Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular classic short trek of Annapurna Region. It will take you at the base of Annapurna Mountains. Ghorepani is a settlement in western Nepal with an elevation of roughly 2,874 meters in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). Ghorepani was given this name because it was once used to be a stop for traders to water their horses. The Himalayan sights of renowned classic mountains such as Mt. Dhaulagiri ranges, Mt. Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna II, III, IV, Lamjung Himal, and others are available. Many other names have been given to Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in order to highlight the nature of the trek. Small Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Sunrise Trek, Ghorepani Rhododendron Trek, and Annapurna Rhododendron Route Trek are a few indications.
The welcoming nature of the nearby Gurung and Magar communities make this trek very delightful. Enjoy in the distinct culture and friendly hospitality. It’s a fantastic path to walk for both experienced trekkers and those who wish to try their attempt at trekking for the first time. The route leads through the beautiful forest of Rhododendron and rice fields. There is a diverse range of fauna, trees, plants, and animals in the path. During the spring season, this trek is famous for its view of hills covered in colourful Rhododendron with background of clear sky and snowy mountains.
Your 8-day Ghorepani trek will begin with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a short drive to a world of mountains and terraced farmlands Tikhedhunga. Stone steps bring you through towns filled with lovely old mud and stone houses. Visit Ghandruk, a Gurung historical community, which will allow you to experience yourself in Gurung culture before ending your walk with a smooth descent to Kimchi and an inspiring drive to Pokhara.
Country | Nepal |
Duration | 8 days |
Grade | Moderate |
Meals | Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinner |
Activity | Trekking and Hiking |
Best season | Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec |
Attraction | Ghandruk, Pokhara and Poonhill |
Accommodation | Hotel, Lodge and Tea house |
Maximum altitude | 3,210m/ 10,530ft |
Days | Activities | Durations |
1. | Arrival in TIA Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) | |
2. | Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Hike to Tikhedhunga (1,570m/ 5,170ft) | 4-5hrs |
3. | Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,840m/ 9,318ft) | 6-7hrs |
4. | Hike from Ghorepani to Poonhill and Trek to Tadapani (2,610m/ 8,562ft) | 5-6 hrs |
5. | Trek from Tadapani to Kimchi Via Ghandruk (1,940m/ 6,365ft) and drive back to Pokhara (800m/2,624ft) | 7-8hrs |
6. | Fly Back to Kathmandu (1,400m/ 4,592ft) | 30mins |
7. | Rest Day at Kathmandu | |
8. | Departure |
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Our agent will greet you and accompany you to the hotel. Drive to the hotel and check-in. Our guide will come to see you in the evening and give you a brief overview of the journey. At the hotel, we had dinner and stayed the night.
After enjoying your breakfast, your guide will assist you in checking out and transferring to the airport for your trip to Pokhara. The flight takes around 30 minutes, during which you will be exposed to a scenic view of Pokhara, a lovely lakeside city.
After arriving in Pokhara, take a vehicle and drive for one-and-a-half-hour to Nayapul. From here your trek begins. As soon as you start walking, you will come across an amazing glimpse of Machhapuchhre, also known as a Fishtail because its peak resembles a fish’s tail. Visitors are greeted by lively local communities and lovely tea houses along the path. You’ll be passing through the peaceful charm of valleys (Birethani, Hile), terraced farmlands and waterfalls. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Lodge.
After your breakfast at Tikhedhunga, begin your hike to Ghorepani, which is 12.9 kilometres from Tikhedhunga and takes about 6 to 7 hours to walk. You’ll eat lunch on the way. Your long ascent to Ulleri, begins with a steep stones’ stair up. After you finish this stretch, the route continues through a lovely area of blossoming rhododendron flowers and ancient oak woodlands. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge.
We’ll get up early and hike to Poonhill viewpoint before sunrise to see the sunrise, which is the best view point in the Annapurna region to see the sunrise. The view of the rising sun and its rays dropping over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is breath-taking. After capturing the Moment come down to the Ghorepani and enjoy your delicious breakfast. Leaving Ghorepani, we will be walking toward Tadapani and have the lunch on the way. Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge.
Today is the last day of your journey. Following a hearty breakfast, you’ll have a great time on your last down. Walk for around 3 hours from Tadapani to Ghandruk, a typical Gurung heritage settlement. This is Nepal’s second-largest Gurung settlement and home of many British Gurkha soldiers. Stop for lunch and explore through the village. If you’re curious, you can go to the ancient Gurung Museum. After admiring the spectacular views of the Annapurna Himal, you will descend to Kimchi, where a jeep will be waiting for you to take you to Pokhara.
