How to find trekkers' Favorite Ghorepani Viewpoint Spots

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Nepal is a favorite among trekkers in Nepal, and its easy to see why. It has some amazing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. If you want to find the best spots to take in the scenery, a bit of local insight and planning can help.

The most popular viewpoint is Poon Hill (3,210 meters), which is just a short hike from Ghorepani village. It's known as the sunrise spot where hikers gather early to see the sun light up the snow-covered peaks. To get to Poon Hill, start your hike around 4:30 AM with a headlamp and follow the stone steps that lead up for about 45 minutes.

There are also some quieter spots worth checking out. Ghorepani Upper Village has some peaceful areas where you can enjoy great views without the crowds. Just stroll along the upper ridge of the village in the late afternoon or at sunset for a nice alternative to Poon Hill, with views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

Another lesser-known spot is the Deurali Pass viewpoint on the way to Tadapani, which is about 3,200 meters high. From there, youll get fantastic views of the whole range, and its usually not as busy as Poon Hill.

To find these spots, just ask local guides or teahouse ownersthey often know of quiet places that arent marked on maps. You can also use offline GPS apps like Maps.me or AllTrails to help you navigate the smaller trails.

So, keep in mind that Poon Hill is just the start. With a little adventure and curiosity, you can uncover some hidden gems in Ghorepani that many trekkers overlook. Be open to exploring, start early, and look beyond the usual to find some of the best mountain views you'll ever see.

Poon Hill

Poon Hill is the standout viewpoint in the Ghorepani area, sitting at 3,210 meters. It's famous for its sunrise views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri. Most trekkers wake up early to see the sun light up the snow-capped peaks. The hike from Ghorepani village takes about 45 minutes and is steep, but the stone steps and handrails make it manageable. On clear days, the place gets packed with people eager to catch a breathtaking sunrise. Getting there early is key for the best spot, and make sure to wear warm clothesit can get chilly up there. Even though it's busy, Poon Hill is a must-do on the trek, offering amazing mountain views that make the early start worth it.

Ghorepani Upper Village Ridge

If you want a quieter spot than Poon Hill, check out the upper ridge of Ghorepani village. Just a quick walk up from the main area, this ridge gives you nice views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and distant mountains. Its a great place to watch the sunset colors without the morning crowd. Many trekkers find it while wandering around in the evening or relaxing after arriving. Its easy to access since its part of the village. Grab your camera and a cup of tea from your lodge to enjoy the peaceful scenery. Locals can often point you to these quieter views if you ask.

Deurali Pass

Deurali Pass, about an hour's trek from Ghorepani toward Tadapani, sits at around 3,200 meters. Its one of the lesser-known spots with great panoramic views. With fewer visitors than Poon Hill, its a calm place to take in the sights of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. The trail leads gently up through lush forest, opening up to alpine views at the pass. Its especially pretty in the early morning or late afternoon when the light hits just right. You can relax on grassy ledges, snap some long-exposure shots, or just enjoy the fresh mountain air. Its a perfect spot for those looking for some peace while soaking in the scenery.

Shikha Village Overlook

Shikha, located below Ghorepani, has some lovely viewpoints that many trekkers miss in their rush. If you take a moment to look around, there are several spots near the lodges where you can capture beautiful views of Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri, especially at sunrise. The village is surrounded by terraced fields and forest edges, providing stunning clearings. Its a great place to take photos of traditional Nepali village life against the backdrop of the Himalayas. If you get to Shikha in the late afternoon, take a short walk beyond the village to find some elevated views. Locals often know the best spots for photography or quiet moments. Its a nice break as you travel to or from Ghorepani.

Poon Hill Trailside Rest Points

Along the Poon Hill trail, there are little rest spots and benches that offer amazing views that trekkers often overlook while rushing. These spots give unique angles of the forests below and sneak peeks of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Theyre perfect for those who want to take their time and catch the sunrise. You can also take some moody mountain photos as the morning mist rolls in. If youre not in a hurry, stopping at these places can give you some nice solitude and great views, especially when Poon Hill gets crowded. Bring a thermos of tea and take a moment to soak it all in.

Tadapani Viewpoint

Tadapani is a small village at 2,630 meters, offering stunning morning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. The best view is just a few steps from the lodges, where the forest opens up for a clear panorama. It shines at sunrise when the peaks light up in orange and pink. The village is quiet and surrounded by rhododendron trees, adding to its charm. Since many trekkers stay the night, you can easily step out of your room to catch the view. If the weathers nice, this spot can rival Poon Hill for beauty, and you won't have to wake up before dawn. Dont forget to charge your cameraits a great photo opportunity.

