Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek - 4 days

Ghorepani Poon Hill 3210 m
Trip Information
  • Duration5 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max Altitude3210 m/10532 ft.
  • ActivityTrekking
  • Group Size1+
  • Trip StartPokhara
  • Trip EndPokhara
  • Best TimeAll time of the year
Highlights
  • The Ghorepani Poon Hill trail takes trekkers from the lowlands of Nayapul towards Poon Hill.
  • This short walk is perfect for budget travelers, seniors, children, and first-time trekkers.
  • Watch the sunrise from the top of Poon Hill. As the sun touches the mountains, it turns gold.
  • Dhaulagiri, Annapurna 1st, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (fishtail), Gangapurna, and Tukuche Peak can be seen from Poon Hill in a panoramic 360-degree view.
  • Explore charming and attractive rural farm villages around the Ghorepani trail.
  • Walk along the rhododendrons, magnolia, pine, and fir tree lines in the shade of the forest.

Advantages of booking Poon Hill Trek with Holiday Planner Nepal

  • Private vehicles pick up and drop off passengers at all airports.
  • First-aid kit box and services.
  • Holiday Planner Nepal’s duffle bag, map, t-shirt, and cap. Sleeping bags, down jackets and other related gears can be purchased or rented in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (you should have insurance for emergency evacuation, which will be paid for by your travel insurance company).
  • We use an oximeter to check your pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, every day and we provide oxygen as per needed.
  • We provide sim cards for travelers, so there won’t be any communication issues.

Introduction: Ghorepani Poon Hill short trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill stands out as one of Nepal's most popular and exemplary Annapurna Trekking Destinations, contributing the best perspectives of the Annapurna Mountain Range and the Dhaulagiri Mountain Range. The breathtaking mountain scenery, the beautiful ethnic villages, and many other factors justify the popularity of Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking package. The most remarkable significance of the Annapurna Ghorepani Trek is the favorable elevation of Poon Hill, trekkers will witness the overwhelming sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayas.

Poon Hill Trekking is Nepal's most picturesque short trek, popularly known as Sunrise View Trek. This trekking route is also considered simple, as we don't have to encounter any of the hardships that generally trekkers face during high-altitude trekking. The Ghorepani trekking route starts from Pokhara and ends at Pokhara. This unbelievably beautiful city is 200 km west of Kathmandu and is a 6-hour bus ride or 30-minute flight from Kathmandu. There is another one-and-a-half-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, from where your trek of a lifetime takes place.

Where does the Poon Hill trek begin and end?

The Poon Hill Trek begins with a short drive towards Nayapul from Pokhara, which will take around one hour and 30 minutes max. After reaching Nayapul, we show our permits first at the checkpoint and start trekking towards Tikhedhunga. The first day of the walk is going to be sunny. On the second day, we start our hike from Tikhedhunga towards Ghorepani via Ulleri, where the steepness of Ulleri is waiting for us. Then, we enter the Ulleri village and the shady jungle to reach Nanghethati and have lunch at Birethanti. Then we reach lower Ghorepani, where there is a very good coffee shop. Nepal recommends having coffee there if you have time.

On the big day of our trip, we rise early today and then go towards Poon Hill, where we will witness one of the most beautiful sunrises of our lifetime. Spend some time there with the majestic 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains. Then we return to our teahouse, have breakfast, and head towards Tadapani, one of the best walks. We reach the top of the hill and start descending, walking along the river, and having lunch in the silent environment of nature before heading towards Tadapani.

After spending the night at Tadapani, we rise early the next day, go towards Ghandruk, and then return back to Pokhara after completing our trek.

ghorepani-poonhill-5 day

What is the best time or month for trekking towards Ghorepani?

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking is open all year round and can be done in all seasons. March to May and September to December are the fundamental trekking seasons for Ghorepani poon hill and Annapurna Region. Therefore, get ready to be captured by the beauty of this breathtaking mountain, which truly feels like a blessing. The moment of joy that you feel while you see the snow-capped peak is indescribable; you think and enjoy most of it.

What to expect during the Poon Hill trek?

