Trip Duration
7 Days
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
2,840m / 9,318ft.
Activity
Trekking
Destination
Nepal
Group Size
1-16 Pax
Accommodation
3 star Hotel
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Need help?
Talk to trip expert
Only a few trekking destinations in the highlands are graded “easy”, the Ghorepani poon hill trek is one of them and we are all for it. This trek is easy yet very fulfilling and an exciting journey to the Annapurna region of Nepal. We will mostly traverse within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) which is home to a plethora of wild animals, birds, and beautiful vegetation.
One of the best options for first-timers and beginners, the 7 days Ghorepani poon hill trekking is worth every step you take and so far, no guest has disagreed with our statement. Offering a radiant sunrise view from over 3000 meters of altitude, many bird-watching sessions, great food, and much more, the Ghorepani poon hill trek rightfully receives around 30,000 visits per year which is a high number.
The trek starts from Nayapul and ends there as well; throughout the trek, we will visit Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Jhinudanda, all of which are major villages of the region. We should always spend the night in major villages as they provide the best services. However, our customizable itinerary enables you the choice to spend the night at a remote village if you prefer.
If you are a first-timer or someone who is just looking to spend some quality time with nature, this trek is one of the best options. The other options include the Khopra Danda trek, Mardi Himal trek, ABC trek, and more but Ghorepani is the easiest of the bunch. Along with a natural excursion, you will also enjoy the nightly traditional dance held by the locals to welcome the guests arriving in the village.
There is so much to experience in one single trek so we have made this detailed trek package to let you know all there is about the Ghorepani poon hill trek. You can contact us if you have any unanswered queries.
The very first day of your Ghorepani poon hill trek starts on an early morning bus ride to Pokhara. From Kathmandu, it will take us about 8 hours to reach Pokhara, the distance is just 200 kilometers but the spiral roads and subpar road conditions make it a long ride. If you ask any Nepalese about Pokhara, they will definitely say it’s great and they are not lying. Pokhara is one of the top tourist destinations of Nepal and for all the right reasons.
We will move early in the morning so that you will have a couple of later afternoon hours to spend in Pokhara. We recommend you visit a couple of viewpoints while you are there preferably in the morning but sunset views are also worth it. If you want to explore the city but are not sure where to visit, you can as our guide for recommendations.
The bus ride starts early and as we leave Kathmandu behind, we will descend down a windy highway taking us out of the valley. The Prithivi Highway runs along the Trishli River for the most part and leads us to Pokhara. On the way, the bus will stop for refreshments and lunch.
After spending a peaceful night in Pokhara, we will move the next day to Ulleri. First off, we will get our breakfast at last night’s accommodation (preferably), if you want to try someplace else we can arrange it if we have ample time to spare. After breakfast, we will get on our ride to Nayapul; a Jeep will take us there. Nayapul is a small town on the edge of the Annapurna Conservation Area, just about 1.5 hours away from Pokhara.
We will get off at Nayapul, pick up our bags, and get on the trail to Ulleri, a small Magar village. You won’t actually have to pick your own bag, our porters will carry your bags for you while you can just focus on the scenes and the wilderness. After about 5 hours of trekking, we will finally reach our destination for the day. We will still have some afternoon hours left after reaching Ulleri so go ahead and explore the village as much as you’d like to.
The locals are Ulleri belong to the Magar tribe, they have their own language, culture, tradition, and practices, make sure that you do not, in any way, offend their local customs. Usually, these people are friendly and all smiles but mutual respect keeps everything in line.
While you are in rural villages, make sure that you try the local dishes and drinks because who knows if you will get a second chance. The establishments in such villages are owned by the locals and the community, so all the bucks you spend there go towards the betterment of the village.
An unspoken rule is to eat your meals at the accommodation you are staying in as the rooms are priced dirt cheap. The real profit lies in the food they provide.
On the third day of the Ghorepani poon hill trek, we move to Ghorepani, the base of Poonhill. Ghorepani is primarily inhabited by Gurung and Magar communities, both of whom are known for their hospitality.
Today’s trek will be one of the longest trekking days of the Ghorepani poon hill trek, covering a total distance of 11.5 km, climbing almost 900 meters. From Ulleri, we will first get to Nange Thanthi village walking alongside the hills and Rhododendron forest. Once we reach our first stop, Nange Thanthi, we will stop for lunch, re-energize ourselves, and continue the trek once again.
At the final ascent to the village of Ghorepani, we will have to get our TIMS card validated at a checkpost. From Ghorepani, we will be able to see most of the Annapurna Himalayan range. We will be able to cover today’s trek in about 6 hours. You will still have some time left to explore the village before calling it a night.
