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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

5 - Excellent
Based on 14 Reviews | More reviews on TripAdvisor

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 8 days, Easy

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the short and rewarding Annapurna treks. Ghorepani is a beautiful Pun Magar ethnic village. Enjoy the phenomenal Annapurna Mountain Ranges and local hospitality. Take a short trip around Ghorepani in the vicinity of beautiful natural greenery and towering snow-covered mountains.


Trip Facts

Physical Grading: Easy

An easy trek that demands trekkers/travelers to have a good level of physical and mental fitness to trek.

Max Elevation: 3210m

A vantage point to see a sunrise view over the magnificent panorama of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks.

Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse

Basic and comfortable accommodation with basic services during the trek and a standard hotel in a city.

Meals: Full Board

3-course Healthy and Hygienic meals during the trek, and only breakfast in a city.

Best Season: Autumn & Spring

Clear views and comfortable trekking trails due to stable weather and temperature.

Trip Route:

Tikhedhunga – Ulleri – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani – Ghandruk


Trip Highlights

  • Short, easy, and rewarding trek
  • Panoramic views of mountain ranges and peaks (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and more.)
  • Vantage point Poon Hill (3,210 m)
  • Stunning Sunrise view over snow-capped Annapurna Ranges
  • Terraced farmlands, lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes
  • Traverse through beautiful Ghorepani villages of the Pun Magar ethnic group
  • Immerse yourself in the Himalayan lifestyle and culture of locals

Trip Overview

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the short and rewarding Annapurna treks. Ghorepani is a beautiful Pun Magar ethnic village. Enjoy the phenomenal Annapurna Mountain Ranges and local hospitality. Take a short trip around Ghorepani in the vicinity of beautiful natural greenery and towering snow-covered mountains.

Poon Hill is the most important stopover in this trek as you will be able to see a magnificent panorama of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks; and also some representative peaks of the Himalayas of Nepal.  It is also a very sought-after viewpoint to catch breathtaking views of the sunrise. In clear mornings, you can see the very first rays of the early sun strike the mountains which then begin to glow like gold.

Ghorepani Poon Hill is best for all age groups of trekkers. This trek is short and easy compared to other Annapurna region treks. It is best from both natural and cultural aspects. Get fantastic sunrise views over panoramic mountains along with the warm hospitality of Pun ethnics at Ghorepani. There are plenty of teahouses and the best part is that mostly operated by locals. So, experience a homely feeling while trekking there. Come and Join us for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Gallery

Trip Outline

Day 01: Kathmandu arrival (1400 m)
Arrive in Kathmandu, get welcomed by the representative, and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara via tourist bus (822 m)
Adoring the surrounding scenery drive to Pokhara which takes 7-8 hours.

Day 03: Jeep drive to Tikhedhunga (1480 m), trek to Ulleri (1960 m)
A private vehicle jeep ride to Tikhedhunga and start the trek to Ulleri.

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani (2874 m)
Trek to the beautiful Pun ethnic settlement of Ghorepani via Banthanti.

Day 05: Hike to Poon Hill (3210 m), descend to Tadapani (2630 m)
Early morning Poon Hill hike for an amazing sunrise view over Annapurna ranges and descend to Tadapani.

Day 06: Trek to Ghandruk (2012 m), jeep ride to Pokhara
Trek to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk and return to Pokhara via jeep ride.

Day 07: Drive to Kathmandu (1400 m)
Drive to Kathmandu after completing the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Day 08: International departure
Transfer to the airport for an international departure.

Essential Information

Accommodation:

Teahouses or Lodges are accommodation types during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek that provide basic facilities but are comfortable to stay in. Generally, bathrooms are inside the teahouses. Pay additional costs for facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot bucket water, and charging devices. Internet and phone networks are mostly stable in the lower regions.

Meals:

3-course full board meals are served during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek which are healthy and hygienic. Breakfast and dinner are served from the teahouses and lunch is served at the stopovers during the trek.

Drinking water:

Drinking water during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is easily available. Trekkers can buy Mineral Water, fill tap water, or boiled water at teahouses as their preference. Always carry a water bottle to minimize plastic pollution. Travelers can also use a water purification solution or buy mineral water which costs USD 1-2 per bottle.

Public vehicles or airways are the means of transportation during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in this Annapurna region. Private vehicle options are also there.

  • Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • Transfer from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga by jeep and return to Pokhara from Ghandruk by jeep.
  • Flight options and Private vehicles from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu are available at an applicable cost.

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be done throughout the year in all four seasons: Spring (Mar-May), Autumn (Sep-Nov), Monsoon (Jun-Aug), and Winter (Dec-Feb) Seasons. But, the ideal seasons for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek are Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) as the weather and temperature are stable and offer incredible vistas.

