Annapurna Short Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghandruk To Poon Hill Trek

Annapurna Short Trekking

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Recommended by 99% of travelers
At a Glance
3 Days
Duration
Easy
Trip Grade
Nepal
Country
3,210m
Maximum Altitude
2 - 4
Group Size
Ulleri
Starts
Sept - Nov and Mar - May
Best Time
Overview

Annapurna Short Trekking goes through the rural villages and rhododendron forests beneath the majestic Himalayan scenery. The Short Annapurna Trek is a colorful short venture hike around the Annapurna Himalaya range with an exciting mountain view when you reach the highest points of your trek at Ghorepani (2,880 m) and Poon Hill, an elevation of 3,210 meters, offering one of the best mountain panoramas. The Short Annapurna Trek is an ample destination for those trekkers who have a very short time but still would like to see the amazing view of the snow-capped mountains from the closest distance. This is one of the shortest trekking trails in the Annapurna Region, among the several trekking routes. As this is the most popular trekking trail in Annapurna, hundreds of trekkers can be visited on this route. If you are looking for amazing scenery and to escape the crowded trekkers, then the 5-day Mohare Danda Community Base Trek can be the best option. 

Normally, the Ghorepani Poon Hill classical trek is known as a short and easy Annapurna trek to access in the least amount of time, which begins from Nayapul after a short scenic drive from the beautiful city of Pokhara. Today there is further road access after Nayapul, so you do not need to follow the trekking trail along the bank of Burundi Khola. After Tikhedhunga, while climbing countless steps up to the Ulleri village, even you won’t be feeling that much more difficult with the amazing rice field landscape and a glimpse of Mt. Annapurna South. Nowadays, you can drive to Banthanti, about a 2 to 3-hour drive from Pokhara. Then the trail of Pun Hill Trek goes through a rhododendron forest; sometimes you will encounter Himalayan goats, deer, and monkeys. During the spring, the forest can be seen full of rhododendrons, magnolia, and colorful orchids blooming. Ghorepani and surrounding villages are inhabited by the Pun ethnic group (sub-Cast Name of Magar’s Ethnic) with their unique culture and tradition.

The Poon Hill Tower was established on February 21, 2001, by Major Tek Bahadur Pun, so this tower is also called the Memorial View Tower, by the name of the founder. While visiting Pun Hill in the morning for the sunrise view, you will enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on Earth. Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) from west to east of Lamjung Himal and Manaslu are amazing. And Mount Nilgiri, the Annapurna range, including Annapurna (8,091 m), along with a network of other peaks, make your journey worth it. After a rewarding view from Ghorepani and Poon Hill, you will visit the traditional Gurung Village, "Ghandruk,” through the Tadapani and Bhaisikharka, then your Annapurna Short Trek will finish at Nayapul, or you can continue for two days more to the Dhampus Phedi.

But for the Poon Hill Trek 3 Days, we suggest starting from Ulleri after two and a half to three hours of driving from the tourist city Pokhara, so it is called the 3 Days Trek from Pokhara as well. And walk through the cultural Magar and Gurung ethnic villages: Banthanti, Nangethanti, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Deurali, Tadapani, Bhaisekharka, and Ghandruk village via Tadapani, and end the trip at Kimche. Annapurna's short trek is considered to be the best way to introduce some spectacular views and cultural shows that Annapurna can do even in summer, monsoon, and winter sessions. For the Short Annapurna Trek, you need to be physically fit and mentally well prepared for a quite long walk every day. Nepal Mother House Treks offers you a Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek, shorter or longer as your desire, and a holiday schedule year-round by local guides and porters. Why not join our 2-night, 3-day Nepal Trek? 

We at Nepal Mother House Treks are glad to open an advance trip booking offer at the same cost for 2025 and 2026 in spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, and November). You may grab this special offer now for your ultimate experience.

Can I extend the 3-day Annapurna Short Trek?

The Annapurna short trek can be extended by two / three more days to the hot spring at Jhinu Danda and drive back to Pokhara via Dhampus. Likewise, the trip can be combined with the recently developed community-based teahouse trek at Khopra Danda Trek. Or your trip can be extended to the most popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek, an elevation of 4,130 meters, and the Mardi Himal Trek. Similarly, Annapurna's short trek can extend to Pokhara sightseeing and some fun and adventure activities like the Annapurna Cable Car ride for amazing sunset and sunrise views from Sarangkot. Sarangkot is iconic for adventure activities such as paragliding, zip-flying, bungee jumping, etc. If you are looking for a jungle safari tour, then if you add 2 nights and 3 days, the Chitwan jungle safari is the best to do for your lifetime experience. 

