Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Ghandruk - 8 Days

Trip Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek was popular in the 80s, 90s, early 2000s and equally popular today for its easy accessibility and the magnificent sunrise views with the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from Poonhill at 3210m. With development of motorable roads, the total trekking distance is limited to total 25Km which is completed in 2 and half day moderate trekking. It is well suited for the first time hikers in the Himalayas, family with children or a group of friends with limited time. 

This 8 day, 7 night itinerary combines sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara with a trek through Tirkhedhunga, Ulleri and Ghorepani, then onward through Tadapani to Ghandruk before looping back to Pokhara. Along the way you pass terraced farmland, rhododendron and oak forest and traditional Gurung villages. The main highlight is the early morning hike to Poon Hill Viewpoint at approximately 3,210 m, the highest point of the trip, with close views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre on clear days.

Trip Detail

Itinerary Overview

This 8 day trip begins with arrival in Kathmandu, followed by an overland drive to Pokhara to visit Phewa Lake and the World Peace Pagoda. From Pokhara you drive to Tirkhedhunga and start trekking to Ulleri, then climb on to Ghorepani. Early the next morning you hike up to Poon Hill for sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, then continue the loop over to Tadapani rather than turning back the way you came. From Tadapani you descend into Ghandruk, spend time exploring the village and having lunch, then drive down to Pokhara. The trip closes with a day to explore Pokhara before an afternoon drive back to Kathmandu, followed by breakfast and international departure.

Here is a quick look at how your 8 day trip unfolds.

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel, and visit Swayambhunath if time permits.

• Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and visit Phewa Lake and the Peace Stupa.

• Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Tirkhedhunga and trek to Ulleri.

• Day 4: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani.

• Day 5: Hike to Poon Hill Viewpoint for sunrise, trek down to Tadapani.

• Day 6: Trek to Ghandruk, lunch and village exploration, drive back to Pokhara.

• Day 7: Explore Pokhara, afternoon drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

• Day 8: Breakfast and fly back home.

Why You Will Love This Trip

• Experience Sunrise at Poon Hill: Poon Hill is the main highlight of this trek. The early morning hike takes you to approximately 3,210 m, where clear weather can reveal wide views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Machhapuchhre across the Annapurna range.

• A Gentle Introduction to Himalayan Trekking: This trek reaches a maximum altitude of about 3,210 m and has no long high altitude days, making it well suited to first time trekkers. The walking days are shorter and less demanding than most Himalayan treks, yet the trail still delivers real mountain scenery, forest trails and a genuine sense of the Annapurna foothills.

• Walk Through Gurung and Magar Villages: Tikhedhunga, Ulleri and Ghorepani each reflect the traditional stone architecture and daily life of the Gurung and Magar communities of the Annapurna foothills, giving the trek a strong cultural dimension alongside the mountain scenery.

• Rhododendron and Forest Trails: The trail between Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani passes through forests of rhododendron, oak and magnolia, which are especially colorful when the rhododendrons bloom in spring, and offer cool shaded walking in other seasons.

• A Complete Loop Trail: Instead of walking back the same way you came from Ghorepani,, this itinerary continues over the ridge to Tadapani and drops into Ghandruk, so every trekking day covers new ground and new scenery instead of a repeated trail.

• Ghandruk, a Real Gurung Village: Ghandruk is one of the largest and best preserved Gurung villages in the Annapurna region, with stone paved lanes, a Gurung heritage museum and some of the closest mountain views of the entire trek visible right from the village.

• Enjoy Time in Pokhara: Pokhara provides a relaxed contrast to the mountain trek. The itinerary includes visits to Phewa Lake and the World Peace Pagoda before the trekking section, then a full free day in Pokhara after the loop is complete, giving you more room to rest or explore the lakeside than a straight turnaround trip.

Altitude & Activities

This is an easy to moderate trek that reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 3,210 m at Poon Hill Viewpoint, with uphill and downhill walking on mountain trails between Tirkhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk. The itinerary also includes road travel between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Tirkhedhunga.

Accommodation and Meals

You will spend three nights in comfortable 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with daily breakfast included. During the trek, you will stay in mountain lodges or tea houses along the route, with full board meals of breakfast, lunch and dinner included from Tirkhedhunga through Ghandruk.