You walk on the rugged mountain trail that extends through the wonderfully magnificent Rhododendron landscape along the valley, where there is an extraordinary encounter with the untamed life and landscape of the Himalayan Ranges, a small but beautiful mountain river stream, green hills, and deep terrain valleys incorporated with high-altitude flora and fauna like orchids, rhododendron, and Magnolia woods, along with rare animal species like white-breasted kingfisher, highland butterflies, Musk Deer, etc. add beauty to nature and your excitement at the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, and also the hospitality of local people like Magar's, Gurung on the way, or at the tea house will truly amaze you. At the end of the destination, we reach Poon Hill, which offers a fascinating view of all-encompassing perspectives of the Annapurna (8,091m/ 26,545 ft) and Dhaulagiri  (8167 m/26,795 ft). After that, we return to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara, a worthy trip for your short trek around the Annapurna Area.

Accommodation and food facilities at Ghorepani

The accommodations are basic, like teahouses and small lodges where we will stay during the Ghorepani trek. Tikhedhunga is a small town with basic tea houses. Still, better accommodation facilities are available at Ghorepani, and for Tadapani, the hotels are basic. Still, suppose travelers and trekkers plan to stay at Ghandruk by extending a day. In that case, the accommodation and service facilities at Ghandruk are very good.

The available foods are fresh and only made once the order is placed. There are various items to choose from, whether you are vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or on a specific diet.

ghorepani-poonhill-trek

Electricity and Internet facilities during Poon Hill trek

Electricity is available in all the places and can only be disturbed in bad weather or natural circumstances, or else electricity is available throughout the trek. For charging Holiday Tours Nepal always advises carrying a power bank since charging ports are not available in the room. Travelers and trekkers often have to leave their phones and other devices at reception, so it's better to carry a power bank and charge your phone instead of leaving your cell phone to charge at reception.

WiFi is provided at practically all tea shops and resorts. Additional expenses for charging and WiFi may cost up to 500 rupees. Trekkers can also take a SIM card, which includes an internet data plan.

Outline itinerary for Ghorepani Poon Hill trek

Day 01: Pokhara, Nayapul, and Tikhedhunga (1570m) 2 hours of driving and 3-4 hours of walking.
Day 02: Tikhedhunga-Ulleri-Ghorepani (2780m) 5–6-hour walks.
Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani-Tadapani (2660m) 4–5-hour walks.
Day 04: Tadapani–Ghandruk and drive back to Pokhara (1990m) 3–4-hour walk.

Itinerary
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Your trekking starts from the lakeside city of Pokhara. As you begin your day after breakfast, you will continue towards Nayapul via a private or shared vehicle. Along the way, with the company of the guide and porter, you will continue the two-hour-long drive to Nayapul. During the drive, you will pass the hilly region of Nepal while seeing various waterfalls, rivers, traditional villages, and terraced farms. The prominent stops along the route are Naudandha, Kanre, and Lumle, to reach Nayapul.

Upon arriving at Nayapul, you will start your trek towards Tikhedhunga. You will walk along the Modi River upstream to Birethanti and follow the east bank of Burundi Khola to reach Tikhedunga. The route is also filled with waterfalls and lush green forests. Lunch will be served along the way.

After you reach Tikhedunga, you will settle in an accommodation and rest. While waiting for dinner, you can communicate with the locals or savor other delicious cuisines. After dinner, you can sleep and spend the night in Tikhedunga.

  • Max. Altitude:1480 m/ 4,855 ft
  • Accommodation:Tea House/ Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

As you wake up, you will get refreshed and have breakfast. After breakfast, you will leave Tikhedunga and head to Ghorepani via Ulleri. You will walk uphill on the stone-embedded steps to reach Ulleri. Similarly, the view of Mount Annapurna follows you through the route. A magnificent view can be seen once you get to Ulleri. The long, challenging climb leads to Ulleri village.

Upon reaching Ulleri village, you will continue the gradual path on the winding trail through the cool shade of pine and rhododendron forest. The walk continues with a few short ups and downs to the Ghorepani, from where you can see a good view of the Annapurna Mountain range. Upon reaching Ghorepani, you will settle in a place of accommodation and wait for dinner. After dinner, you will rest and spend the overnight in Ghorepani.

  • Max. Altitude:2,874 m/ 9,429 ft
  • Accommodation:Tea House/ Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Today, in the early morning before sunrise, you will wake up and prepare to leave with your guide to the marvelous viewpoint of the trip that is Poon Hill. The hike will take about 45 minutes to walk up Poon Hill to have a beautiful mountain view with a sunrise. Poon Hill is derived as a hill from the ethnic group called Poon, who are the native residents of Ghorepani and around the area.

