Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek – 9 Days

Trip Facts

Trip Points Pokhara – Nayapul –Ulleri – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani – Ghandruk – Pokhara
Duration 9 Days
Max. Altitude: 3,120 m
Group size Min. 2 – Max. 12
Best Time for Visit Spring (February – May) and Autumn (September – November)
Activity Guided Trekking
Trip Guide & Porter Experienced | Licensed | Strenuous
Facilities Meal | Breakfast | Accommodation | Porter |
Meals Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Accommodation Tea-House / Lodge Basis
DIFFICULTY Difficult
LOCATION Poon Hill
Departure From Kathmandu, Nepal

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy 3600 dazzling close views of Annapurna range – Annapurna – I (8,091m/26,454ft), Mt. Machhapuchre (6,997m/22,956ft), BharhaChuli (7646m/25,085ft), GandharvaChuli (6,248m/20827)
  • Trekker(s) with average physical fitness can easily accomplish this trek
  • Meet charming local people (mostly Thakalis, Gurungs &Magars), their settlements and culture, fertile farmland, and traditional farming.
  • Well-experienced licensed guides, strong porters, and support crew members
  • Physically less challenging journey and heavenly natural pleasure – Collect lifetime experiences
  • One of the most satisfying treks among all destinations in Nepal.

Overview

Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna Region. Standing on the highest point of the Poon Hill, you can closely see the breathtaking view of the several mountains such as Annapurna -I (8,091m/26,545ft), Annapurna-IV (7,525m/24,688ft), Annapurna-III (7,555m/24,787ft), Machhapuchre (6,993m/22,943 ft), and Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,795ft).

Visiting Ghandruk – the most beautiful and rich Gurung village of ABC trail, you enjoy Gurung culture, food, hospitality, and dances. Also, the trek is full of incredible views of lush, undisturbed natural forests, fast-flowing freshwater rivers, snow-capped pristine mountains, and ethnic food and cultures.

What a life-changing experience!

When you return to Pokhara, you can be part of vivid Pokhara – the most beautiful city with lakesides, mountain viewpoints, and a wide range of shopping and dining options. You can also join several cultural programs (representing different ethnicities/regions) in Pokhara.

Book your Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek with Nomadways Adventure. We promise you to provide the best quality trekking services, security, proper guidance, and assistance. So be ready to collect the most beautiful memories, natural-thrilling moments, and life-changing activities.

Itinenary

You will meet our representative when you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport. He/she will greet you, drive to our luxury Nepali authentic restaurant, and assist you in checking in at Thamel. So, please keep your eyes on someone holding a placard with your name or our company’s name – Nomadways Adventure

In the evening, we arrange a short introduction meeting. After that, you will meet your guide, and our trekking expert will provide you with all the detailed information about the trek.

We offer you a welcome dinner, and you simply take a rest at the restaurant. Then, overnight, you stay at our restaurant and restore your energy to accomplish your upcoming adventurous trip – Poon Hill – Ghandruk Trek.

 Meal : Breakfast
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Today, you are going to enjoy the Kathmandu Valley Tour – the city full of World Heritage Sites, Nepali culture, and many more to explore.

Early morning, we offer you a warm breakfast, and your sightseeing starts with our city guide. At first, you visit Pashupatinath Temple – the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, then move to Boudhanath Stupa – the biggest Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world. After that, we will drive you to Patan Durbar Square. In addition, we take you to Swayambhunath Stupa – the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hilltop also nick-named as monkey temple. Finally, we come to Kathmandu Durbar Square, observe Kumari Temple (living goddess temple), Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, the freak streets, and more.

Your exciting city tour finishes in the evening. Then, you take a delicious dinner and take a rest collecting energy for the upcoming adventure.

  Activity Duration : Full-Day City Excursion
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Early in the morning, we take a warm breakfast. Then, we start our lovely trip to Pokhara via a luxury tourist bus. On the way, you witness the picturesque green landscapes, farm terraces, and rows of settlements on both sides of the road. Also, capture the beauty of distant mountains, close gigantic hills, rural settlements, fast-flowing rivers (Trishuli, Narayani, and Marsyangdi).

If you feel tired of a long bus journey, then you have the option of flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara (about 25 minutes) at an extra cost. The choice is yours.

Ultimately, you reach Pokhara – the city of lakes, multi-culture, and the main tourist hub. We will transfer you to the hotel. You get up and take a rest. Then, you can go for an evening walk around the lakeside city and explore vivid Pokhara in the evening.

Before you go to bed, you will receive a short briefing about the Pokhara – Ghorepani – Ghandruk Trek.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours' Drive
 Meal : Breakfast
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

On this day, our Annapurna Panorama Trek starts after we take early morning breakfast. Then, we drive you to Nayapul through the dusty and off-road.

