Ghorepani
Ghorepani was once a rest stop where ancient traders watered their horses (ghora) before continuing their journey. Today, tourism is the primary source of income for the village.
Another short trek by standard, but plenty to see and enjoy. The trail passes through numerous picturesque villages perched on the gentle slopes, surrounded by terraced rice, wheat, millet, and corn fields.
The hike before sunrise to Poon Hill is the highlight of this trip. The sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs is an unforgettable sight that must be experienced to be believed.
The return makes a slight detour to the Ghandruk villages, which also offer awesome views before heading back to Pokhara.
🌄 Ghorepani & Poon Hill Trek Highlights
- Close-up Himalayan Views: From Pokhara (819 m) to Machhapuchhare (6,997 m), the dramatic altitude variation offers breathtaking panoramas.
- Cultural Encounters: Home to the Magar and Gurung communities, famed as the backbone of the Gorkha regiments.
- Scenic Trails: Trek through rhododendron forests, fern-filled paths, and vibrant villages framed by towering peaks.
- Ghorepani (2,850 m): A charming mountain village with spectacular backdrops.
- Poon Hill Sunrise (3,210 m): A world-renowned vantage point to witness Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and the Annapurna massif glowing at dawn.
- Circular Route: Explore Tadapani (2,450 m), Ghandrung, and Nayapul before returning to Pokhara.
✅ In essence: The Ghorepani–Poon Hill trek combines dramatic Himalayan scenery, rich culture, and accessible adventure, making it one of Nepal’s most rewarding short treks.
Itinerary
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free day. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you and transfer you to your Hotel. In the evening, your guide will be introduced to you, and a briefing session will be conducted about your trek. A free evening.
Optional Kathmandu Valley sightseeing Tour.
If you opt for it, we can organise a guided "walking tour" of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO Heritage sites: old bazaars and Durbar Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, stupas and Temples for cultural discoveries of ancient temples and religious shrines of the three medieval kingdoms.
Fly to Pokhara. Drive Nayapul – Tikhedungha
A 25-minute flight takes you to Pokhara airport, where your crew will be waiting for you. The drive to Nayapul takes 1 & 1/2 hours. After a short walk along the banks of the Modi Khola River, you reach Birethanti (1015m), a large village with shops and teahouses. The trail continues along the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola before climbing steadily up to Hille (1495m) and then reaching Tikhedungha (1570 m). It is a short and relatively easy climb to allow you to get used to the experience of trekking in Nepal.
Tikhetungha-Uleri-Banthanti – Nangethanti – Ghorepani (2840 m.)
Leaving Tikhedhunga, you continue with your journey, starting with a steep climb - "a stairway to heaven" to Ulleri - a large Magar village at 2070 m. The trail then continues to ascend more gently, through fine forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti (2250 m) and further to Nangethanti (2600 m) before arriving at Ghorepani (2840m).
Ghorepani is a relatively large village with excellent views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, where you can stock up on supplies such as drinking water, snacks etc
Trek to Tadapani (2540 m)
Early morning, before dawn, hike to Poon Hill (3210 m) to enjoy the dramatic sunrise view over Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and the Annapurna Ranges (8091 m). The views are amazing as the first ray of the sun hits the Himalayan giants, turning them from red to gold. Hike down to Ghorepani after enjoying the sunrise view for a hot breakfast. The trail from Ghorepani is steep up until Deurali for a few hours and then levels out for a bit. The trek is through the thick rhododendron forest with hues of red/pink (during spring season) to arrive at the tea house/Lodge in Tadapani (2650 m).
Trek up to Ghandrung (1940 m) and drive to Pokhara.
The Ghandrung trails descend steeply from Tadapani, through forests; a short steep descend among rocks lead to a stream crossing at to the Khummu Khola to climb up again leading out to the ridge and further to Ghandrung. From Ghandrung, we drive via Nayapul to Pokhara. Overnight at a lakeside hotel.
Flight to Kathmandu by flight. Hotel in Kathmandu.
Fly back to Kathmandu and check in at the hotel. Evening free time, so you can take a walk around the local market to hunt for some last-minute souvenir pick-ups. Overnight hotel.
Departure transfer to the international airport.
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