Ghorepani Poon hill trekking is famous because of its beautiful rhododendron forests, spectacular mountain views, and traditional cultural experiences. Considered a short and easy trek in Nepal compared to other routes in the Annapurna region due to its lower altitudes and shorter days, this trek offers impressive mountain vistas, and a peek into a traditional Nepali lifestyle. Mountain rock treks and Expeditions would offer Ghorepani poon hill treks for our clients. Ghorepani Poon hill treks let you experience the beautiful mountain views and the rich cultural heritage of the Annapurna Region in western Nepal. The trails will take you to the highest mountains as the backup.
Ghorepani poon hill trek does include some complicated steps. On the way to Ghorepani, we climb a staircase consisting of 3300 steps, and there are many rocks and uphill tracks. However, all this is worth the effort to see beautiful mountains, Annapurna South, Barasikha, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Machapuchru (Fishtail mountain), Dhaulagiri mountain range, and Tukuche Peak. All those views are a pleasure. Next, we follow the River Bhurungdi east, passing low land rice fields and thick jungles where you will see monkeys and many species of birds resting in the trees. Then we leave the river and ascend to higher ground passing traditional villages, giving you the chance to get to know the Nepali people and taste the local dishes. This way left Annapurna base trek after a few days.
Panoramic views from Poon Hill (3200m) will provide you with memories and stories to tell for years to come. By the time you arrive in Pokhara, you will have had an unforgettable trip in the beautiful Annapurna region.
Why Is Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Right for You?
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is sometimes called the Annapurna Panorama Trek, too. But why is this trek right for you? If you have very limited time in Nepal but still want to see the famous mountains and experience the culture and the thrill of trek, then this trek in the Annapurna region is exactly the trek you are looking for in 2025 and 2026.
This 9-day trek starting from Kathmandu basically offers a condensed experience of a longer Nepalese mountain trek. During this trek, trekkers pass via the Charmin villages and immerse themselves in the unique cultures of the Gurung and Magar communities. Similarly, you will climb numerous staircases and pass through the jungles, cross rivers, and ultimately reach an altitude of 3,200 metres, surrounded by some of the world's tallest mountains. The views from the Poon hill are amazing and often considered the most breathtaking we've ever seen. This viewpoint provides uninterrupted, panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna II, and Lamjung.
Another reason why this trek is right for you is its beautiful starting point. What's even better is that it's incredibly accessible from Pokhara, just a 1.5-hour drive from the lakeside town. This trek is also relatively short, spanning only 9 days, making it a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal, especially for those who aren't ready for the commitment of a longer 16+ day trail like the Annapurna Circuit. Moreover, this trek is an affordable adventure, with trek prices starting only from $545 per person.
What Does a Typical Day on Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Look Like?
On a typical day on the trail, your guide will wake you up around 6am Pack your things after freshening and preparing, and head to the dining area for breakfast. Once you've double-checked your luggage and filled your water bottle, you'll start hiking with your guide at 8 a.m. to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the clear mountain views. You'll take breaks to appreciate the scenery and capture photos during the journey. Around noon, you'll have lunch at a local teahouse, followed by a brief rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, and then continue hiking until you reach your overnight resting place. Upon reaching your overnight stop, you'll check into your teahouse, take a break, and enjoy some tea and light snacks. Since the rooms aren't well-insulated, you can stay warm by the heater or stove in the common area. You can spend time exchanging stories or playing cards with fellow trekkers until dinner, which is typically served around 7 p.m. After dinner, your guide will provide details about the next day's trek, including the route, difficulty, and lunch stop. Then, it's time to rest for the night. On average, you'll walk for 4 to 5 hours daily. On Day 4, you must wake up before 4 a.m. and hike to Poon Hill to witness a beautiful sunrise.
9 Days Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Route
The 9-day Ghorepani Poonhill trek is a stunning and easily accessible hiking trail in Nepal that provides a memorable adventure. Your journey in the Annapurna region starts in Pokhara and leads you via scenic villages like Nayapul, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poonhill, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. As you trek, you get to experience the traditional way of life of the local people.
You take a 6-7 hours drive from Kathmandu to reach Pokhara. After staying at night you again take a ride towards Nayapul, which takes about 4 hours from Pokhara. From here, you follow the trail leading to Ulleri, the starting point of the trek. We spent the night at Ulleri and trek the next day towards Ghorepani. To reach Ghorepani, we hike up through beautiful rhododendron forests. Ghorepani is located just beneath the stunning Poon Hill. From Ghorepani, our journey to Poonhill starts. One of the most exciting parts of the Ghorepani trek is the early morning walk to Poon Hill. From there, you can enjoy a magnificent sunrise and take in panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre mountain peaks.
After immersing yourself in the splendour of the Himalayas, you'll journey back to Pokhara, passing through the traditional Gurung villages of Gandruk and Tadapani along the way. While trekking through the Ghorepani route, you'll not only be awed by the natural beauty but also have the opportunity to delve into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Important Notes to Know About
Accommodations
Accommodation is in comfortable lodges, which are also called tea houses here. The lodges you will be staying at during your trek are different from the hotels you stay at in Kathmandu. Simply saying, do not expect the same comfort as the hotel you are staying in, Kathmandu.
