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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days
Trekking

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days

3 Nights 4 Days Nepal
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days — photo 2 Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days — photo 3
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Destination

Nepal

Accommodation

Teahouse / Mountain Lodge

Walking Distance

Not specified

Duration

3 Nights 4 Days

Max. Elevation

3,210 m (10,531 ft)

Meals Included

Not specified

Best Season

Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Grade

Easy

Overview

Nestled in the southwestern corner of the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is widely recognized as one of the premier short alpine journeys in the Nepalese Himalayas. Designed as a gateway adventure starting and ending in the lakeside city of Pokhara, this 4-day excursion captures the essence of classic Himalayan trekking without demanding extended time or high-altitude acclimatization risks.

Traversing lush temperate rhododendron woodlands, ancient moss-draped oak forests, cascades, and stone-paved paths, the trail rises through traditional mountain settlements. The defining crescendo of the trek is an early-morning summit of Poon Hill (3,210 m), offering an unhindered 360-degree panorama of two of the world's fourteen 8,000-meter peaks—Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m)—alongside the sacred silhouette of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail, 6,993 m).

Best Time to Visit Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Timing your journey ensures optimal weather conditions and stunning mountain vistas along the trail:

·         Autumn Season (September to November): Widely considered the best time to trek. The post-monsoon air is crisp, visibility is crystal clear, and daytime temperatures are ideal for hiking under bright blue skies.

·         Spring Season (March to May): The second peak window and visually spectacular as the rhododendron and wildflower forests burst into full blooming shades of pink, red, and white.

·         Winter Season (December to February): Offers clear skies and quieter trails, though temperatures drop significantly below freezing at night near Ghorepani. Proper thermal layering is essential.

·         Monsoon Season (June to August): Characterized by rain, clouds, slippery paths, and leeches. While the hillsides are lush and green, mountain visibility is often obstructed.

Photos / Videos

Ghorepani Poonhill
Ghorepani Poonhill
Ghorepani Poonhill
Ghorepani Poonhill
Ghorepani Poonhill

Trip Highlights

  • Poon Hill Sunrise Panorama (3,210m): Witness the golden hour illuminating the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare ranges.
  • Lush Rhododendron Forests: Walk through Asia's largest natural rhododendron belt (spectacular during spring blooms from March to April).
  • Lush Rhododendron Forests: Walk through Asia's largest natural rhododendron belt (spectacular during spring blooms from March to April).
  • Stone Stairways & Historic Trails: Climb the famous stone-paved stairs of Ulleri and follow ancient salt-trade trading corridors.
  • Cultural Heritage of Ghandruk: Explore the historic Gurung museum, traditional slate-roofed stone houses, and panoramic views of Annapurna South.

Detailed Itinerary

1 Pokhara to Birethanti/Nayapul (Drive) & Trek to Ulleri
Trek Distance
~12 km
Drive / Flight
~1.5 to 2 hours
Highest Altitude
820 m (Pokhara)
Trek Duration
5 to 6 hours
Elevation Gain
1,960 m (Ulleri)
Local Teahouse / Mountain Lodge

Following breakfast in Pokhara, depart by private transport along the scenic Pokhara-Baglung highway, descending into the Modi Khola river valley to reach Nayapul or Birethanti—the gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area. Complete permit verifications at the checkpoint before embarking on foot along the banks of the Bhurungdi Khola. The path gently winds through terraced rice fields and small hamlets like Matathanti and Hile, leading to Tikhedhunga. From here, tackle the famous Ulleri staircase—a stone path with over 3,000 steps ascending through terraced slopes. Reaching the Magar village of Ulleri, enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Hiunchuli (6,441 m).

2 Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani
Trek Distance
~10 km
Trek Duration
5 to 6 hours
Elevation Gain
1,960 m to 2,860 m
Local Teahouse / Mountain Lodge

After breakfast, leave Ulleri with a steady upward climb toward Banthanti. The route enters deep alpine woodland, rich with mossy oak, pine, and giant rhododendron trees. Continuing along shaded forest trails, pass crystal-clear mountain streams and small waterfalls, stopping at Nangethanti for a midday rest. As the elevation increases, the crisp mountain air announces the approach to Ghorepani ("Horse Water"), historically a vital watering stop for ancient trans-Himalayan mule caravans. Ghorepani is split into two settlements; the upper village offers dramatic mountain vistas against blue-roofed teahouses.