You arrive in the lakeside city after roughly two and a half hours of traveling. Check into your hotel, wander around Lake side Pokhara, or go cycling. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, you can go sightseeing in Pokhara or try paragliding. After that, have lunch and then fly back to Kathmandu. The flight lasts approximately 30 minutes. You will be escorted to the hotel and assisted with check-in. After a while, take a break or go shopping if you want. You can wander around Thamel. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
You will be having a wonderful breakfast in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The rest of the day is yours to spend whatever you choose. Visit one of Kathmandu’s three durbars or go shopping. Evening prayers can be offered at Swyambhunath or Bouddhanath. At night, attend a Pashupatinath for “Sandhya aarti,” also known as Night aarti. After that, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with your teammates. Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
The 7-day journey has come to a conclusion. Today is your last day in Kathmandu. Our representative will have a short discussion on the trip and take your feedback after a hearty breakfast. Following this session, he will drive you to the airport in our private transportation 3 hours before your trip.
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January:
In Nepal, January is in the midst of winter. The higher elevation receives moderate snowfall, whereas the lower elevation is ideal for trekking. Early January is likely to be one of the best times to visit the Annapurna base camp. Annapurna Region trekking in January provides some of the best mountain views. During the day, you will feel warm, but as night falls, you will feel cold. In January, these areas receive little to no rainfall. As a result, the skies remain clear and the surroundings appear even sharper.
February:
The Annapurna Region trek in February is an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a place where all you can see are mountains and scenery. It’s peaceful because February is the coldest month of the year. Most people dislike trekking in the winter because they believe it is extremely difficult.
March:
The month of March is ideal for trekking and admiring the spectacular mountain peaks. The ABC trekking trail will be crowded with hikers beginning in March. In the Annapurna region, the spring season begins in March, the month of the Rhododendron. Trekking in March will provide you with the most memorable experiences in a pleasant and mild climate.
April:
April is the beginning of spring in Nepal, and the weather is ideal for trekking to Annapurna Region. The views are bright and clear at this time of year, and everyone enjoys spring. The surroundings are vibrant and colorful, with rhododendrons in bloom. It is the best time of year to see various bird and butterfly species. During your April trip to ABC, the weather is completely in your favor. The moderate heat of the sun, combined with the lack of wind, makes it ideal for trekking. Furthermore, the amount of rain and snow is insignificant.
May:
May, the final month of the Spring season in Nepal, is much hotter. The Annapurna Region trek in May has the highest temperature of the year. Temperature and weather will vary depending on the altitude throughout the trek. At lower altitudes, daytime temperatures can reach 20°C. At night, the temperature drops to around 5°C. During the day, the weather in the lower sections will be extremely hot. The nights, on the other hand, are tolerable.
June:
June is the coldest time of the summer and has the least amount of rainfall. In June, the Annapurna Region has a minimum temperature of 0 degrees Celsius. The month of June is the offseason and therefore less popular for trekking. In the region, June marks the start of the wet monsoon season.
July:
Trekking in Nepal in July isn’t always joyful because the heavy rains can block your view of the beautiful mountains you’ll pass through. In July, you will notice that the temperature is not as chilly on the Annapurna Region. During the month, the lowest temperature is 6 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature is 18 degrees Celsius.
August:
In the Annapurna region, August is the off-season for trekking. In August, the monsoon season produces strong rains, especially in lower places. Due to weather-related concerns, most hikers avoid this month. The summer monsoon season comes to an end in August. It rains regularly, and you may feel a little chilly as a result. You should also be cautious because the trails are slippery and the possibility of landslides and avalanches is considerable. In addition, the temperature on the trails remains between 6 and 18 degrees Celsius.
September:
The monsoon season finishes in September, marking the start of the fall season. The optimum time to trek to Ghorepani Poonhill is in September. The weather and temperature for the Ghorepani Poon hill Trek are ideal. The temperature is pleasant during the day, but it is extremely chilly at night. The temperature drops below 0 degrees or below zero degrees at night.
