Ghorepani Poonhill Trek – 9 Days

Ghorepani PoonHill Trek is one of the easiest, most renowned, and short trekking routes in the heart of the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trek is also known as Annapurna Sunrise and Annapurna Panorama Trek. Provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the most incredible views of central hills, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful settlements. Learning about the culture, lifestyle, and tradition of the locals.    

Overview:

The Ghorepani PoonHill Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu toward the city of lakes Pokhara. Following the rapids of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, crossing various settlements and lush never-ending rows of hills. At Pokhara explore the deep narrow gorge of the roaring Seti River, waterfalls, and cave networks. Also, visit other various attractions of the city. After exploring Pokhara head on a short drive towards Nayapul. Nayapul is the starting point of various treks of the region.

From, Nayapul head towards Thikhedhunga. Traversing across the forested trails, crossing streams, waterfalls, and various villages. From Thikhedhunga move towards the tiny hamlet of Ghorepani. Following a well-maintained series of stone stairs, crossing magnificent oak and rhododendron forests. At, Ghorepani head out and explore the culture and lifestyle of the locals.

Next, proceed toward the renowned vantage point of Poon Hill. Traversing along well marked and maintained route. From the summit witness grand views of the sunrise. The mountain peaks of Dhaulagiri I ( 8167m), Tukuche (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Tarke  Kang (7193m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) . All standing at its grandeur basking in the morning rays of the sun and changing their colors. After witnessing the gorgeous views head downhill traversing across mossy Rhododendron forest, through deep gorges, and along a clear creek eventually to the settlement of Ghandruk. 

Ghandruk

Ghandruk is one of the most renowned villages in the region. Here visit the museum and learn about the culture and traditions of the locals. The following day,  trekking along lush woodlands reach Nayapul. From here head towards Pokhara and eventually the following day to Kathmandu.    

 The Ghorepani PoonHill Trek lets to witness the grand views of nature and learn about the culture and traditions of various ethnic groups along this trail. Be a part of this short trek of the Annapurna Conservation Area with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.    

Entry and Permits: 

The following permits are required for trekking to Ghorepani PoonHill Trek:

• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for Indian nationals: 2000 NPR

TIMS Permit:

• NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency 
• NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter) 

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. The local inhabitants run several tea-houses along the trail, offering basic to luxury facilities. These tea-houses provide trekkers with the opportunity to taste various cuisines, a rarity on most Nepali trekking trails.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. The trek offers natural water sources from convenient taps along the trail. However, be aware that this water is untreated and unsafe to drink directly.. Instead, you can refill your water bottle with boiled water or cold, filtered water from any of the teahouses located throughout the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodation to luxury and grandeur ones. Luxury hotels and teahouse are situated along the trail that suits your budgets providing comfortable beds with a pillow, electric blankets, hot and cold shower, free WIFI, and many more. 

Teahouse along Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets. 

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.  

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring.  

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions. 

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing. 

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green high lands.    

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers. 

In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason. 

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. A comprehensive insurance plan from a reputable company can give you financial protection for a wide range of situations. Our travel insurance plan actively covers you for a variety of situations. We recommend you secure a travel insurance plan to provide full protection in case of unforeseen circumstances. The plan actively insures you for personal injury, death benefits, hospital bills, repatriation costs if you are injured abroad, helicopter rescue if necessary, and even covers some diseases.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Important Note:

Your safety is of paramount importance to us at the Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by the Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.