Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 4 Days Classic Itinerary
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular short Himalayan adventures. Located in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), this 4-day loop combines breathtaking views of 8,000-meter peaks with rich Gurung and Magar village culture. It is an ideal trek for families, beginners, and travelers with limited time.
Quick Summary
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Max Altitude: 3,210 m (Poon Hill)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Start / End: Pokhara
- Best Season: Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sept–Nov)
Daily Itinerary at a Glance
|
Day |
Route |
Walk Time |
Max Elevation |
Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Day 1 |
Pokhara to Nayapul (Drive) \rightarrow Trek to Ulleri |
4–5 hrs |
1,960 m |
Ulleri Stone Steps & Rice Terraces |
|
Day 2 |
Ulleri to Ghorepani |
5–6 hrs |
2,874 m |
Rhododendron Forest Trails |
|
Day 3 |
Ghorepani \rightarrow Poon Hill \rightarrow Tadapani |
6–7 hrs |
3,210 m |
Golden Sunrise over Annapurna & Dhaulagiri |
|
Day 4 |
Tadapani to Ghandruk / Kimche \rightarrow Pokhara |
3–4 hrs |
1,940 m |
Gurung Heritage Village & Return Drive |
Detailed 4-Day Route Breakdown
Day 1: Pokhara – Nayapul – Ulleri
- Drive: 1.5 Hours | Trek: 4–5 Hours | Elevation: 1,960 m Pick up from your hotel in Pokhara at 8:00 AM. Drive to Nayapul, complete permit formalities at Birethanti, and follow the river trail through Tikhedhunga. Ascend the stone stairs to reach the hilltop village of Ulleri.
Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani
- Trek: 5–6 Hours | Elevation: 2,874 m Hike through dense oak and blooming rhododendron forests via Banthanti and Nangethanti. Reach Ghorepani, a bustling village facing the mighty Dhaulagiri mountain range.
Day 3: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani
- Trek: 6–7 Hours | Elevation: 3,210 m (Poon Hill) Early morning 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for an unforgettable sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Return for breakfast, then trek through forest ridges to Tadapani.
Day 4: Tadapani – Ghandruk – Pokhara
- Trek: 3–4 Hours | Drive: 2.5 Hours Trek down to Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village known for traditional stone houses and cultural museums. After lunch, take a vehicle from Ghandruk/Kimche back to Pokhara.
What’s Included and Excluded
Included
- All ground transfers by private vehicle (Pokhara – Nayapul & Ghandruk – Pokhara).
- ACAP Trekking Permit and TIMS Card.
- Government-licensed local guide and porters.
- 3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
- Clean teahouse accommodations.
- Duffel bag, microspikes (winter season), and government taxes.
Excluded
- Hotel and meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Nepal Visa fee & Travel Insurance.
- Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, beverages).
- Tips for guide and porter.
Best Time to Trek
- Spring (March to May): The trails bloom with red, pink, and white rhododendron flowers under mild temperatures.
- Autumn (September to November): Offers clear skies, sharp visibility, and comfortable weather for mountain photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes, the trail is well-maintained with clear paths and teahouse stays every few kilometers, making it ideal for first-time trekkers and family groups.
2. Is altitude sickness a major concern?
No. The maximum sleeping altitude is 2,874 meters (Ghorepani), which is well below the altitude sickness risk zone of 3,500 meters.