Annapurna Short Trekking
Day-to-day

Annapurna Short Trekking Itinerary

The first-day trek starts at Ulleri (1960m) after 2 to 3 hours of driving by private/Public vehicle from Pokhara. From Nayapul (1,010m) the road goes along the banks of the Modi Khola and a large village that has many shops and teahouses. The main inhabitants of this village are Gurung, Magar, and Thakali. Then, the trail continues following the north bank of the Bhurungdi Khola through villages till Sudame (1160m) and climbs steadily up the side of the valley to Hille (1,495m) and Tikhedhunga (1570m).  We start to walk from Uller, then the trail continues to ascend more gently, through dense forests of oak and rhododendrons towards Banthanti (2250m). Occasionally, we can see Longgur (long tail black mouth Monkey) jumping in the trees. Then we trek towards Nangethanti (2,460m), after an hour walk we arrive at Ghorepani (2840m). Nowadays the road went further to the Ulleri at a place between, Banthantri ti Nangethanti, however, there is no drivable rod for Jeep. Stay overnight at a lodge.

Day Highlights

We will hike about 45 minutes up to Poon Hill (3210m) early in the morning. This viewpoint provides an unobstructed and beautiful view of the sunrise over the high Himalayas with panoramic view giants Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna (8,091m), Machhapuchere, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli, South Annapurna etc. Additionally we can see a network of other peaks, slowly beginning to appear like magic before our eyes. We come back to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast and start walking to Tadapani. Here the trail climbs alongside ridges with pine and rhododendron forests to the Deurali and then descends through beautiful waterfalls, streams, and dense forest to Banthati. The streams have some clear pools alongside the trail which finally climbs up to the final destination Tadapani meaning ‘hot water.’ This is the water supply for a village far away.

Day Highlights

Today we will descend steeply through the dense forests with breathtaking panorama views of the Ghaundrung village, inhabited by Gurung people. If you wake up early in the morning you can catch some excellent sunrises above the mountains. We will stay overnight here so you’ll have the afternoon to visit the Annapurna conservation office, museum, and picturesque ancient Gurung village, the second largest Gurung settlement in Nepal. Then 2 to 3 hours walk to Khimche, then drive 2 to 3 hours by jeep or bus followed by a ride back to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city harboring a unique setting of tropical climate and vegetation with the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas. Stay overnight at Pokhara Hotel.

Day Highlights
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Included

Annapurna Short Trekking Cost Details

Includes

  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS (Trakkers Information System) cards.
  • All ground transportation during the trip from Pokhara to the trek starting point (Tikhedhunga/Ulleri) and trek ending point (Kimche/Syauli Bazaar) to Pokhara by private jeep or Taxi.
  • Trekking equipment (worm-down jackets, sleeping bags, & duffle bags) during the trek, if needed.
  • Nepal Mother House T-shirt/Cap and Appreciation Card of Trip (after trip end).
  • three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Soft & comfortable private accommodation, entire mountain twin bed sharing with a shared toilet.
  • Government license holder English-speaking experienced Local Guide with their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • One Sherpa (assistance guide) if the group size is more than 10 people. Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • Guide & porters insurance for their happy journey.
  • A Trekking Map of the Annapurna Trip for a Group.
  • Supplementary snacks (fresh fruits) on the trek.
  • First-aid medical kit during the trip, including an oxygen meter to measure oxygen and pulse at high altitude.
  • Welcome and farewell program.
  • Tourist service charge, VAT, government tax, and official expanse if necessary.

Excludes

  • All kinds of cold and hot drinks, including drinking water, tea, coffee, chocolate, cookies, dessert, phone calls, laundry, and hot showers.
  • Clients' travel insurance and evacuation (compulsory).
  • If you need a porter (between every 2-person basic), he carries a maximum of 20–25 kg, including his 4-5 kg bag, plus their food, accommodation, wage, insurance, and all transportation.
  • If, in that case, the flight is canceled, charter a helicopter or plane.
  • You are tipping for the guide and porter, as well as your meals at Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Accommodations in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Personal expenses like shopping, souvenirs or gifts, and personal mountaineering gear.
  • Optional trips and sightseeing are available if extended.
  • International airfare, airport departure tax, and visa fee.
  • Things that we don’t mention above in our services (trip cost includes).
  • Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Availability

Departure Dates

Except for the fixed departure date, we have every day departure according to your requirements.

