All ground transportation as per itinerary
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek? It's way more than just a short or easy hike in Nepal. Those words don't even scratch the surface. Forget killer altitudes and pushing yourself to the limit. This trip is about sinking in, finding your rhythm, and feeling a heartbeat with the mountains themselves.
Think of it as the friendliest hello to the Annapurna region. The Poon Hill trail hits that sweet spot: mind-blowing views of the Himalayas, a chance to meet real people and their cultures, knockout natural beauty, and, best of all, it won't leave you gasping for air. Every step feels like it matters, and every sunrise? You'll feel like you earned it.
Forget those hardcore expeditions where you're alone with your thoughts. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is like a gentle nudge into the Himalayan world. The woods feel alive, villages open their arms, and those giant mountains? They just hang out in the background, watching over you.
A Landscape That Changes as You Go
This trail is like nature showing off its best moves. You kick things off in the warm lowlands near Pokhara, then slowly climb up through farmland, pretty valleys, and thick woods. Before you know it, you're standing at viewpoints staring at some of the tallest peaks on the planet.
As you climb higher, it's like flipping through the pages of a nature magazine:
The trail keeps things interesting. It's not a race. It unfolds bit by bit, rewarding you with something beautiful around every bend.
The Nitty-Gritty
This trek is about soaking it all in, not collapsing from exhaustion. The climbs are steady, the trails are easy to follow, and it's perfect whether you're a newbie, bringing the family, love taking photos, or just don't have a ton of time.
Getting Started: Pokhara to Nayapul
Your kicks off in Pokhara, which might just be Nepal's prettiest city. It sits right on Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna range towering over it. From there, it's a quick drive to Nayapul, where the trek really begins.
Nayapul is down in the lowlands, where it's warm and the land is rich. The first part of the trek follows rivers and passes through small towns, giving you a gentle warm-up.
Right away, you're seeing the real Nepal. Farmers working their fields, kids heading to school, and those bouncy suspension bridges swaying over the rivers.
Ulleri: The Village of Stone Steps (1,960m)
One of the first places you'll remember is Ulleri, a village known for its thousands of stone steps. It's a climb, no doubt, but the views just keep getting better and better.
Ulleri has a story to tell. The Magar people have been here for ages, and they're known for their strength and how connected they are to the land. The village is full of old stone houses with slate roofs and quiet little courtyards.
When night comes, the air gets cool, the stars pop out, and you get your first taste of a real mountain night.
Into the Woods: Ulleri to Ghorepani
The trail from Ulleri to Ghorepani takes you through some of the most amazing woods you'll ever see. Rhododendron, oak, and pine trees are everywhere.
In springtime, the place explodes with color. Red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers cover the hills. Birds sing in the trees, and the sun peeks through the leaves.
This part of the trek feels like stepping back in time. It's quiet, there are no cars, and no one's in a hurry. Just keep walking and breathing it all in.
Ghorepani: Gateway to the Sunrise (2,860m)
Ghorepani used to be a rest stop for traders traveling between India and Tibet. These days, it's famous as the place you start the hike to Poon Hill for sunrise.
The village sits on a ridge, surrounded by woods, with mountains peeking through the trees. The teahouses are cozy and warm, and you'll hear stories from other trekkers.
The air is fresh, the nights are cool, and you can feel the excitement building for that early morning climb.
Poon Hill: The Sunrise That Says It All (3,210m)
Before the sun even thinks about rising, you'll leave Ghorepani and start climbing towards Poon Hill. It's quiet, and you'll need a headlamp to see.
Then, as the sun comes up, the Himalayas put on a show:
The mountains glow gold, then silver, then bright white. It's a moment of pure silence and wonder. For many people, this sunrise makes the whole trek worth it.
Down to Earth: Ghorepani to Ghandruk
After the sunrise, you'll head down through forests and villages towards Ghandruk, one of the prettiest Gurung villages in Nepal.
The way down feels easy and peaceful. The air gets thicker, you get more energy, and the scenery gets softer.
Ghandruk: A Living Gurung Village (1,960m)
Ghandruk is more than just a village. It's a place where culture comes alive. Stone paths, traditional houses, prayer flags flapping in the wind, and mountains all around.
