Pokhara
Location
Pokhara
Duration
5 days
Max Altitude
8900 ft
Trekking
32 km
Grade
Easy
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Pokhara
Duration
5 days
Max Altitude
8900 ft
Trekking km
32 km
Grade
Easy
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Nepal is the undisputed heart of global trekking. Trekkers from everywhere come here to walk the mountain trails. Treks like EBC, Annapurna, and Manaslu have always been our top choices. In the same Annapurna region, we bring you the Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek. But this time, it will leave you astounded, because this time it’s not about the peaks, it’s not about the specialty of the Himalayan trails, and it’s not about reaching a summit either. This time, the land will leave you awestruck with its huge rhododendrons and their never-ending varieties!
The Annapurna Conservation Area is a global hotspot for the Lali Gurans (Rhododendron), Nepal’s national flower. On this specific trail, trekkers move through a massive forest belt containing 32 distinct varieties of these flowering trees.
In the spring, the entire mountainside is covered in a vivid mix of red, pink, and white, red more specifically. Some of these trees grow to heights of 20 meters that shield you from the sun as you climb. Walking through these shades of red, pinkish with the white peaks of the Annapurnas peeking through the branches, is an experience unique to this trail.
This trek is full of amazing things to see. Here are the best parts:
Yet this is another core reason why trekkers love this trek so much. You can see more than 20 of the highest peaks in this region, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri. Machhapuchree predominantly draws the most attention of the trekkers as this climb has a uniquely twin shape that resembles a fish tail. On the other hand this peak is strictly prohibited for any climbing as it is considered the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and is respected by locals.
Between the dense varieties of rhododendron flowers and the world’s tallest peaks, you will love every day of this 6-day trek. Nepal has a way of making trekkers fall in love with it and on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk trek you will clearly see why!
This trek is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It starts from Pokhara and takes you through beautiful villages like Banthati, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. Most of the trek lies within a protected area called the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail has rhododendron forests, valleys, and waterfalls, along with lovely views of the Himalayas. You can also see around 20 of the highest peaks in the region, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
This is an easy-to-moderate level trek and is perfect for beginners. The trails are well-marked and mostly gradual. There are some uphill sections like Ulleri steps, but overall the trek is comfortable if you have basic fitness. You can take as many breaks as you need, sit down for a snack break, and enjoy the view. If you can walk for 4 to 5 hours a day with a small backpack, you can easily finish this trek.
The highest point of the trek is Poon Hill, which is at an altitude of around 3,210 meters. You reach this point early in the morning for the sunrise view. Since the altitude gain is gradual, most trekkers adjust well.
The best time to do this trek is from September to June. The trails in the spring are extremely pretty as they are filled with different varieties of rhododendrons. And in autumn, the peaks will make you fall in love with 20 of the highest peaks in the region, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri.
The trek takes around 6 days. It is a short and well-paced itinerary where you can enjoy the journey with rhododendron trails, best-set peak views, local villages like Ghandruk, and coming across small waterfalls along the way.
Yes, this trek is very suitable for beginners. The walking hours are manageable, and the altitude is not too high. It is an absolutely great choice for Nepal’s beginner trek!
During the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you will stay in guesthouses. These are Nepal’s mountain stays with basic rooms, usually for twin and triple sharing. In some places, you will stay in dormitories also. They are comfortable enough and also give you a chance to experience local hospitality.
All guesthouses have common dining areas where you can eat and spend time with fellow trekkers. Washrooms are usually shared, and hot water may be available at an extra cost in some places. Drinking water costs around 200-300 NPR, while hot showers are available for approximately 300-400 NPR.
You will get freshly prepared meals like dal, rice, vegetables, soups, and tea. The food is basic but filling and suitable for trekking. You will also find some snacks and light items as refreshments.
Because the trek is in Nepal, we recommend you go with a trusted organization. With an organization, you get experienced trek leaders who not only guide you on the trail but also share each and every specialty of the region. For the best experience, you can choose TTH!
You may get a mobile network in some villages, but it is not consistent throughout the trek. Electricity is available in most guesthouses, but charging your devices may come with an extra cost.
Yes, most teahouses now have Wi-Fi and electricity. However, because the villages are high in the mountains, the internet can be slow sometimes. Most lodges will ask for a small fee (about NPR 300 to NPR 5OO) to use the Wi-Fi or to charge your phone and camera batteries. It is a smart idea to bring a power bank just in case!
Make sure you pack light but carry all the essentials for a great trekking experience! Here are a few important things to carry:
On this trek, the risk of altitude sickness is very low. The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters. Most people only stay at that height for an hour to see the sunrise and then walk back down. Because you are not staying at a very high altitude for a long time, your body usually stays very happy. Just remember to drink water and walk at your own pace.
