GHOREPANI POON HILL TREKKING
GHOREPANI POON HILL TREKKING
PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM - INCREDIBLE VIEWS!
A LESS BACK-BREAKING TREK WITH JAW-DROPPING VIEWS & CULTURALLY RICH GURUNG & MAGAR VILLAGE LIFE. A REAL NO-BRAINER! ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TREKS IN NEPAL.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a talking point among trekkers seeking spectacular views, an experience of Gurung and Magar village life, and a panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Admire the many soaring snow-capped peaks, such as Annapurna South (7219m), Machapuchare (6993m), Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, Dhampus peak and Dhaulariri II. Experience the warmth of the locals while passing through the villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk.
Poon Hill (3210m) Trek passes through lush green forests with beautiful red rhododendrons that make you reach for your camera. This is the most popular trek in the Annapurna region. This trek is suitable for families whose sole aim is to witness first-hand the magnificent views without having to acclimatize to higher elevations.
The trail initially takes us through the Modi Khola Valley before reaching Tikhedunga. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola we begin the climb of 3300 steps of Ulleri hill before passing through rhododendron forest before reaching the Magar Village of Ghorepani (2855m). It is essential if you want to capture the dawn views, to make an early start to ascend Poon Hill and watch the sunrise on the Annapurna Ranges. Watching the gradual rise of the sun reflecting off the mountains will leave you spell-bound and rewarded for your efforts. The 180-degree views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Dhampus, Nilgiri (2637m), Annapurna South (8091), Bhara, Sikhar & Machapuchare (Fishtail- 6993m). Heading back down to Pokhara we pass through the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk with its traditional style of houses with their stone roofs and awesome mountain backdrop. This is an all-season trek.
Sherpa Expedition and Trekking also offer a condensed 5-day version of this trek, as well as others in the Annapurna region. We can also customize a trek just for you!
Highlights of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Panoramic views of the Annapurna Ranges and Dhaulagiri Ranges – especially at sunrise and sunset.
- The typical culture of the Magar and Gurung people perched on the ridges in traditional houses.
- Short and comfortable and highly satisfying trek with plenty of teahouses for food and accommodation.
- Trek through lush valleys and rhododendron forests.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel (1350m)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Take the day to rest and prepare for your adventure ahead.
Day 2 : Drive to Pokhara (850m) - Duration: 7-8 hours.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Pokhara, Nepal's picturesque lake city. Enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas and lush landscapes along the journey. Check into your hotel upon arrival and explore the lakeside area at leisure.
Day 3 : Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1,960m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.
Drive to Nayapul from Pokhara and start trekking towards Ulleri. Pass through villages, terraced fields, and forests, gradually ascending towards Ulleri. Enjoy the first taste of mountain views and settle in at a tea house for the night.
Day 4 : Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,750m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.
Continue ascending through rhododendron forests and stone steps to reach Ghorepani. The village offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Rest and prepare for an early morning hike to Poon Hill.
Day 5 : Hike to Poon Hill Viewpoint (3210m) & Trek to Tadapani (2710m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.
Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast and then trek to Tadapani through forests and small settlements. Enjoy mountain views along the way.
Day 6 : Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (2,012m) - Duration: 3-4 hours.
Descend to Ghandruk, a charming Gurung village known for its culture and hospitality. Explore the village and interact with locals. Visit the Gurung Museum to learn about the local culture and traditions.
Day 7 : Trek down to Nayapul & Drive to Pokhara (850m) - Duration: 5-6 hours.
Trek downhill to Nayapul, passing through terraced fields and villages. Drive back to Pokhara and relax by the lakeside. Explore Pokhara's shops, cafes, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Day 8 : Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350m) - Duration: 6-7 hours.
Return to Kathmandu by road, enjoying the scenic drive through rural landscapes. Check into your hotel upon arrival and spend the rest of the day exploring Kathmandu's vibrant streets, markets, and cultural sites.
Day 9 : International Departure from Kathmandu Airport
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight, taking with you cherished memories of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and Nepal's majestic Himalayas.
SERVICES
COSTS INCLUDED
- All airport pick-up & drop off by private vehicle (international)
- Two night’s standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Two night’s standard twin sharing Hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS card)
- English speaking, government licensed guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance
- Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
- Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Private transportation from Pokhara - Nayapul - Pokhara.
- Bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu.
