Self-Launched Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek, Nepal

Take an early morning tourist bus from Kathmandu's Thamel district to Pokhara. Buses depart around 7–8am from the tourist bus park near Kantipath and take approximately 6–7 hours, arriving early afternoon. Book your seat the day before from any travel agent in Thamel for around £5–7. On arrival in Pokhara, check into a budget guesthouse in the Lakeside (Baidam) area — plenty of great options along the shores of Phewa Lake from around £8–12/night. Spend the evening strolling along the lakeside, grabbing a hearty dal bhat dinner, and preparing your kit for the trek ahead. Purchase or arrange your ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, ~£20) and TIMS card (~£10) from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Pokhara if you haven't already.

🚌Tourist bus from Kantipath bus park, Kathmandu, to Pokhara (~£6). Book the evening before from any Thamel travel agent.

🛏Budget guesthouse in Lakeside (Baidam), Pokhara — e.g. Hotel Butterfly, Zostel Pokhara, or similar (~£10/night for a dorm or basic double)

• →Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara (~6–7 hrs, ~£6)
• →Check in to Lakeside budget guesthouse
• →Obtain ACAP permit and TIMS card from Nepal Tourism Board office (~£30 combined)
• →Evening stroll along Phewa Lake and dinner in Lakeside

Rise early and take a local bus or shared jeep from Pokhara's Baglung bus station to Nayapul (1–1.5 hrs, ~£1.50). This is the official trailhead for the Ghorepani-Poon Hill circuit. Begin trekking, crossing the iconic suspension bridge over the Modi River and passing through the bustling village of Birethanti — get your permits checked here. Continue along the well-marked trail through lush bamboo forest, crossing small streams, ascending gradually to Hile village. The day's trek covers around 11–13km and takes approximately 5–6 hours. Teahouses in Hile offer simple but comfortable rooms and hearty meals — dinner included in your room price or very cheaply available.

🚌Local bus from Pokhara Baglung Bus Station to Nayapul (~£1.50, ~1–1.5 hrs)

🛏Teahouse/guesthouse in Hile village (~£5–8/night, meals available on-site)

• →Local bus or shared jeep from Pokhara to Nayapul (~£1.50)
• →Trek start at Nayapul trailhead
• →Suspension bridge crossing over the Modi River
• →Walk through Birethanti village (permit check point)
• →Trek through bamboo forest to Hile (~11–13km, 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast at your teahouse, set off on today's most scenic and demanding section of the trek. The trail climbs steadily from Hile through dense oak and rhododendron forest (spectacular in spring when the rhodos are in bloom), crossing several small streams along the way. As you gain altitude, the treeline gradually opens up to reveal stunning panoramic views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, and the iconic fishtail peak of Mount Machhapuchhre. Arrive at Ghorepani village (~2,860m) in the afternoon — around 10–12km and 5–7 hours of trekking. Settle into a teahouse, rest your legs, and fuel up with a big dal bhat dinner. Set your alarm early for tomorrow's pre-dawn start.

🚌On foot — no transport needed today

🛏Teahouse in Ghorepani village (~£5–8/night, meals included or available cheaply)

• →Full-day trek from Hile to Ghorepani (~10–12km, 5–7 hrs)
• →Walk through oak and rhododendron forest
• →Cross several small mountain streams
• →Panoramic views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Mount Machhapuchhre
• →Arrive and settle into teahouse in Ghorepani village (~2,860m)

Wake at around 4:30–5am and join the trail of head-torch-lit trekkers ascending to Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m) — a steep but short 45-minute climb from Ghorepani. At the top, witness one of the most celebrated sunrises in the Himalayas as golden light floods over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Note: there is a small Poon Hill entry fee (~£1.50) collected at the gate. After soaking in the views and snapping hundreds of photos, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast, then begin the long descent back through bamboo forest via Banthanti and Ulleri to Nayapul. From Nayapul, take a shared jeep or local bus back to Pokhara (~£1.50). Celebrate with a lakeside dinner and a well-deserved Everest beer.

🚌On foot Ghorepani to Nayapul; shared jeep or local bus Nayapul to Pokhara (~£1.50)

🛏Budget guesthouse in Lakeside, Pokhara (~£10/night)

• →Pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill (3,210m, ~45 mins from Ghorepani)
• →Sunrise viewing over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs
• →Poon Hill entry fee (~£1.50)
• →Breakfast back in Ghorepani
• →Full descent trek to Nayapul (~5–6 hrs through bamboo forest)
• →Shared jeep/local bus from Nayapul back to Pokhara (~£1.50)

After a well-earned lie-in and a leisurely breakfast by the lake, head to Pokhara's tourist bus station and board the morning tourist bus back to Kathmandu (~£6–7, departs ~7–8am, arrives Kathmandu ~2–4pm). Alternatively, if you're short on time or want a splurge, a domestic flight with Yeti Airlines or Buddha Air takes just 25 minutes and costs around £50–60 — worth checking prices as deals do appear. Back in Kathmandu, check into your Thamel guesthouse and celebrate completing one of Nepal's most iconic treks. The evening is yours — explore Thamel's bustling lanes, grab a rooftop dinner, and reflect on the Himalayan adventure you just pulled off independently.

🚌Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu (~£6–7). Or domestic flight ~£50–60 if preferred.

🛏Budget guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu (~£10–12/night, not included in cost estimate as trip ends)

• →Morning tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu (~£6–7, ~6–7 hrs)
• →Optional: domestic flight with Yeti Airlines or Buddha Air (~£50–60, 25 mins)
• →Return to Thamel, Kathmandu
• →Celebratory dinner in Kathmandu