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Mardi Himal Trek Including 2 Nights Pokhara Hotel
Call us, we are at your service
Call us, we are at your service
View more photosPrice includes round-trip bus transports, permits, guide, porter, meals, teahouse lodging , and 2 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara.
This trip is fully customizable
Without being weeks on the trail, Above and Beyond Trekking’s Ghorepani Poon Hill trek offers breathtaking Himalayan views and is considered as one of the most popular short treks in Nepal! You’ll head into the Annapurna Conservation area during this short trek to Poon Hill. Gradually ascending while visiting local villages until reaching at Ghorepani (2,800 m / 9 ,186 ft / 5‑6 hours). From here you’ll get the main highlight of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, with a spectacular sunrise view from Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,528 ft) itself!
The peaks of Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m / 23,684 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft), and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m / 22,943 ft) catch the first light of day, creating an unforgettable scenery. During the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek you’ll also pass through the traditional village of Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung settlements in the region, where you can explore the Gurung Museum and experience the local culture while enjoying the views.
You start the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek with Above and Beyond Trekking by driving from Kathmandu to the lakeside city of Pokhara. It is also possible to book a flight ticket, cutting your travel time significantly, allowing you more time in Pokhara for exploring or rest. The next day you’ll take a jeep up to Hille. This village serves as the trekking trail entry point and is where you’ll start the trek up Ghorepani and Poon Hill! You’ll ascend the hill passing Ulleri and head to the peaceful and nature surrounding village of Banthanti. From here the trail leads uphill via forest. See valley views between the forest openings and head all the way up until reaching Ghorepani. In the early morning you’ll hike up the Poon Hill to catch the sunrising over the Annapurna Himalayas! It’s a sight you’ll never forget in a lifetime! Having enjoyed the breathtaking views from Poon Hill the trek leads you further to the village of Tadapani and ultimately to Ghandruk.
Wildlife is also a part of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek in Nepal. During this trek depending on the season, you have great chances to spot Langur monkeys playing in the trees and if you are lucky, you might spot a rare red panda! Once in Ghandruk the last village of the trek, you can see amazing views from the village ridge, as well as visit the small but locally operated Gurung Museum. The next day you trek down to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara. While the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary does not include additional days in Pokhara for sightseeing or activities, Above and Beyond Trekking can certainly organize for you upon request. Otherwise, you catch a bus or flight (depending on your booking) back to Kathmandu.
Join Above and Beyond Trekking on Nepal’s best short trek, the 9 days Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Visit traditional villages, catch an amazing sunrise view from Poon Hill, and see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, as well as many other peaks up-close! This trek can be done whole year around and is also a perfect way to introduce yourself with Himalayan trekking!
The trail is well‑marked and can be done independently, but hiring a guide from Above and Beyond Trekking provides local knowledge, assistance with teahouse bookings, and peace of mind! A professional trekking guide also supports the local economy and creates jobs in the region. Porters are available for hire to carry your luggage, allowing you to walk with a lighter daypack.
During the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek you’ll stay in local teahouses spread around the trail. The teahouse facilities are basic but comfortable, with meals cooked to order. Teahouses at higher elevations are more rustic, but all provide warm meals and a place to sleep. Above and Beyond Trekking arranges the best available teahouses along the route!
Pack light but include warm layers for the early morning Poon Hill climb, sturdy hiking boots, a headlamp, sunscreen, and a first‑aid kit. The teahouses provide blankets, but a warm sleeping bag is recommended for comfort. Essential items include a fleece jacket, waterproof outer shell, warm hat, and gloves for the cold mornings.
You can consider the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek easy due to its short trekking days, to moderate due to the steep stone steps leading up the hill. It is suitable for beginners and families, with daily trekking hours switching between 3 to 6 hours. The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters or 10,528 feet, which is not high enough to cause altitude problems.! The main challenges are the steep stone staircase to Ulleri and the early morning wake‑up for the Poon Hill sunrise. Previous trekking experience is not required, but basic fitness is recommended!
Like most treks in Nepal the best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During spring in Nepal, the rhododendron forests start blooming and temperatures will be pleasant during the trek. Autumn provides clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain views after the monsoon rains have cleared the air. Winter (December to February) is cold but still doable, with clear skies. The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to rain, mud, leeches, and limited visibility.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (optional flight booking available)
Day 03: Drive to Hile and trek to Banthanti
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 05: Poon Hill sunrise hike and trek to Tadapani
Day 06: Trek to Ghandruk Village
Day 07: Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu (optional flight booking available)
Day 09: Departure
Once you arrive at the airport, a representive of Above and Beyond Trekking waits outside holding a signboard. When you have met up, he’ll help you with luggage and drive you to your own booked hotel in Kathmandu. You’re free for the rest of the day but pay in mind you have a 7am bus departure the next day. Explore around Thamel, try out one of the local restaurants and take in your first night in Nepal, the old Himalayan Kingdom! It is also possible to travel to Pokhara by flight, this allows you more time to enjoy your morning as well as giving you more time in Pokhara to explore around. Flight tickets can be booked in advance but will add additional costs to this package.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
Drive: 6–7 hours
According to the standard itinerary of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek you have an early wake up and meet your Above and Beyond Trekking representive at the hotel lobby. Together you walk to the bus station and head for Pokhara. The ride is scenic and follows mostly the Trishuli River. You’ll take a few breaks and stop once for lunch along the way with views of the river. In the afternoon, Pokhara and Mt Machhapuchhre come insight! The Fishtail Mountain overlooks the city and Phewa Lake, proudly as a guardian. You feel a direct difference in atmosphere than Kathmandu. After check-in take some time to rest from the drive or explore around lakeside. Either way you’ll meet your Above and Beyond Trekking guide around 6pm in the hotel lobby. Go together over the entire Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking itinerary and hold a final gear check in preparation.
