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Come on the adventure of a lifetime in Nepal with me!
This October, join me on a 10-day trekking adventure on my favourite hike in Nepal! This tour is for anyone who wants to see an exciting new country, bond with a group of amazing people, try a challenging hike – while being a little bougee at the same time (stay in fancy hotels and dress up for dinner!).
We’ll start the tour exploring the historic wonders of Kathmandu, then journey to the beautiful lakeside charm of Pokhara. From here, we’ll set out on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek – a five-day trek through forests and mountain villages, culminating in the famous sunrise view over the Himalayas at Poon Hill.
After the trek, we head back to Kathmandu for a proper wind-down: spa day and a night out celebrating everything we’ve just done.
If you’ve always wanted to see the Himalayas and trek in Nepal, but Everest Base Camp feels like a bit much for you, this is a really good alternative. It’s challenging in places, but very doable, and done in a comfortable, supported way with a great group of people.
If hiking in Nepal has been on your list, this one’s for you!
The Poon Hill trek is a stunning 5 day trek that takes you to sunrise looking over the Annapurna range. This trek is extremely doable, and enjoyable – while still being tough in parts so you’ll feel challenged. We will stay in local teahouses, and enjoy guided walks every day through incredible landscapes.
Highlights Include:
- Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A guided tour of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square
- Visit Pokhara and its lakeside views
- Return domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Five-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
- Sunrise view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill
- Forests, bamboo groves, waterfalls, and river valleys along the trek
- Spa treatments and relaxation day after the trek
- Private transfers, domestic flight, and experienced local guides throughout
- Accommodation in 4 star hotels and traditional teahouses
- Operated with local guides and a focus on responsible travel
Price
💲 EUR 2,099 per person (twin/double sharing)
💲 EUR 400 single supplement for a private room at the hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara. (Private rooms are not available on the hike due to room availability limitations.)
Payment Plan
Book now with a 15% deposit – or pay in full. If you book with a deposit, the balance needs to be paid before the end of September 2026. We will email you after booking to arrange custom payment plan.
Inclusions:
✅ Airport pick up and drop off services by private AC vehicle
✅ 5 nights hotel accommodation at 4 star hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara on twin / double sharing basis with breakfast
✅ Private rooms at additional cost
✅ Private Ac vehicles for sightseeing tour
✅ Spa treatments on the final day
✅ English speaking guides
✅ Necessary porters (One porter can carry the belongings of 2 persons up to 20 kilograms during the trek)
✅ Entry permit for Annapurna Conservation Area
✅ Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
✅ Return Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
✅ Transfer from Pokhara to Nayapul and from Nayapul to Pokhara by private vehicles
✅ Breakfast, lunch & dinner every day while trekking. Breakfast and evening meal in Kathmandu.
✅ Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
✅ Rescue help
✅ First aid kits
✅ Insurance and equipment for the Nepali staffs
Exclusions
✘ International flights to Nepal
✘ Visas
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Tips for guides/driver
✘ Alcoholic & soft drinks
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
When you land in Kathmandu, the team will meet you at arrivals and transfer you to the 4-star Hotel Barahi. Settle into your room, and later we will have a short welcome & informational chat with Steph and our trekking guides to go through some trip essentials and meet the group.
In the afternoon, we will go on a sightseeing tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), including:
- Hanuman Dhoka (Old Royal Palace)
- Kumari Chowk (House of the Living Goddess)
- Kasthamandap (House of Wood)
I recommend landing in the morning or mid-morning so that you can join this tour.
That evening, get to know the rest of your group over a welcome dinner at a local Nepali restaurant where you can try some delicious local food. Dietary requirements will be accommodated, and we’ll give you a little guide to what everything is if you’re new to Nepali food (it’s so good!)
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Included meals: Welcome Group Dinner
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
After breakfast, we will go on a guided tour of Kathmandu by private coach. Today is about getting a feel for Kathmandu and how life works here. We’ll spend the day learning about local customs, religious traditions, and the history that shapes daily life in the city. It’s a chance to understand Nepal a bit better before we head out of Kathmandu and into the mountains.