The Gurung people have deep roots here, and they're known for serving in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. You can check out local museums, temples, and village squares.
From Ghandruk, the views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre are incredible, especially in the morning and evening light.
Back to Green: Ghandruk to Nayapul
The last day of trekking takes you through rice fields, bamboo forests, and along rivers. The sound of flowing water comes back, the air gets warmer, and you see signs of everyday life.
Arriving back in Nayapul means the walking is over, but the memories will stick with you.
Teahouse Life on the Poon Hill Trek
One of the best things about this trek is staying in teahouses. They're run by families, they're cozy, and they're welcoming.
The includes simple, but energizing, foods:
In the evenings, you can swap stories with other travelers, read, or just watch the clouds drift past the mountains.
Animals and Nature
You might spot:
The natural world, especially in springtime, sprinkles magic all over the trek.
When to Go
Winter is doable at lower elevations. The monsoon season is green, but the views might not be great.
Why This Trek?
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be welcomed by Adventure A One Trek representative. Then, You will be transferred to the hotel. Later, you can take a short rest as you want, then we will give you a brief about the trip.
Day Activity:
After having an early breakfast, you will be taking a scenic drive to Pokhara. The route to Pokhara includes some small to larger settlements, green hills, the Trishuli River, and occasional views of the mountains. There will be several breaks for the food/drinks and the toilet. After checking into the hotel; you can go for an evening walk around Phewa Lake. The sunset view from the lakeside looks stunning. For the food and drinks, you can find so many good options in Lakeside.
Day Activity
Today, the journey to Poon Hill begins officially. Firstly, you will be taking a short drive to Nayapul from Pokhara. The drive offers the occasional mountain view and insight into a local lifestyle. The trek starts from Nayapul after successfully checking in your permits. The route to Ulleri is easy and passes some of the beautiful local villages of Sudhame, Hile, and Tikhedhunga. Ulleri is a small Poon settlement at the lap of the Himalayas. You can get a glimpse of Annapurna South from your teahouse. Do not forget to glance at the sunset time.
Day Activity:
Wake up with a good sunrise view at Annapurna South. Grab your delicious breakfast then tie your shoes for the day. The route to Ghorepani is mostly uphill and through the dense rhododendron forest. Rhododendron is a special flower as it is the national flower of Nepal. It would be a great walk if you were trekking in the months of the spring (March to May). Upon arriving, in Ghorepani, you can enjoy the panoramic views of mountains including Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and more. Additionally, the sunset view of the Himalayas is an absolute stunner.
Day Activity:
You will be starting the hike early morning intending to reach Poon Hill before sunrise. The hiking route to Poon Hill from Ghorepani is uphill through the rhododendron forest. Upon arriving at Poon Hill (3210 meters); wait for the best sunrise view in the Himalayas. A moment later, once the golden rays of the sun come over near Fishtail Mountain- rest is the best moment of the trek.
Collect the best views of mountains, capture the memory, and get back to Ghorepani. After breakfast, you will be starting the trekking to Ghandruk. Taking right from the teahouse, you will be heading to Deurali first. Deurali offers similar views to Poon Hill. From there onwards, the route is mostly downhill to Ghandruk via Tadapani. Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung village, that persevered supremely in the old style of lifestyle.
Day Activity:
Grab the delicious breakfast before starting the trekking. Then you will be trekking back to Nayapul again. At Nayapul, you will be taking private transport back to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you can either walk around the lakeside or can take a rest. Or doing a massage of your tired body would be a good option in Pokhara.
Day Activity:
Collecting the great memories of the Ghorepani trek, you will be driving back to Kathmandu today. In the evening, you can do some last-minute shopping around Thamel. Then you can prepare your luggage.
Day Activity:
After an amazing week in Nepal, you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport to catch your return flight home. Our representative will be helping you to transfer to the airport, with the hope of seeing you again. “FERI BHETAULA”.
First things first, permits. You can't just show up and start walking—you gotta get your paperwork sorted. You'll need two things: an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Think of them as your tickets into the show. No ACAP and TIMS, no trek. It’s that simple.