Poon Hill is a great place to see the compelling view of stunning mountains from west Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges, and a unique mountain, Mt. Fishtail, following the captivating view of Manaslu to Ganesh Himal to the east ranges of mountains. Poon Hill is such a spot that shows the wide range of high mountains from west to east, about 650 km spread with morning fantastic sunrise.

You will return to Ghorepani for breakfast as you complete your exploration time here. After breakfast, you will continue the trek to Tadapani. The walk will pass through the rhododendron, pine, and bamboo forests with short ups and downs. Lunch will be served on the way to the tea houses.

Since you will continue the return journey from the same trekking route, you will relive the surroundings again. As you reach Tadapani, you will settle in a place of accommodation and have dinner. After dinner, you will rest for the night. Spend overnight in Tadapani.

  • Max. Altitude:2630 m/ 8,497 ft
  • Accommodation:Tea House/ Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

After breakfast, you will leave for Ghandruk and end the trek at Pokhara. After moving past Tadapani, the walk continues through a deep forest for about an hour. The path is gradually flat while reaching Bhasi Kharka. As you pass Bhasi Kharka, you will then continue the descent, following the view of Mt. Annapurna and Machhapuchre (Fish Tail) through the forest-vegetated trails. You will occasionally view the mountains in the background until you reach Ghandruk.

Ghandruk will be your lunch spot for the day. You can have delicious Gurung cuisine at a restaurant with a view of the mountains. You can also feel the hospitality of the native Gurung community in Ghandruk. Various cultural programs with dance and music are hosted here, where travelers can get insight into the life of the Gurung community.

After a well-spent afternoon in Ghandruk, you will then move towards Pokhara. You will similarly descend via Birethanti. One can see mules loaded with goods en route. The distance from Ghandruk is 04 hours to Nayapul, from where you will finish your trek and drive back to Pokhara.

Upon reaching Pokhara, the trip with Holiday Tours Nepal ends. Best Wishes!!

  • Max. Altitude:822 m/2,696 ft
  • Accommodation:Tea House/ Lodge
  • Meals:Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Route Map

Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek - 4 days map
Cost Details
What's Included
  • All airport transport is provided by private vehicle.
  • Pokhara to Nayapul(Trek starting point) and Ghandruk(trek ending point) to Pokhara by private vehicle.
  • Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card and entrance fee for a national park.
  • A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English-speaking well trained, well-trained Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, Transport, and insurance.
  • 01 porter=2 guests with their insurance, wages, meals, lodging, and equipment,
  • Assistant guide including his all expenses as per the size and requirement of group.
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided each day, along with tea or coffee wth cookie while on the trek.
  • Best available twin/double sharing accommodation in the mountain during the trekking.
What's not Included
  • Your Nepal visa fees.
  • All international flight costs, both from and to Kathmandu.
  • Dinner and lunch in Pokhara.
  • Insurance for personal travel, health, and emergency helicopter evacuation.
  • In the event of an extra night's lodging, lunch, and dinner in the city due to an early arrival or a late departure, as well as an early departure from the mountain or trek (for any reason).
  • Personal expenses like laundry, baggage fees, phone calls, battery recharges, bar and beverage bills, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold showers, additional porters, etc.
  • Tips to the trekking crews and drivers.
  • Additional costs resulting from unforeseen circumstances like flight delays, strikes, bad weather, or other unforeseen events.
  • Anything that is not a part of the service includes.
Availability
  • The trip departs every day of the year.
  • The trip and trek are fully customizable. We can customize the trip according to the needs and necessities of our clients.
  • The trip is available for solo travellers, group travellers, and private travellers.
  • We organize the trip for a large group and can provide service for a group of 100+ members as well.
  • If the given dates are not appropriate for the trekkers, the trip can be conducted on the customary date provided by our clients.
  • Holiday tours Nepal advises all our clients to book at least 7 days prior so all the arrangements can be done in time, especially sometimes in the mountains where the accommodations are booked prior, so prior booking helps a lot.
  • Contact us at [email protected], or send us a text at +977-9816710843 or +977-9818178630.
  • We are available 24/7 on WhatsApp, Viber, and WeChat.
Useful Information

Equipment and Gear List

GeneralGeneral

  • Four-season (-20 degree) sleeping bag (We provide rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
  • Puffy down jacket (We provide rental jackets for an additional USD 35)
  • Daypack (25-30 liters recommended) with rain cover

CatUpper Body

  • Sun hat or cap (We'll provide you with a trekking cap.)
  • Warm woolen hat
  • Scarf/Neck Buff (highly recommended to get saved from wind and cold)
  • Headlamp or mobile torch light for nighttime
  • Polarized sunglasses

