Poon Hill Trek via Birethanti (End at Ghandruk) – 9 Days

The Poon Hill Trek via Birethanti (End at Ghandruk) – 9 Days is a carefully planned Himalayan adventure that combines breathtaking mountain scenery, authentic local culture, and comfortable trekking in Nepal's Annapurna region. Beginning with your arrival in Kathmandu, the journey continues to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara before reaching the trailhead at Birethanti.

Although road access has extended beyond Birethanti, this itinerary follows the classic trekking route to preserve the authentic walking experience. Starting from a lower elevation allows trekkers to enjoy a gradual ascent while passing through charming villages, terraced farmlands, dense rhododendron forests, and historic stone staircases leading towards Ghorepani.

The highlight of the journey is the early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), where spectacular sunrise views reveal the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After enjoying one of Nepal's most iconic viewpoints, the trail continues through peaceful forests to Tadapani before descending to the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk. The trek concludes with a scenic drive to Pokhara and a comfortable return to Kathmandu.

This itinerary is suitable for beginners, families, couples, and anyone looking for a rewarding short trek that offers magnificent Himalayan views, rich cultural experiences, and a well-paced walking schedule.

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) – Airport Transfer & Hotel Check-in

    Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Manikang Nepal Treks will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. During the drive, you will get your first impression of Nepal's vibrant capital, where ancient temples, colorful streets, and modern city life blend together.

    After checking in, take time to relax and recover from your international journey. If your arrival is early, you may explore the lively streets of Thamel, browse trekking gear shops, enjoy a cup of Nepali coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere before your adventure begins.

    In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a comprehensive trip briefing. Your guide will explain the trekking itinerary, review safety procedures, confirm permits, and assist with any final equipment checks. This preparation ensures that you are ready to begin your trek with confidence the following day.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 1,400m
  • Day 2 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m)

    After breakfast at your hotel, begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway. The journey covers approximately 200 km and takes around 7–8 hours, following the beautiful Trishuli River through rolling hills, terraced farms, riverside settlements, and vibrant local towns.

    Several short breaks will be made along the way, allowing you to stretch your legs, enjoy refreshments, and experience the changing landscapes of central Nepal. As you approach Pokhara, the air becomes fresher and the surrounding hills create a peaceful atmosphere. On clear days, you may catch your first distant views of the Annapurna mountain range.

    Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You may take a relaxing walk around the Lakeside area, enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Phewa Lake, or simply rest before your trekking adventure begins the following morning. Your guide will provide a final briefing and confirm the departure time for the drive to Birethanti.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 822m
  • Day 3 Day 3: Drive to Birethanti and Trek to Ulleri (2,050 m)

    After an early breakfast, leave Pokhara and enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours (about 42 km) to Birethanti, the traditional gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area. Here, your trekking permits are checked before you officially begin your Himalayan adventure.

    Although the road now extends beyond Birethanti, we begin our trek from this classic starting point to preserve the authentic walking experience and allow for a gradual elevation gain. This approach provides a more comfortable start while giving you time to appreciate the changing landscapes and traditional villages along the route.

    The trail follows the Modi Khola through Birethanti, Sudame, Hille, and Tikhedhunga, passing stone-paved paths, terraced fields, waterfalls, and small teahouses. After crossing suspension bridges and walking through peaceful villages, the trail climbs the famous stone staircase to Ulleri, a beautiful Magar village surrounded by green hills.

    Today's trek takes approximately 5–6 hours and marks the beginning of your memorable journey into the Annapurna region. After reaching Ulleri, enjoy a warm dinner and relax at a comfortable teahouse while preparing for the trek to Ghorepani the following day.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Tea House
    • Place: Ulleri
    • Altitude: 2,050m
  • Day 4 Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,874 m)

    After breakfast, leave Ulleri and continue your trek towards Ghorepani. Today's walk takes approximately 5–6 hours, following a well-maintained trail through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests. During spring, the forest comes alive with colorful rhododendron blossoms, creating one of the most scenic sections of the entire trek.

