Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Trip at a Glance
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Country: Nepal
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Trip grade: Moderate
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Destination: Annapurna region
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Activities: Trekking
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Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
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Meals: Full-board on trek
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Transportation: Private vehicle or local bus
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Maximum altitude: Poon Hill (3210m)
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Group size: 2 pax min
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Best Season: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the popular short trekking routes in the Annapurna region. Trekking to Ghorepani and Poon Hill offers a majestic Himalayan panorama coupled with witnessing the cultural heritage of communities like Gurung and Magar who are the local inhabitants of the Annapurna region. Another major attraction of the trek is watching the sunrise from the most popular Himalayan viewpoint in Annapurna, Poon Hill located at 3,210 meters.
The trek to Ghorepani and Poon Hill begins after a scenic drive to Nayapul from Pokhara. The trek begins in Nayapul where the trail passes along beautiful rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and lovely villages. After a day’s trek, you will reach the picturesque village of Ghorepani located at 2,874 meters.
Early in the morning, you will take a hike to Poon Hill from Ghorepani which is the prime highlight of the trek. Poon hill provides mesmerizing panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including peaks like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri. Watching sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill as the first ray of the sun hits the mountains making it golden brown is an amazing experience.
Ghoreapani Poon Hill trek or in short, the Poon Hill Trek, is a moderately graded trek suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. It is just the right trekking plan in the Annapurna region for those looking for a shorter trek that still offers a fantastic mountain panorama and a taste of the Himalayan trekking experience in Nepal.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights
- Enjoy a short trek with abundant scenic retreat.
- Explore Ghorepani, a beautiful village up in the Himalayas.
- Hike to the popular vantage point of Poon Hill (3210m) for a stunning Himalayan sunrise.
- Visit the natural wonder of Nepal, Pokhara City.
- Pleasant trails embellished with flashy rhododendron clusters.
- Discover the culture & tradition of the mountain communities of Magar and Gurung.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by a tourist bus (5-6 hrs)
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1010m/1 hr) & trek to Tikhedhunga (1480m/4 hrs)
Day 04: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2874m/4 - 6 hours)
Day 05: Hike to Poon Hill (3210m/1 hr) & back to Ghorepani & trek to Tadapani (2630m/6 hrs)
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1940m/3 hrs)
Day 07: Drive from Ghandruk to Pokhara (822m/2 hrs)
Day 08: Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara by a tourist bus (5-6 hrs)
Day 09: Final departure to your homeland!!
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and then transferred to your designated hotel. Once at the hotel, you are greeted with welcome drinks. We will then have a quick pre-trip meeting, where you are briefed on the trekking itineraries and some formalities that ought to be pursued. Depending on the time remaining, you can either rest or stroll around the vicinity of your hotel to get the feel of this busy, colorful and energetic capital of Nepal.
Early in the morning drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a tourist bus. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, offering glimpses of rural life, terraced fields, and stunning views of the Himalayas (weather permitting). The drive is around 200 kilometers (125 miles) long and usually takes between 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
The bus will finally arrive at the tourist bus park in Pokhara and you will check-in hotel in Pokhara. The rest of the time is rest at hotel or you are free to explore Pokahra if you wish.
Option: You can choose to either take a private vehicle for Kathmandu/Pokhara drive or fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu (25 minutes flight)
After breakfast we hop in to a private car and drive to Nayapul, which takes about 1 hour. from here that our trek actually commences.The trail follows the main street of Birethanti, going through bamboo forests, past a large waterfall and swimming hole. Beyond a pasture used by pony caravans, the trail reaches Sudami where we halt for lunch. After lunch, we climb steadily up the side of the valley, passing by Hile until we arrive at Tikhedhunga.
We move ahead from Tikhedhunga crossing a stream on a suspension bridge near a camp site. The trail now ascends a steep stone staircase (which has about 3300 steps) to the large Magar village, “Ulleri” at 2080m. Above the village, the trail climbs gently through the pastures and cultivated fields. There is another campsite at about an hour’s walk above Ulleri. We cross two sparkling streams before making a short, final climb to Nangethanti, where we stop for lunch. In the winter the trail can be covered with snow. From Nangethanti, we climb all the way up to Ghorepani, which offers spectacular mountainous panorama of Dhaulagiri (8172m), Tukuche Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South(7219m), Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6434m) and Tarke Kang (7069m).
