• Duration 11 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Maximum Altitude 3,210 Meter
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Activities Trekking and Cultural Tour
  • Best Time Sep-May

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a paradise for travelers who want to witness some amazing views of the Himalayas without facing a lot of difficulties. The trail takes us through enchanting rhododendron forests and along the flowing rivers eventually offering an extraordinary views of Dhaulagiri , Annapurna I , Annapurna South , Nilgiri , Tukuche Peak, Hiuchuli , Machhapuchre (Fishtail ) , Lamjung Himal and many more.

This unforgettable trek in the Annapurna is loved by people of all age groups and physical fitness which allows one to explore deeply into the local ethnic communities and learn more about their culture and tradition. The Gurung Museum in Ghandruk village is a perfect place to witness the ancient lifestyles of people living in this region.

Taking a mountain flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu,the trail then heads north- west of Pokhara city towards Nayapul, the starting point of the trail. We will reach Ghorepani after 2 days of trekking as we navigate our way through the village of Birethanti, Ramghai, Tikhedhunga, Ulleri.

The sunrise hike to Poonhill before the dawn in chilling temperature can be challenging but the vista that you will witness from the top is something magical and every step will be worth it.

Ghorepani Poonhilll Trek with Adventure Treks Nepal will allow travelers to take the less travelled route from Chuile to Ghandruk skipping the common and busy route of Tadapani to Ghandruk. The tantalizing glimpse of the Himalayas along with a gorgeous valley and Komrong River from Chuile will leave you awestruck.

The overall trail is filled with lots of uphill and downhill sections which after completing the trail leaves the travelers with a sense of achievement and willingness to conquer more. Moreover, this trek is accessible throughout the year. The trail offers best views with blooming Rhododendron during March - April. During the winter the trail adds up the challenge as you will be walking on snow making the terrain even more beautiful.

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek highlights

  • Amazing views of the Himalayan Range during your flight from Pokhara.
  • Scenic bus drive to Pokhara along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi river with glorious mountain views
  • 180 degree views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range during sunrise hike to Poonhill (3,210m).
  • Exploring the ethnic Gurung village and Museum at Ghandruk.
  • Hiking through the dense Rhododendron forests which bloom magically during the spring (March – April).
  • Connecting with the locals as we pass many local villages along the trail.
  • Can be done throughout the year.

Why Ghorepani Poonhill Trek with Adventure Treks Nepal?

  • Experience of operating trekking in the Poonhill area and all over Nepal for 33 years.
  • Experienced and Skilled Guides
  • Strong and Friendly Porters
  • Prioritizes Eco Tourism
  • Safety is our First Priority
  • Ensures your trip goes smoothly
  • All of our trek will have a first aid kit and Oximeter to record your oxygen level.
  • Socially Responsible.
  • Easy booking procedure

Ghorepani throughout the year.

Spring Season (March to May)

It is the best time of the year to trek Ghorepani Poonhill Region. During this season Rhododendron blooms magically turning the whole tree Red and Pink. The trail from Banthanti to Ghandruk offers some of the amazing views of Rhododendron blooming and the Annapurna Range in the background.

The mountains are also generally clear during the morning which will provide great panoramic scenes. The sunrise from Poonhill with glowing Rhododendron and Dazzling Himalayan Peaks is an unforgettable memory for travelers who have been to Ghorepani during spring.

Summer Season (June to August)

Summer is not the ideal period to trek to the Ghorepani Poonhill area as this time of the year experiences the highest amount of rainfall during the year. Except rain, trekkers might also encounter leeches during the hike.

The Mountain View can be beautiful with clouds surrounding partially. Every rain can provide the travelers with an amazing view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range.

The Best thing about trekking in summer is the blooming flowers and greenery that the rain brings in. During summer wildflowers bloom providing a colorful experience for the trekkers. Also there will not be so many people on the trail which provides you a peaceful environment.

Autumn Season (September to November)

With sunny days and clear sky, autumn is another best time to visit Ghorepani Poonhill Region. During this season you may witness a large number of travelers trekking in the Ghorepani Poonhill area. The temperature is also perfect with warm days and chilly mornings and evenings.

Generally there are no clouds during the morning which allows trekkers to have glorious sunrise over the dazzling peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range. Also during this time of the year, Nepal celebrates one of the biggest festivals called Dashain, which allows travelers to experience the unique culture of people living in the region.

Along with good weather and mountains, the golden terraced rice fields add up the beauty of hills that we will pass during the trek.

Winter Season (December to February)

Winter in Ghorepani Poonhill area is often cold. The temperature might drop below 0 degree Celsius and the region might experience some snowfall as well. Despite the snowfall there will be people trekking during winter as well.

The difficulty increases slightly during the winter and trekkers need to use crampons at some point during the hike. The mountains appear whiter than usual due to snowfall. You may not see many local people on the trail as most of them descend to nearby towns to escape freezing cold.

Itinerary

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences.

