Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Overview
- Trip Code: CT-10030
- Package: Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Duration: 8 Day(s)
- Max Alt.: 3,210m/10,528
- Trip Level:
BeginnerRequires no prior experience and fits for people with basic physical ability
- Start At: Kathmandu
- Ends At: Kathmandu
- Transportation: Tourist Bus | Domestic Flight | Private Vehicle
- Accommodation: Hotel | Guest House
- Best Season: March- April- May- Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov- Dec- January- Feb- June- July
- Trip Route: Nayapul- Ulleri- Ghorepani- Poonhill- Tadapani- Pokhara
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Highlights
- The Beautiful serene Lake of scenic Pokhara.
- Exciting scenic drive from Pokhara to Hille farm village.
- Trekking through enchanting rhododendron forest to lovely Ghorepani village.
- Hike to Poon Hill the highest point of the trek facing stunning sunrise views.
- Explore the rich culture and custom of Gurung tribe in Ghandruk village.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the best short moderate treks around southern green hills of Annapurna Himalayas.
The trek starts from scenic and beautiful Pokhara city, where drive leads to traditional farm villages of the Annapurna Region. A short and moderate trek completing within less than a week or more days. There are different options, alternative trekking routes that one can choose from the start and at the end from Ghorepani. Where all walks leads to fascinating views with ever present scenery of Annapurna Himalayas.
The stunning sunrise views from Poon Hill, truly an awesome experience to mesmerize along with an array of snow peaks. To catch the best views of sunrise and morning glorious views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal, waking up early. Just before crack of dawn with an hour hike up to Poon Hill, the highest point of the trek. Which is at the height of 3,210 m / 10,531 feet high an amazing view-points around the Himalayas.
Along with striking sunrise, Poon Hill offers views of world’s three highest mountain range.
Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m) with an array of towering snow peaks. Includes majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak as far towards Ganesh Himal in the far eastern horizon.
The Ghorepani Poonhill trek, where travelers are always greeted with warm hospitality by the native Poon / Magar community. The village with great culture of age-old heritage. Especially, the Ghandruk village populated by the Gurung, the main hill tribes of Annapurna Himalayas presents amazing cultural tourism.
The walks through lovely forest lines with rhododendron trees, the areas around Ghorepani, regarded as world’s largest natural rhododendron garden. At Ghorepani and throughout the trek, staying in the comfort of nice cozy mountain lodge.
Spring from March to May, the right time to trek when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom.
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,350m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) |
| Day 02 | Kathmandu to Pokhara | 830m/ 2,722 ft (Pokhara) |
| Day 03 | Pokhara to Hille to Ulleri | 1460m/ 4,788 ft. (Hille) 2020m/6,625ft. (Ulleri) |
| Day 04 | Ulleri to Ghorepani | 2,860m/9,380 ft (Ghorepani) |
| Day 05 | Ghorepani to Poonhill to Tadapani | 3,210m/10,528 ft (Poonhill) 2,630 m/ 8,626 ft (Tadapani) |
| Day 06 | Tadapani to Ghandruk to Pokhara | 830m/ 2,722 ft. (Pokhara) |
| Day 07 | Pokhara to Kathmandu | 1,350m/ 4,428 ft. (Kathmandu) |
| Day 08 | Departure |
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Altitude Chart
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Our staff from Core Treks will receives you at the airport on arrival for short transfer to your hotel. The hotel accommodation of three-star standard or above based on the preference of the clients. We will have a short briefing session at our office or in the hotel lobby and meeting rooms, regarding the trip and travel details. Please feel free to ask questions during the briefing session. After a bit of walking around the streets of Thamel, preparation for the trek to Annapurna Himalayas.
Kathmandu to Pokhara
We'll be heading to Pokhara on this day. There are two options regarding our travel to Pokhara; by air or travel overland. A flight takes 30 minutes to reach Pokhara, taking a drive of near 6 hours. Depends upon one’s opinion, as well the cost wise. Weather enjoy the scenic drive on the main highway of Nepal, or short scenic flight, with time to explore Pokhara.
Pokhara to Hille to Ulleri
Morning after breakfast, an interesting drive takes you beyond Pokhara valley towards west, facing grand views of Annapurna’s peaks. After 2-3 hours of good drive reaching a farm village at Hille. From Hille trek start past Tirkhedhunga with beautiful waterfalls, then climb on steep stone steps for an hour or more. Reaching Ulleri for overnight halt, a nice moderate size village populated by Magar people, the hill tribes of Western Nepal.
Ulleri to Ghorepani
Morning enjoy the views of Annapurna South and Huin-Chuli, with Fish-Tail peaks,
having breakfast, start the walk to Ghorepani. From here a short day walk on pleasant trail past Bhanthati, and into beautiful forest of rhododendron and pine trees. Walk leads to short steep ups and gradual climb reaching on top of a ridge, where Ghorepani village located.
A scenic spot at the base of Poon Hill overlooking views of Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna peaks.
At Ghorepani for lunch and overnight stop in the comfort of a nice lodge. Afternoon free at leisure to marvel the views and explore the village with blue painted houses and lodges.
