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- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Kathmandu, Chitwan & Pokhara
Overview & Highlights
12 Days Nepal Highlights Tour | Wildlife, Himalayan Sunrise & Cultural Heritage
Experience the very best of Nepal in one unforgettable journey. This carefully designed itinerary combines UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, exciting wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park, the peaceful beauty of Pokhara, and Nepal's most celebrated short Himalayan trek—the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Unlike standard trekking holidays, this journey offers a complete introduction to Nepal's nature, culture, wildlife, mountain villages, and Himalayan landscapes. Whether you are visiting Nepal for the first time, travelling with family, celebrating a honeymoon, or seeking a comfortable trekking adventure, this itinerary delivers extraordinary diversity without extreme altitude.
Stand atop Poon Hill (3,210 m) as the first golden rays illuminate Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and dozens of Himalayan peaks. Walk through ancient rhododendron forests, charming Gurung and Magar villages, lush rice terraces, and welcoming tea houses before relaxing beside Pokhara's tranquil Phewa Lake.
This is Nepal at its finest.
Trip Facts
- Trip Duration12 Days
- Max Elevation3210m
- Maximum Altitude3210
- Group Size1-14
- Accommodationhotel and Tea house
- Meals3 Meals per day
Tour Highlights
✔ Arrival assistance in Kathmandu
✔ UNESCO Heritage sightseeing
✔ Traditional Nepali welcome dinner
✔ Scenic drive to Chitwan
✔ 2 Nights Chitwan Jungle Safari
✔ Canoe Ride
✔ Jeep Safari
✔ Bird Watching
✔ Tharu Cultural Dance
✔ Scenic drive to Pokhara
✔ Beautiful lakeside city
✔ Traditional Gurung villages
✔ Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
✔ Sunrise from Poon Hill (3210m)
✔ Rhododendron forests
✔ Annapurna & Dhaulagiri panoramas
✔ Ghandruk village exploration
✔ Comfortable teahouse experience
✔ Professional local trekking guide
Itinerary
Explore the day-by-day plan for your journey.
Meet by our Nepal Spiritual Trekking team representative in airport and transfer to the hotel. Our representative assists to check in hotel process and give short brief about program. You can take rest and fresh. You can walk in evening in Thamel (tourist hub of Kathmandu). Overnight in Kathmandu.
Visit:
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
Learn about Nepal's living traditions, Buddhist philosophy, and Hindu culture.
Accommodation:
Kathmandu
Drive through beautiful river valleys.
Arrive at Chitwan National Park.
Evening Tharu cultural performance.
Accommodation:
Chitwan
Morning Canoe Ride
Nature Walk
Visit Elephant Breeding Centre (ethical observation)
Jeep Safari
Bird Watching
Optional sunset by Rapti River.
Accommodation:
Chitwan
Scenic drive beside rivers and hills.
Evening free around Lakeside.
Optional boating on Phewa Lake.
Accommodation:
Pokhara
Drive to trek starting point.
Walk through terraced fields and charming villages.
Reach Ulleri after climbing famous stone staircases.
Walking:
5–6 Hours
Accommodation:
Tea House
Walk through enchanting oak and rhododendron forests.
Magnificent Himalayan views begin to appear.
Explore Ghorepani village.
Walking:
5–6 Hours
Accommodation:
Tea House
Early morning hike to Poon Hill.
Witness one of the world's greatest Himalayan sunrises.
Continue through dense forests to Tadapani.
Walking:
6 Hours
Accommodation:
Tea House
Descend to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Drive back to Pokhara.
Relax by the lakeside.
Accommodation:
Pokhara
Enjoy beautiful pokhara with half day sightseeing, adventure activities or simply personal treat good food and spa.
Drive or optional flight.
Free afternoon.
Farewell dinner.
Accommodation:
Kathmandu
Transfer to airport.
End of your Nepal adventure.
Trip Cost & Services
Cost Includes
Accommodation
✔ 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3-star category or similar)
✔ 3 nights comfortable hotel accommodation in Pokhara
✔ 2 nights jungle lodge/resort accommodation in Chitwan
✔ 3 nights comfortable teahouse accommodation during Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
✔ Twin-sharing accommodation throughout the journeyTransportation
✔ Airport pickup and transfer on arrival
✔ Airport drop-off on departure
✔ Private tourist vehicle for Kathmandu sightseeing
✔ Tourist bus/private vehicle Kathmandu–Chitwan–Pokhara–Kathmandu transportation
✔ Private transfer to and from trekking starting and ending points(Optional domestic flight Pokhara–Kathmandu can be arranged at additional cost.)
