9 - Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Nepal  |  Landscapes & Expeditions

Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
Difficulty Moderate
Best Season March - May and September - November.
Maximum Altitude 3,210 m / 10,531 ft

Overview

The 9-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers an opportunity to explore the scenic foothills of the Annapurna region, combining Himalayan landscapes, traditional mountain villages, and cultural encounters along the trail. Beginning in Kathmandu, the journey takes you to Pokhara before continuing on foot through terraced farmland, forested hillsides, and settlements inhabited by the Gurung and Magar communities.

The trekking route gradually ascends through Ulleri and Ghorepani, passing beneath canopies of rhododendron and oak forests. One of the main highlights is the early morning hike to Poon Hill at 3,210 metres, where the first rays of sunlight illuminate the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trail then descends towards Tadapani and Ghandruk, offering changing mountain scenery and opportunities to experience the traditional lifestyle and cultural heritage of the Gurung community.

With comfortable guesthouse stays along the trekking route and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, this journey combines outdoor exploration with cultural discovery. The relatively moderate maximum altitude makes it an appealing option for those looking to experience the Himalayan trekking environment without venturing into very high-altitude terrain. The trek begins and ends in Pokhara, with road journeys connecting the major cities and the starting point of the trail.

Top Highlights

  • Witness the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill at 3,210 metres.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.

  • Walk through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, especially colourful during spring.

  • Explore traditional mountain settlements surrounded by terraced fields and forested hills.

  • Experience the culture and heritage of the Gurung community in Ghandruk.

  • Discover the rural lifestyle, traditional architecture, and mountain hospitality of the Annapurna foothills.

  • Stay in comfortable mountain guesthouses and enjoy freshly prepared local meals along the trekking route.

  • Experience a rewarding Himalayan trek without venturing into extreme altitudes.

Handcrafted Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be waiting to welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel in a private tourist vehicle. After checking in, you can take some time to settle in and relax following your journey.

Later, you will attend a pre-trek briefing where you will meet your trekking guide and receive important information about the route, daily walking schedule, and preparations for the journey ahead. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the surroundings or enjoy a relaxed evening in Kathmandu.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Birethanti and Trek to Ulleri

Day 4: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

Day 5: Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani

Day 6: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk

Day 7: Trek from Ghandruk to Syauli Bazaar and Drive to Pokhara

Day 8: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 9: Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport

What is Included

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.

  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights) on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

  • Teahouse/guesthouse accommodation along the Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking route (4 nights).

  • Full-board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek, including tea or coffee with each meal and seasonal fruits after dinner.

  • Shared tourist bus transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara, both ways.

  • Private tourist vehicle transfers from Pokhara to Birethanti and Syauli Bazaar to Pokhara.

  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide trained in wilderness first aid, with an additional guide for groups exceeding seven participants.

  • Porter services (one porter for every two trekkers), including staff wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and necessary medications.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.

  • All administrative expenses and applicable government taxes.

What is Excluded

  • International airfare to and from Nepal.

  • Nepal entry visa fees.

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled drinks, and personal refreshments.

  • Additional beverages and drinking water not specified under the inclusions.

  • Personal trekking clothing, footwear, and equipment.

  • Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation.

  • Personal expenses, including laundry, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and electronic device charging.

  • Tips and gratuities for trekking guides, porters, and drivers.

  • Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early arrival, late departure, or unforeseen itinerary changes.

  • Expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, road closures, adverse weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • Any services, activities, or expenses not specifically mentioned under What is Included.

Things to Pack

General

  • Puffy down jacket, daypack (35–45 litres) with rain cover.

Upper Body

  • Sun hat or cap, knitted hat or beanie, scarf or neck gaiter, headlamp, sunglasses.

Torso

  • Technical fabric base layers, short-sleeved shirts (2), long-sleeved shirts (2), waterproof and windproof shell jacket, fleece jacket or pullover.

Lower Body

  • Technical fabric base layers, hiking pants (2), comfortable trousers for teahouse stays, waterproof/windproof outer shell pants, hiking shorts.

Hands

  • Wool or technical fabric liner gloves, insulated hard-shell outer gloves.

Feet

  • Warm wool or technical fabric socks, hiking socks, liner socks (optional), waterproof trekking/hiking boots, ice cleats/microspikes, casual shoes.

Undergarments

  • Quick-drying underwear, sports bras (women), pajamas or sleeping clothes.

First Aid and Medications

  • Sunscreen, lip balm, personal ointment, personal medications.

Other Essentials

  • Passport, extra passport-sized photographs, reusable water bottle, toiletry kit, water purification tablets or UV water purifier, hydration bladder, towel, pillowcase, toilet paper (2 rolls), high-protein snacks, waterproof/dry bags, airline tickets, earplugs, trekking poles.

Optional

  • Power bank or extra batteries, camera, mobile phone, playing cards or book, pee bottle/female urination funnel, whistle, thermos for hot water, comb.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How difficult is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered an easy to moderate trek, suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. The route includes several uphill and downhill sections, stone staircases, and forest trails, but does not require technical climbing experience.

2. How many days does the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek take?

3. What is the best time to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

4. Do I need previous trekking experience for this trek?

5. What mountains can I see from Poon Hill?

6. What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?

7. Do I need to carry my own sleeping bag?

8. Is there electricity and Wi-Fi during the trek?

9. Can I do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek during winter?

10. Can the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek be customized?

11. What is the best trek in Nepal for beginners?

12. What are the best short treks in the Himalayas?

13. What is the best alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek?

14. Is Nepal worth visiting just for trekking?

15. What should I look for when choosing a trekking destination?

Trip Snapshot
  • Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Trip Type Multiday
  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Best Season March - May and September - November.
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