Ghorepani Trek
This trek is well suited for those new to trekking or who have limited time but still want to experience the fascinating culture and awesome natural surroundings that make a real Himalayan experience. Your trek starts from Phedi after a short drive from Pokhara. Your trail passes through stunning rhododendron forests and traditional Gurung villages at Dhampus & Ghandrung.
This is an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of traditional life in the Nepali countryside, as you share the track with shepherds and donkey trains and witness traditional Nepali farming life. Along the way, there are spectacular views of the snowy peaks of the Annapurnas and your trek is topped off by the unforgettable mountain panorama from Poon Hill.
This is an easy trek which takes you up to an elevation of 2775 meters at Ghorepani, It can also be combined as an extension trip to a cultural tour of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.
- Starts In: Pokhara
- Ends In: Pokhara
- Duration: 5 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Highlights
- Sunrise visit to the world-renowned Poon Hill view point
- Mountain views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains
- Pass through gorgeous villages in the traditional home of the Gurkhas
- Ask about off-beat options and adding another (maybe even better?!) view point
Itinerary
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, Trek to Tikhedhunga [1540m]
A scenic 1-hour drive from Pokhara takes us to the starting point of our trek. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Modi Khola river, we ascend slowly through terraced fields and classic mountain villages. Along the way we will encounter mule or goat caravans carrying supplies to the mountains, heralded by the musical bells they wear. The stunning peaks of Machhapuchare and Annapurna peaking over the green ridges will greet us from time to time as we continue up to Tikhedhunga.
Walking time: Approx. 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani [2775m]
Today begins with a real heart-starter! We have a steep ascent to get us going and then a more gradual uphill walk takes us to our camp at Ghorepani. We will pass through some delightful villages and the beautiful, dense rhododendron forest so characteristic of Nepal at these altitudes! If the weather is clear we will see stunning mountain views from Ghorepani, making the climb well worth it!
At Ghorepani, we are on the main Annapurna Circuit route and there are likely to be lots of travelers passing through this ridge-top settlement in both directions. Ghorepani literally means “horse water” and is a popular stopping place for the mule trains which ply the route from Pokhara to Jomsom and beyond. The impressive peak which can be seen across the broad valley of the Kali Gandaki to the northwest is Dhaulagiri.
Walking time: Approx. 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani [2650m], Sunrise at Poon Hill
It is an absolute must for those who stay at Ghorepani to make the walk up to the celebrated viewpoint of Poon Hill (3195m), which overlooks the village. Dawn is the best time to go so we arrange a wake-up call for 5 am and head up the well-marked track by torchlight. The first light of dawn illuminates Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak with a surreal pink glow.
You may be able to buy coffee and breakfast from an enterprising local who has carried his produce up to Poon Hill to take advantage of the morning trade. Otherwise, we return to Ghorepani for breakfast, before trekking on to Tadapani through rhododendron forest. If you’re lucky we will see some wild animals, such as langur monkeys climbing through the trees. There are excellent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare from Tadapani.
Walking time: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk [1950m]
From Tadapani the trail descends through beautiful forests to Ghandruk, which is a stunning village of Gurung people, one of Nepal’s most famous ethnic groups, known for their distinctive dialect, culture, costume, and lifestyle. Ghandruk is also home to many soldiers from the famous Gurkha regiments. From here we can have stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Fishtail.
Walking time: Approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul [1070m], Drive from Nayapul to Pokhara
After breakfast we descend along gentle paved trails through forest and terraced fields to Kimchi (1638m). We then follow the ridge downhill to Kehone Danda and on to Kliu, after which we cross a suspension bridge over the Sadhu Khola (river), finally reaching the Modi Khola at Seuli Bazaar (1140m).
Following flatter trails along the Modi Khola we walk through lovely forests and terraces to Birethanti and on to Nayapul on the Pokhara-Baglung highway. From here we relax as we drive about 1 hour to Pokhara.
Driving time: Approx. 1 hour
Walking time: Approx. 6-7 hours
Accommodation: None
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Gallery
Included In Price
- Transfers as per the itinerary (overland journey)
- Meals as per the itinerary (all meals while on the trek with filtered drinking water)
- Tea house accommodation while on trek
- Trekking permits and registration fees
- Your guide and porter/s with all their transport, equipment, insurance and including their meals and accommodation and a first aid kit appropriate for the group size and trek route.
Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not often have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin shares and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.
The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee), and dinner (soup, main, and dessert with tea or coffee).
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
- Single supplement
- Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (eg landslides, strikes, fuel shortages, etc)
