How to Reach Ghorepani from Pokhara: Complete Travel Guide for Trekkers

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal. Starting from the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, this trek leads you through charming villages, rhododendron forests, and scenic Himalayan viewpoints before reaching the famous village of Ghorepani. Many travelers planning this trek often ask: How do you reach Ghorepani from Pokhara?

The journey involves a short drive from Pokhara to the trailhead and then a scenic hike through the Annapurna region. In this guide, we’ll explain the routes, transportation options, trekking trail, and practical tips to reach Ghorepani easily.

Where is Ghorepani?

Ghorepani is a mountain village located in the Annapurna region of Nepal at an altitude of 2,874 meters. It lies along the famous Ghorepani–Ghandruk trekking route and is the main stop before hiking to the iconic Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 meters) for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. 

Because of its relatively short duration and moderate difficulty, this trek is perfect for beginners, families, and travelers with limited time.

Step-by-Step Route: Pokhara to Ghorepani

1. Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul

The journey begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, the traditional starting point of the Ghorepani trek.

• Distance: about 42 km

• Travel time: 1.5 hours by jeep or private vehicle

From Nayapul, the trekking trail officially begins. Trekkers walk along the Modi Khola valley, crossing suspension bridges and passing small villages and terraced farms. 

Many trekking agencies arrange transportation directly from hotels in Pokhara to the starting point.

If you are trekking with a guide or agency, transportation is usually included in the package.

2. Trek from Nayapul to Ulleri

After reaching Nayapul, the trail gradually climbs through villages such as:

• Birethanti

• Tikhedhunga

• Ulleri

The climb to Ulleri is famous for its stone staircase of more than 3,000 steps, which can be challenging but rewarding. Ulleri sits at around 2,050 meters altitude and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and traditional Magar villages.  Most trekkers spend their first night here before continuing toward Ghorepani.

3. Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

The next day’s trek is one of the most scenic sections of the journey.

The trail passes through:

• Dense rhododendron forests

• Small settlements like Banthanti and Nangethanti

• Moss-covered Himalayan forests

After several hours of gradual ascent, trekkers reach Ghorepani village, which is surrounded by panoramic mountain scenery.  The village is known for its cozy teahouses, welcoming local culture, and easy access to Poon Hill.

Alternative Route: Jeep to Ulleri or Banthanti

In recent years, road access in the Annapurna region has improved. Travelers can now drive further up the trail, reducing trekking time.

Alternative route options include:

• Pokhara → Ulleri (by jeep)

• Pokhara → Banthanti (by jeep)

From these points, trekkers only need to walk 3–5 hours to reach Ghorepani.

This option is ideal for travelers who:

• Have limited trekking time

• Prefer shorter hikes

• Want to avoid the Ulleri stone steps

However, many trekkers still prefer the traditional trekking route for a more authentic experience.

Typical Trek Duration from Pokhara to Ghorepani

A standard itinerary usually looks like this:

Day 1:
Pokhara → Nayapul (drive) → Ulleri (trek)

Day 2:
Ulleri → Ghorepani (trek)

Day 3:
Ghorepani → Poon Hill sunrise → Tadapani or Ghandruk

The trek generally involves 4–6 hours of walking per day on well-marked trails through villages and forests. 

Trek the Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

A short and scenic Himalayan trek from Pokhara, blending mountain views, rhododendron forests, and charming Gurung villages.

View Trip

Permits Required for the Trek

Before starting the trek, you need two permits:

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
2. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

These permits help support conservation efforts and maintain trekking safety records in the region. They can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu at the Nepal Tourism Board office.

Why Trek to Ghorepani?

The Ghorepani trek is popular for several reasons:

• Spectacular sunrise views from Poon Hill

• Close-up views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre

• Short trekking duration (3–5 days)

• Rich Gurung and Magar culture

• Beautiful rhododendron forests

Because it offers incredible mountain scenery without extreme altitude, it is considered one of the best short treks in Nepal.

Trek to Ghorepani with a Local Expert

Planning logistics like transportation, permits, accommodation, and guides can be challenging if you’re trekking independently.

Booking a guided trek through Places Nepal ensures a smooth and safe journey.
This trek includes transportation from Pokhara, licensed guides, permits, accommodation, and meals—making the adventure simple and hassle-free.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Ghorepani from Pokhara is relatively easy and makes for an unforgettable Himalayan experience. The journey begins with a short drive to Nayapul, followed by scenic trekking through villages, forests, and mountain trails before arriving at Ghorepani village.

Whether you choose the traditional trekking route or the shorter jeep-access option, the reward remains the same: breathtaking Himalayan views and the magical sunrise from Poon Hill.

If you’re looking for a short, beginner-friendly Himalayan trek, the Ghorepani trek from Pokhara is one of the best adventures you can experience in Nepal.