How to Get from Pokhara to Ghorepani

Ghorepani is an essential stop on the Poon Hill Trek, as it's from this settlement that most trekkers make the early-morning ascent of Poon Hill. Here's how to get from Pokhara to Ghorepani.

By Private Transfer and on Foot

Duration: 2 days

Ghorepani is not on a vehicle road, so it can only be reached from the trailhead at Nayapul on foot. While trekking itineraries can take varying routes, even on a short trek like the Poon Hill Trek, it usually takes people two days to get to Ghorepani from Pokhara.

From Pokhara, take a private transfer to Nayapul, west along the Pokhara-Baglung Rajmarg Road. This will take about 90 minutes. It's a relatively well-maintained road, as many people go this way to start treks in the Annapurna Himalaya. It's also possible to take a local bus, but these are not very comfortable (or safe) and take much longer than a private vehicle. Most trekkers want to start their walk as soon as possible and not waste time on uncomfortable public transport, so a private vehicle or taxi is the best option.

From Nayapul, begin walking along the trail. If the weather is clear you should have good views of the distinctive Machapuchhare (Fishtail). Plan to spend the first night of the trek either in Tikhedhunga (4-5 hours' walk from Nayapul), or Ulleri (5-6 hours' walk). The trail passes through cultivated farmland and over the odd suspension bridge. Parts, especially at the start, follow a Jeep track, which can be dusty. Tikhedhunga is located just before one of the most challenging parts of the trek, the 3,000+ steps up to Ulleri. 

The trek up to Ghorepani on day two increases in altitude, passes some beautiful cultivated land, and through forests. When the weather is clear the views of the high Himalaya will start to show through gaps in the forest and hills. How long this trek takes depends on whether you made it up the steps to Ulleri on day one. If so, you can expect quite a short day of walking on day two, just 3 or 4 hours.