Ghorepani Poon Hill Family Trek in Annapurna
- 10 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March–May) & Autumn (September–November)
A balanced 10-day family trek through rhododendron forests and Gurung villages to the viewpoint at Poon Hill.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our Ghorepani Poon Hill Family Trek is designed specifically for travelers seeking a measured, culturally rich Himalayan route without extreme altitude demands. We have structured this 10-day itinerary to accommodate hikers of varying ages, including children and seniors, by incorporating sensible daily distances, private jeep transport to bypass steep lower staircases, and comfortable teahouse lodgings along the trail.
The route begins in the vibrant cultural hub of Kathmandu before transferring to the lakeside city of Pokhara. From there, our trail leads us into the Annapurna Conservation Area, climbing through dense rhododendron woodlands, cascading streams, and traditional farming settlements. We take our time ascending toward the high ridge of Ghorepani, ensuring proper acclimatisation before our early morning climb to the summit of Poon Hill at 3210 m.
At Poon Hill, our team gathers before dawn to watch the first light illuminate the massive peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Descending through the Gurung village of Ghandruk, we engage with local communities and experience traditional mountain hospitality firsthand. Throughout the journey, our experienced guides manage every logistical detail, prioritizing your safety and comfort in the high country.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Poon Hill Sunrise
We hike up before dawn to watch the sun illuminate the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from 3210 m.
Rhododendron Forests
Our trail winds through dense woodland paths filled with flowering rhododendrons and rushing mountain streams.
Gurung Village Culture
We explore traditional stone-built settlements like Ghandruk and converse with local families about their daily life.
Annapurna Conservation Area
We trek through protected alpine landscapes harboring diverse flora and fauna within the Annapurna foothills.
Family-Optimized Pacing
We utilize private jeeps to skip strenuous lower stone stairs, keeping daily walking hours comfortable for all ages.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team greets you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. You have the remainder of the day to rest from your international flight or take a leisurely walk through the bustling markets of Thamel.
Day 2
Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Today we conduct a guided tour of Kathmandu's historic sites, visiting the sacred Hindu shrines of Pashupatinath, the massive Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, and the ancient courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar Square. These stops provide a gentle introduction to local history and light activity before heading to the trails.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We depart early for Pokhara, driving along the winding gorges of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers past terraced hillsides and rural settlements. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we take a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake with views of Machhapuchhre reflecting on the water.
Day 4
Pokhara to Ulleri and Trek to Banthanti
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Pokhara to Ulleri and Trek to Banthanti
Meals: B / L / D
After breakfast, our private jeep takes us past Birethanti and up through the foothills, bypassing the lower stone steps to reach Ulleri efficiently. From Ulleri, we set out on our first stretch of hiking, walking gently through forest trails to reach Banthanti.
Day 5
Banthanti to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Banthanti to Ghorepani
Meals: B / L / D
The trail today climbs steadily through dense rhododendron forests, crossing small wooden footbridges over mountain streams. We arrive in Ghorepani by midday, giving us ample time to rest, explore the ridge village, and prepare for tomorrow's early climb.
Day 6
Poon Hill Sunrise and Trek to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Poon Hill Sunrise and Trek to Tadapani
Meals: B / L / D
We start before sunrise with a steady uphill push to the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3210 m to watch the morning light hit Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, we continue along a forested ridge trail to reach Tadapani.
Day 7
Tadapani to Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Tadapani to Ghandruk
Meals: B / L / D
Today's descent leads us through quiet forest tracks down into the large Gurung village of Ghandruk. We spend the afternoon exploring the slate-roofed stone houses and visiting the local Gurung cultural museum.
Day 8
Ghandruk to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Ghandruk to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We descend via stone staircases through terraced fields to the roadside, where our vehicle meets us for the return drive to Pokhara. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxing by the lakeside or shopping along the waterfront.
Day 9
Pokhara to Kathmandu Drive
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Pokhara to Kathmandu Drive
Meals: B / L / D
We board our return transport for the drive back to Kathmandu, tracing our route along the river valleys. Upon reaching the capital, we check into our hotel and gather for a farewell dinner hosted by our team.
Day 10
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 10
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our representative escorts you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your scheduled flight home, concluding your Himalayan family adventure with us.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card registration
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation on trek
- All meals during the trekking days
- Experienced government-certified guide and support porters
- Private land transport including jeep options as specified
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency rescue
- Personal trekking gear and apparel
- Hot showers, electronic device charging, and Wi-Fi fees at teahouses
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
This trek reaches a maximum elevation of 3210 m at Poon Hill. While this altitude is generally well-tolerated by most travelers, our itinerary maintains moderate daily walking distances to allow your body to adjust naturally without rushing.
Accommodation on trek
We lodge in traditional mountain teahouses run by local families. Rooms are twin-share with basic wooden beds and foam mattresses. Dining areas are warmed by central stoves, providing a comfortable space to relax in the evenings.
Physical preparation
Although designed to be family-friendly and accessible, the trail involves uneven stone steps and daily walking durations of 3 to 5 hours. We recommend incorporating regular cardiovascular exercise and stair training into your routine several weeks prior to departure.
Drinking water safety
Boiled or filtered water is available at all teahouses along the route. We advise carrying a reusable water bottle and utilizing water purification tablets or drops as an additional safeguard.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle-supportive boots broken in prior to the trip.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for cold mornings and evenings at higher elevations.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Useful for stability during stone-stair descents.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Camping
Minimum 1-litre capacity paired with purification tablets.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Needed for the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill.
Passport and permit copiesEssential
Documents
Stored securely in a waterproof pouch.
Woolen beanie and sun hatEssential
Clothing
Protection against morning chill and strong alpine sun.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.ACAP Entry Permit
PermitRequired for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card for route tracking.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is this trek suitable for young children and older adults?
Yes. We have specifically designed this itinerary with moderate daily walking times and jeep transfers that skip the steepest lower staircases, making it well-suited for families of mixed ages.
What is the highest altitude reached on this trek?
The maximum elevation is 3210 m at the Poon Hill viewpoint, which we visit early in the morning on day six.
Do I need travel insurance for this trip?
Yes. All participants must hold comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation up to 4000 m.
What kind of food is available in the teahouses?
Teahouses serve a mix of traditional Nepali dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, momos, and basic western dishes like porridge, eggs, and pancakes.
Are charging facilities and hot showers available on the trail?
Basic Wi-Fi, battery charging, and hot showers are available at most teahouses for a small extra fee set by the local community lodges.
What permits are required for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek?
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card, both of which are arranged by our team.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 10 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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