3 Sunrise Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), Trek to Tadapani
Trek Distance
~13 km
Trek Duration
6 to 7 hours
Local Teahouse / Mountain Lodge Poon Hill Elevation: 3,210 m Tadapani Elevation: 2,630 m

Begin before dawn with an early morning hike (~45–60 minutes) up the stone trail to the summit of Poon Hill (3,210 m). As daylight emerges, watch the alpine peaks transform under the first rays of sunlight. The panoramic horizon showcases Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Dhampus Peak, and Machhapuchhare. Descend back to Ghorepani for a warm breakfast, pack gear, and continue along a forested ridge trail toward Deurali Pass (3,090 m). The route descends through deep river gorges and dense rhododendron forests—often frequented by native Langur monkeys—before ascending slightly to reach the ridge village of Tadapani.

4 Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk & Drive to Pokhara
Trek Distance
~8 km (Trek)
Drive / Flight
~2.5 to 3 hours
Trek Duration
3 to 4 hours
Ending Altitude: 1,940 m (Ghandruk) ➔ 820 m (Pokhara)

The final morning begins with a gentle descent through ancient shaded oak and rhododendron forests, down to the Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940 m). Famous for its slate-roofed stone houses, clean flagstone alleyways, and deep-rooted Gorkha military traditions, Ghandruk offers views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail. Take time to visit the local Gurung Cultural Museum and traditional village center. After lunch, complete a short walk to the local vehicle terminal (Kimche/Syauli Bazaar area) to board private transport or a local jeep for the return drive along the Modi Khola river valley back to Pokhara.

Distance & Stage Table

Days

Route

Distance

Walking Time

Altitude

Day 1

Pokhara ➔ Nayapul/Birethanti (Drive) ➔ Tikhedhunga ➔ Ulleri

~12 km (Trek)

5 – 6 hours

1,960 m (Ulleri)

Day 2

Ulleri ➔ Banthanti ➔ Nangethanti ➔ Ghorepani

~10 km

5 – 6 hours

2,860 m (Ghorepani)

Day 3

Ghorepani ➔ Poon Hill ➔ Ghorepani ➔ Deurali Pass ➔ Tadapani

~13 km

6 – 7 hours

3,210 m (Poon Hill point)

2,630 m (Tadapani)

Day 4

Tadapani ➔ Baisi Kharka ➔ Ghandruk ➔ Pokhara (Drive)

~8 km (Trek)

3 – 4 hours

1,940 m (Ghandruk)

820 m (Pokhara)

Note on 3 Day Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Option: For travelers on a tighter schedule, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can be completed comfortably in 3 days. By taking a private 4WD jeep directly from Pokhara to Ulleri on Day 1 (~3–3.5 hours drive, bypassing the lower foot trail from Nayapul), you begin walking from Ulleri directly to Ghorepani (~4–5 hours walking time). On Day 2, after an early morning sunrise trip to Poon Hill, you trek from Ghorepani through Deurali Pass to Tadapani and descend down to Ghandruk (~6–7 hours walking time). On Day 3, explore Ghandruk village before a brief walk down to the jeep station (~1–2 hours walking time) for your drive back to Pokhara (~2.5–3 hours drive). This option condenses the journey without skipping major mountain view points or cultural highlights.

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Includes & Excludes

What's Included

Transportation

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle/jeep as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Transfers between Pokhara and the trek starting/ending points.

Accommodation

  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
  • Twin or triple-sharing rooms, subject to availability

Food & Meals

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days
  • Tea/coffee and meals as specified in the itinerary.

Guide & Porter

  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide.
  • Porter service for carrying trekking luggage, as per the agreed package.

Permits & Fees

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • TIMS card and other required trekking permits/fees.

