Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Trip Introduction
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular and accessible short treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers panoramic mountain views, a rich cultural experience, and beautiful rhododendron forests, all within a relatively short time frame—making it perfect for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a scenic, lower-altitude Himalayan experience.
We Organize Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek besides Ghorepani Poon Hill
Highlights of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft): A famous viewpoint for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Panoramic Views: Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri.
- Gurung & Magar culture: Experience traditional mountain villages and warm hospitality.
- Rhododendron Forests: Especially beautiful in spring (March–April) when flowers are in bloom.
- Relatively Easy: No need for prior trekking experience or high-altitude acclimatization.
Ghorepani Poon hill Trek Package Cost
Standard 05-Days Package Cost: $600 per person with Private Reserve Transport (Pokhara to Ulleri and Ghandruk to Pokhara)
Standard 05-Days Package Cost:$525 per person with Local Transport (Pokhara to Ulleri and Ghandruk to Pokhara)
Includes: Airport Pickup and Drop, All the Public Transportation from Pokhara to Pokhara, accommodation during the trek, meals,Tea, Coffee, permits, guide and porter services, Bal Hiking Team Duffel Bag, Trekking Certificates, Staffs first aid kid, Seasonal fresh fruits and Biscuits etc.
Excludes: International flights, Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara Transportation, Nepal visa, Travel insurance, Water, Wifi, Shower, Helicopter, Trekking Equipment, Guide /Porter Tips and personal expenses.
GHOREPANI POON HILL Trek) Itinerary 05 days
Day 1: Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga/Ulleri
-Elevation gain: 1 030 m (Nayapul 1 070 m → Tikhedhunga 1 600 m) or 1 230 m (to Ulleri 1 960 m)
-Time (trekking): 4 – 5 hours to Tikhedhunga; +1 – 1.5 h to Ulleri
Overnight: Teahouse in Ulleri (depending on time/fitness).
Include: L/D/Tea and Coffee with accommodation
Day 2: Tikhedhunga/Ulleri → Ghorepani
Starting elevation:
-Ulleri: 1 960 m
-Ending elevation: Ghorepani (2 850 m)
Distance (trekking):
-From Ulleri → Ghorepani: ~16 km
Elevation gain:
-Ulleri → Ghorepani: +890 m
-Time: ~6–7 hours (Tikhedhunga) / 5–6 hours (Ulleri)
Route & highlights:
Pass through villages:Banthati, Nangi and Ghorapani Khola (depending on route), ending at Ghorepani (2 850 m).
Lodge options are plentiful; acclimatize with shorter walks around the village.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorepani.
Notes:Drink plenty of water and keep energy snacks handy.
Include: B/L/D/Tea and Coffee with accommodation
Day 3: Ghorepani → Poon Hill Sunrise → Tadapani
Early Wake-up: 4:30 AM, hike to Poon Hill (3 km, 40 min)
Sunrise (5:45 AM): 360° Himalayan panorama—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I & II, Machapuchare, Nilgiri.
Return: Ghorepani for breakfast.
Trek to Tadapani:
- Distance: ~10 km
- Elevation: 2,860 m → 2,650 m (descent of 210 m, then some ups/downs)
- Hiking time: 5–6 hrs
Trail highlights:
- Passing through Poon Hill ridge.
- Birdwatching in subtropical forest.
Accommodation: Tea-house in Tadapani.
Include: B/L/D/Tea and Coffee with accommodation
Day 4: Tadapani → Ghandruk
- Distance: ~12 km
- Elevation: 2,650 m → 1,940 m (descent of 710 m)
- Hiking time: 5–6 hrs
Trail highlights:
- Rhododendron groves.
- Traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk—cultural museum, homestays.
- Close-up view of Annapurna South and Fishtail.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tadapani.
Include: B/L/D/Tea and Coffee with accommodation
Day 5: Ghandruk → Pokhara
- Distance: ~55 km
- Elevation: 2,650 m → 1,940 m (descent of 710 m)
- Driving time: 3–5 hrs depending on road conditions and weather.
- Route: Ghandruk → Kimche → Nayapul → Pokhara
The road from Ghandruk to Nayapul is primarily off-road and can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season. From Nayapul to Pokhara, the road is blacktopped and generally in better condition.
