Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 9 Days

Recommended by 99.9% of travelers
Witness one of the most spectacular sunrises in the Himalayas on the **Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek**, a short yet unforgettable journey through vibrant rhododendron forests, charming Gurung and Magar villages, and scenic mountain trails in Nepal's Annapurna region. Perfect for beginners, families, and seasoned trekkers alike, this classic adventure rewards every step with breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and countless Himalayan peaks, creating an experience that is both accessible and truly memorable.

Trip Code:

GT9D

Max. Altitude:

Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,531 ft)

Group size:

2-16

Duration:

9 Days

Best Time for Visit:

April-June & September-November

Transportation:

Private Car, Jeep, Bus

Activity:

Trekking

Difficulty:

Moderate

Accommodation:

At hotels and tea houses during treks.

Region:

Annapurna

Arrival On:

Kathmandu

Departure From:

Kathmandu

Highlights of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

  • Picturesque Pokhara, blessed with natural wonders of mountains and lakes.
  • The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges are illuminated by a spectacular sunrise.
  • The trail meanders through verdant rhododendron forests, which are particularly lovely in the springtime when the blossoms are in full bloom.
  • Explore impressive Gurung farm villages of great interest with marvelous scenery.
  • Perfect for trekker with limited time.
  • From terraced fields to alpine woods, you will see varied scenery along the walk, with the grand Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Peak) often in view.

Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek has earned its reputation as one of Nepal’s most iconic short treks, offering an unforgettable Himalayan experience without the challenges of extreme altitude or long trekking days. It is the perfect choice for travelers who want to witness breathtaking mountain scenery, experience local village life, and complete a rewarding trek within just a few days.

At the heart of the journey is Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft), one of the most celebrated sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. Before dawn, trekkers make the short ascent to the viewpoint, where the first rays of sunlight gradually illuminate the snow-covered peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and dozens of surrounding summits. Watching the Himalayan skyline transform from soft morning light to brilliant golden hues is an experience that continues to attract trekkers from around the world.

The journey itself is just as rewarding as the destination. The trail winds through vibrant rhododendron forests, stone-paved stairways, terraced hillsides, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, where warm hospitality and comfortable teahouses provide an authentic glimpse into mountain life. Each day brings a different landscape, creating a trekking experience that feels varied and engaging from start to finish.

One of the reasons the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek remains so popular is its accessibility. Most itineraries can be completed in 7 to 9 days, making it an excellent option for travelers with limited time or those looking for their first Himalayan adventure. The moderate altitude also reduces the risk of altitude-related issues compared to higher trekking routes, allowing more people to enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna region with confidence.

Beyond the mountain views, the trek offers a rich cultural experience. Passing through centuries-old villages, visitors have the opportunity to interact with local communities, learn about Gurung and Magar traditions, and enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine in family-run teahouses. The combination of stunning nature and cultural immersion makes the journey far more than simply reaching a viewpoint.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, as a couple, or with family, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek delivers an exceptional balance of scenery, culture, and accessibility. Its world-famous sunrise, welcoming villages, well-established trails, and relatively short duration make it one of the best introductory treks in Nepal and a timeless favorite in the Annapurna region.

What makes this trip different?

 

Our commitment to community

 

At Lhasso Adventure, we believe travel should create a positive impact. That’s why we donate 10% of our profits to the Mother and Children Art Foundation (MCAF), supporting education, healthcare, and sustainable opportunities for underprivileged women and children across Nepal.

Through our partnership with MCAF, we also support community initiatives, including medical health camps, school volunteering programs, and projects that improve the well-being of local mountain communities. Every trek with us helps give back to the people who make Nepal truly special.

 

Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

 

Lhasso Adventure holds active membership with Nepal’s leading trekking bodies and enforces strict responsible tourism standards on every departure.