Trip Plan
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A Representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your welcome. You will then be transferred to your Hotel in Kathmandu. Looking at the time of your arrival trip, a briefing will be planned where your last minute question will be answered by our expert team members and you will be provided with a trekking map and duffle bags during the briefing. The evening is free for you to explore the hustling alleys of Thamel and surrounding areas.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft.
  • Accommodation: Hotel

A day filled with sightseeing of cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu Valleys. After your breakfast at the hotel you will depart on an informational and exciting trip to the World Heritage monuments of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur city will be our first stop for the day, which is 15 km from Kathmandu, known as city of Devotees and center of medieval art and architecture founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD, visit Nyatapola temple, the most beautiful temple of Nepal, the 15th century palace of 55 windows, Golden gate and other place of Interest.

The two other destinations are the Pilgrimage sites for Hinduism and Buddhism. The trip to Pashupatinath will allow you to witness the Hindu Cremation Process along the Bagmati River in front of the Main Temple. Next will be the Peaceful stupa of Boudhanath. Your tour Guide will help you to choose a perfect destination to have lunch according to your preference.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 5 - 6 hours

Early in the morning, we drove from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal's lake city. Our bus follows a winding road over the valley rim and descends onto the Trishuli River. The journey is slow and steady as the road winds through villages and passing terrace fields before reaching our destination.

Pokhara is best known for its tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Normally, we arrive by midafternoon so you have time to explore or relax as you prepare for the journey ahead.

  • Max Altitude: 970m / 3,182 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 6 - 7 Hrs

We finally begin our adventure and head into the Annapurna Conservation Area. The day begins with a scenic drive to Nayapul during which we get the chance to witness the wonderful Annapurna Range. From Nayapul we hit the road and proceed towards Birethanti where we will check in our permit and officially enter into the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. We leave Modi Khola and follow Burungdi Khola River towards Tikhedhunga (our lunch spot for the day) passing the settlements of Ramghai, Sudhame and Hile. After lunch a steep uphill of Ulleri awaits us. The uphill will take roughly around 1 hr 30 min where we will gain almost 500m of altitude.

  • Max Altitude: 2,020m / 6,630 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: Drive: 1 - 1.30 Hours, Trek: 5-6 Hours

This is an easy day as we approach Ghorepani, a magar / pun village located at the hill facing the gigantic Himalayan range of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. As we reach Banthanti we will begin to witness an increase in the number of Rhododendron trees and the trail enters the dense forests and crosses several streams allowing you to submerge yourself into nature. The trail you take today was once a major trading trail to Tibet used by the locals. Upon reaching Ghorepani the rest of the day is at leisure.

  • Max Altitude: 2,810 / 9,220 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 4 – 5 Hours

Your Guide will inform you about the sunrise timing and you will begin very early to catch one of the best sunrises in the world from Poonhill. The hike up to Poonhill will take about an hour and you need to gain almost 300 meters of altitude from Ghorepani. Enjoy magnificent sunrise while the White Mountains turn orange as the rays of the sun hits them. After spending some time at the top and enjoying the views with a hot drink we will descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast.

As we begin our trek further ahead after breakfast, another uphill awaits us. We need to gain another approximately 300 m in altitude before arriving on top of Thapla Danda 3,165 m. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Range again appear as we observe the surrounding valley.

The trail then goes gradually flat for some time before descending towards Banthanti passing Deurali along the way. Generally we stop at Banthanti for Lunch before dropping again to cross a bridge over a stream and hike another 30 min steep uphill towards Tadapani.

Tadapani is a junction for many groups and many people stop here for overnight stay.

  • Max Altitude: 2,375m / 7,792 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 7 – 9 Hours (Included Poonhill)

As we are off the major village we wake up with chirping of birds with a great view of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South along with the Kimrong Khola River and the valley below. Today will be an easy day for us and the trail is also very easy.

We will have the opportunity to go through the local villages of Banthanti. We will reach Ghandruk for Lunch and in the evening we will explore this ancient Gurung village. Furthermore, you will get in contact with the lifestyle of local people and visit a small Gurung Museum where they have things used during the past by the native groups.

  • Max Altitude: 1,945m / 6,381 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Duration: 3 - 4 Hours

This is the last day of our trek. Today we will be having a relatively easy trek as we will just be trekking for around 02 hours. The views of Annapurna south, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, Gangapurna and Fishtail are just extraordinary from Ghandruk . After breakfast we begin to descend on a trail towards Batase Danda. From Batase Danda it is just an approximately half an hour trek to Kimche. We take a Jeep or Bus from Kimche to Pokhara. The Jeep or Bus ride will be around 2-3 hours and the road moves along the Modi Khola. The evening is free time so you can have a good time around the lakeside area.

  • Max Altitude: 970 m / 3,182 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 02 Hours

After breakfast in Pokhara, we have a mountain flight to Kathmandu; it is a thrilling, exciting flight over forests, fields and villages with the Himalayas in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for any last minute shopping for your loved ones.

