Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- 7
days
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes you to the foothills of the Annapurna mountains within a short time. The route is easy and ideal for novice trekkers and families traveling with kids. Hike past terraced paddy fields and rhododendron forests. Walk alongside mule trains and horses. Stay overnight at traditional teahouses run by local families. Experience a magical sunrise and Himalayan panorama from Poon Hill, the most popular viewpoint in the Annapurna Region.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers you some of the best views of the Himalayan range. Within a short span of over a week, you get to walk under the foothills of the sacred Annapurnas. Enjoy close-up views of the snow-capped peaks. Walk along a trail dotted with traditional Gurung and Magar villages, home to brave Gurkha soldiers. Experience their unique culture and enjoy their warm hospitality. With Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) guarding the trail, make your way across forests of pine and rhododendron. A spring trek will have you walking along paths splashed with red and pink rhododendron blooms.
A short drive from Pokhara brings you to a world of mountains and terraced farmlands. Stone staircases lead you past villages with charming traditional mud and stone cottages. On the fourth day, you ascend Poon Hill from Ghorepani. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the Annapurna Massif. Walk along ancient mountain trails.
In addition, a visit to Ghanddruk, a Gurung heritage village, will let you immerse yourself in Gurung culture and let you savor more of the inspiring Himalayan views. Finally, end your Ghorepani Trek with an easy descent to Kimchi and an inspiring drive to Pokhara. The week-long Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek itinerary is ideal for those seeking a Himalayan adventure within a short time frame. You get close to the Himalayan mountains without exerting yourself too much.
Ghorepani Trek is also a perfect introductory trek for beginners and families who have never trekked in the Himalayas before. Our experienced guide will be there to guide you and make your Annapurna adventure a safe and memorable one.
Are you gearing up for more challenging trials? Suppose you have already done this trek and are looking for some challenging options. In that case, we recommend you try out our other Annapurna treks, viz, Annapurna Base camp Trek-11 days, Annapurna Circuit Trek-16 days, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek-13 days, Mardi Himal Trek - 9 days, and Khopra Ridge Trek - 10 days.
The trip's price depends on the type of services chosen by our clients and the group size. The cost of each trip we organize is different because we see travelers as individuals having their own particular needs and preferences.
Get ready for an incredible journey tailored to your interests and preferences, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us as we take care of all the details, ensuring your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever.
Michael Arthurs
|
April 20, 2024
Inès Z
|
December 29, 2023
Melvin Horne
|
October 07, 2021
Mischael Harris
|
March 23, 2020
Thomas Anderson
|
February 26, 2020
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - Transfer to Hotel and Trek Preparation |
| Day 2 | Fly to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft), drive to Hile and trek to Ulleri (1,970m/6,462ft) - 25 minutes flight, 2:30 hours drive and 3 to 4 hours (4 km) trek |
| Day 3 | Trek to Ghorepani (2,874m/9,427ft) - 4 to 5 hours (9 km) trek |
| Day 4 | Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m/10529ft) and trek to Tadapani (2,600m/8,528ft) - 5 to 6 hours (9.5 km) trek |
| Day 5 | Trek to Kimchi via Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft) - 4 to 5 hours (10 km) trek and 2:30 hours drive |
| Day 6 | Fly to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 25 minutes flight |
| Day 7 | Final Departure |
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Map
Endless rows of green hills and mountains greet you as your plane hovers above Kathmandu. After landing, our representative will meet you and drop you at your hotel. Take a rest and get refreshed. Attend a pre-trek briefing later in the afternoon and meet your trek leader. Check your gear for the final time and ask questions if you have any. If you feel like it, stroll around the colorful lanes of Thamel, a tourist hotspot.
Do schedule your arrival in the city early in the morning or during the daytime, and it will give you enough time to attend the pre-trek briefing and recover from jet lag.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today you have a long day ahead. Wake up early and prepare to leave Kathmandu. You will be driven to the domestic airport to catch your flight to Pokhara, a picturesque lakeside city. It is a scenic half-hour flight filled with majestic views of Langtang Range and Annapurna mountains. From Pokhara, you board a vehicle and drive to Hile, from where your trek begins. It is a refreshing walk across a typical Nepalese landscape. The trail winds through the verdant forests of Annapurna Conservation Area and charming Gurung and Magar villages.