    As you gain altitude gradually, the peaceful woodland, fresh mountain air, and occasional openings between the trees reveal impressive views of the surrounding hills and Himalayan peaks. Passing through Banthanti and Nangethanti, you will find small teahouses where you can rest and enjoy lunch before continuing the final ascent to Ghorepani.

    By afternoon, arrive at the charming mountain village of Ghorepani, one of the most popular overnight stops in the Annapurna region. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the village offers a peaceful atmosphere and serves as the gateway to the famous Poon Hill viewpoint. After checking into your teahouse, enjoy a warm dinner and prepare for the early morning hike to witness the spectacular sunrise from Poon Hill.

    • Place: Tikhedhunga
    • Altitude: 1,577m.
  • Day 5 Sunrise Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) – Trek to Tadapani (2,630 m)

    Wake up before dawn and begin a short uphill hike of about 45–60 minutes to Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of Nepal's most celebrated viewpoints. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-covered Himalayan peaks, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and several surrounding peaks. The peaceful morning atmosphere and unforgettable sunrise make this one of the highlights of the entire journey.

    After spending time at the viewpoint and taking photographs, return to your teahouse in Ghorepani for breakfast. Afterwards, continue your trek towards Tadapani through dense rhododendron and oak forests. The trail gently ascends and descends along quiet ridges before passing through Deurali, where you can stop for lunch and a short rest.

    From Deurali, the trail gradually descends through peaceful woodland before reaching Tadapani, a small mountain settlement surrounded by forest. On a clear afternoon, the area offers beautiful mountain scenery and a calm environment to relax after a rewarding day on the trail.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner
    • Accommodation: Tea House
    • Place: Tadapani
    • Altitude: 2,630m
  • Day 6 Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940 m)

    After breakfast, leave Tadapani and descend through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests towards the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk. Today's trek takes approximately 3–4 hours and follows a scenic trail with forest sections, stone staircases, terraced farmland, and excellent views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

    Ghandruk is one of the most picturesque villages in the Annapurna region and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Gurung culture. The village is known for its traditional stone houses, narrow stone-paved lanes, friendly local hospitality, and impressive mountain scenery. After arriving in Ghandruk, enjoy lunch at the teahouse and spend the afternoon exploring the village, visiting the local museum if interested, or simply relaxing while enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

    Staying overnight in Ghandruk allows you to appreciate the cultural and scenic beauty of the village at a relaxed pace before returning to Pokhara the following day.

    • Meals: Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Tea House
    • Place: Ghandruk
    • Altitude: 1,940m
  • Day 7 Drive from Ghandruk to Pokhara – Leisure Day in Pokhara

    After breakfast, enjoy a final walk through the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk before driving back to Pokhara. The drive takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, passing through traditional villages, terraced hillsides, and the scenic Modi Khola valley.

    Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You may take a relaxing stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake, explore the vibrant Lakeside area, visit local cafés and restaurants, or simply unwind after completing your trek.

    If you would like to make the most of your free afternoon, optional sightseeing or adventure activities such as boating on Phewa Lake, visiting Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, the International Mountain Museum, or paragliding can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.

    This leisure day provides a comfortable transition from the mountains before your flight back to Kathmandu the following morning.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 822m
  • Day 8 Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu – Explore the Capital City

    After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara Airport for a scenic domestic flight to Kathmandu. The short flight of approximately 25 minutes offers spectacular aerial views of Nepal's hills and Himalayan landscapes, weather permitting.

    Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the capital at your own pace. You may visit the lively streets of Thamel, browse local handicraft shops, purchase authentic Nepali souvenirs such as pashmina, singing bowls, handmade paper products, and trekking gear, or simply relax in one of the many cafés and restaurants.

    If you wish, optional sightseeing tours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Kathmandu Durbar Square can be arranged upon request at an additional cost.

    In the evening, enjoy your final night in Nepal and reflect on the unforgettable memories of your Himalayan adventure.

    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 8,20m
  • Day 9 Final Departure

    After breakfast, enjoy some free time depending on your international flight schedule. A representative from Manikang Nepal Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your departure.

    As your journey comes to an end, we sincerely thank you for choosing Manikang Nepal Treks. We hope the breathtaking mountain landscapes, warm hospitality, and cultural experiences of Nepal have created unforgettable memories. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the Himalayas.

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