Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

We start off early, but with time for breakfast first.  The road out of the Kathmandu Valley twists its way down the valley wall until it joins the Trushuli River below.  Here we see rafters braving the white water – perhaps this is your future trip in the planning – and can see snow-capped mountains in the distance. 

Once we reach flatter land, we stop for lunch before heading on to the lake city of Pokhara.  After checking into the hotel, there is time to explore the neighbourhood: the walkway along the lake, the varied and interesting shops and restaurants, and of course, the mesmerising Fishtail Mountain towering over the city. 

Please note that we use comfortable tourist buses on this route, but if you would like to hire your own personal car or flight. Please, check to add on while booking.

After breakfast, it’s a relatively short drive to Naya Pool, the start of your trek.  There is the choice of bus, local jeep, or private car/taxi to reach.  

From Naya Pool, it’s time to get hiking!  Passing the checkpoint at Birethanti,a nice place on the side of Modi River, the road gently climbs to Tikhe Dhunga,  a nice farm village close to its beautiful waterfalls.  It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to hike to the overnight lodge at Tikhe Dhunga.  Thankfully it’s not a difficult trek today, but enough to wake up your hiking legs! 

Crossing the suspension bridge near Tikhe Dhunga, we brace ourselves for today’s hike!  It’s more of a climb than a hike, with (well) over 3,000 steps on the steep stone staircase leading up to Ulleri village.  Preparing in advance by taking the stairs rather than the lift/elevator at home would be a great advantage.

Above Ulleri and coming out of the forest, the trail becomes more gentle, crossing pastures and fields, within oaks-pines and rhododendron forest.  Passing Banthanti village, we head on to Ghorepani, where we spend the night.  Already we can see several mountains, including Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545 ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,794 ft) and Vara-Shikar also called Annapurna Fang, a village with blue painted houses serving as good lodges located at the base of Poon Hill, populated with Poon people of Magar ethnic tribe.

Waking before dawn, we hike for about an hour up Poon Hill (3,210m) to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas! Hot tea is usually available in the early morning chill we sip while taking in the amazing scene of a huge array of mountains.  These mountains are Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). 

Once the sun has risen spectacularly over the mountains and we have clicked enough photos, we drag ourselves away and head back down to the lodge in Ghorepani for a well-deserved breakfast before heading on to Tadapani.  

The trail to Tadapani starts off quite steep until we cross the Deurali Pass, when the path becomes more forgiving.  From the Deurali Pass, we get a second chance to take the mountains we saw from Poon Hill. Tadapani situated in the middle of rhododendron, magnolia and oaks forest with fabulous view of Mt. Machhapuchare and Annapurna South peaks. We stay overnight in Tadapani.

Today it’s a shorter trek, giving us plenty of time to explore Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages. Ghandruk populated by Gurung tribes of Annapurna region.One of the Gurung Culture Museum highlights is an insight into people’s lives.

It is mainly Gurungs who are the fierce and loyal Gurkha soldiers in both the British and Indian armies.  With snowy peaks, rest and relaxation are welcome breaks today.

Enjoy the final breakfast of the trek before hiking through villages to reach Naya Pool, where we can take a bus or jeep back to Pokhara. Tonight enjoy the bright lights of the bars and restaurants in Pokhara and gaze once again at the lake and up at Fishtail Mountain.  

If time permits, we will visit some nice places in Pokhara. 

After breakfast, head for the tourist bus or have your private vehicle meet you at your hotel for the drive back to Kathmandu.