From Tikhedhunga, a series of steps carved on the side of a large hill leads you to your destination for today, Ulleri - a Gurung village. Today is one of the toughest days of the trek. ‘Bistarai, bistarai !’ or slowly, slowly is how you tackle the stairs. Once you arrive in Ulleri, head to a teahouse and give your limbs a much-needed rest.
Overnight in Ulleri.
From Ulleri, continue walking on the stone steps all the way to Ghorepani. This portion of the trail is probably the most scenic during spring as the trail is filled with rhododendron blooms. Pause at intervals to stop for a breather and soak in the awe-inspiring views of Machapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) and Annapurna South.
Get your permits checked at the entrance of Ghorepani. The literal translation of Ghorepani is horse water. This village was named once the watering hole for horses and mule packs traveling along the old trade route. The village has a large Magar population and an assortment of lodges and teahouses. Poon Hill lies right above Ghorepani. If you are not too tired, you can take a quick hike to Poon Hill to enjoy a sunset view.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
Poon Hill - Located in the Annapurna region of Nepal at an elevation of 3210m
Wake up before dawn and hike to Poon Hill to experience the spectacular Poon Hill sunrise. Once you reach the top, you are surrounded on all sides by Himalayan mountains. Enjoy the 360-degree view and watch the spectacular display of light and color as the first rays of the sunlight up the icy blue peaks. The snow-covered Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli turn from red, pink, and orange to a huge chunk of golden yellow. Click as many pictures as you can. Poon Hill’s elevation is 3,210m, the highest point of your trek.
Later head down to Ghorepani and descend to Tadapani via Banthanti village. En route hike past Deurali Danda, another lookout point offering inspiring views of the Annapurnas. Colorful prayer flags greet you as you arrive in Tadapani, a village lying at the foot of Machhapuchhre. Locals revere this mountain, and climbing it is forbidden. Make your way to a teahouse and take a much-needed rest.
Overnight in Tadapani.
Ghandruk Village - Beautiful Village which culturally inhabited region of Nepalese Gurung community.
From Tadapani, walk for around 3 hours and reach Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung heritage village. This is the second-largest Gurung village in Nepal and is home to a large number of British Gurkha soldiers. Stop for lunch and explore the village.
If you are interested, you can visit the old Gurung Museum. Later enjoying fantastic views of Annapurna Himal, you descend to Kimchi and board a vehicle to Pokhara. After driving for about two and a half hours, you reach the lakeside city. Head to your hotel and get refreshed.
Overnight in Pokhara.
If you wish to explore the tourist attractions of Pokhara before returning to Kathmandu, do let us know. We will arrange a half-day guided sightseeing tour for you (at additional cost). The flight to Kathmandu is filled with more splendid Himalayan views.
On reaching Kathmandu, check into your hotel and spend the day at leisure. Relax at your hotel or explore more of the city on your own. You can walk down the local bazaar of Ason or Thamel to shop for souvenirs. Celebrate the completion of your Nepal trip with a complimentary farewell dinner with your guide or one of our team members.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Our representative will drop you at the airport three hours before your flight departs. If you want to explore more of Nepal or the neighboring Himalayan countries- Bhutan, Tibet, and India- do let us know. We have a range of specially designed itineraries for vacationers looking for a fun-filled vacation or adventurers willing to explore uncharted territories.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November) are considered the best seasons for a trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill. The weather stays dry and clear during these times, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying unobstructed views of mountains. The days are warm, and the nights chilly. On the downside, however, these are peak seasons, and the trails get crowded and busy.
During spring, the rhododendron forests covering the trail burst into colorful pink, white and red blooms. Walking through the hills covered with rhododendron blooms against the backdrop of the snowy Himalayas will seem like a walk through paradise.
Autumn is the most popular season for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. With the end of the wet monsoon season, which clears the skies of dust and impurities, you can enjoy crystal clear views during this season. Timing your trek around late September or October will allow you to experience the most important festivals of the Nepalese Dashain and Tihar. These festivals celebrated by Hindus last for several days. Expect good food, merry-making, dance, and music at all the villages along the trail.
