Expedition Overview


Facts of the trip

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Arrival On
    Kathmandu
  • Departure From
    Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Accommodation
    2/3 * hotel hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and teahouses during the trek
  • Meals
    BB plan in Kathmandu and All meals during the trek and expediiton
  • Best Time
    October - December, February- May
  • Transportation
    Private Vehicle and Domestic flight

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most accessible and rewarding short treks in Nepal, perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. This trek winds through lush rhododendron forests, charming Gurung and Magar villages, and terraced farmlands, offering an immersive Himalayan experience without extreme altitudes. The highlight of the trek is Poon Hill (3,210m), a breathtaking viewpoint renowned for its panoramic sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. As the golden rays illuminate Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri, trekkers are rewarded with one of the most iconic mountain vistas in Nepal. Unlike more strenuous treks, this route is well-maintained and offers cozy teahouses along the way, making it a great option for those looking for a short but stunning Himalayan adventure.

What makes this trek particularly special is the rich cultural experience it offers. The villages along the route, such as Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani, are home to the Gurung and Magar communities, known for their warm hospitality and vibrant traditions. The trail is adorned with ancient stone steps, prayer flags, and centuries-old monasteries, giving trekkers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region. In spring, the rhododendron forests burst into a riot of red, pink, and white blooms, creating a magical atmosphere. Additionally, since the trek remains at a relatively low altitude, altitude sickness is not a major concern, making it an excellent option for families, solo travelers, and those on a short visit to Nepal.

Highlights of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

  1. Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210m): The highlight of the trek is reaching Poon Hill for an unforgettable sunrise. From this vantage point, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. The early morning sunrise over these snow-capped giants is a magical experience.
  2. Ghorepani Village: The trek takes you to Ghorepani, a beautiful Gurung village located at an elevation of 2,850m. This village offers a chance to experience traditional mountain life, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and rich cultural experiences, including interactions with the friendly local communities.
  3. Diverse Landscapes: The trek features a wide range of landscapes, from subtropical forests with lush rhododendron blooms to alpine meadows. As you ascend, the route offers beautiful vistas of terraced fields, dense forests, and charming villages, making the trek incredibly scenic and varied.
  4. Tadapani and Ghandruk Villages: Along the route, trekkers will pass through the picturesque villages of Tadapani and Ghandruk, which offer a glimpse into the rural life of the Gurung people. These villages are known for their stone houses, traditional culture, and beautiful surroundings, providing trekkers with both natural beauty and cultural immersion.
  5. Rhododendron Forests: As you trek through the dense rhododendron forests, especially in the spring, you will be surrounded by vibrant pink, red, and white rhododendron blooms. The flowers add an extra layer of beauty to the already stunning landscape, making this trek particularly popular during the blooming season.
  6. Easy Access and Short Duration: The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular and easily accessible treks in Nepal, suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness levels. The trek can be completed in 4 to 5 days, making it an ideal option for those with limited time but still seeking a rewarding Himalayan adventure.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a perfect choice for those looking for a short yet scenic trek, combining stunning mountain views, cultural exploration, and a variety of landscapes. It’s an ideal trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers alike.

 

Itinerary

Arrival day in Kathmandu (Private transportation, Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu (1,400m). After time to get refreshed, evening you will meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant in the heart of Kathmandu and after meal briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 30 Min
  •  Altitude: 1400m
  •   Meals: Dinner

Today, morning we will ready after your breakfast to head on for our relaxing guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After your lunch at Bouddha visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey temple covering wide range of area with highest point of Kathmandu valley and enjoy the 360 degrees of valley view. After exploring the surrounding areas visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square which is old royal palace of Kathmandu and can be seen lot of temple, architectures and Kumari (living goddess) and walk in a freak street and late afternoon back to hotel and evening briefing about your trip, what is your responsibility, what to do and does not in the trek? Introduce with our fellow trekking staff and chances to ask remaining question and simply relax at the hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 6
  •  Altitude: 1400m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning drive (Approx. 7 hrs) or fly (25 Min) to Pokhara. Transfer to the Hotel. Walk around the Phewa lake and city. Overnight at hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 7
  •  Altitude: 950m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Pokahra to Hile by jeep and trek to Ulleri (2020 m /2-hour trek to Ulleri) . The trail winds its way through bamboo forests and passes by a spectacular waterfalDay 04: Pokhara – Naya Pool – Hile (1450m). Overnight at tea house lodge.

  •  Accommodation: Lodge
  •  Hours: 5
  •  Altitude: 2020m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Annapurna South (7273m) and the Hiunchuli gradually unfold on this pleasant walk uphill through fields and pastures and later through rhododendrons and oak woods. Ghorepani was originally a horse watering post, which has evolved into an important crossroads for tourists and the numerous mule caravans on the Jomoson-Pokhara trip.Overnight at tea house lodge.

  •  Accommodation: Lodge
  •  Hours: 5
  •  Altitude: 2775m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave early morning for Poon Hill, to catch the early morning sunlight on the panorama of peaks: Dhaulaghiri, Annapurnas, Machhapuchare. This is an option but really worth the while. We then retrace our steps to Ghorepani and continue towards Tadapani through rhododendron woods. Overnight at Tea house lodge.

  •  Accommodation: Lodge
  •  Hours: 6
  •  Altitude: 2540m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail gently descends through a subtropical forest highlighted by huge bamboo massifs and giant rhododendrons. Gandrung is the main village of the Gurung tribe, warriors known for their contribution to the famous Gurkha regiments. We will visit the Ghandrung village and small traditional museum in the afternoon. Overnight at Tea house lodge.

