Ghorepani Poonhill Trek - 9 Days
-
Duration:
9 days -
Max Altitude:
3210m -
Difficulty Level:
Easy -
Trekking Season:
Anytime
Trip Overview
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a very beautiful trek in the Mid-Western Nepal’s Annapurna region. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek takes about 4-6 days to complete, and it takes you through beautiful village scenery, rhododendron forests, and terraced farmlands. It starts from Nayapul and goes to the focal viewpoint of the Poon Hill trek at an altitude of 3,210 m from Nayapul, which is just a drive away from Pokhara. Poon Hill is known as the “photographer’s paradise” as it provides an all-encompassing perspective of some of the greatest peaks in this world, such as Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Nilgiri. For any of the adventure-loving people, seeing that sunrise cast a shadow of gold over these peaks is a moment to treasure.
It is more than just beauty; the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days is also cultural. It traverses Gurung and Magar villages: Ghandruk and Ghorepani. Trekkers can expect warm hospitality and yet be pleased with sights, sounds, and flavours of local culture and that of the true Nepali palate, and learn a little about mountain lifestyle. The trail itself seems to boast almost everything natural and man-made, from thick forests, rushing waterfalls, and even the sound of the flowing Modi Khola. It is moderately difficult yet has good paths that can be travelled by both beginner and experienced trekkers, thus bringing satisfaction across all.
Preparation for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days
Guides and Porters
Hiring guides and porters for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is indeed recommended, especially for new trekkers in Nepal. Through guides, one can seek experience in navigation, advice on safety as well as cultural heritage-they do everything to spice up one’s trekking experience. Most of the guides are fluent in English and knowledgeable about the flora, fauna and traditions of the Annapurna region, while porters, on the other hand, carry heavy loads, thus enabling trekkers to enjoy the journey themselves with less physical strain. Of course, porters carry about 20-25 kg, which has to be shared by two more manageable trekkers.
Another reason that it is important to hire licensed guides and porters through a registered trekking agency such as Mountain Treks Nepal is that it further ensures professionalism in how they will treat clients. Professional conduct would include ethical practices such as limited loads for porters, along with tipping. The seasoned staff not only gives one that great experience but also adds safety since they are trained to manage altitude sickness and such other emergencies.
Permits and Regulations for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days will require two major trekking permits for you.
The first one is Annapurna Conservation Permit (ACAP) Permit, which can be bought from Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. Acquiring this permit costs NPR 3000 per person for international trekkers, NPR 1000 for SAARC Nationals, and NPR 100 for Nepalese Trekkers.
Annapurna Conservation Permit (ACAP) Permit is necessary because the trail that covers the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek lies within the protected area of Annapurna Conservation Area.
Similarly, you also require Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card, which costs you NPR 3000 per person.
Communication and Internet during Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days presents limited access to communication and the internet in remote areas, even though some connectivity is still available. Teahouses and lodges also offer Wi-Fi services but at a cost in larger populated settlements such as Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani. It may be very slow, and refraining from using this service, as it is not suitable for browsing but only for primary matters such as writing and sending a message.
The connection may prove very little to Ncell or NTC mobile networks that cover some parts of the trail, mostly in low altitudes. However, some high altitude sections of the trail offer poor coverage.
Offline tools such as maps and trekking guides can serve as an emergency backup, ensuring smooth navigation and communication in case of network outages.
Food and Accommodation Facilities
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days offers you with diverse food and accommodation required by the trekkers. Teahouses, along the way, provide standard but convenient basic accommodation in shared rooms with warm blankets and true hospitality. The kitchen staff prepares meals in a common dining hall. The options include dal bhat (rice and lentil curry), noodles, soups, and momos (dumplings). Most tea houses host Western dishes, but such availability diminishes at higher altitudes. Boil or bottle drinking water, and carry purification tablets for practical reasons.
Since most teahouses fill very quickly during the busy season, trekkers should prearrange accommodations via their guide or porter. Clean but basic facilities will guarantee a good night’s rest after long trekking days. Some teahouses charge extra for the facilities, including charging points, hot showers, and basic snacks, making it easier for the trekkers to enjoy this remote valley.
