Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
Duration: 07N08D
Destination Covered: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nayapul, Poon Hill, Ghandruk, Tatopani
Tour Themes: Hills and Mountain View, Scenic Beauty
Price: ON Request
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Highlights
- Spectacular sunrise/sunset views on the chain of Himalayas from Poon Hill
- Best panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapucchre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Mardi
- Ascend and descend the popular stone stairs of Ulleri village
- Forget all your lethargy & pain of walking because of amazing hospitality locals offer
- Walking through the lush forests, scattered Gurung settlements
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is perhaps the ultimate short trek in the Himalayas! Suitable for people of all ages, particularly good for families with children, this trek can be 4 or 5 days in length and still gets into the heart of the Annapurna. Poon Hill (3,210m) is the ultimate viewing point for the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Varaha Shikhar, and Lamjung Himal.
Hiking up to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over these stunning snow-covered mountains is something to be treasured.
This trek also includes hiking through colorful villages and rhododendron forests, with the backdrop of the Annapurna always present.
Even for experienced trekkers, this is a great introduction to the Himalayas, especially if time is short. Accommodation along this established route is very comfortable and the menus are not disappointing. And of course, the mountains never disappoint either in their fully photogenic beauty!
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive)
Pokhara – 830 m / 2723 ft – 7 hrs
Day 2: Pokhara to Naya Pool (Drive) to Tikhe Dhunga
Tikhe Dhunga – 1570 m / 5150 ft – 6 hrs
Day 3: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani
Ghorepani – 2850 m / 9350 ft – 6 hrs
Day 4: Ghorepani to Tadapani (Morning hike to Poon Hill)
Tadapani – 2700 m / 8858 ft – 7 hrs
Day 5: Tadapani to Ghandruk
Ghandruk – 1940 m / 6364 ft – 3 hrs
Day 6: Ghandruk to Naya Pool to Pokhara (Drive)
Pokhara – 830 m / 2723 ft – 7 hrs
Day 7: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)
Kathmandu – 1300 m / 4265 ft – 8 hrs
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive)
- Drive Time: 8 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel
We start off early, but with time for breakfast first. The road out of the Kathmandu Valley twists its way down the valley wall until it joins the Trushuli River below. Here we see rafters braving the white water – perhaps this is your future trip in the planning – and can see snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Once we reach flatter land we stop for lunch before heading on to the lake city of Pokhara. After checking into the hotel there is time to explore the neighbourhood: the walkway along the lake, the varied and interesting shops and restaurants, and of course the mesmerising Fishtail Mountain towering over the city.
Please note that we use comfortable tourist buses on this route but if you would like to hire your own personal car, or flight. please, check to add on while booking.
Day 2: Pokhara to Naya Pool (Drive) to Tikhe Dhunga (Trek)
- Trek time: 6 to 7 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast, it’s a relatively short drive to Naya Pool, the start of your trek. There is the choice of bus, local jeep, or private car/taxi to reach there.
From Naya Pool, it’s time to get hiking! Passing the checkpoint at Birethanti the road gently climbs to Tikhe Dhunga. It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to hike to the overnight lodge at Tikhe Dhunga. Thankfully it’s not a difficult trek today but enough to wake up your hiking legs!
Day 3: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani
- Trek time: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
Crossing the suspension bridge near Tikhe Dhunga we brace ourselves for today’s hike! Actually it’s more of a climb than a hike with (well) over 3,000 steps on the steep stone staircase leading up to Ulleri village. Being prepared in advance by taking the stairs rather than the lift/elevator at home would be a great advantage.
Above Ulleri and coming out of the forest, the trail becomes more gentle, crossing pastures and fields. Passing Banthanti village we head on to Ghorepani where we spend the night. Already we can see several mountains including Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m).
Day 4: Ghorepani to Tadapani (Morning hike to Poon Hill)
- Trek time: 6 to7hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
Waking before dawn we hike for about an hour up Poon Hill (3,210m) to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas! Hot tea is usually available in the early morning chill which we sip while taking in the amazing scene of a huge array of mountains. Some of these mountains are Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) – and many more, which your guide will point out to you.
Once the sun has risen spectacularly over the mountains and we have clicked enough photos, we drag ourselves away and head back down to the lodge in Ghorepani for a well-deserved breakfast before heading on to Tadapani.
The trail to Tadapani starts off quite steep until we cross the Deurali Pass when the path becomes more forgiving. From the Deurali Pass, we get a second chance to take in the mountains we saw from Poon Hill. Overnight in Tadapani.
Day 5: Tadapani to Ghandruk
- Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
Today it’s a shorter trek, giving us plenty of time to explore Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages. One of the highlights of the Gurung Culture Museum which gives an insight into the lives of the people.
It is mainly Gurungs who are the fierce and loyal Gurkha soldiers in both the British and Indian armies. With the backdrop of snowy peaks, rest and relaxation are a welcome breaks today.
Day 6: Ghandruk to Naya Pool to Pokhara (Drive)
- Trek time: 7 to 8 hours
- Accommodation: Tea House
Enjoy the final breakfast of the trek before hiking through villages to reach Naya Pool where we can take a bus or jeep back to Pokhara. Tonight enjoy the bright lights of the bars and restaurants in Pokhara and gaze once again at the lake and up at Fishtail Mountain.
Day 7: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)
- Trek time: 8 hours
After breakfast head for the tourist bus, or have your private vehicle meet you at your hotel, for the drive back to Kathmandu.
More Details
Includes
- 4 nights accommodation in mountain teahouses
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara (Kuti Resort or similar)
- Guide for 7 days
- Pokhara Naya Pool Pokhara private car
- Kathmandu Pokhara Kathmandu tourist bus
- Annapurna conservation area permit
- Trekkers information management system card
- 5 x breakfast, 5 x lunch and 4 x dinner while on the trek
One Porter for 7 days USD 128
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.