Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
-
Group Size1 -
RegionAnnapurna
-
GeographyMountain/ Forest/ Village/ Glaciers
-
DifficultyEasy
-
Max Altitude3210m
-
AccommodationHotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge
-
TransportationHotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge
Ghorepani Poonhill is one of the most exciting and enjoyable treks in Nepal. It is a relatively easy trek which is more inclined towards enjoying the beautiful environment and ethnic villages. Ghorepani Poonhill combines the beautiful scenery from the rhododendron forest and breathtaking views of the Himalayas on the backdrop.
The trek starts from Nayapul, which is a 1-2 hour drive from Pokhara. From Nayapul, you will trek through the beautiful villages of Tikhedhunga and Ulleri, which are surrounded by lush forests and offer stunning views of the Annapurna range.
The trek package not only allows you the opportunity to enjoy the exquisite views of giant snowcapped summits like Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna (8091m) but also allows to explore the local villages and be a part of the local culture. The Gurung villages are fascinating as they are the villages of the “Gorkha Warrior ’’clan.
In a short stay, you can explore the tourist hubs of Kathmandu and Pokhara, beautiful mountains, local eateries, and ethnic villages and enjoy the real beauty of Nepal. With constant guidance from the trek guides and vast knowledge regarding every corner of the trek, Ghorepani-Poonhill trek we organize is well facilitated to make your stay pleasurable.
Overall, the Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is a great introduction to trekking in the Annapurna region and offers some of the best views of the Himalayas in Nepal.
Traveling with Amble Himalaya provides you the best trekking experience. With intimate relations with the locals and expert trek guides in the field, we make sure that every day of your stay is memorable.
Trip Highlights
- The Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is an amazing trekking experience that offers many highlights, some of which include:
- Breathtaking views: The trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
- Sunrise from Poon Hill: Watching the sunrise from Poon Hill is one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trek. The first rays of sunlight painting the snow-capped mountains in golden hues is truly magical.
- Beautiful villages: The trek passes through many beautiful villages, including Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. These villages offer a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Gurung and Magar communities.
- Rhododendron forests: The trek passes through lush rhododendron forests, which are in full bloom during the spring season. The vibrant colors of the flowers are a sight to behold.
- Warm hospitality: The people of the Annapurna region are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards trekkers. You will have the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about their culture and way of life.
- Easy accessibility: The trek is easily accessible from the city of Pokhara, which is a popular tourist destination in Nepal. The trailhead at Nayapul is only a 1-2 hour drive from Pokhara.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Nayapul from Pokhara and trek to Hile
Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 03: Trek to Poonhill and back to Nayapul then drive to Pokhara
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Itinerary
After breakfast in Pokhara, you will take a private vehicle or a public bus to Nayapul, which takes about 1-2 hours. Nayapul is the starting point of the trek and is located at an altitude of 1,070 meters above sea level. From Nayapul, you will trek along the Modi Khola river and pass through several small villages like Birethanti and Ramghai before reaching Tikhedhunga. From Tikhedhunga, the trail becomes steeper and you will climb up a staircase with over 3,000 steps to reach Ulleri, a beautiful Magar village located at an altitude of 2,070 meters. After a short break in Ulleri, you will continue trekking through rhododendron and oak forests to reach the village of Hile. Hile is located at an altitude of 1,495 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You will spend the night in a teahouse in Hile.
-
Trek Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
-
Highest Altitude:425 meters (1,394 feet)
-
Treks Duration: 4-5 hours
After breakfast, you will start trekking towards Ghorepani. The trail passes through lush forests and several small villages like Banthanti and Nangethanti. You will also cross several small streams and waterfalls along the way. As you climb higher, you will begin to notice the change in the vegetation, with rhododendron forests giving way to pine forests. You will reach Ghorepani, a beautiful village located at an altitude of 2,850 meters, in the afternoon. Ghorepani is a popular stop for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You will spend the night in a teahouse in Ghorepani.
-
Trek Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
-
Highest Altitude:1,355 meters (4,446 feet)
-
Treks Duration: 6-7 hours
On day 3, you will wake up early and hike to Poon Hill to witness the sunrise over the Himalayas. The hike to Poon Hill takes around 1 hour from Ghorepani. After spending some time at Poon Hill, you will return to Ghorepani for breakfast before hiking back down to Nayapul. The hike from Ghorepani to Nayapul takes around 7-8 hours and involves a steep descent. Once you reach Nayapul, you will take a private vehicle back to Pokhara, which is around 1.5 hours' drive away.
-
Trek Distance: 32km
-
Highest Altitude:3210 meters
-
Treks Duration: 7-8 hours
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Included
- Pick up and drop off from/to Pokhara by private transportation
- TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permits
- Accommodation in teahouses or lodges during the trek
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Experienced trekking guide and porter(s) (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Salary, food, accommodation, and insurance for the guide and porter(s)
- Basic first aid kit
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Excluded
- Accommodation and meals in Pokhara or Kathmandu
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal expenses like snacks, drinks, and souvenirs
- Tips for the guide and porter(s) (optional)
Packing List
Clothing:
- Hiking boots/shoes
- Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Waterproof and windproof pants
- Warm hat or beanie
- Lightweight gloves
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
Trekking gear:
- Backpack (30-40 liters)
- Sleeping bag (rated for 0-5°C)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Water bottle or hydration system (minimum 2 liters)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- First-aid kit (including any personal medications)
Toiletries:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags (for waste disposal)
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
Miscellaneous:
- Camera and spare batteries/SD cards
- Power bank and charging cables
- Snacks (energy bars, nuts, etc.)
- Cash (Nepalese rupees)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Passport and necessary permits (TIMS and ACAP)
Remember to pack light and only carry essentials. Your backpack should not weigh more than 10-12 kgs. You can also hire a porter to carry your backpack for you if needed.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek FAQ's
Ghorepani Poonhill trek does not require previous trekking experience and is suitable for people of all age groups who are moderately fit. Some physical fitness activities such as running, swimming and walking are recommended before your Ghorepani Poonhill trek. People with pre-existing medical conditions must seek advice from their doctors before considering the trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort, but you will be acclimatized throughout the trek.
For airport pick up and drop off, and Kathmandu visit we use private vehicles of various categories such as cars, vans, micro, bus etc., depending on the size of the group. We take a domestic flight from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
ATM and credit card facilities can be used in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trek itself, you need to have some cash with you as ATM services are not available in the remote villages, and payment is only acceptable in cash.
You should carry Nepalese Rupees on the trek as teahouses will never accept foreign currencies. You’ll be only spending for hot showers, charging batteries, additional drinks and snacks, and the purchase of curios. Please note that it is illegal to purchase antiques in Nepal.
Sure. You can stay as long as you want. We feel a holiday should not be concluded until you feel content. As per your request, we can add some days to your trip with additional costs to cover guides, hotel, transportation, and other expenses.
There are teahouses and lodges available along the trail that offer basic accommodation and meals. The accommodation is simple but comfortable, and most of them have hot showers and charging facilities.
You should pack warm clothes, a good pair of hiking boots, a raincoat, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a camera. It is also recommended to carry some cash for emergency purposes and to buy food and drinks along the way.
No, it is not mandatory, but it is recommended to hire a guide or porter to assist you during the trek, especially if you are not familiar with the trail or the altitude. They can also help carry your backpack and make your trek more comfortable.
-
Group Size1
-
RegionAnnapurna
-
GeographyMountain/ Forest/ Village/ Glaciers
-
DifficultyEasy
-
Max Altitude3210m
-
AccommodationHotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge
-
TransportationHotel/ Guesthouse/ Lodge
