Ghorepani - Poonhill trek, known also as the small Annapurna Circuit, is a very popular trek in Nepal. The highest point of this trek (3,200m) and for many the highlight is an early morning hike to Poon Hill for a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas where the mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. To the north towards Tibet, west towards the Dhaulagiri range, and east with superb views of the entire Annapurna range. Not a difficult trek but it helps if you have a reasonable degree of fitness. This trek is considered to be the best introduction to trekking in Nepal. An easy trek in the spectacular mountain scenery through fascinating villages inhabited by the Gurungs and Magars ethnic tribes. Dense rhododendron forests full of birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, all set below the Annapurnas with the picturesque peak of Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail Peak) dominating the skyline. This trekking is not recommended during the rainy season i.e. July, August, and September.

Trip Includes

  • International arrival and departure transfer
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara (return) airfare and airport transfers in private vehicle
  • Pokhara to Nayapul and Nayapul to Pokhara transfers in private vehicle
  • English-speaking guide and porter during the trek
  • 3 nights accommodation during the trek
  • Meals on full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • All required trekking permits, fees, and taxes
  • Kit bags (Duffle bag)

Trip Excludes

  • International flights and Nepal entry visa fee
  • Accommodation, lunches, and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages like Coke, beer, mineral water
  • Entrance fees for monasteries and museums
  • Trekking gear and equipment
  • Travel insurance and emergency rescues
  • Personal expenses like phone calls, Wi-Fi, gadget charging, laundry, shower, and gratuities
  • Other items not mentioned

Note

Traveling to Everest, especially for the Everest Base Camp trek or any mountaineering activity, is an extraordinary adventure that requires thorough preparation and awareness of potential risks.

Itinerary

  • Day 01
    Arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Transfer to hotel
    Flying into Kathmandu, you’ll have views over the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you outside the airport and guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to your hotel.
    Once you've settled in, head out and explore the city. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a great place to start your exploration, walking through narrow alleyways teeming with small shops, ancient temples, and local restaurants. Swayambhunath, the white stupa rising above the valley, is the perfect spot to catch the sunset over the valley.
    In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to choose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.
    Overnight: Kathmandu
  • Day 02
    Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Trek to Tikhedhunga (5,170 feet / 1,570 m)
    You’ll be picked up by private car from your hotel in the morning and driven to Kathmandu domestic airport for a short flight to Pokhara. Upon arriving in Pokhara, you'll be picked up at the airport and driven to Nayapul, from where the trek begins!
    The first trail heads uphill through fertile farms of rice, maize, and millet fields. Following the main trail of Birethanti, pass by a small waterfall and continue until you reach Sudami where you will stop and have lunch.
    After lunch, climb steadily along the side of the valley until you reach Tikhedhunga Teahouse for your overnight stay.
    Trekking time: 4-5 hours (5.7 miles / 9.2 km)
    Overnight: Tikhedhunga
    Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 03
    Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (9,318 feet / 2,840 m)
    Wake up for an early breakfast at your teahouse in preparation for your big climb to Ulleri. The trek begins with a steep stone stairway—3,767 steps up the ridgeline—leading through cultivated fields. After this section, the rest of the trail is through blooming rhododendron blossoms and old oak forests.
    Climb uphill until you reach Nangethanti, your stop for lunch. Thanti means “rest house” in Nepalese; note that during winter the trail may be covered with snow. After lunch, continue the climb until you reach Ghorepani, a village surrounded by spectacular scenery and popular with trekkers.
    Trekking time: 6-7 hours (8 mi / 12.9 km)
    Overnight: Ghorepani
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 04
    Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (8,562 feet / 2,610 m), Sunrise at Poon Hill
    Today is a highlight of your trek!
    Sunrise from Poon Hill
    Start with an early morning wake up and begin your pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (10,500 feet) in about an hour. This is a spiritual place that provides majestic scenery, especially when the rising sun casts a golden light on peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Singa Chuli. Enjoy masala tea and the views.
    Return downhill to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue a full-day trek towards Tadapani. The trail works uphill and downhill through varied landscapes and microclimates; keep your camera and warm layers close.
    Trekking time: 7-8 hours (8.3 miles / 13.4 km)
    Accommodation: Teahouse
    Overnight: Tadapani
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 05
    Trek from Tadapani to Nayapul, Drive to Pokhara
    After breakfast in Tadapani, descend steeply through hillside landscapes, forests, and terraced rice fields to Syauli Bazar. The trek ends at Nayapul, where you'll be transferred to your hotel in Pokhara. Even from this urban environment, you'll see views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the peaks of Annapurna, and more.
    Upon arrival in Pokhara, enjoy the afternoon and evening on your own. Plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops, and yoga studios cater to expats and adventure travelers.
    Suggested activities:
    Visit the Gurkha Museum, multimedia displays dedicated to Nepal’s former soldiers in the British and Indian armies, or the Regional Museum—an exhibit on local ethnic groups.
    Visit the World Peace Pagoda, constructed by Buddhist monks.
    Enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking in Pokhara’s Phewa Lake, with views of the Tal Barahi Temple in the center of the lake.
    Trekking time: 4-5 hours
    Accommodation: Hotel
    Overnight: Pokhara
  • Day 06
    Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
    After breakfast, you may have time for additional sightseeing or relaxation. About 1.5 hours before your flight, you’ll be taken to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu.
    On arrival, transfer to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening. Explore Kathmandu’s streets by foot, bike, or rickshaw, or do last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
    In the evening, wide restaurant selections feature Nepali, French, Vietnamese, or Middle Eastern dishes.
    Overnight: Kathmandu
    Meals included: Breakfast
  • Day 07
    Depart Kathmandu
    Farewell to Nepal. Enjoy your last breakfast at a café, check out the city’s alleys and temples, and some final souvenir shopping. A driver will take you to the airport for your return flight home. Recommended to be at the airport at least two hours before departure.
    Meals included: Breakfast