You may feel tired or monotonous traveling on the dusty and bumpy off-road. But, the beautiful scenery of green rolling hills, lush of dense forest, natural streams, roaring rivers, and amusing environment make you feel astonished and excited. About 30 minutes ride from Pokhara, we reach Nayapul. From Nayapul, we hike up to Tikhe dhunga, then to Ulleri.

Overnight, we stay at Ulleri, enjoy cozy accommodation, and rest.

  Activity Duration : Approx. 90 min drive (45 km); 11km, 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

We have a short, easy, and comfortable trek on this day. Trekking from Ulleri to Ghorepani, we pass through dense Oak and rhododendron forest. On the other side, we see enchanting Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range. Finally, after 4-5 hours of treks, we reach Ghorepani.

Overnight, we stay at Ghorepani, restoring energy for the next day’s trek.

  Activity Duration : 7km, 4-5 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Today, walking through dense forest, we climb to Poon Hill – the superb viewpoint. From the Poon Hilltop, witness the incredible sunrise view emerging just above Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and other snow-capped peaks. After catching the breathtaking panorama, we go down to Ghorepani and take lunch.

From Ghorepani, we continue our journey and climb towards Tadapani, walking along the ridges and passing through forests. Finally, after a 5-6 hour trek, we reach Tadapani – the ultimate shelter for today’s night.

  Activity Duration : 11km, 6-7 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

In the morning, we take a light breakfast and keep our pace towards Ghandruk – a Gurung village that is also enlisted under UNESCO as a world heritage village. We reach after that, passing dense forests, crossing streams, and a wooden bridge.

On this day, you feel luckier. After completing a short trek, you have plenty of time left. Use this to explore the Gurung Museum of the village. Further, you can have alluring scenes of the towering peaks and massif mountains – Annapurna – III (7,755m/25,443ft), Hiunchuli (6,441m/21,132ft), Machhapuchre (6,993m/22,943ft), and Gangapurna (7,455m/24,458ft).

Exploring Ghandruk village, we retrace to Pokhara for today’s final destination.

In the evening, we celebrate our triumph in Pokhara – the most beautiful and leading tourist destination in Nepal.

  Activity Duration : 3 Hours' Trek + 3 Hours' Drive
 Meal : Breakfast & Lunch
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Early in the morning, we take a warm breakfast in Pokhara. Then, we drive back to Kathmandu in a luxury tourist bus. On the way, you enjoy the scenic pastoral landscapes, terrace farming, green rolling hills, fast-flowing rivers, and rows of settlements on both sides of the road.

After 6-7 hours of a comfortable journey, we reach Kathmandu and transfer you to the restaurant. You can take a rest or explore the streets and markets in Kathmandu. Even you can enjoy various foods at different restaurants in Thamel – Nepal’s No. 1 tourist city.

  Activity Duration : 6-7 Hours' Drive
 Meal : Breakfast
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

On this final day, offering you a light breakfast, we transfer to the Tribhuvan International airport via our private transportation. We bid you a happy ‘Goodbye’ and wish you a safe flight.

 Meal : Breakfast

Cost Includes

  • Trekking Permits
  • TIMS Card
  • Necessary Permit and Monuments Entrance Fees
  • Guide (Government-licensed Trekking Guide for all-round support)
  • Porter (Logistic Support)
  • Food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Tea or Coffee)
  • City Accommodation (Normal, 3-Star and 5-Star Hotels)
  • City Accommodation (Normal, 3-Star and 5-Star Hotels)
  • All airport transfers
  • Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu for two nights with breakfast
  • Flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
  • All airport taxes
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park permit and TIMS)
  • An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry your luggage
  • Guide and porter salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
  • Full meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner of your choice
  • Supplementary snacks: energy bar and cookies
  • Seasonal fresh fruits desert every day
  • Unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • A comprehensive First Aid kit
  • Oxi-meter: To check heart rating and oxygen saturation to Everest Base Camp and return
  • All government and local taxes
  • Trekking equipment: down-filled sleeping bag, walking poles, and duffel bag
  • Souvenir: Trekking Route map printed T-Shirts

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Fare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Hot and bottled drinks
  • Electronic device re-charge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Hot shower
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation
  • Tipping

Equipment

Trekking requires careful selection of gear to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency on the trail. Depending on the conditions (terrain, weather, duration), the equipment you need may vary, but here’s a comprehensive list of essential trekking gear:

