Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a very popular short adventure trekking destination which is accessible from the seven-lake city of Pokhara, which has many more things to do. This trek is good for trekkers who have a short time to spend the day in Nepal. This trek normally takes 5 to 6 days.

First drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, which takes around one and a half hours’ drive. The starting point is from 1070 meters to 3210 meters on a top hill from where we can see the magnificent paradise view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, among the highest peaks in the world. The trek starts from Nayapul via Birethanti to Poon Hill and Tadapani to Syaulibazar. This trekking route has many alternative routes too, so you can choose various ways to strengthen your days in the Himalayas.

In this “Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek”, you can go further and more comfortably in comparison to other Himalayan trekking. Food is excellent. Dal Vat, which consists of lentils, dal soup, vegetable curry, tomato pickle, spinach, papad, and other ingredients, is a must-try during this trek., everything is mixed together in one food.

A tea house where you spend the night is somewhat of a luxury. As a trek and tour leader, I have done this Poon hill trek many times. I haven’t counted, but it may be more than 30 times. This trek is one of the most beautiful and scenic short Annapurna treks in Nepal, in my opinion.

Major Facts of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

This trek provides a view of greenery as well as top high white mountains, beautiful birds, rhododendron dense forest, stream, water fall, and the cultural life of the Gurung and Magar people, who have a mongoose fair complexion. The highest point of this Ghorepani Poon hill trek is 3210 m above sea level.

Except for July and August (the monsoon season), the main season for travel in this region is all year. There is a chance of finding leeches that suck blood inside the natural trail during the monsoon season. For this trek, you don’t need much physical fitness. A moderate level is OK. Before you start the trek, like 15 days of juggling, cycling, swimming, etc. There is no chance of getting high altitude sickness.

You have to be in Pokhara, the nearest city, and drive just a few hours to the starting spot. There are lots of tea houses in this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek that provide services like WIFI and showers (Rs100 to 150). The people are very friendly and hospitable by nature. Visitors are always welcome with the unforgettable greeting of “Namaste!”

Country: Nepal
Best time to visit: any time of year (February to June/September to December).
Maximum elevation: 3210 meters above sea level
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Flora: Rhododendron, Magnolia, Japanese Cherry, Christmas Rose,
Fauna: Grey langur, spotted and musk deer, and many beautiful birds.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

Below, I will give you more information about the trip: how to reach, what you need to bring, the water, lodging, and food, and individual costs for the trek. Now let’s start…

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1400 m)

After your arrival at Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (which is the only international airport in Nepal), You will see lots of cars or taxis parked outside the airport.

Be polite, patient and firm in your bargaining, but not more than one or two times, and tell your price how much you can afford. Taxis normally cost between Rs. 700 and Rs. 1000 up to Thamel.

After that, take a taxi to the enchanting center point of Kathmandu called Thamel. There are more than a hundred restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, shops, cafés, discos, and pubs to serve tourists, from cheap to expensive.

Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (830 m) | Drive 6 to 7 hours

Before going to the Ghorepani Poon hill trek, you have to be in Pokhara. Early morning drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu or you can go by flight too, which is only a 30 minute flight, and the drive is just 6 to 7 hrs with scenic views (rivers, waterfalls, green mountains, paddy fields, cattle feeding, school children clutching their books on the way to school and many more).

But, before going by flight or driving, book a ticket from the hotel where you are staying in Kathmandu. If you are going by tourist bus, then it costs only Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1500.

After reaching Pokhara, try to be on the lakeside where a number of hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, discos, and cafés are there to serve the tourists.

Day 03: Trek 5 to 6 hours from Pokhara to Nayapul and Tikhedhunga (1540 m).

Today, at 8:00 a.m., begin driving 45 kilometers to Nayapul, where you will begin your Ghorepani poon hill trek. Take a taxi from the lake side, which costs around Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2500. (Bargain with some idea of what you consider a fair price for driving to Nayapul).

As you arrive at the starting point, take a look around to see that lots of tourists are following the trail. If not, ask the people around you or refer to the information board. As you move, you will pass the suspension bridge and follow the muddy trail.

After crossing the flaggy Modi Bridge after showing the TIMS Cards and Permit, you will be led to a lunch place nearby the Brungdi river beach.

After lunch, heading forward through a beautiful green mountain landscape, you will arrive at Tikhedhunga. Before heading the next day to Ghorepani Poon hill trek, you can stay at Tikhedhunga in Laxmi guest house (foods are organic and fresh to eat). Rooms cost Rs. 300 to Rs. 500.

It depends on the season. In the peak season, it will be expensive. The area has 312 houses with about 1200 people living there.

