Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Sunrise View Trekratingbased on 7 reviews
  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 3210 m.
  • Starts Pokhara
  • Ends Pokhara
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Best Season September to May
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$490
2 - 6 paxUS$425
7 - 10 paxUS$375
11 - 15 paxUS$345
16 - 20 paxUS$299
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights
  • Easily accessible and short in duration.
  • Diverse landscapes that range from dense jungle to towering mountains
  • Views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Poon Hill are regarded as among the finest in Nepal
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset views
  • Fascinating perspectives on the Gurung community and their well-preserved culture

Poon Hill Trek Overview

The Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek is considered by many as the best short trek in Nepal and with good reason. It offers a memorable week of trekking in the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range with breathtaking views along the way, culminating in the spectacular panoramas at Poon Hill (3210 m).

The trek commences with a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul then heads out on a trail that courses through captivating Gurung villages and communities and lush landscapes. The first port of call is Ghorepani and nearby Poon Hill, with its superb outlook towards Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Nilgiri (7061 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), and Annapurna South (7219 m). The entire trail serves up picture postcard views of the Himalayas over the length of the trek and throws in the soothing delights of the Ghandruk village as a welcome bonus before we head back to Pokhara.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is rated as an easy to moderate outing, a relatively easy challenge that suits the needs of trekkers of all ages and experience levels. It’s a great experience in its own right and the perfect taster for those who might want to test the waters before committing to a more challenging journey through the Himalayas. Needless to say, it’s perfectly suited to large groups and families looking for a reasonably leisurely hike, yet also suits the needs of solo hikers simply wanting to hit the mountains for a few relaxing days.

 You can find some more recommended short treks in Nepal, which are the Pikey Peak Trek,Everest View Trek, Short Everest Base Camp Trek, Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Helambu Trek, Tamang Heritage Trek, 3 days Chisapani Nagarkot trek and many more.

Useful Information

Accommodation at the Ghorepani Trek

There are plenty of tea houses to choose from in the famous Annapurna region of Nepal, so there's no need to carry camping or cooking supplies. The Annapurna routes are well-loved and well-traveled, meaning that tea houses ranging in quality have been established to meet the range of needs of travelers. At lower elevations and busier areas, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, wifi, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as wifi and hot showers. We provide you with a clean, negative 10°C sleeping bag to keep you cozy and warm.

Meals at the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

There are plenty of tea houses to choose from in the famous Annapurna region of Nepal, so there's no need to carry camping or cooking supplies. The Annapurna routes are well-loved and well-traveled, meaning that tea houses ranging in quality have been established to meet the range of needs of travelers. At lower elevations and busier areas, you can choose more fully equipped tea houses with electricity, Wi-Fi, and en suite bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. There are also more rustic, basic community homestays (the money that you spend goes to the local community) and tea houses available, especially at higher elevations, that have simple rooms and basic services. Bathrooms might be shared and have a squat-style toilet. At these tea houses, you can pay a small fee for services such as Wi-Fi and hot showers. We provide you with a clean, negative 10°C sleeping bag to keep you cozy and warm.

Transportation at the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

All transportation fees and arrangements are included in your trekking package when you book with Nepal Trekking Experts. To start your adventure on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, there are many transport options depending on your interest (by flight, by car, jeep, van, or tourist bus), time frame, and budget. A common route is to travel via tourist bus from Kathmandu (Sohrakhutte) to Pokhara (normally 7 hours, but it takes 10 hours now due to road construction and poor road conditions, which are already included in the package). If you take a flight, it takes 20 minutes. Common starting points include Nayapul, Hile, Tikhedhunga, or Ulleri by taxi or jeep. The further you travel via Jeep, the less trekking you'll do by foot.

Bus rides can be part of the exciting, immersive experience of being in a foreign country, but they are not for everyone. If you would like a more comfortable alternative, we can arrange a private car, Jeep, or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Private transportation shortens your travel time considerably, and you can stop for breaks at your leisure. With so many travel options, we'd be happy to talk things through with you to find what suits you best.

Battery Charging at the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Despite trekking deep into the Himalayas, most of the tea houses have either electricity or solar power. Depending on the tea house, you might be able to charge your devices in your rooms. Otherwise, you can pay a few dollars (paid in local rupees) to charge your battery in the main dining hall. Carrying a power bank is recommended during your trek in the Khopra region.

Telephone availability at the Ghorepani Trek

Nowadays, most villages have phone service and mobile reception, although it can be quite unpredictable. NCELL and Nepal Telecom are the two major SIM card providers. Nepal Telecom is recommended by the NTE for better reception in the Annapurna region. You can purchase a SIM card in Kathmandu when you arrive.