Meals
✔ Daily breakfast during Kathmandu and Pokhara stays
✔ All meals during Chitwan jungle stay
✔ Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
✔ Welcome Nepali cultural dinner in Kathmandu
✔ Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary requirements available upon request
Trekking Services
✔ Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
✔ Local assistant guide for larger groups
✔ Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying approximately 20–25 kg)
✔ Guide and porter insurance, salary, food, and accommodation
✔ Trekking route planning and support
Permits and Documentation
✔ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
✔ Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) registration
✔ Chitwan National Park entry permit
✔ All required government taxes and service charges
Chitwan Jungle Safari Activities
✔ Jungle jeep safari
✔ Canoe ride on Rapti River
✔ Jungle walk with naturalist guide
✔ Bird watching experience
✔ Tharu cultural village visit
✔ Tharu cultural dance program
Kathmandu & Cultural Experiences
✔ Kathmandu heritage sightseeing
✔ Experienced local city guide
✔ Visits to important cultural landmarks:
- Swayambhunath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
Additional Services
✔ Pre-trek briefing in Kathmandu
✔ Trekking map
✔ Duffel bag (if required)
✔ First aid medical kit carried by guide
✔ Emergency support assistance
✔ Government taxes and company service charges
Cost Excludes
To keep our pricing transparent, the following expenses are not included:
International Travel
✘ International flights to and from Nepal
✘ Nepal tourist visa fees
✘ Travel insurance covering trekking and emergency evacuationPersonal Expenses
✘ Personal shopping and souvenirs
✘ Laundry services
✘ Phone calls and internet expenses
✘ Personal trekking equipment and clothing
✘ Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinksFood and Drinks
✘ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
✘ Extra meals outside the fixed itinerary
✘ Imported beveragesOptional Activities
✘ Pokhara activities such as:
- Paragliding
- Zipline
- Ultra-light flight
- Boating (unless mentioned)
✘ Optional helicopter rescue or emergency evacuation costs
Trekking Extras
✘ Extra porter service beyond included allowance
✘ Horse/donkey transportation if required
✘ Tips for guides, drivers, and support staff
✘ Costs caused by natural disasters, weather delays, strikes, or unforeseen circumstances
Altitude & route map
Select a preview for a full-width, zoomable view.
Route Map
Trip visual
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers for planning this trip with confidence.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara is designed for travelers who want to experience the best of Nepal without committing to a long and physically demanding Himalayan expedition.
This signature Nepal journey is perfect for:
First-Time Visitors to Nepal
If you are visiting Nepal for the first time and searching for the best Nepal itinerary, this package gives you a complete introduction to the country:
- Ancient temples and Himalayan culture in Kathmandu
- Wildlife adventure in Chitwan National Park
- Lakeside relaxation in Pokhara
- Himalayan sunrise from Poon Hill
Instead of seeing only mountains, you experience Nepal's complete identity.
Yes. The trek is considered one of Nepal's most accessible Himalayan trekking experiences. The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, and the trail combines comfortable teahouses, village paths, and spectacular mountain views without requiring previous trekking experience.
The sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m) is considered one of Nepal's greatest mountain viewpoints.
On a clear morning you can see:
| Mountain | Height |
|---|---|
| Dhaulagiri I | 8,167m |
| Annapurna I | 8,091m |
| Annapurna South | 7,219m |
| Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) | 6,993m |
| Hiunchuli | 6,441m |
| Nilgiri | 7,061m |
| Annapurna II | 7,937m |
The magical moment comes when the first sunlight touches the snowy peaks while you stand above the clouds.
This complete Nepal itinerary takes 12 days, combining cultural sightseeing, wildlife safari, Pokhara exploration, and Himalayan trekking.
The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters.
October-November and March-April are generally considered the best months.
Yes. Combining Chitwan, Pokhara and Poon Hill creates one of Nepal's most complete travel experiences.
Trekkers generally require Annapurna Conservation Area permits and trekking registration documents.
Because we combine Himalayan adventure with authentic Nepalese culture, local knowledge, responsible tourism, and personalized service from experienced local guides.
Traveller Useful Information
Practical details to help you prepare before departure.
Families Traveling With Children
This is one of the best family trekking routes in Nepal because:
- Moderate walking distance
- Comfortable accommodation
- Friendly local communities
- No technical climbing
- Beautiful scenery without extreme altitude
Parents can introduce children to the Himalayas in a safe and meaningful way.
Couples and Honeymoon Travelers
Imagine waking before sunrise, walking through a quiet Himalayan forest, and watching golden sunlight touch Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
This journey combines:
- Romantic Pokhara lakeside evenings
- Mountain sunrise moments
- Authentic village experiences
- Private travel options
Senior Travelers Looking for a Comfortable Himalayan Experience
For active seniors who want Himalayan views without extreme adventure, Ghorepani Poon Hill offers one of the best balances between comfort and achievement.
Many travelers ask:
"Should I choose Everest Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill?"
Both are incredible Himalayan experiences, but they offer different experiences.
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | Everest Base Camp |
|---|---|
| Best for beginners | Requires stronger fitness |
| Highest point 3,210m | Over 5,364m |
| 4–6 trekking days | Around 12–14 trekking days |
| Green forests and villages | High mountain wilderness |
| Lower altitude challenge | Greater altitude risk |
| Family friendly | More physically demanding |
This itinerary combines two different ecosystems:
Chitwan National Park Wildlife Experience
During your jungle safari in Chitwan, you may encounter:
- One-horned rhinoceros
- Bengal tiger (rare but possible)
- Wild elephants
- Sloth bears
- Wild boars
- Spotted deer
- Crocodiles
- Monkeys
- Hundreds of bird species
Chitwan is one of Asia's important wildlife destinations and offers jeep safari, canoe rides, jungle walks, and birdwatching experiences.
The Annapurna region offers a completely different Himalayan ecosystem.
You may see:
- Himalayan birds
- Danphe (Himalayan Monal), Nepal's national bird
- Langur monkeys
- Barking deer
- Mountain butterflies
The rhododendron forests around Ghorepani are especially rich in birdlife during spring.
Clothing
✓ Lightweight trekking pants
✓ Thermal base layers
✓ Fleece jacket
✓ Down jacket
✓ Waterproof jacket
✓ Warm hat
✓ Gloves
✓ Hiking socks
Footwear
✓ Comfortable trekking boots
✓ Sandals for evenings
✓ Extra shoelaces
Trekking Equipment
✓ Day backpack
✓ Water bottle
✓ Trekking poles
✓ Headlamp
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Sunscreen
Personal Items
✓ Passport copies
✓ Personal medicine
✓ Camera
✓ Power bank
✓ Toiletries
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