Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977-9841409994
info@earthmtreks.com.np
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal

  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Annapurna

  • Activity

    Trekking/Hiking

  • Accomodation

    Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek)

  • Transportation

    Hiace & Local bus

  • Duration

    10 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Moderate

  • Altitude

    3210 m

  • Best Season

    March-May & Sept-Nov

  • Start/End Point

    Nayapul/Ghandruk

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Annapurna Trekking/Hiking Hotel (Kathmandu) / Local Teahouses (Trek) Hiace & Local bus
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
10 Days Moderate 3210 m March-May & Sept-Nov Nayapul/Ghandruk

Trip Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most classic short journeys through the lower Annapurna region. Beginning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the lakeside city of Pokhara, the trail winds upward through terraced farmlands, traditional mountain hamlets, and dense rhododendron and oak forests.

The defining highlight of the journey is the early morning climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m). Standing at the viewpoint as dawn breaks offers a sweeping, panoramic look at the snow-capped giants of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and the distinctive fishtail peak of Machhapuchhre.

As the trail loops down toward the traditional Gurung settlement of Ghandruk, you get an up-close look at local mountain life, stone-paved village paths, and authentic Nepalese hospitality before returning to Pokhara and Kathmandu. With moderate hiking distances and an manageable maximum altitude, this trek offers a complete Himalayan experience that balances mountain views, local culture, and comfortable trail walking.

Trip Highlights

  • Experience early morning first light across the snow-capped summits of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre from the Poon Hill crest.
  • Tackle the legendary 3,000-step stone stairway up to Ulleri village through local terraced farmlands.
  • Journey along shaded forest paths beneath dense canopies of oak, pine, and vibrant spring rhododendron blossoms.
  • Spend a peaceful evening in the mountain hub of Ghorepani before making the short sunrise climb.
  • Stay in traditional teahouse lodges and experience genuine mountain hospitality among local Gurung and Magar villages.
  • Complete an authentic Himalayan loop in less than a week of moderate trail walking.
  • Hike through the quiet canopy of Tadapani down into the heritage stone village of Ghandruk.
  • Frame views of the iconic "Fishtail" peak and the Annapurna massif from multiple natural ridge stops along the way.
  • Enjoy a well-rounded mountain trip combining low-altitude valley walking, thick forests, and rich culture without high-altitude strain.

Itinerary

  • Our team will pick you up from Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Kathmandu. After checking in, you can rest after your flight or take a walk around Thamel to get oriented.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • We spend today running through route details, checking your gear list, and sorting out necessary trekking permits (ACAP and TIMS). If you need any final personal items or clothing layers, you will have plenty of time during the day in Thamel. In the evening, you can pack your duffel bag and rest before the journey begins.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Driving time: 6 to 7 hours
  • We leave Kathmandu in the morning on a private vehicle, taking a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway through winding river valleys, terraced hillsides, and rural market towns until we reach the lakeside city of Pokhara. In the evening, you can enjoy a relaxing walk along the shores of Phewa Lake.
  • Overnight stay in Pokhara.

  • Driving time: 1.5 hours | Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
  • After breakfast in Pokhara, our private vehicle takes us to Nayapul, the starting point of our trek. We begin walking alongside the Modi Khola, passing through Birethanti, Tikhedhunga, and Hile before climbing the famous stone staircase of over 3,000 steps to reach the hillside village of Ulleri.
  • Overnight stay in Ulleri.

  • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Today’s trail winds gently upward through dense, cool forests of blooming rhododendron and oak trees. We cross clear mountain streams and small bridge crossings before arriving by afternoon at Ghorepani, a vibrant mountain village situated right beneath Poon Hill.
  • Overnight stay in Ghorepani.

  • Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours total
  • We wake up before dawn for a 45-minute climb up to Poon Hill to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. The viewpoint offers panoramic 360-degree vistas of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Nilgiri. After heading back down to Ghorepani for breakfast, we continue our trek through rhododendron ridges down to Tadapani.
  • Overnight stay in Tadapani.

  • Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours | Driving time: 2 to 2.5 hours
  • A pleasant downhill trek takes us through quiet forests and cascading streams straight into Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung traditional village. After exploring its stone-paved alleys and enjoying close-up mountain views, our private vehicle picks us up for the scenic drive back to Pokhara. The evening is yours to relax along the shores of Phewa Lake.
  • Overnight stay in Pokhara.

  • Driving time: 6 to 7 hours
  • After breakfast in Pokhara, we board our private vehicle for the scenic return drive along the highway back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you are dropped off at your hotel with the rest of the day free to rest or shop in Thamel.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • A dedicated day to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, our guide and private driver take you to visit iconic heritage spots, including Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you can head out into Thamel to explore its lively night market, rooftop bars, and local music scene.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • After breakfast, our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your 10-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking adventure in Nepal. Safe travels!

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • Six nights accommodation in city hotels (4 nights in Kathmandu & 2 nights in Pokhara) on a bed and breakfast (BB) plan.
  • All accommodation during the trek in handpicked teahouses (attached bathrooms where available).
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trekking days, along with a cup of tea or coffee with every meal.
  • Fresh seasonal fruit provided after dinner during the trek (if and when available).
  • All overland ground transportation between Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nayapul, Ghandruk, and Kathmandu as per the itinerary by private vehicle.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide and local porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers) to carry your main luggage.
  • Complete staff insurance, daily wages, meals, accommodations, equipment, and transportation for all trekking staff.
  • Full-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites by private vehicle.
  • Complimentary use of an Earth Matter Treks duffel bag for the trek duration.

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare and Nepal Visa fees.
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Entrance ticket fees for heritage sites, monuments, and temples during the Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance (including coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation).
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral/bottled water, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic device charging fees on the trail.
  • Personal trekking equipment and gear (e.g., down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles, hiking boots).
  • Tips for your guide, porters, and drivers at the end of the trip as a gesture of thanks.
  • Extra accommodation or transport (land/air) due to unforeseen circumstances.

Book Now

    Treks

    Copyright 2024 Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal. All rights reserved.