He is extremely knowledgeable of the region and the various villages and places we stayed and provided a top-notch service to myself and my team. Next porter kamal was also simply amazing. Even though our Porter was lots of fun even though he spoke little English, he still communicated, and was loads of fun. Usually, when I write reviews I give some constructive feedback but I honestly wouldn’t change a thing, it was wonderful. I recommend Well Plan Trekking and this experience but I plan on coming back to Everest Base camp Trek.
Short Ghorepani Trek Trip Overview
The Short Ghorepani Trek proves that genuine mountain experience doesn’t require sacrificing your entire vacation. Eight days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, and you’ll summit Poon Hill (3,210 meters) at sunrise, watch the entire Annapurna range light up in real-time, trek through rhododendron forests, visit an authentic Gurung village, and return to the city transformed. This mountain experience distilled to essentials. Long drives bookend short but intensive trekking days. Ghandruk village gets explored quickly rather than lingering. Rest happens in Pokhara, not on the mountain. Every hour is optimized for mountain access and Poon Hill sunrise. This trek works for people with limited vacation time who refuse to skip mountains, for business travelers wanting quick mountain escapes, for trekkers testing their limits before committing to longer expeditions, and for anyone understanding that time scarcity demands intensity and focus.
Major Highlights of Short Ghorepani Trek
- Enjoy time at Poon Hill (3,210m), a sunrise viewpoint with panoramic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri views.
- Enjoy close mountain views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.
- Walk through the Rhododendron forests.
- Walk through Ghandruk village, a traditional Gurung settlement with authentic character.
- Enjoy a sunrise experience at an extreme altitude.
- Enjoy four days of actual mountain trekking, which is a compressed but complete version.
- Observe forest landscapes transitioning from subtropical to alpine.
- Enjoy quick cultural village interaction at Gurung hospitality and traditions.
About Poon Hill
Everything in this 8-day itinerary exists to place you on Poon Hill at sunrise. Poon Hill sunrise is the non-negotiable experience of watching the entire Annapurna range light up as the sun rises. You’ll wake before dawn, hike by headlamp, reach the summit as light breaks, and stand at 3,210 meters watching the Himalayas transform from gray to gold to brilliant white. That moment when you’re standing on a high ridge watching mountains wake up justifies everything else. The long drives, the exhausting stone steps, the compressed schedule. Most trekkers describe Poon Hill sunrise as the reason they trek in the first place.
Quick Cultural Immersion at Ghandruk
In this compressed 8-day version, Ghandruk is a quick pass-through, unlike the 9-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Sunrise Trek, where Ghandruk was a dedicated day where you could explore the village, interact with locals, and experience authentic Gurung life. You’ll walk through the village, visit briefly, grab tea if time allows, but you’re moving toward Nayapul and the return drive. You get a taste of Gurung village life: stone houses, terraced fields, mountain settlement reality, but you don’t stay long enough to absorb it deeply. The village still impacts you; you’re just moving faster through it.
Long Driving Days
Almost three days out of 8 trekking days involve driving. Days 2, 3, and 7 involve substantial driving (7-8 hours each) as long drives compress approach time and you’ll reach the mountains faster, spend more days at altitude, and maximize your limited vacation. The scenic drive through the Modi River valley on day 3, combined with the Ulleri trek, gets you to Ghorepani efficiently. Day 7’s return drive gets you back to Kathmandu quickly. It can be tiring sitting in vehicles for 7-8 hours. But you’re covering 200 kilometers, which would take days of trekking.
Physical Intensity that comes with Compressed Demand
This trek is moderately difficult because of the compressed version that creates intense days. Daily trekking hours are 5-6 hours mostly, but day 6’s combined 7-8 hours trek-plus-drive might be exhausting. The Ulleri stone steps of 3,000+ steps demand constant effort. Altitude isn’t the major concern, as the extreme highest point is 3,210m, but combined with trekking speed, it feels demanding. Most people of reasonable fitness complete this trek, but it requires mental toughness. Therefore, make sure you train for 4-6 weeks with regular cardio and hiking. On the trek itself, pace matters less than persistence.
