Overview
Nepal is implausibly gorgeous with the sheer beauty of diverse landscapes and geographical features. It’s full of unique places that are charming and worth a visit. In fact, the unique landforms of Nepal provide innumerable and pleasant sights where avid hikers can trek and enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek is naturally exciting and as alluring as it can get. It’s one of the most popular and a few hiking spots where visitors can easily reach. They don’t have to spend days and weeks to get to the viewpoint.
It’s perhaps the reason why so many visitors from all around the world are intrigued by Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk. They flock to Poon Hill as there is no other place that catches the shot of Annapurna massif like this.
This short-distance hike manages to capture the true hillside beauty and stuns visitors with the wonderful glimpses of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare, Nilgiri Himal, Dhampus Peak, and many more. Walking through Ghandruk village is equally delightful, especially the quiet surrounding and green terrace farm.
Visitors can witness a lot of Gurung and Tamang villages during their stay at the village. They can find a few old monasteries and colorful prayer flags while at Ghandruk. Not to miss the long-wavelength colors of sunset and sunrise view, that can be seen from the hilltop.
Poon Hill is probably the least challenging trek with short hiking paths. This eventually makes it ideal for those who want to sight the mountain but don’t bother going the extra mile or climbing mountains.
The hill station lies 270 km west of Kathmandu at 10,500 ft. Meanwhile, Ghandruk Villages is located 32 km northwest of Pokhara. The village is accessible by both public and private vehicles but trekking is more invigorating.
The gateway to Poon Hill, Ghandruk, also provides a splendid view of glistening mountains such as Mt. Gangapurna, Mt Annapurna, and Hiunchuli. Gurung is the inhabitants of Ghandruk village, and you can find the trace of their culture and heritage in religious shrines and other significant landmarks.
Trekking Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk is overwhelming. With easy climbing trails and exquisite views, it has become a favorite trek destination for most visitors. The trek to Ghorepani itself starts from Pokhara.
It takes a steep climb, passes thick forest, and hills to reach the hill station at 3,210 meters. Trekkers spend most of their time applauding the natural and unreal beauty seen from the viewpoint. They also watch the picturesque view of glistening mountains, dramatic landscapes, green ferns, and falling waterfalls.
After the sightseeing, the trail descends the stairs and heads to Tirkhedhunga. The Journey continues further on an uneven path with a few ups and downs to arrive at Ghandruk. It’s a small village with rich local culture and customs of Gurung and Tamang.
Ghandruk also makes a great spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. It offers a lovely view of Mt. Machhapuchhare, Mt. Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. With that, the Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk trek ends here, and the hikers will be driven back to Kathmandu along with the crew members of Nepal Eco Adventure.
Highlights of Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek
- A pristine view of snow-capped mountains like Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre
- Astonishing sunrise view from Poon Hill
- Encounter varied species of wild animals and birds
- Experience unique Nepalese culture and their history
- Exploration of ancient Tibetan monasteries and mani walls
7 Days Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek Altitude Chart
Itinerary
Ghorepani-PoonHill-Ghandruk Trek kicks off with an impressive and scenic flight to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway. The journey out of Kathmandu continues with a drive up the mountain road that surrounds the city. The ride is quite nerve-wracking, especially when it takes a drop into the valley and navigates a narrow corner.
The steep descents and slopes are enough to wake you up from sleep and make you be cautious. The route passes many small villages and rural towns with mesmeric views. The scenes from the window are captivating and attractive to get you going.
The route to Pokhara from Kathmandu crosses Trishuli bridge through Dumre and takes another two hours’ drive to Pokhara. After entering the city, you’ll be transferred to your respective hotel where you can get some sleep.
Hile Altitude: 1,948 meters
Walking Hours: 3-4 hrs
Overnight at a lodge
After enjoying a warm breakfast at Phewa lakeside, we’ll leave the city and take a ride that makes its way to Nayapul. Initially, it heads to Nayapul/Birethanti, offering a view of stunningly diverse landscapes.
Winding through some of the tallest hills and terrace farms, the road follows a gushing river. After completing the road trip at Jomsom, we begin trekking to hile, following the trail through the north bank of the Burundi Khola.
