Trip code | GPHT |
Package name | Ghorepani Poonhill Trek |
Duration | 10 |
Max. elevation | 3210 m |
Level | Easy |
Transportation | All ground transportation is as per the itinerary. |
Accomodation | 3*** Hotel in Kathmandu and Tea House/Lodge during the trek. |
Starts at | Kathmandu |
Ends at | Kathmandu |
Trip route | Kathmandu-Pokhara-Nayapul-Birethati-Thikhedhunga-Ulleri-Ghorepani-Tadapani-Ghandruk-Birethati-Pokhara-Kathmandu |
Cost | USD 799 per person |
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a short trek in Nepal. Best Panoramic Mountain Vistas, Chameleonic Colors of the Landscapes going down from the pinnacle of the mountains through the green hills till the dazzling basin, amazing views of long going riverbanks, best sunrise views in Nepal, and the quickest way to explore the Magar & Gurung culture.
It is also the most popular hike among Nepalese people. Planning to visit Nepal with your partners or someone very special, this Short, sweet & Easy Trek will be the best destination to choose. It is short, it is easy and it’s also romantic, Poonhill is the best choice if you have a short vacation in Nepal and want to admire the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massif incredibly.
Ghorepani Poonhill trek is also famous as the short Annapurna View Trek. Just in days of trekking, you will get the perfect Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range admiration. The best parts of the Poonhill trek are the lush sub-tropical forests, well-maintained track, beautiful and typical settlement of the Native Gurung, Magar, and Ghale Peoples, and most of all the supernatural sunrise/ The Dawn Show in Poonhill. The Magic of the dazzling sun coming out between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massif with a beautiful color is what this Trek is worth the most.
Poonhill Trek is best to explore the prosperous cultural diversity of Nepal as equal to Natural Phenomena. It is the complete package with the perfect blend of Natural beauties with cultural influence and incredibility. Poonhill Trek is renowned for its unbelievable charm and unrealistic beauty. And why not so, when the short treks suddenly bring to the land fairy tale even forgot to mention?
Travelers can arrange the Poonhill trek as an add-on to their Pokhara tour or any Trekking as well. Either you can join this trek before and after your trip or customize it during the trip. The exclusive Ghorepani Poonhill trek takes only 4-5 days. However, Travers Nepal has redesigned this Short, sweet & Easy Trek for 10 days including arrivals and departures. In addition to the trek, Travers Nepal has added the Brief Kathmandu and Pokhara Tour and sightseeing.
At first, our city tour guide introduces the travelers to the rich rituals and people’s faiths, their traditions, norms and practices, and cultural heritages of Kathmandu in shorts. It includes a visit to a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then we travel to Pokhara. Before exploring the incredible Pokhara, we complete our Poonhill trek. It goes through Ghorepani then to Poonhill and afterward to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a famous village in Nepal. The typical settlement brings rich cultural vibes to modern eyes.
What Makes the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Special in 2024/2025?
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a renowned adventure, offering trekkers the opportunity to experience stunning peaks and wander through charming villages in the Annapurna region. This trek provides a unique chance to witness panoramic mountain views, diverse landscapes, vibrant rhododendron forests, and rich local culture. The iconic Poonhill viewpoint, which offers breathtaking sunrise vistas over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, is a highlight of this trek. The 5-day Ghorepani Poonhill Trek presents captivating views of grand mountains and a delightful walk through picturesque valleys.
Annapurna Conservation Area
Established in 1986, the Annapurna Conservation Area covers 7,629 sq km and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Trekking through this protected area allows trekkers to appreciate the biodiversity and conservation efforts in the region.
Altitude Considerations
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek varies in altitude, starting from about 1,070 meters (3,510 feet) in Nayapul to a high point of 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) at Poonhill. The gradual ascent allows for proper acclimatization, making this trek suitable for trekkers of all experience levels.
Altitude Sickness
While the trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3,210 meters, the risk of altitude sickness is relatively low. However, it is essential to:
A) Acclimatize properly with gradual ascent and adequate rest days
B) Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
C) Be aware of symptoms and descend immediately if they worsen
D) Proper preparation and awareness ensure a safe and enjoyable trek
Trek Safety
Ensuring safety on the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is crucial. Key safety measures include:
A) Hiring experienced guides and porters for security and local knowledge
B) Carrying a well-equipped first aid kit
C) Having comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking and emergency evacuations
D) Staying hydrated and following a proper acclimatization schedule
E) Monitoring health symptoms and descending if they worsen
Trek Preparation
Proper preparation is essential for a successful trek. Important steps include:
A) Engaging in regular cardio and strength training exercises
B) Undertaking shorter hikes to familiarize yourself with trekking
C) Packing the right gear, including layered clothing, sturdy boots, and trekking poles
D) Acquiring necessary permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card)
E) Arranging comprehensive travel insurance
Getting to Nayapul
The trek starts from Nayapul, accessible by a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara. Public buses and private vehicles offer scenic views of the surrounding landscapes and terraced fields.