Why Trek with Us
We’ve guided the Short Ghorepani Trek many times. We understand compressed itineraries, and every guide knows exactly where to push pace and where to allow rest. We know exactly when to leave Pokhara to reach Ghorepani efficiently, we know Poon Hill sunrise timing precisely, and we know which tea houses have the fastest service. Our porters are experienced with fast-paced trekking.
| Day | Destination | Sleep altitude | Duration | Distance | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Kathamndu | 1345 M | 30 Min | 7 Km | Airport pickup, hotel check-in, trek briefing |
| 02 | Pokhara | 820 m | 6-8 Hrs | 200 Km | Scenic drive, transfer to hotel near Phewa Lake, leisure walk |
| 03 | Ulleri | 1740 M | 6-7 hrs | 54 Km | Drive via Modi River, stone steps ascent to Ulleri village |
| 04 | Gorepani | 2845 m | 5-7 hrs | 11 km | Forest trail, rhododendron woods, Dhaulagiri & Annapurna views |
| 05 | Tadapani | 2680 M | 6-8 hrs | 14 Km | Sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), panoramic Himalayan views, forest walk |
| 06 | Pokhara | 820 m | 6-7 hrs | 55 Km | Downhill forest trail, Gurung village visit, drive to Pokhara |
| 07 | Kathamndu | 1345 m | 6-8 hrs | 200 Km | Scenic return drive (optional 30-min flight), leisure time |
| 08 | Departure | 1345 M | 30 Min | 7 Km | Transfer to the airport for onward flight |
Trip Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu then transfer to respective Hotels
- Distance : 7 Km
- Duration : 30 Minutes
- Max. Altitude :1345m
On reaching Kathmandu via respective airlines well received by company guides and staff for short drive in the hub of Kathmandu city where your hotels located.After checking into your lovely rooms getting refreshed join in at the Hotel lobby for group briefing regarding treks and other useful information to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable and pleasant.
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include:
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara 860 m
- Distance : 200 km
- Duration : 7 to 8 hours
- Max. Altitude :860 m
Pun Hill Annapurna Panorama Trekking begins with the overland drive to Nepal Mid-West taking a comfortable coach or Tourist Bus to reach scenic Pokhara, a beautiful and leading tourist place in all Himalaya range, with warm sub-tropical temperatures and close views of Annapurna Himalaya with Mt. Machhapuchare ‘Fish Tail’.On reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels by the Phewa Lake with views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare peak, afternoon at leisure for short walks around the lakeside.
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive beyond Nayapul and trek to Ulleri village
- Distance : 50 km
- Duration : 7 to 8 hours
- Max. Altitude : 1,740 m
Morning departs from the hotel taking a short drive where the journey takes you beyond Pokhara, a valley facing views of Manaslu and Annapurna Himalaya. On reaching Nayapul following Modi River to Bhirethati village from here drive leads further past farm villages and terraced fields to reach Hille on the foothills of Annapurna, where our first-day walk begins heading high hills on stone steps to reach the nice and lovely village at Ulleri with views of Annapurna peaks. From this small farm village, our first-day walk starts heading north with the steep climb on stone-paved steps to the Ulleri village.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani village
- Distance : 11 km
- Duration : 5 to 6 hours
- Max. Altitude : 2,845 m
The morning begins heading uphill to reach a ridge above Ulleri and Bhanthati villages, as the walk continues on the gradual winding path into the deep forest covered with tall rhododendron-magnolia-pines-oak and fir trees. Slowly walk climbs higher side of the mid-hills to reach at charming Ghorepani village with blue-painted houses serving as lodges for trekkers offering marvelous views of the Dhaulagiri range of peaks with Annapurna Mountain. Ghorepani is situated on the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet where the route leads past Upper Mustang to the Tibet Border called Karo-la. A wonderful spot amid tall rhododendron trees, in spring the whole hills turn magic when rhododendron flowers are in full blooms of different colors.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Hike to Pun Hill and continue walking to Tadapani
- Distance : 14 km
- Duration : 5 to 6 hours
- Max. Altitude :2,680 m
Early morning hike for an hour or more uphill to Pun Hill on the highest spot of the adventure at above 3,210 m high offering striking sunrise views over a panorama of peaks that includes the Dhaulagiri-Tukuche-Nilgiris-Annapurna and Manaslu range of mountains with majestic Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail peak’.Enjoying breathtaking super views of mountains with sunrise head back to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue the trek heading uphill into rhododendron forest with fantastic views of peaks and then downhill with the last climb to reach Tadapani, located in a forest with superb views.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Ghandruk 1,460m then drive back to Pokhara
- Distance : 55 km
- Duration : 7 to 8 hours
- Max. Altitude :1,460m
From Tadapani morning walk leads downhill into the mist-filled forest to reach terraced farm fields above Ghandruk village, one of the major and large Gurung villages of Annapurna areas. After a refreshing stop at Ghandruk then descends boarding a vehicle for the short drive to Pokhara by the Phewa Lakeside after completing an exciting walk on poon hill sunrise trekking.