You can also opt for a monsoon or winter trek if you want to avoid the crowds. You can enjoy some off-season discounts at teahouses which remain mostly empty during these times. But you should be ready to face some discomforts (rain, snow, and extreme cold) if you take to the trail at these times.
First, you need to travel to Pokhara, which can be done by taking a flight or driving overland. Many private airline companies operate daily flights on the Kathmandu- Pokhara route. Taking a flight may be expensive, but it saves you time and is more comfortable. In less than 30 minutes, you reach your destination.
If you are traveling on a budget, you can opt to travel by tourist coach or a local bus. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours. The tourist bus to Pokhara departs daily from Sorahkhutte and Thamel at 7 AM. If you want to travel like locals, you need to go to Naya Bus Park in Gongabu and get yourself a bus ticket to Pokhara. There are also micro vans or Hiace vans that leave for Pokhara at intervals of 1 to 2 hours daily. Private vehicles are also available on hire. The vehicle comes with a driver, and rental charges vary according to the size and type of the vehicle.
As per our itinerary, you travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa by flight. Due to the mountainous terrain, aircrafts used for domestic flights in Nepal tend to be small and light. You will be flying in a 70 to 47 seater ATR, 30 seater Jetstream, or 18 seaters Beechcraft. The 25 minutes flight lets you enjoy incredible views of Himalayan peaks.
Upon reaching Pokhara, you board a private vehicle and drive to the trailhead of your trek, Hile. You drive on a pitched highway up to Nayapul and later take an off-road to Hile. The drive lasts for a little over two hours. From Hile, you start your trek and walk all the way to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. On the last day of your trek, you will be picked up from Kimchi and driven to Pokhara.
The permits you need for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are – 1) Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit, and 2) TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card.
Both Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit and TIMS Card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board’s Office in Kathmandu or Tourist Information Centre in Pokhara.
To get these permits, you need to provide the following documents and information:
Permits are not required for children below 10 years of age.
Permit Fees: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit: NRS 3000 per person for foreigners, NRS 1000 for citizens of SAARC countries, and NRS 100 for Nepalese.
TIMS Card: NRS 1000 if you are trekking with a guide. NRS 2000 for free individual trekker (FIT). For SAARC country nationals, NRS 300 is trekking with a guide and NRS 600 for a solo trekker.
You won’t have to worry about queuing up to get the permits as the company, or our guides will arrange all the permits for you.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the easiest and safest Himalayan treks. The highest point of your trek is Poon Hill, at 3,210 meters above sea level. You only remain at this altitude for an hour or so and descend to a lower altitude. Apart from the short hike to Poon Hill, you won’t be venturing above 3000 meters during the entire trek.
Though AMS symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc., are seen at elevations above 2000 meters, we believe you will be fine as our itinerary allows your body to adapt to the thin mountain air gradually. Apart from a bit of a headache or an odd sniffle, you won’t feel any of the adverse effects of altitude sickness in this particular trek.
If you feel the altitude affecting you, taking Diamox and a good night’s rest might help. Drinking plenty of fluids (water, tea, soup, etc.) and keeping your body hydrated will also help keep the sickness at bay.
To let your body get used to the thin air, you need to walk slowly, steadily and keep your body hydrated. If you try to hasten and walk fast to reach your destination in less time, chances are you may suffer from AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness.
One should take necessary precautions to ensure that the condition does not worsen. But if the symptoms worsen, one may have to return to a lower elevation and get medical help. In the worst-case scenario, an air evacuation will be arranged, where the patient will be flown to Pokhara or Kathmandu to receive medical aid. AMS, if untreated or ignored, can take your life.
Experts and veteran guides have designed this itinerary. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is well-paced and allows your body to gradually get used to low oxygen levels in the mountain air.