 

  • Lhasso Adventure is affiliated with NTB, TAAN, NMA, and HRA
  • Majority of guides and staff are experienced in those regions where we trek
  • Leave No Trace policy on all the trekking region departures
  • Responsible waste management all the Conservation Area
  • Porter welfare: insurance, fair wages, proper gear, weight limits enforced (20-25 kg max per porter)
  • Eco-friendly practices: reusable water filtration vs plastic bottles

Detailed Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Lhasso Adventure, who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel in the vibrant district of Thamel. After checking into your comfortable hotel rooms and freshening up, take some time to relax and unwind. In the evening, we will have our group meeting for team introductions and trip orientation. Our guide will provide a detailed briefing on the journey ahead, followed by a Q&A session. Later, we’ll head out for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant to experience authentic Nepali cuisine.

Morning depart from Kathmandu for an interesting drive to scenic Pokhara, leading you on Nepal’s most busy highway with views of high mountains and green landscapes as drive heads encounter towns and farm villages and then reaching Pokhara after 7-8 hours of exciting overland driving at Pokhara hotels located near Phewa Lake.

Pokhara, a beautiful, renowned touristic city blessed with natural beauty, is placed on the laps of the massive Annapurna Himalaya with the magnificent machhapuchchhre Himal ‘Fish Tail’, a virgin and unclimbed peaks of the Himalaya.

Besides mountains and rolling green hills, the calm lakes of Phewa and Begnas are where most of the good hotels and international-standard restaurants are located.

Note: Alternatively, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 30–35 minutes.

Driving Distance :

200 km

Driving Duration :

7-8 hrs

Sleeping Elevation :

822m/2697ft.

Fly Time :

30-35 minutes

Enjoy a nice and pleasant stop in Pokhara with excellent views of the Annapurna Himalaya and the magnificent Machhapuchchhre Himal. After breakfast, an exciting drive leads you for a few hours beyond the Pokhara valley to reach our starting point of trekking.

The drive leads past the Pokhara valley outskirts with the marvelous scenery of Annapurna peaks and farmlands, and then to the much warmer areas of Nayapul town by the roadside of the Pokhara and Beni highways.

From here, a walk follows, leaving Modi River to a nice and lovely village at Bhirethati and beyond to reach Tirkhedhunga village overnight stop.

Driving Distance :

41.7 km

Driving Duration :

1.5 Hours

Trekking Distance :

7 km

Trekking Duration :

3 -4 Hours

Sleeping Elevation :

1480 m

From Tirkhedhunga, it is steep uphill on stone-paved steps to reach Ulleri village, and then on a gradual, winding trail to reach Ghorepani, where the walk leads into a lovely alpine woodland of rhododendron and pine trees.

After a great pleasant walk within a cool shade of woodland, you reach Ghorepani village, where your next early morning hike takes you to Poon Hill, the home of the Poon people of the Magar  tribe, an ethnic hill tribe of Nepal famous as Gorkha soldiers in the UK, India and other foreign countries. This village with many good lodges offers marvelous views of the Dhaulagiri-Tukuche-Nilgiri  and Annapurna Himalayan mountains.

Trekking Distance :

10 km

Trekking Duration :

5-6 Hours

Sleeping Elevation :

2,860m

Early morning before breakfast, hike up for an hour on scenic Poon Hill at 3,210 m, our highest spot of this wonderful trekking.

From Poon Hill, catch striking sunrise views of the panorama of mountains, which includes the Dhaulagiri-Tukuche-Nilgiri’s-Annapurna Fang (VaraShikar) Annapurna range of peaks with the majestic Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’, the unclimbed and virgin peaks of Himalaya.

The view includes Mt. Manaslu, with Lamjung extending towards Ganesh Himal due to the east horizon. After a marvelous photo session, head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and carry on trekking uphill into the beautiful woods of rhododendron trees with views of mountains.

Finally, the walk leads to a descent and then up to Tadapani within forested areas with grand views of the Annapurna Himalaya.

Trekking Distance :

11 km

Trekking Duration :

6-7 Hours

Sleeping Elevation :

2,630 m

from Tadapani, a pleasant scenic walk on a gradual path within dense, cool forest, and then descend towards farm areas and well-tended terrace fields above Ghandruk village with fabulous views of the Annapurna Himalaya range.