Suggestion: Be on the left side of the aircraft to catch great views of the mountains.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 25 - 30 min

There are plenty of interesting sites to visit in the Kathmandu valley like the Old Palaces at Patan, Bhaktapur, Durbar square, Swayambhunath (the monkey temple or you may wonder downtown Thamel to shop for souvenirs and sample the various restaurants of Kathmandu. We are happy to offer you some recommendations.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel

A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport. Return back home with the memories for lifetime.

  • Max Altitude: 1,330m / 4,365 ft.
  • Accommodation: Breakfast
  • Duration: 30-45 min
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Cost Details
Included
  • Arrival and Departure Transport.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Cultural Tour with entrance fees.
  • Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house (mountain lodge) while trekking.
  • Kathmandu -Pokhara Transport. (Tourist Bus).
  • Pokhara-Nayapul Transport.
  • Kimche - Pokhara Transport.
  • Pokhara - Kathmandu flights with airport Tax.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekking guide and porters food and accommodation, wages etc.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Ghorepni Poonhill Trekking Region map.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit fee.
  • Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
  • All Government taxes.
  • Office service charge.
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 30 for 15 days and US$ 50 for 30 days, you should get visa open your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.
Route Map
Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking - 11 Days
Altitude Chart
Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking - 11 Days
Essential Information

Permit: You will need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) to enter and trek through the Ghorepani Poonhill Trail. These Permits will cost $30 and $20 respectively as Adventure Treks Nepal will prepare these permits for you before your trip starts.

Accommodation: There are various range of hotels especially in cities from local lodges to 5 star hotels. Adventure Treks Nepal prefers three star hotels for our budget trips, four star hotels for standard trips and luxurious five star hotels for our luxury trips. We can book hotels according to your wish as well.

During the trekking we choose small lodges generally called Tea Shops. However, you have an option to have an attached bathroom if you inform us earlier.

Transportation: Depending on the group size we will decide the size of the vehicle. Adventure Treks Nepal only uses private vehicles with Air Conditioning and with very clean hygiene. There is an option to fly Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu which deducts 8 hours' drive into just 25 minutes. Please consult with our experts if you wish to take a flight so that we can book all your flights in advance.

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be provided during the trekking and only Breakfast will be provided in the cities. In Ghorepani Poonhill trek you will have a memu set by the local committee which includes local cuisines as well as some common western foods such as pizza, noodles,etc.

The popular items for breakfast in Annapurna region is called Gurung or Tibetan bread which is a go to meal for native people as well as trekkers. We also request you to stick with Dal Bhat (a nepali dish served with Rice, Vegetable, Lentil Soup, Greens and some pickle) which is prepared everyday making it fresh and a healthy food during your trekking period.

The popular items for breakfast in Annapurna region is called Gurung or Tibetan bread which is a go to meal for native people as well as trekkers. We also request you to stick with Dal Bhat (a nepali dish served with Rice, Vegetable, Lentil Soup, Greens and some pickle) which is prepared everyday making it fresh and a healthy food during your trekking period.

Drinking Water: Water is an important thing for our survival during the trek. In most of the Tea houses in Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking there is availability of Mineral Bottled Water. If by any chance the Bottled water is out of stock, the tea house will have the filtered and boiled water for customers.

We would not recommend you to drink directly from the spring or rivers. Another option is to use water purification tablets on tap waters.

FAQs

Generally Spring Season (March to May) is the best season to trek around Ghorepani Poonhill region because of the blooming Rhododendron along with views of the mountains. Autumn is also regarded as a perfect time to visit as there will be clear skies and amazing views of the mountains but no Rhododendron.

Wi-fi is available throughout every tea house in Ghorepani Poonhill Region. If the number of people using the internet is high, the connection might be slow in that case.

Unfortunately, there are no ATMs on the Ghorepani route. In case of Emergency our Guides will cover you and you may pay them once you are back in the city.

There are many Tea Houses which provide an attached bathroom and Adventure Treks Nepal will be able to arrange that for you if you request prior to your trip with additional costs.

Without a doubt, Ghorepani Poonhill trek can be done by people of all age groups including kids. We have been operating family trips with small kids where our team will provide you assistance during your vacation to avoid any hassle. Until now there have not been any serious issues of Altitude sickness in this area.

Ghorepani Poonhill trek costs somewhere between USD 1,000 to 1,500 or more depending on the standard of hotels you prefer in the cities and during the trekking and also modes of transportation you use i.e. flights or drive.

Yes, the cost does not include extra expenses like cold drinks, hot drinks, beers, chocolate bars, snacks and tipping for Guides and Porters (Tips is expected). So, you need to carry some extra cash with you.

Inorder to book this trip with Adventure Treks Nepal, the procedure is very simple and easy. We request you to fill up the booking form and send us with you passport copies and 30% deposit of the trip. Remaining payment you can send week before the trip or pay once you arrive in Kathmandu.

Your extra luggage/ suitcase can be stored in a hotel in Pokhara or in Kathmandu according to your preference. We provide free luggage storage service for our valuable clients.

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