Nepal11 days
Nepal: Ghorepani Poonhill Trek — 11 Days
Ridge trekking from Pokhara to Poonhill (3,193m) and Ghandruk, with views of Annapurna and Machapuchare
This 11-day itinerary combines moderate ridge trekking in the Annapurna region with cultural immersion in a Gurung village and exploration of Nepal's two largest cities. The trek itself spans six days, climbing from Nayapool to Poonhill—the route's high point at 3,193 meters—and descending through rhododendron forest to Ghandruk village (1,940m), where traditional architecture and a cultural museum document Gurung settlement patterns. The trek involves ascents and descents throughout the journey. Time is spent in Kathmandu and Pokhara, visiting UNESCO heritage sites, natural monuments, and the International Mountain Museum. The trek itself requires a moderate fitness level; no technical climbing or altitude acclimatization is necessary. Accommodation on trek days is in local teahouses and lodges; transfers between cities use coach or private car.
Highlights
- Sunrise from Poonhill (3,193m) with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare
- Ghandruk village at 1,940m with traditional Gurung architecture and cultural museum
- Rhododendron forest trekking on the ascent to Ghorepani (spring season April–May)
- Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak, 6,993m) viewpoint from multiple ridges along the route
- UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu valley: Pashupatinath Temple, Bauddhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath Stupa
- David Falls and Gupteswor Cave near Pokhara
- Fewa Lake boating in Pokhara
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu · International airport · hotel in Kathmandu
International airport pickup and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu (1,350m elevation). An evening walk through the city's market area follows, allowing for initial orientation and informal survey of trekking equipment hire options if needed. Briefing on the itinerary and final packing preparation occurs at the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
2Drive to PokharaPokhara · Prithvi Highway · Fewa Lake
Six-hour coach drive westward along the Prithvi Highway, which follows the Trisuli River valley through stepped agricultural terrain with progressive views of the Himalayan range. Arrival in Pokhara (910m) and hotel transfer. The evening includes a walk along Fewa Lake's waterfront. Overnight in Pokhara.
3Drive to Nayapool and Trek to UlleriUlleri · Pokhara to Nayapool · Birethanti, Hille, and Tikhedhunga
Ninety-minute drive from Pokhara to Nayapool, the trailhead. Trekking begins on flat terrain through the villages of Birethanti, Hille, and Tikhedhunga. After lunch, the route ascends steeply to Ulleri, a starting point for viewing mountain ranges. Annapurna South and Himchuli become visible from Ulleri. Overnight in a local teahouse.
4Trek to GhorepaniGhorepani · Ulleri to Ghorepani
Four-hour ascent from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860m), climbing through terraced farmland and dense forest that provides consistent shade. In spring (April–May), rhododendron forests bloom along the route in white, pink, and red. The final approach to Ghorepani opens views across the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri massif, and Machapuchare. Ghorepani is a settlement built primarily to serve trekkers. Overnight in a teahouse.
5Sunrise at Poonhill and Trek to TadapaniPoonhill · Tadapani · Ghorepani · Ghorepani to Tadapani
Pre-dawn ascent with headlamp to Poonhill, the trek's highest point. Sunrise reveals the full panorama: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and South, Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Lamjung Himal. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast. Afternoon trek to Tadapani (2,630m) involves descent and then slight ascent through forest, arriving by late afternoon. Overnight in a teahouse.
6Trek to Ghandruk VillageGhandruk · rhododendron forest · Gurung cultural museum · a teahouse
Five- to six-hour descent through peaceful forest with gradual terrain. The route passes through rhododendron forest and provides occasional views of the Annapurna range, Himchuli, Machapuchare, and Lamjung. Arrival at Ghandruk, a semi-modern settlement with traditional Gurung dwellings. The village's traditional stone and timber houses cluster on a steep slope. Exploration includes the Gurung cultural museum. Overnight in a teahouse.
7Trek to Nayapool and Return to PokharaPokhara · Ghandruk to Nayapool · Nayapool to Pokhara
Seven-hour descent from Ghandruk to Nayapool via the same lower villages crossed on Day 3. The return route passes through rhododendron forest and maintains panoramic views of the mountain range. Coach transfer from Nayapool to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
8Sightseeing in PokharaInternational Mountain Museum · David Falls · Gupteswor Cave · Fewa Lake
Full day for sightseeing around Pokhara. Sites include the International Mountain Museum, David Falls (seasonal waterfall), Gupteswor Cave (limestone cavern), and boating on Fewa Lake. A guide accompanies sightseeing activities. Overnight in Pokhara.
9Return to KathmanduKathmandu · Pokhara to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway
Drive back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi Highway (6 hours by coach). Private car and 25-minute domestic flights from Pokhara are available alternatives. Overnight in Kathmandu.
10Kathmandu Valley UNESCO SitesKathmandu · Pashupatinath Temple · Bauddhanath Stupa · Kathmandu Durbar Square · Swoyambhunath Stupa
Guided sightseeing of major heritage sites in the Kathmandu valley: Pashupatinath Temple (Hindu cremation site on the Bagmati River), Bauddhanath Stupa (large Buddhist monument), Kathmandu Durbar Square (historic palace precinct), and Swoyambhunath Stupa (hilltop Buddhist site). Evening farewell dinner with Nepali food and cultural dance performance. Overnight in Kathmandu.
11Departure from KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
- 2Pokhara
- 3Ghorepani
- 4Poonhill
- 5Tadapani
- 6Ghorepani
- 7Ghandruk
- 8Pokhara
- 9Kathmandu
- 10Pashupatinath Temple
- 11Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Included
- All arrival and departure arrangements
- Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara, a hotel on twin sharing with breakfast
- Private car, professional tour guide, and entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing
- Tourist bus Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu, or Private transportation, or flight
- Annapurna Conservation Area permit
- Upper Mustang restricted area permit
- Accommodations in camp during trekking days, twin-sharing tent
- Three times foods and hot drinks during trekking days prepare by the Touch Kailash team
- Guide as a leader, the cooking team, and other supporting teams throughout the entire trip
- Foods, Accommodation, Insurance, Salary, and equipment for all these staffs
- Camping material and kitchen equipment
- Management of emergency evacuation in case of need
- All service charges and government taxes
Not included
- Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
- Personal expenses, Bottled drinks, bar bills
- Emergency evacuation management, personal insurance, medical expenses, personal expenses, and tipping to staff
Activities: TREKING, HIKING