The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short, relatively easy trek from Pokhara through the Annapurna mountains to the top of Poon Hill, a viewpoint famous for its sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The 5 days itinerary is great if you have a bit more time, need a break from work or are travelling with family.
But if you are still a bit tight on your five-day break, it would be possible to drive all the way from Kathmandu to Tikhe Dhunga and overnight there to start your real trek as per Day 2 on the itinerary below. Worth considering!
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What to Expect on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
This low altitude trek is suitable for people of good average fitness and for families. There is a mix of longer days walking (5-7 hours) and shorter days (2-4 hours). On the way pass through colorful (springtime) rhododendron forests, and local communities. On top of that, the mountains are stunning against the clear blue sky. In particular, the view from Poon Hill will take your breath away.
Trip Highlights
- Sunrise over the Annapurnas from Poon Hill.
- Being in the heart of the Himalaya snow-capped mountains.
- Visit the Gurung Museum at Ghandruk.
- Experience unique flora and fauna.
- Start and end the trek in the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara.
What You Need Before You Go – Permits
Everyone needs a permit to enter the Annapurna area as well as a trekking permit. Here is what you will need:-
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:
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Exhibition Road, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu
Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Dam Side, Pokhara
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Naya Pool and Trek to Tikhe Dhunga
Altitude: Tikhe Dhunga 1,480m
Distance: Pokhara to Naya Pool 62km / Naya Pool to Tikhe Dhunga 9.2km
Time: Pokhara to Naya Pool 1.5 hrs / Naya Pool to Tikhe Dhunga 4-5 hours
After breakfast take a bus or jeep to Nayapul. Buses can be found in the Baglung Bus Park and leave every 30 to 60 minutes. Or hire a jeep to take you, cost-effective if you are a family or small group of friends. After reaching Nayapul it’s a 4 to 5 hour hike to Tikhe Dhunga. Alternatively, your jeep can go all the way from Pokhara via Naya Pool to Tikhe Dhunga. Overnight in Tikhe Dhunga.
*It is possible to drive all the way from Kathmandu to Tikhe Dhunga on Day 1. Leaving Kathmandu early in the morning and being in Tikhe Dhunga before dark. This will take you around 10 hours. Then your real trekking adventure starts on Day 2.
Day 02 Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani
Altitude: Tikhe Dhunga 1,480m/ Ghorepani 2,840m
Distance: 12.9km
Time: 6-7 hours
You will be walking all uphill, on the stair on this day. The forest welcomes you with fresh air. If you are hiking in the Spring season. you will see a forest with Rhodendron forest.
See: What is the best time to trek Gorepani Poon Hill Trek
Day 03 Ghorepani to Tadapani with a morning hike to Poon Hill
Altitude: Ghorepani 2,840m/ Poon Hill 3,210m/ Tadapani 2,610m
Distance: Ghorepani to Tadapani 6.5km
Time: Approximately two hours to hike to Poon Hill-Ghorepani.
Ghorepani to Tadapani 4 hours
This morning get up very early to hike up Poon Hill to watch sunrise (5.15am to 6.15am depending on the season). You can take a packed breakfast with your (hot drinks available on the hill) or enjoy breakfast back at Ghorepani before collecting your bags and trekking on to Tadapani.
Day 04 Tadapani to Ghandruk
Altitude: Tadapani 2,620m/ Ghandruk 1,939m
Distance: Tadapani to Ghandruk 9.8km
Time: Tadapani to Ghandruk 3-4 hours
Today is an easy day hiking through oak and rhododendron forests, listening to birdsong on the way. There is plenty of time to explore the Gurung Museum when you arrive at Ghandruk and learn something about the traditional lives of the Gurung people. You might be interested to know it is from this ethnic group and geographical location that many of the Gurkha soldiers come from.
Day 05 Ghandruk to Naya Pool and drive to Pokhara
Altitude: Ghandruk 1,939m/ Naya Pool 1,100m/ Pokhara 820m
Distance: Ghandruk to Naya Pool 14km/ Naya Pool to Pokhara 62km
Time: Ghandruk to Naya Pool 4-5 hours/ Naya Pool to Pokhara 1.5 hours by vehicle
This morning trek from Ghandruk to Naya Pool, approximately 4-5 hours and then take a local bus or pre-arranged jeep to Pokhara. Arrive back in Pokhara in time to enjoy the nightlife or simply relive your trip through your pics before moving on to your next adventure.
Why Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara in 5 Days?
If you have more time or if you have children then it is good to spread your trek over more days to allow you to go at a more leisurely pace, with some less intense walking days. Spend more time in nature and allow yourself time to get your walking rhythm.
If you want to find out more about the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, please get in touch with us at Magical Nepal.
