Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 9 Days

A short trek in the Annapurna foothills that climbs to Poon Hill at about 3,210m for a sunrise panorama of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range. It passes Gurung and Magar villages and rhododendron forest.

It is the shortest route to big Himalayan views, it stays below 3,300m and it has comfortable lodges every few hours. It is a good first trek and a good fit when time is limited.

You start around 4:30am from Ghorepani with a torch, climb about 45 to 60 minutes up stone steps, and wait for sunrise on the viewing tower. It is cold and busy, and clouds can hide the view. We cannot promise a clear morning.

Poon Hill is shorter, lower and easier. Annapurna Base Camp takes you into the heart of the Sanctuary at about 4,130m, which needs more days and fitness.

Easy to moderate. Most days are 4 to 7 hours of walking, and the Ulleri staircase has thousands of steps. You do not need previous trekking experience.

Often yes, with a slow pace and rest stops. Tell us the age and health of everyone in your group and we will advise on the plan.

Walk uphill or climb stairs several times a week for six to eight weeks. Wear in your boots before you come. Practise with a daypack.

March to May and October to November have the best views. Rhododendrons flower in March and April. December and January can be clear but cold with snow at Ghorepani, and the monsoon brings leeches, mud and cloud.

The risk is low because you stay under about 3,300m, but it is not zero. Tell your guide if you feel unwell. The guide decides whether to continue or descend.

At Ghorepani at about 2,860m nights are cool to cold, often near freezing in winter. Bring a warm layer, hat and gloves for the sunrise, and use the blankets or hire a sleeping bag if you feel the cold.

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a TIMS card. We arrange both once we have your passport scan.

Simple but friendly teahouses with twin rooms, shared bathrooms and a dining hall. Some have hot showers for about INR 200 to 300 and Wi-Fi or charging for a fee.

Drinks, snacks, showers, charging, tips and any meals not included. USD 200 to 300 (INR 17,000 to 25,000) is a sensible plan. Tipping about 10% of the trip price is customary.

Yes. Rental costs about INR 100 per item per day, so a sleeping bag and a down jacket together are about INR 200 per day. Tell us when you book and we will have them ready.

Insurance is mandatory. It must cover trekking at your highest altitude, emergency medical treatment and helicopter evacuation. Send us a copy before you travel, and see the insurance section of our terms.

Clouds are common and we cannot refund a missed view. If it is a safe option, your guide may suggest a second morning. Extra days cost INR 6,000 per day including stay and three meals.

Pay a deposit to book. Indian guests pay by bank transfer or UPI, since we do not take credit cards in India. Guests outside India can pay by transfer or online card (4.5% processing fee). You pay the balance at our Kathmandu office on arrival in INR, USD, EUR, GBP or another major currency, at the NPR conversion rate on the date of payment (local conversion charges apply). Cards used in Nepal add 13%, so cash is cheaper.

50% is refundable for 30 days after you book, and after that it is not. The deposit stays valid for 365 days and can be moved to any trek or climb we offer. If you do not contact us and do not arrive, it is forfeited.

Yes. Rescheduling is free as many times as you need with at least 6 weeks' notice. With 2 to 6 weeks' notice a fee of INR 5,000 (Indian guests) or USD 100 (other guests) applies, and any change needs at least 14 days' notice. You pay any price difference between the old and new date.

We cannot refund unused days or services, because guides, porters and hotels are paid for the full period. We help you return, but extra nights, meals and transport are your cost. Some insurers reimburse unused days, so check your policy.

There is no single supplement. Rooms are shared by gender, and couples, families and friends share together. In Kathmandu you share a twin room, or get a single room at no charge if no one of your gender is booked on your dates. On the trek, rooms are twin-sharing. If you are the only person booked on a fixed departure, or you are not joining a group, a Solo Support Fee of INR 1,500 per trekking day covers a dedicated porter. If the fee is not paid and you are the only person booked on your dates, there is no separate licensed trek guide, and a porter-cum-guide leads the trek. We tell you at booking, or as soon as it arises.

Your guide, porters and drivers, and our Kathmandu office staff, are all employed by Himalayan Wonders Adventure Pvt. Ltd., the Nepal operator that runs your trip. Read about them on the team page.