Overview
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is what most people picture when they imagine a classic Nepal trekking holiday, minus the part where it takes three weeks. It sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area, on a route that has been welcoming trekkers since the country first opened its trails to outsiders in the 1970s. The trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then climbs through Tikhedhunga and the famous stone staircase to Ulleri, on through thick rhododendron forest to the mountain village of Ghorepani. From there, an early morning walk leads up to Poon Hill at 3,210 metres for one of Nepal’s most celebrated sunrise views, with Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range lighting up in gold. The trail then descends through forest toward Ghandruk, a Gurung village known for its stone-paved streets, before returning to Pokhara.
Highlights
- Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and start the trek up through Tikhedhunga and Ulleri
- Climb the famous stone staircase out of Tikhedhunga, more than 3,000 steps leading up to Ulleri
- Walk through thick rhododendron forest above Ulleri, brightest with red and pink flowers in spring
- Arrive at Ghorepani, a mountain village at 2,874m surrounded by peaks
- Wake up early to walk 45 minutes up to Poon Hill at 3,210m
- Watch the sunrise light up Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna peaks in gold Walk down through forest from Ghorepani toward Ghandruk
- Explore Ghandruk, known for its stone-paved streets, a small Gurung museum, and friendly locals
