Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking - 7 Days

Sunrise view from Ghorepani Poon Hill
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking
Mount Fishtail view from Poon Hill
At a Glance
based on 34 reviews
Duration7 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude3,210 m at Poonhill
Group Size1-10 Trekkers
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Travel StyleTrekking and Hike
Best TimeSpring and Autumn

One of the best short ideal treks throughout the year in the Himalayas is the 7 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Excursion located in the Annapurna region, offering you Nepal’s ultimate ethereal Himalayan beauty and unspoiled native culture.

This short trip to the Ghorepani and Poonhill takes you right into the heart of the Annapurna trekking region, where the Poonhill viewpoint provides you a brief insight into the overall area dominated by the tenth tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), watched over by the seventh largest mountain giant, Dhaulagiri (8,167m).

Further, the 7-day Ghorepani Poonhill expedition is suitable for all trekking aspirants, from youngsters to those who might be considered aged for other upper Himalayas treks, single individuals to family personas, and budgeted to luxurious experiences.

Standing out as one of the best voyages to see the Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Lamjung Himal, and Varaha Shikar, the journey to the Ghorepani and Poonhill is without a doubt one of the fantastic opportunities to relish yourself in the enriching culture of the locals from the Himalayas.

Get your backpack ready to breathe in the crisp mountain, take in the expansive panorama of Nepal, and get culturally and traditionally enlightened in the famous Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek, which is also known as the Annapurna Sunrise Hike.

Highlights

  • A beautiful bus trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
  • Enjoy yourself in Nepal’s premier tourist destination, Pokhara.
  • Wander through gorgeous woodlands of juniper, rhododendron, pine, and birch in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
  • Take in the jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan mountains and the sunrise from the lofty viewpoint of Poon Hill.
  • Experience the authentic Himalayan lifestyle in the Gurung and Magar villages of Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
  • A quick and appropriate hike without any worry about severe altitude or mountain sickness.
  • Inspiring everlasting views of Annapurna I (8,091m) and its ranges, including Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, Dhmpus, Hiunchuli, and several others.
  • A peek into the cultural and traditional rural life of Nepal and many more.

What to expect during the 7 days of Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trekking Trail?

The well-liked Ghorepani and Poon Hill trekking routes are what make it possible to come across the most intriguing Himalayas without having to scale larger peaks, offering the breathtaking vistas of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges.

If you think you are running out of time to spot the natural and cultural beauty of the infamous Annapurna region, this 7-day trip to Ghorepani Poon Hill is just the perfect one for you to come to the realization that you actually are not. Where you can expect:

Why is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Odyssey called the Annapurna Sunrise Trek?

The trek to Ghorpani and Poon Hill is often referred to as the Annapurna Sunrise Hike because an early morning walk to Poon Hill to witness the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges is one of these scenic and adventurous trails.

Situated at 3,210 m/10,531 ft above sea level, the sunrise from this Poon Hill is particularly stunning, where you can watch the first sun’s rays playfully mix light and shadows, illuminating the nearby snow-capped peaks and hills of the Annapurna territory.

The ranges of Machapuchare, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Dhaulagiri look especially radiant from the viewpoint of Poohill in the Annapurna region as the sun rises.

What can you see from the top of Poonhill? Is it worth a trek?

In addition to the exceptionally beautiful sunrise above the sky-towering mountain peaks, Poon Hill has otherworldly views of deep valleys, terraced slopes, and verdant hills where trekkers can take panoramic views of numerous notable Himalayan ranges, such as:

  • Annapurna I (8,091 m/26,545 ft)
  • Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft)
  • Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft)
  • Machapuchare or Fishtail (6,993 m/22,943 ft)
  • Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft)
  • Himchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft) and many more

Along the way to trek Ghorepani Poon Hill, you will pass through quaint villages of Gurung and Magar such as Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Ghorepani itself, adding much to the cultural excitement where you will get a taste of the local eateries and the friendliness as well as culture of the area flowered far away from modern civilization.

Definitely the 7 days Ghorepani and Poon Hill tea house experience is well worth it with a moderate effort comparatively in a short time. In fact, there can not be any other perfect destination for those looking for an extraordinary Himalayan trekking involvement without having to deal with longer and more taxing treks. 

