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5D 4N
Daily Tour
15 people
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The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal and not without reason. It provides exquisite mountain scenery, friendly ethnic villages, rhododendron forests, and one of the world’s best sunrise viewpoints within a very few days. Whether you’re a trekking beginner or simply short on time, this trek has a wonderful mix of nature, culture, and convenience.
Ideal for solo travelers, families, and even elderly travelers, the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a low-altitude, easy Himalayan trek with well-rewarding views and real local culture.
Trek Highlights
Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m) – Watch the first light hit snow-capped peaks such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.
Cultural immersion – Walk through Gurung and Magar villages such as Ghorepani and Ghandruk and enjoy the warmth of the locals.
Rhododendron forests – Walk through stunning jungle trails, particularly scenic in spring.
Best short trek – Only 4 to 5 days, with comfy teahouse lodges and gentle daily trekking hours.
Near Pokhara – Trek start and end in Nepal’s relaxed lakeside town.
How long does the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek last?
The trek lasts 4 to 5 days, depending on your speed and schedule. Most treks begin at Nayapul (a short drive from Pokhara), overnighting at Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk en route back to Pokhara.
If time is of the essence, then the trek might be completed in 3 days of hectic schedule, but 4–5 days provide leisurely time and time to soak in the scenery.
How Challenging is the Poon Hill Trek?
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is moderate to easy. It’s great for beginners and doesn’t require technical know-how. 4–6 hours of walking are incorporated into most days, with plenty of resting times. The most physical challenge is the stone stairway from Tikhedhunga to Ulleriaround 3,000 steps but well-paced and easily manageable with good basic fitness.
Even kids and old people can make this trip without any hassle, particularly with the help of a local guide.
Why is Ghorepani so popular?
Ghorepani is best known as the starting point of Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most spectacular views. Trekkers wake up early from this small mountain village to climb to the summit of the hill to view the sunrise over the Himalayas. The Ghorepani village itself is a peaceful village ringed by rhododendron forest and filled with picturesque teahouses, a fine spot to overnight break on your trek.
How far away is Ghorepani Trek from Ghandruk?
Ghorepani to Ghandruk Trek is usually 1 to 1.5 days depending upon your walking speed. Distance travels approximately 15–18 km via Tadapani, another pleasant forest village. This section of the trek consists of jungle trails with lush vegetation, birds, and sporadic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Quick Facts
Trekking Duration: 4–5 days
Highest Altitude: 3,210 meters (Poon Hill)
Best Time: March–May & September–November
Beginning/End Point: Nayapul or Ghandruk (via Pokhara)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Permits Needed: TIMS Card + Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1.5 hrs), Trek to Ulleri
Day 2: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani
Day 3: Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, trek to Tadapani
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk
Day 5: Trek to Kimche, drive back to Pokhara
Final Thoughts
Desiring a short but stunning Himalayan trek that offers its best? Your solution is the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. With stunning views of mountains, rich culture, and a moderately easy track suitable for all ages, it comes as no surprise then that this is still a traveler favorite in Nepal.
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Drive: 1.5 hours
Trek: ~5 hours
After breakfast in Pokhara, you’ll take a scenic drive along the countryside to Nayapul, where the trail begins. The walk starts gently, passing through small villages like Birethanti, with its cobbled alleys and riverside charm. As the path winds upward, you’ll reach Tikhedhunga, where stone staircases signal the ascent to Ulleri a lively Magar village perched on the hillside.
Local Tip: The trek from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri is famous for its allegedly never-ending stone steps over 3,000 of them! Slow down and enjoy the changing views.
Night in Ulleri – Unwind with a hot Nepali supper and converse with locals in front of a warm stove.
Trek: ~4-5 hours
This morning's hike is trekking through thick stands of rhododendron, especially colorful in the spring when flowers are a red and pinkish color. Hear birds singing and maybe even catch a glimpse of a langur monkey jumping from branch to branch.
When you arrive at Ghorepani, a lively village in the middle of the mountains, you're greeted by fresh air and start to see white peaks sticking out above the horizon.
Highlight: Unobstructed sight of Annapurna South and Nilgiri from your teahouse window.
Stay overnight at Ghorepani – Spend the evening with trekkers, hearing dal bhat and mountaineering stories.
Sunrise Hike: ~1 hour ascent
Hike to Tadapani: ~5 hours
Wake up before dawn and hike by torchlight to Poon Hill (3,210m). As the first rays break over the horizon, you’ll witness a 360° panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges an unforgettable moment.
After soaking it in and snapping photos, return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue your trek through mossy forests to Tadapani, a quiet stop surrounded by trees and birdlife.
Local Taste: Try yak butter tea at its best a local favorite!
Overnight stay in Tadapani – A peaceful forest haven with spectacular mountain vistas.
Trek: ~4 hours
The path now drops into dense forest and occasional clearings with expansive views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). The path winds into traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk, with its stone buildings on narrow lanes and kids playing in schoolyards above the clouds.
Local Experience: Visit the Gurung Cultural Museum and learn about local dress, traditions, and mountain lifestyle.
Evening: If you are in a family lodge, listen to the folk songs and stories.
Trek: ~1 hour
Drive: ~2.5 hours
Enjoy your last Himalayan morning with a relaxed breakfast with mountains in front of you. Take an easy walk down to Kimche, where your vehicle awaits. Drive back to Pokhara, where hot showers, lakefront restaurants, and that celebratory cocktail will await you.
Optional: Include an additional day or two in Pokhara for paragliding, boating, or lake yoga
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek typically takes 4 to 5 days, depending on your pace and route. It’s short enough to fit into most travel plans, but still offers some of the best views in the Himalayas.
It’s considered an easy to moderate trek, perfect for beginners, families, and those with limited time. There are some steep stone steps (especially around Ulleri), but most people in decent shape can complete it without any issues.
Ghorepani is known for its spectacular mountain views and as the gateway to Poon Hill, one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Nepal. It’s also a charming village with warm hospitality and vibrant rhododendron forests in spring.
Poon Hill stands at 3,210 meters (10,531 ft). It’s high enough for incredible Himalayan views, but not so high that you’ll experience major altitude issues. A perfect balance for a short trek.
Yes! The trail is well-marked and there are teahouses at every stop. Many solo travelers enjoy this route because it’s safe, social, and ideal for meeting fellow hikers along the way.
The trek from Ghorepani to Ghandruk via Tadapani takes about 6-7 hours depending on your pace. It's a scenic descent through forests and small villages—definitely one of the highlights of the route.
The best times are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Expect clear skies, amazing mountain views, and comfortable temperatures—plus rhododendrons in full bloom during spring!
You’ll need two permits: the TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These can be arranged easily in Pokhara or through a trekking agency.
A guide is optional, but highly recommended if you want a deeper local experience. Guides can share cultural insights, help with logistics, and make your trek smoother—especially if it’s your first time in Nepal.
Most treks start from Nayapul, a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara. From there, you begin walking through villages like Tikhedhunga and Ulleri on your way up to Ghorepani.
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