From there, we make a short ascent up the valley to Hile and finally stop the hike. After spending some time capturing the unrealistic beauty of Hile and its lush-green hills, we’ll move to our lodge and get some much-needed sleep.
Ghorepani Altitude: 2,860 meters
Walking Hours: 5-6 hrs
Overnight at a lodge
Starting the day with a hearty breakfast and incredible views, we’ll now set off on a journey to Ghorepani. The trek gets underway with a climb up to Tirkhedhunga, which unfolds a splendid view of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna.
We further ascend the steep hills through the rhododendron forest and head towards Nanghethani. After another hour or so of walking, we’ll finally get to Ghorepani. It’s the last stop for the day, so we’ll spend the extra time exploring the village and watching the magnificent views from the hilltop. We’ll spend the night in Ghorepani.
Poon Hill Altitude: 3,210 meters
Tadapani Altitude: 2,630 meters
Walking Hours: 6-7 hrs
Overnight at a lodge
To enjoy the sunrise in Poonhill, we’ll have to start trekking before dawn. The morning begins with a continuous uphill climb which is slightly tiring, but the surrounding views will keep you awake. Passing the picturesque villages of Gurung and Magar communities, walking through jungles and over rivers, we’ll reach the hill station at 10,530 ft.
With an uninterrupted view of glistening mountains, the sight from the hilltop never goes wrong. We’ll get to watch plenty of snow peaks, including Annapurna II, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri.
Standing at the viewpoint, we’ll also get glimpses of sheer glaciers, wide valleys, and lush green meadows. After some fun experience, we’ll get our way down from the hill to the lodge and have breakfast. Out of the village, we’ll walk through the forest filled with rhododendrons and oak.
From Deurali, we head towards Chitre, which connects the Ghorepani-Tatopani trail. Shortly afterward, the path descends to Banthanti through rhododendron forests at 2,600 meters. Crossing the stream on the northside, we scramble upward and come to the cane field at Bhurung Khola.
After another half an hour of steep through the dense woods, we’ll end up at the beautiful village of Tadapani. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Ghandruk Village altitude: 1,150 meters
Walking Hours: 2-3 hrs
Overnight at a hotel
We’ll continue our trek down to the Kimron Khola and further ascend the hills through the rhododendron and oak forests. After climbing the trail to Chomrong Village, we descend to the village of Jhinu Danda.
Near the village, there’s a natural hot spring, where travelers stop to relax. Since we’re short of time, we’ll continue hiking the dusty road alongside Modi Khola. Walking the section is relatively exciting as it offers a breathtaking view of steep-sided valleys, intriguing villages, and rolling hills.
Finally, after making a final ascend, we’ll arrive at the beautiful Ghandruk Village. It’s a common stop for hikers and comes with a quieter atmosphere and a marvelous view of towering snow peaks. There are ample lodges, hotels, and guest houses here to accommodate tourists so no one will have to run out of room.
Nayapul Altitude: 1,070 meters
Pokhara Altitude: 822 meters
Walking Hours: 4-5 hrs
Overnight at a Hotel
On the last day of Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek, we’ll hike down to Nayapul. After having breakfast, we’ll get down to the trails, which walk past the rice field and rural settlements. Following a short descent, we’ll meet our private jeep, which will drive us back to Pokhara.
It takes about 4-5 hours to climb down the village. Since there is no more hiking, we can just enjoy the overwhelming sight of rock hills and snow-capped mountains from the window. The drive from Nayapul to Pokhara will last an hour and comes with excellent views.
After reaching Pokhara, we’ll drive you to your hotel straight away, where you can get some rest. Unless you don’t want to do it, walk the lakeshore of Rara or try on a few adventure activities such as paragliding, boating, and many more. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu
Waking up to the sunny morning of Pokhara and enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’re now primed to head back our way to Kathmandu. After collecting all our stuff and getting the backpack ready, we’ll drive to Kathmandu.
We’ll be riding beside the Trishuli River and some old Nepalese villages before arriving at the valley. From here, you’ll be transported to your hotel, where you can have a little downtime before flying back to your hometown.
What is Included
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during trek including a cup of hot drink with each meal.
- Fresh fruits every night after dinner.
- Trekking lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit.
- Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) permit.
