The single widest sunrise panorama in the Annapurna region, reachable without any real altitude risk at all. Five days from Pokhara: climb through Ulleri's stone steps to Ghorepani, watch sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from Poon Hill, continue through Tadapani to Ghandruk, one of the region's best preserved Gurung villages, then loop back to the trailhead. Gentle terrain, genuine mountain views, and no altitude risk to speak of.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek reaches, by most accounts, the widest and most accessible mountain viewpoint in the entire Annapurna region, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre in one sweep from Poon Hill, reachable by almost anyone with basic fitness and two mornings to spare. This itinerary reaches that viewpoint, then continues to Ghandruk, one of the best preserved Gurung villages in the region, before looping back to the trailhead.
Where the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Sits Among Our Three Poon Hill Options
If you've looked at our 3 Day Poon Hill Trek, that itinerary reaches the same sunrise viewpoint on a tighter schedule, without the extension to Ghandruk. If you've looked at our 4 Day Poon Hill Trek, that one covers nearly the same ground as this page at a faster pace. This five day version is the fullest, most relaxed way to do the complete Ghorepani to Ghandruk loop, with genuine time to enjoy both villages rather than rushing between them.
Who the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Is Actually For
Genuinely, almost anyone. This is one of the most accessible multi day treks in Nepal, walked regularly by families with children, first time trekkers, and older travelers who want real mountain views without altitude risk or technical difficulty. It also suits experienced trekkers looking for a shorter, easier trip between more demanding expeditions.
This is a fully guided, lodge based loop trek through Ghorepani, Poon Hill, and Ghandruk, on gentle terrain that never crosses 3,210m
Trip Highlights
Journey Highlights
Poon Hill sunrise
Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre in one 360 degree panorama
Ghandruk village
One of the largest and best preserved Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region, with a genuine Gurung Museum
Dense rhododendron forest
Dense rhododendron forest between Ghorepani and Tadapani, spectacular in bloom through March and April
Ulleri's roughly 3,200 stone steps
The trek's one real physical test, tackled early and rewarded quickly
A complete loop route
Entering and exiting through different villages rather than retracing the same trail twice
This is one of the gentlest multi day treks we offer, but do not mistake gentle for effortless. Roughly 3,200 stone steps on Day 2 demand real leg strength regardless of how easy the rest of the trek feels. If you want the same sunrise view on a tighter schedule, our 3 Day Poon Hill Trek is faster. If you want this exact loop at a quicker pace, our 4 Day Poon Hill Trek covers similar ground with less time in each village.
The Widest Sunrise View, Genuinely Accessible to Almost Anyone
- Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre in one sweep, walked regularly by families and first-time trekkers.
One Real Physical Test, Early On
- Roughly 3,200 stone steps on Day 2. Everything else on this trek is genuinely gentle by comparison.
Faster Versions Exist If Time Is Tight
- Our 4-Day and 3-Day itineraries reach the same viewpoint at a quicker pace.
No Real Altitude Risk
- The entire trek stays below 3,210m, among the lowest altitude ceilings in our full lineup.
Getting There
Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport is served by direct and one stop flights from most major hubs in Asia and the Gulf. Travelers from the US, Europe, and Australia typically connect through Doha, Istanbul, Delhi, Singapore, or Bangkok. This itinerary itself begins in Pokhara, reachable from Kathmandu by a scenic 6 to 7 hour drive or a 25 minute domestic flight, both available as an addon above.
Sublime Trails representative will come to pick you at the airport. So we will be meeting at Pokhara to start the amazing journey.
Cost Details
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Ground transport: Pokhara to Nayapul return
- All teahouse accommodation and meals during the trek
- Licensed guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers, up to 12kg)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Guide and porter insurance
What’s Excluded
- Kathmandu to Pokhara transport (available as an addon)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Nepal visa fee
- Hot showers and personal expenses
- Guide and porter tips
Local Guide
Meet Our Local Guide
Food and Accommodation
What You’ll Eat & Where You’ll Stay
Dal bhat remains available with free refills throughout, alongside momos, thukpa, and fried rice at most lodges. Ghorepani and Ghandruk, both well established villages, offer genuinely wider menus than smaller trailside stops, including bakery items in some lodges. Expect roughly US$3 to 5 per meal throughout this route, since no stretch is remote enough to see the price increases common on longer treks. Boiled or filtered water is available everywhere for a small fee.
Equipment list
Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek Equipment list
Know before you go! Some stuff we’ll provide, other things you’ll need to bring.
Reviews
Client’ Testimonials and their Experiences
J
Poon Hill - 5 days trekking for Beginners
5-Day Poon Hill Trek with an Excellent Guide – Highly Recommended!
Our guide for this Poon Hill trek was Suman from Sublime Trails, recommended by a friend from HK. We were lucky to have him as our guide. Suman is professional and responsible, he also took great care of us who were the first-time trekkers in Nepal.
Suman’s time management was incredible, he planned our daily schedule based on weather, trail conditions, our fitness level, so we could arrive each destination just before the rain arrived. This helped us avoid slippery and dangerous paths. He’s very considerate too, and provided attentive service throughout the trip. Every evening, he briefed us on the next day’s itinerary so we could have well-prepared. During the hikes, he constantly reminded us to stay safe with no rushes to avoid injuries, at the same time to enjoy the breathtaking views around us.