Poon Hill is very famous and known for its beautiful sunrise views. From here, you can see the Annapurna range with other peaks. It is one of the happiest moments of the trek and you will fall in love with its views.
Yes, the trek can be done solo as the trail is well-defined and easy to follow. However, going with a guide can make your journey smoother and more informative.
This trek is all set to give you the best experience of Nepal and your life, that too in a short time. You get the loveliest rhododendron forests ever, mountain views, village life, water falls and the best sunrise point called Poonhill. We recommend you must go for this trek as Nepal has been a favorite among trekkers for its diverse trails and you will know why once you visit there.
If you enjoy the Ghorepani trek, you might also like:
Loading media...
Hear Trekkers Share Their Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
50% trek fee refund in cash.
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
Booking and Payments
Itinerary and Modifications
Cancellations and Refunds
Force Majeure
You know, a lot of times we come across something so surreal that even its existence leaves us wondering how something so magnificent can exist. And believe it or not, that’s exactly how I felt when I first set foot in Ranthan Kharak.
A trekker often visits the Himalayas in the search of catching a glimpse of some giant peaks, exploring the lush green valleys, and sometimes reconnecting with their true selves while being surrounded by the mountains. In quest to gain such an experience, many trekkers seek a trek that offers it all. From being transformative to unforgettable, it should have it all.
We often describe the Himalayas as an epitome of unmatched beauty, but we keep forgetting where that true unmatched beauty truly lies. That magical beauty is not present just in their landscapes, but it also lies in that ever-changing surrounding that we experience on the journey that the mountains offer us.
There is no denying the fact that the Himalayas are home to countless unexplored places that are beautiful beyond our imagination.
There are, and there will be, countless journeys that you will go on throughout your lifetime, but only a few of them are going to stay close to your heart, and one of them will be the ‘Gaumukh Tapovan Trek’. A journey that will not only challenge your body, but it will also touch your soul. This 8-day journey will take you to the Garhwal region of Uttarkashi, where you will experience both adventure and spirituality in the mountains and gain a sense of peace in solitude.
Just like some heartwarming movies you keep rewatching, there are places you hope to visit every once in a while. Those places have their own magic that can’t be expressed in words but can only be felt while being there. So, to give you a similar kind of experience, we have a place to recommend for you all.
Walking on the rugged, unknown terrain of the mountains is one of those few experiences that makes you feel very different yet calming inside. But to achieve that feeling, not only do you have to plan a trip to the mountain, you are also supposed to carry gear and other things that are important for trekking.
Standing at the base of any mountain, while staring at the peak of that mountain. A lot is felt by a trekker, from feeling stunned, admiration, to a quick rush of adrenaline, to scared, and then self-doubting yourself, asking - Can I really do this? When a trekker starts climbing a mountain, it’s not just always about claiming the peak. Often, trekking is more about learning and getting to know the mountains. After getting familiar with the mountains, you start understanding the challenges the mountains carry within themselves, and then you start ascending accordingly.
In general, trekking in the mountains is always categorised as either climbing or walking on the mountain trails. But what a lot of people don’t realise is that with each different grade of expedition, the techniques of climbing and walking on the mountains also change. The thing is that to climb some high grade of mountains, more than basic skills and techniques of climbing are required to learn. In fact, the ‘technical climbing’? It is not just for high-grade level mountain expeditions; this kind of technical knowledge is quite useful even in the easy graded expedition to ensure the safety of the trekker throughout their trek.
Planning a trip is not an easy task, and when it comes to the mountains, a lot of factors need to be considered from a trekker's perspective. And when you are surrounded by all the hustle and bustle of life, planning a trip seems like too much work, right? Well, that’s exactly where trekking companies come into the picture. From booking to planning and ensuring that you receive a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience, they make sure to make all these things happen.
Tribhuvan International Airport is the only International airport located in Kathmandu, Nepal. One can fly to Tribhuvan airport and then can take an additional flight to Pokhara. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 200 kms and can be covered in 30 minutes. Popular airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Simrik Air serve this Pokhara route.
There is no train option travelling to Pokhara, Nepal. The closest railway stations which one can arrive at are Jaynagar, New Jalpaiguri or Gorakhpur (INDIA). From there crossing the corresponding borders of Panitanki or Sunauli, one can take a bus to Pokhara via Kathmandu.
One can directly travel to the cities like Gorakpur or Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and by crossing the Sunauli border can catch a bus or book a private car to reach Pokhara. The journey will take upto 8 hours to complete. Or one can fly to Kathmandu and then take public or private transport to Pokhara. The distance between these two cities is 200 kms which may take upto 6 to 7 hours.
For your return journey from Pokhara, you have the flexibility to choose between road or air transport options. Please note that our services extend only to the hotel, and the standard hotel check-out time is 11:00 am.
Enter your weight and height to check if you’re fit for the trek.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
.webp)