The chart given below will give you a rough idea of the oxygen level in the atmosphere on the trail.
|
Altitude |
Oxygen Level |
|
1,000m/3,281ft |
88% |
|
2,500m/8,202ft |
73% |
|
3,000m/9,843ft |
68% |
|
3,500m/11,483ft |
64% |
It is important to keep your body hydrated on the trail as dehydration also causes AMS. One should drink at least 3-4 liters of fluid.
To tackle the menace of plastic waste in the Annapurna Region, the sale of bottled water has been banned since 2015. Inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will find several safe drinking water stations. We highly recommend you carry a reusable water bottle with you, one that can hold hot water. You can use one with a steri pen or an inbuilt filtration system like LifeStraw.
You can also use water purification tablets to treat the water. While the water in the mountains tends to be pure and without impurities, it’s better not to take chances and filter or treat the water before drinking.
Using chlorine or iodine tablets to treat the water may alter its taste. You can add flavored electrolyte powder (readily available at pharmacies in Kathmandu) to mask the bitter chemical taste. Adding electrolyte to your drinking water may also be beneficial as the minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.) you lose while walking gets replenished.
Teahouses offer boiled and filter drinking water at an additional cost. Charges vary according to altitude (the higher you reach, the more expensive it will be) and quantity. You will be charged from USD 1 to 2 for a pot of hot and filtered drinking water.
Internet connection (though erratic and irregular at some places) is available in the Annapurna Region. You can connect with your loved ones while trekking, post updates, and upload pictures on social media. Wi-fi is available at all teahouses. Teahouses will charge you extra for using their Wi-Fi hotspot.
It will be cheaper and easier to get a sim card (preferably Ncell) in Kathmandu and purchase internet data that could last you for your entire trip.
As opposed to popular belief, you don’t need any complicated gear and equipment for this adventure. Here’s a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:
These are only some of the essential items. Find a more Packing List For Trekking In Nepal.
Most of the trekking equipment is available on hire in Kathmandu. You can keep your baggage light by only packing the essential items and renting or buying the rest in Kathmandu. Shops in Thamel offer branded as well locally made gear and equipment.
You can leave your spare luggage in your hotel’s storage room. It is completely safe and free. But do make sure to lock your luggage before leaving it at the storage unit.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes you to the base of an 8,000-meter peak, Annapurna I (8,091m). Having an experienced local guide accompanying you will enrich your trip in so many ways. Trekking with a person who has in-depth knowledge of the mountain will also keep you safe and secure.
When you book a trek with us, we pair you up with one of our local guides. All our guides have experience of more than 10 years and have a vast knowledge of the area you are visiting. They have completed the trekking guide course and have the required government license to work as mountain guides. They can communicate in English and have received training on wilderness first aid and crisis management.
A chief guide or trek leader will lead the trek. For every 4 trekkers, there will be an assistant guide assisting them personally. One porter will carry the luggage of 2 clients. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed 15 kg, as the porter can only carry a weight of 30 kg.
We believe in the ethical treatment of our staff. All our Guides and Porters are provided with weather-appropriate gear and clothing to battle the harsh weather in the mountains. Before the start of a trek, we ensure that our mountain guides are fully insured. They are given fair wages and treated with respect.
We seriously follow the guidelines set by IPPG (International Porter Protection Group) and offer assistance to porters to develop other skills. A portion of the booking fee goes to fund the education of our field staffs’ kids.
For Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you need a good travel insurance policy that offers you coverage for all activities and altitudes included in your itinerary. The highest altitude you reach is 3,210 meters, and your travel insurance should offer you suitable coverage up to this elevation.
Though we take your safety as our number one priority, we cannot rule out mishaps and emergencies in the mountain. Even though it’s very rare in this trek, there’s always a possibility of someone suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness due to the thin mountain air. It could prove to be fatal if not treated on time.
Walking in a treacherous mountain environment also exposes you to physical injuries. Therefore make sure that your insurance covers the cost of all injuries and emergencies that you can face during this trekking adventure.
Your insurance policy should especially cover the cost of helicopter evacuation and hospitalization in case of an accident or medical emergency, as these happen to be quite expensive. Check for vaccination requirements as some travel insurance policies makes it mandatory to immunize yourself before you leave your country.