The winter and rainy seasons are riskier to trek due to the unstable weather and temperature, slippery trails, and limited availability of accommodation and services. Still, it is possible to trek with proper planning and preparation.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek requires compulsory two permits i.e. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • Foreigners- NPR 3000/person
  • SAARC- NPR 1000/person

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)

  • Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
  • SAARC- NPR 1000/person
  • Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person

Documents required

  • Scanned copies of passport-sized photos and passports of each participant
  • Travel Insurance
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • TIMS

Difficulty:

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an easy trek suitable for all age-group trekkers as it does not involve any technicality. For first-time trekkers, the trek difficulty is a medium-level. The maximum elevation gain during this trek is 3,210 m. Walking daily long hours on the steep ascending and descending rough trails can be tough for some trekkers. Previous experience is a plus point. Our support is always there throughout your journey from the start to the end.

Fitness:

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is easy. Thus, trekkers having good fitness levels can easily accomplish this trek. Trekkers should be physically and mentally sound to join this trek. Consult with a doctor before undertaking the trek, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Some physical exercises and mental exercises to carry out before the treks are as follows:

Physical Exercises

Cardiovascular Exercises, Leg Strength Exercises, Core Strength Exercises, Upper Body Strengthening, Foot and ankle Strengthening, Flexibility and Stability Exercises, and Hiking Specific Training.

Mental Exercises

Meditation, Breathing Exercises, Stress Management, Solo Reflection, Focus and Concentration Improvement, Setting a goal, Practicing problem-solving skills, Staying Calm and Positive, Enjoying every activity, etc.

The maximum elevation during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is 3,210 m. Altitude sickness is common above 2500 m. As the elevation gains, there is a high chance of getting altitude sickness. Thus, acclimatization rest is essential to prevent it. Take an acclimatization rest as suggested in the itinerary during the trek.

Common symptoms of Altitude Sickness 

Headache, nausea, dizziness, uneasiness, appetite, and sleep loss, and on extreme some can experience unconsciousness and hallucination.

Preventions for Altitude Sickness 

  • Take an acclimatization rest
  • Inform the guide
  • Climb slowly and gradually
  • Keep yourself Hydrated
  • Avoid alcohol and salty foods
  • Know your body limit
  • Take a complete rest and sleep
  • Take medicine consulting a guide

It acts as a safety net and is essential for trekking. We recommend getting travel insurance from a reputed company.

  • Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage, and personal effects.
  • In emergencies, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment, and aftercare for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.

Ghorepani Poon Hill is an easy-level trek. Thus, it requires basic equipment and gear that trekkers can hire or bring on their own.

Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Insulating Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks, Raincoat, Balaclava, Bandana, Gaiters

Shoes: Camp shoes, Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals

Essential Documents: Passport, Travel Permits, Visa Photocopy, Passport size photos

Food: Light snacks, Energy bars, and drink mix

Accessories: Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Solar chargers, Batteries, Head Lamps, Torch, Umbrella, Sewing kit, Water Purifying solution kits, reusable bags to deposit waste, separate clean/dirty clothes

Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer from the airport to hotel

Elevation: Kathmandu (1400 m) 30-minute hotel drive.

On your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative of Outdoor Himalayan Treks will greet you at the airport. We transfer you to a standard hotel in Kathmandu for rest. Later, we introduce you to the trek guide and we discuss briefly the trekking. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 02 Kathmandu - Pokhara

Elevation: Pokhara (822 m) 7-8 hours’ drive.

Your trekking guide will receive you from your hotel in Kathmandu at 6:30 AM and take you to the Tourist Bus Station at Kantipath. At 7:00 AM the bus will leave for Pokhara, exiting the valley of Kathmandu at Thankot and then descending through the winding highway. During the fascinating drive, you will be allowed to make two shortstops for tea and breakfast at some convenient locations. After arriving in Pokhara at around 2:00 PM, you check in at your hotel, freshen up and have lunch. Walking along the Lakeside would be a good idea for the evening. You are advised to get some good sleep to begin trekking the next day. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 03 Jeep drive to Tikhedhunga, trek to Ulleri

Elevation: Tikhedhunga (1480 m), Ulleri (1960 m) 1-2 hours jeep drive, 3-4 hours trek. Elevation gain: 480 m

A private vehicle, leaving at 8 AM will transfer you to Tikhedhunga (1480 m), the starting point of this Annapurna trek. Then, you will go uphill to arrive at Ulleri (1,960 m) which takes about 2 hours. Enjoy the scenic vistas of Annapurna South, Machhapucchre and Himchuli peaks, where you will spend the night at a local teahouse.

