A Short Himalayan Adventure for Volunteers and Independent Travelers

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular short trekking experiences. It is an excellent choice for Gap Bridge Nepal volunteers who would like to combine community service with a Himalayan adventure. The package is also available as a standalone trek for travellers who wish to experience Nepal’s mountains, villages, culture, and natural beauty.

Located in the Annapurna region, the trek passes through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, terraced farmland, forests, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. The main highlight is an early-morning hike to Poon Hill, situated at approximately 3,210 metres, for panoramic sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

This trek does not require previous high-altitude trekking experience. However, participants should be reasonably fit and prepared to walk for approximately four to seven hours each day, including some steep uphill and downhill sections.

Package Highlights

• Experience a beautiful sunrise from Poon Hill
• Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and other Himalayan peaks
• Walk through rhododendron and mountain forests
• Visit traditional Gurung and Magar villages
• Stay in locally operated mountain teahouses
• Experience the culture and hospitality of local communities
• Explore the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara
• Combine the trek with a Gap Bridge Nepal volunteer programme
• Suitable for first-time trekkers and travellers with limited time
• Travel with an experienced local trekking guide

Package Overview

Duration: 6 days and 5 nights
Trekking region: Annapurna Conservation Area
Highest point: Poon Hill, approximately 3,210 metres
Trek difficulty: Easy to moderate
Average walking time: 4–7 hours per day
Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Pokhara and local teahouses during the trek
Meals during the trek: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Starting and finishing point: Kathmandu
Best seasons: March to May and September to November
Availability: Private departures throughout the year, subject to weather and trail conditions

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara

After breakfast, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus or private vehicle. The journey follows scenic river valleys and passes through towns, villages, terraced fields, and green hills.

After arriving in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel near the Lakeside area. The rest of the afternoon or evening will be free to explore the lake, restaurants, shops, and surrounding area. Your guide will also provide a short briefing about the trek and help you prepare for the following morning.

Driving time: Approximately 7–9 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions
Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Pokhara
Meals included: Breakfast, if provided by your Kathmandu accommodation

Day 2: Drive to the Trailhead and Trek to Ulleri

After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara towards the starting point of the trek. The exact trailhead may vary according to current road conditions.

You will begin walking through villages, farmland, and forested areas before reaching Ulleri, a traditional Magar village. Some sections include steep stone steps, so the day provides a good introduction to trekking in the Annapurna region.

After arriving in Ulleri, you will check into a local teahouse and have time to rest while enjoying views of the surrounding hills.

Driving time: Approximately 2–3 hours
Walking time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Maximum altitude: Approximately 2,050 metres
Accommodation: Local teahouse
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

After breakfast, the trail continues gradually uphill through villages and beautiful forests. During the spring season, the route may be surrounded by colourful rhododendron flowers.

You will pass small settlements and rest points where you can enjoy tea, lunch, and views of the surrounding landscape. The final section leads to Ghorepani, an important mountain village located below Poon Hill.

On a clear day, you may begin to see impressive views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and other Himalayan peaks.

Walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Maximum altitude: Approximately 2,860 metres
Accommodation: Local teahouse in Ghorepani
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Sunrise at Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani

Early in the morning, you will hike to Poon Hill with your guide. The uphill walk normally takes about 45 minutes to one hour.

From the viewpoint, you can watch the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On a clear morning, the mountain panorama may include Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri and other peaks.

After enjoying the views and taking photographs, you will return to Ghorepani for breakfast. You will then continue trekking towards Tadapani. The route passes through forested ridges and includes both uphill and downhill sections.

Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours, including the Poon Hill hike
Highest point: Poon Hill, approximately 3,210 metres
Accommodation: Local teahouse in Tadapani
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Trek to Ghandruk and Drive to Pokhara

After breakfast, you will trek downhill through forest and mountain villages towards Ghandruk. Ghandruk is a well-known Gurung village with traditional houses, cultural heritage, and beautiful mountain views.

Depending on the available time, you may walk through the village and learn about the local Gurung community. After completing the trek, you will meet your vehicle and drive back to Pokhara.

On arrival, you will check into your hotel and have the evening free to relax, enjoy Lakeside, or celebrate the completion of your trek.

Walking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Driving time: Approximately 3–4 hours, depending on road conditions
Accommodation: Tourist-class hotel in Pokhara
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 6: Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will travel back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel or Gap Bridge Nepal accommodation.

Participants may also choose to stay longer in Pokhara or add other travel activities instead of returning immediately to Kathmandu.

Driving time: Approximately 7–9 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions
Meals included: Breakfast

Services Included

The package normally includes:

• Tourist bus transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Private local transport between Pokhara and the trekking trail
• Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis
• Three nights’ teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days
• Breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara
• An experienced English-speaking trekking guide
• Porter service based on the agreed group size
• Required trekking and conservation-area permits
• Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation and insurance
• Basic first-aid support carried by the trekking team
• Trekking route planning and local coordination
• Support from Gap Bridge Nepal before and during the trip
• Government taxes and official service charges

Services Not Included

The following are normally not included:

• International flights to and from Nepal
• Nepal entry visa
• Travel and emergency evacuation insurance
• Accommodation in Kathmandu
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Personal trekking clothing and equipment
• Bottled drinks, soft drinks, snacks and additional food
• Hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi fees in mountain teahouses
• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and shopping
• Medical treatment or emergency evacuation expenses
• Tips for the guide, porter and driver
• Activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
• Additional costs caused by weather, road closures, flight disruption, illness or other circumstances beyond our control

Accommodation

In Pokhara

Participants will stay in a clean tourist-class hotel, normally in or near the Lakeside area. Rooms are generally provided on a twin-sharing basis. A private single room may be arranged for an additional charge.