Therefore, Ghorepani and Poon Hill is a brilliant trekking option combining the natural beauty, cultural immersion, and magnificent Himalayan vistas from Poon Hill in Nepal's Annapurna region that must be traversed at least once. Did you hear its call? Get your trekking boots now to not miss this opportunity.

What makes the Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek special apart from the Himalayan ranges?

The walk to Ghorepani Poon Hill provides a well-balanced combination of scenic views, cultural exposure, and a true sense of achievement besides the heavenly encounter of the mythical mountains.

It is an adventurous rambling passing by traditional villages populated by Gurung and Magar with a much-awaited opportunity to engage yourself in the customs, hospitality, and culture of the area where one can stay with the locals in their tea houses, granting you access to more original cultural engrossment.

As the itinerary to explore the Ghorepani and Poonhill is manageably long and easily accessible, it is appropriate for all skill levels of hikers, including beginners, while you make your way through the beautiful forest of rhododendron, which looks surreal and magnificent in the months of spring.

All of these come together to make this, the 7-day Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek, a unique experience of a lifetime, a dream come true involvement as you watch the contrasting blue skies and white mountains mingled with the golden hue of the first light of the sun, creating a heaven-like natural amphitheater.

Culturally significant Gurung and Magar village of Ghorepani and Ghandruk

Ghorepani is a Gurung and Magar village in the Annapurna region of Nepal, characterized by stone and mud houses reflecting the local adaptation to the mountainous terrain and showing a close resemblance to that of the Tibetan architecture at an altitude of 2,874 m (9,429 ft).

Similarly, Ghandruk is another culturally very important village of the Annapurna Himalayan realm, primarily inhabited by people of the Gurung community, which is also home and gateway to the headquarters of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) at an elevation of 2,012 m.

Both of these villages showcase the simple yet admirable ancient lifestyle passed from generation to generation without any taint of rapid urbanization, while the locals are completely devoted to their families and their hard-working routine, enjoying their own language, customs, and traditional practices.

In the 7-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you will be passing through these villages, which enhances the overall cultural experience along with soaking yourself in the outstanding Himalayan landscapes, aiding to create a well-rounded and unforgettable experience with the greatest fusion of mountains and cultural exploration.

How do you reach Ghorepani and Poon Hill?

There are several itineraries that you can follow to go on an adventurous journey to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. With Ammonite Adventure & Treks Pvt. Ltd., you will be starting and ending this 7-day trip to Kathmandu.

However, the hike officially begins from Nayapul  through several small towns until arriving at Ulleri, where you will be spending the night upon a steep climb after a first-day drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, covering a distance of 202 km (approximately 125.6 miles)

Then the 7-day Ghorepani and Poon Hill trekking route takes you through terraced farms and fields, scenic geography, and verdant woods to finally arrive in the traditional Gurung and Magar villages of Ghorepani, which should be an easier walk through comparatively flat hills than the previous day.

The overall journey itself is a short and sweet odyssey in the Annapurna region, with each day rambling for just 5–6 hours, where the fourth day marks the climb up to Poon Hill in the early morning to see the dawn. The sight of golden sunlight falling on top of snow-capped mountains is so mythical to witness and treasure as much as you can.

After Poon Hill, there is a descending trail towards Tadapani to spend overnight recharging and exchanging life stories with anticipation to venture into another classic Gurung village of the Annapurna region of the Nepalese Himalayas, Ghandruk, which has a local Gurung museum and interesting Nepali cuisines besides the unique culture and tradition providing you an insight into the simple yet enriching life.

Ghandruk onwards is a retracing journey back to Pokhara and Kathmandu, which is equally thrilling and adventurous, making a way through nature's grandeur of the finest mountain views, roaring rivers, and hills, spotting a wide range of flora and fauna.

This 7-day itinerary to go on adventurous as well as comfortable short hikes to Ghorepani and Poon Hill is one of the best routes to explore the Annapurna region in a short period of time without missing much of its highlights. However, if it's not fit for you, contact us now to get your own customized itinerary.

Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek Cost

The cost of going on an odyssey to Ghorepani and Poon Hill showcases variation depending upon the duration of the trek, routes chosen, the necessity for a guide or porter, the mode of travel, and your own spending habits. Going on a camping tour can be quite costlier than the usual tea house hikes to Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

Nevertheless, at Ammonite Adventure & Treks Pvt. Ltd., we can tailor the best 7-day joyride and trek to Ghorepani and Poon Hill based on your budget, which can alter if you make changes to the standard accommodation or meal services. Remember us for the best reasonable packages to trek Nepal, including Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

Who can go for the 7 Days Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek?

