Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

After breakfast, drive for about 1½ hours to Nayapul, where you meet your porter and Sherpa staff to begin the trek. The trail initially descends to the river for 10 minutes, crossing the new suspension bridge at Nayapul, then climbs up to the main village on the ridge. Walking along cobbled paths, you follow the Modi River for about 20 minutes to reach Birethanti for lunch. After lunch, the trail continues through bamboo forests, passing a large waterfall and swimming hole, and then follows the north bank of Bhurundi Khola until arriving at Tirkhedhunga.

From Tirkhedhunga, the trail crosses a stream via a suspension bridge and ascends a steep stone staircase to reach the large Magar village of Ulleri at 1,960 m. The trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani is scenic, passing through pasturelands, terraced fields, and rhododendron and oak forests, with stunning views of South Annapurna (7,219 m) and Himchuli (6,641 m). Along the way, the trail crosses two clear streams before a short climb to Nangethanti for lunch. From Nangethanti, a gradual one-hour ascent leads to Ghorepani, which can be snow-covered in winter.

Start the day with a pre-dawn trek up to Poon Hill (3,200 m) to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After enjoying the spectacular views, return to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue trekking toward Tadapani via Banthanti. The trail climbs south from Ghorepani through dense forests along muddy paths, followed by a steep and sometimes tricky descent along a stream to reach Banthanti for lunch. From there, the trail follows the stream, crosses a bridge, and ascends through cane fields with gentle ups and downs to reach Tadapani, offering a brief but rewarding view of the surrounding mountains.

The trail eases as you trek steadily through the forest canopy, and after about two hours, you pass through rhododendron forests to reach Baishi Kharka, a ridge settlement with teahouses and lodges. From there, the trail descends through small Gurung villages to Gurjung, home to a local school, and continues down to Ghandruk. This region offers some of Nepal’s finest trekking, with panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machapuchhre, and glimpses of Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu range. Ghandruk village is known for its fertile farmland and its generations of residents who have served in the British and Indian Gurkha armies.

After breakfast, trek along a pleasant downhill trail that levels out and follows the riverbank. After spending time at higher altitudes, the open riverbed can feel warm and tiring. After about three hours, arrive at the riverside settlement of Birethanti for lunch, the main entry point to the Annapurna Conservation Area. Post-lunch, walk along the high banks of the Modi Khola for 30 minutes to reach Naya Pul, where vehicles await for a one-hour drive back to Pokhara, followed by hotel check-in.