Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Ghandruk
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Ghandruk Village is still relevant among the short and easy treks in Nepal. It’s easy, short, panoramic, accessible, affordable, and best fit for all-aged travelers. Whether it’s a family with kids, a couple on a honeymoon tour, novice trekkers, or friends in groups, this five-day trek can be a wholesome mid-hills adventure in the heart of Annapurna Sanctuary.
Starting from Pokhara, you can hike to Ghorepani, visit Poon Hill vantage point, and return to Pokhara in three days also. However, for a complete experience of this region, we recommend you visit Ghandruk Village, which will take five days. It’s a significant Gurung village with enriched culture, heritage, mountain scenery, and luxurious accommodation. Thus, embarking on the five days Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek gives you a complete experience of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek- Highlights
- A picturesque glimpse of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and more mountains of the region.
- Visit Ghorepani and Ghandruk, two beautiful hamlets and vantage points in Annapurna Sanctuary.
- Wake up to the sunrise and chill with an elegant sunset over the Annapurna mountains, all days on the trek.
- Short and easy trek, best fit for novice trekkers and families with kids.
- Walk along the serene and vibrant rhododendron, oak, and pine forest with cascading streams.
- Comfortable accommodation, hygienic meals, an experienced trek guide, private jeep transportation, and wholesome trek photos and videos.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost
As the trekking season has resumed, we’ve updated the trek cost and made it affordable so that more people can trek with us to Ghorepani and Ghandruk. Without compromising on the trek cost, here’s what we’ve set for the five days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek costs for the 2025/26 season.
|
Pax |
Cost per person (USD) | Availability | Want to book? |
| 1-2 | 550 | Available | |
|
3-4 |
520 | Available | Inquire Now |
| 5-6 | 500 | Available | |
|
7 and more |
480 | Available |
Cost Details
To put things into perspective, here’s what you’ll get and won’t after paying the trek cost for us. However, for add-ons and additional requirements, kindly notify us before booking the trek so that we can provide you with the actual trek cost.
Cost Excludes
- WiFi, hot shower, bottled water, and hot drinking water
- Hot and cold drinks other than those mentioned in 'cost includes'
- Additional meals other than those mentioned in 'cost include'
- Additional accommodation in Pokhara
- Helicopter rescue or medical evacuation (covered by travel insurance)
- A Trek porter will be provided in a group of two trekkers. For individual trekkers, a trekking porter costs USD 80 for a 5-day trek.
- Tips to trek guide and porter
Let’s explore a few elements in detail that contribute to making this trek a must in 2025.
Amazing Mountain Scenery
The view of unparalleled mountain panorama without strenuous trek is what makes Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek popular among every trekker. It’s not that they do this trek because it’s easy. It’s more about the appealing mountain panorama during sunrise and sunset.
The most striking mountains you’ll see from Poon Hill are Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Dhampus Peak, and Tukuche Peak. You’ll get the complete sight of these mountains as Poon Hill is a vantage point with no obstructing hills around.
Moreover, you’ll see Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South from Ghandruk Village. The sunrise and sunset colors over these mountains elevate the viewing experience.
Add the rhododendron blossoms of Spring. Amidst the vibrant rhododendron blossoms, you’ll view the snow-capped Annapurna mountains. The striking red, white, and blue colors please your eye to the fullest.
Short and Easy Trek: Best for novice trekkers
Five days Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek is an absolute mid-hills adventure for novice trekkers. The short walking distance, easy-to-moderate trek route, comfortable lodges, and affluent amenities make this trek best if you’re new to trekking. Moreover, families with kids and elderly citizens can embark on this adventure without experiencing significant issues.
What appeals to novice trekkers and elderly to embark on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is that it sits in mid-hills where 3,200 meters is the highest elevation. This elevation is entirely free of the risk of altitude sickness. Due to this, everyone finds it an easy trek to embark on without any strenuous walk of high-altitude terrain.
Moreover, the walking distance each day isn’t long. On average, embarking on Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek, you’ll walk at least 10 kilometers a day. Considering the walking distance, it’s not much. As a trekker, you’ll experience a comfortable walk along the trek.
