The Ghorepani Poon Hill and Ghandruk Trek is a popular short trek in Nepal's Annapurna region, known for spectacular Himalayan sunrise views, traditional Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forests, stone stair trails, and welcoming teahouse hospitality. The trek is designed for travelers with limited time and is suitable for beginners, families, and trekkers looking for an accessible Himalayan experience without extreme altitude or technical difficulty. The journey reaches Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, one of Nepal's famous viewpoints, with panoramic views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Starting from Kathmandu, the journey travels through Pokhara before entering the Annapurna trekking region. The route passes through Nayapul, Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani and Ghandruk before returning to Pokhara and Kathmandu. Along the trail, trekkers experience traditional Magar and Gurung settlements, forested mountain trails, terraced landscapes, stone staircases, local teahouses, and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
Karma Nepal staff will receive you at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. If you arrive earlier in the day, there will be time to discuss the upcoming trip and prepare for the journey.
Early in the morning, your trekking guide will come to your hotel. After breakfast, take a short walk to the tourist bus station and begin the scenic drive to Pokhara. The journey passes through beautiful highways, white-water rafting rivers and local villages. The bus makes stops for breakfast, tea, coffee and lunch depending on the journey. Arrival in Pokhara is expected in the early afternoon, depending on highway traffic conditions. After checking into the hotel and taking some rest, the evening is free for exploring the Lakeside area and enjoying dinner.
After breakfast, drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. At Nayapul, you will meet the local porter and organize your trekking equipment. This is also the time to buy drinking water, apply sunscreen, take toilet breaks and organize your day bag. The trek begins from Nayapul and follows the Modi River. The trail passes through Birethanti, a small and beautiful village with shops and trekking guesthouses. From Birethanti, the path gradually climbs through the valley toward Hile village and continues onward to Tikhedhunga. Overnight stay is at a guesthouse.
After an early hot breakfast, begin the trek with a steep ascent toward Ulleri village at 1,960 meters. Ulleri is home to a large Magar community with its own interesting culture and language. The trail continues through oak and rhododendron forests toward Banthanti village at 2,250 meters, where the guide will stop for lunch. After lunch, continue toward Nangethanti at 2,460 meters before reaching Ghorepani at 2,875 meters. From Ghorepani, trekkers can enjoy impressive views during sunset. Overnight stay is at the guesthouse.
Wake up very early, around 4:00 AM, and hike with your guide to Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 meters. From the viewpoint, experience a panoramic Himalayan sunrise illuminating Annapurna and surrounding peaks. Spend time enjoying the sunrise with warm coffee and hot chocolate before returning to Ghorepani for breakfast. During spring, the surrounding rhododendrons provide colorful scenery, while winter offers a different Himalayan landscape. After breakfast, continue trekking toward Tadapani at 2,610 meters.
Today is the final trekking day. Before breakfast, enjoy dramatic sunrise views with Mt. Fishtail and Mt. Annapurna South visible from the area. After breakfast, descend through the rainforest via Bhaisekharka. Within a few hours, the trail reaches Ghandruk village at 1,940 meters. The shorter trekking day provides plenty of time to explore Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages. Visitors can experience Gurung culture, religion and traditional lifestyle, and learn about the community's connection with the Gorkha Army. The local museum provides further insight into the lives of the people, with snowy mountain peaks forming the backdrop.
Enjoy the final breakfast of the trek before leaving Ghandruk and traveling through the villages toward Birethanti. At Birethanti, the guide will process the trekking permits for exiting the Annapurna region. Continue to Nayapul, where a bus or jeep can be taken back to Pokhara. The final evening in Pokhara is free to enjoy the city's bars and restaurants, revisit the lakeside and admire Fishtail Mountain.
At 7:00 AM, your guide will take you to the tourist bus station for the journey back to Kathmandu. The drive is expected to take a maximum of approximately 8 hours, although actual arrival time may vary depending on highway traffic conditions. In the evening, Nepal Unique Treks will invite you to a farewell dinner featuring a Nepali cultural show and traditional Nepali food.
Departure day from Kathmandu. Airport transfer and meal details can be confirmed with the team based on your flight schedule.
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