Internet at the Poon Hill Trek

Many tea houses have wifi to purchase for around 2-3 dollars per night, which is paid in local Nepali rupees. Please be aware that internet services may not be completely reliable due to weather and other issues.

Porter

Our tailor-made packages do not include a porter, so you can make the decision based on your own needs and preferences. Although not necessary, having a porter can make a massive difference in the enjoyment of your trek. If you are new to trekking at high altitudes, then we would recommend having a porter in the Annapurna region carry your bag across the rugged terrain. One porter carries the bags of two people (around 20kg) so that you can carry a small daypack. If you are undecided, we would be happy to discuss porters in more detail when you book your trek or on arrival in Kathmandu.

Khopra Danda Trekking Permits

When trekking with Nepal Trekking Experts, the permit fees are included in your package. We will obtain all required permits on your behalf with your passport copy. To enter the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you will require two permits, which can both be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before commencing your trek.

  • The TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card costs 2000 Nepali rupees, and as per the latest rule, it will be obtained through the trekking agencies only.
  • The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs 3000 Nepali rupees, is available through the Nepal Tourism Board, Bhirkutimandap Kathmandu, or Pokhara.

Khopra Danda Trekking Gear Checklist

CLOTHING

  • Raincoat, poncho, or combination jacket/trousers
  • One-down jacket/Gore-Tex jacket
  • Two pairs of hiking pants (depending on the duration of the trek)
  • One pair of shorts
  • Three or four T-shirts (depending on the duration of the trek)
  • One MIT/fleece jacket
  • One pair of base layers (merino wool or similar thermal ware)
  • Three to four pairs of hiking socks
  • A pair of waterproof or windproof gloves
  • Undergarments

FOOTWEAR

  • Trekking boots (water resistance, ankle support)
  • Flip-flops for leisure time around camp or one pair of sneakers

OTHER EQUIPMENT

  • Sunglass, sunscreen, lip balm, sun hat, woolen/fleece hat/beanie, neck gaiter, first aid kit, Swiss army knife (optional), luggage cover, headlamp, trekking poles, water purification tablets or steripen, extra batteries, adapter, power bank, water bottles/camel bags/thermos, washing powder/multi-purpose soap, shampoo, a small towel, antiseptic hand wash, toiletries, female hygiene products, wet wipes, mosquito spray (optional), whistle, earplugs, reading books, playing cards/chess
  • Sleeping bag rating: -5 degrees Celsius extreme temperature depending on trekking season
  • Backpack (60 liters)
  • Daypack (25 to 30 liters)

Travel Insurance

It is one of the most important things you'll need overseas, particularly when trekking in Nepal. A policy that covers loss and theft, medical and hospitalization, evacuation from high altitude, and adventure activity coverage are among the basics you'll need. A wide variety of policies are available, so make sure to shop for the best possible options. You need to have a policy that's specific to the maximum height on your trek, bearing in mind that several companies place restrictions on that score—look closely at the fine print so that you're sure to get the right coverage, especially in the event of an emergency such as altitude sickness—helicopter evacuations are horrendously expensive.

Also note that most medical treatment and facilities in Nepal, such as hospitals, require payment upfront or approval from your insurance company, so it’s wise to choose a policy that pays the bills directly rather than lumping the burden on you and leaving it till later for the insurer to reimburse you.

Nepalese currency and payment

The currency of Nepal is the rupee. The ideal currencies for exchange are those of the USA, Australia, Great Britain, Canada, and Singapore, as well as the Euro, any of which can be readily exchanged in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in major tourist-class hotels, restaurants, airlines, and larger stores in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, etc. A surcharge of 3.5% is typically levied on all purchases or payments.

ATMs are also very common in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with Thamel being a particular area of focus for their use. Some ATMs only allow a daily maximum of Rs 20, 000 to be withdrawn, while others allow for as much as Rs 35, 000. A charge of USD 4 is usually applied per transaction, on top of which your bank may also apply a fee of its own.

Can I get an on-arrival visa in Nepal?

On arrival in Nepal, you can obtain the requisite visa at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, or you can choose the alternative of applying for it at the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before departure. The visa is also available at land-based points of entry such as Birgunj, Kakarbhitta, Bhairawa, Belhiya, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi, and Mahendranagar. The Kodari Pass is the access point from Tibet where the visa can be obtained.

While you can use different modes of payment at the visa fee counter, we advise you to bring cash in the following currencies: US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, pound sterling, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, and Japanese yen. Credit card payments are also available nowadays.