The 7-day Ghorepani and Poon Hill hike is categorized as a reasonably easy one that can be embarked on by anyone with a good physical fitness level, which is appropriate for all sorts of hikers, including novices who are relatively new to the rugged Himalayan terrain.

Furthermore, as long as the trekkers and travelers are in excellent health and possess nice stamina, people of all ages, including the elderly and adventurous-spirited people, can participate in the expeditions and one of the best family trek alternative trekking routes to breathe the serene air of the Annapurna Himalayas without any age limitation.

However, it is important to note that everyone has different fitness levels, medical issues, and personal preferences, which need to be talked about and heard. Therefore, prior to beginning the Ghorepani and Poon Hill Treks, one must seek advice from medical professionals if they have any concerns.

Otherwise, the Ghorepani and Poon Hill 7-day tour should not see acute mountain sickness or any other fatal situations while adequately hydrated, acclimated, and prepared well in advance.

Itinerary

We are there for you! If you are looking for a personalized itinerary and date for this trek, then please don't hesitate to contact us.

On the first day of the trek, you will leave your hotel in Kathmandu earlier, after breakfast, and travel to Pokhara along the bank of the Trishuli River, renowned for its adventurous rafting. If you wish to, then on the same day you can go for it as well, which will take about 3 hours.

Later on, the drive is along the Marshyangdi River while seeing the chain of mountains, including Ganesh Himal and Mt. Manaslu, beside Pokhara, which is a tourist haven and home to a plethora of natural and cultural landmarks alongside the backdrop of magnificent Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare.

Depending on the traffic of the day, the ride can take you 7-8 hours to enjoy the scenic strolling in the evening on the lakeside of Phewa.

Max. Altitude: 1,400mMeal: BreakfastAccommodation: Three-Star-Hotel

Following breakfast in Pokhara is a quick drive to Naya Pool, from where the trek officially commences via Birethanti, the common gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, as well as the 7-Day Ghorepani and Poon Hill Treks.

The route first leads to Tikhedhunga with a gentle slope after passing the checkpoint of Birethanti, from where the destination of the day, Ulleri, is just a couple of hours away to spend overnight in the local lodge.

Max. Altitude: 1,540m / 5,050ftMeal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerAccommodation: Local Tea houses and lodges

The trail of the day is comparatively gentler as you leave the woodlands from Ulleri, passing through beautiful terraced fields and pastures, stealing glimpses of Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,794 ft), Mt. Annapurna (8,091m / 26,545 ft), and others till you make a final accent to the village of Ghorepani by the Banthanti village.

Max. Altitude: 2,860m / 9,385ftMeal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerAccommodation: Local Tea houses and lodges

It is one of the major trek days when you will wake up before dawn to climb Poon Hill early in the morning to see the changing color of the sky from total blue to a mixture of bluish-yellow on the completely pale Himalayan giants such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Manaslu, along with the mesmerizing backdrop of Mt. Fishtail.

After spending the most thrilling moment of your life at the viewpoint, you will now return to Ghorepani and hit the trail, moving forward to another typical village of Tadapani through the alpine forest with a fluctuating ascend and descend until you make a stop at the local tea house for the night.

Max. Altitude: 3,210m / 10,525ftMeal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerAccommodation: Local Tea houses and lodges

On the seventh day, you will head away from the picturesque village of Tadapani towards another sizable settlement of Ghandruk, entering Bhaisi Kharka, a tiny, simple town on a steep hill.

If you begin early in the morning, you will have already made it to the Ghandruk by lunchtime, where in the afternoon spare time you can roam around the exquisite and captivating village surrounded by top-notch views of several mountains and varying landscapes.

You should not miss visiting the Gurung Museum if you are fond of learning about the local way of life, especially that of the Gurung people.

Max. Altitude: 2,630mMeal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinnerAccommodation: Local Tea houses and lodges

After savoring the last morning meal in Ghandruk, you will hail a cab or a local car to travel back to Pokhara. It is your very last day in the Annapurna region, gazed at by the tenth and seventh-highest peaks in the world. 

