Ghorepani Poonhill Trek takes us through a 10-day easy trekking tour to the Annapurna Region. Not only will you experience the majestic Annapurna peaks, but also come to the vicinity of Gurung and Magar culture, tradition, values, architecture, and hospitality.
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek starts the same way as most of the Annapurna Region trips, with a long 200km drive to Pokhara via the Prithvi Highway. During the rest of the day at Pokhara, we can enjoy Fewa Lake and the out-of-this-world reflections of the Macchapuchhre and Annapurna peaks.
The next day, we’ll drive to Nayapul in an hour’s drive and trek along the Modi Khola to Birenthanti and then up along the 3000 stone steps to the Magar village of Ulleri. On the next day, we’ll arrive at Ghorepani. This place was used by ancient traders as a rest stop.
Early in the morning, we’ll hike up to one of the famous viewpoints in the Annapurna Region, Poonhill. This hill offers remarkable views of the Annapurna massif, including peaks like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri. Back to Ghorepani for breakfast and then to Tadapani. During our trek to Tadapani, we’ll come across a forest with the national flower of the country, the rhododendron. On the 6th day, we’ll have arrived at the Gurung village of Ghandruk. While in the village, explore the traditional Gurung Museum.
There’s also a temple to check out which sits at the uppermost part of the village. While at Ghandruk, enjoy the landscape views of the Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli peaks.
This trail is easier than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This trek is designed for those who want to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region but can’t make it up to the base camp.
Email our trip experts in case you need to modify this trail for the best experience in the Annapurna Region. Simply email us at info@adventurewalkway.com.
Ghorepani Poon Hill is known for its stunning landscapes. The trail is filled with luscious green forests of rhododendrons, oaks, firs, etc. While on the trek, you will come across charming villages and terraced fields. Especially during springtime, the rhododendron forests fully bloom in a variety of colors like red, white, and pink. It adds vibrancy and color to the landscapes. Similarly, trekkers will come across various mountain rivers, streams, and waterfalls while on trek.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is famous for its beautiful sunrise view. The Poon Hill View Tower is situated at an elevation of 3,210 meters. It is a short hike from the Ghorepani village. From the view tower, trekkers can enjoy the beautiful sunrise with a 360-degree panorama view of the mountain peaks. As the sun rises, the surrounding mountains get bathed in a color of warm and golden hue. You can see mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Niligri, and many more peaks from the view tower. The tranquil atmosphere with a stunning sunrise view makes Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek one of the most beautiful experiences.
While on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, trekkers can also enjoy the rich and diverse biodiversity of the region. The route goes through the subtropical forests of rhododendron. It is also part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Hence, it is not surprising that you will come across various flora and fauna during the trek. Aside from trees, trekkers can also witness various species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, etc. There is also an abundance of wildlife in the region. Trekkers can spot different wildlife and bird species. The Annapurna Conservation Area has been playing a significant role in preserving the local flora, fauna, and cultural heritage while also promoting sustainable development and tourism.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route takes you through the charming and picturesque villages with terrace fields. The traditional houses in the villages showcase the age-old Nepalese architecture. The local communities living in the region mostly belong to the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali ethnic groups. They have their own unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Similarly, you can also get a glimpse of local handicrafts and even purchase them as souvenirs. The blend of different ethnic groups and their unique culture offers a rich cultural experience to the trekkers. So, immerse yourself in the culture and tradition while also getting a taste of the local cuisines and hospitality.
Land in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Freshen up before meeting with your representative and discuss the upcoming trek to the Annapurna Region. When the meeting is over, our company guide will tell you about the things you can do in your free time. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today we prepare for the trek and check the last-minute checklist for trekking gears and if needed shopping around Thamel. After lunch visit Kathmandu UNESCO world heritage sites, Kathmandu Durbar Squire, Pashupatinath Temple, and Bouddhanath Stupa. Overnight at Hotel.
Today, we’ll drive along the Prithvi Highway and cover 200 km to get to Pokhara. The drive will take somewhere from 6-8 hours. Freshen up at the hotel and if time persists, we’ll boat at the Fewa Lake. Enjoy the views of the Annapurna and Machhapurchhre peaks. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara.
A short drive will take us to Nayapul from where we’ll start our trekking journey. Walk along the Modi Khola before crossing the river on a suspension bridge to arrive at Birenthanti. From here, it’s an uphill climb to the villages of Matathanti, Lamdawali, and finally to Hile. Keep on hiking uphill to get to Tikhedhunga and cross the suspension bridge to ascend to Ulleri. To get to the Magar village of Ulleri, we’ll need to climb up over 3000 stone steps.
