Trek Route: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Nayapul-Tikhedhunga-Ulleri-Ghorepani-Banthanti-Tadapani-Ghandruk-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
Duration: 07 Days
Max. Altitude: Poon Hill (3210m/10531ft)
Trek Grade: Easy
Best Travel Time: February to Mid June, September – November is the best seasons.
Accommodation: Hotels and lodges
Group Size: 1-16
Transportation: Tourist Bus, Private Car/Van, Flight.
Activity: Trekking
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 02: Pokhara-Naipaul- Birethati-Thikhedunga- Ulleri. (1500m)
Day 03: Ulleri- Ghorepani (2853m)
Day 04: Ghorepani- Banthanti-Tadapani (2610m)
Day 05: Tadapani-Ghandruk village (1960m)
Day 06: Ghandrunk-Pokhara
Day 07: Departure from Kathmandu
Ghorepani Poonhill is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Ghorepani Poonhill trek is considered as relatively easier trek for beginner trekkers. The original trekking to Ghorepani Poonhill starts from Birethati. Almost 45 minutes drive from Pokhara will take you to Nayapul and from there about 1 hour and 50 minutes drive will take you to Birethati which is the main starting point of the trek. There is a checkpoint they check the permits before starting the trek to Ghorepani Poonhill. This trek leads you to lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, dense forest and colorful villages. The views during the trek are awe-inspiring. During the trek to Poonhill you will encounter the warm hospitality of the Gurung people. Also you can encounter their cultures and traditions as you will visit the largest Gurung settlements of Annapurna Region, Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
One thing that makes Poonhill the most popular trekking destination is the sunrise and sunset views over the mountains. During the sunrise and sunset you will see different amazing colors in the mountains which keep on changing until it becomes sparkling white. Other than the sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna Range you will also cherish the incredible views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m) Fishtail (6997m) Annapurna South, Himchuli, and many more. The fascinating views of the mountains, hills and picturesque villages makes Poonhill a ‘Photographer’s Paradise’. Ghorepani Poonhill trek is suitable for the people of every age group and can be a best destination for family trek, friends trek, couple trek and solo trek as well.
The elevation of Poonhill is only 3210 meters so there is very less chance of getting altitude sickness even if you are a beginner trekker. Poonhill is considered relatively one of the easiest trekking destinations of Annapurna Region. You will have to climb 3000 steps after crossing a suspension bridge from Hile to Ulleri. The climb up to Ulleri is only the difficulty of this trek. After you complete the steps, the trek starts getting easier and much better. You will then walk through the forests blanketed with Rhododendron trees where enchanting sounds of birds and species will be entertaining you throughout the way.
The weather in Poonhill is unpredictable. Although it can change speedily the temperature remains normally mild. The best seasons for Poonhill trek are October to November and March to April. These seasons offers the best views and remarkable weather. However, Ghorepani Poonhill can be done during any time of the year.
Ghorepani Poonhill trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Two separate permits needs to be obtained for this trek i.e. Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System permit (TIMS). The permits will be provided by the company before your departure from Kathmandu..
The best time to trek to Annapurna Region is during autumn (September- November) and Spring (March – May). Annapurna Region is beautiful throughout the year but during these seasons you get to see the most beautiful pictures of Annapurna Region. Some of the places of Annapurna Region like Upper Mustang, Muktinath, Kagbeni and Jomsom can be visited any time during the year.
Autumn season gives you the most favorable weather for trekking with warm and dry climate. Autumn seasons falls during the months of September, October and November. Autumn season is also the season of festivals. You can feel the festival vibes everywhere while trekking in Nepal during Autumn. On the other hand you can get the best pictures while trekking Annapurna Region during Autumn Season.
Spring in Nepal is regarded as one of the best season for trekking and mountain climbing. Spring season occurs in Nepal in the months of March, April and May. You can have a heavenly experience trekking in Annapurna Region during spring. You can see varieties of blooming wild floras and forests blanketed with rhododendron flowers during your trials. The mountains look absolutely stunning and the temperature is warm and moderate. You can expect lots of trekkers during the trial during spring season in Annapurna region.
Summer season is not very popular season for trekking in Annapurna Region. Summer season in Nepal takes place in between the months of June to August. The monsoon seasons combines with summer in Nepal. Thus, Nepal receives a wet summer with hot temperature. Although the temperature gets cooler as you gain altitude but the trials can be affected by heavy rainfall and mudslides. However, some of the regions which lie in the rain-shadow area like Upper Mustang, Jomsom, and Muktinath can be visited throughout the year. If you love challenges and thrill then this season can be the best for you to explore Annapurna Region. In spite of the challenges you can get the best views and true colors of nature while trekking to Annapurna Region during summer.
