How Can I do the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in 4 Days?

Congratulations!  You have chosen to do this wonderful short trek in Nepal which takes you into the heart of Annapurna Region of the Himalayas!  So now you want to know exactly how to do it and what to expect, right? Read on!

What to Expect from the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek  – An Overview

This trek offers fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna Range at a relatively low (for the Himalayas) altitude.  It also offers an insight into local community life and a takes you through leafy forests of rhododendrons and other trees.

First of all the mountains: With the Annapurna Himal to the east, Dhaulagiri Himal to the west, and Tibet to the north, the sunrise over the Himalayas from the top of Poonhill is breathtaking.

Then the landscape: Aside from mountains the landscape is beautiful, leafy, and full of colour in the springtime.

Let’s not forget the people: You will be trekking through Gurung and Magar villages, the indigenous people of this region. Warm hospitality awaits you at every stop.

Finally, the overall experience: With a maximum altitude of 3,210m, this is one of the most popular one-week treks in Nepal. Good for families, those without trekking experience or those who do not wish to trek at altitude.

Or for those with simply less time but who want to enjoy the mountain experience.  There is one tiring day of downhill trekking (7 to 8 hours) but the experience is truly worth it.

Trip Highlights

• Sunrise over the Annapurnas from atop Poonhill.
• Stunning views of the snow-capped Mt. Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna South, to name just a few!
• Unique flora and fauna.  See Rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower, in bloom.
• Visit local villages on route.
• Visit monasteries and the Gurung museum to give you an insight into local lifestyles.
• Start and finish your trip in the lakeside town of Pokhara with its interesting blend of culture, mountaineering history, and restaurants, bars, and clubs.

What you Need before You go – Permits

You need two permits for the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek.

• Annapurna Conservation Permit  (ACAP) – Nrs3,000 per person
• TIMS Trekkers Permit- Nrs 1,000 per person for organised treks through an agency
• Nrs 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without guide or porter)

If you are trekking with Magical Nepal, we can obtain the permits for you.  If you are trekking independently you can apply for your permits at either:

• Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Exhibition Road, Bhrikuti Mandap
• Pokhara: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Dam Side

4 days Poon Hill Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary for your 4-day trek to Ghorepani Poonhill.

Day 01: Pokhara to Nayapul (vehicle), Nayapul to Hile (trek)

Altitude:	1,430m
Distance:	43 km
Time:	1.5 hours drive to Nayapul and 3 hours hike to Hile

You are already in Pokhara, perhaps having enjoyed yourself in a restaurant or club the night before.  Don’t worry, today is not very strenuous!

After breakfast take a bus or jeep to Nayapul.  If you are alone it is cost-effective to take a local bus, which leaves from Baglung Bus Park every 30 to 60 minutes. If you are more people it is possible to hire a jeep – more comfortable than the bus and you can go at your own time.

After reaching Nayapul it’s a 3-hour hike to Hile. There is time to explore Hile this afternoon, getting into the mood for the rest of your trek.  Overnight at a teahouse in Hile.

Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani

Altitude:	2,840m
Distance:	13 km
Time:	6 – 7 hours

After breakfast set off to walk 6 to 7 hours to reach Ghorepani.  There are many stone steps to climb on the way until you reach Ulleri when the trail becomes easier.

On the way pass through several local settlements, including Tikhedhunga (1,577m), Ulleri (2,070m) and Banthanti (2,250m) which are inhabited by Magar communities.  On the way pass through oak and rhododendron forests.   Overnight in Ghorepani is one of the many very comfortable teahouses!

Day 03: Sunrise over Poonhill and trek to Ghandruk

Altitude:	3,210m (at Poonhill) 1,939m at Ghandruk
Time:	1hr to climb Poonhill.  Time to experience sunrise – which happens around 5.15 to 6.15am depending on the time of year.  45 minutes to one hour to walk back to Ghorepani.  7-8 hours to trek to Ghandruk.  Total time approximately 11-12 hours

Before dawn hike up Poonhill.  This will take approximately one hour.  This is the highlight of the trip – sunrise over the Annapurna Range!  We suggest taking a packed breakfast with you from your teahouse.  Tea and coffee are available for sale on Poonhill.  Enjoy Mother Nature at her best!

After coming back down to Gorepani you can have a second breakfast (early mornings make us hungry too) or head straight on to Ghandruk.  The trek today will take 7 to 8 hours of downhill through forests, along ridges, and across small streams.  The hardest part is descending hundreds of stone steps to reach Ghandruk.

This Gurung village houses a museum dedicated to Gurung culture.  It is worth spending some time here today or tomorrow after breakfast tomorrow.

Enjoy a well-earned dinner in a teahouse, perhaps enjoying traditional Gurung music or scrolling through your unique photos from the morning that now seems so long ago!

Day 04: Trek down to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Altitude:	1,939m at Ghandruk
Time:	4-5 hrs Ghandruk to Nayapul by hiking. 1.5 hours drive from Nayapul to Pokhara

On this final day of the trek, pass through forests and (in the spring) flowers back to Nayapul.  From here take a local bus, which runs frequently from Nayapul or your prearranged waiting for jeep back to Pokhara.

Tonight enjoy the delights of Pokhara, taking a trip to a spa, or listening to live music.  Or simply relax in a quiet restaurant overlooking the lake.

Final Conclusion: If you have any questions or want to find out more about the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, please contact Magical Nepal.