You can walk 1–2 hours up and down to visit a school where children come from a distant village to study. Just below the lodge there is a 40 KW micro hydro power plant. It is a very beautiful place with a beautiful waterfall.
You can enjoy taking good pictures of it. Actually, the view of the greenery is perfectly awesome, and I liked it.

Day 04: Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2900 m) | 6–7 hour trek

After breakfast, you can head towards Ghorepani Poon hill trek. Today is the most difficult trek as compared to other days. Because today you have to climb up 3700 stone steps as well as definitely gain high altitude from 1540 m to 2900 m.

The whole day you have to head upwards and most of the parts are stone staircases, even after passing the toughest section of 3700 steps.

After reaching the top point of the toughest part, the trail is easy to walk. Because the trail is not always heading upwards.

There are lots of tea houses and stone platforms where you can take a rest and can have either a tea or water or lunch break on this Ghorepani Poon hill trek.

Somewhere, trails are long distance, like for 1 hr. there. You won’t see any tea houses due to the naturally green Rhododendron forest along the way.

But, after strolling for 2 and a half hours, you can reach the beautiful village called Nangethanti, where you can even stop to take a lunch break for an hour.

From there to Ghorepani is just one and a half hours of smooth pacing. Finally, you will see the blue zinc roofed houses of lower Ghorepani.

But, there are two Ghorepani: lower and upper Ghorepani. It’s better to stay in upper Ghorepani, which is also called Deurali. From the upper part, you can see the beautiful mountain view.

I recommend you stay in Hill Top Lodge, which lies at the highest point and the view of the mountain is magnificent.

Day 05: Trek 5 to 6 hours from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2640 m).

Today is an excellent day of the Ghorepani Poon hill trek. Early in the morning, around 5 am, you have to do an excursion hike to the top of Poon Hill for one hour to view the sunrise. Otherwise, it’s better to ask the owner of the hotel before going to sleep tonight.

Because they know very well about the sunrise time. The sunrise is excellent with a stunning view of the mountains. Many trekkers you can see on the trail, whereas there will be no confusion for you to find the trail.
Poon Hill is also only accessible via a trail of stone steps. In the middle, you have to pay Rs. 50 per person. Actually, for the preservation of the Ghorepani Poon hill trek and assistance in the construction of the school.

After reaching the view tower, you can spend some minutes until sunrise comes and enjoy the spectacular view by taking a picture at the highest point of 3210 meters. After that, follow the same trail and descend to the lodge.
As you return, order the breakfast, which takes 15 min to prepare, and go to pack up your belongings and get ready to have breakfast.

After breakfast, I followed the different trail and headed towards Tadapani. Actually, the trail leads upward for one and a half hours and you will reach the same height as the poon hill. From where you can even see the beautiful green mountains with the combination of a white skyline view of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.

And the Ghorepani Poon hill trek trail is slater up and down and all the way descending from village to village with a beautiful natural trail.

But, before reaching Tadapani, you have to climb up for one hour until you reach the rest of the sleep village. Some of the trekkers descend to the next village, Ghandruk.

But, it is better to stay in Tadapani. Because the place is a junction, you can see a close-up, eye-catching view of Fishtail Mountain and the Annapurna range. You feel like touching.

Day 06: Trek 4 to 5 hours from Tadapani to Syaulibazar (1220 m).

After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, you can move from the lodge. Very soon, the Ghorepani Poon hill trek is close to its end. because it is not necessarily important to hurry to move fast or early in the morning.
You can have enough sleep and wake up to enjoy the view of the Annapurna range without feeling like touching it. Because, today you only have to walk for 5 hours to Syaulibazar.

As you have your breakfast, the trail is all about descending and is easy to walk. But, be careful of some parts of the trail that are steep and slippery.

After walking for two and a half hours, you will reach Ghandruk, a peaceful Gurung village with contrasting mountain views. Here you can stop for lunch, descend to Syaulibazar, and stay for the night.

Day 07: Syaulibazar to Pokhara (830 m). Trekking takes 2:30 hours and driving takes 1:30 hours.

Finally, today, the Ghorepani Poon hill trek is going to finish after two and a half hours of strolling along the river beach. Originally, you will be met at the flaky Modi Bridge and return to Nayapul, where you started your trek.

And take a car, which is parked nearby the place, and go back to Pokhara. Once a price you have offered is accepted, it is not appropriate to back out of a bargain or deal for a car.

OR

Ghorepani Poon Hill (Landruk Optional Trek)

If you liked the natural trail and view, you can extend this Poonhill trek after the day of Tadapani, which is as follows:

Day 06: Trek To Landruk (1565 m), walk 5 to 6 hrs.

After breakfast, you have to move downwards through the natural trail, full of forest and natural scenery, up to the amazing town of the Gurung village, Ghandruk.

Many trekkers can be seen coming anti-clockwise on the trail for the Ghorepani Poon hill trek.

