Why Choose the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek?

The best time to trek Ghorepani Poon Hill is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons provide the most reliable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for trekking and mountain views. 

In spring, the Ghorepani trail is filled with blooming rhododendrons, and temperatures range between 10°C and 24°C, with little to no rainfall. 

Autumn comes right after the monsoon, offering fresh greenery, crisp air, and stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. 

These are the busiest trekking periods, so expect more hikers on the trails and slightly higher prices at teahouses. 

Monsoon (June to August) brings heavy rain, while winter (December to February) can be very cold, making trekking more difficult. 

Overall, spring and autumn are the best times for a safe, scenic, and enjoyable Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is described as easy to moderate-level, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced trekkers. This 6-day itinerary combines 4-6 hours of walking, steep ascents, and stone staircases, which require an average level of stamina and determination.

On Day 2, trekkers face their first real challenge, walking from Ghandruk to Tadapani on forested trails with steady climbs. The following day involves another demanding section, as the trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani includes multiple ascents and descents that can test leg strength.

The toughest part, however, comes on Day 4. The early morning 2-hour sunrise hike to Poon Hill involves an uphill climb, but the reward is a panoramic sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Afterward, the descent to Ulleri includes thousands of stone steps, which can be particularly tough on the knees.

This Ghorepani Poon Hill trek covers around 50 kilometers in 4 trekking days, with the highest point reaching 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). The altitude is moderate, so while serious acclimatization is not usually necessary, some people may still feel mild effects of the thinner air.

Fitness Preparation

• Cardio Fitness: Regular walking, jogging, or cycling before the trek helps prepare for the long hours of daily hiking.
• Leg Strength: Squats, stair climbing, or hill walking are highly recommended to build endurance for the steep ascents and descents.
• Stamina & Endurance: The trek requires walking 5–7 hours a day, so consistency in physical activity beforehand is key.
• Mental Readiness: The stone steps, variable weather, and back-to-back trekking days demand patience and determination.

Who Can Do It?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is achievable for anyone with a basic to average fitness level. Prior trekking experience is useful but not mandatory. Families, first-time trekkers, and casual adventurers can comfortably complete it with proper preparation.

You don’t need to worry about arranging permits yourself — the cost of both permits is already included in your package price, and the Places Nepal team will secure them on your behalf.

👉 After booking, simply send us a photocopy of your passport along with a copy of your travel insurance, and we’ll handle the rest.

Required Permits

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
   • Cost: NPR 3,000 (about USD 25) for foreigners, NPR 100 for SAARC nationals.
   • Purpose: Helps fund conservation and local community projects in the Annapurna region.
2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card:
   • Cost: NPR 2,000 (about USD 17) for individual trekkers, NPR 1,000 if trekking with a guide/agency.
   • Purpose: Provides trekker safety and record-keeping for the authorities.

Where to Get Them

• Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board office (Bhrikutimandap).
• Pokhara: Nepal Tourism Board office (Damside).

Both permits are checked along the route, so trekkers must carry them at all times.

Accommodation and food on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek are basic but reliable, giving trekkers a warm place to rest and plenty of hearty meals to fuel long days of hiking.

Where You'll Stay on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Along the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail, trekkers stay in teahouses (locally run guesthouses). These are simple but comfortable, offering twin-sharing rooms with basic beds, blankets, and pillows. Bathrooms are shared, and hot showers are available for a small extra fee. The teahouses also provide cozy dining halls with wood stoves, where trekkers gather in the evenings.

What You'll Eat on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Meals are served at the teahouses and follow a standard trekking menu. Expect a mix of Nepali and international dishes, including:

• Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables) – the staple trekking meal, unlimited refills in most places.
• Noodles, pasta, fried rice, or potatoes for variety.
• Eggs, porridge, pancakes, or Tibetan bread for breakfast.
• Hot drinks like tea, coffee, or ginger lemon honey tea are widely available.

Important to Know

• Food and accommodation costs rise slightly with altitude due to transport challenges.
• Fresh meat is rare on the trail; most trekkers stick to vegetarian meals for safety and freshness.
• Drinking water can be purchased in bottles, but we suggest that trekkers opt for refill stations or purification tablets to reduce cost and plastic waste.

A standard 4–6 day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek typically costs USD 420–600 per person, depending on whether you choose a guided package or travel independently, the group size, transport method, and accommodation style.

