6 Days / 5 Nights Poon Hill and Ghandruk Trek
The Poon Hill and Ghandruk Trek is an amazing and beginner friendly journey in the Annapurna region. It’s a short escape from urban life that mixes mesmerizing Himalayan views, denses forests and authentic Gurung hospitality. Usually the trek start near pokhara, this short trip of 4-6 days covers 35 – 50km, with the highlight of the journey is Poon Hill 3,210 meters. Consdering the altitide risk, you do not have to worry about it.
This trek to Poon hill is famous for the breathtaking view of sunrise over the Mountians. That includes Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre’s fishtail peak (6,993m), Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. So, don’t miss this golden oppurtunity, you have to wake before dawn. Trails in this trek, winds up through terraced farms, moutnain streams and stone steps. The rhododendron forest that glows with pink, red and white blooms in spring (March-April). Along the way, you’ll pass the villages like Ulleri, Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk a gurung village with traditional stone houses.
During your journey feel the adventure of Nepal’s mountain life. Along the way chat with friendly locals, while enjoying the moutain view. This whole area is protected by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which blend with nature, culture and cozy teahouse for stay. This entire itinerary is prepared based on research, allowing travelers to fully experience the nature, culture, and diverse landscapes.
With Plan Holidays Travels and Tours, your journey will be memorable for a lifetime and we take care of your safety during the trek. This trek is perfect for anyone craving moderate fun, stunning scenery, and Himalayan hospitality.
Highlights
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Sunrise Panorama at Poon Hill: Set your alarm before the crack of dawn and get ready for a quick 45-60 minute trek up Poon Hill (3,210m). The 360° view from the top is truly spectacular as you watch the sun illuminate over 20 mountain peaks including Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre fishtail (6,993m), Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri.
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Scenic Trails: Experience a variety of landscapes which include hiking up endless stone stairs from Ulleri, rhododendron forests that turn pink/red during spring (March-April), terraced fields, oak woods, and mountain streams.
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Cultural Immersion: Discover the village life of the Gurung and Magar people in Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. Tour traditional stone homes, monasteries, and enjoy local hospitality.
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Diverse Landscapes: From the journey through subtropical forests to high meadows you will see a complete change of vegetation. The beautiful Kali Gandaki gorge lies at your side as you walk to the different teahouses where you can get the local dal bhat and just enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri – Trek to Ghorepani
Day 03: Hike to Poon Hill for Sunrise – Trek to Tadapani
Day 04: Trek to Ghandruk
Day 05: Drive from Ghandruk to pokhara
Day 06: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Itinerary
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
For the Poon hill trek, take an early morning drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus or private vehicle. After breakfast I prepared for the long drive to Pokhara. On the way you can enjoy the scenic views of rivers, hills and countryside , until you reach Pokhara. The bus stops midway in the journey for lunch. If you prefer not to travel by bus then you can take a flight which will take around 25-35 min. The rest of the day you can enjoy your leisure time at the lake side or buying trekking essentials.
- Distance covered: 200 km (by road)
- Maximum altitude: 1,500 m
- Overnight stay: Hotel
- Trekking hours: 0
- Driving Hours: 6 to 7 hours
Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri – Trek to Ghorepani
On the second day of our journey in the morning, after having breakfast you will drive to Ulleri. This drive to Ulleri is very captivating and exciting as it offers a mountain view of Annapurna range. You will enter the village area, leaving the urban area behind. After verifying the pre-issued Acap Permit at Nayapool, we will continue the drive. After crossing this place, the road becomes bumpy on the way to Ulleri, so be well prepared for the extra adventure. Come along the way. After spending around 45 minutes on the bumpy road we will reach Mulleri, where our trekking trails begin. On the way to Ghorepani, we will have lunch in Banthati and continue walking until reaching Ghorepani.
- Distance covered: ~50 km drive + 12 km trek
- Maximum altitude: 2,800 m (Ghorepani)
- Overnight stay: Tea House
- Trekking hours: 5-6 hours
- Driving Hours: 2-3 hours
Hike to Poon Hill for Sunrise – Trek to Tadapani
Today is marked as the highlight of this trek journey. Early in the morning you will hike to Poonhill (3210m) for mesmerizing sunrise view over Annpurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhure and Nilgiri peaks. After returning to the hotel, you will have breakfast and then trek to Tadapani through forest trails. On the way you will reach another View point, Thapla Dada (3165m), which offers astonishing views of the annapurna range. Upon reaching tadapani relax at the tea house or explore the surrounding verdant woods of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo.
- Distance covered: 13.6 km
- Maximum altitude: 3,210 m (Poon Hill)
- Overnight stay: Tea House
- Trekking hours: 5-6 hours
Trek to Ghandruk
From Tadapani, today our trekking trail is mostly downhill. After having breakfast, we will start our trek along the way you will pass by mountain streams and tea houses. We will have our lunch in ghandruk and spend the rest of the day exploring. You can wander through the narrow, stone-paved paths of this traditional village, experiencing the daily lifestyle of the local residents. You can also capture beautiful photographs for your memory of traditional village architecture against the backdrop of massive Himalayan peaks. Spend the night in Ghorepani.