- Tourist bus Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
- Private Transport Pokhara-Nayapul -Nayapul -Pokhara.
- English speaking Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- A Strong, helpful porter with his salary, meals, accommodation and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Medical supplies (first aid kit).
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service (paid by your Travel insurance company).
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Nepal Eco Adventure T-shirt, cap and duffel bag.
- Two nights standard hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Ghorepani-Poonhill trekking map.
- Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) Which will ensure you trek is in the safest hands possible for all levels of trekker.
- Luggage storage available for items not needed during the trek.
- Assistant guide group size above 6+ person.
What is Excluded
- Airport pick up and drop for international flight.
- Meals in Pokhara.
- Nepal entry visa fee $50 USD for 30 days visa on arrival.
- International airfare.
- Travel and medical insurance (recommended).
- Your personal expenses.
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own these can be rented, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge.
- Alcoholic and non alcoholic cold and hot drinks.
- All desserts and sweet things (those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the Tea Houses).
- Hot shower and battery charging during the trekking.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
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Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk trek lies in the north-central region of Nepal. It starts from Pokhara and ends at the beautiful Ghandruk village at 2,012 meters. Nestled in Annapurna Conservation Area, Ghorepani Village in the Dhaulagiri zone is the first stop of the hike. Poon Hill is the main attraction of the walk as it offers a splendid view of Annapurna massif, Nilgiri, and Dhampus. The final stop for the trek is Ghandruk Village, which lies northwest of Pokhara. It’s a stunning Gurung Village at 32 km distance from the city of lake.
Visitors can expect a wide range of accommodation options during the Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk trek. From well-furnished hotels and lodges in Pokhara, right through to guest houses with shared rooms for backpackers, there is varied accommodation to choose from depending on the budget and needs.
Rooms are available for both short and long-term use. The high-end hotels usually come with a hefty price, but those built-in remote settlements are affordable and have a fair price. As a result, most trekkers prefer to stay in guest houses during the hike.
Trekkers can do Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek in as little as five days or about a week. Those who want to spend a longer time in the village or explore hidden places might have to plan a trip for more than a week. Visitors pressed for time can do the trek within four days while enjoying magnificent views with a quick visit to a few exciting sights but not all of them.
Unlike mountain hiking, the Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk trek doesn’t have too many challenges. It has moderate walking trails with no technical climb or extreme difficulties. Therefore, trekkers don’t have to buy travel insurance. Still, if they’re doing Annapurna Base Camp or Circuit trek, the travel insurance might be of great use as it covers risks and protects financial losses.
There’s no risk of altitude sickness since you’ll be hiking just above 3,210 meters. There isn’t extreme elevation gain along the trail, so any trekker with a proper fitness level can do the hike. Besides that, the trek starts from Pokhara at 822 meters, which gives the visitor enough time to adjust to the weather and temperature.
Whether you decide to travel solo or in a group, a trekking permit is a must for Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek. You’ll need to have both a TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit to enter the park. The ACAP permit costs around US$30 while the TIMS card is US$20. You’ll have to bring these cards with you on the route.
Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek is considered to be a moderate trek. It doesn’t need technical skills to climb the trail but it’s good for trekkers to have some hiking experience. There are few rough terrains with steep ascents and stone stairs, where hikers might get exhausted. But, leaving that aside, the trek is easy and doesn’t need acclimatization.
Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek is super affordable as compared to other hikes in Nepal. It costs each trekker just about US$600, although it might fluctuate based on the season. The package comes with high-standard services and facilities, including three meals per day, a trekking guide, accommodation, and a permit.
Best time for Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek
Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghnadruk is a popular trek destination year-round. That said, the best time to visit it is during October and April when the weather is warmer. During these times, the temperatures and climates are moderate. They present jaw-dropping gorgeous views of vibrant valleys, glistening mountains, lush meadows, and cascading waterfalls.
Autumn Season
Autumn is the peak season for Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek. The weather is nice and cozy around this time. Mornings are usually bright and sunny while the nights are breezy with gusts of wind.
During this season, temperatures range from 10 to 24 Degree Celsius in the daytime. But, as soon as the sun goes down, the region experiences a gradual decline in temperature. The weather gets a little chilly at night but it’s still comfortable.
