Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Name: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Brand: RARA Treks
SKU: ghorepani-poon-hill-trek-6-days
Rating: 4.5 (1 reviews)

Ghorepani-Poonhill

4.5 (1 reviews)

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Trip Details

Duration: 6 days

Location: Ghorepani poonhill

Trip Grade: Eays to moderate

Maximum Altitude: 3210m

Group Size: 12

Activities: Hiking, mountain and Sunrise views

Best Time: March-may, Aug-Dec

Starts/Ends: Kathmandu/Pokhara

$370-8%

Total$370

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a classic 6-day journey designed for those who want to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas without a long, grueling expedition. This trek is the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, starting from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the peaceful lakeside of Pokhara, and finally into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Trip Description

The highlight of this adventure is the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), where you will witness a breathtaking 360-degree sunrise over the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. Along the way, you’ll walk through ancient rhododendron forests, cross suspension bridges, and stay in traditional stone villages like Ulleri and Ghandruk.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights

Poon Hill Sunrise: Catch the world-famous golden sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m).
Pokhara Gateway: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Phewa Lake and the laid-back atmosphere of Pokhara.
Ghandruk Village: Explore a traditional Gurung village and its local museum to learn about the "Gurung" heritage.
Rhododendron Forests: Walk through Nepal’s national flower forests (blooming in vibrant pink and red during Spring).
Beginner Friendly: The perfect trek for families, solo travelers, and first-time hikers in Nepal.
Machhapuchhre Views: Get up close with the sacred "Fishtail" mountain.

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive or Flight).
Day 02: Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1,960m).
Day 03: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860m).
Day 04: Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m) and Trek to Tadapani (2,630m).
Day 05: Trek to Ghandruk and Drive back to Pokhara.
Day 06: Return to Kathmandu from Pokhara.

Poon Hill Trek Difficulty & Fitness

The 6-Day Poon Hill Trek is considered Easy to Moderate. While it involves climbing the famous "3,300 stone steps" to Ulleri on Day 2, it does not require technical climbing skills. Anyone with a basic level of fitness and a sense of adventure can complete this trek comfortably.

What to Bring

Footwear
Warm trekking socks (wool or technical fabric) Regular hiking socks Liner socks (optional) Waterproof trekking boots Ice cleats or micro spikes (Recommended from November to March) Casual shoes or sandals Gaiters (light for dust, heavy for snow)
Essential Gear (General)
Four-season sleeping bag rated to 0°C (Rental available: USD 35) Insulated down or synthetic jacket (Rental available: USD 35) Daypack (35–45L) with rain cover Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body Clothing
Moisture-wicking base layers (lightweight for warm seasons, thermal for cold seasons) Quick-dry short-sleeve shirts (2) Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts (2) Waterproof and windproof outer shell Fleece jacket or insulated mid-layer
Lower Body Clothing
Thermal base layer (seasonal) Trekking pants (2 pairs) Comfortable pants for evenings or teahouses Waterproof and windproof trousers Trekking shorts
Head & Hand Accessories
Head Accessories Sun hat or cap Warm beanie or woolen hat Headlamp with spare batteries UV-protection sunglasses Hand Wear: Lightweight liner gloves (wool or technical fabric) Insulated outer gloves for colder conditions
Undergarments and Sleepwear
Quick-dry underwear Sports bras (for women) Pajamas or sleepwear Note: Clothing quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference and trip length
Personal First Aid and Medications
Sunscreen Lip balm Personal medications Basic ointments or creams (Guides carry group first aid kits, but personal items are strongly advised.)
Optional Items
Power bank or spare batteries Camera or smartphone Book or playing cards Binoculars Trekking poles Whistle Thermos flask for hot drinks (Most trekking gear can be purchased in Thamel, Kathmandu, at reasonable prices.)
Travel Daily Essentials
Passport, ticket Extra passport-size photos Reusable water bottle Toiletry kit Water purification tablets or UV purifier Lightweight towel Pillowcase Toilet paper (2 rolls) High-energy snacks (nuts, protein bars) Dry bags for documents and money

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Altitude Chart

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

Explore our comprehensive 6-day trek itinerary with daily activities, accommodations, and highlights

Day 1
Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Gateway to the Annapurna)
Your adventure begins with a journey to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. You can choose a scenic 6–7 hour drive along the Trishuli River or a 25-minute flight with panoramic views of the Ganesh, Manaslu, and Annapurna massifs. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by Phewa Lake.
Duration
6-7 hours (Drive) / 25 mins (Flight) hours
Location
Pokhara
Altitude
822m
Activities
Drive/Flight Travels, evening lake side walk
Accommodation
3-Star Hotel
Meals Included
Dinner
Day 2
Drive to Nayapul & Trek to Ulleri (The Stairway to Annapurna)
Day 3
Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (Through the Rhododendron Wilds)
Day 4
Sunrise at Poon Hill & Trek to Tadapani (The Golden Moment)
Day 5
Trek to Ghandruk Village & Drive to Pokhara
Day 6
Return to Kathmandu from Pokhara