- Distance covered: 6.5-9.8 km
- Maximum altitude: 2,620 m (Tadapani)
- Overnight stay: Tea House
- Trekking hours: 3-4 hours
Drive from Ghandruk to pokhara
After a restful night in Ghandruk and waking up to a beautiful sunrise over Annapurna Chihuchuli and Machhapuchhure. Then, after having breakfast we will drive from ghandruk to pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, spend your leisure time boating on Phewa lake, sightseeing or buying souvenirs.
- Distance covered: 42-53 km (by road)
- Maximum altitude: 1,940 m (Ghandruk)
- Overnight stay: Hotel
- Trekking hours: 0
- Driving Hours: 3-4 hours
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
In the early morning at Pokhara, after breakfast drive to Kathmandu. It’s a scenic drive along the riverside hilly road. After returning to Kathmandu, you have the afternoon and the evening to stroll along the streets of Kathmandu for some last-minute shopping. Have a typical Nepali dinner at a restaurant with cultural performances.
- Distance covered: 205 km (by road)
- Maximum altitude: ~1,500 m
- Overnight stay: Hotel
- Trekking hours: 0
- Driving Hours: 6 to 7 hours
Cost
- Accommodation in 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara in Breakfast Basis.
- Accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tea house during trekking .
- Airport pickup and drop.
- English Speaking Guide for the trek.
- 1 porter for 2 pax for trek.
- Sightseeing in pokhara and kathmandu.
- Meals other than mention ones.
- Flight Ticket.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses, drinks and beverages etc.
- Things other than mention ones.
- Tipping for the guide and porter.
- Any accidents occur happen during trek.
- Any extension in package due to unfavourable weather or unfortune reasons.
Reviews
Simply put “WOW”.
Simply put “WOW”. I have never met more responsible people in my life. They made sure every step of the way was taken care of from the drivers, tour guides, trek guides, porters and hotel accommodations. I highly recommend this company for its hard working, responsible and friendly people. The people make a company. Special thanks to: Anuja “the planner”, Chitiz & Ashmir “the ultimate trekking guides” and finally Robin “the enthusiastic jungle bird watcher”.
Nick Devincenzo
San Diego, CaliforniaPlan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip!
Plan Holidays did a fantastic job on our whole trip! We did the trip that included time in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park and a 5-day trek around Annapurna. From the moment we stepped off the plane, we had guides showing us around and everything was perfectly planned for us. Maila, our trekking guide was amazing and had so much knowledge! It was a great trip!
Autumn Wonderlich
Boston, MassachusettsIncredibly well organized
This company was amazing. Incredibly well organized. I felt safe and spoiled. Our airport transports were always early and waiting for us. All of our reservations for our accommodations and busses were perfect. The temple tour we took was super fun and educational. Some of our luggage got stuck in our layover country and between this travel agency and our hotel they were able to get it for us and deliver it the next day. We also had a 10month old traveling with us and they made sure that our accommodation and travel plans were safe for him. During our 5 days of trekking, we had THE BEST guide/sherpa. I would positively let them plan another trip for us. Thank you!!!!
Email: https://facebook.com/karenk2000
Karen Graves
CaliforniaA wonderful trip
Thank you so much!!!!
We had a wonderful trip!!! And you were always there to help or guide us as needed! I hope we can have fun together again!!!!!
Janet Spencer
West Jordan, UtahNice trip to Nepal
Nice trip in Nepal organized by Plan Holidays Travel! Guide and Porter were great.
Michael Worcestar
Plan Holidays is the best company
Plan Holidays is the best company with wonderful staff members and Guide was incredible an genuinely cared for our welfare. It was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal. All of my thanks to Managing Director Mr. Kala Dhar Baral and the professional team members of Plan Holidays.
Samuel idas
Great Job
Plan Holidays did a great job on the organization of this wonderful journey! We all had a great time, it was such a pleasure to meet all the friendly and humorous people of Nepal.
Aleksandra Perr/Peter Babivskiy
I had a wonderful experience
I recently booked a tour with Plan Holidays, and I had a wonderful experience. Anuja scheduled the tour, and it was comforting to have our trip covered without any concerns. Our guide Shiva took us through Kathmandu, and showed all us the highlights of the city and provided us with the cultural and historical background. We also did the Poon Hill Trek with guides Chitiz and Ashmir, who provided a peaceful hike through the Himalayas. On our last two days, we spent time in Chitwan National Park, where our guide, Robin, took us on adventures where we saw crocodiles and rhinos.
The entire package was affordable, and our guides met our every need; they went out of their way for us on many occasions. It was comforting to get off the bus and see our guides waiting for us with our name tags. I would highly encourage anyone to book a trip through this company. I promise that you will have an amazing experience–five stars!
Brendan Praniewicz
San Diego, California