Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 5 Days
3,210m (Poon Hill)
5 Days
2-12 trekkers
March-May, September-November
Moderate
Nepal
Overview
Embark on a remarkable 5-day hiking adventure through the stunning Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. This accessible trek is perfectly suited for those with moderate fitness levels and offers an excellent introduction to Himalayan trekking without the concerns of severe altitude effects, as the maximum elevation reaches only 3,210 meters.
The journey begins from the lakeside city of Pokhara, situated approximately 200 kilometers from Kathmandu. This vibrant tourist hub serves as the primary gateway for all Annapurna region explorations. You can reach Pokhara either by a scenic 25-minute domestic flight from Kathmandu or by road via the Prithvi Highway, which takes around 5 hours.
This compact itinerary is specially designed for adventure enthusiasts working within limited timeframes who still wish to experience the magnificent highlights of the Annapurna region. The trekking path meanders through enchanting forests filled with colorful rhododendrons and towering bamboo groves, passing through charming settlements inhabited by the indigenous Gurung and Magar communities.
Starting from Nayapul, reached after a short drive from Pokhara, the trail winds through the riverside village of Birethanti before ascending to Tikhedhunga. The route continues upward to Ghorepani, the staging point for the early morning climb to Poon Hill viewpoint. From this celebrated vantage point, trekkers are treated to sweeping panoramic views of majestic snow-covered peaks including Gangapurna, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, the mighty Dhaulagiri, and the distinctive Hiunchuli.
After absorbing the breathtaking mountain scenery, the descent leads to the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk, where authentic homestay experiences await. The trail eventually loops back to Nayapul, completing this memorable circuit through some of Nepal's most scenic terrain.
While this trek can be undertaken throughout the year, the spring months offer particularly rewarding conditions with blooming wildflowers and clear mountain views.
Highlights
- Witness a spectacular sunrise panorama from Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters
- Marvel at views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli
- Trek through enchanting rhododendron and bamboo forests
- Experience authentic Gurung and Magar village culture
- Stay in traditional homestays in the charming village of Ghandruk
- Perfect introductory trek for those with limited time
- Minimal altitude sickness risk with maximum elevation of 3,210 meters
- Scenic drive through the Nepalese countryside from Pokhara to Nayapul
- Enjoy the famous hospitality of the Annapurna region
- Walk the classic route through Birethanti, Ulleri, and Ghorepani
Your Journey
5 DaysYour adventure begins with an early morning transfer to the intercity bus station in Kathmandu for the scenic drive to Pokhara. Continue along the mountain highway to Nayapul, where your trekking journey officially commences. The trail leads through Birethanti, a thriving riverside settlement at the meeting point of the Modi and Bhurungdi streams. Follow the pathway along dirt trails through Sudame, gradually ascending the valley slopes until you reach the welcoming village of Tikhedhunga for your first night on the trail.
-
1,495m (4,905 ft)
Lunch, Dinner
Local homestay in Tikhedhunga
Your adventure begins with an early morning transfer to the intercity bus station in Kathmandu for the scenic drive to Pokhara. Continue along the mountain highway to Nayapul, where your trekking journey officially commences. The trail leads through Birethanti, a thriving riverside settlement at the meeting point of the Modi and Bhurungdi streams. Follow the pathway along dirt trails through Sudame, gradually ascending the valley slopes until you reach the welcoming village of Tikhedhunga for your first night on the trail.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,495m (4,905 ft)
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Local homestay in Tikhedhunga
Cross the suspension bridge spanning the river and begin the challenging ascent up stone staircases toward Ulleri village, enjoying remarkable views of the valley floor with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli framing the horizon. After approximately 2 hours of steep climbing, reach Ulleri at 2,070 meters, then continue through the Magar settlement of Banthanti. Here, spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (6,997m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Annapurna South (7,219m) unfold before you. Cross a small stream and ascend to Nangethanti before arriving at Ghorepani, where soaring views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna I reward your efforts.
