Nepal is a haven for true mountaineers as the country boasts not only Everest and Annapurna but 12 other 8000 m above Peaks. However, not all of us can reach such great heights. Fortunately, there is the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, an easy lodge trek that stands to offer you a true glimpse into trekking life.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an excellent trip for those new to hiking, those who want to experience the charm of the Nepalese mountains and jungle in a short time, and those who are reluctant to go on high-altitude mountain trekking.
Plus, it is incredibly beautiful and offers a wonderful combination of nature, culture, and gigantic peaks in comfort with a touch of exoticism. If you are already at the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, or the Annapurna Circuit trek, and want to add a few extra days, then 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be an ideal extension.
The highlight here is of course the Poon Hill Look Out Tower at 3210 m standing inside the Annapurna Conservation Area of Myagdi District. It was named after the late retired General Major of the British Gurkha Army, Tek Bahadur Pun.
Over the years, the Poon Hill became a must-see location in Annapurna for gazing at the sunrises over the gigantic faces of Varaha Shikhar (7647 m), Machhapuchhre/Fishtail (6993 m), Tukuche Peak (6920 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), II (7937 m), III (7555 m), and IV (7525 m), Nilgiri (7061 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and many more.
Our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary will first guide you to Pokhara on Phewa Lake from where a magnificent mountain panorama soon greets you.
Then a short drive to Ulleri will occur after which you will start to walk through the exquisite Magar villages of Banthanti and Ghorepani, the gateway to the Sacred Annapurna.
The next day of our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you will soon be at Poon Hill where you will hear the call of the stone giants loudest. Then your trek continues via natural stone steps into dense forests leading you to the birthplace of the famous Gurkha soldiers, Ghandruk which leads you down to Pokhara again.
Overall, our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a great trekking classic that lets you discover the best of Nepal in all its wonderful facets. With the combination of the off-beaten track, forest, and the Himalayas, this trek can be a wonderful first-time trip for you in Nepal without the risk of acute mountain sickness.
So what’s stopping you? Come and experience the Himalayas of Nepal with us.
Let’s be honest here, every mountain trekking route in Nepal is great for watching the Himalayas, so why the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek? Besides the stunningly surprising sights of various beautiful snow giants, this trek also has a few other practical things that will make you a fan of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek such as:
In every village of the 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you will find the homely guesthouses that offer very comfortable accommodations for the night. It means you won’t be needing the sleeping bag or tent on any part of the trail.
In these lodges or the tea houses, you will get a diverse menu with the availability of Western choices as well. However, Dal Vat will be featured everywhere, the right meal for powering up for the long walks on the day. You will also get to refill your water bottle with boiled water for safety options.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is among the most walked and frequented busy hiking journeys in Nepal. So you will find signs at every corner making it easier for you to walk at your pace without feeling congested.
Although the walking trail of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary is pretty straight, there are still some sharper sections. But they are easily navigable which suits even those who have no experience of hiking at all.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek will be an excellent way to acclimatize before you set off on more challenging high-altitude trekking adventures in Nepal. This journey will in fact effectively prepare you for the mountain landscape, altitude changes, climate conditions, and lodging arrangements.
The Himalayan sights along the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek route are literally eye-catching, particularly from Poon Hill given its altitude which is only 3210 m.
Another feature of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is its shortest time and accessibility which you can complete with just a large backpack. Besides, our company will also be offering you the support of our porter and guide so this trek will be nothing but easy and entertaining.
Within just 4 days in the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you will get to experience all the facets of Nepal mountain trekking adventure such as:
Watch some of the tallest daunting snow giants awakening under the first lights of the rising sun from Poon Hill. Varaha Shikhar, Machhapuchhre/Fishtail, Tukuche Peak, Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri will be ready to bedazzle you.
The green hills, red crimson shades of the forests of Annapurna, the white sparkling walls of the Himalayas, the rivers and waterfalls you will meet on the trail of Ghorepani Poon Hill will allow you to capture the postcard-like pictures you have ever thought of.
The walking mountain route of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek will allow you to know what an actual hiking adventure means. Being suitable for any age and skill, this can be an excellent introductory trek in Nepal.
In this journey, you will be able to meet trekkers from every corner of the world. If you are someone who likes to share ideas and dreams, then do not be late for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
From the colorful Hindu custom and culture to the one-of-a-kind Buddhist tradition of Magars and Gurungs, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek will offer you a rare opportunity for immersion in traditional Nepali life and hospitality.
If the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek has made it onto your bucket list, then we suggest you depart in mid-September, October, November, March, April, or May.
The autumn weather enchants Annapurna during September, October, and November days, presenting pleasant temperatures, less chance of severe weather, clearer air, and the wonderful transparent Himalayan sights.
In March, April, and May, the spring air fragrances the Annapurna, making the area greener and redder with blossoming rhododendrons.
December, January, and February (cold winter) are yet another gorgeous time to see Ghorepani and Poon Hill, with little snow whitening the trail to Poon Hill. However, the sun often shines extremely brightly in June, and in July, August, and early September, the rain often obscures the Pokhara-Ulleri road.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the easiest and shortest Level I nature mountain trek in Nepal that needs no skills, experience, or training, thus making it accessible to everyone.