TorsoTorso

  • Technical fabric base layer thermals are light for warmer months, heavy for colder months
  • Technical fabric t-shirts and sleeve sweaters or high-necks
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Windproof jacket for the walk as it gets windy
  • Fleece jacket or down jacket

LowerLower Body

  • Thermals inner
  • Hiking pants at least 3
  • Comfortable pants for teahouses
  • Waterproof, windproof shell
  • Hiking shorts

glovesHands

  • Woolen gloves for the tea house
  • Hard-shell windproof outer gloves for the walk

feetFeet

  • Marino Wool or comfortable, warm socks
  • Hiking socks
  • Liner socks
  • Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
  • Crampons (For passes)
  • Casual shoes or sandals that are comfortable for the time in the tea house
  • Gaiters (lightweight for rain and snow)

undergarmentUndergarments and Inner Wears

  • Technical fabric/quick drying (can be washed during the trek)
  • Sports bras (women)
  • Sleeping clothes as per the comfortability

FirstaidFirst Aid Kits and Medications

Note: Our guides carry medications, oxygen cans, and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are recommended.) 

  • Sunscreen SPF- 50+
  • Lip balm or Vaseline
  • ointment cream
  • Cough Syrup and strepsils (recommended for Khumbu Cough)
  • Creams and medicines (for any allergies or diseases)

Optional Other Essentials

  • Passport
  • Extra copies of passport-sized photos
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Toilet paper, small soap, and shampoo
  • Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
  • Water bladder for the day bag
  • Small towel for personal use
  • Pillowcase in case of allergies to new pillows
  • High-protein snacks (such as mountain bars or nuts)
  • Waterproof/dry bags for carrying essential documents, stuff, frequently used items, and money
  • Power bank or extra batteries
  • Cameras and mobile phone
  • Cards/book
  • Pee bottle/ pee funnel for women
  • Trekking poles
  • Whistle in case your voice is not loud enough to stop or start
  • Thermos for hot water during the nighttime
  • We give you a free duffel bag, trekking cap, maps, and t-shirt during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies.
  • For every two participants, we assign one porter. The porter will carry the duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg/22 lbs., throughout the walk.
  • Daypack bag for daily used stuff like cash, documents, papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, clothing, etc. (with a waterproof cover).
  • You can store your luggage (on-trekking items) at the hotel in Kathmandu, and we can assist and help.
  • Total luggage for the Kathmandu-Lukla flight is (15 kg/33 lbs.), including duffel (10 Kg/22 lbs.) and backpack (5 kg/11 lbs.)
  • A down jacket with a hood(cap) to be warm in altitudes above 3,000m.
  • We can provide a down jacket for USD 35. In case of loss or damage, you need to pay back the cost of USD 200 per item.
  • We can provide a sleeping bag for USD 35. In case of loss or damage, USD 200 per item must be paid.

What to pack for nepal trekking?

Note: Supplies and gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu. Once you are in Nepal, you can buy supplies and gear for hiking if you have spare time. Trekking Planner Nepal representatives will assist you in purchasing the equipment. Thamel a tourist hub, offers a wide range of trekking equipment at affordable prices. Don't wear short clothes inside the monasteries and religious places.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek - 4 days FAQs

  • Ghorepani Poon Hill is located in the Myagdi district of the Dhaulagiri zone in the northern-central region of Nepal. The capital city of Myagdi Beni is located 17–19 kilometers away from the village of Ghorepani.

  • The highest point of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the hill of Poon Hill, which is situated at an elevation of 3210 meters. The highest point where trekkers will be spending the night is Ghorepani, which is at an altitude of 2874m.

  • The total length of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is around 45 kilometers, and the trek is like a circuit as it starts from Nayapul, and we take a left after checking the permits, and finish from the right side by coming towards Ghandruk. It is like a small circuit.

  • The specialty of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the short time in which trekkers reach a certain destination with changes in the landscapes, and the most important thing is the sun-rise and sun-set views that can be seen from the top of Ghorepani Poon Hill.

  • The Ghoreapni Poon Hill Trek can be done throughout the year at any time, but the best time to go is during the spring season of March, April, and May, and the autumn season of September, October, and November.

  • No, the options for a car or jeep are either Ghandruk, Birethanti, Ulleri, or Nayapul; these are the final destinations while taking a car or a jeep to Poon Hill, but it cannot go to Poon Hill or Ghorepani.