Winter Season takes place in Nepal in the months of December to February. Since it is freezing cold and some of the high passes are closed in the higher altitudes due to snow this season is not recommend for trekking in Annapurna Region. However, if you want to enjoy peaceful trekking trials with fewer trekkers then you can choose this season with proper gears and clothing equipment. Despite the challenges, the winter season in Annapurna Region gives you the best view of snowcapped mountains.
Our accommodation will be in 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trek you will be staying in tea houses or lodges. All accommodations are on twin share basis. Single supplement rooms can be provided on request with an additional charge. Although the rooms are easily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara it is very difficult to arrange single supplement rooms during the trek. In such case Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd will look for the best alternatives.
All meals will be provided during our Ghorepani Poonhill Trek including welcome or farewell dinners in Kathmandu. The meals during our stay in Kathmandu will be provided in high class typical Nepali restaurants which serve you with delicious Nepali cuisines whereas we will have our breakfast and dinner in the tea houses/ lodges on trek. We will spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. We suggest you to try out the most popular local foods like Thakali food while you are trekking in Annapurna Region. The local foods are healthier and give a lot of energy during your trekking trials.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara:
On the first day of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek you will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara which will take about 5-6 hours. The drive goes through the middle hills road of Prithivi Highway which is one of the finest long drives you can ever have. The drive to Pokhara is more than just a simple bus ride. You can explore the country side villages, famous religious sites and amazing views along the way. You can have a glimpse of picturesque villages and lifestyles of people outside the city on your ride to Pokhara. The beautiful city of lakes will be welcoming you with its overwhelming beauty. Overnight at hotel at Pokhara
Day 02: Pokhara-Nayapul- Tikhedunga (1540m)
The second day of Ghorepani Poonhill trek is the initial beginning of the original Trek. Today you will drive one hour to Nayapul then Trek to Tikhedhunga. On your trek you will pass by a stream and then reach to Birenthanti where you will take some rest for a while. There are numbers of Tea houses in Birenthnti. You can also have amazing views of mountains framed with rhododendron trees. A steep ascent from here will take you to Tikhedhunga. Overnight at Tikhedhunga.
Day 03: Thikhedhunga- Ghorepani (2853m)
Today is one of the hardest days of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. You will have your breakfast atTikhedhunga and start the trek with a steep ascent to Ulleri. You can have wonderful views of the snow capped peaks, lush green hills, villages and some donkeys on your way. The spectacular views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges are the major highlights of today’s trek .The trek to Ghorepani is around 6 hours ascending walking through beautiful forest and nice villages and villagers. Overnight at lodge
Day 04: Ghorepani-Poonhill- Banthanti -Tadapani (2610m)
You will finally reach the destination on the fourth day of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. You will have your breakfast at Ghorepani then you hike up 45m to Poon hill for sunrise view. From there you can see sensational view of Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri ranges, Nilgiri, Fishtail after that you will came back to the Ghorepani then trek to Banthanti via Tadapani for 4/5 hours. Overnight at lodge
Day 05: Tadapani- Ghandruk village (1960m)
Today is the fifth day of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek. You will have your breakfast at Tadapani and then you will trek to Ghandruk 3 hours walking through jungle and downhill. Ghandruk is one of biggest Gurung village in Nepal, they have own language, dress, typical foods and houses. Gurung cultures are highly preserved in this region. You can visit the village and explore the cultures and lifestyles of Gurung people. Overnight at Ghandruk Village.
Day 06: Ghandruk-Pokhara
On the sixth day of Ghorepani Poonhill trek you will trek back to Nayapul from Ghandruk after having your breakfast at Ghandruk. The trek today is about four hours from Ghandruk to Nayapul. From Nayapul you will drive to Pokhara which takes about 1 hour. Upon reaching Pokhara you can enjoy evening boating at Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Day 07: Pokhara - Kathmandu
On the seventh day of Ghorepani Poonhill trek you will fly back to Kathmandu in the morning after having breakfast at Pokhara. All day you will be free in Kathmandu. You can utilize your free day by roaming or shopping around the city. The guides will help you if you need help for shopping or sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel
The Ghorepani Poonhill trek is relatively easier than any other treks in Nepal. Anyone with sound physical fitness and who can walk up to 6-7 hours a day can easily complete the trek. Gorepani Poonhill trekking does not require any prior trekking experience however if you have it can add up a plus point for you. Ghorepani Poonhill trek can be a great choice for beginners’ trekkers as well.
