The Magical Trail To Ghorepani-Poonhill (The Ultimate Guide to Ghorepani)
The Ghorepani trail is one of the popular trekking paths among beginners, as the gentle route takes you through rhododendron forests to quaint Gurung villages. This trail offers so much more, including the majestic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, the sunrise from Poonhill, rhododendron forests, and a cultural experience of the Gurung and Magar communities. This trek usually takes 4-5 days but can be extended or shortened according to your preference. The trek starts with a 1-1.5 hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapool, from where the journey begins on a well-maintained trail. This trek is quite comfortable, with teahouses and restaurants available throughout the route.
- About the trail. Is it worth it?
The answer to this question is definitely yes, as this trail has so much to offer than you might expect. The trail is filled with rhododendron forests, which look magical especially in the Spring. You’ll pass through the settlements of Magar and Gurung communities and get to experience their daily lifestyle, culture, food, and more. The trail is well-maintained, but you should look out for mules and give them way while they pass by you.
If you’re visiting Nepal and have a short amount of time but want to experience panoramic views of the Himalayas, then this trek is perfect for you. The panoramic sunrise view from Poonhill is one of the most magical sunrises I have experienced till this date. The views along this trail are breathtaking and the sight of the mountains will not leave your side throughout the trek.
- Perfect season and time for this trek
The trekking season in Nepal is during Spring (Mar, Apr, May) and Autum (Sep, Oct, Nov), same goes for this trek. If you want to experience the blooming season of Rhododendron, then Spring will be the perfect time. This trail is also enjoyable in other months, but it may be very cold, and the path could be messy due to freezing.
We completed this trek in mid-February, but we were fortunate with the weather. However, the weather keeps changing every minute. The first two days were quite sunny and warm, but by the time we reached Tadapani, the weather closed up a bit. We could barely see the mountains since they were covered by fog. Thankfully, the next day, it cleared up a bit.
- Trek Essentials (Permits and Guide). Is it necessary to have a Guide and Permit?
As per the government of Nepal, a registered trekking guide is required for treks in the Annapurna Region, including Ghorepani Poonhill. However, there are trekkers who do this trek solo since the trail is well-managed and well-marked with signboards and arrows. Even though the trail is well marked, we suggest you take a registered guide with you as you may face some unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, having a guide by your side makes your journey more informative and exciting.
The permits required for this trek are ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), which will cost NPR Rs.3000/- for Foreign Nationals and Rs.1000/- for SAARC Nationals.
For permits:
- A valid passport
- 02 passport size photos
- Contact person or agency in Nepal
- Meals and Accommodation
The trail is filled with teahouses and hotels that offer a wide variety of Nepalese and continental food to suit your taste. Most people typically have Dal Bhat twice during lunch and dinner throughout the trek. Alternatively, you can choose meals according to your preference.
The accommodation facilities available on this trail are generally on a twin-sharing basis. Most of the teahouses in Ghorepani provide attached rooms, while Tikedhunga and Tadapani typically have common bathrooms. All of the teahouses feature a common dining hall with a fireplace, where all guests gather for dinner and breakfast. They usually have Wi-Fi available, but you will need to pay for it, as the network data does not work properly in that area.
- How difficult is the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek?
This trek is classed as an Easy-Moderate trek since the starting and ending points are mostly on low elevation and the elevation gain per day is also relatively low. The highest altitude of this trek is (3,210 m), which is not considered that high. While we did this trek we, ourselves weren’t quite fit, but we finished it easily, so a moderate level of fitness is enough for this trek.
There are quite a lot of stairs starting from Tikedhunga to Ghorepani, to be precise 3,500, so be prepared to keep on walking uphill and downhill. The stairs can make it quite difficult to hike, but if you maintain your pace and walk slowly, you’ll reach your destination by early afternoon.
- How to reach there??
- Day 01: Drive / Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Day 02: Drive to Nayapool and Trek to Tikedhunga (1,480 m)
- Day 03: Trek from Tikedhunga to Ghorepani (2,874 m)
- Day 04: Hike to Poonhill (3,210 m) for sunrise and trek to Tadapani (2,630 m)
- Day 05: Trek from Ghandruk (1,950 m) and drive to Pokhara
- Day 06: Drive/ Fly back to Kathmandu
For Detailed Itinerary, please tap/click on the link below
https://mandalaholidays.com/holidaypackage/ghorepani-poonhill-trekking
- How to Book your trip and Cost and Expenses
This trek falls under affordable trek in the Annapurna Region. Your cost depends upon the accommodation (Pokhara & Kathmandu) and transport facility (flight/ Private Jeep) you choose throughout the trek. You can complete this trek within 400-600 USD.
We did this trek via Mandala Holidays, and they planned our trip so smoothly. They will customize the trek as per your requirements. Our cost includes 3 Meals per day, all transfers throughout the trip, permits, guide fee, accommodation, and all.
- What kind of Equipments you need for this trek?
- Proper Trekking bag (50-60 L)
- Trekking Boots (Sturdy and waterproof with ankle support)
- Trekking Pole
- Quick dry T-shirt (Full Sleeves)
- Trekking Pants
- Fleece Jacket
- Thermals
- Waterproof Jacket (Gore-Tex)
- Down Jacket (During Winter)
- Water Bottles (1 L)
- Day Packs (to carry essentials like phone, camera)
- Socks
- Woolen Cap
- Cap/Hats
- Gloves
- Sun Glasses
- Head Light
- Snack-on Bar, protein bars
- Ghorepani Poonhill Trek FAQ’s?
- Is there WIFI and Hot shower available in this trek?
Yes, most of the teahouse does provide Wifi and Hot shower but you’ll need to pay extra for this service. They will charge NPR 100-200 for WIFI and NPR 200-400 for Hot Shower.
- Does this trek have access to a Phone network?
Yes, the trail has good access to the Mobile network till Tikedhunga. Further from there, the mobile network might weaken as you ascend to a higher elevation.
- Is Poonhill Sunrise worth it?
Most people do this trek to watch sunrise or sunset from Poonhill. The sun rising slowly from the Majestic Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and other peaks make it truly worth it. Waking up early, and hiking for almost 1.5 hours in cold morning, the sunrise makes this experience truly worth it.
- How is the accommodation facility in Ghorepani Poonhill Trek?
The teahouse has basic accommodation facilities and the rooms are mostly on a sharing basis. There are some good hotels in Ghorepani with hot showers and wifi and with a view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchhre.
- Is Poonhill Trek better than Mardi Trek?
Both trek are easy-moderate trek and they both have their speciality and uniqueness. While Poonhill has a shorter route and is famous for sunrise and cultural experience, Mardi is for those who love wilderness and is famous for the closer view of Mt. Machhapuchhre.
- Is it necessary to have a permit in this trek?
Like for any other trek in the Annapurna region, you need to have an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which will cost around NPR Rs.3000/- for Foreign Nationals and NPR Rs.1000/- for SAARC Nationals.