  1. Backpack
  • Capacity: Typically, for a multi-day trek, a 40-60L pack is ideal.
  • Fit: Adjustable straps for shoulder, chest, and hip.
  • Features: Hydration system compatibility, side pockets for easy access, and a rain cover.
  1. Footwear
  • Trekking Boots: Look for boots with good ankle support, durable soles (Vibram is a popular choice), and waterproof features.
  • Trail Shoes: For lighter treks or well-maintained paths, trail shoes may suffice.
  • Sock Layers: Merino wool socks or synthetic socks that wick moisture and reduce blisters. Avoid cotton.
  • Gaiters: To keep debris, mud, and snow out of your boots.
  1. Clothing (Layering System)
  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (synthetic or merino wool) long-sleeve top and bottoms.
  • Mid Layer: Insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket.
  • Outer Layer (Shell): Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics are excellent choices.
  • Trekking Pants: Convertible pants (with zippers for shorts) can be useful.
  • Trekking Shirt: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
  • Gloves: Lightweight gloves for warmth, plus an additional heavier pair if trekking in cold climates.
  • Hat/Cap: A sunhat or beanie depending on the weather.
  • Neck Gaiter/Buff: For sun protection, warmth, or dust.
  1. Sleeping Gear
  • Sleeping Bag: Temperature-rated for the conditions you’ll face. Down bags are warmer and lighter but lose effectiveness if wet, while synthetic bags dry quicker.
  • Sleeping Pad: Inflatable or foam pads that insulate from the cold ground.
  • Tent: Lightweight trekking tents (1-3 person) that suit your conditions. Some options include 4-season tents if you're trekking in harsh weather.
  1. Hydration System
  • Water Bottles: Collapsible or hard plastic bottles (ensure they’re BPA-free).
  • Hydration Reservoir: Camelbak or similar bladder systems for easy access to water.
  • Water Purification: A filtration system (e.g., Sawyer, LifeStraw) or chemical tablets to purify water from streams or other sources.
  1. Food and Cooking
  • Stove: Compact gas or alcohol stove for cooking on the trail.
  • Cookware: Lightweight pots or pans, often titanium or aluminum.
  • Fuel: Compatible fuel for your stove (check for availability in the region you’re trekking).
  • Food: Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, nuts, and fruits. Lightweight, high-calorie, and easy-to-prepare foods are best.
  1. Navigation Tools
  • Map and Compass: Always have a paper map as a backup, even if you use a GPS.
  • GPS Device or Smartphone with a Trekking App: Make sure to download offline maps.
  • Altimeter Watch (optional): Useful for tracking elevation and route progress.
  1. Lighting
  • Headlamp: Hands-free lighting for night-time use, with extra batteries.
  • Flashlight: A backup to your headlamp.
  1. First Aid Kit
  • Include basic supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Personal Medications: Always bring enough for the whole trip, plus extras in case of delays.
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sun exposure.
  1. Safety Gear
  • Multi-tool/Knife: A good multi-tool (like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman) is very useful for repairs and emergencies.
  • Whistle: For signaling.
  • Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact for warmth in case of emergency.
  • Firestarter: Matches or a lighter, and waterproof if needed.
  1. Miscellaneous
  • Trekking Poles: Help with balance, reduce strain on knees, and improve traction on uneven terrain.
  • Towel: Quick-dry, compact towel.
  • Sunglasses: UV protection for your eyes.
  • Camera/Smartphone: For documenting the journey, with extra storage or a portable charger.
  1. Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
  • Toilet Paper: Always carry biodegradable toilet paper and a small trowel for digging a "cathole" if there are no facilities.
  • Hand Sanitizer: To keep clean without access to water.
  • Wet Wipes: For cleaning yourself when there's no shower.
  • Biodegradable Soap: If you need to wash, use eco-friendly soap.
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Compact travel versions.
  1. Weather Protection
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
  • Rain Gear: A high-quality waterproof jacket, pants, and gaiters, especially if you're trekking in areas with unpredictable weather.
  • Cold Weather Gear (if needed): Depending on the trek, you might need additional gear like down jackets, insulated gloves, or even crampons for ice or snow.
Extra Considerations for Specialized Treks:
  • High-altitude Treks: Consider gear for altitude sickness (like Diamox), extra layers for extreme cold, and an oxygen system if necessary.
  • Long-distance Treks: You might need additional gear like extra food storage, a larger stove, or a lightweight trekking umbrella.
Always check the weather forecast and understand the terrain and altitude of your trek to fine-tune your gear selection.

FAQ's

The Poon Hill – Ghandruk trek is a short and scenic trek in the Annapurna region, starting from Nayapul and ending in Ghandruk. It offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges and takes trekkers through beautiful villages like Ghandruk, Tadapani, and Ghorepani. The highlight of the trek is the sunrise view from Poon Hill, at an altitude of 3,210 meters.

The trek usually takes about 4 to 5 days to complete, depending on the pace and the number of stops you make along the way.

The highest point on the trek is Poon Hill, at an altitude of 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). This altitude is relatively low compared to other Himalayan treks, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

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