5 Days
2-12
3210 Meters
Mar-May, Aug-Nov
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Nepal’s Best Short Trek for Beginners and Photographers
Ghorepani Poon Hill is nestled within the Annapurna Conservation Area and offers one of the most accessible yet visually rewarding treks in the Himalayas. Spanning just 5 days, this beginner-friendly route is perfect for those seeking a taste of the mountains without the risks of high-altitude sickness.
Trekking through lush oak and rhododendron forests, charming Gurung villages, and terraced fields, you’ll be greeted with bird songs, cascading rivers, and the hospitality of local communities. The highlight? An early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) to witness the sun rise over the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Whether you’re trekking in spring when rhododendrons are in bloom, or during the clear skies of autumn, the Ghorepani trek is a photographer’s paradise and one of the best-selling short treks from Pokhara.
Kick off with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga, stopping at Nayapul to obtain necessary permits.
From Tikhedhunga, climb the famed Ulleri stone steps and hike through terraced fields and rhododendron forests to reach Banthanti.
Hike: 5–6 hours
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Begin your morning with a view of Mt. Fishtail and enjoy a hearty mountain breakfast.
Trek through streams, waterfalls, and forest trails to reach Ghorepani. If the weather permits, opt for an evening hike to Poon Hill for a sunset preview.
Hike: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Wake early for a 45-minute hike to Poon Hill to catch a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and Manaslu ranges.
After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, trek onward through Deurali to reach Tadapani.
Hike: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Trek through serene forest trails to reach Ghandruk, a picturesque Gurung village known for its culture and panoramic views.
Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the Gurung Museum and interacting with locals.
Hike: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Descend to Syaulibazar and follow the Modi Khola river to Nayapul.
From there, drive back to Pokhara and return to your hotel.
Jeep transfers from Ghandruk are also available if you wish to skip the final hike.
Hike: ~5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate-difficult trek that has its challenges, but it’s doable for even first-time trekkers. It is also suitable for beginners and experienced hikers from different parts of the world trek to enjoy the Nepal Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Compared to other treks in Nepal, it’s on the shorter and easier side, making it reachable for trekkers who are determined and reasonably fit. The trek involves going up and down, especially at higher altitudes where there’s less oxygen, so proper acclimatization points are necessary.
One thing to note is the trail has a bunch of stone steps, so after a day of tackling these steps, your leg muscles are likely going to feel it. To make things easier, some people hire a porter to carry most of their stuff, leaving them with a lighter backpack for the journey.
The difficulty of the ABC trek also depends on the season you wish to trek. Annapurna base camp trek route during the peak trekking seasons from March to mid-May and from September to mid-December is less difficult. In contrast, the winter season is not recommended for beginners. Sometimes, the rainfall makes the route muddy and the heavy snowfall during the winter makes it more difficult to trek in trails.
ACAP Annapurna Conservation Park fees and the TIMS Card, which may be obtained in either Pokhara or Kathmandu, are required. The officials will check your permit and other necessary documents at the entry point. Similarly, this permit lasts until you leave Annapurna Area.
Depending on the level of your fitness and experience in high Altitude Trekking, the ABC trek takes a week (7 days) if you are a complete beginner. However, if you are an experienced hiker and can trek 7-8 hours every day then we have a short itinerary of only 5 days for Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Our proposed Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary covers a total distance of 58 kilometers starting from Jhinu Danda. Other routes such as the one starting from Nayapul are 76 km long and an alternative track starting from Kande is 84 km.
Annapurna Base Camp trek is generally safe, but be cautious during the winter season due to potential avalanches. Our experienced guides are aware of avalanche risks and will take necessary precautions.
WiFi is available at some teahouses, but it’s often slow and may have a charge. Solar energy or generators are typically the sources of electricity, and charging devices might have a cost. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for connectivity.