The next morning is the ultimate day of the Ghorepani poon hill trek, as we will finally reach the viewpoint of Poonhill. From last night’s accommodation, our viewpoint destination is not that far, we will just have to hike up a hill for about an hour, covering about 1.5 km. We shall begin our walk before the break of dawn as our goal is to watch the sunrise from the top of the hill. Our bags will be left at the accommodation since we will be getting back there eventually. Note that, sometimes the weather is not as clear and the clouds block the majestic sunrise view.
If everything goes right, we will experience a beautiful sunrise from the viewpoint and the best thing about this is the gold-showered peaks of the Annapurna range as the sun’s rays illuminate the giant snow summits. From 3210 meters above sea level, you will be able to view most of the Annapurna Valley along with the rivers that flow in the distant valley floor.
After admiring the views, we will grab a quick breakfast before heading back down to Ghorepani. Packing up, the porters will grab your belongings and head to Tadapani. Sitting at an elevation of 2700 meters, this peaceful village is home to natural hot springs which are very popular among locals and tourists alike.
First off, we will get to Deurali from Ghorepani trekking an ups-and-downs-filled trail until we reach the Deurali pass which is as high as the Poonhill viewpoint. The Deurali pass is yet another viewpoint of the Ghorepani poon hill trek; a bit more windy compared to Poonhill. Continuing the Ghorepani and Poon hill trek, the trail descends down through Rhododendron and Bamboo forest.
Passing the downhill section, we will continue the trek following the river and reach Ban Thanthi, our lunch stop. After a relaxing lunch session, we will hit the road again and reach Tadapani in about 2 hours. The Rhododendron forest continues till we reach our destination for the night. Today might as well be the most difficult day of the Ghorepani and poon hill trek.
After a hard day of trekking, Day 5 is definitely a mellow trekking day of the Ghorepani and poon hill trek. Heading north, we will begin today’s trek with a descending trail. The Rhododendron forests still shade us but they are short-lived as we approach flat farmlands. Filled with crops, we will pass the farmlands before arriving at Mardi.
Moving forward from Mardi, we will soon cross a small suspension bridge and reach Ghunrung village. Crossing yet another bridge, we will pass the Chhomrong pass and stop for lunch right after. Today’s Ghorepani poon hill trek is particularly good for bird watching, you will get to witness Himalayan vultures flying high, eagles, sparrows, and a bunch of other types of birds along the way.
After lunch, we will soon reach the end of Chhomrong Pass which is annotated by a fork road at Taulung. Going left will take us on the path to Annapurna Base Camp while going the other way is a downhill trek to Jhinudanda. Taulung is a great viewpoint and we will take our sweet time to enjoy the Ghorepani poon hill trek scenes. From there, we will first go through terrace farmlands before hitting the descending trail.
After trekking for a total of 7 hours, we will finally reach Jhinudanda. This village houses 2 hot spring baths both of which are 15 minutes walk away. Climbing back to your accommodation will take 5 additional minutes. The relaxing hot water bath is perfect for your tired body; we are sure you will not regret the decision.
Day 6 of the Ghorepani poon hill trek is probably the most relaxing walk of the journey.It’s mostly plain land with scenes of hills and rivers. Following the Modi River, we will head down for 6 hours to reach Birethanti. From there, it’s a 2-hour walk to Nayapul and a 1.5-hour drive to Pokhara.
After your second night in Pokhara, we will get on a morning bus to Kathmandu. We’ll get on a tourist bus since they are much more comfortable than regular ones. After you reach Kathmandu, we will arrange a farewell dinner to celebrate a successful Ghorepani poon hill trek.
The Ghorepani and poon hill trek starts with a ride to Nayapul. The day prior to that, we will travel to Pokhara by bus or by air if you want to upgrade your transport. Once everything is set, we will get on the road to Nayapul, drive 1.5 hours to reach there, and start our first day of trek. From Nayapul, our destination is about 5 hours away to the village of Ulleri. Once there, you will have some time to explore the neighborhood before heading to bed.
On the next day of the Ghorepani poon hill trek, we will reach Ghorepani, the village that houses the Poonhill viewpoint. Spending the night in Ghorepani, we will hike up to the viewpoint the next morning before the break of dawn to experience a majestic Himalayan sunrise scene. After that, we will move on to Tadapani which takes around 7 hours of trekking. The following day, we will make it to Jhinudanda for a much-needed hot spring bath in remote hills.
The Ghorepani poon hill trek is graded as an easy trek and is among the easiest trekking destinations in Nepal. The trail is very straightforward with no difficult sections although the stone steps in Ulleri might be a bit of a challenge. The steps are long and taxing but nothing unmanageable. The maximum altitude we will reach during this 7 days Ghorepani poon hill trekking is 3210 meters above sea level. At this level, altitude sickness is basically non-existent, however, some might face a bit of loo.