He’s also a humour guy with patience. He was a teacher of introducing mountains and Nepali words to us. We enjoyed the moment during the whole trip. His positive energy and encouragement kept us motivated, helping us complete the 5-day trek smoothly. It was a perfect introduction to trekkers like us from the beginning level.
If you’re planning a trek in Nepal, I highly recommend Suman (Sublime) as your guide. We’ll definitely trek with him again on our next visit!
R
Annapurna Trekking was wow! Enjoyed every bit of it.
With my friends, I enjoyed Annapurna trekking. The best guide, best food, best accommodation and complementary Kathmandu sightseeing was best. All credit goes to Mr. Ram Khadka and our tour guide Mr. Shiva for their best efforts making this tour wholesome. I was susceptible to getting altitude sickness but my guide took my proper care, gave me medicines and enough rest to acclimatise.
I also want to write something about the tour and other people from other trips. At high altitude, everyone was friendly. I was overwhelmed by the warm smile and hospitality we got throughout this trip. A true professional trip. Enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you for the trip.
Amazing trek to Poon Hill
I and my sister had an amazing time in Nepal with Sublime. Ram, our guide Raju, porter Suraj were so supportive. We had some issues with flight delay yet our arrival was accommodated smoothly by Ram. They ensured that our tours in Pokhara and Kathmandu have the highest quality. Even though it was our first time trekking (and we were not very physically fit), we felt safe and at ease from the beginning to the end. We also enjoyed very much the farewell dinner with a cultural program offered by Ram. We appreciated that he took our feedback seriously. Thank you Sublime Trails! Definitely got some motivation to start exercise and go trekking in the future. We are coming back next year for ABC and highly recommend Sublime Trails!
Essential
Know Everything Before You Go Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek
Currency & ATMs
Exchange currency in Pokhara before you start trekking, since this is where your itinerary begins. ATMs are available in Pokhara but not beyond Nayapul, so carry sufficient cash for the full trek. Budget roughly US$100 to 130 in cash for personal spending along this short, accessible route.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required to enter Nepal or obtain a visa. It is required by us before you can start this trek, the same as every itinerary we run. This route carries genuinely low altitude risk.
Your policy should cover emergency medical treatment and evacuation, though the high altitude threshold matters less here. This trek never crosses 3,210m, well below where most policies distinguish standard coverage from high altitude coverage. Confirm your policy covers trekking up to 3,500m as a baseline, which most standard policies already include.
Buy your policy before you leave home regardless. Even a low altitude trek benefits from trip interruption coverage.
Nepal Visa
Most nationalities, including US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian citizens, can get a Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. You can also apply online in advance to save time at immigration. A 15 day visa comfortably covers this short itinerary with plenty of room to spare. Indian citizens don't need a visa at all. Bring a valid passport, one passport photo, and the visa fee.
Travel Etiquette
- Always pass mani walls, chortens, and prayer wheels on your left, walking clockwise. This is a real Buddhist observance, not a suggestion, even on a gentler itinerary like this one.
- Ask before photographing people directly, particularly in Ghandruk's Gurung Museum and community. A smile and a gesture toward your camera is usually enough. A shaken head means no, and that's the end of it.
- Yield the trail to porters and mule trains. Stay on the uphill side when you do, particularly if traveling with children.
- A donation at any shrine along the route is appreciated but never expected. Don't make a show of it either way.
- Dress modestly in villages, even in trekking gear. Covered shoulders and knees matter to local families whose homes double as your teahouse.
- Tipping is customary, not mandatory. Guides and porters rely on it as real income. Ask your operator for a typical range rather than guessing.
Training for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek
This is one of the most accessible treks in our entire lineup. Training for it should reflect that, rather than over preparing for a demanding itinerary it is not.
- Cardio, 2 times a week, building toward 45 to 60 minute sessions. The one genuine exception is Day 2, roughly 3,200 stone steps at Ulleri. This demands real leg strength regardless of overall fitness.
- General fitness matters more than technical trekking experience here. Families, first time trekkers, and older travelers complete this route regularly with minimal preparation. Basic conditioning still helps on the steps.
- This trek stays well below where serious altitude risk begins. That makes it a genuine option for travelers testing high altitude travel before committing to a longer itinerary.
- Even at modest altitude, mild symptoms are possible for anyone. Listen to your body and tell your guide if something feels off, regardless of how gentle this itinerary is.
Porter and Weight Limitation
One porter carries up to 12kg shared between two trekkers on this route. This is a lighter allowance than our higher altitude products, given this trek's shorter, gentler nature. Keep your personal duffel to around 6 to 8kg for comfortable sharing. This is the lightest packing standard across our entire trekking lineup.
Electricity & Connectivity
Electricity and charging are available at every teahouse on this route. Ghorepani and Ghandruk both offer genuinely reliable connectivity given their size. Most lodges charge a small per device fee. Mobile data through NTC or Ncell works reliably throughout this entire itinerary.
Getting to Pokhara and the Nayapul Transfer
This trek starts and ends in Pokhara, not Kathmandu. It uses standard road transport throughout, with no domestic flight involved at any point.
Getting to Pokhara itself is a separate step. Most travelers arrive from Kathmandu by road, roughly 6 to 7 hours. A 25 minute domestic flight is available as an addon.
The Pokhara to Nayapul transfer runs on well maintained roads. It's one of the more reliable transfers in our entire lineup, given this trek's proximity to Pokhara itself. Weather rarely disrupts this specific route.
