Ghorepani Poonhill Trek - 4 Days

The journey from Pokhara to Nayapul takes 1.5 hours, passing through the beautiful countryside of Nepal. The trek begins at Nayapul, where we will walk through rice fields and forests. After 30 minutes, you'll arrive at the small village of Birethanti, where we will check in at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) checkpoint. The trail then gently ascends towards Tikhedhunga (1,570m), where we can rest before the more challenging part of the day. From Tikhedhunga, the trail takes on a steep ascent of nearly 3,200 stone steps, leading up to Ulleri (2,050m). This trek offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and mountains, including glimpses of the Annapurna South peak. After the climb, you'll reach Ulleri, a charming Magar village where you'll spend the night. Accommodations in Ulleri are simple yet comfortable, with basic tea houses offering beds, meals, and great views of the surrounding landscape. The trek takes 5-6 hours and you'll spend the night at a tea house in Ulleri (2,050m).

After breakfast in Ulleri, you’ll begin your trek towards Ghorepani. Today's trail is moderately challenging but rewarding, with beautiful views and an ever-changing landscape as we climb higher into the Annapurna region.

The path ascends gradually through dense forests of rhododendrons and oak, especially vibrant in the spring when the rhododendrons bloom, filling the forest with splashes of red and pink. The walk through these forests is peaceful and offers cool shade, with the sounds of birds and flowing streams accompanying your journey.

As we gain altitude, you’ll pass through several small villages, including Banthanti (2,300m) and Nangethanti (2,460m), we can stop there for tea and rest. The trail offers increasingly stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

After a few more hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Ghorepani, a large and bustling village popular with trekkers due to its strategic location. Ghorepani is perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The village has a variety of tea houses offering comfortable accommodations and meals, making it a great place to rest and recharge for the next day’s early morning hike to Poon Hill.

The day begins with a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), a famous viewpoint in the Annapurna region. After leaving Ghorepani before sunrise, the hike is worth the effort as it offers breathtaking sunrise views of the Himalayas. From Poon Hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Annapurna South. The sunrise is bathed in golden light, creating a magical experience.

After breakfast, we continue our trek towards Tadapani, an uphill climb through dense rhododendron forests before gradually descending into a valley. The forested trail is rich in biodiversity, with the possibility of spotting various bird species and even langur monkeys. The trail then undulates through small clearings and past a few remote teahouses until reaching Tadapani (2,610m), a small village nestled in the forest. Tadapani offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, and you'll spend the night at a cozy tea house. The trek takes 6-7 hours, including the Poon Hill hike.

After breakfast in Tadapani, we'll descend towards Ghandruk, a beautiful and culturally rich village in the Annapurna region. The trek is mostly downhill, passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons, offering occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. As we descend, we'll notice a change in the landscape, moving from alpine forests to terraced fields and charming local villages. Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village, is known for its picturesque setting, stone-paved lanes, traditional houses, and stunning views of the Annapurna range. Visitors can explore its narrow streets, visit the Gurung Museum, or simply relax and take in the views. After exploring Ghandruk and having lunch, we'll drive back to Pokhara, offering more beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills, rivers, and terraced landscapes.