From September to November, the fall season in Nepal is one of the best time to do the Ghorepani and poon hill trek. The monsoon rain clears away the haze in the air, assuring high visibility for scenic treats. The temperature during those months is moderate which is perfect for the Ghorepani poon hill trek. The season of fall receives the most minimum rainfall which translates to better weather dependability. Lastly, since this is the most preferred trekking season, the businesses and establishments in remote villages are lively.
Another best season for 7 days Ghorepani poon hill trekking is spring. This season is similar to fall in terms of scenic quality but you can expect a little more rainfall than autumn. However, the upside of this is the blooming flowers along the hilly trail paired with bright red Rhododendron blooms. The visibility is on par with autumn and so is the temperature. Whilst being a popular choice for most, you can expect less crowds during this season while doing the Ghorepani poon hill trek.
Summer is yet another great choice for Ghorepani and poon hill trek but the daytime temp can get a bit too hot which is not ideal for outdoor activities. Lastly, winter and monsoon are the least preferred seasons and they should stay that way because the conditions are the worst during those seasons. Still, this does not stop people from doing the 7 days Ghorepani poon hill trekking, the unfavorable challenging conditions are enjoyable to some.
Yes, a beginner can join the Ghorepani poon hill trek as it is a fairly easy trekking destination. It is actually one of the best choices for beginners and first-timers alike. If you want to experience trekking in the hills and seeing views of green, without any major difficulty our Ghorepani and poon hill trek is just right for you. The trails ascend and descend a lot but it is nothing unmanageable and a part of the Himalayan trekking experience.
You will not suffer from altitude sickness during this Ghorepani poon hill trek as we will not be reaching an altitude high enough that includes the sickness. 3210 meters is the highest point of the 7 days Ghorepani poon hill trekking which is not considered an elevation of altitude sickness.
Accommodation during your stay in cities will be in 3-star hotels while accommodations during the trekking days will be based on what’s available during the time of booking. Rooms are booked in advance to make sure that you have a place to stay every day. Your hotel stays in cities can be upgraded at a given price and we will fill you in on the extra cost of the upgrade.
Your stay in villages is comfortable but might miss some amenities that you are used to in city hotels. For instance, room service is not a thing in normal village hotels, only the grand hotels in major villages have such luxury. During your stay in villages, you are supposed to buy your meals at the establishment you are staying in which is an unwritten rule.
Talking about meals, you will find spring rolls, noodles, pancakes, and all that other goodness throughout the trek but we recommend you try the traditional village dishes. The locally sourced ingredients are nothing but delicious while the exotic recipe might be something you continue to have for the rest of the Ghorepani poon hill trek. Drinks are limited to tea, instant coffee, and seasonal fruit juices (only at a few joints), if you want you can also celebrate a successful trek by tasting the locally brewed alcohol.
At the beginning of the 7 days Ghorepani poon hill trekking, we will take you to Pokhara on a tourist bus. The following day, you will be transported to Nayapul via a Jeep. At the end of the Ghorepani and poon hill trek, you will be driven to Pokhara from Nayapul and driven to Kathmandu the next day. These are all the transportation that is covered by the Ghorepani poon hill trek package. Your upgraded transportation choices are not covered neither are your international flights to and from Nepal.
Note: Airport pickup and drop off are also provided for free.
The trails of Ghorepani and poon hill trek go into the Annapurna Conservation Area which calls for an ACA permit. Trekkers are also required to have a TIMS card for this trek. Both of these cards will be covered by our package and the guide will assist you obtain them easily.
The Ghorepani poon hill trek is an easy experience but you must, nevertheless, have some level of physical preparation. If you are obese, hitting the trail full of ups and downs will wear you out easily and affect your trekking experience overall. So, you should definitely hit the gym for a couple of weeks, focusing on cardio and endurance exercises to maximize your potential.
Although the trails are not difficult to tread, you will have to walk for 5 to 6 hours every day to get to your nightly destination. This requires a good amount of preparation as your legs will start to hurt if your muscles are not used to the strain. Having the stamina to cover the distance and ascents will only improve your Ghorepani and poon hill trek experience as you do not have to focus on making every step.
There are a bunch of alternative routes for the Ghorepani poon hill trek, here’s a list of a few:
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk
Day 2: Trek to Tadapani
Day 3: Trek to Dobato
Day 4: Early morning hike to Muldai Hill and descent to Ghorepani
Day 5: Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint
Day 6: Trek to Jhinudanda
Day 7: Drive to Pokhara
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 3: Early morning hike to Poon Hill and trek down to Tatopani
Day 4: Bathing in hot springs, before trekking to Ghasa
Day 5: Trek from Ghasa to Marpha
Day 6: Trek to Jomsom and Jeep ride back to Pokhara
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk
Day 2: Trek to Tadapani.