We will visit the following sights:
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu sites in the world, sitting quietly along the Bagmati River just outside Kathmandu. From the riverbank, we’ll watch public cremation ceremonies taking place – something that’s a normal, deeply respected part of daily life here.
For many people, this is a powerful moment on the trip. It can feel confronting at first, but it offers a rare and honest insight into how life and death are understood in Nepali culture.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal and a place where we can watch daily spiritual life. The enormous white dome and the Buddha eyes looking out in all directions make it instantly recognisable, but what makes it special is how it’s used. People come here to pray, walk meditative circles around the stupa, and spin the prayer wheels that line its base.
Because it’s surrounded by monasteries and homes, we’ll get to see monks, pilgrims, and locals going about their routines, which gives us a real sense of how Buddhism is lived day to day in Kathmandu. There are small coffee shops and restaurants here, as well as market stalls where we can buy souvenirs like Nepali prayer flags and have them blessed before our trek.
We will have lunch here (included) before our next stop.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one of the best places to understand Nepal’s history and craftsmanship. This area was once the royal centre of the city, and many of the buildings you see today were built by skilled Newari artisans whose work still defines the look of the Kathmandu Valley.
As you walk through the square, you’ll see temples, courtyards, and former palace buildings sitting right alongside everyday life. Locals pass through, people stop to pray, and craftsmen continue traditions that have been around for generations. Visiting Patan helps put Nepal’s art, religion, and history into context in a way that’s easy to understand once you’re standing there.
The main attractions in Patan
a) Golden Temple
b) Kumbheshwar
c) Krishna Mandir
d) Jagat Narayan
e) Mahaboudha
f) Ashokan Stupa
g) Machchhendranath Temple
h) The Tibetan Camp
After our tour, we will return to the hotel. This evening we will arrange rentals of any clothes and equipment we need for the trip (this is something I can help with). And we will pack for our trek!
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Travel To Pokhara
It’s time to depart Kathmandu and head to Pokhara, the gateway city to the Annapurna region. This city is built on a huge lake, and is a gorgeous place to welcome you to a key trekking region in Nepal.
We will be taking a 30 minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara in the morning. All airport transfers will be provided. We’ll leave most of our luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu and carry only what we need for the trek. We have a 10kg weight restriction for our luggage on the trek, along with a small bag.
Once we land in Pokhara, we’ll take a short transfer to our hotel to settle in. After this, we have free time to explore the town. I have a good google maps list of things to do and places to eat, so whether you’re into photography, water sports, or just good coffee with excellent views there is a lot to do.
That evening we will meet for a group meal at a local restaurant that has great western food and wood fired pizza – to help us carb load for the trek! We’ll head to bed early, as we start our trek the following day.
Accommodation: Hotel Aabas, Pokhara
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Start The Poon Hill Trek!
We’ll start the day early with breakfast at the hotel, then meet our porter and guides! We take a private jeep from Pokhara (915 m.) to Nayapul (1050m.), which takes approximately one and a half hours. This is the starting point of the trek, and a spot to pee, grab some water and snacks before we start.
We will begin our trek from Nayapul (1050m.) to Tikhedhunga (1577 m.) via Birethanti (1065m.), which takes about four and a half hours. There will be a lunch stop en route.
This is a fairly easy walk that gradually gets steeper as the day goes on. The first part of the trek is easy, passing through numerous small villages and settlements. Afterwards, we will ascend gently to the final destination of the day: Tikhedhunga, a beautiful and tiny little village with stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, tucked away in Nepal’s scenic surroundings.
We will eat dinner together at our teahouse, play cards and get some sleep for our biggest day of trekking the next day!
Accommodation: Stay overnight at Nepalese teahouse. Lodgings are very simple on the trek, with hot showers available for a small fee.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani
Today we will trek from Tikhedhunga (1577 m.) to Ghorepani (2675 m.) which takes about six hours. This is the toughest day of the trek, and a challenging but *beautiful* day of hiking. It’s a love / hate kind of day, because you’re tired but the views are so beautiful.
To begin our trek, we ascend steeply for the early 2 hours and then ascend gently, passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, Magar villages. Expect a difficult ascent up the stone stairway, with a total of 3,381 total steps.