October:
October is the month that falls between September and November. As a result, it keeps both monsoon rain and winter’s biting cold at distance. The weather is warm and pleasant in October, with clear skies and fresh air. The nights, on the other hand, are a little chilly, with a brisk breeze coming from the campsite. Throughout the month of October, the weather is pleasant, allowing people to enjoy an unobstructed view of the snow-capped peaks. They can also visit bright valleys and interesting scenery of various colors.
November:
The last declared peak season for trekking in Nepal in November. Bright, sunny days and beautiful skies characterize November. On the treks, these provide breathtaking, crystal-clear vistas of the mountains. The days are bright and sunny in November. The sky is clear, with perhaps a few stray clouds possible. The weather is cold, ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius. The average temperature lowers to 7 degrees Celsius at night.
December:
In the Annapurna region, December is a rather dry month. It receives fewer than 25 millimeters of rain every year. The Annapurna region is in the shadow of the Himalayas. As a result, December has a lower chance of rain. It is also possible to walk the Ghorepani poon hill in December. In December, hikers will get a unique perspective of the region.
Though the Annapurna Region Trek is one of the most cherished and sought-after treks on nearly every trekker’s travel list. All most all the trek in Annapurna region is located beyond the altitude of 2,500m and altitude sickness is the sneaky monster that sometime attack even the fittest trekkers beyond 2500m (8,000ft).
We will be trekking up to 3,210m (Poonhill), preventing altitude sickness on the trek and remaining healthy throughout the trek should be your top priorities. With lower air pressure and lower inspiratory oxygen pressure, you’ll be hiking into the high-altitude zone. Acclimatization is the process of progressively becoming familiar with the new climate or changing environmental conditions. Almost everyone going quickly from lower to higher elevations requires altitude adaptation.
At elevations beyond 2,500 meters, AMS symptoms can be detected like:
To guarantee that the condition does not worse, certain precautions should be taken. However, if the symptoms increase, it may be necessary to return to a lower height and seek medical assistance.
Drinking-Water
Especially for trekkers, it is very necessary to hydrate your body at a higher altitude than in lower elevations to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Lack of fluid can be the main hindrance during the trek. You should hydrate your body with at least 3-4 liters of water on a daily basis (Tea, soup, or normal drinking water).
Annapurna region does not have a water shortage. You can get tap water, spring water throughout the trek but it is not safe to drink without purifying it. Also, the sale of plastic water bottle is banned in Annapurna Region since 2015. You will not get to buy plastic water bottle throughout the trek. Therefore, you need to bring your personal water bottle. We recommend you to use a Reusable water bottle or water pouch favorable for both hot and cold water. You can also use a filtration system like LifeStraw.
Here are some ways that you can use to make the water drinkable.
Boiling water is the best way to purify the water. As we are climbing to a higher altitude you need to boil the water for about 3-minute and season it with a pinch of salt before drinking. You can get free cold water in the teahouse but for boiled water, it cost around 1USD per liter.
Purification tablets like chlorine or iodine tablets are commonly used tablets by trekkers to disinfect the water. 1 tablet is enough for a liter of water. It takes around 30 min for the tablets to dissolve and become drinkable. Water purify by tablets may leave a taste in your mouth.
Electrolyte powder is another option. Electrolyte powder is a better way to purify water than tablets because electrolyte powder contains minerals such as salt, Potassium, Magnesium, which are important for your body during the trek.
It is a simple, effective, and environment-friendly but expensive way to purify water. It kills the bacteria and virus within 10 sec by exposing them to ultraviolent light without changing the flavor of water.
Electricity and Internet facility at Ghorepani Poonhill.
Electricity facility.
Despite the challenging geography and weather conditions, the Annapurna region has been providing electricity and access to the Internet.
Electricity in Annapurna Region is powered by the hydroelectricity so you can get the free access to electricity throughout the trek. But to charge your device it will cost you extra charge. There is a common place for charging usually in dining area, and you will be charged extra for the use of electricity for charging device on different basis (Per device and voltage of your device).
Charging a mobile phone cost 1.5$- 2$ per device.
Internet Facility and Service
Internet and network facility is must needed to contact your family, friends, employee, to post updates and upload photos during the trek.
Internet access is available throughout the Annapurna Region, but in some area WI-FI might become slow due to the lack of reach of signal to tower and difficult topography.
In higher altitude, you will have access to internet, but have to pay extra.
