Nepal is a beautiful country known for its tall mountains, rich culture, and warm-hearted people. It is home to Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, and many other stunning peaks. While some treks in Nepal are long and challenging, there are also shorter and easier treks that are perfect for beginners or those who have less time. One of the best short treks in Nepal is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
A lot of tourists have this trail in their bucket list for the jaw-dropping views of the mountains, the welcoming people, and the relatively easy routes that they can experience on this trek. The wonder of this trek is that it is suitable for anybody, whether they are young or old and whatever their current fitness level is. We will discuss all the reasons and details of the adventurous Ghorepani Poon Hill trek in this blog post.
Where is Ghorepani Poon Hill?
Within the Annapurna region in Nepal are the two places Ghorepani and Poon Hill. This is a region in the western part of Nepal and it offers one of the most magnificent trekking experiences. To be exact, the trek starts from Pokhara, which lies 6-7 hours west of Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, in terms of driving. Another option would be a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu.
The trek starts from Nayapul or Hile, located at a 2-2,5 hours’ drive from Pokhara. Walking through picturesque Nepali villages, blooming rhododendron forests (national flowers of Nepal) and the ultimate destination of the trek, Poon Hill, will be your experiences for the next few days.
Why is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek the best short trek in Nepal?
Unlike Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, this trek is best for you if you have less time and you want to experience the best view of the Himalayas.
1. Unbelievable Sunrise View
The sunrise seen from Poon Hill is the foremost among the treks attractions. At dawn, you will climb to the top of the hill, and when the sun rises, the snow-capped peaks are illuminated in shades of orange and gold. It is such a magical moment. You will see Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail) as well as many other peaks.
2. Quick and Simple
Normally this trek takes 4 to 5 days, which means it is convenient for people who are short on time. You don’t have to be an experienced trekker or travel with special equipment. The track is easy to find, and the slope is not too steep. This is a very good option for new hikers, families, and even the aged.
3. Enchanting Villages and Culture
On the journey, you will trek through Gurung and Magar villages. These people are rural in Nepal and are known for their warm and universally recognized worldwide culture. You can live in tea houses (local lodges) managed by the villagers and enjoy the locally prepared food such as dal bhat (rice and lentils). More so, you will be learning about their customs, clothes, and lifestyle.
4. Lush Forests and Nature
The path goes through forests of rhododendrons, mainly green, and refreshed during the spring season (March to May). The flowers burst into a palette of red, pink, and white that instantly turns the pathway into a lively and bright place. You will also have birds, monkeys, and other animals to watch along the way.
5. Ideal in Every Season
You can execute this trek at a time that is not the heavy monsoon season which is June to August. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most suitable months when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is magnificent.
Trek Itinerary (5 Days)
Here’s a sample 5-day itinerary for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then trek to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri
- Drive: 1.5 hours
- Trek: 3 to 4 hours
- You will walk along rivers and cross suspension bridges to reach the village.
Day 2: Trek from Tikhedhunga/Ulleri to Ghorepani
- Trek: 5 to 6 hours
- A bit of a tough climb today with many stone steps, but the views and forests are beautiful. Ghorepani is a lovely village surrounded by mountains.
Day 3: Hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, then trek to Tadapani
- Early morning hike to Poon Hill (45 mins to 1 hour)
- Watch the sunrise and return to Ghorepani for breakfast
- Trek: 5 to 6 hours to Tadapani through more forests and mountain views
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk
- Trek: 3 to 4 hours
- Ghandruk is a big Gurung village with great views and local museums
Day 5: Trek down to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
- Trek: 3 to 4 hours
- Drive: 1.5 hours back to Pokhara
What to Pack for the Trek
Even though it’s a short trek, it’s important to pack properly. Here are some things you should bring:
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Warm clothes (especially for early mornings)
- Light jacket or raincoat (weather can change)
- Water bottle and water purification tablets
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Snacks and energy bars
- Small backpack (daypack)
- Camera or phone for photos
You can also rent trekking gear in Pokhara if you don’t want to carry everything from home.
Do You Need a Guide?
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, so you can do the trek on your own if you feel confident. However, hiring a guide or porter can make your trek more comfortable. A guide can tell you about the culture, nature, and help in case of any problems. A porter can carry your heavy bag, so you can enjoy the trek more freely.
Having a guide also supports the local economy and provides jobs to people in the region.If you would like to hire a trusted guide for your journey, you can hire one from Nature Trail.
Permits Needed
You will need two permits for this trek:
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
You can get both in Pokhara or Kathmandu, or through your trekking agency if you’re booking a package. The fees are small and help with maintaining the trail and protecting the environment.
Budget and Costs
The cost of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek depends on how you do it—solo or with a guide, and how comfortably you want to travel. On average:
- Permits: Around $30 to $40 total
- Accommodation: $5 to $10 per night in tea houses
- Food: $15 to $25 per day
- Guide: Around $25 to $30 per day
- Porter: Around $20 to $25 per day
In total, you can complete the trek for around $200 to $400, depending on your choices.
Conclusion
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is more than just a walk in the mountains—it’s a chance to connect with nature, meet kind people, and see some of the most beautiful views in the world. Whether you’re a first-time trekker or just looking for a short adventure, this trek has everything: mountains, culture, forests, and peaceful moments.
So if you’re planning a trip to Nepal and want a memorable yet easy trekking experience, don’t miss Ghorepani Poon Hill. It’s short, sweet, and full of beauty.
Ready to start your adventure? Let Nature Trail Nepal help you plan a stress-free and unforgettable trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill.
Aamir Ghumro 
Fakhar Nazir 
Abdul Basit