Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Your Poon Hill adventure begins in Nepal's vibrant capital. After airport pickup, settle into your hotel and attend a comprehensive pre-trek briefing with your guide, who will outline the journey ahead through the spectacular Annapurna foothills. Take time to explore Kathmandu's cultural heritage sites and gather any last-minute supplies. The evening provides an opportunity to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine and prepare mentally for the trek ahead. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Kathmandu with modern amenities.

After breakfast, depart for Pokhara by tourist bus, a scenic 6-7 hour journey through the middle hills of Nepal, following river valleys and passing through traditional villages. Alternatively, take a short 25-minute flight for magnificent aerial views of the Himalayan foothills. Upon arrival in Pokhara, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this lakeside city with optional boating on Phewa Lake or visits to local temples. Use the opportunity to glimpse the Annapurna range, including the distinctive peak of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) that will become increasingly familiar during your trek. Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Pokhara.

After breakfast, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Nayapul (1,070m), where your trek begins. Start walking along the Modi Khola (river) valley, passing through Birethanti, a prosperous village with many shops and teahouses. The trail continues through small hamlets, terraced rice fields, and farms for approximately 3-4 hours until reaching Tikhedhunga. This village offers your first night in a mountain teahouse with views of the surrounding hills and the challenging climb that awaits tomorrow. Accommodation: Basic teahouse in Tikhedhunga.

Today presents the trek's most significant challenge: climbing the famous stone staircase comprising approximately 3,300 steps leading to Ulleri village. This demanding ascent is rewarded with magnificent views and a real sense of accomplishment. After Ulleri, the trail continues through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, with increasing mountain views as you gain altitude. Reach Ghorepani after approximately 6-7 hours of trekking. This important junction village sits on a ridgeline offering splendid views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range when clouds permit. Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghorepani with basic amenities.

Rise early (around 4:30 am) for a 45-minute pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill for the trek's highlight—a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. From this perfect vantage point, witness the first light illuminating an arc of peaks including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and the sacred unclimbed peak of Machapuchare (Fishtail). After savoring this unforgettable panorama and taking photographs, return to Ghorepani for breakfast. The day's trek continues to Tadapani, approximately 5-6 hours, following forest ridges with magnificent mountain views before descending through rhododendron forests to your overnight stop. Accommodation: Teahouse in Tadapani.

Today's relatively shorter trek (3-4 hours) takes you through lush forests to Ghandruk, one of the largest and most culturally interesting Gurung villages in Nepal. The afternoon allows time to explore this beautiful settlement with its traditional stone houses, narrow paved lanes, and spectacular mountain views. Visit the local museum to learn about Gurung culture, observe traditional weaving, and interact with locals, many of whom have served in the famous Gurkha regiments of the British and Indian armies. Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghandruk with relatively good facilities.

Complete your trek with a 5-6 hour descent through terraced fields and small farming communities to Birethanti, and finally to Nayapul where vehicles await to return you to Pokhara (approximately 1.5 hours). The trail offers final views of the magnificent landscapes you've traversed over the past few days. Back in Pokhara, enjoy the comfort of hot showers, lakeside restaurants, and the opportunity to reflect on your Himalayan adventure. Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Pokhara.

Take a well-deserved rest day in Pokhara. Options include boating on Phewa Lake, visiting the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views, exploring the International Mountain Museum, paragliding for aerial views of the landscape you've just trekked through, or simply relaxing in lakeside cafes and restaurants. This day allows time to absorb the experiences of your journey. Accommodation: Same hotel in Pokhara.

Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus (6-7 hours) or a short flight (25 minutes). The afternoon in Kathmandu offers opportunities for souvenir shopping in Thamel or additional sightseeing. A farewell dinner provides a chance to celebrate your Poon Hill adventure with guides and fellow trekkers. Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

Your Ghorepani Poon Hill adventure concludes with a transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, you might have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu before leaving Nepal with memories of standing beneath the magnificent Himalayan giants.