Before you decide on a policy, be mindful and don’t forget to read the fine print. It would be advantageous for you also to choose a company that offers insurance cover on domestic and international flight cancellations and lost or stolen baggage.
We ensure the safety of our clients by following all safety protocols during the trip. This itinerary has been designed by travel experts and veteran guides who have trekked on this route innumerable times.
Our guides always carry a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen level in your blood) with them. The guides assigned to you have more than 10 years of experience and know what steps to take during an emergency. They are well-trained in wilderness first aid and crisis management.
If a client shows symptoms of AMS and needs to descend to a lower elevation, an assistant guide will escort them and follow the safety protocol. He will closely monitor the client’s condition and take the required steps for the client's well-being.
If they feel alright after a night’s rest, the guide will escort the client back to join the group. But if the condition worsens, the client will be escorted down to a lower elevation or airlifted to Pokhara or Kathmandu for expert medical aid.
A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.
To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountains' views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You stop for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.
Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 PM. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself by the heater or stove in the communal area.
Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, difficulty, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.
On average, you may have to walk 4 to 5 hours daily. On Day 4, you will have to wake up before 4 AM and hike up to Poon Hill to catch the sunrise.
Travel responsibly and try to limit any negative impact on the environment. Limit the use of plastic and be mindful about throwing waste in the mountains. When you trek with us, you will be supporting local communities (from the guides and porters to teahouse owners). We, as a company, support sustainable tourism and patronize local businesses. We partner with service providers who work towards saving the environment. As an active member of KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), we make sure that our trips are environment-friendly.
The quality of teahouses in the Annapurna Region is pretty good and most of them offer facilities like western toilets, hot showers (may charge cost) and a wide range of items on their menu. The rooms are usually furnished with two separate beds with mattress, pillows, blankets and bed sheets. Most of the teahouses are family or community run establishments. Teahouses are like an extended home and have a warm and cosy feel to them.
This is one of the easy treks in Annapurna region. Everyday day we walk for 4-5hours. Anyone with normal fitness level can join this trek. In fact, it is one of the best family adventure packages.
The symptoms of altitude sickness are generally seen at elevations above 4000m. Since the highest point you will reach during your trek is Poon Hill at 3210m, there is no cause for concern. You will be spending only an hour or two at this height. Most part of your trek will be at lower elevations.
The permits needed are - Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry fee and TIMS(Trekkers’ Information Management System fee).
If you want to add extra activities and sites to your itinerary it can be done. Our Travel Consultant will help you customize your trip. Just let us know which places you want to visit and what you want to do and we will add these in your itinerary.
While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.
We would recommend all our clients to purchase travel insurance before booking any of our treks. Trust us you will have a pleasant holiday knowing that you have a good insurance cover. In the event of any sickness or injury while trekking in the mountains, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation will be considerable. Therefore, traveling with an insurance cover is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up for any of our trips. But be careful while choosing a policy as some policies make special exceptions for adventure travel.
Do read the fine print. Before buying insurance make sure your insurance company is aware of your travel itinerary and is agreeable to cover all activities being undertaken during the trip. Such as if you are planning to trek or climb (mountaineering expedition) in the Himalayas, your insurance must cover emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue including medical expenses. For a group tour in an urban area, insurance cover of air ambulance or helicopter rescue is not mandatory. While booking a trip with us you need to send us a copy of your insurance policy (e.g. your insurance certificate) or carry it with you while you come for the trip.
No, you cannot get insurance in Nepal. Please also note that Third Rock Adventures does not arrange or sell insurance.
Please do note, all our trekking itineraries incorporate adequate number of acclimatization days. You will get an extra day’s rest at a lower elevation to prepare your body for a walk up in the higher reaches.
AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness usually occurs due to the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere in high altitudes. Our body is not used to walking in high altitude and it requires a lot of time to adapt to thin air in the mountains. Technically there is no way of stopping AMS but you can surely prevent it by following the given tips:
Yes, single supplement will be available in the cities and at lower elevations while trekking. At higher elevations there are very few teahouses. During peak season when there is high demand for rooms, it will be difficult to book single rooms. However if you are travelling during off season a single room can be arranged at all places.
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