During the Trek

Accommodation is provided in locally operated teahouses. Rooms are simple and usually contain two single beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows. Bathroom facilities may be private or shared, depending on the location and availability.

Teahouses offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere, but facilities in the mountains are more basic than those in city hotels. Hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging facilities may be available for an additional fee.

Meals

During the trekking section, participants will receive breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Common meals available in teahouses include:

• Dal bhat with rice, lentils and vegetables
• Noodles and fried rice
• Soup
• Potatoes and vegetables
• Pasta and simple local dishes
• Eggs, porridge, toast and pancakes
• Tea, coffee and hot drinks

Vegetarian meals are widely available. Participants with allergies or special dietary requirements should inform Gap Bridge Nepal before the trek.

Trekking Difficulty and Preparation

The Poon Hill Trek is considered an easy-to-moderate trek. The highest point is 3,210 metres, which is lower than many other trekking destinations in Nepal. Nevertheless, the route includes steep stone steps, uneven trails, forest paths, and several hours of walking each day.

Participants should prepare by undertaking regular walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, or other appropriate physical activity before travelling to Nepal.

The itinerary may be adjusted according to the walking speed, health and safety of the group, weather, trail conditions, and local circumstances.

Essential Packing List

Participants are advised to bring:

• Comfortable trekking boots with good grip
• Lightweight walking shoes or sandals
• Warm jacket
• Waterproof jacket or poncho
• Comfortable trekking trousers
• T-shirts and long-sleeved layers
• Warm hat and sun hat
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Small daypack
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal toiletries
• Personal medication
• Headlamp or torch
• Trekking poles, if preferred
• Sleeping-bag liner or sleeping bag, depending on the season
• Power bank
• Camera or mobile phone
• Copies of passport and travel insurance details

A detailed seasonal packing list will be provided before departure.

Health, Safety and Insurance

All participants must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking in Nepal up to at least 3,500 metres. The policy should include medical treatment, trip disruption, personal accident, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.

Although Poon Hill is not considered an extreme high-altitude trek, participants must inform the guide immediately if they feel unwell. The guide may adjust the itinerary or recommend that a participant stop trekking if there is a health or safety concern.

Weather and trail conditions can change quickly in mountain regions. The guide’s decisions regarding safety must be respected.

Combining the Trek with Volunteering

Gap Bridge Nepal can arrange the Poon Hill Trek before or after a volunteer placement.

Trek Before Volunteering

Completing the trek before volunteering allows participants to experience Nepal’s landscapes and culture before beginning their placement. We recommend allowing at least one rest day in Kathmandu after the trek.

Trek After Volunteering

Many participants prefer to volunteer first and complete the trek afterwards. This allows the trek to become a memorable conclusion to their time in Nepal.

Trek Only

Travellers do not need to join a volunteer programme to book this package. The Poon Hill Trek is available as a standalone private or small-group travel experience.

Optional Add-On Activities

The following activities can be added to the package:

• Kathmandu cultural sightseeing tour
• Pokhara sightseeing tour
• Boating on Phewa Lake
• Sarangkot sunrise visit
• Australian Camp short hike
• Chitwan National Park visit
• White-water rafting
• Mountain flight
• Yoga or meditation programme
• Village homestay experience
• Additional trekking days in the Annapurna region

Optional activities are subject to availability, weather conditions, participant eligibility, and additional charges.

Responsible Travel

Gap Bridge Nepal is committed to responsible and community-conscious tourism. We encourage participants to:

• Respect local customs, traditions and religious places
• Ask permission before photographing local people
• Use reusable water bottles whenever possible
• Avoid leaving plastic and other waste on the trail
• Support locally operated teahouses and small businesses
• Dress respectfully in villages and cultural sites
• Follow the guidance of the local trekking team
• Avoid giving money or gifts directly to children
• Help protect the natural and cultural environment

Booking Information

To arrange the Poon Hill Trek, participants should provide:

• Full name as shown on their passport
• Passport copy
• Nationality and date of birth
• Preferred travel dates
• Number of participants
• Dietary or medical information relevant to the trek
• Emergency contact details
• Proof of suitable travel insurance before departure

The final itinerary, price, accommodation, transportation, and inclusions will be confirmed according to the group size, travel season, room preference, and any additional activities requested.

Why Book with Gap Bridge Nepal?

Gap Bridge Nepal combines travel with meaningful cultural connections. Our local team understands the needs of international volunteers, students, families, and independent travellers. We provide personal support, flexible arrangements, experienced local staff, and carefully planned itineraries.

Whether you join the Poon Hill Trek as part of your volunteer journey or as a standalone holiday, this package offers a rewarding introduction to Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes, village life, and welcoming communities.

Begin Your Poon Hill Adventure

Combine volunteering with an unforgettable Himalayan experience, or join us simply to explore Nepal.

Contact Gap Bridge Nepal with your preferred dates and group size, and we will prepare a personalised itinerary and quotation for your Poon Hill Trek.