Medical / Safety Assistance

  • Basic first-aid support during the trek.
  • Necessary assistance in case of common trekking-related emergencies.

Equipment

  • Trekking poles, if included in the selected package.
  • Sleeping bag, if provided by the trekking company.

Other Included Services

  • Government taxes and applicable service charges.
  • Trekking-related arrangements as mentioned in the package.
  • Official company assistance throughout the trek.

Transportation

  • All ground transfers by jeep before and after the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

Accommodation

  • The best available twin or triple-sharing teahouse accommodation during the trek.

Food & Meals

  • We provide 3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek.
  • Each meal is served as a single serving
  • Himalayan Tea twice a day.
  • Fresh/Dry fruits along the trek and tea/coffee break during the trek.

Guide & Porter

  • One highly experienced and friendly guide, including his food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance.

Permits & Fees

  • Complete trekking arrangements with the required TIMS for trekkers and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.

Medical / Safety Assistance

  • First aid medical kit with an oximeter.
  • Water bottle to store hot water overnight.

Equipment

  • Trekking poles & Sleeping bag, if necessary. (return after the trek)

Other Included Services

  • Government taxes, TDS, and Office Service charges. (No hidden charges)
  • North Nepal Trekking achievement certificate.

Not Included

International Flights

  • International airfare and airport-related charges.
  • Excess baggage and airline-related expenses.

Nepal Visa

  • Nepal entry visa fees and related charges.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance, medical expenses and emergency evacuation coverage.

Personal Expenses

  • Personal shopping, snacks, bottled water and other personal purchases.
  • Laundry and other personal services.

Beverages

  • Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and additional beverages.
  • Extra tea/coffee beyond the meals included in the package.

Hot Showers & Charging

  • Hot shower charges during the trek.
  • Battery charging and other electricity-related fees.

Wi-Fi / Internet

  • Wi-Fi and internet charges at teahouses or other accommodations.

Tips & Gratitude

  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters and support staff.

Additional Expenses

  • Any expenses caused by weather, natural events, delays or itinerary changes.
  • Additional accommodation, meals, transportation or services not mentioned under "Includes".

International Flights

  • Anything related to International flight airfares, such as Nepal entry visa fees, excess baggage charges, International flight tickets, etc.

Accommodation not Included

  • Extra night accommodations due to changes in the itinerary.

Meals not Included

  • Personal expenses before the trek and during the trek (any shopping, boiled water, tea, coffee (if more than 2 times), cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, hot showers, telephone calls, Wifi, cell-phone, camera battery recharges, and so on).

Supporter / Porter

  • Supporter/porter to carry your luggage during the trek up to 22 kg total.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance covers high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation, along with medical costs.

Tips

  • Tips and gratitude for guides and porters.

Other Exclusions

  • Additional costs include additional days due to delays caused by natural/uncontrollable phenomena such as bad weather, landslides, and changes of plans (itinerary modifications) due to safety concerns, illness, and so on.
  • Lastly, all of the costs and expenses that aren't listed in the “What’s Included?” section.

Map & Route

Route map for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days
Click to enlarge

Trip Info

Duration 3 Nights 4 Days
Difficulty Easy
Best Season Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Location Nepal
Region Annapurna Region
Max Altitude 3,210 m (10,531 ft)
Group Size 1–12 persons
Accommodation Teahouse / Mountain Lodge
Transportation Private / Shared Tourist Vehicle & Jeep
Permit Required trekking permits include the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. Permits are arranged by the trekking agency as part of the package.

Packing Checklist 0 / 51 Packed

Head & Face

0/6

Upper Body

0/7

Handwear

0/3

Lower Body

0/6

Footwear

0/6

Backpack / Other Gears

0/5

Electronics

0/4

Toiletries

0/7

Medications

0/4

Optional Items

0/3

Cost & Dates

Solo Traveler (1 Person): ~$375 USD
Group of 2 (2 Persons): ~$320 USD per person
Small Group (3 – 8 Persons): ~$290 USD per person
Group (9 – 15 Persons): ~$250 USD per person
Large Group (16 – 25 Persons): ~$240 USD per person

Group Pricing

Group Size Price / Person
1 person USD 375
2 persons USD 320
3 – 8 persons USD 290
9 – 15 persons USD 250
16 – 25 persons USD 240

Rates & Breakdown: Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days

Full Board Package

USD 95 / per person/ day

Includes a licensed guide, required permits, tea house lodging, transportation, along with all daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and tea or coffee.