Visa and Permits for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
A) Visa Requirements: Obtain a visa upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or from a Nepali embassy
B) Entry Permits: Trekkers must have a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Physical Fitness and Preparation
A) Fitness Level: Moderate fitness required; training with hikes and cardio is recommended
B) Altitude Sickness: Acclimatization days and gradual ascent help prevent altitude sickness
Conclusion
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a culturally rich and moderately challenging trek that offers stunning natural beauty and a rewarding experience. Proper preparation, understanding the weather and altitude challenges, and packing the right gear are essential for a successful trek. Travers Nepal looks forward to hosting your unforgettable adventure on the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in 2024/2025.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, the representative of Travers Nepal will welcome you and take you to the hotel as per the itinerary. After refreshing and resting, you may also visit the Office of Travers Nepal.
The Trekking Guide and/or the Travers Nepal’s Official will visit you for the remaining processes and formalities before the trip begins. You may ask related questions and queries to the official Guides as well.
After Breakfast, the City Tour Guide will visit your Hotel with Private Vehicle for Kathmandu City Tour. The Tour will be done with other crew members (No needs to join other for Private trips).
Out of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, we explore four sites. You may visit other sites also with applicable charges.
Sites Visit: -
For more information about Kathmandu Sightseeing, Click HERE.
Early in the morning, we reach the Tourist Bus Station Near Thamel for our travel to Pokhara. We take breakfast and Lunch on the way to Pokhara. Restaurants are as per the rules of the Tourist Bus.
The Kathmandu to Pokhara travel will be your first experience enjoying the geographic diversity of Nepal. The green hills and landscapes, Trisuli River and Marsyangdi River, Far-seen Mountain views, and many more attractions make this journey perfect.
Some parts of the road may be in the development and reconstruction process and the road condition may be not good.
After Breakfast in Pokhara, we take a short ride for about 2 hours to Nayapul from where we start our exclusive Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. After arranging and getting backpacks ready, we exclusively join Poonhill Hiking.
At the very beginning of 11 Days Poonhill Trek, we cross the Suspension bridge over the Modi River. Hiking the stoned stairs and steps, we cross a few small village settlements of Mathathanti, Sudame, and Hille. The peoples of those villages are so generous and helpful, that you have a great Nepal countryside village experience and interaction.
A few more walking takes us to the Village of Thikhedhunga. After a moment of rest in Thikhedhunga, we continue to hike till we reach Ulleri. Ulleri welcomes us with a beautiful glimpse of Mt. Annapurna South (7219m) and Mt. Himchuli (6441m); it’s like a very small slice of sweet and delicious cake. We spend a night at Ulleri and take dinner and the hotel for our stay.
Poonhill Trek seems easy for the day. Walking through well-maintained and cleaned trails via a dense sub-tropical forest full of Pine, Junipers, Oak, Rhododendrons, bushes, and wildflowers we come across the village of Banthanti. Continuing the route, we cross the village of Nangethanti before approaching the beautiful settlement of Ghorepani.
Since Ghorepani is one of the well popular junctions of many Annapurna Trekking, it uses to be full of trekkers and visitors. Ghorepani is also famous and well known for the stunning panorama as of the Annapurna range, the adjacent peaks and mountains rising high and dominating the sky of Annapurna Massif is so amazing. We spend a night here at Ghorepani.
Early in the morning, before the sun starts to shine, we hike and reach Poon Hill. Poon Hill is the best Hill Station near Pokhara. It is popular and renowned for its outstanding Mountain Panoramas and the magical sunrise.
The Sun shining and rising behind both Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Massif is like fairytales and comics. Several peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range including Mt. Nilgiri (7,061m), Lamjung Himal (6,983m), and Mt. Machhapuchhre with its mighty and iconic shape are shown so impressive and stunning.
After an awesome and memorable presentation of Poon Hill, we return to Ghorepani and continue to descend to the countryside settlement of Tadapani at an elevation of 2,610m. We spend a night here in Tadapani.
After a good breakfast, we start the journey with a gentle descent through the lush forest covered up by varieties of rhododendrons, oaks, and pines. The forest is also the habitat of different types of birds. The chirping of those birds will melody on your journey. Within the 3-4 hours we come to the beautiful and typical Settlement of the Gurung Peoples.
Ghandruk is a small settlement, and despite that, it offers so exciting and knowledgeable experience about the rich and typical Gurung culture, norms, traditional costumes, faiths and beliefs, and their traditional sustainable lifestyle and livelihood. Ghandruk is also a domestic Industry supporting and running local handcraft products.
The Gurung Museum is also best to allow some time to understand the history of Gurungs and their ancestor’s livelihood and skills. Moreover, Ghandruk also offers the wondering views of Mt. Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Himchuli.
Today, we catch the Jeep/Bus and drive back to Pokhara.
After arrival at Pokhara, we refresh and go outdoors for Pokhara Street and Lakeside Charm. In the Evening Pokhara blooms with lights and the Phewa Lakeside is so calming as well.