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Poon Hill – Ghandruk – Dhampus Trek

Poon Hill – Ghandruk – Dhampus Trek

The Poon Hill – Ghandruk – Dhampus Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal, perfect for trekkers who want to experience the Himalayan sunrise views, Gurung and Magar culture, and diverse landscapes within a limited timeframe.

Starting from Pokhara, the trail passes through rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and charming mountain villages. The highlight is Poon Hill (3,210 m), a famous viewpoint that offers a golden sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including peaks like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Nilgiri.

The trek also explores Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village known for its rich culture, stone houses, and warm hospitality. Finally, the trail continues to Dhampus, another beautiful hilltop village that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna range and a peaceful rural atmosphere.

This trek is considered easy to moderate, suitable for families, beginners, and trekkers with limited time. It provides a blend of mountain scenery, cultural experience, and natural beauty without going to very high altitudes.

Highlights

  • Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m) with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri & Annapurna ranges
  •  Explore Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Dhampus
  •  Trek through lush rhododendron forests & terraced farmlands
  •  Experience local hospitality and cultural traditions
  •  Beginner-friendly trek with gradual ascents/descents
  •  Relax in Pokhara by the peaceful Fewa Lake
  •  Stay in traditional teahouses for authentic Himalayan experience

Basic Information

  • Destination
  • Duration
  • Start / End Location
  • Accommodation Type
  • Difficulty Level
  • Max Altitude
  • Age Limit
  • Transportation Mode
  • Poon Hill
  • 11 days
  • Kathmandu / Kathmandu
  • Teahouses during trek,Hotels in KTM & Pokhara
  • Moderate
  • 3,210m
  • -
  • -

Best Season

Autumn (September – November) → BEST Clear skies after monsoon → best mountain views (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre). Pleasant temperatures: warm days (12–20°C lower altitudes, 5–10°C higher), cool nights. Stable weather → low risk of rain or snow. Popular season → lodges may be crowded, especially Ghorepani & Poon Hill. Spring (March – May) → SECOND BEST Rhododendron forests in bloom → colorful scenery near Ghorepani, Tadapani & Chomrong. Long daylight hours for trekking; moderate temperatures. Slight haze in afternoon; pre-monsoon showers possible. Winter (December – February) Clear skies → excellent views. Cold nights at higher altitudes (down to -5°C near Poon Hill). Less crowded trails; some lodges may close in remote areas. Monsoon (June – August) Lush green landscapes and waterfalls. Not recommended → muddy/slippery trails, leeches, poor visibility of mountains.

Inclusions

All airport/hotel transfers2 nights hotel in Kathmandu, 2 nights in PokharaAll accommodations and meals during the trekPickup and drop to start your trek and from the ending point to your Hotel In Kathmandu or your destinationAn experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (6 trekkers:1 assistant guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodgingAll Nepal Hiking duffel bags and trekking maps (to be returned after trip completion)All necessary paperwork and permits (National Park permit, TIMS)A comprehensive medical kitAll government and local taxes

Tour Plan

  • Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
  •  Transfer to hotel.
  •  Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
  •  Meals: None
  •  Highlight: Free time or welcome dinner (optional).
  • Rest or Valley Sightseeing (optional)
  •  Trek briefing & last-minute shopping.
  •  Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
  •  Meals: Breakfast
  • Early morning drive via Prithvi Highway.
  •  Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara (Lakeside)
  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner
  •  Highlight: scenic countryside drive
  • Drive to Nayapul (1,070 m).
  •  Trek through Birethanti and Hille villages to Tikhedhunga.
  •  Overnight: in Tikhedhunga 
  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  •  Highlight: Village walk, river crossing via suspension bridges
  • Uphill via Ulleri (a long staircase) and Banthanti.
  •  Trek through rhododendron forest.
  •  Overnight: in Ghorepani 
  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  •  Highlight: Stunning mountain views begin to appear
  • Sunrise hike to Poon Hill for panoramic Himalayan views.
  •  Return for breakfast and trek to Tadapani via Deurali.
  •  Overnight: in Tadapani 
  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  •  Highlight: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre range views
  • Descend through forested trail to Gurung village of Ghandruk.
  •  Overnight: in Ghandruk 
  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  •  Highlight: Cultural museum, traditional Gurung houses, mountain backdrop
  • Trek downhill to Modi River and ascend through Landruk to Dhampus.
  •  Overnight: in Dhampus 
  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  •  Highlight: Terraced fields, panoramic sunset views
  • Short trek downhill to Phedi.
  •  Drive to Pokhara and relax by Fewa Lake.
  •  Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  •  Highlight: Leisure evening in Lakeside
  • Scenic morning flight.
  •  Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
  •  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  •  Highlight: Optional shopping or cultural visit
  • Transfer to airport 3 hours before your flight.
  •  Meals: Breakfast
  •  Highlight: Farewell