Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Distances

Below are the distances between points on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.  But if you have been to Nepal before or if you have trekked any routes, you will realise that the number of kilometers may not be an indication as how much time is involved!  So we have also included the average time it takes, for a trekker of average ability also to cover the given kilometers.

Distance by Road

The first day of your adventure will be driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara.  How long will that take?

Despite being the only 200km apart, driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara can take an average of  7 to 8 hours.  That is assuming there are no delays on the road due to accident or a natural disaster (landslides are common in the monsoon).

The road out of the Kathmandu Valley is very scenic – high cliff on one side, steep drop-off over a river on the other.  With single line traffic at some parts of the road, movement is slow.

Travel Time Kathmandu to Pokhara

There are three ways to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. By bus, by private car/jeep or by plane.

Taking the plane involves a short 30-minute flight.  If the weather is clear and you take the first flight in the morning, you can be sitting at the side Fewa Lake in Pokhara in time to eat breakfast.  And you get a free mountain flight thrown in!

By private vehicle, it will take you around 7 hours, including stops.  The advantage of a private vehicle is that you can start later in the morning if you want (but best to go early) and stop where you want for photographs etc.

By tourist bus (whether normal or deluxe) will take you 7-8 hours, including stops.  Tourist buses leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning.

All road transport is subject to road conditions ie traffic jam, road construction.

Flights are subject to delay due to weather, usually in the monsoon season.

Travel Time Pokhara to Naya Pool

Your adventure really begins going Pokhara to the start of the trek at Naya Pool.  Naya Pool is 62km from Pokhara.  Being that this road is in better condition, and flatter than the Kathmandu to Pokhara road, it will take you an average of 1.5 to 2 hours. Again, you can go by public bus or by private vehicle.

By private vehicle, it will take around 1.5 hours from Pokhara to Naya Pool.  You can decide to leave a little later in the morning allowing you to have a more leisurely breakfast first.

But do remember you will be walking for around 4 or 5 hours after reaching Naya Pool so don’t leave too late from Pokhara! Another advantage of your own transport could be that you can then drive direct to Tikhe Dhunga, cutting out the first day’s walking.

By public bus, which leaves every hour or so and takes 2 hours.

Average Walking Hours

This is considered a relatively easy trek (for the Himalaya’s) and suitable for children.  Walking time per day (doing the 5 day trek) never exceeds 6 hours.

It is possible to do this trek over 3, 4 or 5 days.  But how many days are best? In our opinion, based on years of experience in the trekking industry and feedback from clients and friends, the 5 nights itinerary is best on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Why? In one sentence: because it allows you more access and time to mountains, nature, local communities, and personal reflection on a low altitude, short trek through the great Annapurna Range of the Nepal Himalaya!

Below is the itinerary for the 5-night trek.

Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Naya Pool and Trek to Tikhe Dhunga

Total time involved: approx 1.5 hrs drive and 4-5 hours trek

(it is possible to reduce trekking time by driving directly from Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga)

Trekking distance: Naya Pool to Tikhe Dhunga – 9km

Day 02 Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani

Total time involved:	6-7 hours
Trekking distance:	13km

Day 03:  Ghorepani to Tadapani with a morning hike to Poon Hill

Total time involved:	approx 6 hours plus ‘sunrise viewing time’
Trekking distance:	8km

Day 04:  Tadapani to Ghandruk

Total time involved:	3-4 hours
Trekking distance:	9.8km

Day 05: Ghandruk to Naya Pool and drive to Pokhara

Total time involved: approximately 4-5 hours trek and 1.5 hours drive

Trekking distance: 14km

Kilometres and Hours on the Ghorepani to Poon Hill Trek

From / To	Number of Km/Miles	Average trekking time (hours)
Pokhara to Naya Pool	62 km /38 miles	1.5 (by vehicle)
Naya Pool to Tikhe Dhunga	9 km /5.5 miles	4-5
Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani	13 km / 8 miles	5-6
Ghorepani to Poon Hill	1.5 km / 0.9 miles	1
Ghorepani to Tadapani	6.5 km / 4 miles	5-6
Tadapani to Ghandruk	9.8 km / 2.3 miles	3-4
Ghandruk to Naya Pool	14 km / 8,69 miles	4-5
Naya Pool to Pokhara	62 km / 38.5 miles	1.5 (by vehicle)

Why do this Trek over 5 Days?

As mentioned, it is possible to do the Ghorepani to Poon Hill Trek in 3 or 4 days.  But we recommend doing it over 5 days.  Here are some more reasons why we recommend 5 days:

• On Day 1, you can drive directly from Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga (jeep), cutting out 4 or 5 hours of hiking time.  Great if you have children!
• Enjoy staying in 4 different local communities.
• Plenty of time to visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk.
• On Day 4, plenty of time to relax after a more challenging day on Day 3.
• More time for photo opportunities, taking in the scenery and breathing in the mountain air.
• Walking never exceeds 6 hours per day.