Half Board Package

USD 70 / per person/ day

Covers your guide, permits, tea house lodging, morning tea, and transportation. Lunch and dinner are purchased out-of-pocket on the trail, giving you control over meal choices

Individual Services

Licensed English-Speaking Guide Includes the guide's insurance and daily expenses. $28 / per day
Porter Porter service for carrying trekking luggage. $22 / per day
ACAP Entry Permit Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit. $25 / per day
Daily Meals (Trailside) Approximately $30 per day, based on an average of $10 per meal $30 / per day

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Info & FAQs for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days

General Information

This trek unfolds in Nepal's Annapurna region, with Pokhara serving as the launching point for the journey.
Sweeping panoramas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, a sunrise viewing session atop Poon Hill, and immersive time spent in Gurung and Magar mountain settlements.
Absolutely — thanks to its moderate grading and well-maintained paths, it works well even for first-time trekkers.
Its short duration, easy access, sweeping mountain vistas, and rich cultural exposure give it an edge over longer, more demanding routes.
Yes, private departures for the Ghorepani Poon Hill route are available

Accommodation

Trail nights are spent in local lodges and teahouses, bookended by two nights at a comfortable hotel in Pokhara.
Most do — electricity, internet access, and warm showers are generally on offer, though usually for a small add-on fee.
Internet connectivity and device charging are offered at the majority of lodges, typically at an extra cost.

Guide and Porter

Yes, a guide is built into every package.
The guide handles route-finding, cultural context, and general support, while the porter takes care of carrying your bags.
No — Nepal's government now mandates that foreign trekkers be accompanied by a licensed guide in the Ghorepani area and nearby zones.

Food and Drinks

Expect classic Nepali fare such as dal bhat tarkari (rice with lentils and vegetables) alongside momo dumplings.
Yes — just flag your dietary needs with the guides in advance and they'll arrange accordingly.
Bottled, boiled, and filtered water can all be purchased at lodges, but it's smart to also carry your own purification tablets as backup.

Visa & Insurance

Yes, it's a non-negotiable requirement.
It must cover both medical treatment and emergency helicopter rescue up to the maximum elevation reached on the trek.
Most nationalities need one (Indian passport holders are exempt). It can be arranged on arrival at the airport or land borders — you'll need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport photo, and the visa fee, which currently runs USD 50 for a 30-day stay.

Permits

You'll need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) plus a TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System).
Yes, they're bundled into your trek cost.
While permits can technically be picked up at authorized offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara, the company handles this on your behalf.

Weather

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the top picks, though the trek is doable year-round.
Spring and autumn bring clear skies and pleasant temperatures for the best experience; winter turns cold but rewards you with snowy scenery; monsoon season means slicker trails but also dramatic waterfalls.
Monsoon trekking is tougher due to rainfall, and winter brings a chill — but neither rules out the trek entirely.

Equipment

Sturdy trekking boots, a warm jacket, layered clothing, gloves, a water bottle, and headwear top the list — check the full equipment section for more detail.
Lodges supply their own bedding, but packing a sleeping bag adds extra warmth if you want it.
Trekking poles are worth carrying for added stability on the steeper stretches.

Transportation

A scenic bus transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara is built into the package; private vehicles or a flight to Pokhara are also possible for an added cost.
No — flying between Kathmandu and Pokhara is entirely optional and comes at an extra charge.

Payment

Booking ahead is best, though last-minute reservations can be accommodated as long as all documentation is ready and you reach out at least 24 hours before departure.
A 10% deposit secures your spot, with the remaining balance due once you arrive in Kathmandu.

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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days
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