The change in season also brings vivid fall colors into the woods. Forests in Poon Hill and Ghandruk brims with eye-striking red and gold leaves, which look fabulous. Its skies are glowing red in the evening, providing a spectacular view.
Major holidays including Dashain and Tihar, fall in this season. So visitors traveling during the month of October will get a close insight into the rich culture and traditions of people living in the hills.
Spring Season
Spring is equally fascinating when trekking Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk. It has beautiful mild weather with warmer days. After the blistering cold winter, spring brings a ray of sunshine to the hills. It may experience some cold nights in early March, but the weather becomes mild again as soon as the month gets away.
Cooler temperature makes it easy for hikers to trek the steep trails leading to the hill station. The weather in April is moderate, calm, and soothing but with relatively larger crowds. At Ghorepani, the average temperature in the month is 10 Degree Celsius.
Long days of darkness are broken in Spring, which eventually helps trekkers buy some time. They are also expected to get blown away by the fascinating sight of beautiful spring blooms. Clear skies and clean air improve the visibility and help get better glimpses of towering snow peaks, wide valleys, and clouded forests.
Winter Season
Ghandruk weather isn’t fairly consistent in winter. It easily fluctuates from time to time during the season. Winter is generally cold in the hill station with temperatures dropping up to 0 Degree Celsius. The months of December and January are the coldest with light snowfall occasionally.
The temperature around these months ranges from 2 to 3.5 Degree Celsius. Fortunately, the days are still hot, with temperatures rising up to 9 Degree Celsius. Mornings and nights are usually icy cold in the region so trekkers must prepare themselves accordingly.
Winter views are as magical as they can get, especially on the hilltop. The fluffy snow in the mountains puts a spectacular display for the trekkers climbing Poon Hill. If the sky is clear, trekkers will catch the beautiful sunrise view even in the season.
Summer and Monsoon Season
Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk in summer is balmy with the temperature soaring up to 26 Degree Celsius. The days are swelteringly hot and fiery, causing trekkers to sweat, mostly while ascending hills.
June temperatures are hot and muggy but it also receives heavy rainfall which is limited.
Hikers trekking Ghorepani-Poonhill-Ghandruk in the following month will face more drizzling rain. There’ll be fewer tourists on the trail in the monsoon as the weather becomes unpredictable.
The monsoon rain makes the trail slippery and also causes inconvenience in walking the path. Apparently, the climate is humid and dry in monsoon, so trekkers might want to be a bit careful while hiking uphill and stay hydrated.
The best thing about Monsoon is that once the rain has stopped, trekkers will get clearer views without any blockade. Hikers will also encounter warm mornings and days during the Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk hike. Unlike other seasons, the nights are quite pleasant in summer with the temperature falling to 7 Degree Celsius.
Why take the Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek
It’s not an overstatement to say that Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek is one of the most impressive and fascinating hikes of all. It’s overly popular with magnificent sceneries and diverse geographical features that are beyond belief.
The trek has easy access with all the needed facilities for visitors. Hikers won’t have to put much effort to reach the viewpoint and enjoy the magnificent sceneries. Getting to Poon Hill requires hiking through steep hills and forests, which is not so difficult and even the regular walkers can do it.
1. Moderate trekking trails
Whether it’s the first-time visitors or pro hikers, Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk trek kind of accommodates all level hikers. The moderate walking trail makes it easy for hikers to navigate while enjoying the trip. It may have some steep inclines with rolling hills and a few elevation changes, but the hike is still doable.
Those trekking Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk just have to walk 4-5 hours on average, which isn’t much to ask. Apart from a few twists and turns with uneven terrain, the trek is an easy ride.
2. Perfect Weather and Temperature
Weather in Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk isn’t as harsh as it is in the mountain. Its summers are warm, while the winters, cold and breezy. But, the climate isn’t as frigid as it is in the higher altitude.
The average winter temperature is just about 2.4 Degree Celsius, which causes the weather to be slightly warm even in the season. Days are usually sunny and bright in Poon Hill, with some seasonal changes.
Trekkers can even hike the viewpoint in winter as the weather is mildly cold and endurable. It’s comfortable to hike the trail even in the season without any equipment aside from warm clothes.