In the evening, the nightlife of Pokhara comes alive to enjoy your holiday to the fullest, circling around the Phewa Lake accompanied by the stunning Mt. Machapuchare, Mt. Annapurna, and Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Max. Altitude: 2,630mMeal: BreakfastAccommodation: Three-Star-Hotel

The time has come to bid farewell to the tourist haven of Pokhara city when you board a tourist bus back to Kathmandu, appreciating the astonishing vistas on approximately a 7-8-hour ride.

Congratulations! On successfully completing Ghorepani and Poon Hill with Ammonite Adventure Pvt. Ltd., we hope to see you again soon. Thank you!

Max. Altitude: 1,400mMeal: BreakfastAccommodation: Three-Star-Hotel
Customize Trip
Route Map
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Altitude Chart
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Trip Service Details
Included
  • Three-Star Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Lodging during the trek is as per the itinerary.
  • Local bus, jeep, or car fees used during the trek
  • All three meals during each trekking day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Trekking map and guide
  • Personal insurance for Nepalese staff such as guides and porters.
  • Garbage deposit and other necessary fees.
  • All permits, such as the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP),.
Excluded
  • International and domestic flight tickets to and from Kathmandu
  • High-altitude travel insurance in case of an accident, medical emergency, or emergency evacuation. 
  • Lunch, dinner, and extra-night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, shopping, phone calls, and internet during your stay in Kathmandu and the city of Pokhara.
  • One porter per two trekkers who can carry a maximum weight of 25kg.
  • Hardworking Guide and Porter Trek tips are much appreciated.
Add-ons & Options

Ammonite Adventure and Treks offers some add-ons and options, It will be helpful to plan your next trip.

Experienced Porter Service:

Our experienced porter will manage your gear and equipment. One porter can be shared between two persons; they can carry a maximum of 25 kg.

Dates & Availability
Starts:November 10, 2024Ends:November 16, 2024
PriceUS$350
AvailabilityGuaranteed
Starts:November 18, 2024Ends:November 24, 2024
PriceUS$350
AvailabilityGuaranteed
Starts:November 24, 2024Ends:November 30, 2024
PriceUS$350
AvailabilityGuaranteed

We are there for you! If you are looking for a personalized itinerary and date for this trek, then please don't hesitate to contact us.

Additional Info

Food, accommodation, and drinking water on the way to Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek

As one of the popular short trekking destinations within the Annapurna region of Nepal, comparatively taking place in the lower territory, Ghorepani and Poon Hill usually offer you convenient lodging and meals along with the basic amenities.

The tea houses along the trail also serve boiled and filtered water; carrying a thermos would help you refill, which is also an eco-friendly approach to aiding the sustainable tourism we are guided by, one of whose main targets is to reduce the use of plastic.

The rooms provided by the local tea houses and lodges are usually basically furnished and come with a twin bed, shared bathroom, and common dining hall; some of them might even possess single bedrooms that we can prebook for you or upgrade en route to Ghorpani and Poon Hill.

The menu at these typical mountain lodges varies from local and international dishes such as Dal Bhat (an everyday Nepali meal), pasta, a variety of rice, mashed potatoes, and more, which can get limited when hitting up the Himalayan trail in remote locations.

Do you need a permit to go to Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trekking?

Yes, the natural and cultural excursion to Ghorepani and Poon Hill falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal; hence, one must obtain the two essential permits called the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

The ACAP is a mandatory permit to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes the infamous Ghorepani and Poon Hill Treks, while the TIMS is a standard permit to grant access to any trekking region of Nepal, including the Annapurna region.

When is the best time to go to Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trekking?

The pre-monsoon from March to May also referred to as the spring season, and the post-monsoon from September to November, or the season of fall, stand out as ideal times to traverse the Ghorepani and Poon Hills due to their considerably stable weather conditions and extraordinary scenery.

Spring is specifically famous for the full bloom of rhododendron flowers and other wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to the already smashing landscapes beside the great visibility of panoramic mountains in the sunrise from Poon Hill. While the weather is mild and usually calm, just as in autumn with the dry trail, no wonder these two precise seasons are the ideal time for the Ghorepani and Poon Hill 7-day expedition.

However, it does not imply that winter and summer trekking are not possible at all. They ponder some of the hidden beauties of Ghorepani and Poon Hill; a voyage at this time of the year will definitely help you to be one of the first ones to come across the mysterious charm of the Annapurna region never seen and heard before.

What are the difficulties that can occur during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Pilgrimage?