Include: B/L/ Tea and Coffee
Exclude: Hotel in Pokhara
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview
- Region: Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
- Trailhead: Nayapul (1,070 m)
- Highest Point: Poon Hill (3,210 m)
- Typical Duration: 5 days (round-trip)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (suitable for first-time trekkers in good shape)
- Permits Required:
-
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Best Seasons for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Spring (Mar–May): Rhododendrons in bloom, clear views, mild temperatures
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Stable weather, crisp skies, busy season
- Shoulder Seasons:
-
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold nights, potential snow; fewer teahouses open
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug): Slippery trails, leeches, limited views
Permits & Fees for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- ACAP Permit: NPR 3,000 per person
- TIMS Card: NPR 2,000 per person (green card for independent trekkers)
- Guide/Porter (optional but recommended):
- Guide: USD 25 – 30 per day
- Porter: USD 20 – 23 per day
Note: All fees payable in Pokhara or Kathmandu (bring fresh, undamaged notes).
- Accommodation & Food
- Tea-houses: Simple lodges serving dal-bhat (rice & lentils), noodles, soups, tea/coffee
- Prices (approx):
- Room: USD 5 – 10 per night
- Meals: USD 8 – 10 per meal
- Facilities: Shared bathrooms (sometimes cold shower), electricity via solar/generator
Difficulty & Altitude Sickness in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Daily Hiking: 4–7 hours on uneven, sometimes steep trails
- Altitude: Poon Hill (3,210 m) is moderate; AMS unlikely but stay hydrated, ascend gradually
- Tips:
- Keep daily ascent < 500 m when possible
- Drink 3–4 L water per day
- Listen to your body: rest if you feel headache, nausea
Gear & Packing List for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Category | Essentials |
Clothing | Trekking boots, lightweight trekking pants, fleece jacket, down jacket, hat & gloves, sun hat |
Backpack & Sleep | 30–40 L daypack, sleeping bag (rated to –10 °C), liner |
Accessories | Trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, refillable water bottle, water-treatment tablets/steri-pen |
Health & Safety | Basic first-aid kit, blister plasters, personal medications, hand sanitizer |
Accommodation: Tea-houses & Lodges in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Most trekkers stay in local tea-houses (lodges) run by Gurung families. These are basic, twin-share rooms with shared bathrooms, heated communal dining halls, and often optional hot-water showers.
Village | Altitude | # of Lodges | Price per Night | Notes |
Ulleri | 2,070 m | 5–10 | NPR 500–1,000 (≈ US $3–8) | First night’s stop; very basic facilities. |
Ghorepani | 2,860 m | 50+ | NPR 800–1,500 (≈ US $6–12) | Largest hub; more amenities & hot showers. |
Tadapani | 2,700 m | 10–15 | NPR 700–1,200 (≈ US $5–10) | Quieter, scenic forest setting. |
Ghandruk | 1,940 m | 20–30 (incl. homestays) | NPR 500–1,200 (≈ US $4–10) | Cultural village—good museum & views. |
Chomrong | 2,170 m | 10–15 | NPR 500–1,000 (≈ US $3–8) | Optional stop if you want shorter days. |
Typical Meal Options & Costs in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Teahouse menus blend Nepali staples with simple Western/Asian dishes. Costs below are in Nepali rupees (NPR).
Meal Type | Dishes | Cost Range (per plate) |
Breakfast | Oatmeal, French toast, chapati, eggs (omelet/boiled), porridge, pancakes | NPR 500–1000 |
Lunch/Dinner |
- Dal Bhat (all-you-eat rice, lentils, vegetable curry)
- Momos (veg/buff/chicken)
- Fried rice/noodles/pasta
- Thukpa, chow mein, pizza (basic) |
NPR 700–1000 (dal bhat)
NPR 500–800 (momos)
NPR 500–800 (pasta/fried rice) |
| Snacks & Drinks | Tea/coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits; occasional soft drinks & local beer | NPR 250–500 |
| Extras | Hot-water shower (if available), device-charging fee | USD 3–8 per hour |
Local Specialties to Try in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Tongba (hot fermented millet drink)
- Gundruk (fermented leafy greens) & gundruk ko achar
- Chhurpi (hard yak cheese)
- Sel Roti (Nepali ring-donut)
- Gurung bread (sweet corn bread)
Practical Tips for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Carry Cash (small denominations of NPR) – few places accept cards
- Bring a Sleeping Bag – bedding is provided but can be thin.
- Pack Snacks/Energy Bars – good backups if menu choices run out.
- Hydration – boiled/bottled water is available for a small fee; consider purification tablets.
- Power – charging outlets in common areas, ~$3–8/hour.
- Altitude – stick to vegetarian options above 3,000 m to minimize risk of food-borne issues.
