Ghorepani stands out as one of Nepal's most popular trekking destinations, initially serving the historic Tibetan salt traders before becoming a highlight of the Annapurna trekking route. While traditionally accessible only by foot, modern advancements now allow visitors to drive directly to Ghorepani village. This became possible first via a longer, rough route through Beni, and more recently through a shorter, newly cleared path via Ulleri. Though the road is not paved, our tours use 4WD jeeps exclusively to manage the terrain. This drive option significantly benefits those pressed for time, allowing for a visit to Ghorepani and Poon Hill without a multi-day trek.
The most exciting new possibility is the one-day round trip from Pokhara, which is best done during the dry, winter months. For the spectacular sunrise view, we recommend an early departure around 1:00 AM from Pokhara. Upon reaching Ghorepani, travelers complete the trip with a 45-minute to 1-hour uphill hike to Poon Hill, as the road ends in the village itself to protect the hill's natural state. Alternatively, for those who simply want to see the area without the early morning sunrise, a comfortable one-day trip is possible by leaving Pokhara around 7:00 or 8:00 AM and returning that evening. While you can see the Himalayas from Ghorepani village, the panoramic views from the Poon Hill viewpoint are unparalleled and make the short hike worthwhile. We also offer a 1-Night 2-Day plan for those who prefer to spend a night in the village before heading back.
How long does the entire trip take? (Pokhara to Pokhara total time.)
The road distance from Pokhara to Ghorepani via the Ulleri Banthahi road is about 68–70 km. This exclusive Pokhara to Poon Hill One-Day Tour offers a significantly accelerated way to experience the Himalayas, condensing what is typically a multi-day journey into a single, highly efficient day. The entire trip from Pokhara to Pokhara is designed to be completed before noon, allowing travelers to maximize their day. This is achieved through the use of a 4WD jeep, which cuts the travel time dramatically: the drive to the Ghorepani area takes approximately 4 hours, followed by a quick descent back to Pokhara in 3 to 4 hours. Compared to the classic multi-day trek—which requires a 3-to-4-hour drive plus a challenging 4-hour uphill hike just to reach Ghorepani—our drive-and-hike option is vastly faster and easier. At the destination, guests enjoy a full experience, spending approximately one hour atthe Poon Hill viewpoint for the spectacular sunrise, followed by another one hour in Ghorepani village for a hearty breakfast before starting the return journey to Pokhara.
Is it physically possible for me to do this in one day without being exhausted?
Yes, the one-day tour is designed to be highly accessible and is physically manageable for most people, even those without prior trekking experience. Your fitness requirement is minimal: you must be able to handle the 45-minute to 1-hour ascending hike on stairs from Ghorepani village up to the Poon Hill viewpoint. This short trek is the only challenging physical portion. Furthermore, altitude sickness is not a concern on this quick trip. While Ghorepani village sits at an altitude of 2874 meters (9429 feet) and Poon Hill reaches 3210 meters (10531 feet), the short time spent at these elevations and the absence of overnight stays at maximum altitude mean that the trip is perfectly safe and fine even for beginners and those without high-altitude experience. If you are generally fit and do not have severe breathing issues like asthma, you should find the experience entirely rewarding and manageable.
What to Bring?
Since this is an accelerated one-day tour and not a multi-day trek, you do not need to pack heavy trekking gear. Your main focus should be on dressing in layers for the early morning cold and ensuring comfortable footing for the short hike:
- Warm Clothing: Bring one warm, light jacket and dress in layers. It will be cold during the pre-dawn drive and the Poon Hill sunrise.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes. While specialized hiking boots are not necessary for the short, stepped trail, solid athletic shoes or light hiking shoes are recommended.
- Accessories: Bring light gloves and a warm hat (beanie) to protect against the early morning chill.
- Hydration: A water bottle is essential.
- Optional: Hiking poles are not required but can be helpful for stability on the uphill and downhill sections.
For the most accurate preparation, we always recommend asking us in advance of your trip date, or we will provide you with the current expected conditions before departing the tour.