-
2,850m (9,350 ft)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local homestay in Ghorepani
Cross the suspension bridge spanning the river and begin the challenging ascent up stone staircases toward Ulleri village, enjoying remarkable views of the valley floor with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli framing the horizon. After approximately 2 hours of steep climbing, reach Ulleri at 2,070 meters, then continue through the Magar settlement of Banthanti. Here, spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (6,997m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Annapurna South (7,219m) unfold before you. Cross a small stream and ascend to Nangethanti before arriving at Ghorepani, where soaring views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna I reward your efforts.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,850m (9,350 ft)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Local homestay in Ghorepani
Rise well before dawn to begin the hour-long climb to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint, renowned for offering some of the finest sunrise vistas in the Annapurna region. As the golden light spreads across the peaks, witness an extraordinary panorama featuring Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,855m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna South, Nilgiri (6,940m), Tukuche (6,920m), Varaha Shikhar (7,847m), and Lamjung Himal (6,931m). Return to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast before descending to Tadapani village, where additional mountain views including Annapurna South, Annapurna II, and Machhapuchhre await.
-
3,210m / 2,520m at Tadapani
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Local homestay in Tadapani
Rise well before dawn to begin the hour-long climb to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint, renowned for offering some of the finest sunrise vistas in the Annapurna region. As the golden light spreads across the peaks, witness an extraordinary panorama featuring Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,855m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna South, Nilgiri (6,940m), Tukuche (6,920m), Varaha Shikhar (7,847m), and Lamjung Himal (6,931m). Return to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast before descending to Tadapani village, where additional mountain views including Annapurna South, Annapurna II, and Machhapuchhre await.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,210m / 2,520m at Tadapani
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Local homestay in Tadapani
Enjoy a leisurely 3-hour walk through beautiful forests of oak, rhododendron, and diverse alpine flowers as you make your way to the historic Gurung village of Ghandruk. This substantial settlement offers striking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, and Hiunchuli from various viewpoints around the village. Experience authentic Gurung hospitality with a homestay where locals welcome guests with traditional khata scarves and cultural dance performances in the evening.
-
1,940m (6,365 ft)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Homestay in Ghandruk
Enjoy a leisurely 3-hour walk through beautiful forests of oak, rhododendron, and diverse alpine flowers as you make your way to the historic Gurung village of Ghandruk. This substantial settlement offers striking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, and Hiunchuli from various viewpoints around the village. Experience authentic Gurung hospitality with a homestay where locals welcome guests with traditional khata scarves and cultural dance performances in the evening.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,940m (6,365 ft)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Homestay in Ghandruk
Begin your final trekking day with a descent through scenic terrain, enjoying continued views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna. The trail passes through forests adorned with blooming rhododendrons before reaching Birethanti. Continue along the Modi Khola river valley on a gentle downhill walk to Nayapul, where your trekking portion concludes. Board a microbus for the 1.5-hour journey back to Pokhara, bringing your memorable Annapurna adventure to a satisfying close.
-
910m at Pokhara
Breakfast
Not included
Begin your final trekking day with a descent through scenic terrain, enjoying continued views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Gangapurna. The trail passes through forests adorned with blooming rhododendrons before reaching Birethanti. Continue along the Modi Khola river valley on a gentle downhill walk to Nayapul, where your trekking portion concludes. Board a microbus for the 1.5-hour journey back to Pokhara, bringing your memorable Annapurna adventure to a satisfying close.
Duration
-
Elevation
910m at Pokhara
Meals
Breakfast
Stay
Not included
What's Included
- Public microbus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Nayapul
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and all required paperwork
- Poon Hill viewpoint entrance fee
- All meals during the trek (traditional Nepali breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Mountain accommodation at local homestays throughout the trekking route
- Experienced English-speaking government-registered trekking guide
- Guide wages, insurance, equipment, transportation, food, and lodging
- Public microbus return from Nayapul to Pokhara
- Company support for permit processing and trip organization
- Trek completion certificate
What's Not Included
- Cold beverages and alcoholic drinks
- Tea, coffee, hot water, and bottled water
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for trekking guide (customary but not mandatory)
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal tourist visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Any items not specifically mentioned in inclusions
