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Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Community Volunteering

  • 13 days
  • moderate
  • Up to 12
  • Autumn (Sep–Dec) & Spring (Jan–May)
4.7

We combine community rebuilding support in the countryside with the classic ridge trail to Poon Hill and Ghandruk.

At a glance

Trip overview

This itinerary pairs community service work in rural hill communities with the classic foothill walking routes of the Annapurna region. We designed this combination to give travelers direct engagement with village life following the seismic events that impacted local housing infrastructure, while maintaining a standard trekking itinerary through rhododendron forests and high ridge viewpoints.

The first part of our trip takes us away from Kathmandu into a rural village where we spend several days assisting residents with rebuilding tasks. We stay in local homes and share meals with host families, gaining firsthand insight into rural livelihoods and the ongoing recovery process. After completing our community work, we transfer to Pokhara and head into the hills toward Nayapul.

Our trekking route climbs past cultivated terraces and stone-paved staircases toward Ghorepani and the prominent sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill, reaching an altitude of 3,210 m. We descend through the Gurung settlement of Ghandruk before returning to Pokhara and Kathmandu. This trip suits travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness who want to balance active hiking with meaningful grassroots contribution.

6 Days Langtang Valley Trek — gallery 4

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Community Support

    We spend three days working alongside rural residents on housing reconstruction projects in earthquake-affected areas.

  • Poon Hill Sunrise

    We hike before dawn to the 3,210 m ridge for wide views over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.

  • Rhododendron Forests

    Our trail leads through dense stands of rhododendron and fir trees along stone staircases.

  • Gurung Heritage in Ghandruk

    We explore traditional stone-built alleyways and museums in the historic Gurung village of Ghandruk.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our airport representative meets our group upon arrival and transfers us to our hotel in Kathmandu. We spend the afternoon resting after international travel and reviewing the upcoming itinerary details.

Day highlights

  • Airport meet and transferMet on arrival and taken to the Kathmandu hotel.

Day 2

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Project Orientation

Meals: B / L / D

We tour selected UNESCO World Heritage sites within the Kathmandu Valley after breakfast. In the evening, our lead staff provides an orientation session covering village norms, safety protocols, and basic construction techniques for our upcoming community work.

Day highlights

  • UNESCO sites of the valleyA guided morning around Kathmandu’s heritage squares.
  • Project orientationVillage norms, safety protocols and what the work involves.

Day 3

Drive to Countryside Volunteering Site

Meals: B / L / D

We travel by road for six to seven hours from Kathmandu toward the rural hills. We settle into local family accommodation in the host village where we will stay for the next three nights.

Day highlights

  • Into the rural hillsSix to seven hours by road to the host village.

Day 4

House Rebuilding Work in Village

Meals: B / L / D

Our team joins local residents on site to assist with rebuilding earthquake-damaged homes. We contribute labor based on individual skills and project needs, sharing meals with our host family.

Day highlights

  • Rebuilding earthquake-damaged homesWorking on site alongside local residents.
  • Meals with the host familyLiving in the village rather than visiting it.

Day 5

Volunteering Continuation and Wrap-Up

Meals: B / L / D

We complete our final day of construction support in the village, wrapping up tasks alongside local community leaders before preparing for our departure the following morning.

Day highlights

  • Wrapping up on siteFinal construction day alongside community leaders.

Day 6

Drive from Village to Pokhara

Meals: B / L / D

We board our transport for the scenic drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, we spend the afternoon taking a boat ride on Fewa Lake to view the reflection of Machhapuchhre.

Day highlights

  • Fewa Lake by boatAn afternoon on the water below Machhapuchhre.
  • Down to PokharaThe scenic drive out of the hills.

Day 7

Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1,570 m)

Meals: B / L / D

A short morning drive brings us to Nayapul where our trek begins. We follow the Modi Khola and Bhurungdi Khola rivers past Birethanti and Hille before reaching our lodge at Tikhedhunga.

Day highlights

  • Nayapul to TikhedhungaThe trek begins along the Modi Khola past Birethanti and Hille.

Day 8

Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,850 m)

Meals: B / L / D

We cross a suspension bridge and ascend the stone staircase of Ulleri through pastures and oak forests. After a lunch stop at Nangethanti, we continue climbing to our ridge lodge at Ghorepani.

Day highlights

  • The Ulleri staircaseA long stone climb through pastures and oak forest.
  • The ridge lodge at Ghorepani2,850 m, reached after lunch at Nangethanti.

Day 9

Poon Hill (3,210 m) Sunrise and Trek to Tadapani (2,610 m)

Meals: B / L / D

We make an early morning ascent to the Poon Hill viewpoint to watch the sunrise over Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. After breakfast back in Ghorepani, we traverse forested ridges toward Tadapani.