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Add-Ons

Add-Ons & Options

[Available at Checkout]

  • Hire a porter at USD 23 per day, carry up to 25 kg, & share a porter with your friends.
  • A private car from Kathmandu to Pokhara for USD 125 is more flexible and comfortable.
  • Flight Kathmandu to Pokhara with Airport Transport USD 125 per person.
  • Embark on a Thrilling 2-night, 3-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour for Only $280 per Person

You may share a porter (2:1 Porter) cost with a fellow. Who carry up to 25 kg, inclusive of their gear weighing 4 to 5 kg.

Make your drive more flexible & Comfort. The cost can be shared with your fellow.

To avoid the long drive to Pokhara and Kathmandu back. 30-minute pleasant flight.

Witness endangered wildlife and immerse yourself in Tharu culture. Book now for a 2-night, 3-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour for just $280 per person, inclusive of round-trip tourist bus transport.

Trip FAQs

Annapurna Short Trekking FAQs

It can be sorted after your arrival also, however, please send me your Passport copy by email and bring a pp size photo with you.  
 

As this is for only 3-day treks in October, you don’t need a sleeping bag… but please bring with you a sleeping bag liner. The Guide will provide you with blankets. 

It is sure to light travel is the best way to explore. Regarding the store extra things, you can store them at the hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you already have the rucksack, please bring your rucksack rather than a duffle bag. A rucksack (50 to 70 liters) is batter to carry for the porter. But if you don’t have a rucksack, no problem bringing one big bag.

For the day bag; you need each of you a day bag (15 to 30 liters) to keep in your valuable things, Camera, and water bottle. I will see it and make a decision either to use your or ours, if you need the duffle bag our company Nepal Mother House also provides the duffle bag entire trip.

Glad to hear from you. For the first day at begging, it will be warm during the day, with a temperature of about 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. And at the high point in Poon Hill (3,210 m), Ghorepani, Tadapani will be 10 to 15 degrees Celsius during daytime and night and early morning will be 0 to -10 degrees Celsius. But it will depend on the following day's weather conditions too. Normally, during this time weather is perfect. But the high Himalayan weather condition is unpredictable. It might be rain or snow sometimes. Let’s, think well then everything goes perfectly. Every tea house has a heater in the dining room, so you won’t feel cold while in the tea houses.

For the insurance proof, please send/bring a copy of the insurance policy number and the contact number of the Insurance.

You are right. You will stay at tea Houses, and there is Wifi and electricity.

As this trip starts from Pokhara, you are free after the end of the trip, sure you may stay longer as you wise. So, the cost won’t be changed due to it already starting from Pokhara.

The permits need to organize from Kathmandu or Pokhara ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) office. But as our office is in Kathmandu, we will organize permits from Kathmandu. For this, we need all of your name detail according to the passport and four copies of PP-size pictures by email, we will organize all permits before arrival. You don’t need to attend while they make permits. We will take care of it all.

As Annapurna, Short Trek starts from Pokhara; the transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu is not included. If you need help organizing transport, we are more than glad to assist you. Which will be 8 USD per head for one-way transport by tourist bus. Or you may fly to Pokhara also which is 125 USD per person for one way.

As Annapurna Short Trek is one of the most popular tea house trekking in Annapurna, you will stay at Tea House entire trek. Every tea house will provide blankets, pillows, and bedsheets. Poon Hill is the highest point of the trek an elevation of 3,210m. The blankets will provide in the Tea House, which is sufficient for the night. As this is a short trek you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag. The weather is changeable in the mountain. It might be raining, or snow falling anytime depending upon the session. So Nepal Mother House suggested you check the packing list for Nepal Trekking before departure from your home. You need to bring warm enough clothes such as down jackets, inner fleece jackets, warm hats, sun hats, gloves, etc. If needed down jackets and sleeping bags, we at Nepal Mother House will provide the sleeping bag on hiring basic, which is included in the cost.

Yes, if you have more time during your Nepal stay, you can extend the trip as well. Where you can break for 7 hours hiking on the first day, staying at Banthantati or Naggethanti, and the next day at Ghorepani. You may go into details for the three Days Poon Hill Trek.

Yes, all meals are included; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, and you can choose food from the Menu Cards whatever you like to have. A cup of tea/coffee is also provided every meal.

The highest elevation of Annapurna Short trip is also Poon Hill which is 3,210 meters from sea level.

Annapurna Short Trek is a short form of the Ghorepani poon Hill trek. The Poon Hill Trek requires five Days to complete from Kathmandu in an easy way, but who like to visit the best viewpoint Poon Hill for amazing scenery in a short time, we organize Annapurna Short Trek. For this trip, you need to walk longer and need use a Jeep or Bus longer at the trip's begging point and end. You need to be physical fitness for this trip to walk longer in a day.