TRIP OVERVIEW

Trip Facts
Destination	Nepal
Activity	Trekking
Duration	7 Days
Meals	Included (B,L, D)
Accomodation	Lodge, Tea House
Group size	min 2 people
Best Season	Mar-May \| Sep-Nov
Max Altitude	3210 m (Poonhill)
Trip Code	1002
Activity Per Day	4-5 hrs
Transportation	Private Vehicle
Grade	Easy

Highlights of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Witness breathtaking sunrises over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs from Poon Hill at 3210 meters.
Explore the vibrant Gurung village of Ghandruk and the Magar village of Ulleri.
Enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I, along with other Himalayan peaks.
Traverse through charming villages, lush forests, and scenic landscapes, including waterfalls, rice terraces, and suspension bridges.
Experience the rich cultural heritage and lifestyle of the Gurung and Magar communities.
Marvel at the beauty of rhododendron forests, especially vibrant during February, March, and April.

The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is one of the most popular short trek in the Annapurna region. This trek is suitable for people of all ages; high number of families book their holidays to Ghorepani Poonhill. Poon Hill (3,210m) is popular view point for the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Varaha Shikhar, and Lamjung Himal. This trek also includes hiking through colorful villages and rhododendron forests, with the backdrop of the Annapurna always present. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers an enchanting journey through the Annapurna Conservation Area, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal. This 4-day trek is ideal for those looking to experience the majesty of the Himalayas within a short timeframe. Even for experienced trekkers, this is a great introduction to the Himalayas, especially if time is short. Accommodation along this established route is very comfortable, and the menus are not disappointing. And, of course, the mountains never disappoint either in their fully photogenic beauty!

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure, offering unforgettable memories and insights into the Himalayan lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a beginner, this journey promises a rewarding experience amidst some of the world's most stunning landscapes.

If you need further details or wish to book your trek, feel free to reach out. This journey awaits to offer you a glimpse of the Himalayan paradise.

Day-wise Itinerary
Detailed itinerary for 7 Days Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Day 1 : Kathmandu to Pokhara(860m) (Drive)

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.

Time: 8
Ascent: 860m m

Day 2 : Pokhara(860m) to Naya Pool (Drive) to Tikhe Dhunga (Trek)

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!

Time: 6-7
Accomodation: Hotel/Lodge

Day 3: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani : Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani(2,880m)

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.

Time: 6 Hr
Accomodation: Hotel/Lodge

Day 4 : Morning hike to Poon Hill(3210m) and trek to Tadapani (2,721m)

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.

Time: 5-6 hr
Accomodation: Hotel/Lodge

Day 5 : Tadapani to Ghandruk(1940m)

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.

Time: 3-4
Accomodation: Hotel/Lodge

Day 6 : Ghandruk(1940m) to Naya Pool and to Pokhara(860m) (Drive)

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.

Time: 5-6 Hr
Accomodation: Hotel/Lodge

Day 7 : Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)

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

Accomodation: Hotel/Lodge

Cost Includes
What you will get

Airport Transfers: Pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu for both international and domestic flights.
Welcome and Farewell Dinners: Traditional Nepali meals with cultural programs in Kathmandu.
Accommodation: Stay in teahouses or guesthouses along the trek on a twin-sharing basis (single rooms available at an extra cost).
Meals: Standard meals provided throughout the trek, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Drinking Water: Purified drinking water using chemical tablets or water purifiers.
Permits and Fees: All required trekking permits, entry fees for Annapurna conservation area permit, and local government fees.
First Aid and Emergency Support: First-aid treatment and assistance to organize rescue measures in case of a medical emergency (covered by travel insurance).
Domestic Flights: Round-trip flights from Kathmandu to Lukla, including airport taxes.
Guides and Porters: Experienced English-speaking guide (plus assistant guide for groups of 12 or more) and porters (1 porter per 2 hikers, maximum 10 kg per hiker).
Guide and Porter Expenses: Salaries, meals, insurance, accommodation, transportation, airfare, and necessary equipment included.
Snacks and Fruits: Daily snacks such as cookies and fresh seasonal fruit.
Souvenirs: Company T-shirt and cap.
Certificate of Completion: Awarded upon successful completion of the trek.