Though the short 7-day Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trek are also recognized as the family trekking trail, it is somewhat of a demanding holiday trekking route where you will have to overcome the steep hills and valleys. Here are some other potential difficulties that trekkers and travelers may encounter:

  • Altitude sickness: Although the Ghorepani and Poon Hill treks are relatively short and in the lower Himalayan region, there is still a chance of altitude sickness, especially if you rush your walking pace without adequate acclimatization. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated, pace consistently, and be aware of symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
     
  • Fluctuating weather conditions: In the Himalayas of Nepal, including the Ghorepani and Poonhill, the weather conditions can never be predicted, which can change suddenly and may observe rainfall during precise seasons, slicking the paths that might result in possible landslides. Nonetheless, when packed appropriately and geared correctly, each season of Nepal is the best time to do Ghorepani Poon Hill, offering something new for its visitors to discover at that specific time of the year.
     
  • Uneven Trails: The trekking route between Ghorepani and Poon Hill can be rough and steep at certain sections, with narrow paths and extreme drops. Therefore, one has to be mentally as well as physically prepared to traverse this part of the Annapurna region and walk cautiously to avoid lock and muscle sprains.

Do you need to hire a guide or porter to go on this short trek to Ghorepani and Poon Hill?

There are a lot of hikers on the trail. Hiring a guide for Poon Hill Trekking is necessary because the trip will be quite crowded during the peak season. A local guide with excellent logistical management skills is needed during this period. It is possible to become ill at any point in time.

Since the Ghorepani Poon Hill trackway is well-trodden and has low chances of posing any sort of life-threatening threat, many trekkers and travelers opt to complete it on their own. However, if it is your first journey in the Himalayas of Nepal, one must be cautious with a reminder that solo trekking is banned in the country from April 1st, 2023 when travelers and trekkers must be accompanied by professional guides.

Moreover, guides and porters are an absolute travel essential for Ghorepani and Poon Hill to boost the confidence of trekking aspirants, while they also help with the easy management of expedition logistics, including permits, meals, and rooms, which can be very hard to get in the peak trekking season of spring and autumn.

So, yes, guides and porters are a must to embark on Ghorepani and Poon Hill, ensuring your hassle-free rambling with good navigation skills while keeping you up-to-date on local culture, environment, and language barriers, enhancing your overall trekking experience.

FAQs

The maximum altitude you will be at the Ghorepani and Poon Hill jaunting is the Poon Hill itself at 3,210m. 

Although the probability of mountain sickness or altitude sickness is very rare en route to Ghorepani and Poon Hill, it is not completely zero. So, make sure to follow in the footsteps of your local Sherpa Guide while maintaining your pace and hydration.

Yes, it might cost you slightly more than the group tour to Ghorpani and Poon Hill, but it is achievable by hiring one of the government-registered guides or porters.

Based on the starting and ending points, speed of walking, and exact route, the Ghorepani Poon hill climb can take around 4–7 days. As one of the reputed travel and trek organizers in Nepal, Ammonite Adventure Pvt. Ltd. presents you with a 7-day trip to discover the tranquility of the Annapurna region in 7 days so that you do not miss any of the key features.

Yes, from Pokhara, Poon Hill is an approximately 8-hour drive via the Beni Highway. Please note that the roads can be dusty and uneven; hence, it is better to hike than to ride vehicles.

No, till now, the lofty vantage point of the Annapurna region, Poon Hill, does not have any tea shops or lodges, but the better part is that the Gurung and Magar villages of Ghorepani are roughly 45 minutes of walk to get some refreshment.

Well, you are not obligated to get one; however, travel insurance provides you with financial security in the event of any unforeseen medical emergency, along with the lost goods.

While sanitary pads might not be that feasible, it would be wise to carry some woolen pads from the city of Kathmandu or Pokhara that are washable and reusable, supporting the Annapurna Conservation Area Project to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas.

Why not? We do understand and respect your comfort zone. As Ammonite Adventure Pvt. Ltd. excels in more personalized services, if you are pre-informed about the female guide requirement, we can arrange for one of the best, well-versed female guides for you to trek Ghorepani and Poon Hill

Indeed, you can get a 360-degree view of the Annapurna ranges, including Annapurna I, II, III, Iv, and South, along with Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and several others from Poon Hill, which are more astonishing in the morning sunrise.