Ghorepani to Poonhill to Tadapani
An early morning hike for an hour up to Poon Hill, the highest point of the adventure.
Enjoy the stunning sunrise that reflect on chain of snow peaks, facing views of world three highest mountain range. Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna with an array of peaks with majestic Machhapuchare Himal, the famed Fish Tail peak.
After a glorious morning walks with mesmerizing views of sunrise and snow-mountain range, descend to Ghorepani for breakfast. As adventure continues heading up into lovely serene rhododendron and pine forest to Deurali top. Offers grand views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas, then down to another Bhanthati for lunch. Afternoon walk down to a stream and then an hour climb to Tadapani. Located on a high ridge with number of good lodges with Annapurna Himalayas toward north.
Tadapani to Ghandruk to Pokhara
Our last and final day of trekking, from Tadapani on pleasant forested path downhill to Ghandruk large Gurung village. Stopping for lunch facing grand views of surrounding landscapes with snow-capped peaks. From Ghandruk, a short descent to Kimche village and then drive back to beautiful Pokhara by the serene lake Phewa. Rest of the afternoon free at leisure for individual activities,
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Depart from the hotel after breakfast, for return drive to Kathmandu, on the same scenic and interesting highway. After more than 5-6 hours reaching Kathmandu and then back to your hotel. After getting refreshed, the company provides a farewell dinner party for our fellow guests in nice traditional Nepalese restaurants
Departure
The day has come to bid farewell to our guides and staff, as time for international flight Core Treks staff transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport at least 3 hours ahead before your international flight back homeward bound.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Cost Mentions
Trip Includes
- transfers by Private Vehicles.
- Standard twin- sharing accommodation in a three starts hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara, breakfast included. (4 Nights).
- Twin sharing accommodation during trek. (3 Nights).
- Kathmandu – Pokhara– Kathmandu by Luxury tourist bus (If you want both ways private vehicle also available on additional cost).
- Pokhara to Hile (Trekking start Point) & Siwai to Pokhara by private vehicle.
- Three daily meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
- TIMS Fee- Trekkers' Information Management System & Annapurna Conservation area permit (Please bring 2 passport size photos).
- One highly experienced, helpful and friendly guide. Porters (1 porter for 2 people) and their food, accommodation, salary and equipment. Accident insurance for all staff
- Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performances.
- Personal care & attention.
- Local and government taxes. Airport
Trip Excludes
- All kind of beverage including mineral water, Phone calls, laundry, hot shower during Trek
- Travel and Rescue Insurance
- Tipping to crew.
- Personal mountaineering gears
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
- Do not mention the services apart from the services mentioned in "Cost Included services"
Starting from April 1st, 2023, all international trekkers who wish to hike in Nepal must hire a licensed guide, rendering independent trekking no longer permissible. This new regulation presents two options for trekkers; hiring a guide upon arrival in Nepal, ensuring the person is licensed and reliable, or booking a trek through a company in advance. If opting for the latter, the company will plan the entire trip, including transportation and guide arrangement. Although we lack personal experience with company-assisted trekking in Nepal, we've identified a couple of highly-rated tours that may be worth considering.
- Easy booking and reservation system: CoreTreks appears to offer a user-friendly system for booking and reserving a spot on the Poon Hill trek.
- Online trip briefing after booking confirmation: This can be helpful for travelers to prepare for the trek and get an idea of what to expect.
- Multi-channel communication: With the ability to communicate via several channels, travelers can reach out to CoreTreks easily and get the assistance they need.
- 24/7 phone communication: This can provide peace of mind for trekkers who may need assistance or have questions at any time during their journey.
- Easy payment system: CoreTreks' payment system seems to be convenient for travelers.
- Free airport arrival/departure transfer: This can be a convenient service for travelers, as it eliminates the need to find transportation on their own.
- Oximeter and medical kits: CoreTreks appears to provide important medical equipment and kits, which can help detect altitude sickness early and provide necessary medical care.
- Sleeping bags, down jackets, and duffle bag for porters: This can be helpful for travelers who may not have their own equipment or prefer to travel lighter.
- Free excess luggage storage: CoreTreks offers a storage facility for excess luggage, which can be helpful for travelers who don't want to carry everything with them on the trek.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Poon Hill trek is considered a beginner level hike and does not require any prior mountaineering experience. It is among the simplest multi-day treks in the Annapurna region, making it a popular choice for trekkers of all levels. However, it is still a physically demanding trek, with a 3000-meter ascent that is completed over two days. It is recommended as an excellent acclimatization hike before embarking on more challenging treks in the region. Overall, while it may be challenging, it is a highly rewarding trek that offers stunning views and an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Himalayas.
Yes, it is completely safe to trek to Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in Nepal. However, in every trek in Nepal should be done in presence of a guide, this one is no different. Take a professional guide with you and you should be good.
During the trek to Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in Nepal, you can expect to explore the beauty of Pokhara city, the pristine Fewa Lake, Ghorepani Village, and culturally rich & naturally beautiful Ghandruk village.
The food is generally our traditional Nepali lunch which is Dal (Lentil Soup), Bhat (Boiled Rice), Tarkari (Veggies), and Achar (Pickle).