The overall mountain walking terrain is simple, which ultimately reaches the 3210 m altitude of Poon Hill, the highest. During the four days, your elevations will occur between 1500 and 3000 m only, which is the comfortable altitude for hiking.
The walking hours per day are also limited to only 5 to 6 hours over the path that has been well-made and kept by the local communities. But wait, the route is anything but repetitive.
For your further convenience, we have even eliminated the notorious ascent of 3300 stone steps of Ulleri. However, there will be some sections en route that will be quite steep, such as when traversing the 3090 m Deurali Pass.
But with little patience and effort, this non-technical easy pass can be faced gracefully. Therefore, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a wonderfully simple mountain hiking action that you can ever find in Nepal.
If you are not a big fan of lengthy mountain trekking, then trust us, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is made for you. This trek necessitates long days of hiking; you can have comfort each day along with the opportunity to feel the true essence of mountain hiking.
You will also be guided by our experienced local guide, and our porters will carry all your luggage. Thus, the mountain journey in Annapurna is ideal for families, seniors, children, busy corporate individuals, and also for those who are passionate about nature and culture.
Additionally, if you wish to have more facets of Nepal, you can easily go on our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. And, if you are already on the road to other Annapurna treks, this trek can easily be a pleasing extension.
When compared to other mountain treks in Nepal, the concern for AMS, generally known as altitude sickness, is considerably less during our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
However, we cannot guarantee its total absence, as individual sensitivity to altitudes above 2500 m can be different. The oxygen concentration in the air drops from 2500 m onwards, which can sometimes lead to the onset of AMS, especially for those trekking for the first time.
Early signs may present as trouble sleeping, fatigue, headaches, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Generally, these symptoms do not require medical treatment and can be relieved with a few hours of sleep and hydration.
If you like to keep yourself safe from AMS, then drink a minimum of 4 liters of water when walking, avoid quick ascents, and take Diamox if advised by a doctor.
Every mountain trek in Nepal needs a basic foundation of fitness and so does the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. After all, for three continuous days, you will be tackling the mountain trails of Annapurna for at least 4 to 5 hours daily.
Therefore, we recommend that you enhance your strength and endurance, as well as your cardiovascular health. To prepare for this, you can begin with a routine of running, walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and stair climbing about a month before the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek date.
Additionally, exercises like squats, planks, pull-ups, and push-ups, along with engaging in sports such as volleyball, football, or basketball, will also help you equip yourself with the skills needed for the three days walking adventure.
If you can give away a few extra days then numerous marvelous mountain journeys can be added to the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary such as:
Once you have completed the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you can also choose to go for other possible adventures in Nepal besides other hiking journeys such as:
Kindly understand that we will not be arranging your Kathmandu or Pokhara overnight accommodation in our 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek package. Generally, most guests choose this trek when they are already in Pokhara and have a few days to spare.
However, if you would like us to arrange your Kathmandu or Pokhara accommodation, we definitely will. Generally, we book twin rooms of clean welcoming three-star hotels; we can also upgrade them to single rooms, or to four or five-star elegant hotels and resorts.
When on the trek, a very homely mountain tea house will be arranged for your overnight sleep. They typically supply you a double room with double or single beds and a few modest furniture. You can also get the hot water and WiFi on request for a small fee.
We will be attending to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek at your overnight settlements. However, you will have to attend to the price of the beverage yourself.
We will also be tending to your Pokhara flight and an overland journey between Pokhara and Ulleri, Ghandruk, and Pokhara through a private 4WD vehicle (jeep, bus, van, or car).
If you want us to also attend to your Kathmandu to Pokhara travel, please let us know and we can either arrange a flight or private 4WD, or tourist bus on your request.
Although very short, the 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek still mandates the following essential permits from each trekker:
We will be tending to your permit procurement and their related fees (ACAP- NPR 3000 per person and TIMS- NPR 2000 per Hiker).
Yes, travel insurance has been obligated for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek because of the compulsory acquisition of the TIMS Card, which requires a proper active insurance policy.
Additionally, travel insurance means extensive personal protection for you on the mountains, which are often notorious for their changing climate, challenging terrain, and AMS.
These circumstances may sometimes necessitate a prompt helicopter rescue and transportation, which your insurer will tend to if you have the right insurance coverage.
We request you to include the helicopter evacuation coverage for an altitude of up to 3300 for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek along with the medical and accidental expenses.
Day 1: Fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu, 822 m (2,697 ft), 30 minutes, and drive to Ulleri, 2050 m (6,726 ft), 3 hours
Day 2: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani, 2875 m (9,432 ft), 4 to 5 hours
Day 3: Hike to Poon Hill, 3210 m (10,531 ft), 1 to 2 hours, and trek to Tadapani, 2630 m (8,629 ft), 6 to 7 hours
Day 4: Trek from Ghorepani to Ghandruk, 1940 m (6,365 ft), 3 to 4 hours, and drive to Pokhara, 822 m (2,697 ft), 2 hours
On the very first day of your Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, look forward to a magnificent panoramic mountain flight to Pokhara over the stunning Machhapuchhare and the Annapurna massif.