After you reach the village, you can make a round of the old Ghandruk village and visit the old museum (the museum costs Rs. 75 per person).

If you are starving or hungry, stop for lunch and the trails lead downwards for one and a half hours on the wide stone staircases with an awesome view. Cross the Modi River Bridge, the trail heads upwards for one hour and you will arrive in Landruk.

A nice Gurung town from where the ice peaks of the Annapurna range contract you. There are nice lodges with delicious food. You can spend the night.

Day 07: 4 hour walk from Landruk to Pothana (1890 m).

From Landruk to Pothana is just four hours of walking through wide gravel trails. After a peaceful walk, there are two ways; one is upwards to Deurali (1 hr.), which is a short cut to reach Pothana, and the other one is a graveled wide trail. You can choose any of these trails.

Finally, you will reach Pothana. A very nice and peaceful village, along with a purely awesome panorama view of the mountains. In the late afternoon, you can go to the checkout entry point to show your permit.

Day 08: Pothana to Phedi (1130 m) and drive back to Pokhara (30 min).

Now today, the Ghorepani Poon hill trek part will finish. After taking your breakfast, move forward and descend through a wide stone trail and paddy field.

You will reach Dhampus. Again, follow the same trail and move downwards. You will arrive at Phedi. From there, take a taxi back to Pokhara.

If you get confused, ask local people about the trail. Many local adult guys know English. Feel free to ask them. Nepalese people are friendly and hospitable by nature, and they feel happier to tell you more as a guest than a tourist.

Is a permit mandatory for this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Yes, a permit is mandatory. Any foreigner who is interested in trekking to any part of the country should obtain a trekking permit from the tourism board or from the department of tourism immigration. Actually, you can go to Exhibition Road in Kathmandu.

There is a nearby tourism board. Take your passport and your details with two passport-size photographs. As you arrive, you need to fill up the form and make the payment, which costs as per below:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: Rs. 3000 per person
• Rs. 1000 for TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems) per person

Another is that for this trek, the permit can also be available in Pokhara. If you are already in Pokhara and have decided to do the Ghorepani Poon hill trek, you have an option.

Wherever you are, either in Kathmandu or in Pokhara, at one place, you can take it. An alternative option is that if you don’t know the place and are worried about the permit, you can go to some of the travel and tour agencies or trekking agencies in Thamel, Kathmandu or in Lakeside, Pokhara.

There are lots of travel agencies waiting to serve you. But, they charge a little as a service charge for it. On the trek, where you have to show the permit, it’s also available but it’s too expensive, like a double charge. Anyway, don’t do so. Better making in cities like Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Food on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Now, I would like to give you information about the foods that are essential for you to know. Firstly, about the food. The majority of the lodges grow their own food on their property.

Especially the vegetables, which are organic and healthy. Food is cooked by local people who are well trained and have standards that can meet the needs of guests. For example, Dal Vat, which is the most typical Nepali food, comprises of rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry made from periodic vegetables available locally. Other dishes include roti, which is a flat dried bread called a chapatti, with curry.

Everything you can get from pizza, muesli, toast, spring rolls, porridge, spaghetti, MoMo, etc. Even apple pie is available on this Ghorepani Poon hill trek. from different continental foods to Nepali food.

Then you will get the menu to choose from with different food items that you like to eat. There will be no problem eating. Don’t forget to eat Dal Vat, which is very tasty and includes all the vitamins and protein along with carbohydrates. It gives you good energy to walk on the mountain.

If you ask some Nepali people about the power of Dal Vat, then you will know the beautiful slogan, “Dal Vat Power 24 hrs.” Don’t forget to carry your favorite snacks like chocolate bars, snickers, kit kat, mints, etc on this Ghorepani Poon hill trek. Because there may be a fixed time to have your lunch. So, whenever you might need energy to walk, Food costs approximately Rs. 2000 to Rs. 2500 per day per person, not including drinks and other extra expenses.

Accommodation on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

In the cities like Thamel in Kathmandu and lakeside in Pokhara, you can find accommodation ranging from very cheap to expensive, from basic tourist lodges to 2 to 5 star hotels. minimum of Rs.1000 to Rs.1000.

Actually, what type of hotel and room do you prefer? AC room or normal basic room? It depends on you.
But, on this Ghorepani Poon hill trek, all the lodge rooms are of basic standard and are on a twin-share basis. Lodges are made by the local people. It looks like a local guest house.

Some of the lodges, like in Ghorepani, have rooms with attached bathrooms in 4 or 5 rooms only. It depends on the lodge. Some of the lodges do not even have one.

All rooms are twin share and have an outside toilet and bathroom. However, most of the lodges’ rooms are in twin share with basic share toilet facilities. The toilet will be outside.

