Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a relatively easy and short trek into the Annapurna region compared to the Base Camp Trek & the Round Annapurna Circuit Trek. This trek leads to Poon Hill, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Annapurna Ranges, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri mountains. Along the way, you pass through lush woods and traditional villages (including Ghorepani). This trek is appropriate for people with limited time and a strong desire to view the majesty of snow-capped mountains.
A drive from Pokhara to Ulleri via Tikhedhunga typically precedes the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. However, the day before leaving Pokhara, we offer a complimentary bus travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
After an hour and a half of driving from Pokhara, the walk begins from Nayapul. The gorgeous villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk are all along this route. You will enjoy the trek through exquisite Gurung and Magar communities among the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. Every turn offers a breathtaking glimpse of the tall mountains, whose whole horizons will be visible to you when you reach the highest points of your walk.
The best vantage point for seeing the mountains and dawn is atop Poonhill (3210m). The journey is enhanced by dense, bird-filled rhododendron woods and picturesque landscapes. On this trek, you will see the mountain ranges of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Mt. Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Barasikhar, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli, and Manaslu. The Himalayan giants Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m), together with a tangle of other peaks, slowly start to emerge before our eyes as the sun touches the snow-capped tops. Anybody who appreciates nature and gorgeous scenery will never forget this incredible experience.
Poon Hill Trek Highlights
- Poon Hill (3210m), the best sunrise and Himalayas view.
- A glimpse of rural Nepali life in tiny communities such as Birethati, Hile, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, and Tadapani.
- Ulleri Magar Village, one of the largest Ghandruk Gurung villages.
- Pokhara, the center of Nepal’s tourism.
- A view of the Himalayas, including Annapurna I (8091 m), Manaslu (8163 m), and Dhaulagiri (8167 m).
- Farmlands & Rice Terrace and stunning waterfalls.
- Easy trek without concern for acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness in the Annapurna region.
- Views of the mountains from the Poon Hill View Tower (3210m).
Itinerary
After Breakfast at your Hotel in Pokhara, we will enjoy a short drive to Nayapul. It is about 1:30 hours to get there. We start our trekking from Nayapul. During the trek, we pass many local villages, teahouses, gentle green rolling hills, rivers and local people. After crossing the Tikhedunga Khola on the suspension bridge, the trail begins to climb up quite steeply on a stone staircase that is more than 3200 steps. After climbing the hill we can see Mt. Annapurna south (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m).
Overnight at Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
After breakfast, we begin our ascent while staying close to the river. It is a pretty enjoyable section of the trip. Most of the day is spent on foot in the bush. The route has stone stairs, and we continue to climb via several homes and teashops until we reach Banthanti (2,300 m). We explore the wonderful bamboo and rhododendron woods on the route to Banthanti, and Annapurna South can be seen peeking out from between the trees. We reach Nangathanti by following the river up a constrained valley with several stone steps (2,520 m). The last ascent from here to Ghorepani takes an hour.
Overnight at Lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
We wake early in the morning, dress in layers, and ascend to Poonhill (3210m). We won't need to bring much as we'll be returning to get our major rucksacks later. Walking to Poonhill takes roughly an hour. The best sunrise will be seen, and the Himalayas, including Annapurna South, Bahari Shikhar, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri ranges, Tukuche Peak, Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Manaslu ranges, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other mountains, will be magnificently visible. After seeing this breathtaking vista, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast and then trek to Ghandruk. The trek begins with a long, strenuous ascent to Deurali pass. Poonhill and this elevation are comparable.
We then trek down to Tadapani. We continue our ascent via the Baisi Kharka(Buffalo pasture) to Ghandruk. It is one of the largest Gurung villages and has t The Gurung Culture Museum. We can visit and observe the Gurung people's way of life here. We can also get glimpses of snow-capped peaks from this settlement.
*Option: If you can't make it all the way to Ghandruk from Ghorepani, you have a choice to stay in Tadapani. If you stay in Tadapani, you will trek to Syauli Bazar on the next day and drive back to Pokhara. You do not need extra day for this option.
Overnight at Lodge.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
The entire trek from Ghandruk to Birethanti is downhill. The Modi Khola River Valley is reached after passing via the stone stairway. We proceed to descend via Kimshe and Syauli Bazaar. The trail is rather level from here to Birethanti. Then we take a car from Birethanti to Pokhara.
Overnight in hotel.
Breakfast & Lunch included.
