Important Information

Region
Annapurna Region Treks
Duration
9 Days
Max Altitude 3210 Meters
Best Season Whole Year
Activity Per Day
4-5 hours
Grade
Level 2
Group Size
2 - 15 people
Transportation Bus/Jeep

“Poonhill, a scenic viewpoint which offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.”

Poonhill (3,210m) Trek is also known as Annapurna panoramic trek. It is a popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region. Within four to five days of the trek, anybody can complete by starting from and finishing at Pokhara. This short and sweet trek is a perfect choice for those who don't have enough time or for novice trekkers. The valley is inhabited by the ethnic groups of the Magar and Gurung people.

The trail leads you through the Modi Khola valley to Tikhedunga. After crossing the Modi Khola, ascent 3300 steps of Ulleri hill and continuing the trail through the Rhododendron forest will reach to Magar Village of Ghorepani (2,855m). Waking up before daybreak and ascending Poonhill is worth it for sunrise and panoramic views of the entire Annapurna ranges. At an altitude of 3,210 meters on top of Poonhill, providing a mesmerizing 180-degree view of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Dhampus, Nilgiri (2637m), Annapurna South (8091), Bhara Sikhar, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) 6993m. While heading down to Pokhara, we pass through the old Gurung village of Ghandruk, a village that will give a lot of cultural inputs. Poonhill is only a destination for all four seasons of trekking.

Himalayan Wander Walkers organize a trekking package, a true trekking adventure for all trekkers who are fit enough and have proper time. We also provide a four days Poonhill trek. Check our other trekking packages around Annapurna. All our trips are tailor-made trips with personalized services. Please let us know the number of participants in your group, your choice of hotels, and amendments in our readymade itinerary if any, 

If you are looking for different itinerary than the itinerary here please Customize Your Trip 

Highlights of the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek:

  • Panoramic view of Annapurna Ranges and Dhaulagiri Ranges with a spectacular view of sunrise and sunset.
  • Typical culture of the Magar and Gurung people.
  • Short and comfortable trek route with enough teahouses for the food and accommodation.

Outline Itinerary ( 9 Days )

Day 1

Arrival to Nepal

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by a representative of the Himalayan Wander Walkers. You will be checked into your hotel. You will meet our trekking operator for a briefing about the entire trek on this day. You can either rest or hang out around a famous tourist area in Kathmandu, Thamel.
Overnight at hotel set with BB Plan.

Day 2

Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Pokhara (827m)

Our office staff will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the tourist bus station. You will drive to Pokhara around 6/7hrs which is 200km from Kathmandu. A beautiful valley set on the bank of Phewa Lake, Pokhara is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (Fishtail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu which provides the perfect starting point for our trek.
Overnight at hotel with BB plan.

Day 3

Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1480m) 1:25 hrs drive/ 4hrs walk

We will drive around 1:25 hrs from Pokhara via beautiful Lumle village to Nayapul (1050m). Poonhill sunrise trek starts from Nayapul and after half an hour reach Birethandi where you need to check your tourist permit at the check post. Following Modi River, we will continue our trek which leads to several teahouses on the route, and after 3-4 hrs of the trek will reach Tikhedunga.
Overnight stay at teahouse. Meal: (B, L, D)

 

Day 4

Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2750m) 4-6hrs walk

Our trek starts with the steep ascents for 2hrs will take us to Ulleri (2070m). Crossing the Magar village of Banthanti from where we can get spectacular views of Machhapuchhre Mountain (6997m), Hiunchuli Mountain (6441m), and Annapurna South Mountain (7219m). A pleasant trek through the Rhododendron forest will pass the small bridge over the freshwater stream will gradually lead to the village of Ghorepani from where we can get soaring views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, and other mountains.
Overnight stay at Teahouse. Meal: (B, L, D)

Day 5

Ghorepani with Poonhill viewpoint (3210m) to Tadapani (2710m) 5-6hrs walk

Poonhill is popular for its best sunrise viewpoint in the Annapurna region. We will wake up early and hike up about an hour to reach the Poonhill viewpoint. Observing the sun rays gradually falling over the mountain ranges and catching the incredible view of Dhaulagiri Mountain (8167m), Annapurna I Mountain (8091m), Annapurna II Mountain (7937m), Annapurna III Mountain (7855m), Annapurna IV Mountain (7525m), Annapurna South Mountain (729m), Nilgiri Mountain (6940m), Tukuche Mountain (6920m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Lamjung Himal (6931m) and other mountains. Next returning back to the hotel in Ghorepani for breakfast and then trek to Tadapani village with a scenic trail through the ridge of Deurali teahouses and so on to reach Tadapani.
Overnight stay at teahouse. Meal: (B, L, D)

 

Day 6

Tadapani to Ghandruk

Today’s trek starts with 3hrs of easy walk through the forest of oak, Rhododendron, and other alpine flowers which take us to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is the second largest Gurung village after Siklis from where striking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and other Mountains from Ghandruk. The second-largest Gurung village in whole Nepal features the Gurung cultural museum, dance, and Buddhist monastery. You will also explore the old Gurung village of Ghandruk which portraits its unique design of the local houses.
Overnight stay at teahouse. Meal: (B, L, D)

 

Day 7

Ghandruk to Pokhara

Today will be your last day of the trek and our trek start by ascending through the teahouses of the Ghandruk village and continuing the beautiful stone trail passing through the terrace farm. Finally, the route will take us down aside the Modi Khola and after everal hours will reach Birethandi from where we will drive to Pokhara.
Overnight at hotel with BB plan.

 

Day 8

Drive back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will return back to Kathmandu which is of 6/7 hours drive. You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, and scenic Everest flight, mountain biking, and other activities.
Overnight at hotel with BB plan.

Day 9

Final Departure to your port of Destination

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

 

Include

All airport pick-up & drop by private vehicle (international and domestic)
Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant in Kathmandu
Annapurna Conservation Aria Permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS card) Poonhill entry fee
English speaking, government licensed guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance
Twin/double sharing accommodation in the mountain during the trekking
Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
First aid kit
Two nights hotel in Pokhara
Bus transportation from kathmandu to Pokhara and back Kathmandu. Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
Trekking route maps

Exclude

All necessary government taxes and service charges Porter (For two person)Your Nepal visa fees and 2 passport size photos
All the International air fare from and to Kathmandu
All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu
Food and accommodations in case of early arrivals from the trek or late departures from airport
Your extra personal expenses during trek such as (laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottle water, hot and cold shower, extra porter etc)
Tips for the trekking crew
Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
The given price is for the minimum of two pax. For single trekker, 20 % supplementary charge will be applied.
We provide the best teahouse in this area.

Important Information

CHECKLISTS

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Lodging
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - Teahouse trekking means staying and eating in local lodges. We stay in single rooms where possible, but often you will have to share. Rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow, blankets. A few have electric lights and all have a spacious dining room-lounge. We eat at teahouses and, although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, the menu is not extensive. They offer a variety of potatoes, rice and noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. Beers and local spirits are often available, but that will be at your own cost. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There are also snacks available such as basic biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. It is normal to meet your porter in the teahouse where you will stay overnight. So, pack your necessary things in your own day pack.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES IN NEPAL

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket Jumper or piled jacket Hiking shorts Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella Hiking pants T-shirts or blouses Underwear Sun hat

Rucksack Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional), Water bottle Torch, batteries, and bulbs