we offer the option to take a flight instead. The flight provides a scenic view and a quicker way to reach the starting point of the trek. Please note that this option comes with an additional charge of $90, which covers the cost of the flight. By choosing the flight, you can skip the drive and directly head to the trekking starting point, making your journey more convenient and allowing you to begin your adventure faster.
On the day of your departure, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the International Airport. Our staff will ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, assisting you with your luggage and providing any last-minute information you may need. Depending on your flight time, you’ll have a comfortable ride to the airport, where you’ll have ample time for check-in and security procedures. As your journey comes to an end, we wish you safe travels and hope you leave Nepal with unforgettable memories.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights) including breakfast
- Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region for 4 nights
- All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including one hot drink and seasonal fruits
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, and locally recruited trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people)
- Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Purified drinking water during the trek using Water Filter or water purification tablets.
- Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara and private tourist vehicle from Pokhara to Birethanti and from ghandruk to pokhara
- duffel/kit bag, trekking map, and trip completion certificate
- A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- All administrative expenses and government taxes
The Cost Excludes
- Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Tips to trekking staff and driver
- Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Personal Trekking gear and equipment
- Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is considered a moderate trek and is suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels. It does not require technical climbing skills.
There are teahouses along the route that provide basic accommodation with shared bathrooms. The rooms are simple, but comfortable, with cozy beds and blankets.
Essential items include comfortable trekking shoes, a warm jacket, waterproof clothing, a hat and gloves, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a water bottle. Don’t forget sunscreen and a first-aid kit.
Yes, teahouses along the trek provide meals and snacks. The food generally includes local dishes such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and noodles. It’s advisable to drink boiled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
Yes, you can extend the trek by combining it with other treks in the Annapurna region and the Mardi Himal Trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems.
Highlights include the sunrise view from Poon Hill, panoramic mountain views, beautiful forests, and traditional villages like Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk.
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