Visa in Nepal can be acquired on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu and also at the border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki border of Nepal - India and Kodari on Nepal-China border. Visa can also acquire at the nearest Nepal Embassy. For visa renewal purpose you can contact at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan
at Kathmandu. A valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background is required. Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.
Multiple entry 15 days US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency
For first visit in one visa year (January to December), gratis visa for 30 days is available only for nationals of South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the visa can be extended from the department of immigration with respective fares.
Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.
Nepal Visa for Chinese Nationals
As per official circular of the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, China, Chinese nationals applying for tourist visa to Nepal are being provided “gratis tourist visa” from Jan. 5, 2016, from following Nepali missions in the People’s Republic of China:
Nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan will need to obtain visa from Nepal Embassies or Diplomatic Missions in their respective countries, as they do not get visa on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal
Actual Adventure Pvt. Ltd requires a minimum of 20% of the total price to book this trip. The amount received to book the trip is used to obtain the permit and to book the accommodations and hire the guides. The rest of the amount can be paid after your arrival in Nepal.
To book a trip from Actual Adventure Pvt.Ltd you will need to follow certain processes which are mentioned below.
Step 1: Send us an inquiry using inquiry form, email or call us
Step 2: Discuss and fix the trek itinerary and price.
Step 3: Send us the deposit required to confirm the trip.
Step 4: Send us your Passport copies, Insurance copies, two passport sized photos and others (if necessary)
Step 5: Come to Nepal pay the remaining amount and start the trek.
Bank Account for the payment to wire transfers
Actual Adventure (P) Ltd.
Branch Code: 016 A/C No. 01030026257
Paying Bank: Nepal Investment Bank Ltd
Thamel Branch, Kathmandu, Nepal
SWIFT CODE: NIBLNPKT
Dollar Account
Actual Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
Currency General Account (USD) 016-010 100 23199
Paying Bank: Nepal Investment Bank Ltd
Thamel Branch, Kathmandu, Nepal
SWIFT CODE: NIBLNPKT
For Indian Currency
Kedar Neupane
A/C No.: 17715241406570 NPR
Nepal SBI Bank Ltd.
26 Durbar Marg
P.O.Box. No. 6049 GPO, Kathmandu
Phone: +977-14253243 / 4230809
Swift No. NSBINPKA
Bank service charge should be paid by the clients themselves at the time of deposit.
Sometimes the trek ends before the scheduled itinerary due to several reasons regarding health or any other personal issues of the trekkers. If in case, early termination of the trek happens please note that we cannot offer refunds for unused days. It is because we have to pay the committed amount to our porters, guides and other team members.
Our clients must have their insurance and the insurance must cover the expenses of accidents, health, emergency evacuation, lost of gears, etc.
The departure scheduled would be changed on any unavoidable circumstance like weather hazards, trail slides, soil erosion, avalanches, sudden sickness, etc. The program can be customized as per the interest of the clients
• The deposit is fully refundable if cancelled before 20 days of the arrival.
• 15% of the deposit is refundable if cancelled before 7 days of the arrival.
• The deposit is not refundable if cancelled before less than 7 days.
Unforgettable and Unregrettable Trip to Poonhill
I was going to Poonhill looking for unforegettable snow-trekking experience in Poonhill. Thank god this Tour Company and the tour guide, Sujan, helped me get this with service quality and planning that was high and good enough to keep me from regretting choosing it!
For 7 days in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the Poonhill, my tour was planned with very high-value food and hotels. Frankly I had expected the food and accommodation on the hill would be very bad at the beginning. However, it turned out they were chosen carefully to suit my expectations (even if they might be more expensive than others). They did succeed in suprising me again and again every meal time and night time.
Secondly, my friends and I were closely accompanied along the mountain trek so they could always stepped up to help, explain, or joke with us anytime, which made the trip especially warm and memorable. I am a demanding person. Yet they know how to support me, respect me, and do not bullshxt me, which is something I rarely find in other tour guides.
And lastly they were young and knew how to introduce places or experiences in a funny and inspiring ways. When I was touring the historical spots, they were not citing boring history about the old buildings, they only chose the ones with interesting facts or stories to tell, which kept me amused.
Actual Adventure Pvt Ltd, GPO Box 8335, Keshar Mahal Marga,Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Registered No: 69478/066/067, Tourism License: 1121/066
Phone: +977-14517579 / Mobile:- +977 9851012358
E-mail: info@actual-adventure.com adventure.actual@gmail.com
Website: www.actual-adventure.com
