Surprised by the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

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As an avid hiker, I was surprised by the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Nepal.  I envisioned dirt trails with scenic mountain vistas in all directions.  I expected pathways surrounded by goats and sheep but not many people.  I thought I’d sleep on thin mats on teahouse floors and pantomime conversations with locals who didn’t speak English.  I expected sore legs from climbing serious mountains.

I was completely wrong…except for the sore legs part.  

There are some serious uphill climbs.

The Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara

This is Nepal’s most popular route and a classic Himalaya trek.

Compared to hiking to Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, this short trek makes sense for anyone without the time or physical stamina for a more intense endeavor.  It takes 4 or 5 days to hike to the summit of Poon Hill, so it fits well in a two-week Nepal itinerary.  It’s easy to reach from Pokhara and just a quick flight away from Kathmandu.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is also popular since prices are low, permits are easy to obtain, and packing is simple.

stone staircase along ghorepani poon hill trek in nepal
A beautiful morning along the trail.

Why You Should Include This Trek in Your Nepal Travel Plans

First, let’s talk about why you should trek in general.  A huge part of Nepali life is based on the Himalayas.  Locals don’t just gaze at the mountains from the distance; they actually live in small communities dotted up and down the mountainside.

Trekking in Nepal is about more than nature or scenery: it’s also the only way you’ll get up close to this part of their local culture.  To some extent, you can observe daily life as villagers walk the same paths and climb the same stairs. 

If you can, take an extra day at a homestay along the route — we had a local family who let us help gather eggs and cook a meal.  If you have a porter or guide, they can help translate but any type of exchange is lovely.

host family on the scenery on the ghorepani poon hill trek
A host family on the last night of my trek.

Being able to do this without spending 8 or 10 days climbing to Annapurna Base Camp (“ABC” trek) or even longer to Everest is invaluable.

The Route and Ghorepani Poon Hill Map

Starting from Pokhara, we met up with the staff of 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, the first company in Nepal to focus on employing women to act as guides and porters.

They explained our route: From Pokhara, we’d drive to Nayapul and then hike a circuit from there up to Ghorepani and back down via Ghandruk before driving back from Nayapul to Pokhara.

ghorepani poon hill trek map (poon hill map)
Route Guide and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Map

Day 1: Shuttle from Pokhara to the start of the trail and hike from Nayapul to Hille (about 3.5 hours)

Day 2: Hike from Hille to Ghorepani (about 7 hours)

Day 3: Sunrise hike from Ghorepani to the Poon Hill summit (about 1.5 hours) and then continue onward from Ghorepani to Ghandruk (about 9 hours).  This is a LONG day, so the Poon Hill Trek 5 days version splits it in half.

Day 4 (or 5): Hike from Ghandruk to Nayapul (about 4.5 hours)

Parts of the trek is nature trails, heading through rhododendron forests with rainforest-like foliage all around you.  Other parts are stone staircases (4,080 in a row, at one point) that head from village to village and are used by locals as well as visitors.

What is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek like?

The walk itself is pleasant and follows part of the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route.  Views change from farms to terraced rice fields, waterfalls, gorges, and forests.  We had a few good mountain views along the way, though the clouds unfortunately obscured them most of the time.

Bridge at the start of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Bridge at the start of the trail

Most groups wake up early every day.  Your hike on the Ghorepani PoonHill trek is very rarely on flat ground: you’ll alternate between uphill trails or going up and down stairs built into the mountainside.  Groups stop for tea when needed, giving your legs a break.  You can order a hot lunch to warm up if you’re there on a windy, rainy, or snowy day.

Once you arrive at your guest house for the night, you slip into a pleasant rhythm of playing cards, reading books, and drinking tea.  Chances are, you’ll recognize other trekkers from along the route and make new friends.

The Downside to Poon Hill Trekking

Perhaps because it’s so accessible, the mountain trail can be congested during high season when up to 300 new trekkers start every day.  Some villages feel like tourist centers with restaurants, souvenir stands, and wi-fi instead of the simple local life I expected to pass.  

Shame on me for not doing my research.

That doesn’t mean you should skip the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Nepal.  I enjoyed myself, but it’s important to set expectations in advance.

Should You Complete the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in 4 or 5 Days?

As a young, fit hiker, I thought four days was perfect. Guides split the route into manageable chunks and explain trail highlights along the way.  Any longer, and I think I would have gone stir crazy with too much time at the tea houses (as it was, my travel companion and I beat the average trek time on a consistent basis).

However, if you’re not acclimated to the altitude or if you have any physical limitations, doing the circuit trek in 5 days is a smarter bet.

>>>>> I highly recommend learning more about acclimating to altitude.  This guide to acclimating was written after a trip to Machu Picchu and Cusco (roughly the same altitude as Poon Hill), but is very relevant to this trek as well.

trail on the scenery on the ghorepani poon hill trek
Scenery along the trail

farms along the scenery on the ghorepani poon hill trek

Costs on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Package trips from Pokhara typically cost in the range of $350 per person, which includes your transport to/from the trailhead, overnight accomodations, meals, a guide, and permits. Costs will vary depending on the season, quality of accomodation you choose, your group size, and whether you go 3 or 4 nights.

If you prefer to arrange everything yourself, you can find lower costs. You can find basic, shared rooms for as low as 400 rupees per night ($4) with hot showers typically available for 100-150 rupees. Meals range from 300-1000 rupees, depending on what you eat and where you are. Expect to pay the lower prices for dal bhat (lentils and rice) and higher prices if you add meat or order a western meal. Costs naturally get more expensive as you’re higher on the mountain.