- An arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
- All necessary government taxes and service charges
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
EQUIPMENTS
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
GOOD TO KNOW
Food and Accommodation:
Accommodation along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek consists primarily of tea houses and lodges. These are simple guesthouses offering basic amenities such as beds with blankets, shared bathrooms (often with hot showers), and communal dining areas. Meals at tea houses typically include a variety of Nepali and international dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and sometimes pizza or pasta. Tea houses are well-equipped to cater to trekkers' dietary needs, including vegetarian options.
Transportation:
The trek usually starts from Nayapul, accessible via a scenic drive from Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in Nepal. Pokhara is well-connected by road and air from Kathmandu, making it convenient for trekkers to reach the starting point of the trek. Private or shared vehicles are commonly used for transportation between Pokhara and Nayapul.
Difficulty:
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered moderate in terms of difficulty. It involves daily hiking of around 4 to 6 hours, with some steep ascents and descents, especially when climbing to Poon Hill. Trekkers should be prepared for uphill sections and occasional stairs along the trail. While the trek does not require technical climbing skills, a reasonable level of fitness and preparation for hiking at high altitudes (up to about 3,210 meters at Poon Hill) is advisable.
Physical Fitness:
A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Trekkers should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain for several hours each day and able to handle elevation gains. It's beneficial to engage in cardiovascular exercises and hiking practice prior to the trek to build stamina and endurance. While the trek is achievable for most people with basic fitness levels, being adequately prepared can enhance the overall experience and enjoyment of the journey.
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FAQS
What is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and cultural experiences in local villages.
How long does the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek take?
The trek typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete, depending on the starting point and trekking pace. It covers approximately 30-40 kilometers in total.
What is the best time to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The best times are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally clear and stable, offering the best mountain views.
What is the level of difficulty of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The trek is considered moderate in difficulty. While it doesn't require technical climbing skills, there are uphill sections and some steep climbs, particularly when ascending to Poon Hill.
What permits are required for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Trekkers need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, which can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What is the accommodation like on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Accommodation consists of tea houses and lodges along the route. These offer basic amenities such as beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Meals are served in communal dining areas, with a variety of local and international dishes available.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
While the highest point, Poon Hill, is at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), altitude sickness is generally not a major concern at this altitude. However, it's important to acclimatize properly and drink plenty of water throughout the trek.
What should I pack for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Essentials include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing layers (especially for mornings and evenings), a good sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. A trekking pole can also be useful for stability on the trails.
Are there ATMs or internet access along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Facilities like ATMs and internet access are limited along the trekking route. It's advisable to carry enough cash (Nepalese rupees) for expenses and inform family and friends about limited communication during the trek.
What cultural experiences can I expect on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The trek passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages where you can interact with locals, visit monasteries, and experience their customs and hospitality. This cultural immersion adds a unique dimension to the trekking experience.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 8 Reviews
John D
Belgium
June 5, 2024
Perfect Adventure!
Sherpa Expedition orchestrated a flawless Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek experience. The trek to Poon Hill for sunrise was the highlight of our trip to Nepal. The views were breathtaking, and the entire journey was well-paced with ample time to appreciate the natural beauty and local culture. Our guide was exceptional, providing insightful commentary and ensuring our safety throughout the trek. The accommodations were comfortable, and the meals were delicious and nourishing. Sherpa Expedition exceeded our expectations, and I would enthusiastically trek with them again.
Emily Byrne
Germany
May 1, 2024
Breathtaking Views!
Our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Sherpa Expedition provided us with breathtaking views and unforgettable memories. Poon Hill at sunrise was absolutely stunning, offering panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek itself was well-organized, with our guide ensuring we had ample breaks and opportunities to appreciate the scenery. The accommodations in the tea houses were comfortable, and the meals were hearty and delicious, offering a taste of local Nepali cuisine. Sherpa Expedition's attention to detail and knowledgeable guides made this trek a truly memorable experience. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Annapurna region.
Sarah Morgan
United States
March 6, 2024
Incredible Experience!
Our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Sherpa Expedition was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we arrived in Kathmandu, their team provided exceptional service and support. The trek itself was well-organized, with each day offering new landscapes and cultural experiences. Poon Hill at sunrise was a surreal moment, with panoramic views of the Himalayas that took our breath away. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, adding depth to our understanding of the region's history and traditions. I highly recommend Sherpa Expedition for anyone looking to explore Nepal's natural beauty and cultural richness.
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