Region: |
Annapurna |
Max-Altitude: |
3,210m/10,528ft |
Duration: |
6 Days |
Trek Grade: |
Easy |
Transportation: |
Flight, Bus, Jeep, Van |
Best Season: |
Oct to Dec, Feb to May |
Trekking Style: |
Tea House |
Group Size: |
Min 2 to Max 12Pax |
Nepal, a small Himalayan nation nestled between China and India, is a paradise
for trekkers. With its majestic mountains, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural
heritage, it offers a unique and unforgettable trekking experience. One of the
most popular treks in Nepal is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. This trek takes you
through picturesque villages, lush rhododendron forests, and offers breathtaking
views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek typically begins from the city of Pokhara,
known as the gateway to the Annapurna region. After a scenic drive to Nayapul,
the starting point of the trek, you embark on an adventure that will take you
through terraced fields, charming villages, and dense forests. The trail gradually
ascends, allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Nepal offers an incredible journey through
breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and majestic mountain views.
With its well-maintained trails and abundant natural beauty, it is no wonder
that this trek is on the bucket list of many avid trekkers. So, lace up your
boots, embrace the adventure, and discover the magic of trekking in Nepal!
Highlights of the trek
1. Stunning Sunrise at Poon Hill: The highlight of this trek is undoubtedly
the sunrise view from Poon Hill. As you climb up to the viewpoint in the
early morning hours, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the sun rising
over the snow-capped peaks. It is a sight that will leave you spellbound.
+ Magnificent views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
+ Spectacular play of colors as the sun illuminates the mountains
+ Perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts.
2. Cultural Immersion: Along the trekking trail, you will encounter several
ethnic communities such as Gurungs and Magars. These friendly locals warmly
welcome trekkers into their homes and offer insights into their traditional
way of life. You can witness their unique customs, taste local delicacies,
and even participate in traditional dance performances.
+ Experience the warm hospitality of the locals
+ Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Nepal
+ Traditional Nepali cuisine.
3. Rhododendron Forests: The trail passes through enchanting rhododendron
forests, especially vibrant during the spring season. The blooming flowers
create a riot of colors, adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Walking through these forests is like stepping into a fairytale.
+ Enjoy the beauty of Nepal's national flower
+ Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forests
+ Capture stunning photographs amidst the vibrant blooms.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
DAY 1 - Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Nayapul, Nayapul to Hille
Altitude: 1475m/4838ft (Hille)
Flight time: 25 min from Kathmandu
Drive time: 1:30 hours from Pokhara
Walking time: 3 hours trek
The day starts with a transfer to Nayapul which is about one hour drive from Pokhara,
where we'll take the first steps of our trek. The walking is easy at this stage, as we
stroll through the Modi Khola and Bhurungdi River Valley. We trek to the small village of Hile to
spend the night.
DAY 2 - Hile to Ghorepani Deurali
Altitude: 2800m/9184ft
Walking time: 6-7 hours
From Hile we walk to Tikhedunga and we'll cross a stream as the warm up to ascending the steep
stone staircase to the scenic, quaint Magar Village at Ulleri. After lunch, our route wends
through glorious blooms of rhododendron and imposing oak forests. We'll move slightly upwards
in the direction of Nangethanti before scaling towards Ghorepani for dinner and sleep.
DAY 3 - Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Tadapani
Altitude: 3210m/10528ft (Poon Hill), 2600m/8528ft (Tadapani)
Walking time: 1 hour (Poon Hill), 6 hours (Tadapani)
We'll be up before dawn today, but with good reason: our day kicks off with an excursion to
Poon Hill and an indescribably wonderful panorama of three Himalayan peaks (Dhaulagiri I,
Annapurna I, and Annapurna South II) illuminated by the glowing rays of sunrise. From here,
we'll also be treated to views of the 6,000m-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the visual border
of Nepal and Tibet as divided by the trans-Himalayan ranges. It's back to our lodge for a
late breakfast, and then we're back on the trekking path! Our legs get a bit of a rest on
the downhill walk towards lunch at Bathanti, which takes us through beautiful, deep forests,
and then to Tadapani.