These lodges we mention are totally different, consisting only of a simple room with beds and blankets. The local families run these lodges, aka teahouses, in the region.
Each tea house or lodge has a common area in the centre with a big stove to keep you warm and create a cosy atmosphere. The bedrooms don't have heating, but they typically come with two beds in each room, along with mattresses, pillows, and a blanket. Since this trek isn't extremely high in altitude, we suggest bringing extra things you need for your stay. There are no private washrooms with shower heads, so you may have to ask to heat some water to take a bath.
Foods
Ghorepani Poonhill trek is a popular trek through the trekking area of Nepal. So you do not have to worry about encountering only the limited numbers of teahouses, restaurants, and other facilities during the trek. The same saying goes for the food choices as well.
During the Ghorepani Poonhill trek, teahouses offer a diverse menu for all three meals here: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Generally, the breakfast options during the trek include oatmeal, cornflakes, French toast, eggs in various styles, pancakes, and more, with the flexibility to request specific items. Moreover, lunch and dinner offerings are similar, with the popular choice being Dhal Bhat, a nutritious Nepalese dish. Additionally, you can enjoy noodles, dumplings, soups, pizza, and more. Teahouses also serve roti, curries, and various potato, noodle, rice, bread, and egg dishes. Mealtimes are bustling as trekkers come together in these teahouses, creating a vibrant atmosphere. If the menu doesn't meet your preferences, teahouses are accommodating, and special requests can be made. The teahouse staff are attentive and dedicated to ensuring a satisfying dining experience for all trekkers.
Packing List
For the Poon Hill trek, we advise you to wear trekking clothes and layer up with warm clothing. Opt for a 3-season sleeping bag and lightweight trekking boots with good ankle support to reduce the risk of ankle injuries. Heavy boots, although protective, can be uncomfortably warm and bulky. Many trekkers prefer cross trainers for their comfort, but be cautious to avoid ankle sprains. Don't forget to pack hats, gloves, multiple pairs of cosy socks, and walking poles to assist during descents. Be prepared for rain by bringing a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. As the weather can get quite hot in May, you'll likely be trekking in shorts and a T-shirt, so protecting yourself from the sun is important. For the detailed packing list you can check our blog here.
Difficulty Level of The Trek
As the popularity of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek keeps growing, many people wonder how difficult it is.
The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a moderately challenging trek considered one of the more comfortable options in the Annapurna region of Nepal. While it doesn't involve technical climbing skills, it's not as easy as a stroll in the park. But we can definitely say that this trek is easier than the treks like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna circuit treks.
The difficulty level of any trek depends on factors like altitude, terrain, weather conditions, the availability of teahouses and lodges along the route, and more. Similarly, the Poonhill Trek path includes downhill and uphill sections, with some steep and narrow ridges. The trek's difficulty level depends on the route's terrain and the time of year you decide to undertake it.
The entire Ghorepani Poonhill trek covers an area of around 40 to 44 kilometres, depending on your chosen route. Normally, to cover this distance, you'll need to hike for about 6 to 7 hours each day for a week. You will reach the vantage point at Poonhill, around 3,210 metres. This is the highest altitude you will be reaching during your Poonhill trek. While the risk of altitude sickness is relatively low, it's important to maintain good physical fitness to protect yourself from it.
Permits and Requirements for the Trek
Only a few treks in Nepal do not require trekking permits, and the Ghorepani Poonhill trek is definitely among those. For this trek, trekkers must obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit and the TIMS (Tourist Information Management System) card. Trekkers can be conveniently obtained from either the Nepal Tourism Board's office in Kathmandu or the Tourist Information Centre in Pokhara. Similarly, to get this permit, you will need to provide these documents and information: a copy of your passport, two passport-sized photos, the precise dates of your trek's start and end, your trek itinerary, entry and exit points, emergency contact details (both local and from your home country), and details of your travel insurance.
Children under 10 years old do not require permits. For entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), foreigners must pay NRS 3000 per person, while citizens of SAARC countries are charged NRS 1000, and Nepalese citizens only NRS 100. If you're trekking with a guide, you'll need a TIMS Card, which costs NRS 2000.
Will I Get Altitude Sickness During the Trek?
Ghorepani Poonhil Trek is a safe and easy Himalayan adventure in the Annapurna region. You may wonder, safe in what context? Well, the highest point we will reach is Poon Hill, at 3,210 metres, and we will not spend too much time at this altitude. In fact, the entire trek keeps you below 3,000 metres, minimising the risk of altitude sickness.
The symptoms related to altitude sickness are dizziness, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. These symptoms generally arise when you are travelling above 2400 m. However, this trek's well-designed itinerary allows your body to acclimate gradually, minimising these symptoms' risk. If you feel the effects of altitude, rest, Diamox (a medication that can help), and staying hydrated with water, tea, and soup can alleviate the discomfort.
To avoid altitude sickness, walking at a slow, steady pace and drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. Rushing to your destination may increase the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. If symptoms worsen, it may be necessary to descend to a lower altitude for medical help and, in extreme cases, arrange an air evacuation to places like Pokhara or Kathmandu for proper medical care.
Experts design the itinerary of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek to allow your body to adapt to the lower oxygen levels in the mountain air. Altitude sickness is an important concern that troubles every traveller before a trek, so here is more detailed information on altitude sickness.
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