After a refreshing stop with views downhill to the large village at Ghandruk for lunch and an overnight stop, Ghandruk is an interesting large Gurung village with many good lodges facing views of peaks and beautiful landscapes. Here is the time to explore around this impressive village of Gurung, the hill tribes of Annapurna Himalaya, where men are famous as Gurkha soldiers in foreign infantry with British and Indian armies.

The Gurung people are farmers and cattle herders, an age-old profession interwoven with Buddhism religion, and they also practice their ancestral rites of the Bon sect (pre-Buddhism), worshiping nature and mountains as holy spirits.

Trekking Distance :

6 km

Trekking Duration :

4-5 Hours

Sleeping Elevation :

1940m

Our last day from Ghandruk leads you back to scenic Pokhara, as a morning walk leads to a long descent past Kimche farm village to reach the base of a hill around warmer low farm areas.

A pleasant walk downhill, from here following the raging Modi River past nice Bhirethati village, to reach the roadhead at Nayapul for an exciting few-hour drive to Pokhara by its serene Phewa lake.

Driving Distance :

50.5 km

Driving Duration :

1.5 - 2 hours

Trekking Distance :

5 km

Trekking Duration :

3-4 Hours

Sleeping Elevation :

882 m

Morning transfer either by car or coach as well as taking a tourist bus (depending on the group size), where an interesting overland journey brings you back to Kathmandu with scenic views of mountains, green scenery of hills, and farm fields within nice villages and towns as the drive  leads into the hustle and bustle of the of the city life of Kathmandu.

On reaching Kathmandu, transfer to your respective hotels with time for individual activities and shopping for souvenirs.
Note: Alternatively, you can take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 30–35 minutes.

Driving Distance :

200 km

Driving Duration :

7-8 Hours

Fly Time :

30 - 35 minutes

Last day in Nepal after a wonderful experience and adventure on Ghorepani and Poon Hill trekking with great service from Lhasso Adventure, and as per your international flight, transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for homeward bound or to your respective destinations.

Our standard itinerary may vary slightly due to weather, trail conditions, government regulations, or individual health needs. In all cases, Lhasso Adventure guides evaluate the situation and find the best safe alternative. We recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least one day before the trek start date, and booking international flights with 2–3 buffer days after your return date.

Experienced Guides

Please provide details about your previous trekking or outdoor experience. This helps us assign the most suitable guide and ensure a safer, more enjoyable journey.

All Lhasso Adventure group departures for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek have a maximum of 16 participants. Small groups mean a more personal experience, better acclimatization monitoring, and less impact on the trail. Can't find a date that works? We also offer private departures on any date,

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Private Trip

Looking for personalized. We organize privately guided journey which is mainly designed to fit your taste and interest. Please fill out the form below to get started.









    Cost & Inclusion

    Cost Included

    Accommodation
    • 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing, breakfast included) for 2 nights
    • 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara at 3-star hotel, twin-sharing bed and breakfast (BB) rooms.
    • All teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing)
    Meals & water
    • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
    • Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu
    • Purified drinking water throughout (filter or tablets, no plastic bottles)
    • Hot drinks, snacks included
    Transportation
    • All airport transfers (arrival and departure)
    • Private vehicle: Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
    Guides & staff
    • Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
    • Porters (1 per 2 clients) including wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and gear
    • Oximeter monitoring daily above 3,000m
    Paper Works
    • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
    • TIMS card
    Benefits & takeaways
    • Lhasso Adventure duffel bag, t-shirt, and cap
    • Comprehensive first aid kit
    • All applicable government and local taxes

    Lhasso Adventure provides a 70–80L duffel bag for your porter to carry (keep it under 15-25 kg). You can rent a 4-season sleeping bag or down jacket for USD 35 each, let us know before the trek starts. You can store non-trekking items at your Kathmandu hotel at no extra cost.