Travel Insurance required for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
During the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days, you need to have a comprehensive travel insurance plan. The insurance should have coverage for trekking up to 3,210 meters, altitude sickness, injuries, and emergency evacuations. Since the road is remote and does not easily afford easy access to advanced medical facilities, insurance must include proper coverage for emergencies related to medical care and evacuations.
Travel insurance can cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and delays caused by bad weather conditions. This is particularly important in the unpredictable climate of the Himalayas. Therefore, do check whether your chosen provider specifically covers trekking in Nepal with high-altitude activity. Finally, it is much better to store a copy of your insurance policy physically, digitally, or both so that it is readily available throughout your trek in case of emergencies.
Major Packing List for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Hiking Boots: Comfortable, waterproof, and well-broken-in.
- Thermal Layers: Essential for warmth in cold nights and higher altitudes.
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for at least -10°C for chilly Himalayan nights.
- Down Jacket: Lightweight yet warm for evening use.
- Daypack: 20–30L capacity for carrying essentials.
- Trekking Poles: Reduce strain on knees and improve balance.
- Water Purification Tablets: For clean drinking water throughout the trek.
- Headlamp: Necessary for early starts and evening use.
- First Aid Kit: Include blister treatments and altitude sickness medication.
- Snacks: High-energy bars and electrolyte powders for a quick energy boost.
Conclusion
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is every bit of the Himalayan trek. It has an awe-inspiring journey through the mountains and diverse culture that becomes unforgettable throughout your life. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days offers the traveler not only views of the magnificent mountains but also a taste of Nepal’s unique heritage and peaceful lifestyle. Whether you want adventure, peace, or a communion with nature, this trek will be the kind of adventure that leaves you fantasizing about its diverse beauty of nature and culture.
Mountain Treks Nepal Pvt. Ltd. welcomes all of you with a thankful heart as we have created a systematic schedule for the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek for 9 Days with detailed itinerary. Moreover, we have similar Annapurna Region Trekking packages similar to Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Panorama Trek and Mardi Himal Trek.
Trip Highlights
- Explore around the Annapurna region
- Sunrise view from the top of Poonhill
- The amazing trail to the Ghorepani Poonhill
- Picturesque surrounding
- Explore Gurung and Magar villages
Trip Route
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Detailed Itinerary
On the first day of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you will be greeted in person at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu by a member of Mountain Treks Nepal and taken to your hotel. Kathmandu, the cultural and historical center of Nepal, is a harmonious mixture of cultural atmosphere and contemporary society.
You can go for an evening getaway, along the almost overwhelming streets of Thamel, a city alive with shops, cafés, and things. Other sites to visit, for example, UNESCO World Heritage site Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its carved temples and courtyards bustling with life, are also available.
Kathmandu is going to be great as a starting point for your beautiful journey. There lies a unique blend between ancient tradition and modern energy that draws people in. Get your gear ready; sleep well. Overnight stay at a hotel.
The journey to Pokhara begins in the morning, leaving you to choose between driving or a brief flight. It takes 6 to 7 hours a drive, while the flight takes only 25 minutes to reach Pokhara. The flight is worth taking because the views over Langtang and Ganesh Himal will leave you excited. The journey, on the other hand, is quite an adventure, winding its way beautifully through the green hills, terraced farmlands and beside a gushing Trishuli River. It introduces you to the varied landscapes and rural charms of Nepal and gets you excited about what is to come for the next few days.
Once you arrive at Pokhara, there is a welcome waiting, Phewa Lake hosting the reflections of Annapurna on its waters. By popular nickname as the “Gateway to Annapurna Region”, thus being genuinely a haven to trekkers and adventurers. In your afternoon leisure, one of the possibilities is a local boating trip to admire the vistas of the iconic Fishtail (Machhapuchhre). Transfer to a Pokhara hotel for the overnight stay.
On the third day of the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, you will set on a drive for 1.5 hours until you reach Nayapul, which is the official start of the trek. The drive is beautiful, including views of traditional villages and wonderful mountain backdrops. As you reach Nayapul, the trekking adventure begins with a gentle trail through small settlements and terraced farmlands. You’ll cross suspension bridges and follow the crystal-clear Modi Khola, soaking in the tranquillity of the landscape.