Autumn and Spring clearly have the best weather, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 Degree Celsius. The weather shines out the most in this season with beautiful sunshine, pleasant sightseeing, and an attractive atmosphere.
Stunning fall foliage can be seen in Autumn while Spring unfurls spectacular rhododendron and wildflower blossoms. The clear sky with fresh air helps trekkers in catching magnificent views of snow peaks and dynamic landscapes.
3. Breathtaking Scenery
Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk is the most fantastic trek destination as it comes with eye-catching views. The view during and at the sightseeing spots is quite appealing and unbelievably attractive.
At 3,210 meters, Poon Hill provides stunning glimpses of lofty snow peaks, including Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre, Dhampus, Annapurna South, and Mt. Nilgiri. The sight of magnificent dales at the bottom with the surrounding forest makes the sight even more heartwarming.
This hilly region also has beautiful villages with verdant meadows and tranquil lakes. The charming little towns with strikingly beautiful valleys and scenic locations also capture the eye of visitors.
There’s greenery everywhere in spring while Autumn has lovely fall colors to offer the visitors. Sunrise view from Poon Hill and Ghandruk is one of the greatest highlights of this exciting trek. Travelers also have a pretty good chance of confronting wild animals.
4. Short Distance
Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek is probably one of the shortest and easily reachable hikes in Nepal. It can be done by anyone, even amateur hikers who have no previous trekking experience. The total distance between Kathmandu and Poon Hill is only 177 km, so trekkers can promptly drive to the beautiful Pokhara city and then trek to Poon Hill.
It takes merely five and a half hours to reach Pokhara, from where the journey to Ghorepani starts. The trail passes many small villages, ascends steep hills, and crosses rivers to arrive at Poon Hill. Most of the walk is peaceful, with jaw-dropping views of mountain slopes and lush green hills. The trail from Poon Hill to Ghandruk also covers a distance of 9.8 km, which can be done within 3-4 hours. They don’t have to follow an intense fitness regimen or spend hours and hours in the gym to get in shape. They also don’t have to bring any mountaineering equipment except for the clothes according to season, a couple of pairs of hiking shoes, and a trekking pole.
Preparation of Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek
Much preparation doesn’t go on Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek. Provided its short-distance walking trails and fast access, trekkers don’t have to plan the trip in advance. Similarly, they don’t have to throw themselves in heavy exercise or spend months doing workouts. They can simply lean on regular activities and a healthy diet to finish the hike.
Staying fit is key for any trekkers while hiking Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk. Weather and temperature are what visitors must check out before heading up to the hill station. They must also carry all the essential items needed during the trip; otherwise, the journey might be oddly challenging.
Walking a few short trails before the actual trek will do no harm to the hikers. In fact, it’ll more or less help them to tackle the rough terrain of Ghandruk. They might also want to take a few snacks just in case and other personal items for a safe and delightful expedition.
Equipment required for Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek
With a short and easy hiking route, trekking Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk may seem like a piece of cake. But, trekkers shouldn’t get fooled by it and make the necessary preparation ahead of the trek. They must especially keep a close watch on the gears required for the hike.
What you’re picking will define how easy and comfortable the excursion will be. So, the items you choose should be based on the trek’s difficulty, weather, duration, and total distance. Carrying unnecessary things will only add to the weight of the backpack, so you must be conscious of the things taken on the trip.
Put some effort into researching and finding out what kind of equipment suits the particular season and its climatic condition. Don’t forget to bring the trekking poles if you’re not used to taking the steep inclines or bouncy path.
To determine what to bring on the trek, you must first decide when to travel. It will be a lot of help to pick the clothes for the trip. Here are some of the most common trekking equipment for Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Ghandruk.
Clothing & Footwear
- Quick-drying pants or shorts
- Moisture-wicking t-shirt
- Long sleeve shirt to avoid sunburn
- Windproof or lightweight fleece jacket
- Sturdy trekking boots
- Shoes suited for all kinds of terrain
- Gloves or mittens for winter
- Warm hat and jacket to prevent cold wind
- Synthetic or woolen socks
- Hiking backpack
Miscellaneous items
- First-aid supplies
- Personal toiletries, including sanitizers
- Water bottles or reservoir with water purifier
- Extra batteries, power bank, and phone charger
- Sunglasses to escape the heat
- Insect repellent