Day 3: Trek to Bayeli Kharka
Day 4: Trek to Khopra Danda
Day 5: Morning hike to Khayer Lake
Day 6: Descent to Swanta village
Day 7: Descent to Ghorepani and hike to Ulleri
Day 8: Jeep ride back to Pokhara
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 3: Hike up to Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani
Day 4: Trek to Chhomrong
Day 5: Trek to Bamboo
Day 6: Trek to Deurali
Day 7: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Day 8: Morning sunrise view at ABC and descent to Bamboo
Day 9: Trek to Jhinu Danda and bath at natural hot springs
Day 10: Drive to Pokhara
Our 7 days Ghorepani poon hill trekking package will cost you USD ________. Within this price, you will be provided with porters that carry your heavy bags, breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your trek days, permits required for the trek, transportation as per the itinerary, airport pick up and drop off, and many more. Every visitor must carry cash with them as cash is king in the remote villages of Annapurna.
Charging your electricals should not be an issue during the Ghorepani poon hill trek as the villages in the Annapurna region are much more facilitated compared to most highland villages of Nepal. Internet is also available for most part of the trek but some inns might charge you a couple of USD for using WiFi.
Your extra expenses include international flights to and from Nepal, medical and travel insurance, extra meals, lunch, and dinner while staying in cities, snacks, and beverages, hot showers are usually charged extra, WiFi fees might be a thing, laundry expenses rented trekking gears, tips for the team members, and anything that is not mentioned as inclusive of the 7 days Ghorepani poon hill trekking.
All in all, the Ghorepani poon hill trek is an exciting adventure, to say the least. We will visit a bunch of highland settlements, get close to the Himalayas of the Annapurna range, eat the local dishes, bathe in natural hot springs, watch Himalayan birds, and many more. The actual Ghorepani and poon hill trek is more exciting in real life than it sounds on paper, you have to be there to experience the real deal.
The pre-dominantly thriving Gurung and Magar people of the Annapurna villages warmly welcome you and tend to your needs. The local animals go by their day while you watch from a far and question the relationship between the local people and farm animals. Animals like buffaloes and cows can be seen often, roaming around without any guardian.
You can also see cultural programs during the night which are specifically held to welcome the visitors that visit the villages. This program includes singing traditional songs in tribal language or Nepalese, traditional dance, and traditional instruments playing in the back. The nights are mostly lively in the Gurung and Magar villages.
We provide a standard accommodation of a 3-star hotel stay for every Ghorepani poon hill trek book. However, we also leave you enough room to upgrade the accommodation to suit your luxury. You are free to choose to upgrade on your own or we can recommend a couple of hotels and you can choose the one that fits you. Upgrades are not covered by the Ghorepani and poon hill trek package. You can also do the same for Pokhara.
We understand that you might not want to spend long hours riding a bus which is why we offer the flexibility to get to Pokhara via a short 25-minutes flight from Kathmandu. You can also book a return flight. These flights are not a part of the Ghorepani and poon hill trek package.
Pokhara and Kathmandu are two of the major cities in Nepal and needless to say, they offer a lot to visitors. While Kathmandu is a bustling city full of cultural and traditional heritage sites, Pokhara is a laid-back experience where you are offered stunning scenic treats. In Kathmandu, we will take you to visit the famous Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath temple, Royal Durbar Palace, and more. In Pokhara, sites like Pumdikot Shiva Temple, World Peace Stupa, Sarangkot, Pame, etc. are more popular and worth a visit. You are also free to choose sites that you want to visit instead of just following our recommendation.
The trekking days lasts for 5 days on average but if you are short of time, we can cut it down to 3 days. However, this shortening of the itinerary also means that you have to cover a lot of ground every day. So, this version of the Ghorepani poon hill trek is not meant for everyone, but rather the ones that are capable of walking long hours.
From Ghorepani, it will take around 6 hours to reach Tadapani. This is an average time, people usually make it sooner.
Sure, as long as the destination is nearby and doable, we can add it to the itinerary. Customizing your itinerary will add to the overall cost of the Ghorepani poon hill trek since extra logistics are involved resulting in extra expenses.
The standard itinerary is highly customizable but you will have to let us know about the add-ons during the booking phase so we can work out the revised itinerary and quote you accordingly. Sometimes certain areas in the highlands are prohibited from visiting or are unreachable citing natural disasters or other unforeseen issues. In such cases, we will stick to the standard itinerary as much as possible.
Absolutely, crime rates are basically non-existent in the charming Annapurna villages since the communities are tight-knit, everyone knows everyone, and in unity, they survive. Bring along kids is a great addition as they are also going to love the natural excursion to a foreign region. The trails are not difficult which makes it a great destination for kids.
Need help?
Talk to trip expert
English
Dutch
Japanese
Hindi
Italian
Spanish
French
German
Chinese
Korean
Arabic
Hebrew
Russian
Portuguese
Danish
Czech
Polish
Swedish