WI-FI service in higher altitude cost around – NPR 300/USD 2.5
Both NTC and NCell cellular service has been providing the network in Annapurna Region. You can buy the NCell or NTC sim card from the stores in Kathmandu for 1USD. By taking data packages you can use the internet service up to Ghorepani – Poonhill.
NTC cellular service most preferred over NCell. NTC provides good service and signal connectivity throughout the Annapurna region, comparison to NCell.
Buy NTC data package Dial*1415# |
Cost of data package in NTC: -14GB=7$ (Valid up to 28days -30GB=15$ (Valid up to 90 days) |
Check balance Dial *1415# |
Buy NCell data package Dial *17123# and select. |
Cost of data package in NCell: -15GB=10$ -25GB= 12$ (Valid up to 30 days) |
Check balance Dial*101# |
Document needed to buy a sim card.
For foreigner = 1 passport size photo, Passport photocopy, or valid identity card.
For Nepali = 1 Passport size Photo, Photocopy of Citizenship.
Some useful tips to reduce the use of electricity.
The bag of a trekker also reveals the trekker’s level of experience. A good trekker should be a smart backpacker. You should be pre-prepared for the things that you need in the trek.
Here are some of the things that you need to take with you for the trek.
Travel documents
Clothing
Trekking equipment
Toiletries
Personal First Aid Kit
You can buy or hire trekking cloths and equipment in Kathmandu. If you are buying it, you have to allow an extra day for shopping; however, if you are hiring it, you must inform us in advance so that we can arrange it before your arrival in Kathmandu. This way you can reduce the weight of your luggage and save time and money.
Branded trekking clothes and equipment are available around Thamel area in a reasonable price.
Note- Kathmandu- Pokhara flight has a luggage allowance of maximum 20 kg per person. For extra baggage, they charge 1$ per kg. So, you can wear your trekking boots and jacket to reduce the weight. Have a hand carry bag for your passport, money, medicine, and pair of clothing. And you can also leave your unnecessary items in Kathmandu hotel.
Accommodation
We will accommodate in star hotel during our stay in Kathmandu.
In Gandruk we will stay in lodges.
For the rest of the stop, we stay at teahouses.
Meal
During the trek, we will provide you three-time meals. You can choose from the given menu.
Breakfast– French toast, Cornflakes, Cereal, Pancakes, Bread butter, Eggs, Oat meal, Porridge, Tea etc.
Lunch– Dal Bhaat set (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad), Vegetable noodle soup, Chicken noodles soup, Mushroom garlic soup, Fried noodles, Mo: Mo, Fried cheese Potato, Fried rice etc.
Dinner– Dal Bhaat set (Rice, vegetable curry, meat curry, Lentils, Tomato Chutney, Salad, Papad), Mo: Mo, Fried noodles, Noodles soup, Spaghetti, Thukpa, Pizza, Fried Potato, Fried rice etc.
Besides these, there are a variety of other options of food. You can buy from your own pocket.
Transportation
By Bus- From Kathmandu airport to Hotel at Kathmandu and vice-versa.
From Pokhara airport to Kimchi village.
From Naya pul to Pokhara Hotel.
From Hotel to Pokhara Airport.
By Air- Flight to Nepal.
Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
Our well-qualified and professional staff will handle all your activities throughout your trek. They will do all the escorting. We are providing you a highly experienced and licensed Guide with fluent English speaking and has excellent communication as well as navigation skills. They will accompany you from Pokhara Airport and guide you all the way to Ghorepani- Poonhill. Each group of 4-5 trekkers will be assigned an assistant guide, as well as a porter for two trekkers (2*15kg =30kg). If your luggage weight more than 15kg you will be provided a porter individually but you will be charged of 2 people.
All our lead guide, assistant guides, and potters are well professional and experienced. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with them throughout the trek.
Every day will begin with the ringing of your alarm clock at 6 a.m. and a knock on your door from your guide with the invitation of breakfast. Get up, have breakfast, pack your backpack and get ready to start your day’s walk by 7 a.m.
You will walk through the lush forests of Rhododendron and Oaks, enjoying the scenery, crossing numerous suspension bridge, clicking photos, creating memories, passing by other travelers, interacting with your guide, hearing each other’s stories.
Lunch will be served at a local teahouse in the late afternoon (1-2 am). Having lunch and an hour of rest, we will proceed to the day’s final destination as per the itinerary.