Daily On-Trail Expenses

If trekking independently or without a full-board package, expect USD 20–30 per day for meals and drinks. Local options like dal bhat, noodles, or pancakes are inexpensive at lower elevations but become slightly costlier at higher altitudes. Additional small fees may apply for hot showers, charging devices, or Wi-Fi (USD 2–3 per service).

Optional Costs

• Porter hire: USD 20–25 per day
• Personal expenses: Snacks, souvenirs, or tips
• Pokhara accommodation: USD 25–50 per night
• Travel insurance: Required if trekking with a guide

Transportation Costs

• Tourist bus (Kathmandu–Pokhara): USD 15–20 one-way
• Private vehicle: USD 150–180 per group
• Domestic flight (Kathmandu–Pokhara): USD 100–130 one-way (optional, faster)

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is customary in Nepal and appreciated:

• Guide: USD 5–10 per day
• Porter: USD 3–5 per day

Booking with Places Nepal makes planning easy. The 6-day guided trek costs USD 420 per person in a group and USD 600 for solo trekkers. This price includes accommodation (3 nights in mountain teahouses and 2 nights in Pokhara), all meals, a licensed trekking guide, permits (ACAP and TIMS), and transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to the trek start and finish.

For those who prefer to trek independently, expenses are lower but require more planning. Independent trekkers can expect to spend USD 300–400, covering permits, accommodation, meals, and transport. Keep in mind, there’s no guide or porter, so you’ll carry your own gear and handle logistics yourself.

Trekkers start early, around 6:30 AM, with breakfast at the teahouse — options include pancakes, porridge, Tibetan bread, or eggs. By 7:30–8:00 AM, the trek begins.

Mornings involve 3–4 hours of walking through rhododendron forests, stone steps, and Gurung and Magar villages, with clear views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri. Breaks are taken for rest and photos.

Lunch is at a local teahouse en route, typically Dal Bhat, noodles, or vegetable fried rice. The afternoon trek lasts 2–3 hours, ending at the day’s overnight stop by late afternoon. Evenings are for tea, rest, and dinner around 6:30 PM, usually lentils, rice, chapati, and sometimes dessert.

On the Poon Hill sunrise day, trekkers wake around 4:30 AM for a short climb to the summit. From the top, the sun rises over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, creating panoramic mountain views.

Trekkers have two main options for carrying gear on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek: hiring a porter or carrying everything yourself.

With a Porter:

• A porter carries your backpack, up to 20–22 kg.
• Allows you to trek lighter and at a more relaxed pace.
• Recommended for first-time trekkers, those with less stamina, or anyone carrying heavier loads.
• Daily cost is USD 25, plus tips.

Without a Porter:

• Trekkers carry their own backpack, typically 8–12 kg is manageable.
• Offers more independence and flexibility but requires good stamina and endurance.
• Ideal for experienced trekkers or those who prefer self-sufficiency.

Key Considerations:

• Hiring a porter reduces physical strain but adds cost.
• Trekking without a porter is cheaper but more physically demanding.

The choice depends on fitness level, personal preference, and budget. For moderate trekkers, carrying a light pack without a porter is manageable, while beginners or those seeking a more comfortable pace may benefit from hiring a porter.

Your Ghorepani Poon Hill trek begins upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and gateway to the Himalayas. After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, you can obtain a Visa on Arrival (most nationalities eligible).

Visa Fees:

• 15 days – USD 30
• 30 days – USD 50
• 90 days – USD 125

Bring the printed online form and exact USD cash to expedite the process.

Airport Transfer: If pre-booked with Places Nepal, a representative will meet you at the terminal. Otherwise, taxis are available.

Accommodation: Staying in Thamel is recommended for convenience. It offers restaurants, trekking gear shops, and easy access to Places Nepal’s office for your pre-trek briefing and gear check.

Exploring Kathmandu: If time permits, consider a short tour of key sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, or local markets. Half-day or full-day city tours can be arranged.

Flight Time:

• International flights: All long-haul flights arrive in Kathmandu in the morning or evening. Connecting flights from major Asian hubs typically take 3–6 hours.
• Domestic flights to Pokhara (optional for trek start): About 25–30 minutes, with daily flights.

Notes:

• Airport pickup is free.
• Kathmandu hotel is not included; Thamel has multiple options.
• Short guided city tours can be arranged before or after the trek.