The trek becomes less friendly as you reach Ulleri, a beautiful village at 1,960 meters. One needs to climb the rugged stone steps of Tikhedhunga, which tests their endurance, but the majestic sight of both the peaks Annapurna South and Hiunchuli would be a great reward to trekkers. Ulleri gives a detailed view of the traditional Magar culture associated with all-encompassing mountains; it is a good place to stay overnight as successful completion of the journey with a foretaste of the complete adventure.
The journey from Ulleri to Ghorepani offers a wonderful experience of nature and cultural aspects. The path leads up through the lush forests of rhododendron and oak, a signature of the Annapurna region. In springtime, flowers appear in colourful glory, offering you the best view possible. While walking, the soaring heights of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre welcome you with their wide range. The little streams and waterfalls you find on the paths add liveliness to the trail, and the occasional meeting with mule trains carrying goods to remote villages reveals that the very traditional lifestyle of the region is still preserved.
The path takes you through the picturesque hamlets, where one observes the everyday lives of the Magar and Gurung communities. One such village is Banthanti; here, you can sit, take a break, sip on tea, and enjoy some of the best views of the whole Himalayas. The gradient of this trail makes it a fairly easy hike, although there is a lot of vertical gain when you near the town of Ghorepani, which is situated at an altitude of 2,870 meters.
Upon your arrival in Ghorepani, expect to take in the staggering sights of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other peaks from the lodge. This village almost seems to be dedicated to trekkers, having prepped its very best to welcome visitors. You will spend overnight at Ghorepani, enjoying traditional Nepali cuisine.
Today is the day that takes you to the peak of Poon Hill, which is situated at 3,210 meters above sea level. The day begins with a hike upwards early in the morning towards Poonhill. As you reach Poonhill, you will see stunning sunrise against the backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre. Most people describe the spectacle as something magical. Because of its heaven-reaching panoramic views, Poon Hill makes itself one of the most photographed locations in Nepal.
After exploring Poonhill, you will then come down to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing on your trek to Tadapani. The trail leads downhill into thick forests of rhododendrons alive with birds, making it quiet hiking. It also has some sections with full, beautiful views of the peaks: Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
The trail now brings you to Tadapani (2721 meters), where terraces of crop fields and villages of primitive form invade the terrain. This little town is indeed blessed with beautiful mountain views in addition to being peaceful. You will spend the night here at a local tea house.
The sixth day of the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days takes you from Tadapani down to Ghandruk. It is rather easy, and the route mostly winds downhill, over gorges, through splendid forests of rhododendrons and oak trees. The trail itself is lined in gently flowing areas interspersed with the soft sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Along the way, you catch glimpses of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
As you reach Ghandruk, the quintessential Gurung village famous for phenomenal cultural richness and hospitality welcomes you with its wide arms. The stone-paved pathways will greet you with terraced farmlands. This is a magnificent place to present a good panorama of views from the Annapurna massif, which is not an end destination but rather a beginning stop where some frame shots are taken.
Take time to wander around the village, and perhaps go to the Gurung Museum to learn about the history and traditions of this ethnic group. After the exploration, you will spend a night in a cosy teahouse with the peaceful ambience of mountains and local cuisines.
This final day of trekking begins with descending from Ghandruk to Nayapul, about 4 hours of walk. The trail passes through terraced farms, lovely villages, and lush vegetation. The brightness of the Annapurna range fades into the distance, while the Machhapuchhre peak that has accompanied you this far on the trek gives their final glimpses. You will come across suspension bridges besides following the Modi Khola, with the soft sound of the river giving you a soothing ambience.
The trail goes through the smaller settlements like Kimche, from where you can take a local jeep ride to Nayapul. From Nayapul, a private vehicle will take you back to Pokhara. This is the best city to chill out after days of trekking because it has just a very peaceful lake, the Phewa Lake. As evening draws near, use that time to explore the lakeside, find a great meal, or bask in the beauty of the site where the lake mirrors the hills. Overnight at a Pokhara hotel.
Today, it’s time to return to Kathmandu from Pokhara. It’s either a drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast or a short domestic flight, according to your choice.
Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you have the afternoon free to explore the city. You can visit the Boudhanath Stupa or the Pashupatinath Temple, a heritage site taken up by UNESCO; and delve into the crowded thoroughfare of Thamel. In the evening, you will be taken to the traditional Nepali dinner at one of the many ethnic restaurants in Kathmandu by Mountain Treks Nepal. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
On the final day of the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 9 Days, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport by one of our representatives. Today marks the end of your stay in Nepal as you bid farewell to us and board a flight to your home country.
