On the first day of the trek, our guide will meet you at your hotel in Pokhara after breakfast. A short drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes takes us to Nayapul, the starting point of our trek. The trail begins with a gentle ascent along the banks of a river, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through agricultural lands and quaint villages adorned with colorful houses. The trek to Tikhedhunga (1,577 meters) is both scenic and enjoyable, with ample tea houses along the route for lunch breaks. After approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking, we will arrive in Tikhedhunga, where we will stay the night at a local guest house.
After breakfast at the guest house, we set out for Ghorepani, a beautiful village nestled in the Annapurna region. The trek begins with a steep ascent for the first two hours to reach Ulleri (2,070 meters), followed by a gentler climb through lush forests. This section of the trail is rich in Himalayan flora and fauna, and if we’re fortunate, we might spot some rare birds along the way. As we trek, stunning views of Mt. Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail), Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South begin to unfold. Upon reaching the Ghorepani checkpoint, we will present our permits before continuing to upper Ghorepani for our overnight stay in a mountain lodge, completing about 6 to 7 hours of trekking today.
Today marks a highlight of the trek as we hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters), the highest point of our journey. We rise early, around 3 a.m., to begin our ascent in time for sunrise. The hike takes about 1 to 2 hours, and as dawn breaks, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the golden rays illuminating the Annapurna peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I. After soaking in the panoramic vistas and capturing memorable photos, we descend back to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast. We then pack our bags and head toward Tadapani (2,650 meters). This segment of the trek takes us through vibrant rhododendron forests, especially beautiful in the spring when the flowers bloom. After approximately 5 to 6 hours of trekking, we arrive at Tadapani for the night, staying in a cozy tea house.
On Day 4, we depart from Tadapani after breakfast and begin our trek to Ghandruk, a charming Gurung village. The trail is relatively easy, as we descend through dense forests of rhododendrons and oaks, filled with the sweet melodies of chirping birds. The trek to Ghandruk takes about 3 hours, where we check in at a homestay. The village itself is a highlight, featuring a handicraft center and the Gurung Museum, which showcases the local culture and history. While exploring Ghandruk, trekkers can enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Fishtail, making for a fulfilling day of exploration and cultural immersion.
On the final day of our Poon Hill Trek, we enjoy a leisurely descent from Ghandruk, trekking gently through terraced rice fields and local villages towards Syauli Bazaar. The trail eventually flattens out, leading us to Nayapul, where our trek concludes. Once at Nayapul, we take a taxi back to Pokhara, reflecting on the beautiful experiences and landscapes we’ve encountered over the past few days. Upon arrival in Pokhara, our trek guide will drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of our memorable 5-day journey to Poon Hill. We hope you enjoyed the trek and look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal in the future.