7-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Nepal with Gurung and Magar Villages

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 A glimpse of incredible snowscape vistas from Poon Hill, greatly admired at sunrise
• 02 Revel in the ethnic aura of the Magars at Ulleri and explore Gurung life in Ghandruk
• 03 Traverse vibrant rhododendron woodland and lush valleys in the Annapurna region
• 04 Rejoice in the marvellous waterfalls and terraced fields along the trail

Trek to one of Nepal's most beautiful destinations on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, following forest trails and gushing Himalayan streams through the Annapurna region. Along the way, discover the cultural heritage of the Gurung and Magar communities, pass vibrant rhododendron woodlands and lush valleys, and enjoy marvellous waterfalls and terraced fields. The journey culminates at Poon Hill, widely admired for its incredible sunrise vistas.

The journey culminates at Poon Hill, widely admired for its incredible sunrise vistas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Ghorepani, Ghandruk

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival at Kathmandu (1400m)

• Today, you’ll go to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway on a private vehicle/tourist bus. The journey will take about 7-8 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. The Serpentine National Highway comprises numerous twists and turns that might make you wobbly. But the hardship also comes with some delight. 
• You’ll observe the mighty rivers, i.e., Trishuli and Masryangdi, flowing ferociously alongside the highway. Throughout the journey, you’ll pass by numerous towns with radiant local markets full of people buying/selling essential commodities. 
• You will also witness the scenic mountain vistas, including the hills with green vegetation nearby and the snow-capped mountains at a distance.
• Once at Pokhara, you can take delight in visiting different landmark sites and various lakes located inside the vicinity of the ‘Lake City’ such as International Mountain Museum, World Peace Pagoda, Tal Barahi Temple, Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake and much more. Or, if adventure sports excite you more, you can try various adventure sports like bungee jumping, paragliding, zip flying, etc.

2

Day 02

Pokhara (8,30m) to Ulleri (1,690m) (1-hour drive, 7-8 hours hike)

• After breakfast, we drive in a private vehicle to Nayapul (1,070m), which takes approximately one hour. 
• Eventually, we descend on the trail that passes through the vintage rhododendron forest along the banks of Modi Khola to Birethanti (1,015m). 
• We must show our TIMS and Trekking pass at the ACAP check-post. From this point onwards, the trail continues along the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola and then ascends uphill to Hille (1,495m).
• After a brief and gentle climb, we arrive at the village of Tikhedhunga (1,540m). 
• En route, we will run into graceful rice and millet fields. Staying on the trail, we will encounter a bit of a tough stretch that includes 3000 stone steps that eventually lead to Ulleri (2,070m).

3

Day 03

Ulleri (1,690m) to Ghorepani (2,874m) (5-6 hours)

• At the village of Ulleri, we will catch the initial sighting of the mighty Himalayas, which encompass the peaks of Annapurna South (7,219m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). 
• After getting the motivation through snowscapes, we trek to the village of Banthanti (2,250m), primarily inhabited by the native Magar communities. 
• Further, the trail passes through the alluring forest of rhododendrons and oak, Asia's largest. 
• Here, we will have a window of opportunity to gaze at the colorful rhododendron flowers, especially red, blooming throughout the entire forest, which seems like a ‘Garden belonging to heaven on Earth'.
• With this divine sight on our minds, we trek across Nangethanti (2,430m) and finally to today’s final destination: the village of Ghorepani.

4

Day 04

Ghorepani (2,874m) to Ghandruk (1,500m) (7-8 hours)

• Ghorepani is one of the biggest villages in the Annapurna Region, predominantly inhabited by Magar communities. The word Ghorepani originates from two Nepali words: Ghora, which means Horses, and Pani, which means water. This place was a resting stop where ancient traders found water for their horses. But today, the village has a few guest houses that provide lodging and meals to people trekking in the Annapurna Region.
• You’ll spend the night before an early morning trek to the apex of Poonhill, which takes about 2 hours (including ascending and descending to/from Poonhill) to witness the astonishing sunrise vistas. 
• At Poonhill, you’ll be stunned to see the sky painted red and orange by the sunrise hues.
• Once we return to Ghorepani, we can observe the splendid panoramic outlook of the snow-capped peaks of Dhaulagiri Massif, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre on a clear day. 
• We can also experience the traditions and culture of the natives, which never cease to amaze us!! After that, we ascend on the trail, ushering to Deurali (2,920m), then advance through the prepossessing rhododendron forest. 
• From here, we progress down to Banthanti (3,180m) and then the village of Tadapani (2,630m). 
• From this point onwards, we trek to Bhise-Kharka across the forest on the trail leading to the Ghandruk Village.

