Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 8 Days

Kathmandu – Nayapul – Birethanti – Ulleri – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani – Ghandruk – Kathmandu

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Maximum Altitude: Poon Hill – 3,210 m / 10,531 ft
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu and teahouses/lodges during the trek
Transportation: Private car and tourist/local bus
Activities: Kathmandu sightseeing, trekking and cultural exploration

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal, offering an excellent combination of Himalayan scenery, traditional villages, beautiful forests and rich local culture. This 8-day journey takes you into the scenic Annapurna region, where you can experience the spectacular sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m) and enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

The adventure begins in Kathmandu with a short cultural sightseeing tour before traveling west toward the Annapurna region. From Nayapul, the trekking route enters the foothills of the Annapurna mountains and follows trails through traditional villages, terraced farmland, lush forests and peaceful Himalayan landscapes.

As you trek toward Ulleri and Ghorepani, the scenery gradually changes, with beautiful rhododendron forests and increasingly impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Ghorepani is a popular mountain village and an important stop before the early-morning hike to Poon Hill.

The highlight of the trek is the pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill, where, weather permitting, you will witness a spectacular Himalayan sunrise. As the first rays of sunlight reach the mountains, the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal and other surrounding mountains gradually become illuminated.

After enjoying the sunrise, you return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue toward Tadapani, passing through beautiful forests and mountain ridges along the way.

The trek then continues to Ghandruk, one of the most beautiful and culturally significant Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. Here, you can experience traditional Gurung culture, local hospitality, stone-paved paths, traditional houses and magnificent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

After Ghandruk, you return to Kathmandu by road, followed by another day of sightseeing in Kathmandu before your international departure.

Detailed Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

DAY 01 – ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU AND KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING

Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Driving Time: Approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic
Sightseeing: Swayambhunath Stupa
Transportation: Private car

Welcome to Kathmandu, the cultural heart and capital city of Nepal!

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel by private car.

Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy a guided afternoon sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. Situated on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu Valley, this ancient Buddhist site offers beautiful views of the city and provides a wonderful introduction to Nepal's cultural and religious heritage.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

DAY 02 – DRIVE TO NAYAPUL AND TREK TO BIRETHANTI

Altitude: Birethanti – approximately 1,025 m / 3,363 ft
Driving Time: Approximately 7–9 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions
Walking Distance: Approximately 2 km
Walking Time: Approximately 30–45 minutes
Transportation: Tourist/local bus and private arrangements as applicable

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu and travel west toward the Annapurna region.

The journey follows the Prithvi Highway and passes along the Trishuli River, a popular river for white-water rafting. Along the way, you will see changing landscapes, rivers, hills, villages and terraced farmland.

After reaching the Nayapul area, we begin our short walk toward Birethanti, a traditional settlement and an important gateway to the Annapurna trekking trails.

The short walking section allows you to begin the trek comfortably and enjoy your first taste of the Himalayan foothills.

Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Birethanti

DAY 03 – BIRETHANTI TO ULLERI

Altitude: Ulleri – 2,070 m / 6,791 ft
Walking Distance: Approximately 8–10 km
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours

After breakfast, we begin our trek toward Ulleri, a beautiful traditional Magar village in the Annapurna foothills.

The trail passes through small settlements, terraced farmland and forested landscapes while gradually gaining elevation. We continue toward Tikhedhunga, where we can stop for lunch and take a well-deserved break.

After lunch, the trail becomes steeper as we ascend toward Ulleri, including sections of traditional stone steps.

Ulleri is a charming Himalayan village surrounded by green hills and mountain scenery. On clear days, you can enjoy views toward the Annapurna region.

Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Ulleri

DAY 04 – ULLERI TO GHOREPANI

Altitude: Ghorepani – approximately 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
Walking Distance: Approximately 9–10 km
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours

Today, we continue our journey toward Ghorepani.

The trail climbs through beautiful rhododendron, oak and pine forests. Along the way, we cross small streams and pass through peaceful forest sections with occasional views of the surrounding mountains.