After breakfast, start our journey uphill and get past small streams to make it to Nangethanti. A short walk from here will see us at Ghorepani. Ghorepani, as the name resembles horses (Ghore) and water (pani), was a resting place for traders in ancient times where they found water for their horses.
Wake up early and hike up to one of the famous viewpoints of the Annapurna Region, Poonhill. Enjoy the views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapurchhre, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri peaks. Get back to Ghorepani before making our way up to Deurali. From there, it’s an easy downhill hike to Banthanti via rhododendron and pine forests. Cross the river and ascend to finally arrive at Tadapani.
Hike downhill to get to Kimrung Khola. Cross the river and ascend to make it to the Gurung settlement of Ghandruk. During our time here, enjoy the Gurung culture and tradition. Also, explore the Gurung Museum and cherish the views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna peaks.
It’s an easy hike downhill to Birenthanti and then to Nayapul along the Modi Khola. From Nayapul, a short drive will see us at Pokhara. Enjoy your free time!
Get up early and enjoy the views of the Annapurna Region as much as possible. After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to the region and drive back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the rest of the day.
After a busy 10 days of adventure, our trip finally comes to an end. It’s time to get back home or off to your next destination.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is classified as a moderate trek. In comparison to many trekking routes in Nepal, it is situated at a lower elevation of 3,210 meters. Similarly, the trails are well-established. There are no technical sections and the ascend and descend are gradual. The duration of the trek is also short. Most of the time, you will walk through a subtropical forest of rhododendrons and on stone staircases.
Similarly, due to the low elevation, there is a low chance of altitude sickness. The route does not go through remote areas. However, trekkers will need to have physical stamina and endurance. Despite it being a moderate route, trekkers will have to climb uphill and downhill. It can be a little physically strenuous. Therefore, trekkers need to have a basic level of fitness. Proper clothing, equipment, and gear preparation is also necessary for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route has many accommodation facilities like tea houses, lodges, guesthouses, and homestays. The accommodations provide facilities like beds, blankets, and meals. Because the trek route is relatively at a lower elevation, the facilities available are more than basic level. Usually, the accommodations have twin sharing rooms, shared bathrooms, and communal dining space. You can also find accommodations that have rooms with attached bathrooms. They can charge trekkers for services like hot water, heater, charging, WiFi/internet, etc.
During your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Adventure Walkway, we will arrange your accommodation and three-times meal services. The accommodations will be arranged at tea houses on a twin-sharing basis. The extra charges for hot shower, WiFi, charging, etc are not included in the package. Trekkers will have to bear the cost themselves.
Are you thinking of making a last-minute booking for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek? Fret not, Adventure Walkway is here for the rescue. You can contact us 24 hours before the departure schedule. We will make sure that everything is arranged for you. And do not worry about extra costs, because the package will cost the same for a last-minute booking.
The package will include a government-registered, English-speaking guide and porter (one porter for two clients). An assistance guide will be provided for groups of more than six. Similarly, accommodations, meals, transportation, trekking permits, and agency service charges will be included in the package.
Note that personal expenses and expenses like hot showers, and charging, will not be included in the package. Likewise, travel insurance and any extra costs during the trek or early return are also not included in the package. For more information, contact us or visit our website!
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best time for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The temperature during these seasons is favorable and clear visibility. Similarly, there are low chances of rainfall. The trekking conditions are the best and the trails are well-defined.
You will need two permits for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. One is the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and ACAP (Annapurna Base Camp Permit). The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Hence, you will need the ACAP. You can get these permits in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Adventure Walkway’s 10 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek package includes both permits.
The maximum altitude you will reach during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is 3,210 meters at the Poon Hill View Tower. Since the elevation is comparatively lower than most trekking destinations, there is a minimum risk of altitude sickness. However, proper precautions and acclimatization are necessary to prevent altitude sickness.
The route to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a moderately difficult trek. The trail is well-established and the terrains are less challenging. The highest elevation is also comparatively lower. The climb uphill and downhill are also gradual. Hence, beginners can do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
You can get panoramic mountain views of Annapurna I (8,091 meters/ 26,545 feet), Annapurna II (7,219 meters/ 23,684 feet), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters/ 26,795 feet), Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters/ 22,943 feet), Hinchuli (6,441 meters/21,132 feet), and Nilgiri (7,061 meters/ 23,166 feet).