On the way, we can see good views of Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), and Annapurna (7219m) south. Now, our trail is quite easier, passing through forests and shadowy trees and ascending gently to the final camp.
We can see some of the wildlife such as monkeys and various species of birds. We will pass through local villages and see people go about their daily lives, children making their way to school along the route, farmers herding goats past our path.
We’ll arrive at our teahouse as the sun starts to set over the mountains. For anyone who loves to watch sunset, I’ll take you to a really good spot where you can watch the sun hit the mountain peaks as it sets. We’ll have dinner at our teahouse and warm up around the fire, then head to bed early to get ready for sunrise the following day.
Accommodation: Stay overnight at Nepalese teahouse. Lodgings are very simple on the trek, with hot showers available for a small fee.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Sunrise at Poon Hill, trekking to Tadapani
Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Tadapani (2675m.) which takes about five and half hours.
Early morning we’ll wake and hike to Poon Hill (3210m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow-capped mountain peaks.
The views from Poon Hill are some of the most beautiful I have seen in all my time travelling. Enjoy hot chocolate or hot tea at the top, and spend as much time as you need taking in the sights and taking photos. When we are ready, we will descend back to Ghorepani to eat breakfast and check out of our teahouse.
After breakfast, we’ll trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (2650 m.). After walking for almost one and a half hours, we will reach Gurung Hill, which has the same splendid mountain views as Poon Hill. We follow small forests from here until you reach Deurali. The trail goes steeply down through deep forests all the way to Banthati. It takes one hour from here to reach Tadapani.
Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests, which grants you a magnificent view of the mountains at sunrise and sunset.
Accommodation: Stay overnight at Nepalese teahouse. Lodgings are very simple on the trek, with hot showers available for a small fee.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Short trekking day to Ghandruk
Today is a short trekking day from Tadapani to Ghandruk which takes about three hours. This trek will take us through a beautiful forest, walking alongside a river dotted with small and large waterfalls along the route. The path is mostly downhill, with some uphills at parts – but overall it’s a pretty easy day.
We’ll arrive at Ghandruk around midday and have lunch at a local teahouse. After this, you can either rest or come on a guided tour around the beautiful cultural town seeing the local museum and temple.
That evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Nepali meal and say goodbye to our Porters as it will be our last night with them! We are at a lower altitude, so this is a good time to have a few rum hot chocolates and drinks together to celebrate the last night of the trek.
Accommodation: Stay overnight at Nepalese teahouse. Lodgings are very simple on the trek, with hot showers available for a small fee.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Return to Kathmandu
We have one final trek from Ghandruk to Birethanti to catch our transport back to Pokhara and take our flight to Kathmandu. This walk is mostly downhill, passing through some small local villages and taking shortcuts through scenic fields. It’s a really beautiful day of trekking, the final stage is completely flat.
We’ll make it back to Nayapul for lunch and grab some food before we head to the airport to fly to Kathmandu. Once we get to Kathmandu, you have a free evening to chill. You can order room service in a fluffy robe, head out for cocktails in the town, or have a chilled out meal on the hotel rooftop. It’s totally up to you!
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 09: Spa Treatments, Shopping & Rest
Today is a leisurely day to unwind and rest after a challenging few days of trekking! We’ll start our morning with breakfast at our hotel, there’s no early start today so you can enjoy a late breakfast if you prefer.
After this, enjoy complimentary spa treatments at a local spa. You can choose from a range of massages & beauty treatments to relax your poor muscles after such active days. A one hour massage of your choice will be included in the tour.
In the afternoon we will enjoy some shopping locally, to buy souvenirs to bring home.
On our final evening, we will go to a local cocktail bar for sunset (first cocktail is covered on the tour), followed by a leaving meal with the group on a gorgeous rooftop in Thamel. We can toast to a successful trek, and make plans to travel again!
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Say Goodbye!
Today it’s time for the tour to come to an end!
Breakfast will be included at your hotel, and complimentary airport transfers will take you from the hotel to Kathmandu airport for your international flight. We will group transfers together for flights that are leaving around the same time, and send the transfer schedule ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people will be in the group?