The most walking distance on this trek is on day 3, from Ghorepani to Tadapani. However, it’s less strenuous, with most sections being a downhill walk.
Five days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary- Detailed Breakdown
Day 2: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,874 meters, 8 km, 4 hours)
After breakfast at the tea house in Ulleri, you'll start a four-hour serene walk to Ghorepani.
The trail from Ulleri to Banthanti is a bit uphill walk. However, past Banthanti, the route gets serene as it progresses through the lush forest. Midst the forest flows some small cascading streams that keep you engaged.
You'll stop for a rehydration/tea break at a small hut along the route near Nangethanti.
With some uneven sections and an uphill walk, you'll reach Nangethanti. Here, you'll have the option to stop for lunch. However, we recommend you have lunch at the tea house in Ghorepani.
One hour's serene walk from Nangethanti takes you to Ghorepani, a beautiful hamlet. On a clear weather day, you'll have lunch at the rooftop dining with a surreal view of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri, the 10th and 7th highest mountains.
You'll settle in at The Sunny Hotel, the best in Ghorepani, for overnight accommodation.
Tips: To make the most out of the stay, you can hike to Poon Hill to experience the sunset over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
Day 3: Morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters). Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2,590 meters, 10 km, 6 hours)
Knock! Knock!! Wake Up!
Your guide will probably knock your door at 5:30 am to start the hike to Poon Hill. Why early? Well, if you hike up late, you'll miss the beautiful sunrise.
It's a complete uphill walk from Ghorepani to Poon Hill. However, the stone-paved stairs make the walk easy. And in Spring, you'll walk midst the rhododendron blossom to Poon Hill.
It takes 45 minutes to hike to Poon Hill from Ghorepani.
You'll spend an hour at Poon Hill watching the sunrise and enjoying your time to the fullest.
You'll return to the tea house for breakfast and prepare for a long walk to Tadapani.
Past Ghorepani, you'll climb a hilltop, descend to Deurali, and stop for lunch at Banthanti.
After lunch, you'll trek further, descend to a river, and ascend to Tadapani for 40 minutes.
You'll settle in at a tea house for overnight accommodation.
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (2,012 meters, 8.6 km, 4 hours)
With breakfast at the tea house in Tadapani, you'll start the walk to Ghandruk.
It's an easy walk of 8.6 kilometers, mostly through serene rhododendrons and oak forests. At times, you'll walk along the stone-paved stairs along the Bhaisi Kharka village and occasional tea houses.
The beautiful view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre keeps you engaged throughout the walk. Thus, the entire walk this day will be serene, relaxing, and rewarding with stunning mountain views and cultural experience in Ghandruk.
Upon reaching Ghandruk, you'll settle in at a lodge for lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation.
During the day, you'll visit the Gurung museum, village, and nearby locales.
Tips: Sunset over Annapurna and Machhapuchhre are heart stealers. Don't miss it!
Day 5: Drive from Ghandruk to Pokhara (822 meters, 3 hours)
You'll wake up to the sunrise at Ghandruk.
After breakfast at the lodge, you'll walk to the bus station. Here, you'll get a private jeep transfer to Pokhara.
Three hours from Ghandruk is Pokhara.
You'll get lunch at the restaurant in Lakeside, Pokhara.
With this, your five days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Ghandruk ends.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek- Additional Trek Information
Now you’ve got the idea of the trek and itinerary, it’s time to delve deep into various aspects that go along it. We’ve presented those aspects as an additional information section. Here, you’ll learn about the meals, accommodations, transportation, physical fitness requirements, best time, weather and temperature, and more related to the trek.
However, for an in-depth guide, we’ve included a FAQ section covering more topics in depth.
Meals and Accommodation
If you’re worried about the quality of meals and accommodation at the tea houses along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, there’s no need to. Because of well-established tea houses and the trek itself, all the tea houses along the trek provide quality accommodation and expansive meal choices.
You’ll get three meals each day, and you can choose whatever you want to dine from the menu.