Cost Excludes
What you wont get

Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu: Except for the welcome and farewell dinners. Additional stays or meals in Kathmandu can be arranged at extra cost.
International Flights and Taxes: Airfare to and from Nepal, including airport departure taxes.
Visa Fees: Tourist visa for Nepal (available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport: 15 days – $25–30, 30 days – $40–50, 90 days – $100–110).
Travel Insurance: Coverage, including emergency rescue and high-altitude evacuation is required but not included.
Personal Expenses: Such as personal gear, clothing, equipment, toiletries, snacks, beverages (bottled or boiled water, tea, coffee, alcohol), Wi-Fi, phone calls, hot showers, battery charging, or extra porters.
Gratuities: Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
Excess Baggage: Charges beyond the allowed 9 kg per person.
Additional Accommodation or Meals: Due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek.
Delays or Unforeseen Events: Extra costs arising from landslides, weather conditions, route changes for safety, illness, strikes, government policy changes, or other factors beyond our control.
Other Charges: Any expenses not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” section.
Government and Service Taxes: 13% VAT, Social Security Fund (SSF), and 10% service charges.

Gear Information
Things You Need during Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

We highly recommend you to carry the basic clothing and accessories (PowerBank, Camera, Mobile Phones, Battery Charger, etc.) needed for the trek.

Personal Equipment

3-4 season sleeping bag with hood
Thermo rest self-inflating pad or foam mat
Main luggage- Rucksack or Duffel
30 - 40 liter Daypack- to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing
Stuff sacks and plastic bags for keeping your gear dry and organized
Water bottles with a wide mouth
A pair adjustable trekking poles
Insulated plastic mug (optional)
Pocketknife Swiss army style (optional)
Toiletries bag for toilet paper, soap, saving items, tooth paste and toothbrush etc

For Upper Body

Water Proof Jacket
Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

For Lower Body

Water Proof Pants
Running tights
Light Weight Pant

Footwear:

Running shoes or sandals-to used in camp/ teahouse lodge
Hiking boots- good quality
Gaiters- a pair to use to keep boots dry if walking through deep snow or on wet ground
Woolen or Pile Socks-heavy weight wool to be worn over the liner socks
Liner Socks-smooth thin liner socks to reduce of getting blisters
Knee or ankles support pad

Clothing items for Trip

Gore-Tex pants and jacket with hood
Medium weight down jacket with hood
Light trekking trouser
Long sleeve light colored polypropylene shirts
Polar Tec fleece jacket
Thermal underwear for both top and bottom
Polar Tec fleece pant
Personal under garments
Quick dry type towel
Casual wears before after the trek

Hand Wear

Polypropylene liner gloves
Fleece gloves
Good quality mittens or gloves

Headwear

Warm woolen or fleecy hat/balaclava
Sun hat or cap with bandana for shading the neck
Bandana or scarf
Headlamp for use at night around the camp with extra batteries and spare bulbs
High quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection
Dust mask

Other Travel Accessories

Sunscreen and lip salve SPF 30 or above
Insect repellant
Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine)
Favorite snack items
Reading and writing materials, ipod and cards
Camera, memory card and extra battery
Passport photo copy and photos
Insurance certificate copy
Earplugs (optional)
Baby wipes (optional)
Anti bacterial hand gel (optional)

Personal first aid kit pack

Any personal medications
Malaria prophylactic tablets
Antibiotics capsules
Imodium and anti amoebious, bacterial tablets
Blister treatment plasts
Dehydration solution
Analgesic- Paracetamol, aspirin
Anti cold tablets
Diclofenac gel
Bandages
Antiseptic cream and throat lozenges
Diamox for AMS
Sanitary pad (for women)
Ear and eye drop

Know before you Travel
Frequently asked Questions about 7 Days Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

>> What kind of food is available on Ghorepani Poonhill Trek?

Food along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is simple, freshly prepared, and designed to keep trekkers energized throughout the journey. Every teahouse cooks meals to order using locally sourced ingredients. While the options may feel limited, they’re hearty, warm, and deeply satisfying, perfect after a long day on the trail.

Most trekkers prefer vegetarian meals, as meat has to be transported to higher altitudes and may not always be fresh. Fortunately, the vegetarian dishes are both filling and flavorful, with Dal Bhat standing out as the ultimate trekking fuel. Served with lentil soup, rice, vegetables, and pickles, it’s a well-balanced meal, and best of all, it often comes with free refills.