Now, when's the best time to go? Hands down, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the winners. The weather chills out, and you can actually see the mountains, which is kind of the whole point. Spring is like walking through a garden because the rhododendrons are in full bloom. Autumn brings that crisp, clear air that makes everything look amazing.
Winter is an option, sure, but be warned: it gets seriously cold, especially at night in Ghorepani. Expect snow on the trail sometimes. If you're a seasoned trekker with top-notch winter gear, go for it. If not, maybe stick to the shoulder seasons.
Monsoon season (June to August) is a mixed bag. On one hand, everything is super green and there are way fewer people. On the other hand, prepare for rain, slippery trails, and clouds blocking those mountain views. It's a gamble.
How fit do you need to be? Let's be real, this isn't a walk in the park. You'll be hiking several hours a day, up and down hills. Those stone steps between Tikhedhunga and Ulleri? They're no joke. You don't need to be an athlete, but a moderate level of fitness is a good call. Also, high altitude sickness is possible, even if Poon Hill isn't crazy high, so walk slow stay drinking enough water, and listen to your body.
Where do you sleep and eat? You'll be staying in local teahouses along the way. They're basic, but comfy enough. Hot showers, charging up phones, and Wi-Fi might be available, but usually it is extra.
Food is served in the the teahouses and fresh. they usually have Nepali, Asian, and simple Western style cooking. Choices get more limited the higher you go, so don't be too picky.
What can you drink? Water is everywhere, so bring water purification and filtration, so you can filter it, and you don't have to buy water bottles.
Consider safety by hiring a professional tour guide. They can keep you on track, tell you about the local area, and help with emergencies. If it is a long trek, consider hiring the porters, they help your luggage get to point A and point B as well.
Travel insurance is a good move. Make sure it covers trekking, medical stuff, and getting you out of there if things go wrong. Even if the trek isn't super high, it's better to be sure than sorry.
Weather in the mountains can flip on a dime, so your plan might need some changes to keep everyone safe.
Make friend with the local and respect their religion and culture. This means dressing respectfully and acting like a decent human being in villages and monasteries.
This trek goes through conservation areas, so think about the enviroment. Don't throw trash, and when possible, support the local stuff.
Keep in mind that extras, like snacks, showers, charging stuff, and tips for your guide and porter, aren't usually included in the main price.
Lastly, Adventure A One Trek Nepal is a company that works on this trek. They might tweak the route if they need to, but they're all about making sure you have a great time. Happy trekking!
I traveled first time to Nepal and was worried about a new place visit. At the same time, I met one excellent guide for going trekking and touring Dhruba Bhatta through some company. lately, he organized his own company, Adventure A One Trek Private limited. Dhruba Bhatta is much knowledgeable person about everything like history, culture, flora and fauna, villagers, trekkers, guides and porters. he is always a smiley person. he is much caring person for his Client, always wondering how the client feels, and what the client prefers to eat, and always giving the best suggestion for achieving the destination. if you are investing money to reach some destination in Nepal, you should book the trip with Mr. Dhruba Bhatta, it will be really worth it and you never feel you were wasted
Great trek to Poonhill. Professional guide, good service and we had very nice trek, Warmly recommend.
Walking from Ulleri to Ghorepani villages encountered the Poon from Magar people, the main hill tribes of Western Nepal. Due to the mass population of Poon Magar around Ghorepani and named the hill Poon Hill.
The Poon Magar follows Hindu and Buddhism religions, and the Poon Magar menfolk are famous as Gorkha soldiers. Like in Indian and British Gorkha Regiments or Battalions.
The area around Ghorepani and Poon Hill is regarded as the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden. The village is surrounded by rhododendron trees and bushes, from the springtime March to May. The whole hill and valleys are alive with wildflowers in blooming seasons, especially the rhododendron of various species. Which is also a national flower the red Rhododendron species.
Depending upon the starting and ending point of trekking. On average minimum of 3-4 hours and a maximum of 5-6 hours of walks. The longest walk is from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani due steep climb to Ulleri. As well as on return trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani or Ghandruk villages. On the last day walks from Ghandruk to Kimche for a drive back to Pokhara or walk the long way to Nayapul for the drive to Pokhara.
