Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek

The Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking is one of Nepal's most prominent and enjoyable trekking packages. It offers a satisfying journey through scenic villages soaked in history, nestled in the foothills of marvelous mountains. This trek is curated by its shortness in duration and proximity to the captivating city of Pokhara, ensuring significant time savings while still delivering the complete joy of trekking. It features a circular route along one of Nepal's easy trails and is particularly suitable for families and newbie trekkers. Despite its accessibility, the trek offers mesmerizing vistas of iconic Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Manaslu. The highlight of the adventure is reaching the summit of Poon Hill at dawn, where dramatic panoramas of the renowned Annapurna region unfold, fascinating trekkers with their sensational beauty.

The trail passes through rhododendron forests, terraced hills, green paddy fields, and dense vegetation, offering backpackers an exceptional experience. Along the trail, trekkers are warmly greeted by the local Gurung and Magar communities, adding to the charm of the journey. Located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Ghorepani village sits at approximately 2,874 meters (9,429 feet), making it one of the highest settlements in central Nepal. Covering a distance of around 48 kilometers, this short trek concludes at an elevation of 3,250 meters atop Poon Hill. It is an ideal introduction to trekking in Nepal, showcasing awe-inspiring sights of the country's deep valleys and high peaks. The Poon Hill trek begins with a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara, starting at Nayapul.

This trek to Ghorepani and Poonhil explores the precious settlements of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk, immersing you in the energetic mountain communities inhabited by welcoming Gurungs and Magars. With every twist and turn along the route, you'll encounter dazzling mountain vistas, each more stunning than the last as you climb higher. Poon Hill, standing at 3210 meters, offers an exceptional vantage point to witness the brilliance of the mountains and the stunning sunrise. The trek is enriched by the dense rhododendron forests alive with the tunes of birds and the scenic valleys that unfold before you.

From Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I to Annapurna South, Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Barasikhar, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Hiunchuli, and Manaslu, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. As the sun radiates the snow-capped peaks, including the high Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), and various other peaks, nature, and landscape fanatics will be delighted by this magical wonder. The duration of the trek can be tailored to personal preferences, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience for all.

Although acclimatization may not be a major concern, it remains vital to remain alert for symptoms of altitude sickness. Please inform your guide or companions immediately if you experience fatigue or headaches during the trek.

Poonhill, a favored viewpoint near Pokhara, sits amid the scenic highlands of Nepal's Kaski district. This trek ranks among Nepal's shorter routes, typically completed within a week. Starting from Pokhara, the journey to Poon Hill heads northward.

Departing from Pokhara, travelers follow the Baglung-Pokhara highway until reaching Nayapul, the trek's starting point. On the way from Ghorepani to Nayapul, you'll encounter multiple villages, such as Birethanti (where you'll find the ACAP check post), Hile, Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Banthanti, and Nagethanti. From Nayapul, the trail twists through the deciduous monsoon forests of the Annapurna region.

When time is limited, this trek offers a tremendous opportunity to experience the Himalayas, whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to trekking. Along this famous route, accommodations are usually of high quality, and the food at local restaurants rarely fails to impress. The mountain views are invariably breathtaking, providing ideal photo opportunities. Join us for this beautiful short trek with us. Let's dive into the Ghorepani Poonhill trek itinerary now. 

Major Highlights of Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking

Poonhill Viewpoint

• Many regard Poon Hill as one of Nepal's most prominent viewpoints and a key highlight of the Ghorepani Trek. In the early morning, hikers from Ghorepani village climb to Poon Hill to glimpse the sunrise. The panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri are sensational, making the uphill climb through the rhododendron forest via stone stairs well worth the struggle. Poon Hill can become quite crowded, particularly during the peak trekking seasons of Spring and Autumn, as numerous fellow trekkers gather to admire the panorama. At the top, there's even a coffee place offering a selection of hot and cold drinks.

Ghandruk Village

• Ghandruk village, situated in the Annapurna region, is a cultural hub settled by the Nepalese Gurung community. Well-known as one of the top overnight stops along the trekking route, Ghandruk attracts people from all corners of the country. The village offers fascinating views of the Annapurna Mountain ranges, including Machhapuchre and Himchuli, making it a favored destination for trekkers in Nepal and outside Nepal. As the second Gurung village in the country, Ghandruk is energetically promoting rural tourism by leveraging its natural resources. Visitors are enchanted by the village's pristine culture, classic way of life, mouthwatering local cuisine, warm hospitality, and stunning vistas of the glorious Himalayas.

Difficulty Level of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

One of the most accessible treks in Nepal's Annapurna region is arguably the Ghorepani Poonhill trekking. Each day, the distance between settlements differs, typically demanding 4 to 6 hours of walking. Success on this trek depends on your physical and mental fitness. The trek spans four days, with the first two days involving uphill ascents through rhododendron forests. The remaining two days consist of downhill walks through forests and villages.

Best season to do the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

The best time to embark on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek mainly falls during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. Spring brings gentle temperatures, and the rhododendron forests lining the trail burst into a riot of colors, enriching the scenic beauty of the landscape. Autumn, recognized as Nepal's prime trekking season, offers steady weather conditions with clear skies and enjoyable daytime temperatures. It's also a festive time in Nepal, marked by cultural celebrations. The harvest season paints the landscapes with golden shades, further enhancing the trekking experience.