Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 9 Days

The Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek is considered a classic, and with good reason: it's just about the best short trek in Nepal. A week trekking the foothills of the Annapurnas brings you breathtaking panoramic views of the Massif Himalayas, culminating in the showstopping viewpoint from atop Poon Hill. On the way, enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, charming Gurung villages, cozy, family-run teahouse stays, and encounters with the warm, welcoming people. Did you know that the Gurungs are renowned for their strength and celebrated as one-time pillars of both the Indian and British armies?

A mosaic of Nepalese beauty awaits you on this journey. Flowering rhododendron forests come alive with birdsong, and deep, subtropical valleys set with stone steps will make you feel like an old-fashioned adventure hero! This is all set with the beautiful Annapurna mountains - including the famous Machapuchare, or Fish Tail - dominating the skyline. The climax of your trek, sunrise atop Poon Hill, will give you front-row access to one of the most phenomenal spectacles of natural theatre on Earth.

This trek is rated as easy to moderate, accommodating trekkers of various experience levels. It begins and ends in Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest cities and one of the loveliest in Asia. You'll also get the chance to tour Kathmandu, the country’s historic and fascinating capital.

What's Included?

• All airport transfers from arrival to departure
• 2 nights of accommodation in Kathmandu (Hotel Thamel Park or Similar)
• 2 nights of accommodation in Pokhara
• Tourist Class Bus service between Pokhara and Kathmandu
• Private, round-trip land transportation between Pokhara and Nayapul
• Lodge accommodation while trekking
• 1 English-speaking guide
• 1 Porter for every 2 trekkers
• All trekking permits and TIMS card
• First aid kit

* Travel Insurance is required on all Treks (read more)
* Price applicable for min 2 trekkers traveling together
* For upto 2 trekkers there will be guide cum porter

Day 1 - KATHMANDU: ARRIVAL DAY

Welcome to Kathmandu, the lovely and historic capital of Nepal! We'll be at the airport waiting for you when you step off the plane, ready to transfer you to your hotel. You've had a long flight, so get some rest: your adventure begins tomorrow!

Day 2 - KATHMANDU TO POKHARA

Pokhara 1000m/3280ft Bus (6 to 8 hours)
It's time to kick off our journey! The first leg of this adventure is a 6 to 8 hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, where you'll spend the night before starting the trek the following morning. Pokhara is a scenic town at the base of the Annapurna Range and you should catch your first views in the evening.

DAY 3 - POKHARA TO NAYAPUL & TREK TO TIKHEDHUNGA

Approximate Time: Drive 45 mins. Trek 3-4 hours. (7kms)
Elevation: Nayapul (1050m) to Tikhedhunga (1540m)

We'll kick the day off with a post-breakfast drive to Nayapul, where we'll take the first steps of our trek! Our path will take us past the TIMS checkpost and entry to the Annapurna Conservation Area (time for a permit check!). Today is a relatively short hike but you do gain some elevation as the tail follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. We stop for the night in the small village of Tikhedhunga.

DAY 4 - TIKHEDHUNGA TO GHOREPANI

Approximate Time: Trek 5 to 6 hours. Ascent 1300m. 10km.
Elevation: Tikhedhunga (1540m) to Ghorepani (2750m)

We'll be doing some steep climbing today, as we head up what's known locally as the "Ulleri Stairs". The path of ascent is a scenic one, winding through forests of magnolia and rhododendron. In flowering season, the sights and scents are absolutely amazing! If you keep your eyes peeled, you'll catch sight of the Nepal gray langur monkey chirping at his peers as he passes through the treetops overhead!

DAY 5 - GHOREPANI TO POON HILL TO TADAPANI

Approximate Time: Poon Hill 1.5km (1 Hour). Trek to Tadapani: 5 to 6 hours. 12km
Elevation: Ghorepani (2750m) to Poon Hill (3210m) to Tadapani (2590m)

The day kicks off early with an excursion to Poon Hill and an indescribably wonderful panorama of three Himalayan peaks (Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, and Manalsu) illuminated by the glowing rays of sunrise. From here, we'll also be treated to views of the 6,000m-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the visual border of Nepal and Tibet as divided by the trans-Himalayan ranges. It's back to our lodge for a late breakfast, and then we're back on the trekking path!

The trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani is notoriously hilly, with lots of up-and-down along the way! Your legs will feel the stretch, but you will delight at the sight of the dense, flowering forests all around you. Our path brings us over stony steps surrounded on all sides by dense undergrowth and creeping vines, making this leg of the trek feel like a proper adventure!

DAY 6 - TADAPANI TO GHANDRUK

Approximate Time: Trek 4 to 5 hours. Descent 720m. 6.5 km.
Elevation: Tadapani (2590m) to Ghandruk (2000m)

Today is a relatively easy downhill trek through gentle forests. Once you reach Ghandruk you will have great views of Annapurna South and Fish Tail. If you have time visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk with your trekking guide.

DAY 7 - GHANDRUK TO POKHARA

Approximate Time: Trek 5 to 6 hours. Descent 1000m. 10.5 km.
Elevation: Ghandruk (2000m) to Nayapul (1050m)

This is the last day of trekking and while we cover some distance its all downhill and relatively easy. You will have good views of some of the peaks like Annapurna South as you hike. Once you reach the small village of Kimche you will be walking near the road and its possible to get a local jeep if you want to reach Nayapul faster (ask your guide about the extra cost). We will reach Nayapul by early afternoon with plenty of time for the 1 hour drive back to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

DAY 8 - POKHARA TO KATHMANDU

The six-hour drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu brings us back the way we originally came, ending again in a comfortable hotel. Your long trek is complete: it's time for some rest!

DAY 9 - KATHMANDU: DEPARTURE DAY

Every great journey must, unfortunately, come to an end. There'll be a last bit of time to return any rental equipment, pick up souvenirs, and grab your things. We'll get you to the airport for your flight home with time to spare!

Our latest terms and conditions can be found here - "Terms and Conditions."

For details on the following please check:
Travel Insurance - (click here)
Extra Costs - (click here)
Schedule Delays - (click here)
Cancellations - (click here)

Please review the "Terms and Conditions" carefully before booking and don't hesitate to ask us if any questions.

The following are what we advise you obtain in the way of equipment and gear before trekking in Nepal, and are meant to keep you mobile and comfortable in a range of expected weather conditions. Trekking gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu at cheaper prices, remember Nepal is the home of Mount Everest, there is plenty of choice and our staff can assist you with the necessary arrangements. Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. There is an allowance of 33lbs/15kg per person. Additional personal items not needed for the trekking portion of the trip can be checked in the hotel’s storage room for no extra cost.

Head

• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses
• Head torch

Upper Body

• Cotton t-shirts or thermals
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Down jacket

Lower Body

• Lightweight cotton pants (long)
• Waterproof pants

Feet

• Thin inner socks
• Thick, warm wool hiking socks
• Comfortable hiking boots

Hands

• Gloves

Accessories

• Sleeping bag rated to 0°C
• Trekking bag/duffel bag
• Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
• Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
• Water bottle or camel bag
• Toiletries