As we gain altitude, the landscape becomes increasingly alpine and the mountain views become more impressive.

We eventually reach Ghorepani, a popular trekking village located on the historic Annapurna trekking route. Ghorepani is also the main overnight stop before the early-morning hike to Poon Hill.

After checking into the lodge, enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings and prepare for an early start the following morning.

Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Ghorepani

DAY 05 – GHOREPANI TO POON HILL AND TREK TO TADAPANI

Poon Hill Altitude: 3,210 m / 10,531 ft
Tadapani Altitude: Approximately 2,630–2,675 m
Walking Distance: Approximately 10–12 km
Walking Time: Approximately 5–6 hours, including the Poon Hill excursion

Today is the highlight of the trek.

We wake early and hike uphill toward Poon Hill before sunrise. The viewpoint stands at approximately 3,210 m and is famous for its spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.

Weather permitting, you will witness the first rays of sunlight illuminate the magnificent peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal and other surrounding mountains.

After enjoying the sunrise and taking photographs, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast.

We then continue toward Tadapani, following a scenic trail through rhododendron forests and mountain ridges. The route passes through areas such as Deurali and Ban Thanti before reaching Tadapani.

Tadapani is surrounded by beautiful forest and offers excellent views of the Annapurna mountains.

Overnight: Teahouse/Lodge in Tadapani

DAY 06 – TADAPANI TO GHANDRUK AND DRIVE TO KATHMANDU

Altitude: Ghandruk – approximately 1,940 m / 6,365 ft
Walking Distance: Approximately 6–8 km
Walking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Driving Time: Approximately 8–10 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions

After breakfast, we begin our final trekking section toward Ghandruk, one of the most famous Gurung villages in the Annapurna region.

The trail descends through beautiful forests and gradually reaches lower elevations. Along the way, you will enjoy views of the Annapurna mountains and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the Himalayan foothills.

Ghandruk is well known for its traditional Gurung culture, stone houses, terraced hillsides and spectacular mountain scenery. Take some time to explore the village and enjoy lunch before continuing your journey by road.

From Ghandruk, we travel by bus toward Kathmandu. The journey is long and road conditions can affect the travel time, but it provides an opportunity to observe Nepal's changing landscapes as we move from the mountain foothills toward the Kathmandu Valley.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

DAY 07 – KATHMANDU CULTURAL SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Sightseeing Duration: Approximately 3–4 hours
Transportation: Private car with guide

After breakfast, enjoy a guided cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.

Today, we visit two of the valley's most important cultural landmarks:

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath is one of Nepal's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites and one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. The peaceful atmosphere, colorful prayer flags, monasteries and traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture make it a memorable place to visit.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

We then continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic complex featuring ancient palaces, temples, courtyards and traditional Newari architecture. It provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the history and cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.

After the sightseeing tour, return to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free for shopping, relaxation or exploring Kathmandu and Thamel independently.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

DAY 08 – DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU

Altitude: 1,400 m / 4,593 ft
Driving Time: Approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic

Today marks the end of your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek adventure.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for final shopping or relaxation.

Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport by private car in good time for your international departure.

We hope you leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Annapurna mountains, the spectacular sunrise from Poon Hill, the welcoming Gurung and Magar communities, and the beautiful Himalayan landscapes.

Safe travels and farewell from Nepal!

Important Note

The distances, driving hours, walking durations and flight times mentioned in this trekking itinerary are approximate. Actual times and distances may vary depending on traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, route variations, walking pace, rest stops and other practical circumstances.

Road travel between Kathmandu and the Annapurna region can take longer than the estimated time due to traffic, road conditions, construction, weather and other factors. Our team will make the necessary arrangements and adjustments according to the conditions on the day.

The sunrise view from Poon Hill is weather dependent. While we plan the trek to provide the best possible opportunity to enjoy the Himalayan panorama, mountain visibility cannot be guaranteed.