Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara – Best Itinerary

The ultimate goals of doing the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are to see the sunrise over the Annapurna Range from Poon Hill and to enjoy being in the Nepal Himalayas without trekking at high altitude.  That said, what is the best itinerary for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?  3 days, 4 days or 5 days?  Let’s review the choices.

3 Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Itinerary

This option is great for people on a tight schedule.  It is also possible to fly in from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive to Naya Pool or even Tikhe Dunga on Day 1, reducing time further.

Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Naya Pool and Trek to Tikhe Dhunga

The overall time involved: 1.5 hours by vehicle, 4-5 hours hike

Day 02 Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani

Overall time involved: 6-7 hours hike

Day 03 Ghorepani to Poon Hill, return and on to Naya Pool and Pokhara

Overall time involved: 12-14 hours hike plus 1.5 hours by vehicle

Pros/ Cons of 3 days Poon Hill Itinerary

Pros:

• you have little time to spare but still, want to visit Poon Hill.
• you are a fast walker and love a challenge.
• you have already trekked in the Nepal Himalayas and this is a little ‘extra’ trip.

Cons:

• Two long days of walking with no rest time in between.
• While you get a ‘feel’ of trekking you may miss out on some of the ‘experience.’
• You have to pay the same permit fees as those going for a longer time.

4 Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Itinerary

Similar to the 3-day trek, this 4-day trek to the viewpoint of Poon Hill takes a different route but still allows you to complete the trek in a short time.  Again it is possible to fly into Pokhara from Kathmandu and on the same day reach Naya Pool and on by foot to Hile.

Day 01 Pokhara to Naya Pool, Naya Pool to Hile

Overall Time Involved: 1.5 hours by vehicle,  3 hours hike

Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani

The overall time involved: 6-7 hours

Day 03: Sunrise over Poonhill and trek to Ghandruk

Total time involved: 11-12 hours

Day 04: Trek down to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Total time involved: approx 7 hours

Pros/ Cons of 4 days Poonhill trek

Pros

• This is probably the best known itinerary.
• you love to hike and don’t mind long and early days.

Cons

• Long days, early mornings.
• It’s a popular route so in the peak seasons it is busy.

5 Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Itinerary

For those who want to take their time to enjoy the mountain environment on this low altitude trek, 5 days is perfect.  You can even drive from Kathmandu all the way to Tikhe Dhunga on Day 1, keeping your Pokhara relaxation/ sightseeing time until after the trek.

Day 01 Drive to Naya Pool and Trek to Tikhe Dhunga

Total time involved: approx 6.5 hours

Day 02 Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani

Total time involved: 6-7 hours

Day 03 Ghorepani to Tadapani with morning hike to Poon Hill

Total time involved: approx 6 hours plus ‘sunrise viewing time’

Day 04 Tadapani to Ghandruk

Total time involved: 3-4 hours

Day 05 Ghandruk to Naya Pool and drive to Pokhara

Total time involved: approx 6.5 hours

Pros/ Cons of 5 days Gandruk to Poon Hill Itinerary

Pros 

• On Day 1 you can drive direct from Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga (jeep), cutting out 4 or 5 hours of hiking time.  Great if you have children!
• Enjoy staying in 4 different local communities.
• Plenty of time to visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk.
• On Day 4, plenty of time to relax after a more challenging day on Day 3.
• More time for photo opportunities, taking in the scenery and breathing in the mountain air.

Cons

• none that we can see!

Our Opinion on the Best Itinerary for the Pokhara Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

In our opinion, based on years of experience in the trekking industry and feedback from clients and friends, the 5 nights itinerary is best on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Why? In one sentence: because it allows you more access and time to mountains, nature, local communities, and personal reflection on a low altitude, short trek through the great Annapurna Range of the Nepal Himalaya!

If you would like more information on any aspect of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, please contact us at Magical Nepal.