Day highlights

  • Sunrise from Poon Hill3,210 m, with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South opposite.
  • Forested ridges to TadapaniA traverse back down through rhododendron.

Day 10

Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,950 m)

Meals: B / L / D

Our descent leads us through dense forest canopy into the large Gurung settlement of Ghandruk. We spend the afternoon visiting the local cultural museum and Annapurna Conservation Area headquarters.

Day highlights

  • GhandrukThe large Gurung settlement, its museum and the ACAP headquarters.
  • Down through forest canopyA descent into the valley at 1,950 m.

Day 11

Ghandruk to Pokhara via Nayapul

Meals: B / L / D

We walk down stone steps from Ghandruk to the roadhead at Nayapul, where our vehicle meets us for the return drive to Pokhara for a comfortable night in a hotel.

Day highlights

  • Back to PokharaStone steps to the roadhead at Nayapul, then the drive in.

Day 12

Tourist Bus Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Meals: B / L / D

We board a tourist bus for the six-hour highway journey back to Kathmandu, following the Trishuli River valley. We gather for a final team dinner in the evening.

Day highlights

  • The Trishuli valley highwaySix hours to Kathmandu, and a final team dinner.

Day 13

Departure from Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our transport transfers us to Tribhuwan International Airport approximately three hours prior to our scheduled international departure flight.

Day highlights

  • Departure transferTo the airport three hours before the international flight.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Airport transfers by private car
  • Three-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek and volunteering phases
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card
  • Experienced lead guide and porters with full insurance and salary
  • Duffel bag, down jacket, and sleeping bag on loan during trek

Not included

  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal entry visa obtained upon arrival at airport
  • Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation up to 4,000 m
  • Personal expenses, bottled drinks, and hot showers on the trek
  • Tips for guiding and support staff

Before you go

Good to know

Physical Preparation

This trip requires moderate cardiovascular fitness and comfort walking on uneven stone staircases for five to seven hours daily. Previous multi-day hiking experience is helpful for managing consecutive days on the trail.

Volunteering Expectations

Our community work involves manual tasks in rural conditions. Accommodations during the volunteering phase are in local village houses with basic facilities, distinct from standard teahouses on the trekking route.

Altitude Management

The maximum elevation on this trek is 3,210 m at Poon Hill. While this altitude rarely causes severe sickness, we maintain a steady ascent profile and our lead guides monitor all participants for signs of fatigue.

Responsible Travel

We expect all participants to respect local cultural norms, dress modestly in rural communities, and follow Leave No Trace principles throughout both the volunteering and trekking segments.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — route map

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill — altitude profile

Pack list

What to pack

  • Sturdy trekking boots with ankle supportEssential

    Footwear

    Worn in before trip; essential for stone staircases.

  • Warm down jacketEssential

    Clothing

    Provided on loan by us if needed for cold evenings.

  • Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential

    Clothing

    Required for unpredictable mountain weather.

  • Thermal base layersEssential

    Clothing

    Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.

  • Sleeping bag rated to -10°CEssential

    Camping

    Provided on loan by us for teahouse nights.

  • Daypack (30-40 L)Essential

    Clothing

    For carrying personal items during daily walks.

  • Reusable water bottles or purification systemEssential

    Safety

    Purification tablets or filter pump.

  • Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential

    Documents

    Must cover emergency evacuation up to 4,000 m.

Paperwork

Permits & paperwork

You bring

Sort these out before you fly.

  • Nepal Tourist Visa

    Visa

    Obtained on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport.

We arrange

Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

    Permit

    Required for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.

  • TIMS Card

    Permit

    Trekkers' Information Management System registration card.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What kind of work will we do during the volunteering phase?

We assist local residents with basic reconstruction tasks on earthquake-damaged residential structures, depending on active community projects at the time of our visit.

Where do we stay during the village volunteering days?

We stay in local village houses arranged by our operations team, sharing simple home-cooked meals with our host families.

Do I need previous volunteering experience to join?

No prior construction or volunteering experience is required. Our team provides an orientation, and tasks are matched to individual physical capabilities.

What is the maximum altitude we reach on this trek?

The highest point on the itinerary is Poon Hill at 3,210 m, which we visit for sunrise on Day 9.

How heavy is the pack we carry while trekking?

You only carry a daypack with water, layers, and camera gear. Our porters carry the main duffel bags, with one porter assigned to every two travelers.

What permits are required for this trip?

We arrange your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and your Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card prior to departure.

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 13 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
SMTWTFS

Start dateTrip runs

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