Trip Includes
- 9 days Trip, 5 of which included 3 meals a day.
- Two night of accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- All trekking permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Project and TIMS).
- Lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Trekking with an English-speaking guide and a porter( 1 porter for 2 trekkers and a porter carry about 20 KG ).
- Airport pickup and drop by private vehicle .
- Two night of accommodation in pokhara with breakfast.
- Kathmandu pokhara by Tourist bus both way .
- Car for Nayapul both way.
- Arrangement of emergency Helicopter Rescue which will be cover by your travel insurance company.
- Sleeping bag, down jackets and duffel bag – if Necessary (Need to returned after the trek).
- Government and local tax
- Farewell Dinner with culture show .
Trip Excludes
- Personal Travel Insurance.
- Nepal entry visa.
- International airfare.
- Drinks (mineral water, Tea, coffee, whisky) or other snacks and any meals beside breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hot shower, charge etc.
- Tips for Guide and potter.
- Snacks and other personal expenses
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the “Trip Includes” Section.
Packing List For Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
Clothing
- Thermal tops and bottoms
- Fleece jackets and pullovers
- Waterproof/windproof jackets and pants
- Warm hat/caps and gloves
Foot Wears
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm hiking socks
- Sandals/slippers for your use at tea houses
Trekking Items
- Trekking poles
- Daypack, Duffel Bags, and dry bags to carry your items
Other Items
- Sleeping pads and sleeping bags
- Hot Water Bottle
- Sunglasses for UV protection
- First aid kit
- Trek map and guidebooks
- Trek permits
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to go to Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is during the Spring and Autumn, when the weather is more stable.
Some of the major attractions of this trek include sightseeing at Poon Hill, diverse cultural settlements of Ghandruk, Ghorepani, and the city of Lakes: Pokhara.
Most tea houses during your trek will offer you Nepalese cuisine like Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari; while you can enjoy western dishes as well in Pokhara.
The most common form of accommodation during the Ghorepani Poonhill trek is tea houses which come with shared bedrooms and bathrooms.
Benchaman
November 8, 2022 at 11:28 amGreat Trekking Experience
This is my first trekking trip in nepal. i am so impressed by their friendly and professionally service . Especially our guide Mr Yaka, he is a patient and polite man, he always tried his best to assist us during the trekking and sastified our request with his ‘never fall nose 😂’. Thanks to our two friendly porters, they always trek with their smile by carrying our heavy baggage at the back. Also, thanks our host in Kathmandu, Mr Bharat, a kind and humorous gentleman. His well organized itineary and great management make us have a very good travel experience in Nepal. Many many thanks to you guys with the great service and kindness. We really appreciated it. We are looking forward to next trip and hope to see you guys soon. Namaste .
Lastly, thank you guys for the blessing! I did my proposal successfully at Poon Hill and it’s an unforgettable memories.
Aakira
November 2, 2022 at 7:56 pmUnforgettable Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Mountain Treks Nepal!
My recent Ghorepani Poon Hill trek organized by Mountain Treks Nepal was an absolute dream come true! I want to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Bharat and his entire team for making this experience so incredible.
A special shoutout to our guide, Yaka! His expertise, knowledge, and friendly demeanor made the trek not only enjoyable but also informative. He ensured our safety and comfort throughout the journey, while also sharing fascinating insights into the local culture and landscape
kindless
April 16, 2022 at 5:02 pmPoonhill with Yaka
My recent Ghorepani Poon Hill trek organized by Mountain Treks Nepal was an absolute dream come true! I want to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Bharat and his entire team for making this experience so incredible.
A special shoutout to our guide, Yaka! His expertise, knowledge, and friendly demeanor made the trek not only enjoyable but also informative. He ensured our safety and comfort throughout the journey, while also sharing fascinating insights into the local culture and landscape.
Thi LJ
March 20, 2022 at 11:25 amGreat short poonhill
Would really like to say thank the owner of the company (mountain treks ), Praksh was our guide for the adventure trekking trip of abc , prakash. He was an extremely helpful, caring, friendly knowledgeable .Mountain treks Nepal is a very professional company and they provided everything as they promised. Which made it easier to do the trek and sightseen in Kathmandu and pokhara.