    Cost Not Included

    • International flights and departure tax
    • Nepal entry visa (obtainable on arrival: USD 30/15 days, USD 50/30 days)
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except welcome/farewell dinners)
    • Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage
    • Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag and down jacket rental available: USD 35 each)
    • Personal expenses: bar bills, laundry, WiFi, phone charges, souvenirs
    • Tips for guides, porters, and driver
    • Any costs from unforeseen circumstances (illness, strikes, weather delays)
    • Any items not mentioned under “Cost Included.”

    Equipment & Packing List

    In addition to making trekking more enjoyable, having the appropriate gear guarantees your safety and readiness for a range of situations. Regardless of skill level, every hiker has to invest in high-quality equipment and understand how to utilize it properly. A delightful journey can differ from a difficult ordeal depending on the level of planning and equipment used. Please make your selections of the necessary equipment from the list below.

      Clothing

    • Down Or Fiber Filled Waterproof Jacket And Trousers
    • Fleece Jacket Or Pullover
    • Warm Cotton Trousers
    • Shirts And T-Shirts
    • Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
    • Sun Hat Or Scarf
    • Woolen Hat
    • Sunglasses
    • Raincoat

      Footwear

    • Trekking Boot
    • Thick Socks
    • Light Socks
    • Camp Shoes
    • Sandals

      Essential Gear

    • Sleeping Bag(4seasons)
    • Down Jacket
    • Daypack
    • Water Bottle
    • Sun Cream, Sunglasses

      Personal & Miscellaneous Items

    • Insect Repellent
    • Laundry Soap
    • Plasters
    • Cards And Personal Medical Kit
    • Toilet Articles
    • Pocketknife
    • Binoculars
    • Notebook & Pen
    • Towel
    • Camera
    • Toilet Roll
    • Sewing Kit
    • Film

    9 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

    Lhasso Adventure offers experienced licensed guides, well-paced itineraries, and dependable local support. The team focuses on safety, comfort, and cultural insight, ensuring trekkers enjoy a smooth and well-organized Himalayan experience from arrival to departure.

    Lhasso Adventure emphasizes personalized service, carefully selected teahouses, and attentive guide support. Their approach balances scenic exploration with cultural engagement, creating a more meaningful trekking experience rather than just a standard itinerary.

    Lhasso Adventure rates this trek as moderate and manageable for most healthy individuals. Guides maintain a steady pace, monitor group well-being, and adjust daily walks when needed to ensure comfort and safety.

    Yes, Lhasso Adventure arranges experienced porters and provides a duffle bag for the trek. This allows guests to walk comfortably with a light daypack while heavier gear is carried safely.

    With Lhasso Adventure, trekkers witness panoramic views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli, especially from Poon Hill at sunrise. Guides ensure early departures for the best viewing conditions.

    Lhasso Adventure can arrange airport transfers and hotel accommodation based on the selected package. Their team assists with logistics to ensure a seamless start and end to the journey.

    Lhasso Adventure strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance covering trekking activities. Their staff provide guidance on suitable coverage to ensure guests are protected during the trip.

    The highest point reached with Lhasso Adventure is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters. Guides provide proper pacing and hydration reminders to help trekkers adjust comfortably to the elevation.

    Yes, Lhasso Adventure considers this trek suitable for beginners and families with reasonable fitness. Guides offer patient support and flexible pacing to accommodate different experience levels.

    Lhasso Adventure recommends booking several months in advance for peak spring and autumn seasons. Early reservations help secure preferred dates, accommodations, and guide availability.

    Since Poon Hill, the highest point on the trek, is 3,210 meters above sea level, altitude sickness is usually not a significant worry. Still, it's critical to properly acclimate and maintain hydration.

    There aren't plenty of medical facilities along the route. A basic first aid kit and any necessary prescriptions should be carried at all times. Evacuation to a hospital in Pokhara or Kathmandu may be required in cases of major health difficulties.

    In certain parts of the walk, there may be restricted access to the internet and cell service. While some tea shops do have Wi-Fi, it does not always work. It's advisable to let friends and family know ahead of time that you won't be available for communication during the walk.

    It is possible to combine it with other treks in the Annapurna region, like the Mardi Himal Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek.

    If you have any more specific questions or need further details, please feel free to contact us anytime.

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