DAY 4 - Tadapani to Ghandruk
Altitude: 1940m/6363ft
Walking time: 3 hours
Today the trail is a relatively easy downhill through a beautiful rhododendron, magnolia forests to
Komrong danda and continue walk to Ghandruk village. After we arrive in Ghandruk we will have a
great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Fishtail mountain. Also if we got time, we can visit the
Gurung Museum, school, village and the local families.
DAY 5 - Ghandruk to Nayapul, Nayapul to Pokhara
Altitude: 822m/2696ft (Pokhara)
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Drive time: 1 hour
It's not a long walk between Ghandruk and Nayapul, allowing us ample time for the 1 hour drive back
to Pokhara, and still leaving time for a half-day tour of the city that trekkers love.
This is the home of the tranquil World Peace Pavilion, as well as the International
Mountain Museum - an apt landmark for a team of newly-minted Annapurna trekkers! Be
sure to take a look at the traditional Nepali jewelry on display at the market,
as it is one of the area's specialty handicrafts.
DAY 6 - Pokhara to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m/4592ft (Kathmandu)
Drive time: 6-7 hours
The six-hour drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu brings us back the way we originally came,
ending again in a comfortable hotel. Your Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is completed!
What is Included?
Domestic airport transportation
Private, round-trip land transportation between Pokhara and Nayapul
Teahouse accommodation and three meals a day while trekking
Kathmandu - Pokhara flight and Tourist bus on the way back
One night of delux accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP Permit, TIMS)
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide
Necessary porters to carry all personal gear and group equipment (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Respective region (Annapurna) trekking map
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, food and accommodation
All government and local taxes
What is Not Included?
Nepal entry Visa fees
Your travel insurance (compulsory)
International airfare and airport tax
Hotel in Kathmandu(if you need this service we are happy to help you booking
your hotels as per your requirements.)
Sightseeing tours (if you need this service we can help you as
per your requirements)
Trekking equipments
Tips for trekking staff
Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks, desserts, laundry etc.
Any other expenses which are not mentioned on the service included section.
Travel Insurance
Proof of travel insurance is mandatory before starting the trek. Standard policies often only cover medical evacuation to 4000m so make sure the policy you get covers up to 6000m. We usually suggest World Nomads which costs around $125. You only need to be covered on the policy for the days you will actually be trekking.
Extra Costs and Exclusions
Nepal multiple entry visa 30 days ($50 USD).
Sleeping Bag Rental $12 and Down Jacket $12 if needed.
All the meals are included on the trek but we only include breakfast while you are in Pokhara.
We suggest a tip for the guide and porter after the trek - Plan on a at least $80 (more will be appreciated).
We don't include drinking water on the trek which you can buy a number of places for between $1 and $3 a bottle (it gets more expensive towards base camp). A better solution is to buy water tablets in Kathmandu for around $2 and treat the water (your guide can help you find the good places to fill your water bottle).
The other things not included on the trek are like Wifi, charging batteries and hot showers. Wifi is available in some tea houses for $3 to $5 an hour. Hot Showers are also available in a few for around $4 and charging costs about $1.50 an hour.
Unforeseen cost due to flight cancellation, weather conditions etc. You are responsible for extra hotel nights ($30/night) and meals in Kathmandu for any extra days in Nepal due to flight delays.
Solo Travelers
We generally don't charge solo travelers any extra fees. Solo travelers can expect their own hotel room in Kathmandu but will need to share a room with other group members during the trek. If availability allows we will arrange private rooms on the trek as well upon request.
If you are a solo travelers and planning and not joining one of our
group treks you will be charged an extra $20 a day for a porter.
Cancellation Policies
We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your fund minus
a 25% cancelation fee. If your travel dates change we can
generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least
7 days advance notice.
Equipment list
Head
* Sun hat or scarf
* Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
* Sunglasses
* Head torch
Upper Body
* Cotton t-shirts or thermals
* Fleece jacket
* Waterproof jacket
* Down jacket
Lower Body
* Lightweight cotton pants (long)
* Waterproof pants
Feet
* Thin inner socks
* Thick, warm wool hiking socks
* Comfortable hiking boots
Hands
* Gloves
Accessories
* Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
* Trekking bag/duffel bag
* Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
* Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
* Water bottle or camel bag
* Toiletries