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Day 07: From Pokhara drive to Kathmandu
- Distance : 200 km
- Duration : 7 to 8 hours
- Max. Altitude :1,345 m
After a wonderful time in the high mountains and hills, take a morning driving journey back to Kathmandu, on reaching Kathmandu after 5-6 hours of nice interesting drive, transfer to respective hotels with the afternoon free at leisure or last day shopping souvenirs and handicrafts. (Options by air 30 30-minute flight back to Kathmandu with great views)
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Day 08: International Departure for Homeward Bound.
- Distance : 7 Km
- Duration : 30 Minutes
- Max. Altitude :
Last day in Nepal in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable time on Pun Hill Annapurna Panorama Trekking with wonderful adventure and experience, as per your international flight time our staff transfers you to the airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries.
- Accommodation:
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Airport Pick up & drop by private car in Kathmandu
- Pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before the trek
- 2 Night accommodation in Kathmandu with Breakfast
- 2 Night accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
- 3 Times Meals with Cup of Tea Or Coffee (Break Fast, Lunch & Dinner)
- All mountain accommodation (Soft, comfort, private room with shared toilet)
- An experienced, helpful, friendly and English speaking Trekking Guide. His well- paid salary, meals, accommodation insurance, etc.
- All necessary paperwork and permits (Annapurna Conservation permit and TIMS )
- Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag and a duffel bag (down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag are to be returned after trip completion
- Guide salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
- Strong experienced Sherpa helpers [porters] with meals, accommodation, salary, and insurance (one porter for two people )
- All Ground Transportation
- 1 Well Plan Trekking T-shirt
- Daily seasonal fresh fruits as per the availability
- Kathmandu -Pokhara-Kathmandu by tourist bus
- A comprehensive medical kit
- Worst case rescue and medical evacuation arrangements
- All government and local taxes
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the cultural restaurant
Cost Includes
- Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Katmandu).
- Your Travel and rescue insurance.
- Your personal expenses. (Phone call, Laundry service, bar bills, battery recharge, The bottle of water or hot water, shower, etc.) All the alcoholic drinks and bar bills.
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Extra Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu because of Early arrive or late departure. early arrive from the mountain (due to any reason) Than the scheduled Itinerary.
- Services not mentioned in the ‘Cost Included’ section and referred to as ‘optional’
- Kathmandu and Pokhara lunch and Dinner
- Tips for the guide and porter
Equipment’s
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST
This list is a guide to help you pack for your trip. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience .we also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Head
- A warm hat that covers your ears
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Upper body
- T-shirts
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Fleece wind –stopper jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Down vest and /or jacket (optional)Hands
- Lightweight gloves (water /windproof)
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower body
- Underwear
- Hiking trousers
- Fleece or woolen trousers
- Lightweight thermal bottoms
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric )shell pants Feet
- Thin lightweight inner socks
- Heavy poly or wool socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and sandals)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C de 14 degrees F)
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)Toiletries
- Toothbrush /paste
- Multi-purpose soap
- Nail clippers
- Deodorants
- Medium-sized quick-drying towel
- Face and body moisturizer
- Small mirror
- Female hygiene products
Personal hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue/toilet roll
- Antibacterial hand wash
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
- A cough and /or cold medicine
- Anti –altitude sickness pills; Diamox or acetazolamide
- Stomach antibiotic
Extras /luxuries
- Reading book
- Trail map /guidebook
- Journal and pen
- Travel game(chess, backgammon, playing cards etc)
- Modest swimsuit
- Binoculars
- Camera
Trip Map
FAQ
Ghorepani is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, within the Myagdi District. It lies along the popular trekking route inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and is known as a key stop on the way to Poon Hill.