A pre-dawn ascent of about an hour to Poon Hill caters to a brilliant spectacle; an unobstructed view of sunrise over the high Himalayas. Capture the beauty of the fascinating milieu, sippping your favorite hot chocolate! After spending about 40 minutes there, we descend to Ghorepani for breakfast. Now the trek to Tadapani commences along the ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests until we arrive at Deurali. From here the descent continues towards Banthanti, and then finally to Tadapani.
The trail to Ghandruk descends steeply through the forests. Since we arrive at the village at mid noon, we have a whole lot of time to explore this mazy settlement.
After breakfast, start your drive from Ghandruk to Pokhara via Nayapul. The journey usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions. The road passes through the scenic countryside, with terraced fields, traditional villages, and glimpses of the Himalayan mountains. The route offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain ranges, as well as the lush greenery of the surrounding hills.
Once you reach Pokhara, you'll be welcomed by the scenic Phewa Lake and the backdrop of the Annapurna mountain range. Check-in hotel at Pokhara and the rest of the time is free to explore Pokhara on your own.
After breakfast drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara by a tourist bus retracing the same highway route which you took earlier. Upon reaching Kathmandu, check-in hotel and the rest of the time is free to explore or rest. In the evening is Farewell Dinner at one of the authentic Nepali Restaurant with a cultural show.
Option: You can choose to either take a private vehicle for Pokahra/Kathmandudrive or fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara (25 minutes flight) Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu (Breakfast)
A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the airport for your final departure. Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your adventure companion in Nepal again.
You can always extend your trip to try out some of our other adventurous packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu & Pokhara with breakfast on Twin-Share Basis..
- Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu transfers by a tourist bus. (Option: Flight or Private Vehicle)
- All trekking accommodations with Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at local lodges.
- Four seasonal sleeping bags (to be returned after trip completion) & Marron Treks Duffel bag.
- A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
- Pokhara/Nayapul & Ghandruk/Pokhara transfers by a private vehicle.
- Experienced Government licensed English Speaking Guide & Porter (1 porter for two people) including their food, accommodation, salary & insurance.
- Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area Project & TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System).
- Farewell Dinner at Nepali Authentic Restaurant with Cultural Program.
- All government and local taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
- Expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot (Tea/ Coffee) & cold drinks, hot shower etc.)
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tips for guides and porters (Tipping is expected)
Route Map
Trip Info
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 4- or 5-star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (4-star), Hotel Manaslu (4-star), Radisson (5-star), Yak & Yeti (5-star), or similar. During the trek, you will be accommodated in a local mountain lodge, better known as Tea House. These lodges and teahouses provide good services and are equipped with basic amenities. We will endeavor to provide you with the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We never compromise the quality of food or the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional foods like Sweet potatoes, buckwheat barley, etc. This way, you could not only get a real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala curry, etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.
Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a serious risk while trekking in the Himalayas. It's important to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at lower altitudes before heading higher. By spending time at lower altitudes before pushing higher, your body has time to adjust. Our trekking packages have enough acclimatization days planned where you'll be spending a day or two at lower altitudes, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Electricity & drinking water
For an additional cost, you can use the electricity in all tea houses and lodges to recharge your batteries. The lodges have packaged mineral water for sale, or you can fill your bottle with boiling water. To make water drinkable, you can use water purification tablets too. But, due to hygienic issues, you should avoid drinking water from taps, rivers, or wells in trekking areas.
Communication
At lodges, restaurants, and hotels, Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee in the most popular trek regions, like Everest, and Annapurna. However, at high elevations, phone calls are the only means of connection. Our office in Kathmandu is in constant communication with your trek guide. In Kathmandu, you can purchase a local sim card for communication purposes. At high elevations, the mobile signal might not be as strong, though.
Luggage
Our porters are paired with one trekker for every two hikers, and one porter can safely carry 30 kg maximum weight. Therefore, we advise you to fill your duffle bag not more than 15 kg with your belongings. You may carry a small backpack with your valuables and informational documents. The things you are not taking along on the trek can be stored in a hotel in Kathmandu free of cost.
Typical Trek Day
Mostly your trek day starts with breakfast at 7-8 am, followed by a 3-4 hour morning trek. Lunch break is around an hour, then you continue trekking to your destination for the day. After reaching the teahouse lodge, you can relax, explore nearby areas, and enjoy dinner at 6-7 pm. Evenings involve socializing, a trek briefing, and leisure activities before bed.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical and evacuation costs. Having travel insurance with you makes your trip secure and hassle-free.
Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you can actually connect with nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides who are very well-versed in the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the trek region you are traveling in. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining but also equally informative.
Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high-altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitudes are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. All our field staff are covered by insurance.