Best Trekking Agency for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Trusted by trekkers Agency is Bal Hiking Team. Agency Provides (sleeping bag, down jacket, duffle bag), a TIMS permit, first-aid kit with oximeter, airport pickup, and English-speaking local guides who know the Annapurna region inside-out etc according to client’s need.
Why Poon Hill Trek with Bal Hiking Team
- Sunrise Panorama: A short pre-dawn hike up to Poon Hill rewards you with sweeping Himalayan vistas, including Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Machapuchare (6,993 m).
- Cultural Highlights: Pass through Gurung and Magar villages, traditional terraced farms, and rhododendron forests that burst into color in spring.
- Accessibility: Lower altitudes than many Nepal treks, so less risk of serious altitude sickness.
- Bal Hiking Team is an experienced Guide Team for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Detail Itenerary
-
GHOREPANI POON HILL TREK) ITINERARY 05 DAYS
Day 1: Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga/Ulleri
-Elevation gain: 1 030 m (Nayapul 1 070 m → Tikhedhunga 1 600 m) or 1 230 m (to Ulleri 1 960 m)
-Time (trekking): 4 – 5 hours to Tikhedhunga; +1 – 1.5 h to Ulleri
Overnight: Teahouse in Ulleri (depending on time/fitness).
Include: L/D/Tea and Coffee with accommodation
Day 2: Tikhedhunga/Ulleri → Ghorepani
Starting elevation:
-Ulleri: 1 960 m
-Ending elevation: Ghorepani (2 850 m)
Distance (trekking):
-From Ulleri → Ghorepani: ~16 km
Elevation gain:
-Ulleri → Ghorepani: +890 m
-Time: ~6–7 hours (Tikhedhunga) / 5–6 hours (Ulleri)
Route & highlights:
Pass through villages:Banthati, Nangi and Ghorapani Khola (depending on route), ending at Ghorepani (2 850 m).
Lodge options are plentiful; acclimatize with shorter walks around the village.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorepani.
Notes:Drink plenty of water and keep energy snacks handy.
Include: B/L/D/Tea and Coffee with accommodation
Day 3: Ghorepani → Poon Hill Sunrise → Tadapani
Early Wake-up: 4:30 AM, hike to Poon Hill (3 km, 40 min)
Sunrise (5:45 AM): 360° Himalayan panorama—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I & II, Machapuchare, Nilgiri.
Return: Ghorepani for breakfast.
Trek to Tadapani:
- Distance: ~10 km
- Elevation: 2,860 m → 2,650 m (descent of 210 m, then some ups/downs)
- Hiking time: 5–6 hrs
Trail highlights:
- Passing through Poon Hill ridge.
- Birdwatching in subtropical forest.
Accommodation: Tea-house in Tadapani.
Include: B/L/D/Tea and Coffee with accommodation
Day 4: Tadapani → Ghandruk
- Distance: ~12 km
- Elevation: 2,650 m → 1,940 m (descent of 710 m)
- Hiking time: 5–6 hrs
Trail highlights:
- Rhododendron groves.
- Traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk—cultural museum, homestays.
- Close-up view of Annapurna South and Fishtail.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tadapani.
Include: B/L/D/Tea and Coffee with accommodation
Day 5: Ghandruk → Pokhara
- Distance: ~55 km
- Elevation: 2,650 m → 1,940 m (descent of 710 m)
- Driving time: 3–5 hrs depending on road conditions and weather.
- Route: Ghandruk → Kimche → Nayapul → Pokhara
The road from Ghandruk to Nayapul is primarily off-road and can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season. From Nayapul to Pokhara, the road is blacktopped and generally in better condition.
Include: B/L/ Tea and Coffee
Exclude: Hotel in Pokhara
Array
Included in the Cost
Airport Pickup and Drop, All the Public Transportation from Pokhara to Pokhara, accommodation during the trek, meals,Tea, Coffee, permits, guide and porter services, Bal Hiking Team Duffel Bag, Trekking Certificates, Staffs first aid kid, Seasonal fresh fruits and Biscuits etc.
Not Included in the Cost
International flights, Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara Transportation, Nepal visa, Travel insurance, Water, Wifi, Shower, Helicopter, Trekking Equipment, Guide /Porter Tips and personal expenses.
1 Reviews on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek View All
2025-06-10 15:58:10
Sharifah says:
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek My husband and I did a 6-day trip to Nepal in early January 2018. We didn't have time to plan the trip so we contacted Bal from the Bal Hiking Team to arrange the ground travelling. With less than 2 months, Bal did an exce...