Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 9 Days
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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: A Short and Magnificent Himalayan Adventure
Country: Nepal
Duration: 9 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Activity: Trekking/Hiking
Maximum Altitude: 3,210 meters (10,531 feet)
Best Seasons: Feb-May, Sep-Dec
Accommodation: Tea House & Hotel
Meals: Included
Start/End Point: Kathmandu
Highlights of the Poon Hill Trek:
- Hike through lush rhododendron forests and terraced farms.
- Witness the enchanting sunrise at Poon Hill, casting a golden glow over the Himalayan peaks.
- Majestic views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges.
- Immerse yourself in Gurung culture at Ghandruk Village.
Overview:
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular short treks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This trek is ideal for those who seek a relatively easy yet incredibly rewarding Himalayan experience.
Starting and ending in the picturesque city of Pokhara, the trek transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color during spring and a snowy wonderland during winter. The journey takes you through picturesque valleys adorned with terraced fields and dense mossy forests, with the true spring spectacle unfolding in the vibrant rhododendron forests.
Trip Note
Please be advised that extensive road construction along the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, trekkers’ health conditions, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situation’s possible solutions allow the trekking to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility.
It is advised you arrive a day before the trip starts date so you can rest and it also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required for the trek. Also, it is best if you book your international flights with spare days in Nepal before and after your trek in case of any flight delays or cancellations due to technical reasons. Moreover, you have options to customize this trip where you can add on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, Pokhara, other adventure sports or day trips around the country before or after the trek.
Included/Exclude
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights) including breakfast
- Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek in the Annapurna region for 4 nights
- All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including one hot drink and seasonal fruits
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking All Himalayan Trek and Expedition trekking guide
- Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Filtered water in the trails using Water Filter or using water purification tablets
- Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara and private tourist vehicle from Pokhara to Birethanti and from Syauli Bazaar to Pokhara
- A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- All administrative expenses and government taxes
- Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Tips to trekking staff and driver
- Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Personal Trekking gear and equipment
- Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
One of our officials will greet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, upon your arrival. We will take you to the hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Pre-trip meeting will be done and you will meet with your trip guide. Make sure to confirm your queries about trekking in the mountains.
Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30 am. Pokhara is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake.
Pokhara Road Update
Please be advised that extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Alternatively, there is the option to take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. The cost for a one-way flight is USD 130 per person.
The city is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
On this day, we head out of Pokhara in a private vehicle. After two hours drive, we reach Birethanti (1,039 m/3,409 ft). After a couple of hours’ hike, we reach Hile (1,495 m/4,905 ft), a large village with many shops and teahouses.
From there, the trail continues through the village and follows the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola. The route declines somewhat at first as you continue your journey from Hile. But soon after, you must trek a long, arduous ascent uphill before reaching Ulleri.
We move on towards the steep climb to Ulleri, a large Magar village at an altitude of 2,070 m/6,791 ft. The trail ascends more gently from this point, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons, towards Banthanti at 2,250 m/7,382 ft. Then we trek towards Nangethanti at 2,460 m/8,071 ft. After an hour’s walk, we arrive at Ghorepani (2,810 m/9,219 ft).
Today, very early in the morning, we start an hour hiking to Poon Hill at an elevation of 3,210 m/10,531 ft, a brilliant mountain range spectacle; this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas.
We spend about 1 hour there and return to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast. Then we climb along ridges, and through pine and rhododendron forests, towards Deurali (2,960 m/9,711 ft). After that, we descend to the Banthanti and then turn off to Tadapani.
From Tadapani, the trail descends through forests to Ghandruk, a village of Gurung people, one of the ethnic groups of Nepal. They have their own dialect, culture, costume, and lifestyle.
Ghandruk is also home to many Gurkha soldiers. It is a famous destination for trekkers because of its beautiful mountain views. In addition, it is within easy reach of Pokhara and Kathmandu. We have the afternoon to visit Annapurna Conservation Office and museums and explore the village.
Today, the trek begins along the agricultural terrace farms and stone-paved pathways. Reaching Syauli Bazaar marks the end of our trek, followed by a short drive back to Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara, you can have a relaxing afternoon and stroll around the lakeside.
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you).
Pokhara Road Update
Please be advised that extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Alternatively, there is the option to take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. The cost for a one-way flight is USD 130 per person.
Our Ghorepani Poonhill trek concludes today. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.