Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – Best Short Trek in Annapurna Region

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Kathmandu, your guide will meet you and accompany you to the tourist bus station. You board a comfortable tourist bus for a scenic overland journey to Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most beautiful cities. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hours along the winding Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River for much of the way.

The road offers endless opportunities to admire Nepal’s stunning countryside — terraced hillsides, rushing rivers, traditional villages, and distant views of the Himalayas on a clear day. The bus will make several short stops along the way for tea, snacks, and lunch, giving you time to stretch and take photos of the beautiful landscapes.

Arriving in Pokhara by mid to late afternoon, you are transferred to your hotel near Phewa Lake. After checking in, you have free time to relax by the lakeside, enjoy a peaceful boat ride, or explore the vibrant lakeside market with its cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Pokhara, with breakfast included. Rest well tonight — tomorrow, your trek begins.

After an early breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, your trekking guide and driver will pick you up for a 1.5-hour scenic drive to Nayapul, the starting point of your Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside, crossing rivers and passing small settlements with views of green hills and terraced fields.

At Nayapul, your trekking adventure officially begins. You start walking along a gently ascending trail that passes through the lively village of Birethanti, where your trekking permits are checked at the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) office. From here, the trail follows the Bhurungdi Khola river, crossing small suspension bridges and stone-paved paths.

The walk today is pleasant and gradual, giving you time to get used to the rhythm of trekking. Along the way, you’ll pass charming villages, see farmers working in their fields, and hear the river flowing beside you. After about 3 to 4 hours of easy walking, you reach Tikhedhunga, a small settlement surrounded by green hills and flowing streams.

You will stay overnight in a cozy teahouse here, where you can relax, enjoy a warm dinner prepared by the locals, and prepare for tomorrow’s more challenging climb to Ghorepani.

Today is one of the most rewarding and challenging days of the trek. After an early breakfast at your teahouse in Tikhedhunga, you begin your ascent toward the famous Ulleri steps — a steep stone staircase with more than 3,000 steps that climb up through a mix of terraced farmland and village houses. This section is a real workout, but you will be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding hills and valleys as you gain elevation.

Once you reach Ulleri village (2,070m), you can take a short rest and enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in the mountain scenery. From here, the trail continues on a gentler gradient, winding through one of the most beautiful sections of the trek — the enchanting rhododendron and oak forests. In spring (March to April), the entire forest is ablaze with colorful rhododendron blossoms, turning the trail into a magical paradise.

As you climb steadily through the forest, you may hear birds singing, see streams running alongside the path, and occasionally catch glimpses of snow-capped peaks through the trees. You will pass several small settlements such as Banthanti and Nangge Thanti, where you can stop for lunch and rest.

The final stretch to Ghorepani is a gradual but steady climb, and as you approach the village, the view begins to open up. Ghorepani, situated at 2,850 meters, is a large and welcoming Gurung village known for its spectacular panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Once you arrive, you can relax with a hot drink, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and watch the sunset over the Himalayas if the weather is clear. Overnight stay in a cozy teahouse in Ghorepani, preparing for an early morning hike to Poon Hill tomorrow.

This is the most magical day of your trek — the highlight that makes the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek so famous. Before dawn, you wake up, grab a warm cup of tea, and set off with a headlamp for the short but steep climb to Poon Hill (3,210m), one of the best viewpoints in the Annapurna region.

The 45-minute to 1-hour hike brings you to the top of a grassy hill just in time for sunrise. As the first light of the day touches the snow-capped peaks, you will witness a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas — including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Nilgiri — all glowing in golden hues. This is one of those moments you will never forget, so take your time to enjoy the scene, capture photographs, and simply be present in this incredible setting.

After soaking in the views, you descend back to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast before continuing your trek. Today’s trail follows a beautiful forested ridge with frequent viewpoints overlooking the valleys below and the towering peaks ahead. The walk is peaceful and full of natural beauty, with rhododendrons, moss-covered trees, and the sound of birdsong surrounding you.

The trail gradually ascends and descends through the forest until you reach Deurali Pass, where the mountain views open up once again. After a short rest, you descend through more lush forest, crossing streams and small clearings until you arrive at Tadapani, a small but scenic village perched on a ridge. From here, you have close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre right from your teahouse window.

In the evening, you can relax with a warm drink, watch the sunset over the peaks, and enjoy a freshly cooked dinner before resting for the night. Overnight stay in Tadapani.

Today’s trek is shorter and easier, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed morning and take your time on the trail. After breakfast in Tadapani, you start descending along a beautiful forest trail that winds through towering rhododendrons, oak trees, and mossy rocks. This section of the trek feels peaceful and serene, with birds singing in the canopy and occasional glimpses of the mountains between the trees.

After about 3 hours of gentle walking, you emerge from the forest and arrive in Ghandruk, one of the most picturesque and culturally rich villages in the Annapurna region. Ghandruk is the largest Gurung settlement in the area and is known for its traditional stone houses, slate-paved streets, and warm hospitality.

After checking into your teahouse, you have plenty of time to explore the village. You can visit the Gurung Museum to learn about the culture, history, and military tradition of the Gurung people, many of whom have served in the British and Indian Gurkha regiments. Strolling through the village, you’ll see women in traditional dress weaving baskets or working in the fields, and you might get invited to a local home for tea.

The views from Ghandruk are simply breathtaking — Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) appear so close that it feels like you can almost touch them. As the sun sets, the mountains turn golden, creating a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.

Overnight stay in a cozy teahouse in Ghandruk, enjoying local hospitality and a peaceful mountain atmosphere.

This morning, you wake up to one more stunning sunrise over the Annapurna range — a perfect way to say goodbye to the mountains. After breakfast, you begin a short and pleasant descent to Kimche, following a well-paved stone trail that passes through terraced fields and charming rural scenery. The walk takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, making it a leisurely way to end your trek.

At Kimche, a private vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Pokhara. The drive takes around 2 to 3 hours, winding through hills and passing small riverside villages. Arriving in Pokhara by late morning or early afternoon, you check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax.

This afternoon is a perfect opportunity to enjoy Pokhara at your own pace — take a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit the Tal Barahi Temple on the lake’s tiny island, or simply sit at a lakeside café with a cool drink and watch the reflection of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) dance on the water. For those interested in exploring more, you can visit Devi’s Fall, the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, or the World Peace Pagoda for a panoramic sunset view of the city and lake.

Overnight stay in Pokhara, enjoying a comfortable hotel and a well-deserved rest after completing your trek.

After breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, you board a comfortable tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The drive follows the same scenic route along the Prithvi Highway, offering one last chance to admire the rolling green hills, terraced farms, and riverside landscapes that have framed your journey. There are a few stops along the way for tea, snacks, and lunch.

By late afternoon, you arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you have free time to relax, freshen up, or do some last-minute shopping in Thamel, where you can find handicrafts, trekking gear, singing bowls, and souvenirs to take home.

In the evening, you will be invited to a special farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. Here you can enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine accompanied by a cultural dance and music performance, celebrating the rich traditions of Nepal. This is the perfect way to end your trekking adventure and share stories with your guide and fellow trekkers.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu at a comfortable hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, your unforgettable Ghorepani Poon Hill trek comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time to enjoy a last stroll in Thamel, pick up any final souvenirs, or simply relax at the hotel.

Your guide and driver will then transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. As you take off, you carry with you the incredible memories of Nepal’s majestic mountains, serene villages, and warm hospitality — a journey that will stay with you forever.

This marks the conclusion of your 9-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Kathmandu and Pokhara stay.