The breakfast includes toast, Gurung bread, omelet, potatoes, muesli, oat porridge, pancakes, pies, tea, coffee, and more. Moreover, for lunch and dinner, you’ll have plenty of choices like Dal Bhat, Pizza, Burgers, sandwiches, porridge, pasta with cheese, and more.
Note: All the meals served at the tea houses will be hygienic, fresh, and well-cooked.
The tea houses along Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route are sophisticated. Hence, you’ll get a twin sharing room with an attached bathroom for your accommodation. The attached bathroom has a hot water shower, electricity charging, and more. The room will be tidy with clean bedsheets, blankets, and pillows.
Transportation along the trek
To start the trek, you’ll get a private jeep transfer from Pokhara to Birethanti. It takes 1.5 hours to complete the drive.
On the last day of Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek, you’ll get a private jeep transfer from Ghandruk to Pokhara. It takes 2.5 hours to complete the drive.
These are the transportation included in the trek cost.
Add-ons: If you’re in Kathmandu and want to fly to Pokhara, we’ll help you get the flight tickets. Or, if you prefer to take the road trip to Pokhara, we’ll help you with a bus ticket.
The flight costs USD 100 (one way) and bus ticket costs USD 15 (one way).
Rhododendron Blossom- A must visit time in March and April
Rhododendron blossoms are why Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is more popular. Ghorepani, the capital of rhododendron blossom, sits in the verdant rhododendron forest. And in March and April, when the flower blooms, the entire landscape becomes magical.
If you’re planning for Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek in 2025, March end and mid-April is the best time. Why? Because it’s a prime time for rhododendron blossom. Moreover, the fresh snow deposits over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains make the mountains elegant. Viewing the golden sunrise and sunset over these mountains from a vantage point, the midst of rhododendron blossom can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Travel Insurance
We usually recommend our clients get travel insurance when they embark on an adventure in Nepal with us. The adventure here refers to the trekking over 4,000 meters.
In Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, the highest altitude you’ll reach is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters. At this altitude, the chances of getting altitude sickness are low. However, there have been cases where trekkers had altitude sickness at Ghorepani. If not altitude sickness, trekkers often get food poisoning, fractures, etc.
Despite the easy trek, getting travel insurance with helicopter coverage is highly recommended. Still, you’re in an outdoor environment where things can go wrong anytime, unnoticed.
Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation brings you to Pokhara or Kathmandu in no time. Moreover, a rapid descent if you get altitude sickness is possible only with a helicopter. And getting travel insurance with helicopter coverage means that you don’t have to pay several thousand dollars of rescue fees from your pocket.
Note: Travel insurance with helicopter rescue is not mandatory but it’d be best if you get one for this trip.
Trek Permit
You’ll need Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Once you pay the trek cost, we’ll buy this trek permit for you.
However, if you wish to embark on this trek, you can get this permit at:
- Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu
- Tourism Board Regional Office, Tourist Buspark, Pokhara
Check out this blog to learn more about the trek permit you’ll need for this trek.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Difficulty
This trek isn’t difficult if you have decent physical fitness and can walk for 5-6 hours a day. Moreover, the entire trek progresses through the serene mid-hills where the risk of getting altitude sickness is extremely low.
The walking distance each day on the trek isn’t long. Moreover, the route doesn’t have any sharp ascends and descends. Due to this, you won’t develop significant fatigue.
Moreover, the tea houses along the trek offer comfortable rooms and quality meals that ensure your utmost comfort along the trek. Furthermore, you’ll have access to WiFi, hot shower, and hot drinking water at affordable rates.
With this trek being not difficult, families with kids, novice trekkers, and elderly citizens can embark on it.
Best Time for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek is doable throughout the year. However, for the best mountain view, rhododendron blossoms, and clear weather, Spring and Autumn are best times.
Rhododendron blossoms in March and April, making Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek a must-do. Moreover, the fresh snow-capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges awe-stuck you. Moreover, the temperature gets warmer with maximum daylight.
The terrace farmlands at lower altitudes and colorful mid-hills landscape characterize the Autumn months. September showcases the greenery and lively atmosphere throughout the trek. However, October and November showcase snow-capped mountains, clear skies, fresh outlook, and cheerful weather.