On arrival at the destination, check-in at your accommodation. Get freshen up and some rest. As every teahouse where we stay has a large common dining area with a wood- burning stove in the center, there you will get to meet many travelers. You can sit there, laugh at each other stories, play cards, sing songs, play music, and have a good time. This will help you forgot all the tiredness of the day. Later at the evening you will have your dinner together. Enjoy the flavorful Nepalese Dal Bhat. There is this saying Dal Bhat power 24 hr. After dinner, your guide will give some short briefing about next day’s trek regarding when you must get up, when we have to start our trek next day, where we will stay the next day, how many hours we have to walk and so on.
During this trek you’ll walk for minimum of 3 hrs to maximum of 8 hrs per day. You will get to experience the glimpse of Gurung culture, their authentic village lifestyle. Ghandruk is the Gurung village and home of many Gurkha soldiers. During the stay at Ghandruk they will welcome you warmly with their cultural dance and singing at night. We are sure you will be amazed by their culture, lifestyle, and scenery of mountains over the village. During this trek, you will get to see the 7th and 10th highest mountain of the world (Mt. Machhapuchre and Mt Annapurna), lush forest of Rhododendrons and Oaks. You will stay a night in the shadow of Mt. Annapurna in Annapurna Base Camp.
Visa procedure.
To travel Nepal, you’ll need a tourist visa that is valid for the period of your stay in Nepal. Better, if you have a tourist visa valid for at least 2 months because anything can happen during the trip and staying in Nepal after your visa expires would result in you paying a penalty. Apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy of Nepal or obtain an On-Arrival visa at immigration in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. But it’s better to contact your nearest Nepalese Embassy.
Here are the documents that you need, to apply for the tourist visa.
Note: Our trip is of 11 days. 15 days tourist visa costs USD 30 or if you want to extend your stay at Nepal apply for 30 days tourist visa that costs USD 50.
Entry permits and Requirements
Annapurna Region is a Conservation Area. To travel over the Annapurna region, the trekkers need to get the permits from the Government of Nepal. The entry permits that you need for the trekking in the Annapurna region are-
Trekking permits | Foreign Nationals | SAARC Nationals | Nepali Citizens | |
1 | Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit.
(ACAP entry permit) |
NPR 3,000 per person per entry | NPR 1,000 per person per entry | NPR 100 per person per entry |
2 | Tourist Information Management System card.
(TIMS Card) |
NPR 1,000 per person with a guide (GT) and NPR 2,000 for solo trekkers (FIT) | NPR 300 per person with a guide (GT) and NPR 600 for solo trekkers (FIT) | N/A |
Note: You can get both Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit and TIMS Card from Nepal Tourism Board in Bhirkuti Mandap, Kathmandu or from Tourist Information Centre in Pokhara.
For the issue of TIMS Card, you need at least 2 members, accompanied by a licensed guide.
For more information about TIMS Card here the link.
(If you are travelling from travel/trekking agency your agency will arrange all the Permits.)
Documents required to get the permits.
During the journey, you may encounter a number of unexpected incidents or losses. Trekking in Nepal is an adventurous and occasionally dangerous activity, especially at high altitudes. Trekkers must have travel insurance before visiting Nepal for trekking.
You might come across some physical injury, illness, unexpected accident during the trek and all the medical expenses and loss has to be bear by yourself.
As we will be trekking up to Poonhill (3,210m), you need to choose an insurance policy which will cover all your possible risk that you may come across from the start of your journey to your final destination. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance. The following threats should be covered by your travel insurance:
You need to choose your travel insurance wisely so that, in the case of such incident, your travel insurance will cover the costs.
You can get your travel insurance in either your home country or Nepal.
Annapurna region is the region with numerous trekking trails. Annapurna region is the most popular trekking region in Nepal. This region is also known for typical Gurung culture and Gurung villages. Throughout the trek you will encounter many traditional villages inhabited by the Gurung and Magar. All travelers should travel responsibly in these regions. You must respect the local people, their culture, religion and try to limit any negative activities that will impact their local culture and environment. As Plastic water bottle is banned in Annapurna region in 2015, we expect you to not to bring any plastic wastage and properly dispose the plastic garbage (food warmers, plastic water bottles). You might encounter rare species on the way to Annapurna Base Camp, you rather not disturbed them. You can support them by adapting yourself in their lifestyle.
Your responsible travel will help Nepal achieve long-term sustainable tourism.
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