Arrive in Kathmandu, where a staff member greets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. The capital is alive with historic temples, busy markets, and colorful prayer flags. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel or enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Annapurna Balcony Trek 10 Days
Overview
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 8 Days is a short but highly rewarding trekking adventure in Nepal’s Annapurna region, offering stunning Himalayan sunrise views, vibrant rhododendron forests, and charming traditional villages. Ideal for travelers with limited time, this trek provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and moderate trekking challenges.
The trek starts with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, followed by a gradual ascent through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and quaint Gurung and Magar villages. Trekkers experience warm local hospitality, exploring rural lifestyles and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Annapurna foothills along the way.
One of the main highlights is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, offering unforgettable sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek also passes through Ghorepani and Tadapani villages, known for their peaceful surroundings, traditional architecture, and panoramic viewpoints. The trails are well-marked and moderately challenging, making the trek suitable for beginners, families, and travelers with moderate fitness levels.
Accommodation along the route is in tea houses and lodges, offering comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals. The trek also allows travelers to witness seasonal rhododendron blooms, river valleys, and terraced landscapes, making it a visually rich and culturally immersive experience.
Over the course of 8 days, trekkers enjoy less crowded trails compared to more popular routes, allowing for quiet moments in nature and opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and cultural exploration. By the end of the trek, travelers return to Nayapul and Pokhara, taking with them memories of majestic mountain views, serene villages, and an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
Today you’ll take a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) to discover Nepal’s deep cultural roots. In the afternoon, your trekking guide will brief you on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, check your gear, and assist with final preparations. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Take a short scenic flight to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. On a clear day, you’ll see Annapurna, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri from the plane. Upon arrival, enjoy the lakeside atmosphere of Pokhara — stroll around Phewa Lake, visit Devi’s Falls, or relax in a café with mountain views. Overnight at a lakeside hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Nayapul, the trailhead. Begin trekking along the Modi Khola River and pass through Birethanti, a charming village with teahouses and shops. The trail continues through terraced rice fields and forests before reaching Tikhedhunga. From here, a steep staircase of over 3,000 stone steps leads to Ulleri, a Gurung village with incredible views of Annapurna South. Overnight in a Lodge.
The trail ascends gradually through oak and rhododendron forests, alive with birdsong and wildlife. During spring, the rhododendrons bloom in shades of red and pink, creating magical scenery. After several hours of steady climbing, you arrive at Ghorepani, a traditional village surrounded by forested hills and panoramic mountain views. Overnight in a Lodge with cozy common areas.
Wake early for a short hike to Poon Hill (3,210m), the highlight of the trek. Watch the sunrise illuminate Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and Nilgiri in golden hues — one of Nepal’s most famous panoramas. After photos and tea at the viewpoint, return to Ghorepani and begin descending through forests and villages back to Nayapul. From here, drive to Pokhara and enjoy a relaxing evening by the lake. Overnight at a hotel.
Return to Kathmandu either by flight or a scenic drive along the Trishuli River. Back in the capital, the evening is free for last-minute souvenir shopping, spa relaxation, or a farewell dinner with cultural music and dance. Overnight in a hotel.
Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk
Trek from Ghandruk to Landruk or Tokha
Landruk/Tokha to Kande
Drive from Kande to Pokhara
Drive/Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Final Departure
Cost Includes
- Professional trekking guide and support staff to ensure safety and smooth trekking.
- Accommodation in tea houses and lodges along the trail.
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
- All necessary trekking permits, including Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card.
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu (arrival and departure).
- Transportation to and from the trailhead.
- Optional porters to carry luggage for a more comfortable trekking experience.
- Emergency support and first aid kit available throughout the trek.
- Pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu covering the route, safety, and cultural insights.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare to and from Nepal.
- Nepal visa fees for entry.
- Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking, including high-altitude medical evacuation).
- Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and hot showers.
- Trekking gear and equipment like sleeping bags, jackets, trekking boots, and walking sticks.
- Tips for guides and porters.
- Optional activities or side trips not mentioned in the itinerary.
FAQs
The trek is moderate, suitable for beginners and travelers with basic fitness. Daily trekking ranges from 4–6 hours, with gradual ascents, making it ideal for those new to high-altitude hiking. The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, offering manageable altitude challenges.
The ideal seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring features rhododendron blooms, while autumn offers clear skies and excellent mountain views. Monsoon season (June–August) brings rain and slippery trails, and winter can be cold with occasional snowfall.
The trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, which takes around 1.5–2 hours. From Nayapul, the trail passes through small villages, terraced fields, and forests, gradually ascending toward Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
Accommodation is in tea houses and lodges, offering basic but comfortable rooms. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, noodles, soups, and momos. Limited electricity and hot water may be available, so a power bank and warm clothing are recommended.
While independent trekking is possible, hiring a professional guide is recommended. Guides provide navigation, safety, and cultural insights, and optional porters can carry luggage for a more relaxed trekking experience.
The required permits are:
-
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – grants access to the protected region.
-
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) – mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal.
Guides usually assist with obtaining these permits before the trek.
Essential items include:
- Layered clothing for warm days and cold nights
- Trekking boots and gaiters for rocky trails
- Sleeping bag rated for -5°C to -10°C
- Walking poles for stability
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Basic first aid kit and personal medications
Yes, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is suitable for families and older trekkers with moderate fitness. The daily trekking distance is manageable, and there are villages along the route for rest and meals. Hiring a guide is recommended for safety.
Key highlights include:
- Sunrise views from Poon Hill at 3,210 meters
- Panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchhre
- Rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and riverside trails
- Traditional Gurung and Magar villages
- Less-crowded trails and serene Himalayan landscapes
The highest point, Poon Hill (3,210 meters), presents moderate altitude challenges. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and slow trekking are sufficient for most travelers. Guides monitor trekkers for any signs of altitude sickness and recommend rest if needed.
Annapurna Balcony Trek 10 Days
Trekking & Hiking Adventure