For the accommodation there are specially Hotels & Lodges, Tea houses, and Camping facilities. However due easy accessibility of hotels & lodges throughout the trial, camping is usually avoided during the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in Nepal.
To book the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in Nepal, CoreTreks offers you a number of booking options including:
- Online booking,
- Wire transfer OR,
- Cash on arrival
We recommend you to go through our booking policy before you head to the payment. In case of further inquiries please feel free to contact us.
The cost of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the time of year, the duration of the trek, and the level of service you require.
As of 2023, the permit cost for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30) per person. Additionally, the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card, which is required for all trekkers, costs NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 10) for individual trekkers and NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 20) for group trekkers.
Other costs to consider include transportation to and from the trailhead, food and accommodation along the way, and the cost of hiring a licensed guide and porter if you choose to do so.
Overall, the cost of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can range from around USD 300 to USD 800 per person, depending on the level of service and accommodations chosen. It's recommended to research and compare prices from different trekking companies before making a decision.
Poon Hill is a famous hilltop located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, with an altitude of 3,210 meters above sea level. It is renowned for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views and is considered one of the best vantage points in the region. No trip to the Poon Hill trek is complete without visiting Poon Hill and experiencing the stunning panoramic views it offers.
From the top of Poon Hill, trekkers can enjoy stunning panoramic views of several snow-capped peaks in the Annapurna region. Some of the notable mountains that can be seen from Poon Hill include:
- Annapurna South (7219m)
- Hiunchuli (6441m)
- Machhapuchhre (6993m)
- Annapurna I (8091m)
- Annapurna II (7937m)
- Annapurna III (7555m)
- Annapurna IV (7525m)
- Lamjung Himal (6983m)
- Dhaulagiri (8167m)
These towering peaks, combined with the stunning sunrise and sunset views, make Poon Hill a truly unforgettable experience for trekkers in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
Additional Information
The best time to trek to Poon Hill is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the skies are clear, and the views are fantastic. However, treks are conducted throughout the year, with winter being the least popular due to low temperatures and snowfall, while summer brings monsoon rains and wet, slippery trails.
During autumn, the weather is mild, and the environment is clean and festive due to the Nepali festivals of Dashain and Tihar. Winter offers clear skies and mountain views but can be very challenging for new trekkers. The temperature in the mountains also depends on altitude, with higher elevations being colder.
To prepare for your trek in Nepal, it's essential to consider both the specific route and the time of year. Here is a Nepal trekking packing list to help you pack wisely. Here’s our Nepal Trekking packing list.
Poon Hill Trek is rated as an easy grade trek in the Annapurna region. The trek involves hiking for around 4-5 hours per day, with regular breaks to enjoy the stunning mountain views. The trail is not very steep but involves ascending and descending. Trekking at higher altitudes is physically demanding, so average physical fitness and strong determination are required.
Participants who can hike for 4-5 hours a day at a reasonable pace with a light day pack can complete the trek. However, some days may require longer waking hours. Those with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood disease should inform the trek operator before booking the trek.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Reviews
Enchanting trek to Ghorepani Poonhill
From: India | On: 15 Oct, 2022
The Ghorepani Poonhill trek with CoreTreks was an enchanting adventure from start to finish! The breathtaking sunrise views from Poonhill made the early morning wake-up call worthwhile. The well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides ensured a seamless journey. The warm hospitality and personalized attention by CoreTreks made me feel like a valued client throughout. I highly recommend this trek with CoreTreks for an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
The best trek I ever had
From: United Kingdom | On: 05 Oct, 2019
Hands down the best trekking experience I ever had in a while. Nepal is such a beauty. We chose Ghorepani especially because we had only two weeks to explore Nepal. It all turned out to be pretty amazing experience.
This trip would not have been possible if we did not find CoreTreks. Thanks to the professional teams for guiding us through our trip and making it possible. Highly recommended.
Beautiful memories with beautiful people
From: Korea, Democratic People | On: 17 Nov, 2018
Trekking to Ghorepani Poonhill was really a lifetime experience. The place is beautiful and the people too. They are so kind and friendly, left me with nothing to complain at all. We hiked for 4-5 hours every day, it was little hard but we made great memories.
Thanks to all the guides and porters for making thing trip possible.
Specially thank to CoreTreks for being such a helpful partner and taking care of everything. I love Nepal and the people. Looking forward to visit again.
Experience of a lifetime
From: Norway | On: 06 Nov, 2017
We were a group of 5 but still had an amazing journey to Poonhill and back. The trekking did not feel long because we were accompanied by our guides from CoreTreks.
They were amazing and told us a lot of funny stories of their past. They are really hard working people and deserve a lot more credit than they do. Once again thanks CoreTreks for making this trip possible and handling our group so efficiently.
Fun little trip
From: Ireland | On: 03 Nov, 2017
Nepal is amazing destination to travel as you might have heard before. I had a great time and was enjoying my whole trip.
I have a very tight schedule but CoreTreks really guided us through their packages and got us a perfect package.
The trip to Ghorepani Poonhill was short but amazing. I have nothing but love to Nepal.
