This short trek allows you access to one of the Annapurna range's classic perspectives of Nepal.
You can navigate ancient pathways linking local villages, pass-through budding rhododendron forests and paddy fields, and enjoy snow-covered mountain views.
Sleeping at night in cosy teahouses in small villages along the road. Known as Nepal's Classic Trek, the 8 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek has been described in brief below along with the eight days itinerary.
Highlights of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- One of the most favoured short treks in Nepal and for a good reason,
- To be greeted with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, ascend 3,381 steps
- Spend the night along the trekking path in nice teahouses
- Enjoy views of ranges, plains and alpine lakes, like Annapurna South
Overview of 8 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
One of Nepal's most traditional short treks is the Ghorepani trek (also known as the "Ghorepani / Poon Hill" trek). You can travel through lovely local villages, rhododendron forests in a short time and obviously, get close to panoramic views of Nepal's most prominent Poon Hill peaks - Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I and Annapurna South.
Suggested Itinerary for Ghorepani Poon Hill
This trek is most frequently completed in 5 days (two days to reach Ghorepani and then three days to return back to Nayapul). However, bear in mind that much depends on how easily you travel and just how much you like to experience your trek.
Ghorepani: Enchanting Mountain Village
Credit:Himalayatrip.com
This trek can also be done in any direction, just as satisfying in both directions. You'll be taken to Nayapul from Pokhara, where you'll officially start your trek.
Itinerary in Brief
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (Tribhuwan International Airport)
Day 02: Explore Kathmandu city
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Pokhara (1,400 m) and then trek to Tikhedhunga (1,570 m)
Day 04: Trek from Tikhedhunga (1,570 m) to Ghorepani (2,840 m)
Day 05: Trek from Ghorepani (2,840 m) to Tadapani (2,610 m); Enjoy sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m)
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani (2,610 m) to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
Day 07: Flight from Pokhara (1,400 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Day 08: Departure from Kathmandu
Itinerary in Detail
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
You'll have spectacular views of the gorge, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below as you travel into Kathmandu.
An official will be there after passing through customs to lead you through the initial culture clash of the narrow, twisting streets of Kathmandu to get you comfortable into your hotel.
Kathmandu Valley: Cultural Gem
Go out and see one of the cultural highlights of Kathmandu after you've settled in.In the evening, Thamel's tourist hub is a decent spot to get your first dinner, with a wide range of eatery to select from serving Nepali dishes, both Western and local.
Day 02: Explore Kathmandu city
During the early hours of the sunrise, when the city is slowly coming alive and not too noisy, Kathmandu has a special feeling.
It's a beautiful time to stroll and explore the neighbourhoods or have a chai overlooking one of the local courtyards or squares of Durbar.
Provided several incredible views around the Kathmandu Valley, there are a lot of ways you can enjoy the day. Dine at one of the city's most pleasing diners later in the week, or your expert will plan a home-cooked dinner with Kathmandu's local family.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then trek to Tikhedhunga
Today, for a short flight to Pokhara, you will be taken to Kathmandu's domestic airport (TIA) and will move to Nayapul from where the trek starts! Over rich rice, maize, and millet lands, the first trail will head uphill.
a small waterfall along the main road of Birethanti and continue until you enter Sudami, where you can rest for lunch. After this lunch break, get back on the road and climb slowly along the side of the hill before you get to Tikhedhunga Teahouse for the overnight stay.
Day 04: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
In anticipation for your steep hike to Ulleri, get up for an early breakfast at your guesthouse. The trek starts with a steep stone set of stairs up the hillside, 3,767 steps to be precise, finally taking you across cultivated fields.
The remainder of the trekking trail runs through a scenic field of flowering rhododendron blossoms and old oak trees after you've finished this segment.
Tikhedhunga: Riverside Serenity Captured
Credit: asoulwindow.com
Continue to climb uphill until you hit Nangethanti, which is your lunch break. Thanti is a Nepali word that means "rest house"; bear in mind that the trail may be covered with snow or frost during the cold winter months.
Work off your lunch and resume the climb until you're in Ghorepani, a village surrounded by gorgeous hiking scenery.
Day 05: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani; watch the sunrise at Poon Hill
Start off with a wake-up call early in the morning and begin a pre-dawn climb in about an hour to Poon Hill (10,500 ft). This is a sacred place that offers magnificent scenery, especially when the sun's light sheds golden light, to name a few, on nearby snow-covered peaks such as Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and Singa Chuli.
Ghorepani: Peaks Embrace Morning Glow
Credit:nepalhikingadventure.com
From the coffee shack, grab a masala tea and admire the sublime views with your fellow travellers. For a hearty meal, you will then return back to Ghorepani before continuing a full-day trek to the tiny village of Tadapani.
Via a series of habitats and microclimates, this trail works itself up and down, so keep your camera (and warm layers) close.
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
The road continues to drop steeply after breakfast in Tadapani before you get to Syauli Bazar through amazing hillside scenery, trees, and terraced rice fields.
Your trek finishes at Nayapul, where you are moved to your Pokhara inn. You will also be treated with majestic views of the Himalayas from this urban setting, including Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, the peaks of Annapurna, and others.
Settle down at your hotel when you arrive in Pokhara and spend the afternoon and night on your own.
The gateway to the Himalayan region is this relaxed lakeside area, so there are many cool cafés, restaurants, funky stores, and yoga studios that cater to foreigners and adventure tourists.
Day 07: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
You could have time to do some sightseeing, chill or try out one of Pokhara's cafes and restaurants after breakfast.
You'll be escorted from your accommodation about 1.5 hours prior to boarding your flight and driven to the domestic airport to take your plane back to Kathmandu.
You will be moved to your hotel in Kathmandu, and you will spend the rest of the evening and nighttime in your leisure time.
Explore Kathmandu's roads on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, maybe shopping for mementoes or seeing something you might have missed during the beginning of your journey.
Choose from a variety of Nepali, French, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern dishes in Kathmandu in the evening.
Day 08: Departure from Kathmandu
Time for Nepal to say goodbye.
With breakfast in a coffee shop, a city hike, and/or souvenir buying, enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu. You will be welcomed at your accommodation by a representative and taken to the airport for your return flight back home.
At least two hours before departure, it's nice to be at the airport.
Difficulty level and Pace required
Generally opposed to other, higher-altitude treks in Nepal, this is a relatively simple trek. However, on day 4, expect a steep hill up the stone pathway (total of 3,381 steps) from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani - 1,387 m of altitude rise is not to be taken lightly in a single day.
The length of your trek each day will depend primarily on your health and how much you want to rest and admire the views. The typical pace that most trekkers favour has been suggested above.
Getting to Ghorepani Poon Hill and Away
For almost all the expeditions in the Annapurna Zone, including this one, the city of Pokhara is the key starting point. (Pokhara is a 25-minute plane trip from Kathmandu or a 6-7 hour drive.)
You can either take a private jeep or public bus from Pokhara to Nayapul, where you will be dropped off to launch your trek.
Quick Facts of Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
- Duration: 8 days
- Maximum Elevation: 3,210 (Poon Hill)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trek Style: Teahouse
- Start/End: Tikhedhunga/Nayapul