  • Poon Hill Trek is considered the best trek for beginners who are trekking for the first time in Nepal or for trekkers who want to experience trekking in Nepal or the Himalayas and are new to it. It’s a perfect combination of a stamina and endurance test, and it doesn’t push your body to its limits. That way, you know how your body is going to feel at high altitudes.

  • Yes, the Poon Hill trek is still worth it. However, on the first day of the trek, trekkers will encounter vehicles passing by the trekking trail, but when the day is complete, walking in the cool, shady forest and reaching Ghorepani and doing the sunrise the next day at Poon Hill is a very great adventure and can be a once-in-a-lifetime trip that can be more than worth it for trekkers.

  • Yes, trekkers can buy bottled water on the trails of Ghorepani Poon Hill at the tea houses, lodges, and other shops on the trail, and it is available from the starting point to the ending point of the trek.

  • Yes, there are medical facilities available at the trek, and there are medical facilities at Ulleri after Tikhedhunga, at the lower Ghorepani, and at Ghandruk.

  • Yes, trekkers can charge their electric devices at the tea houses and lodges, but all trekkers are advised to carry a power bank, as we never know what happens in the mountains.

  • There are electricity facilities available at the trail of Ghorepani Poon Hill; however, the power output is limited as the power sources are local hydroelectric, which have very low output, so heavy machinery and heavy equipment might not work.

  • Trekkers can keep it simple and just pack their socks, flip-flops, hiking pants, base layer, t-shirt, fleece jacket, sun hat, cap, buff, sunglasses, and other hygienic things necessary, like toilet papers and face wipes.

  • The total distance of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is around 45 to 60 kilometers in total, depending on the route that the trekkers take, but in total, it comes in at 45 to 60 kilometers.

  • Trekkers need to walk for 8-14 kilometers per day during the poon hill trek and trekkers must walk for around 6-8 hours on average while some day might be more or someday might be less according to the itinerary and the location selected for meals and lodging.

  • The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek starts from Nayapul when done according to the itinerary and ends at Ghandruk. But there are multiple places from where the trek can be started, like Tatopani, Nayapul, Ulleri, Ghandruk, and Birethanti.

  • The trash and garbage can be disposed of at the garbage collection. There are places within a certain distance where the waste is thrown, so the trekkers can dump their waste there or wait until they reach the tea house and dump their waste at the tea houses and lodges.

  • There are two types of restrooms available. The first is the regular western-style commod, which are basically used in Europe and America, while the other is the Asian squat toilet, which is mostly used in Asia.

  • For people with knee problems, going down might be a challenge from Tadapani to Ghandruk. For trekkers, they might feel the footsteps of Ulleri, while doing the trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani might be the most difficult section and the hardest day.

  • Poon Hill Trek is not difficult and is known by the name Beginners First Trek. It is a perfect trek for a first-timer in Nepal or for a person who is trekking to Nepal for the first time.

  • A sleeping bag is not required. Blankets are enough; however, trekkers do feel comfortable in their own sleeping bags due to issues like allergies and hygiene, so it can be a wise choice to bring and carry your own sleeping bags.

  • Trekkers need at least 4 days to complete the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and if we count the days that are required for going to Pokhara, staying in Kathmandu, and departing from Kathmandu, then trekkers need at least 4-6 days extra, so in total, trekking is 4 days, but the whole trip up and down can take up to 10 days in total.

  • A guide, porter, or porter is compulsory for trekking to any place in Nepal, and the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek even falls into this category.

  • Trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill will cost at least 400 dollars in a full-board package, and if we include the tips for the trekking crews and your personal expenses in Nepal during the trek, at least 600–700 dollars per person can be spent during the trek.

  • The trekking trail of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail is mixed with some rocky terrain, stairs, and muddy ways somewhere; there are also normal trekking trails somewhere, and the 2nd and 3rd day camps are a bit longer and rougher.

  • Trekking and altitude-wise Poon Hill is a beginner trek where trekkers can get introduced to Nepal without any altitude problems, and it is considered one of the easiest treks in Nepal.

  • Trekkers need at least 4 days to complete the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and if we count the days that are required for going to Pokhara, staying in Kathmandu, and departing from Kathmandu, then trekkers need at least 4-6 days extra, so in total, trekking is 4 days, but the whole trip up and down can take up to 10 days in total.

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