The group size for this tour is 14 people; Steph and 13 guests.
How Fit Do You Need To Be For This Trek?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is considered a moderate trek, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. We met many trekkers with kids on the trail, and people into their 60’s – so it’s suitable for a wide age group. If you’re generally fit, healthy, and comfortable walking uphill for sustained periods, you’ll be absolutely fine. However, this trek is not suitable if you struggle with long days of walking, steep ascents, or have injuries or health conditions that limit your mobility.
Here’s what’s recommended:
- Walking Endurance: You’ll be trekking around 4-6 hours per day, often on uphill and downhill paths, so it’s helpful if you’re comfortable with sustained physical activity. Prior experience hiking or walking on uneven terrain will be a big plus.
- Stamina: The elevation at Poon Hill is about 3,210 meters (10,531 feet), which isn’t extremely high, but you may still feel the effects of altitude. Good cardiovascular fitness can help you adapt more comfortably.
- Preparation: If you can train with some regular hikes or even brisk walks on inclines, it will make the trek more enjoyable. Light strength training, especially for the legs, and stretching exercises can also help.
While you don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer, some pre-trip fitness prep will make the experience much more enjoyable and comfortable. I have a training plan prepared which will be sent to you when you sign up. This will get you ready for the trek in 8-10 weeks.
How high is Poon Hill, and will I feel the effects of altitude?
Poon Hill sits at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). It’s lower than many high-altitude treks, so while altitude sickness isn’t very common here (usually people feel the effects above 4,000m), however some people may feel mild symptoms like shortness of breath. Taking it slow and staying hydrated helps. You can also pick up altitude tablets in Pokhara to be safe.
Do I need any special permits for the trek?
Yes, you’ll need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These are all included with in the price of the tour, and will be arranged for you.
What kind of accommodation and food can I expect on the trek?
You’ll stay in traditional “teahouses” which are simple lodges offering basic rooms and meals. The bedrooms are usually very small, the shared bathroom facilities are often outside and meals are served in a communal dining hall. Here is a post which describes teahouses, with photo. Tea Houses also give us the opportunity to connect with locals directly as teahouses are run by locals and located in villages. Meals usually include Nepalese staples like dal bhat (rice and lentils), along with soups, noodles. From Ghorepani until the end of the trek (our descent), teahouses serve delicious hot apple pie and skillet pastas if you feel like western food.
Will I have cell service or internet on the trek?
If you get a local sim card, you will have intermittent internet access on the tour. We can help you get one of these upon landing. However you will not have guaranteed reception for the entirety of the trip.
Are there bathrooms and showers along the trek?
Yes, most teahouses have basic shared bathrooms. Hot showers are available for a small fee, though they may not be available at every stop. You can find Western-style toilets in city areas. However, lodges and teahouses provide basic squat toilets, often in simple outdoor structures which are generally outside the room. You may or may not find toilet paper. So, it’s better to take your own.
Do I need to carry all my own gear?
The tour will provide porters for the trek. One porter can carry the belongings of 2 persons up to 20 kilograms and will start and stop with us each night. If you would rather not use a porter, you can carry a small backpack of your own belongings. When I did the trek previously, we brought schoolbag sized backpacks which held our belongings for the trek and didn’t use porters.
Porters will not cost extra, as their fees are included in the price. I have specifically chosen a company that pays their guides and porters well, but tipping porters at the end of the trek is customary and appreciated, but not mandatory.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. You will need to submit your insurance documentation at least 45 days before departure. I have a great recommendation for insurance that I used for past treks, I’ll send that to the group.
Do I need trekking poles?
Trekking poles are optional but can be very helpful, especially on the steep sections and descents if you have balance or ankle / knee issues. They reduce impact on your knees and can help with balance, particularly if you’re carrying a daypack. For reference we did not have walking poles on our previous Poon Hill trek, but we did see many people with them.
What kind of wildlife might I see on the trek?
You might spot mountain goats, langur monkeys, and a variety of Himalayan birds. While larger wildlife is rare, the forests are rich in biodiversity.
How can I minimize my environmental impact on the trek?