As soon as we land in Pokhara, we can already see the white Himalayan giants gleaming – a magnificent sight. Here, our crew will handle our baggage and then lead our way towards Ulleri.
The newly built road has enabled for us to reach Ulleri straight via jeep thus removing the need to tackle the fearful 3300 stone steps of this village.
We will drive past Naudanda (nine ridges) and Nayapul (New Bridge). The two beautiful rivers of Modi and Bhurungdi meet here, but the latter will however keep traveling beside us.
Soon, we will be getting the ACAP permit at Birethanti (1070 m) after which we will drive comfortably and sometimes a little bumpily through Matathanti, Ramgai, and Sudame.
The onward road will begin to carry us upward as Hille and Tikhedhunga (1515 m) villages emerge in the distance. Some stretching and eating will be excellent at Tikhedhunga.
Ulleri, the Magar Village of Annapurna is not far where we will spend the night beneath Annapurna, Himalchuli, and Fishtail.
Our steady uphill yet very beautiful and easy trek with our guide commences today. All the way through, we will have the magical Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli glaring at us while the slender form of Fishtail will also linger behind.
Entering the quiet rhododendron forest, we will keep climbing higher. Our feet will meet another Magar settlement named Banthanti (2250 m) which will lead us into the cool tropical rain forest.
On the way, we will see Nagathanti (2460 m), a calming Gurung Village protected by the giant structures of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The road ahead is now one more hour long which will ultimately take us to Ghorepani.
This tiny yet very popular Magar mountain village is the mandatory stop for every hiker moving further into the Annapurna. The name Ghorepani means in Nepali Horse Water.
It used to be the very old time-stamped caravan route for the traders where they used to rest their horses. We have almost an entire day at our disposal so of course we will see the village and meet the lovely people.
The evening at Ghorepani will be magical as we see the settling sun spraying its copper-red hue over Annapurna, Dhauagiri, and Fishtail. Don't forget to set the alarm clock for the very early rise tomorrow.
Finally, the big day of our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is here. As our alarm clock starts to sing, we will get up and before breakfast will head towards the 3210 m high astounding lookout point of Poon Hill.
Approximately one hour later, we will be climbing the steel stairs of this viewpoint. Get your camera ready and see how the awakening sun gradually hugs the white cold walls of Fishtail, Varaha Shikhar, Lamjung Peaks, Annapurna II, III, IV, and South, Tukuche, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nilgiri, and many others.
A nearby local coffee shop will invite us to stop for a coffee or a light refreshment. Then, we will be back collecting our bags at Ghorepani to reach our onward location of Tadapani.
The trail at first will ascend through the dense and quiet jungle passing a series of waterfalls until we are at Deurali Pass (3090 m). A moderate descent awaits us along the well-made stone path towards Tadapani.
It is a perfect spot to admire once more the sunset and sunrise over the Annapurnas.
We have the final day of our 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The path from Ghorepani descends through a deep wooded jungle, and at times it becomes quite steep.
We will soon be at Bhainsi Kharka, where the trail diverges. We will walk on the route to Ghandruk, a small pleasing Gurung Village where we can meet many former Gurkha soldiers.
Admiring one last time the snowy faces of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail, we will get in our private pick-up vehicle which will take us through Birethanti and Nayapul back to Pokhara.
Single travel is increasingly becoming popular and many people like to travel alone. So yes, if you are traveling single, we can put you in one of our group Ghorepani Poon Hill trek so you can explore in the company of other travelers. If not, we can place you in a private 4 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek where you will have the only company of our guide.
We request you to reserve our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as soon as you make your decision. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek often tends to fill up quickly mainly in the prime seasons. So the earlier you make your reservation, the greater the chances of your confirmed seat.
Certainly, just let us know and about your choices, and leave every arrangement to us. Please kindly know that an extra fee will be charged for this added service.
You can book a single room or you can choose to book a shared room with other participants of the same gender.
It will be merely around 51 km in total in Annapurna.
Absolutely, both Namaste and Ncell offer excellent network and 4G internet all through the route while tea houses can also give you access to their WiFi for a small fee.
If you happen to walk during the autumn and springtime, then yes, your Ghorepani Poon Hill trek route will be heavily trafficked by trekkers. If you wish to have a non-congested route, choose to some in winter.
Yes, the tourism rule of Nepal after April 2023 has been changed that obligates the company of local licensed guide for every mountain trekking adventure in Nepal including the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
Yes, it is also sometimes known as the Annapurna Sunrise View Trek or Annapurna Sunrise Trek as well.
Unfortunately, Everest is on a way in opposite side of the Annapurna so Poon Hill will not give you the Everest sighting.
You can bring the international plug adapter with you for charging your phone or any other devices in the tea houses.
Yes, till Pokhara you can but remember to set your card to worldwide.
Vegetarian dishes will be found everywhere in the villages and for a vegan meal, a request can be made.
If you are looking for travel in Nepal, Bishnu will help you to make your perfect trip plan. He has been working on this industry for more than 10 years