Trek Overview

•Duration: 8 Days

•Difficulty: Easy to Medium

•Maximum Altitude: 3,210m (Poon Hill)

•Starting/Ending Point: Kathmandu

•Best Time: March-May & September-November

•Accommodation: Tea Houses/Lodges + Hotels

•Daily Walking: 4-6 hours

Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara

Drive Duration: 7-8 hours (or 25-minute flight)

Depart Kathmandu early morning for the scenic drive to Pokhara (820m). The journey takes you through beautiful landscapes, terraced hills, rivers, and traditional villages. Alternatively, take a short 25-minute flight for stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and explore the lakeside area. Visit Phewa Lake and enjoy the views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain. Overnight stay in Pokhara hotel.

Day 2: Pokhara to Ulleri (1,960m)

Highest Altitude: 1,960m

Drive Duration: 1.5-2 hours to Nayapul

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

After an early morning departure from Pokhara, drive to Nayapul (1,070m), the official starting point of the trek. From Nayapul, begin your trek through beautiful villages and terraced fields. The trail gradually ascends through rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung settlements. The climb to Ulleri involves ascending the famous stone steps - over 3,000 of them! Overnight stay in a guesthouse at Ulleri.

Day 3: Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,850m)

Highest Altitude: 2,850m

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Start your trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani through beautiful rhododendron forests. The trail offers stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli peaks. Ghorepani, meaning "horse water," is a historic trading post between Tibet and India. The village is surrounded by dense rhododendron forests, which bloom spectacularly during spring (March-April). Overnight stay in Ghorepani.

Day 4: Ghorepani - Poon Hill Sunrise - Tadapani

Highest Altitude: 3,210m (Poon Hill)

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

The highlight of your trek! Wake up early (around 4:30 AM) for the sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m). The 45-minute climb rewards you with breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Watch the sunrise paint the snow-capped peaks in golden hues, including:

•Annapurna I (8,091m)

•Annapurna II (7,937m)

•Annapurna III (7,555m)

•Annapurna IV (7,525m)

•Annapurna South (7,219m)

•Mt. Nilgiri (7,040m)

•Lamjung Himal (6,986m)

•Dhaulagiri (8,167m)

After capturing the magical sunrise, return to Ghorepani, then trek to Tadapani through beautiful forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. Overnight in Tadapani.

Day 5: Tadapani to Jhinu Danda (1,700m)

Highest Altitude: 1,700m

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Trek from Tadapani to Jhinu Danda through lush forests and terraced fields. The trail descends through beautiful landscapes with occasional glimpses of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Upon reaching Jhinu Danda, take a short hike down to the natural hot springs - perfect for relaxing your tired muscles after days of trekking. Overnight stay in Jhinu Danda.

Day 6: Jhinu Danda to Nayapul - Return to Pokhara

Trek Duration: 2-3 hours to Nayapul

Drive Duration: 1.5 hours to Pokhara

Trek from Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, retracing some of the earlier route. The trail passes through beautiful villages and terraced fields. Upon reaching Nayapul, catch a bus or jeep back to Pokhara. Celebrate your successful trek with a relaxing evening by Phewa Lake. Overnight stay in a hotel in Pokhara.

Day 7: Pokhara to Kathmandu

Drive Duration: 7-8 hours (or 25-minute flight)

Begin the scenic drive back to Kathmandu or take a morning flight. The road journey takes you through beautiful landscapes, terraced hills, and traditional villages. If you arrive early in Kathmandu, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel or visit nearby cultural sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square or Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).

Day 8: Departure Day

Your trek adventure concludes today. If you have time before your flight, you can do some last-minute shopping in Thamel or visit any missed cultural sites. Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

Trek Highlights

•Poon Hill Sunrise: Spectacular 360° mountain panoramas

•Cultural Immersion: Traditional Gurung and Magar villages

•Rhododendron Forests: World's largest concentration (blooms in spring)

•Natural Hot Springs: Relaxing soak at Jhinu Danda

•Accessibility: Perfect for beginners and time-limited trekkers

•Mountain Views: Close-up views of 8,000m+ peaks

Essential Information for Trekkers

Required Permits

•ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3,000 for foreigners

•TIMS(Trekkers' Information Management System): NPR 2,000 for individual trekkers

Accommodation

•Tea Houses/Lodges: Basic accommodation available in all villages

•Hotels: Available in Kathmandu and Pokhara

•Booking: Advance booking recommended during peak season

Food Options

•Tea Houses: Dal Bhat (traditional Nepali meal), noodles, soup, tea

•Restaurants: International cuisine available in Kathmandu and Pokhara

•Water: Bottled water available or bring purification tablets

Transportation

•Kathmandu-Pokhara: Tourist bus (NPR 800-1,200) or flight (USD 120-180)

•Pokhara-Nayapul: Local bus or jeep (NPR 200-500)

•Nayapul-Pokhara: Same return options

Essential Packing List

•Hiking boots and comfortable walking shoes

•Warm layers (fleece, down jacket)

•Waterproof jacket and pants

•Sun hat and warm hat

•Sunglasses and sunscreen

•Headlamp and extra batteries

•Water bottle and water purification tablets

•First aid kit and personal medications

•Trekking poles (recommended)

Best Time to Trek

•Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons in bloom, clear mountain views

•Autumn (September-November): Stable weather, excellent visibility

•Winter (December-February): Cold but clear, fewer crowds

•Monsoon (June-August): Not recommended due to heavy rainfall

Difficulty Level

This trek is considered easy to moderate, suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels. The maximum altitude of 3,210m poses minimal risk of altitude sickness. Daily walking duration ranges from 4-6 hours on well-maintained trails.

Tips for Success

•Start physical preparation 2 months before the trek

•Stay hydrated and maintain steady pace

•Respect local culture and customs

•Carry cash for personal expenses

•Book accommodations in advance during peak season

•Consider hiring a guide for safety and cultural insights

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers the perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking, combining stunning mountain views, rich cultural experiences, and accessible trails suitable for all fitness levels.