Overnight: hotel (B&B) in Pokhara
Drive: 2 hours, Trek time: 3-4 hours
Your Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking adventure officially starts today! After breakfast, you catch a jeep for about 2 hours. Your destination? Hille village located in the lower part of the Annapurna Conservation Area! It’s a scenic drive through countryside and winding through the forested hills until reaching Hille. You take a short break, check once more gear, and prepare to set your first steps on the trail. The trek leads first to Ulleri by crossing the Bhurungdi Khola River. From here you start by climbing the stone steps up the hill leading straight to the village. Ulleri is ideal for lunch, you get nice views and options to eat. While most agencies choose Ulleri for an overnight destination Above and Beyond Trkeking takes you a bit further uphill to the much more peaceful village of Banthanti. Here you can enjoy more nature, peace and nice lodges.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Banthanti
Trek time: 4-5 hours
After breakfast you set out for steady climb through beautiful hillside forests of magnolia and rhododendron to the village of Ghorepani at 2,800 m / 9,186 ft. The trail passes by a few traditional Magar villages. The closer you reach Ghorepani the steeper it becomes. Follow the instructions of your guide and take ample hydration and rest breaks. But most importantly enjoy the trek and views! Once at Ghorepani you enter the iconic arched stone gate and check-in to the teahouse. You’ll have an early wake-up call for tomorrow’s sunrise hike so charge your batteries, headlights and take an early sleep after dinner.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Ghorepani
Trek time: 7-8 hours
The main highlight of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is today! You wake up early pre-dawn, put on your boots, fix your headlight, and step outside in the darkness of the night. With only your headlights guiding the way you follow the guide up the Poon Hill. Once at the viewpoint the sun starts to rise and darkness makes way for Himalayan mountains to glow red orange until the sun is rising and their white snow glow reflects as crystal. Known as photographer’s paradise, from Poon Hill you may see views of; Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26,545 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m / 23,684 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft), and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m / 22,943 ft) as well as other peaks! Truly breathtaking! After the views you head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and departure. The trek leads now more east to Tadapani. The trail lets you experience the “Nepali flat” meaning you’ll have continuously up and down leading parts. As you trek through the forest you may have chances to spot local wildlife, especially the Langur Monkey families that live in the forests. Once at Tadapani you get rewarded with incredible views of the Fishtail Mountain and Annapurna South. Check into the local teahouse and have a well-deserved dinner.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Tadapani
Trek time: 3-4 hours
As your Ghorepnai Poon Hill trek reaches the end you have one more day of trekking planned. Today you trek downhill through the forests into pastures and pass by Bhaisikharka. Once you reach Ghandruk, you get to see views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. This is the biggest village of the entire region and mostly occupied by Gurung communities. You may find a lot of teahouses, shops and even a small local museum. Being located on the ridge, you get amazing views from here as well. After check-in you go on a small village tour and rest from the trek you made the last couple of days.
Overnight: a local teahouse in Ghandruk
Trek time: 4‑5 hours, Drive: 1 hour
You take your last steps on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking trail today as you descend from Ghandruk after breakfast. Trekking mostly downhill looks easier but can be hard on the knees, so take your time while descending and enjoy the views for a last time. From Syauli Bazaar the trail levels out on flat road and you push on for a while longer until reaching Nayapul. Also known as the entry point to various other treks in the Annapurna Conservation Area, from Nayapul a jeep drives you back to Pokhara. Once back in the city you check into the hotel and take a good rest after using the facilities that were lacking in the mountain teahouses.
Overnight: hotel (B&B) in Pokhara
Drive: 6-7 hours
After breakfast in the hotel, you head back to the bus station and drive back to Kathmandu. Flights are available as well in the morning and afternoon, giving you more time to relax and enjoy Pokhara before heading back to the capital. Following the standard itinerary of this Ghorepani Poon Hill trek the bus drives the same way back as day 2, and you’ll reach back in the city by late afternoon. After dropping you off at your own booked hotel back in Kathmandu, take a rest from the long drive. We’ll meet up in the evening for your valuable trip review for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
Overnight: at your own booked hotel in Kathmandu
It’s the end of the package with Above and Beyond Trekking and you prepare for your departure. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel about 3 hours before your departure. It’s sad to see friends go, but we wish you a safe flight and hope you enjoyed this 9 days Ghorepani Poon Hill trek with Above and Beyond Trekking.