We will be using refillable water bottles and provide purification methods, pack out all trash, avoid single-use plastics, and stay on marked trails to protect the environment during the trek. We will also opt for eco-friendly accommodations and support local businesses where possible.
Will we have a guide for the trek?
I have partnered with an experienced local company who have been running trekking tours in Nepal for 45 years. The company has a female chairperson and female guides, and have a strong sense of social responsibility and care for the environment.
Our guide will be a local Nepali, but a good English speaker – they will be with us through the entirety of the trek! Most of the guides working with this company come from the mountainous regions of Nepal, above 3000m. To sustain local communities, our trekking company uses staff from the different areas of Nepal & diverse ethnic communities; including Sherpas, Gurung, Magar, Rai, and Brahmin who have adequate knowledge about the culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, and history of Nepal. They provide guides who have gone through government-certified training programs.
From the company directly: “We are committed to responsible tourism. Our policies aim to ensure that our tours, treks & expeditions comply with policies which are socially, environmentally and culturally sound. We feel strongly that all our trips should protect the environment by minimizing pollution, respect the local traditions, religion, heritage, and benefit the local communities. We tread lightly. Low impact trekking/touring is the best way of preserving the beautiful and fragile places we visit. Annually, 10% of our net profits are earmarked for reforestation efforts and educational programs in the countryside villages. We are dedicated to doing our part, to save the global environment and to preserve the natural beauty of our country.”
What should I pack?
A full packing list will be sent to you once you book on the tour. You’ll need mostly hiking boots or trekking trainers, warm clothes, a sleeping bag and a down jacket. I have a great company that I used for rentals on past tours – so you do not need to buy these and you can rent them from $2 per day. I will be arranging rentals in the group chat before we head to Nepal.
What will the weather be like during the trek?
October is one of the most rewarding months to trek to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. Autumn brings crisp air, stable weather, and some of the clearest mountain views of the entire year.
- Weather: Days are cool and comfortable for hiking, with temperatures typically ranging from 10–18°C (50–64°F) at lower elevations. The sun feels pleasant rather than hot, making uphill sections easier to enjoy. Evenings and early mornings can be quite chilly—often dropping close to 0–5°C (32–41°F) at higher points—so warm layers are essential.
- Mountain Views: October is known for its crystal‑clear skies. Post‑monsoon air is clean and visibility is excellent, especially at sunrise. Poon Hill often delivers its best panoramas at this time of year, with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Clouds are less common than in spring, giving you more consistently clear days.
- Trail Conditions: The trails are generally dry and firm after the monsoon season. Mud is minimal, and the paths are in great condition for steady, comfortable walking. While you won’t see the rhododendron blooms of spring, the forests are lush and the autumn colours add a warm, earthy beauty to the route.
- Crowds: October is peak trekking season in Nepal, so expect a lively atmosphere on the trail and busy teahouses, especially in Ghorepani and around Poon Hill. It’s a social time to trek, with hikers from around the world sharing the route, but it rarely feels overwhelming if you plan your overnights well.
- What to Wear: Layering is key. Bring warm clothing for sunrise at Poon Hill and for evenings in the teahouses: an insulated jacket, hat, gloves, and thermal layers. During the day, lighter layers are usually enough, and you’ll likely shed outer layers once you start climbing.
What is the cancellation policy for the tour
We know plans can change, so we’ve kept our cancellation policy clear and fair:
- To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit of 15% is required at the time of booking.
- Your final balance is due 6 weeks before departure.
If you need to cancel:
- 12+ weeks before your trip: You’ll only lose your deposit (if we can replace you on the tour, we will refund your deposit minus a €50 admin fee)
- 8–11 weeks before your trip: 50% of your trip cost is non-refundable.
- 4–7 weeks before your trip: 75% of your trip cost is non-refundable.
- Less than 4 weeks before your trip: Unfortunately, no refund can be given.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Yes. Most travellers require a visa. Full details will be sent 45 days before departure.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, the lodges and restaurants we work with can accommodate dietary needs. Please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.
Travel insurance is required to protect you in case of illness, flight cancellations, or other unexpected events.