As I mentioned, we hired a guide and porter. Although you can navigate without a guide, I recommend hiring someone. They know the trails inside and out, have a great grip on when the weather may change, and can call ahead to guesthouses to arrange rooms so you have your first choice of options. Costs vary, depending on their experience and level of English fluency. Since you’re with them for 4 days straight, it’s worth paying for someone you like!

My porter and I along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
My porter and I along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Budget about 3000-4000 rupees per day for a guide ($30-40) and 1500-2000 rupees for a porter ($15-20). I enjoyed being able to ask questions about the villages, customs, altitudes, and more so paying for an English-speaking porter was a must for me as well.  Help the local economy out and enjoy a Nepali’s perspective and conversation along the way.

Trekking permits are required and are an additional cost.

Sunrise from Poon Hill

The absolute highlight of the journey is the side trip to Poon Hill.  Here, at 10,230 feet in elevation, you’re provided with 360-degree views of the surrounding snow capped mountains.

You’ll see Annapurna (26,545 feet), Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Macchupucchare (better known as Fish Tail).  The views are impressive enough to justify a 4:30am wake-up call and strenuous climb.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Nepal-1-04
The Poon Hill trek maxes out at 3210 meters (10,531 feet)
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Nepal-2-01
Sunrise on Poon Hill

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek was not at all what I expected it to be, but I’m still glad I did it.

What to Pack on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

You need less than you think.  Most guide shops and/or hotels in Pokhara will let you store the majority of your luggage there while you’re trekking.

The non-negotiables:

Upgrade your sneakers to waterproof hiking shoes and break them in ahead of time.  Wear high-quality Smartwool socks, which keep you from sweating (and therefore help avoid blisters).  Hint: you might want something to slip into at teahouses, like flip flops.

Layers are key and I like Underarmour Cold Gear with a warm sweater.  Learn more about layering in my guide for winter packing.

Some people swear by trekking poles.  I didn’t use them but these lightweight ones work well for traveling.

I should have brought a sleeping bag liner, especially since I already had one at home.

Don’t skimp on sunscreen.  You burn faster at high altitudes.

becky on bridge to ghorepani poon hill in nepal

Logistics for Pokhara Travel

How to Get to Pokhara

From Kathmandu to Pokhara is a 7-hour bus ride, maybe a little shorter if you find a tourist bus with fewer stops.  But the best option is to fly Yeti Airlines (sit on the right side heading toward Pokhara for mountain views).

Where to Stay in Pokhara

I spent one night at the 3 Sisters Lodge before my trek, which was average at best.  However, after my trek I stayed at Butterfly Lodge which I absolutely loved.  Clean, comfortable rooms in a quiet setting just a block away from restaurants and shops.

Best Tours in Pokhara

You should really spend another day or two in Pokhara, especially if you haven’t acclimated to the altitude before your trek.  I really enjoyed my visit to a Tibetan community and wished I had seen sunrise at Sarangkot.

After your trek, choose one of the many spas in town for a therapeutic massage!

Plan the Rest of Your Nepal Trip

81 thoughts on “Surprised by the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek”

  1. Hi Becky, The trip itself amazing with great views of Mountains as well as sunrise & sunset view from Poon Hill. What I would like to say is Poon Hill Trek is considered as one of the short, comfortable & beautiful treks. As per your post, the itinerary is long. Most of the people who chose the Poon hill trek because of less holiday in Nepal. I think this itinerary will be fit for Kathmandu to Poon Hill Trek. As it covers only three day from Pokhara to Pokhara.
    Day 01: Drive to Pokhara(900m) – 7 hours, in a Tourist Bus.
    Day 02: Drive to Kyumi and trek to Tadapani – 6 hours.
    Day 03: Trek to Ghorepani(2,840m) – 6 hours.
    Day 04: Early morning hike up to Poon Hill(3,210m) and trek to Hile and drive back to Pokhara – 7 hours.
    Day 05: Drive back to Kathmandu.

    Hope you like it.

  2. Wow! such a hard work to make a great post like this. This is very informative and clear, all the itinerary has been written clearly and pictures has increased what it looks like before to go there. Specially this is very good for beginners hikers. Thank you so much becky for nice post.

  3. If you pass through Ghandruk, consider a night at the Simon Inn. No friendlier people on this earth and the beer is cold. The namesake is maybe the cutest little boy you ever met. He should be about 6 by now. And be sure to do this trek when the Rhodies are in bloom and the understory is perfumed with Daphne Odorata- heavenly!

  4. Because of being this trekking a short trek, easy trek with beautiful mountain view and sunset alot people love to travel this place. That’s why this place seems little crowded but I will recoomend this trek to anyone if anyone want to visit Nepal.

  5. This is really a nice piece of Information about Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Thanks for your effort Becky. And again, thanks for posing this info. It is really helpful for the people who are dreaming and planning of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Nepal.

  6. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is best for first-time Himalayan trekkers to get the experience of more adventure, this Poon hill trek is one popular viewpoint with a short and easy trek in Himalayan Nepal.

    It’s a good route for all of the age trekkers who wanna like to explore panorama mountains views, magical landscapes, a beautiful village, sunrise, and flora & fauna. During the trek, you will enjoy the traditional culture, local lifestyle, and warm hospital of the Gurung and Magar Community.

  7. In Nepal’s Annapurna region, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most well-known trekking routes. We have access to picturesque communities, luxuriant forests, and breathtaking mountain scenery. I appreciate you becky sharing this fantastic Ghorepani content.

  8. Yes, really this trek is awesome!! If you’re seeking an adventure that will leave you breathless in more ways than one, I highly recommend setting off on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. It’s a journey that will surprise you, inspire you, and fill your heart with gratitude for the beauty that exists both in nature and in the hearts of the people you meet along the way.

    Thank you for sharing your experience.

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