Nepal8 days
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek — 8 Days in the Annapurna Region
A moderate trek from Pokhara to Poonhill (3,210m) and through Gurung villages, with sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre
This eight-day trek moves through the foothills and ridges of Nepal's Annapurna region, beginning at the valley floor near Pokhara and climbing to Poonhill at 3,210 meters—a ridge known for panoramic sunrise views of the high peaks. The route follows established teahouse trails used by trekkers of varying experience, passing through Gurung settlements, rhododendron and pine forests, and across suspension bridges over the Modi Khola river system. Days are structured as moderate walks of between two and seven hours; no technical climbing is required. The trek reaches its highest point at Poonhill, then descends through the village of Ghandruk—a settlement home to many Gurkha regiment soldiers—before returning to Pokhara and Kathmandu. Teahouse accommodation and meals are provided throughout.
Highlights
- Six-hour road journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara through forested hills, river valleys, and roadside villages
- Trek along the Modi stream from Nayapul through Birethanti to Ulleri (2,073m), a large Magar settlement
- Ascent through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani, with views opening toward Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range
- Early morning climb to Poonhill (3,210m) for sunrise views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Hiunchuli
- Ridge walk through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali Pass (2,960m) and descent to Tadapani (2,590m)
- Village stay in Ghandruk (1,940m), a Gurung settlement, with views of Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre
- Descent through Modi Khola valley via suspension bridges and the villages of Landruk and Tolka to Pothana (1,900m)
- Final descent to Phedi and return drive to Pokhara and Kathmandu
Day by day
1Kathmandu to Pokhara by RoadKathmandu to Pokhara · Pokhara · roadside establishment
An early morning departure from Kathmandu begins a six-hour drive southward toward Pokhara. The road passes through lush forest, winding hill terrain, and a succession of river valleys. Roadside settlements and markets appear intermittently. A lunch stop is made at a roadside establishment partway along the route. Upon arrival in Pokhara at 820 meters elevation, transfer to the hotel. Overnight accommodation in Pokhara.
2Nayapul to Ulleri — First Trek DayUlleri · Pokhara to Nayapul · Modi stream · Birethanti · Burungdi stream valley
After breakfast, a one-hour drive leads from Pokhara to Nayapul, the trailhead. The trek begins with a 30-minute walk along the Modi stream, arriving at Birethanti, a small settlement with tea shops and guesthouses. From there, the path follows the Burungdi stream valley northwestward, ascending through Hile (1,495m) and Tikhedhunga (1,525m) before a steeper final section reaches Ulleri (2,073m), a substantial Magar village that serves as the day's destination. The total walking time is four to five hours. Overnight at a teahouse lodge in Ulleri.
3Ulleri to Ghorepani Through Rhododendron ForestUlleri to Ghorepani · Ghorepani
The trek continues northward, ascending through increasingly dense rhododendron forest with occasional views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks appearing between trees and ridgelines. The trail rises to Ghorepani at 2,750 meters, a way station on the ridge. Walking time is five to six hours. Overnight at a teahouse lodge in Ghorepani.
4Poon Hill Sunrise and Trek to TadapaniPoon Hill · Tadapani · Ghorepani village · Deurali Pass
An early morning climb of one hour brings you to Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, one of Nepal's most popular trekking viewpoints. From here, the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges dominate the northern horizon. After taking in the views, you descend to Ghorepani village for breakfast, then proceed south through dense forest. The trail climbs to a grassy ridge offering views that extend toward the plains of India, with Machhapuchre visible across the panorama. You continue climbing through pine and rhododendron forests to a ridge at 3,030 meters, then descend to Deurali Pass at 2,960 meters. From here the path drops sharply to a stream before resuming through forest to Tadapani at 2,590 meters. The entire stage is a six to seven hour walk. Overnight at a teahouse lodge in Tadapani.
5Tadapani to Ghandruk — Village of Gurung CultureTadapani to Ghandruk · Ghandruk
A three-hour descent through forest leads from Tadapani to Ghandruk at 1,940 meters, a substantial Gurung settlement. The village is known for its distinctive language and customs, and is home to many soldiers from the Gurkha regiments. From Ghandruk, views open southward to Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and the distinctive profile of Machhapuchhre. Overnight at a teahouse lodge in Ghandruk.
6Ghandruk to Pothana via Modi Khola ValleyPothana · Ghandruk village · Modi Khola river · Landruk and Tolka
The trek descends stone steps through Ghandruk village before crossing a suspension bridge over the Modi Khola river and entering the valley floor. The route passes through the settlements of Landruk and Tolka, then ascends for approximately two hours to Pothana (1,900m). Walking time is five to six hours total. Overnight at a teahouse lodge in Pothana.
7Trek Pothana to Phedi, Drive to PokharaPothana to Phedi · Phedi · Pokhara
A two-hour trek from Pothana descends to Phedi, passing through Gurung villages with views across the Annapurna range. From Phedi, a one-hour drive carries you to Pokhara. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Pokhara.
8Pokhara to Kathmandu — Return DrivePokhara to Kathmandu
Following breakfast, the return drive to Kathmandu takes four to five hours, crossing mountain passes and river crossings along the main highway northward.
Where you go
- 1Pokhara
- 2Birethanti
- 3Ghorepani
- 4Tadapani
- 5Ghandruk
- 6Pothana
- 7Phedi
- 8Pokhara
Activities: TREKING, HIKING