Really thanks for your warm hospitality I will recommend my friends for this company and guide
Lue
September 7, 2021 at 11:17 amBest trekking Ever
Having been our first visit to this beautiful Himalayan country Nepal, we were not rally prepare for doing longer and tougher trek. So we made our mind on to do the Ghorepani -Poonhill trek ,visit pokhara and doing paragliding from sarangkot all was excellent, Mountain treks Nepal helped arranged everything professionally (especially, Bharat),
Our guide was supper man mr Yaka he helps us. A lot during the trek the organization and the staff were very professional. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mountain treks Nepal to anyone visiting Nepal and doing treks with excellent guide.
Min How
April 15, 2021 at 11:16 amGood trip
I did the Trekking of Ghorepani ponhill with my two friends from Malesia. It was the best Experience of my life. I only had time 10 days in Nepal and decided to do the Ghorepani poonhill treks and also done the paragliding and wedding ceremony in gorkha
Thank you very much mr yaka ( our guide ) for taking us to amazing treks and your hometown gorkha for wedding ceremony, we felt reply lucky to see all the local culture, landscape and beautiful mountain,
Definitely we tell to our friends to go with mountain treks Nepal
Thanks you guys
See you for Next trip in Nepal
Sandra Khor
March 27, 2021 at 11:30 amGreat trip with Yaka
The nine days spent in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Poon Hill were amazing! Mr Bharat and Mr Yaka treated us excellently, it has became one of my best trekking trips for now! They are humble and provided the best services for us, including all the accommodation, breakfast, transportation, companion and a lot of laughs!
Mr Yaka is the best man I met in Nepal! I’m grateful to have him as our guide throughout the trek. He is patience, strong, responsible, very helpful, knowledgeable. When I was suffering to trek up to the peak of Poon Hill, he didn’t rush me but accompany me steps by steps, quietly and slowly. I thought I can’t see the sunrise in time but we all made it in the end! He is a kind man! I also received the best blessing from him when my boyfriend proposed to me at the top of Poon Hill. It was an unforgettable memory!
I like the trek and the trip is awesome! Appreciate the helps from Mr Yaka, Mr Bharat and two of our porters! If you are planning to trek in Nepal, Mountain Treks Nepal is highly recommended as the travel agency! They won’t disappoint you! 😀
Howshok
October 8, 2020 at 11:31 amPoon hill trekking in nepal
This is another time that I use Mountain treks Nepal‘s service. Our group of 06 people trekked to Ghorepani poonhill and tours to Kathmandu pokhara and also paragliding, Bharat arranged everything eg. Transportations, hotel, paragliding document with reasonable price since we landed at the Kathmandu Airport until the day we went back to home. Mr.Yaka was our trekking guide. Mr. Yaka has many years’ experience as a trekking guide. He well managed everything to suit to the number and trekking speed of our group, he provide us the superb service. I can guarantee that he is one of the best trekking guide in Nepal. The tea houses that arranged along the trekking route was fine. We are quite lucky the weather was perfectly clear every day in the morning.
Thank you guys for your warm hospitality in Nepal
See you in next trip
Jullien fanado
November 16, 2019 at 11:00 pmGhorepani is the best trek for me
“My recent Ghorepani Poon Hill trek with Mountain Treks Nepal was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Milan, was fantastic. His knowledge of the local culture and environment made the trek even more interesting. He was also very attentive to our needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.
The highlight of the trek was definitely the sunrise view from Poon Hill. Witnessing the majestic Annapurna range bathed in golden light was simply breathtaking. The trek itself was well-organized, with beautiful trails through rhododendron forests and charming Gurung and Magar villages.
I highly recommend Mountain Treks Nepal and Milan to anyone considering a trek in the Annapurna region. Their professionalism and expertise made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable.”
kiera
November 16, 2019 at 5:30 pmGhorepani is amazing with Deepak
This review is a testament to the incredible experience I had on the Ghorepani trek organized by Mountain Treks Nepal. A huge thank you goes out to Mr. Bharat and his entire team for their outstanding service.
Deepak, our guide, deserves the highest praise. His expertise, professionalism, and friendly demeanor made the trek not just challenging but thoroughly enjoyable.