Winter months are highly recommended because of all-day clear weather. The temperature, however, decreases and reaches below the freezing point. But, with a sleeping bag, you’ll have a warm overnight at the tea houses.
Summer isn’t a recommended time for this trek because of rain, overcast, leeches, and landslides. However, if you plan this trek in June and July, you’ll avoid the crowd of trekkers along the route.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek- FAQs
Arrivals and Visa
Will I get an airport pickup upon arrival?
Yes. Our representative will greet you upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport. Following, you'll get a taxi or a private vehicle transfer to the hotel you'll stay in Kathmandu.
If you want us to book the hotel in Kathmandu, kindly inform us about your plans. However, in Pokhara, you'll get a three-star hotel, included in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek cost.
How do I get a Nepali visa?
Nepali visa (on-arrival visa mostly) is accessible. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, you'll get an arrival visa from the immigration department. For this, you must fill out the visa forms with the specified period of stay, purpose of visit, and pay the visa fee accordingly.
For more details, read our On Arrival Nepali Visa blog.
Can I buy trekking gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara?
Yes. You can buy affordable yet quality trekking gear in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you need assistance, your trek guide will accompany you.
Down jackets wind-proof and water-resistant jackets, and trekking boots are available at the best prices in Thamel. For thermal layers and mid-layers, we recommend using premium yet affordable gear from Gorkha Athletics.
Trek Bookings and Cancelation
How can I book this trek with NepTrek?
You can book this trek with us after contacting our manager. You can email us (mailtoneptrek@gmail.com) or send an instant message on WhatsApp (+977-9818553880).
Getting in touch with us gives you a complete idea of the trek. Moreover, you'll have the opportunity to customize the itinerary, add-ons, if any, personal preferences, trek cost and details, and more after contacting us.
And with all things clear, you can proceed to book the trek. We'll send you our bank account details for the advance payment.
How much money do I need to deposit for trek booking?
The trek confirmation fee is 40% of the total trek cost.
If you want to book your spot on 5 days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you have to deposit at least USD 165 (unless specified).
This advance payment will be used to buy the trek permits, book the hotel in Pokhara, and tea houses along the trek, appoint the trek guide, manage the transportation, and more. In short, we term it an administrative fee.
After paying this amount, you'll get a confirmation email or message regarding the payment.
What are the refund policies if I cancel the trek?
We respect your decision, whether it's on trek cancelation. However, we have a policy regarding the trek cancelation.
Here's how our trek cancelation policy works.
- 50% refund upon canceling the trek a month before
- 25% refund upon canceling the trek a week before
- No refund upon canceling the trek within a week of the trek
- No refund upon canceling the trek after starting it for reasons
Note: The deductions include the administrative fees, hotel reservations, and trekking permits (if we purchase before you cancel the trek)
Trek Difficulty and Physical Fitness
How fit do I need to be for this trek?
Despite being an easy trek, you'll still need decent physical fitness to embark on Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek.
Here's why!
On day one, you'll ascend to Ulleri from Tikhe Dhunga. For many, this section can get tiring as it's an uphill walk on the stone-paved stairs.
Likewise, you'll ascend to Poon Hill from Ghorepani for 45 minutes all up. Furthermore, the long walk to Tadapani from Ghorepani can be tiring.
Due to continuous walking for 4 days, even walking a short distance each day, you'll get tired if you don't maintain physical fitness. Without efficient cardio activities, you'll have difficulty breathing along the trek, particularly on the tiring ascends.
For these reasons, you'll need proper physical fitness for this trek.
Can a person with health issues embark on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
It depends on how serious the health issue is.
If you're one of the following, we don't recommend this trek for you.
- Pregnant women
- Senior citizens over 70 years of age
- Chronic heart issues (severe)
Thus, if you're not on this list, you're welcome to join us for this exciting adventure.
How can I maintain physical fitness for this trek?
Physical fitness for treks concentrates on cardio exercises.