If you want to go, you can ask one of the individuals around or the owner of the lodge. A hot shower is also available for a small fee (Rs.100 to Rs.150 per person) in Ghorepani Poon hill trek.

Rooms are normally charged seasonally, ranging from Rs.250 to Rs.600.If you want a room with an attached bathroom, the cost could be higher.

What about the drinkable water on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Do not forget to carry a bottle of water with you all the time. Until the first day of the trek at Tikhedhunga, you can buy a sealed bottle of mineral water.

From that point to Tadapani, you have to fill the water into your bottle from a big 20 liter sealed jar of water. which is the same as a sealed bottle of water. because the plastic bottle causes an environmental problem.

So, the conservation area has banned the supply of the sealed bottle on the Ghorepani Poon hill trek. If any lodge sells mineral water, then they have to pay a penalty or fine for it.

If anybody local saw that they would have sold, then a Rs.5000 charge of fine should be paid. So, it’s strictly prohibited in that region to sell things like 1 liter sealed bottles of water.

Actually, you need a vacant bottle of yours that you have to fill with water with a little charge like Rs. 50 to Rs. 80 per liter from a big 20-liter sealed jar bottle, which is mineral water.

Purification tablets or drops are also an alternative option for you if you want to use the tap water of villages. In Ghorepani Poon hill trek, the water from the village tap is unsafe to drink.

Do I need a guide and a porter for this Poonhill Trek?

This is a major question from many trekkers before going trekking. Actually, this is a debatable question. But, if you are well prepared and can read the map easily, then you don’t need any guide to trek to the popular parts of the trek in Nepal.

From my point of view, a guide can play an important role in making you comfortable and he will be the person for your questions, issues, and inquires. You can get lots of information from him.

About the place and culture His role will be to inform, direct, and advise you before and during the journey. His responsibilities will be making you interesting, informative, ensuring safety, and helping you with serving food and accommodation.

Do I need guide & porter for this trek?

Let’s suppose if you get into any trouble in the Ghorepani Poon hill trek, he will be your guardian who can play a vital role in making you safe.

He knows everything from rescue to evacuation and translation if your condition gets worse. Another thing is that he is well-certified by the government.

As part of their guide training, they had also received first aid training. Without passing the exam, no one is allowed to be a guide and they cannot get a guide license.

Moreover, regarding porters, it’s very easy to explain that their duty is to make you more comfortable by carrying your belongings and helping make the stay pleasant, homely, and fulfilling.

Normally, some of the trekkers only take porters on short treks like the Ghorepani Poon hill trek. I can advise you that if you don’t want a guide, you can also take a porter who knows the trail very well. However, the majority of them are deficient in the most common English dialect and other languages.

So, it might be difficult for you to understand their language. He can help you with accommodation, serving food, and showing the trail.

Health Condition

While you come for the trekking in Nepal, Your health condition must be good. because there is no specific health requirement for entry into Nepal.

Preventive measures such as medical health checkup and inoculation or vaccination should be done in your country before travelling into Nepal or before going to Ghorepani Poon hill trek.

Visit your doctor for a thorough examination and ask about your health condition and high blood pressure medication. Medicine for any foreseeable illness needs to be brought with you when you come to travel in Nepal.
Outside Kathmandu and Pokhara, pharmacies are few and there may also be a lack of sufficient medical requirements. Common problems like diarrhea, fever, headache, dehydration, blisters, etc. may occur during the trekking period.

If you suffer, then there might not be the facilities that you expect. So, plan accordingly.

Safety for Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

For safety, use your own small personal bag for your important things. like a passport, camera, money belt etc. Beware of pickpockets in crowds or anyplace.

Do not leave any valuables in your room if you are not present. Especially, money and a camera on your Ghorepani Poonhill trek. Bind it around your waist or keep it with you all the time.

Packing Lists for the Poonhill Trekking

Actually, you are not going to a very high altitude on this trek. You only have to reach 3210 m from the sea level. In particular, in the morning and at night, it will be cold. So, normally all the time you have to carry the following items on this Ghorepani Poon hill trek.

• A comfortable medium-sized bag pack with a belly strap
• Trekking boot that is lightweight Because this trek is popular for casual trekkers, So, you don’t need to bring special trekking boots for this trek.
• Extra slippers or light-weight walking shoes for use in the lodges at night.
• A cozy fleece jacket
• 2-3 cotton or sports T-shirts
• 1 raincoat
• Toilet paper can be bought in villages in the mountains. So, you can just carry one.
• One pair of warm pants for the inside leg
• A single suntan lotion or cream
• One pair of windproof outside trekking pants
• At least two pairs of socks
• You can only get a pair of globes for one day if you hike to Poonhill early in the morning.
• 1 towel.
• A sleeping sheet or bag (which you can rent in Pokhara).
• A first-aid kit.