5

Day 05

Ghandruk to Pokhara (8,30m)

• The village of Ghandruk is primarily populated by the native Gurung communities, which makes this village the largest Gurung settlement in the Annapurna Region. The exquisite village flaunts the 360o vistas comprising the picturesque snow-capped peaks of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre Range, and Hiunchuli mountains. 
• Here, you’ll also get the right set of circumstances to experience and learn the Gurung tradition and culture of friendly natives themselves. A visit to the Ghandruk Gurung Museum will also help a lot.
• Waving goodbye to friendly natives, we trek to Syaulibazar. Afterwards, pursuing the trail that passes from the corner of the Modi Khola, we arrive at Birethanti (1,015m) and Nayapul (1,070m). 
• From here, we’ll take a ride on a private vehicle to Pokhara, which will take about 1 hour.
• At Pokhara City, you can enjoy an evening stroll, cycle around the enchanted Lakeside area, or enjoy the alluring sunset vista at Sarankot (10 km west of Pokhara City).

6

Day 06

Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,330m)

• Today, you will head to Kathmandu on a private vehicle/tourist bus via Prithvi Highway, which takes about 7-8 hours, depending on the traffic conditions. 
• You’ll get a glance at the life of a commoner who lives outside the valley. From this trip, you’ll realize why we Nepalese fall under the top 10 in the ‘Ecological Footprint’ criteria of the Happy Planet Index published by the New Economics Foundation (NEF).
• Once in Kathmandu city, you can utilize your final moments in the country by visiting the places you previously were unable to visit, or you can click some pictures and buy some handicrafts as souvenirs.

7

Day 07

Final Departure

• Today marks the end of your adventures in the Himalayan Nation. We are happy to have had the opportunity to help you throughout your entire expedition, sharing every difficult and joyful moment. We expect to see you again and hope that we can be helpful to you when you plan your next adventure in Nepal.
• This time, our representative will accompany you to the airport to ensure you have a safe flight back home.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• 6 nights/7 days package trekking as per the itinerary
• All ground transportation by private vehicle, flight, or tourist bus
• Professional and friendly guide/porter
• Staff salary, accommodation, food, and insurance
• TIMS and trekking permits
• Welcome dinner and drinks
• Three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
• Deluxe accommodation with free breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Tea house accommodation during the trek
• Money exchange service
• Duffel bag and luggage storage
• Trekking gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, down jacket, and map), to be returned after the trip
• Appreciation certificate after the trek
• First aid service
• Rescue service in emergency cases only
• All government taxes

What's Not Included

• Nepal visa fee
• International airfares
• Travel insurance for clients
• Extra night accommodation and activities
• Tips for the staff
• Dinner, lunch, and drinks in the city
• Drinks during the trek
• Dessert
• Personal expenses (mobile recharge card, battery charger, hot water, shower, extra porters, laundry, and WiFi)
• Round-trip flight (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu) - $310 per person
• Round-trip car (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu) - $200 for up to 3 pax, $400 for up to 8 pax

What to bring

• Trekking poles
• Waterproof hiking boots, slippers, or normal shoes (extra pair for the trek)
• 2-3 pairs of socks
• Quick-dry clothes
• A long raincoat for rain protection
• Water purification system: filter or pills
• Sleeping bag - not necessary
• Warm clothes for the morning and evening, such as pants and a windproof jacket
• Shorts and a T-shirt for daytime and innerwear
• Toilet rolls, hand sanitizer, sun cream, backpack, towels, soap, shampoo, etc.
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Headlamp for the early morning trip to Poon Hill
• Camera with an extra memory card, battery charger, and spare battery
• Trekking and hiking pants
• Backpack cover
• Chocolate bars, energy bars, snacks, etc.

Know before you go

• Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk Trek provides trekkers with detailed insight into the diverse ecosystem of the Annapurna region. It is a short yet rewarding trek that sheds light on the traditions and lifestyle of local communities in Western Nepal. The blissful trail proceeds through mossy waterfalls, picturesque mountain villages, and forests of radiant rhododendrons. Apart from that, the trip leads you to Poonhill, widely celebrated for the pre-eminent sunrise vistas it offers.
• The village of Ghandruk is also celebrated as the 'Land of Gurungs' and is the largest Gurung settlement in the region. Ghandruk flaunts exquisite panoramas of craggy Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South emerging between the clouds.
• You don't need to worry about acclimatization issues, and the trek doesn't demand much physical fitness. It is appropriate for hikers with different strength levels.
• March to May and September to November are the best time periods we recommend for this trek.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Himalayan Trekking Path Pvt. Ltd., Hotel Dream City, Paknajol Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tour start

Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.