Here are some exercises we recommend to our clients:
- Jogging
- Walking
- Hiking ( at least two hikes before embarking on the trek)
- Swimming
- Cycling
All these exercises build up efficient breathing and build endurance for short walks each day, ideal for the trek.
Trek Guides and Porters
How many guides and porters will be there for the trek?
The number of trek guides depends on the number of trekkers in the group. Also, the number of trek porter depends on number of trekkers in a group.
For instance, we employ a trek guide up to a group of five trekkers.
However, for a group of more than five, we employ an assistant trek guide and a trek leader.
The trek porters are sharable among two trekkers. However, we don't provide a trek porter for individual trekkers. For the trek porter, an individual guide must pay an additional USD 100 for a day's trek.
Does my trek guide have a government-issued guiding license?
Absolutely. All the trek guides employed at NepTrek are Nepal government-licensed and legally illegible for group and individual guiding.
More than just licensed trekking guides, our guides are wilderness first aid responders as well. They come with first aid and rescue training, keeping you utmost safe throughout the trek.
Do I/we need to tip the trek guide and porter?
Yes. Tipping to the trek guide and porter at the end of the trek is mandatory. Tipping is free will, and the amount can be any. However, a proper tip on the trekking can be 10% of the total trek cost.
Your tip motivates the trek guide and porter to be more responsive, friendly, and happy.
Trek Preparations and Packing
What trekking gear do I need to carry for this trek?
Trekking gears for Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek depends on the time you embark on it. For instance, if you wish to do this trek in Summer, you'll need a few warm clothes. However, for cold months, you'll need more warm clothes and probably a sleeping bag.
In short, here's what you can carry for this trek.
Upper Body
- T-shirts (quick dry)
- Fleece
- Windproof/Waterproof jacket
- Down Jacket (for cold months only)
- Beanie, hat, sunglasses, gloves, neck buff, etc.
Lower Body
- Trekking pants
- Thermal layer
- Trekking boot ( a pair)
- Slipper (a pair)
- Trekking pole (a pair)
Additional gears
- Sleeping bag (ordinary)
- Trekking bag (40 litre preferred)
- Camera, binoculars, power banks, etc.
Do I need a porter for this trek?
Hiring a trekking porter depends on your fitness, willingness, and the amount of trek gear you'll carry.
Here are some instances where you can consider hiring a porter for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
- Trekking with family of kids and seniors: In this situation, you'll need a porter to carry the backpacks of your kids.
- Want a comfortable walk: If you want to trek without carrying backpacks, hiring a porter is best.
- Poor physical fitness: Sometimes, trekking can get challenging (to walk) with poor fitness. Hence, in this instance, when a trek porter carries your backpack, it'll be easy for you to walk.
Hiring a porter is highly recommended if you're trekking in a group. Also, we recommend individual trekkers hire a porter for this trek. However, individual trekkers must pay USD 100 for five days to hire a trek porter.
Practical Matters
Can I get a private room along the trek?
Yes. Whether you're trekking as an individual or in a group, you'll get a private room along the trek. However, it depends on the availability of the room at the tea house.
For instance, the tea houses get occupied during March, April, October, and November. Hence, during these months, getting a private room (if trekking in a group) will be difficult. However, we'll attempt to arrange a private room with/without attached bathrooms.
What are the possible trips I can embark on after Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
If we were to recommend one wholesome trip for you, it's the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour. From the cold of the mid-hills surrounded by elegant mountains, you'll spend luxurious time at star-rated hotels in Sauraha, an all-year-round humid place amidst lush forests.
What makes the Chitwan Jungle Tour more fascinating is that you'll embark on a jungle safari tour on a jeep to see animals like the Bengal Tiger, the One-Horned Rhino, Elephants, Birds, Leopards, and more.
Whether you're visiting with family, friends, kids, or a couple on honeymoon in Nepal, Chitwan is a must-visit place and highly recommended.
Travelers Review
The reviews below are from our clients who did wholesome trekking and tours in Nepal with us. All the reviews here reflect how we run the trekking, treat our clients, and organize the trek and tours. Below listed reviews are from TripAdvisor, which is the most accurate and trusted review platform among travelers.
Have a read at what our clients say about us!!