Complete Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary Details

Day 1: Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Gateway to the Annapurna)

Your adventure begins with a journey to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. You can choose a scenic 6–7 hour drive along the Trishuli River or a 25-minute flight with panoramic views of the Ganesh, Manaslu, and Annapurna massifs. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by Phewa Lake.

Altitude: 822m

Duration: 6-7 hours (Drive) / 25 mins (Flight) hours

Location: Pokhara

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Drive to Nayapul & Trek to Ulleri (The Stairway to Annapurna)

After breakfast, a 1.5-hour private drive takes you to Nayapul. The trek starts along the banks of the Bhurungdi Khola. The highlight-and challenge-of today is the ascent of the "Ulleri Stairs," a stone staircase of over 3,000 steps that tests your legs but rewards you with stunning valley views.

Altitude: 1960m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Location: Ulleri

Accommodation: Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (Through the Rhododendron Wilds)

Today’s walk is more gradual as you enter deep rhododendron and oak forests. In spring, the trail is a vibrant explosion of red and pink blooms. As you approach the mountain village of Ghorepani, the peaks of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli loom closer, dominating the skyline.

Altitude: 2860m

Duration: 5-6 hours

Location: Ghorepani

Accommodation: Local Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sunrise at Poon Hill & Trek to Tadapani (The Golden Moment)

A pre-dawn hike (45 mins) brings you to the summit of Poon Hill (3,210m). Watch in awe as the sun rises over Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna range. After descending for breakfast, trek through "Deurali" ridges and moss-covered forests to Tadapani, a village offering a direct "face-to-face" view of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

Altitude: 3210m

Duration: 6-7 hours

Location: Poon Hill-Tadapani

Accommodation: Local Teahouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Trek to Ghandruk Village & Drive to Pokhara

Descend through beautiful forests to Ghandruk, one of Nepal’s most famous Gurung settlements. Explore the slate-roofed houses and the local Gurung Museum. After a final mountain lunch, we take a 4WD jeep for a scenic drive back to Pokhara for a well-deserved hot shower and celebration.

Altitude: 1940m

Duration: 7 hours

Location: Ghandruk

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Return to Kathmandu from Pokhara

Final morning in Pokhara. Enjoy breakfast by the lake before heading back to Kathmandu via a tourist bus or a domestic flight. Transfer to your hotel or the international airport for your departure.

Altitude: 1340m

Duration: 6 hours

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: -

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost Detail

What's Included

Water bottle on travelling
Airport pickup and drop-off
Trekking accommodation in teahouses or lodges
Trekking Permits (TIMS, National Park fees)
Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
Meals during the trek (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
Transportation by Clean & AC vehicles
Insurance for guide and porter
Government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

Accommodation in Kathmandu Pokhara
International airfare and visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Meals in any place (unless specified)
Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, drinks, etc.)
Extra accommodation due to delays or early return
Optional activities(sightseeing, cultural etc)
Monument Fees
Extra filming or drone permits

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Location

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is located in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in north-central Nepal. This region is world-renowned for having some of the highest peaks on earth and a diverse range of climate zones, from subtropical forests to alpine ridges.

1. The Gateway: Pokhara

Your journey begins in Pokhara, Nepal’s "City of Lakes." Situated at 822m, Pokhara offers a stunning backdrop of the Annapurna range reflected in Phewa Lake. It serves as the primary staging point for all treks in this region.

2. The Trailhead: Nayapul

The actual walking begins at Nayapul, a bustling riverside town located about a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara. From here, the trail follows the Modi Khola river before climbing into the foothills.

3. The Heart of the Trek: Ghorepani & Poon Hill

Ghorepani (2,860m): Originally a rest stop for ancient salt traders (the name means "Horse Water"), this village sits on a high ridge. It offers front-row seats to the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs.
Poon Hill (3,210m): Located just above Ghorepani, this is the ultimate viewpoint of the trek, offering a 360-degree panorama of over 20 snow-capped peaks.

4. Cultural Hub: Ghandruk

Located on the return loop, Ghandruk is one of the largest and most famous Gurung villages in Nepal. The location is characterized by slate-roofed houses, terraced farms, and a deep cultural connection to the British Gurkha regiments.