Ghorepani Poonhill Trek 7 Night 8 Days

Overview

The Poon Hill Trek emerged as a premier trekking route in Nepal’s Annapurna region during the late 20th century, following Nepal’s opening to international tourism in the 1950s and the establishment of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in 1986. Historically, the trail traversed ancient pathways used by ethnic Gurung and Magar communities for trade, migration, and seasonal grazing. The area gained global attention after Maurice Herzog’s 1950 ascent of Annapurna I, sparking interest in Himalayan exploration. By the 1980s, as Nepal’s trekking industry boomed, Poon Hill’s panoramic sunrise views over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare peaks became iconic, drawing trekkers seeking shorter, culturally rich alternatives to longer Himalayan expeditions. The trail’s development was shaped by ACAP’s sustainable tourism initiatives, which balanced conservation with local livelihoods, fostering teahouse infrastructure and community-managed tourism. Today, the trek remains a testament to Nepal’s ability to preserve cultural heritage and natural beauty while adapting to modern trekking demands.

Details Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Activities:

• Airport Transfer: You’ll be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name. A private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist hub.
• Hotel Check-In: Settle into your room, freshen up, and relax after your flight.
• Trek Briefing: Meet your guide in the evening for a detailed orientation. Discuss the itinerary, gear check, and safety protocols.
• Evening: Free time to explore Thamel’s vibrant streets or enjoy a welcome dinner (optional).

Key Notes:

• Ensure your luggage is organized for the trek.
• Exchange currency or purchase last-minute gear if needed.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara (6–7 hrs drive)

Activities:

• Morning Departure: After breakfast, board a tourist bus or private vehicle. The scenic drive follows the Trishuli River, passing terraced farms and rural villages.
• Lunch: Stop at a roadside restaurant en route.
• Arrival in Pokhara: Check into your lakeside hotel.
• Explore Lakeside: Stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the Peace Pagoda (optional), or enjoy coffee at a café.
• Dinner: Try local Nepali cuisine or international dishes at a Lakeside restaurant.

Key Notes:

• Carry a light jacket—Pokhara evenings can be breezy.
• Prepare your trekking bag; leave non-essential items in Pokhara hotel storage.

Day 3: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (Drive + 4–5 hrs trek)

Activities:

• Drive to Nayapul: After breakfast, a 2-hour jeep ride takes you to Nayapul (1,070m), the trek’s starting point.
• Trek Begins: Follow the Modi Khola River, passing through Birethanti (check permits here) and Hille villages.
• Trail Highlights: Cross suspension bridges, terraced fields, and waterfalls.
• Arrive in Tikhedhunga: Stay overnight at a teahouse. Basic rooms with shared bathrooms.

Key Notes:

• Start slow to acclimatize.
• Pack snacks and refill water at villages.

Day 4: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (6–7 hrs trek)

Activities:

• Ascend Ulleri Steps: Tackle the famous 3,000+ stone stairs to Ulleri (2,080m). Take breaks to admire Annapurna South views.
• Lunch: Stop at a teahouse in Ulleri or Banthanti.
• Rhododendron Forests: Trek through lush forests (blooming in spring) to reach Ghorepani (2,860m).
• Evening: Relax at a cozy teahouse. Sunset views over Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks.

Key Notes:

• Use trekking poles for the steep stairs.
• Layer clothing—temperatures drop at higher elevations.

Day 5: Poon Hill Sunrise & Trek to Tadapani (5–6 hrs trek)

Activities:

• Early Morning Hike: Wake at 4:30 AM for a 1-hour hike to Poon Hill (3,210m). Watch the sunrise paint Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare in golden hues.
• Return to Ghorepani: Breakfast at the teahouse.
• Trek to Tadapani: Descend through rhododendron forests, cross Deurali Pass, and hike to Tadapani (2,630m).
• Wildlife Spotting: Look for langur monkeys and Himalayan birds.

Key Notes:

• Carry a headlamp for the pre-dawn hike.
• Wear sturdy shoes for rocky descents.

Day 6: Tadapani to Ghandruk (3–4 hrs trek)

Activities:

• Gentle Descent: Follow a well-marked trail through oak and rhododendron forests to Ghandruk (1,940m).
• Explore Ghandruk: A traditional Gurung village with stone houses and terraced farms. Visit the Gurung Museum or interact with locals.
• Evening: Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Key Notes:

• Short trek day—ideal for rest and cultural immersion.
• Charge devices; teahouses here may have better amenities.

Day 7: Ghandruk to Pokhara (Trek + Drive)

Activities:

• Final Trek to Nayapul: Descend 4–5 hours through Kimche and Syauli Bazaar. Cross the Modi Khola River to Nayapul.
• Drive to Pokhara: Board a private jeep for a 2-hour return to Pokhara.
• Celebrate: Enjoy a hot shower, lakeside dinner, or a massage (optional).

Key Notes:

• Tip guides/porters before departing Nayapul.
• Collect left luggage from Pokhara hotel.

Day 8: Pokhara to Kathmandu (6–7 hrs drive)

Activities:

• Morning Drive: Return to Kathmandu via tourist bus or flight (25 mins).
• Farewell Dinner: Share trek stories over a traditional Nepali meal.
• Departure Prep: Airport transfer arranged based on your flight time.

Key Notes:

• If flying, confirm luggage weight limits (15–20 kg).
• Purchase souvenirs (Pashmina, handicrafts) in Kathmandu.

Final Tips:

• Stay hydrated and follow your guide’s advice.
• Respect local customs—ask before photographing villagers.

Cost Details

Cost include on:
• 2 Night hotel in Pokhra including breakfast
• Kathmandu /Pokhara/Kathmandu by tourist Bus.
• 3 times meal during the hiking. (2 breakfast,3 Lunch and 2 dinners.
• 2-night lodge accommodation in trekking.
• 1 Hiking Guide
• Necessary Trekking permit and necessary paper.

Cost does not include on:
• all food in Pokhara
• personal expenses, phone call, laundry service etc.
• all bar bill coke, beer, water etc.
• Tips for guide, porter and driver.

Map

FAQs

• Trek Documentation
• Choosing a Provider
• Food, Accommodation & Facilities
• Travel

• Clothing & Equipment

• Acclimatisation & Oxygen

• Guides, Sherpas & Team Members

• Health & Fitness

• Communication & Electronic Devices

  Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
  Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these at wifi and local moble call Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the Nhh website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.

  I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
  Many of our treks and climbs send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.

  Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the trek?
  For lodge-bassed treks, many of the lodges have power available with typical Asian plugs (two nail like horizontal prongs) and offer to recharge for a fee. 

  We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost or advise on the purchase of a suitable personal solar charging system - please enquire with our office.

• Insurance

• Fees & Payments

• Photography

• Safety

• Employment