Day 04 Ulleri - Ghorepani

Elevation: Ghorepani (2874 m) 5-6 hours trek. Elevation gain: 914 m

After breakfast, you begin ascending the terraced path to Banthanti, from where the path routes through a thick forest. After having walked for about 5-6 hours, you will reach Ghorepani (2875 m). It is known to be a major settlement of Pun ethnic people. If the weather is fine, you will be able to a greater part of Annapurna Ranges from your room and the setting sun paints the scenery leaving an artistic effect on the horizon. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 05 Hike to Poon Hill, descend to Tadapani

Elevation: Poon Hill (3210 m), Tadapani (2630 m) 5-6 hours trek. Elevation gain/loss: 336 m/580 m

You need to wake up by 5 AM and take a short walk to Poon Hill (3210 m) if you do not want to miss the view of a captivating sunrise. Take photographs at will and return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Resume trekking and after 5-6 hours, arrive at Tadapani (2630 m), your stopover for the day. Overnight in a teahouse.

Day 06 Trek to Ghandruk, jeep ride to Pokhara

Elevation: Ghandruk (2012 m) 3 hours trek, 4 hours drive. Elevation loss: 618 m

Trek for about 3 hours and arrive at Ghandruk mainly through forests, hence the easiest segment of the entire trip. Have lunch and take a fun jeep ride to Pokhara. It takes about 4 hours to reach Pokhara. Explore the city in the afternoon, take a refreshing walk in the Lakeside area, and spend the night in your hotel room.

Day 07 Drive to Kathmandu

Pokhara to Kathmandu, 7 hrs

The standard scheme is to provide you with a tourist coach to Kathmandu. However, if you wish to spend some extra days by yourself in Pokhara, the return ticket can be issued for your desired date. Join the farewell dinner offered by Outdoor Himalayan Treks at an authentic Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy the live cultural show. Back to the hotel, overnight.

Day 08 International departure

Airport transfer will be provided on your required time, but if you intend to extend your stay in Kathmandu we will arrange the airport transfer on your required day. Safe Travels.

STANDARD SERVICE INCLUSION

  • Accommodation: Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek (Deluxe accommodation for 2 nights in Kathmandu and for 2 nights in Pokhara on twin sharing basis
  • Meals: 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner. which you can choose from the menu) during the trek; only breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Transportation: Airport – hotel – airport transfers by private transfer, Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus. Transfer from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga and return to Pokhara by private transport
  • Documentation: Trekking permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project entry permit) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, Poon Hill entry fee.
  • Equipment/Accessories: If required, we are happy to provide you with down jacket and sleeping bags (Which you can refund us after the trek), first-aid kit, water purifying solution (iodine-based)
  • Human resource: A professional and experienced trekking guide (English-speaking); a porter per two trekkers (carrying up to 25 kg); all the expenses for the guide and porter(s) are covered (wages, accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, etc.)
  • Tax/Service Charge: All applicable taxes, service charges or fees. We hereby guarantee you of no ‘hidden charges’ afterward.
  • Complimentary: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (authentic Nepalese cuisines with a live cultural show)
  • Emergency Rescue Service: Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. However, you must be already insured for such emergencies, and your insurance policy must cover helicopter evacuation (Kindly make sure that the policy covers until 4000 Mtrs). Moreover, you should provide your policy details and authorize us to deal directly with your insurance company on your behalf.

What's not included?

  • Beverage (tea/coffee, Bottled mineral water, cold/alcoholic drinks, etc.)
  • Any other expenses of a personal nature (extra meals/snacks/desserts, battery charging fees, photography charges, Hot Shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, Phone calls, etc.)
  • Tips for Guide/Porters (Expected) and any type of donations
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal Visa
  • International airfares
  • Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and on the way
  • Any services mentioned in the inclusion section

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek FAQs

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek usually takes 5-7 days and trekkers can extend it as their preference.

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be done in all four seasons. But still, Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) are considered the best time and offer mesmerizing and clear vistas.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card are required for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Poon Hill, which stands at an altitude of 3,210 m is the highest elevation during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

The teahouses or guesthouses along the trekking route provide basic accommodations and meals for trekkers along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

  1. Drinking water during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is easily available as trekkers can purchase bottled water. Alternatively, trekkers can also use water purification tablets or carry a water filter to treat the water for safe use.

Along the trek, trekkers can explore and experience the local culture of ethnic communities like the Gurungs and Magars, visit traditional villages, interact with locals, and witness their customs, traditions, and festivals.

All age groups can do the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek as it is one of the easiest treks in Nepal. Consult with a doctor before undertaking the trek, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek difficulty level is easy and for first-time trekkers’ the difficulty level is medium.

ATM facilities are available in some towns along the trek route, such as Nayapul and Tikhedhunga. Thus, it is recommended to carry enough cash for the entire trek.

The communication facility is stable during the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and needs to pay additional costs for charging electronic devices.

The toilet facilities along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are basic and mostly consist of squat toilets and Western-style toilets may be available in some teahouses.

For the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for both warm and cold weather conditions with some essential equipment.

To book the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Outdoor Himalayan, visit the website and fill out the booking form, or contact us directly via email or phone. We will provide you with the necessary details and assistance for your trekking experience.