Ghandruk to Tadapani Trail Clearings

The trail from Ghandruk to Tadapani goes through dense rhododendron forest but has some openings that offer breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. These quiet viewpoints are often unmarked but unforgettable. Keep an eye out for breaks in the trees where you can see Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre standing tall against the sky. Early morning or after rain hikes along this stretch provide especially clear vistas. These clearings are ideal for a pitstop or a relaxing picnic away from the busy lodges. Stay alert and keep your camera handysome of the best views appear unexpectedly.

Rhododendron Forest Openings

The rhododendron forests around Ghorepani are famous for their bright blooms in spring and for hiding some great mountain views. As you walk through these colorful woods, look for spots where the sunlight streams in, letting you glimpse the peaks through the trees. These natural frames are perfect for pictures and quiet moments. During the blooming season from March to April, the mix of red rhododendrons and snow-capped peaks is stunning. You dont need to reach a designated viewpoint to see amazing sightsthese moments in the forest are some of the most magical parts of the trek. Take a pause when you find them, inhale the fresh scent of the woods, and enjoy the surprise views.

Tea House Rooftops in Ghorepani

Many trekkers miss out on the views from their lodge rooftops in Ghorepani. Several teahouses in the upper village have flat rooftops with benches set up for sunrise and sunset viewing. You can see a long stretch of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges without any hiking. These rooftops offer a comfortable, easy way to enjoy the views, especially if you arrive early. Enjoy a warm drink, wrap yourself in a blanket, and watch the peaks glow as the sun sets. For those who prefer a laid-back vibe over an early morning climb to Poon Hill, the rooftops provide a greatand often overlookedspot for enjoying the mountains right where you are.

Hidden Path Behind Upper Ghorepani Lodges

Behind the lodges in Upper Ghorepani, theres a narrow path that few trekkers know about. It leads to secluded areas with amazing views. Its often used by locals going to small shrines or water sources. Just a few minutes on this path can take you away from the crowds to see the Dhaulagiri range. This hidden spot is great for sunset or a quiet afternoon break. Ask the lodge staff or guides for directionslocals know it well and are typically happy to show you. Its a fantastic place to unwind with a book, journal, or camera, and truly enjoy the peaceful beauty around you. Finding these lesser-known gems is what makes trekking such a special experience.

How much does the Ghorepani trek cost?

The cost of the Ghorepani trek can vary based on how you plan your trip. If youre going solo, you might spend around $200 to $300 for permits, food, places to stay, and transport over 4 to 5 days. If you decide to hire a guide and a porter, the cost can jump to somewhere between $350 and $600, depending on your group size and what services you choose. Many travelers also go for all-inclusive packages, which can start from $500 and go up to $800 or more. These packages usually cover permits, transport, food, accommodations, and guides. Dont forget that youll also need permits like the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (about $30) and the TIMS card (around $20). Budgeting about $50 to $70 a day should give you a comfortable trek.

How to reach Ghorepani?

Most trekkers kick off their trip to Ghorepani from Pokhara, which is the main spot for trekking in Nepal. From Pokhara, you can hop on a jeep or bus to Nayapul or Hile, which are common starting points. The drive usually takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the road. From Nayapul, youll trek through villages like Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, and Banthanti before reaching Ghorepani, often by the second or third day. Some people might start from Ghandruk or Birethanti, but Nayapul is the most popular choice. The trail is pretty well marked and has plenty of teahouses, which makes it easy to find your way and take breaks.

Which is better: Mardi Himal Trek or Poon Hill?

Deciding between the Mardi Himal Trek and Poon Hill depends on what youre looking for and your experience level. The Poon Hill trek is great for beginners, families, and anyone wanting a cultural experience without too much strain. It has lovely villages, rhododendron forests, and the stunning sunrise view from Poon Hill at 3,210 meters. On the flip side, the Mardi Himal Trek is tougher, reaching heights of about 4,500 meters. Its less crowded and gives you incredible views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and the Annapurna range. If you need an easier trek thats rich in culture, go for Poon Hill. But if you prefer solitude and a tougher adventure, Mardi Himal is your best bet.

Whats the difficulty level of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is usually seen as a moderate trek thats good for beginners and those with average fitness. Youll be hiking around 4 to 6 hours a day, and there are some steep parts, especially when you climb up the stone steps to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. The highest point youll reach is about 3,210 meters, which is low enough that altitude sickness isnt a big worry. While some parts can be a bit tough, you dont need any technical climbing skills. With the right shoes and a decent fitness level, most people should be able to handle it fine. Since it has a moderate level of difficulty and isnt too long, its a popular choice for first-time trekkers.