As per a recent update, the visa fee costs you the following amounts:

  • Multiple entries for 15 days—USD 30 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 30 days—USD 50 or equivalent
  • Multiple entries for 90 days—USD 125 or equivalent
  • You should also have a minimum of six months of validity remaining on your passport.
  • Visa extensions are available from the offices of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • For more details, please go through the Nepal Immigration website or contact us.
Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Welcome at the airport, then transfer to your hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

Free day for final trekking preparation and spend the way you prefer.

  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

A 7:00 am departure by bus sees us arrive in Pokhara in the early afternoon, with plenty of time to walk around the lovely lakeside town before settling down for the evening in anticipation of the trek starting the following day.

  • Max. Altitude:1960m/6430ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Morning departure to Nayapul by private taxi (1.5 hours), after which the trek begins with a pleasant half-day hike through farmland and patchwork crops studding the peaceful landscape. The day ends with the arrival at Tikhedhunga, or we can continue to the village of Ulleri if time permits.

  • Max. Altitude:2880m/9449ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

This is a day to stretch out the legs and lungs with a hefty climb to the day's destination. The trek begins by crossing a suspension bridge and starting up the 3700-plus steps to the village of Ulleri, then courses through dense forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and old-growth oak trees until the path reaches the village of Nangethanti. The day concludes at Ghorepani, offering up memorable views of Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and the Annapurnas that are a mere prelude to the following day's outlook.

  • Max. Altitude:2630m/8629ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trek's dramatic climax comes early in the day—at dawn, to be precise. Rising up pre-dawn, we make our way up to nearby Poon Hill via a short one-hour hike and watch in wonder as the entire magnificent panorama slowly unfolds before us, with a dense green jungle in the foreground giving way to Himalayan foothills in the near distance that would stand proud in any other setting, yet barely pass muster as all eyes are drawn to the magical allure of the soaring and snow-covered peaks in the background—Singa Chuli, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and the entire Annapurna massif—all aglow from the sun's warm embrace. The view is justifiably world-famous, and after taking time to bask in the vista, we return to Ghorepani for a welcome breakfast before heading out to Tadapani and its glorious views.

  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2/3 star hotel

After breakfast, we descend gradually through an amazing lush jungle and reach one of the most beautiful Gurung village named Ghandruk. This is the final opportunity of exploring such an exposing view of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli with our delicious lunch on the Himalayas then drive back to the beautiful lake city Pokhara.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

A long day's drive by bus that provides numerous scenic opportunities and thrills along the way.

    Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off
    • Complimentary welcome dinner.
    • Two-night stay in a 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast (twin share).
    • Two-night stay in Pokhara (on a twin-sharing basis).
    • All necessary trekking permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, the TIMS Card, etc.
    • All accommodations during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • A cup of tea or coffee each time with the meal 
    • If and when available, fresh fruit should be provided.
    • Complimentary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, and a sleeping bag
    • Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid-trained local guide
    • First-aid kit
    • Return travel by tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
    • Return travel by taxi from Pokhara to Nayapul
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax or VAT
    • Certificate of Achievement
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
    • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft etc.
    • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
    • Tips to staff
    Route MapDownload Map
    Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek map
    Dates & Availability
    Start:MondayMar 25, 2024
    End:TuesdayApr 02, 2024
    PriceUS$490
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the fixed departure dates? If not, do not worry! We are more than happy to organize private vs. group joining on any dates you prefer. Let's contact the local experts now.

    Photos & Videos
    7Travelers' Reviews
    • Google
      rating star

      Super safe going as a young women and my guide Resham were very helpful.

      First time in Nepal and with endless opportunities for trekking it is hard to find the right company- I got a recommendation for this one and just went to the office in Kathmandu without much knowledge.
      They were super professional and very kind and super transparent about time/money/ opportunity! It was great and when I left I had 10 days planned out.

      I felt super safe going as a young women and my guide Resham were very helpful and understanding (just the day before I was suppose to leave for the mountains I got food poisoning unable to move๐Ÿ˜… he fixed everything, another night at the hotel and we left a day later, no problem) also I changed my mind last minute about having a porter and he also fixed that last minute!! Bothe guys were so helpful and sweet. 10/10 are coming back for more and longer treks

      O
      Olivia BrouerMar 13, 2024Denmark
    • TripAdvisor
      rating star

      Great experience with Nepal Trekking Experts

      Book a package with Nepal Trekking Experts to Poon Hill Trek (5 days) and Chitwan National Park (3 days). The whole arrange was prefect. Information provided was clear and they were very quick in their responses. I am always in contact with them through Whatsapp. Would highly recommend anyone who like to travel in Nepal for trekking.

      D
      Desmond LMar 04, 2024Singapore
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