  •  Accommodation: Lodge
  •  Hours: 6
  •  Altitude: 1940m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After the breakfast, we continue our descent to the Kimche village which will take about one hour walk. We will catch jeep from Kimtche and drive to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 4
  •  Altitude: 950m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

  •  Accommodation: Hotel
  •  Hours: 7
  •  Altitude: 1400m
  •   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer to airport for final departure to onward destination.

  •  Accommodation:
  •  Hours: 30 Min
  •  Altitude: 1400m
  •   Meals: Breakfast

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Cost Details


What's Included
  • Pick up from and drop to the international airport in Kathmandu.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu (3 nights in 2-3 star level tourist standard hotel, other possibility on demand)
  • All land transfer as per given itinerary
  • Sightseeing tour with an experienced local guide (entrance fees for monasteries, temples, world heritage sites)
  • Annapurna Conservation Entry Permit
  • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Permit.
  • Accommodation in trekking: • Tea house (twin sharing room)
  • Meals (3 meals / B.L.D) while on the trek (possible to choose the opiton including only breakfast and order lunch and dinner individually from the tea house menu)
  • Experienced English speaking guide / tour leader, experienced local helpers
  • Program according to the itinerary
  • Wages, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance and other facilities for staff members
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Your travel insurance (compulsory).
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
  • Personal bike and Equipment.
  • Tips for trekking staff. (Tipping is expected.)
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned

What to Expect

Accommodation:

We will be staying at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu, and in tea-houses during the trek. All rooms are on twin-shared basis. Single bedroom will be arranged on request and will cost additional. Fourteen Summit will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, tea-houses at some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and in trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher altitude.

Meals:

All meals will be provided during trekking (On demand, we can arrange only breakfast during the trek and trekkers can order lunch and dinner individually from the tea-house menu). In Kathmandu, breakfast will be available. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners taking place for guests. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the tea-houses/lodges where we spend the night and lunch on our way to next destination. Authentic Nepalese, Tibetan, continental meals and Indian cuisine are common choices in the menu.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements:

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a moderate trek. Travelers who can walk up to 4-5 hours a day on an uphill and downhill trail will consider this trip fulfilling and enjoyable. It is a good idea to prepare for the trek by jogging and exercising regularly at least for a month prior to the start. Trekking to the Ghorepani should be relatively easy for those who have experience in walking/trekking in high altitudes. Determination, good physical health, positive attitude and average physical fitness are good preconditions for a successful accomplishment of the trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Fourteen Summit before booking the trek.

Best Time to Travel:

The best time for trekking to Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The temperature is moderate and guarantees amazing views throughout the trip. Although this trek can be undertaken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.

Equipment List

Equipment List for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:
Head:
1. Sun hat or scarf
2. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
3. Sunglasses

Upper Body:
1. T-shirts
2. weight thermal tops
3. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
4. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
5. Down vest and/or jacket (optional)

Hands:
1. Lightweight gloves
2. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer

Lower Body:
1. Underwear
2. Hiking shorts
3. Lightweight cotton long pants
4. Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
5. Fleece or wool pants
6. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet:
1. Thin, lightweight inner socks
2. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
3. Hiking boots with spare laces
4. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

Accessories:
1. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
2. Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
3. Small pad or combination lock-to-lock trek bag
4. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
5. Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside trek bag
6. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
7. Thermarest sleeping pad
8. Water bottles (2)
9. Toiletries
10. Small wash towel
11. rain coat

Photo and Video

FAQ

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short and scenic trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas from Poon Hill (3,210m). The trek typically takes 4 to 6 days, passing through charming Gurung and Magar villages, lush rhododendron forests, and terraced farmlands, offering stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli.

The trek is considered easy to moderate, making it ideal for beginners and families. It involves 3-6 hours of walking per day with some steep uphill climbs, especially on the stone steps to Ulleri. However, the altitude is relatively low, so there is minimal risk of altitude sickness, and no prior trekking experience is required.

The best seasons for the trek are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is clear, and the mountain views are stunning. Spring features blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn provides crystal-clear mountain visibility. Winter (December-February) is possible but can be cold, and monsoon (June-August) brings heavy rain and leeches.

Yes, you need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card. These can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and they are checked at various points along the route.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek typically takes 4 to 6 days, depending on the starting and ending points. The most common route includes stops at Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, and Ghandruk, before returning to Pokhara. Some trekkers combine it with other treks like Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) for a longer adventure.

Accommodation consists of tea houses and lodges, which offer basic rooms with twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Lower elevations have hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities, while higher areas have simpler amenities, and food prices increase as supplies are carried up manually.

No, altitude sickness is not a major concern, as the highest point of the trek, Poon Hill (3,210m), is below the typical altitude risk zone. However, trekkers should still stay hydrated and pace themselves to avoid fatigue.

The trek can be done independently, as the trails are well-marked, but hiring a guide can enhance the experience by providing cultural insights and navigation assistance. A porter can help carry heavy backpacks, making the trek more enjoyable, especially for those with limited trekking experience

The trek usually starts from Nayapul, which is about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Pokhara. Some trekkers start from Hile or Tikhedhunga to shorten the trek, while others choose Ghandruk as an alternative starting or ending point.

This trek is special because it offers spectacular Himalayan views, cultural experiences, and diverse landscapes in a short duration. The sunrise from Poon Hill is a major highlight, showcasing golden hues over Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. The combination of vibrant rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain scenery makes it one of the best short treks in Nepal.