Meal times follow a routine rhythm, with breakfast served early, lunch during a midday break, and dinner shortly after reaching your teahouse for the night. It’s a good idea to place your dinner order as soon as you arrive, as kitchens prepare meals individually and may take time, especially during busy seasons.

Prices for food gradually increase as you climb higher due to the difficulty of transporting supplies into the mountains. That said, the cost goes directly to local families and communities, so eating where you sleep is not only practical, it’s a way to support sustainable trekking.

Though the dishes are lightly spiced and comforting, you can always carry small flavor additions like chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a stronger kick. And while teahouses often offer some packaged snacks, bringing your own trail mix or energy bars can come in handy between meals.

>> How long does it take to complete the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete, depending on the chosen route and walking pace.

>> How do I get to the starting point of the Ghorepani Poon hill trek?

To reach the starting point of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, first travel to Pokhara from Kathmandu by a 25-minute flight or a 6–8 hour drive. From Pokhara, take a private vehicle or local bus to Nayapul or Hile, which are common starting points for the trek. The drive from Pokhara to the trailhead usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

>> Can I do Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek without a Guide?

As of April 2023, Nepal requires all solo trekkers on regulated routes to hire a licensed guide for safety and compliance. If you’re part of a group, trekking without a guide may still be allowed, but having one is strongly recommended.

>> Do I need Guide for Ghorepani Poonhill trek?

Yes, guides are mandatory. All our guides are fluent in English and are trained to communicate clearly with international trekkers. They also provide valuable insights into the region’s culture, history, and landscape.

Our guides are highly experienced professionals, many with 5 to 15+ years of trekking across Nepal, especially in the Annapurna region. They know the trails, villages, and weather patterns in detail and are trained in first aid, altitude awareness, and client safety, ensuring a smooth and informed trekking experience.

>> What kind of food is available during Ghorepani Poonhill trek?

Teahouses on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offer a variety of meals, including traditional Nepali dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), as well as pasta, noodles, pancakes, soups, fried rice, and eggs. Vegetarian options are widely available, and meals are hearty to support long trekking days.

>> What type of accommodations are available on the trek?

Accommodations on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are primarily teahouses, basic mountain lodges that offer simple twin-bed rooms, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas. At lower elevations, some teahouses may offer private rooms with attached bathrooms, while facilities become more basic as you go higher.

Hire Trek Guide

Starting from April 1, 2023, Nepal has made it mandatory for all international trekkers to hire a licensed guide for trekking. This new regulation essentially prohibits independent trekking, leaving trekkers with two main options: hiring a guide or joining a tour.

Hiring a Guide

You can arrange a guide once you arrive in Nepal. Make sure the guide has a valid license issued by the Nepal Government.

You can book your trek through a company beforehand. Trekking companies offer comprehensive packages that typically include:

Itinerary Planning: We will organize your entire trip, including trekking routes and schedules.

Transportation: Arrangements for airport transfers, and transportation to and from the trek starting point.

Licensed Guide: A knowledgeable and licensed guide who will accompany you throughout the trek.

Permits and Paperwork: Assistance with necessary permits and documentation required for trekking in Nepal.

Porters can be hired at an additional cost to assist with carrying gear.

Accommodation options in Kathmandu and Pokhara can be arranged to suit various preferences and budgets.

Booking and Payments

To book the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, simply contact Gateway Adventure Treks and Expedition via our website or customer service for availability and detailed information. A 10% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due before the tour starts. Payments can be made through secure methods such as bank transfer, credit card, or online platforms. For cancellations or changes, Gateway Adventure Treks and Expedition provides clear guidelines, with partial refunds available depending on the timing. Be sure to review the booking terms and conditions to ensure a smooth process.

Last- Minute Booking

Though we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot on the tour, Gateway Adventure Treks and Expeditions accepts the last- minute bookings. For these bookings, full payment (100% of the tour price) is required at least 24 hours prior to departure. Please note that while we strive to offer flexibility, we cannot be responsible for any delays or unforeseen issues such as weather conditions or unavailable accommodations.

For last- minute bookings or inquiries, contact us at +977- 9851360663/ +977- 9802301060 or email us at info@gatewaytreks.com