Poon Hill stands at an elevation of about 3,210 meters (10,531 feet) above sea level. It is a popular viewpoint near Ghorepani, known for its stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
From Poon Hill, trekkers can see several famous Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Annapurna South. These mountains are especially beautiful during sunrise, when they glow with golden light.
The Short Ghorepani Trek usually includes villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. These villages are popular stops along the route, offering beautiful views, local culture, and teahouse accommodation. Ghandruk is especially known for its Gurung culture, while Ghorepani is the main stop before hiking up to Poon Hill for sunrise views.
The best time to do the Short Ghorepani Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In these seasons, the weather is clear and stable, with great mountain views. Spring also brings blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn offers crisp skies and comfortable temperatures, making trekking more enjoyable.
For the Short Ghorepani Trek, you need two permits. One is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is required because the trek takes place inside a protected area. The other is the TIMS card, which helps authorities keep track of trekkers for safety. Both permits are necessary and are usually arranged before starting the trek.
For the Short Ghorepani Trek, trekkers should carry light but essential items. Good walking shoes, warm clothes, a rain jacket, and a backpack are important. You should also bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and basic personal medicines. A flashlight, a power bank, and some cash are also useful since facilities are simple in villages. Keeping the luggage light makes the trek much easier and more comfortable.
The Ghorepani region is mainly inhabited by the Gurung and Magar communities. These ethnic groups are known for their rich traditions, warm hospitality, and strong connection to mountain life. You can see their culture in the villages along the trail, especially in places like Ghandruk and Ulleri, where traditional houses, clothing, and local customs are still well preserved
During the Ghorepani Trek, trekkers can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Gurung and Magar communities. You can see stone-built villages, terraced farming, and local daily life in the mountains. Staying in teahouses also gives a chance to interact with locals and taste traditional food. In places like Ghandruk, you may also learn about local customs, traditional dress, and folk culture, which makes the trek more culturally rich and enjoyable.
Teahouses on the Ghorepani Trek usually serve simple, homemade food. The most common meal is dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), which gives good energy for trekking. You can also find noodles, fried rice, pasta, soups, eggs, pancakes, and potatoes. Breakfast often includes toast, porridge, or omelets. The food is basic but filling, and it is freshly prepared in local kitchens.
Safe drinking water is available along the Ghorepani Trek, but it is not always safe to drink directly. You can find water at teahouses, taps, and local sources in villages. However, trekkers should purify it using tablets, filters, or by boiling before drinking. Bottled water is also available, but it costs more and creates plastic waste, so most people prefer treated water.
Yes, internet access is available in the Poon Hill (Ghorepani) area, but it is not very strong or consistent. Many teahouses offer paid Wi-Fi services, and mobile networks like NTC and Ncell also work in most villages. However, the connection can be slow or unstable, especially during bad weather or at higher elevations, such as Poon Hill itself. So, you can stay lightly connected, but it’s not reliable for heavy use.
Trip Videos
Client Reviews
Monika
Steyan
Wonderful winter Manaslu circuit Trek
Jan 2025 • Couples
Great experience with this company. Although it was winter time and the cold and closing tea houses along the way made it slightly harder, we had an unforgettable experience on the Manaslu trek. Still, I would recommend going a little earlier than the 29th of December. Due to the closing of tea houses, the hike over the Larke Pass will be longer which could be a problem for some hikers. Ram was very quick at responding on all our questions and made a good and really flexible itinerary for us.
Our guide Raju and his brother are lovely and made our trip wonderful. They were very helpful and experienced, took care of everything and even cooked for us sometimes. They know a lot about the Manaslu region and their knowledge really enhances the experience. Highly recommend them if you are thinking about doing the Manaslu circuit trek . Source Tripadvisor
Our guide Raju and his brother are lovely and made our trip wonderful. They were very helpful and experienced, took care of everything and even cooked for us sometimes. They know a lot about the Manaslu region and their knowledge really enhances the experience. Highly recommend them if you are thinking about doing the Manaslu circuit trek . Source Tripadvisor
Estefanía H
We did the Everest Base case trip and the three passes. Ram was always taking care of us and he managed to get everything we needed as soon as possible. We had many discrepancies from the original plan due to illnesses and he was always open to making the needed changes and flexibilize it. We couldn’t choose the best company for our trip.
Moreover, our guide, Raju, was also a five-star guide: always open to our demands, well known every hotel, place and hike.Very happy with them, Source Tripadvisor
Manish
I recently completed the Annapurna Base Camp trek and couldn’t say enough about my experience. The experience itself was amazing and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our lead guide, Ram, was extraordinary!! The trekking wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t that hard, and the spectacular views around each corner meant I hardly thought about the walking. OK, we had perfect weather, which helped; it even snowed while we were at Annapurna Base Camp.
Mani
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
Madageskar
Хочу выразить благодарность агентству Well Plan Trekking и лично директору Ram за оперативную организацию незабываемого , насыщенного путешествия по удивительному Непалу! За две недели мы прошли красивейший трек к базовому лагерю Аннапурны , побывали на сафари в джунглях Читвана, посетили дочтопримечательности Катманду! Четкая организация перемещений и ночевкок, внимательный и ответственный гид, прекрасные портеры, без которых наш подьем был бы крайне затруднительным, а так же дружеское участие и проводы на Родину).
Желаю дальнейшего развития и процветания !
Непал 22 апреля-6 мая 2019г.
С уважением, Елена & K°.
Kristin Bolton
Everest Base camp trek is unforgettable experience and adventure of a lifetime. My and my husband we went for two weeks trek with our guide Sanjay .This trip wouldn’t be so great without Sanjay . He took care of us and our health. We felt safe and supported for all of the time. When I had a bad day he checked oxygen level in my blood and assured me that everything is fine. He was also checking regularly if we drink enough water which is very important when you are at the high altitude. We are planning another trek and will definitely be going with Well plan Trekking and insisting on Sanjay as our guide!
Kristin Bolton
Everest Base camp trek is an unforgettable experience and adventure of a lifetime. My and my husband we went for two weeks trek with our guide Sanjay. This trip wouldn’t be so great without Sanjay. He took care of us and our health. We felt safe and supported for all of the time. When I had a bad day he checked oxygen level in my blood and assured me that everything is fine. He was also checking regularly if we drink enough water which is very important when you are at a high altitude. We are planning another trek and will definitely be going with Well plan Trekking and insisting on Sanjay as our guide!
Kate Vogel
Well Plan Trekking the Himalaya was an incredible experience before I even stepped foot in Nepal. Ram was able to reschedule my Annapurna Base Camp Trek trip due to a family function, and there was nearly no lag time in email response and confirmation. The cultural exposure and guide within the World Heritage sights throughout Kathmandu Valley was exceptional in the days up to the trek. While I was planning to trek in a group, I ended up being the only one (single female) with guide sanjaya . I felt safe with them the entire time; respectful and incredibly accommodating with my short bout of altitude sickness. Yam’s knowledge of the region is unparalleled. I am so grateful to have had him as my guide Sanjaya. This organization is one I will readily support again in future trips to Nepal, both for their hospitality, giving back to the community and nation, and unrivaled experience of Nepali Himals and culture.
jojo
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Well Plan Trekking arranged an amazing trip to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.The trek itself was so beautiful and so challenging. Our guide Ram and assistant guide, Kamal was amazing. They worked tirelessly on the trail, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and after hours to make sure each of us had what we needed for a successful trek. Ram monitored our oxygen and heart rates as we climbed in elevation and he helped to manage other symptoms that travelers had including gastrointestinal issues, headaches from altitude, and cold symptoms. He made sure we stayed hydrated and ate appropriate meals for optimum energy. Ram is much more than a ‘guide.’ He and Kamal paced the group but were also willing to go at the pace needed by the slowest trekkers on any given day. I thank Well Plan Trekking and the whole team very much and can highly recommend Well Plan Trekking for all kind of trekking in the amazing Himalaya.
Nepal is Great! It’s a paradise for all mountain lovers