Pokhara is the premier gateway to Nepal's Annapurna region, offering world-class trekking that ranges from easy 2-day hill walks to challenging 20-day expeditions. Sitting at 822 meters, it provides immediate access to stunning Himalayan vistas, rich Gurung culture, and the iconic Mount Machhapuchchhre (Fishtail). 

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kathmandu in 2026

Whether you have a few days or several weeks, the trekking options in and around Pokhara offer something for everyone, spanning numerous trail types, duration, and difficulty. The most common trekking routes include Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (3-4 days), Mardi Himal Trek (3-4 days), Annapurna Base Camp (6-9 days), and Annapurna Circuit (15-20 days).

The Ultimate 3 Day-2 Night Trekking Guide for Visiting Ghorephani, Poon Hill, and Ghandruk Village

For those short on time but wanting the most bang-for-their-buck in terms of views and villages, combining Ghorephani, Poon Hill, and Ghandruk is the best option. It is always necessary to travel with a guide, and Nepal Wilderness Trekking is a great option. A customized 3-Day/2-Night trek with Nepal Wilderness Trekking for 1 person will set you back around $360, all inclusive.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara to Ulleri & Ghorepani

08:00 AM: Pick up at the hotel by your trekking guide.

Jeep Drive: Head from Pokhara to Ulleri (about 3–4 hours).

Lunch: Break for lunch at any of the guesthouses. The Fishtail Guesthouse offers expansive all-you-can-eat dal bhat with a mountain vista backdrop.

Trek: Hike from Ulleri to Ghorepani (around 4 hours straight up hill)

Sleep in Ghorepani (Super View Guesthouse offers breathtaking views and direct access to the Poon Hill trekking path) with the sprawling Annapurna Mountains at your doorstep

Day 2: Poon Hill Sunrise & Trek to Tadapani

Early Morning: Start with a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) for sunrise views. On a clear day, you can see 32 mountain peaks from here, including three towering over 8000 meters (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu).

Trek: After sunrise, continue the trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani (4-5 hours, about 30% uphill and 70% flat or downhill with jagged steps)

Either sleep in Tadapani or continue trekking to Ghandruk (2 hours, mostly downhill)

*Ghandruk is larger, more picturesque, and has better sleeping accommodations.

Day 3: Ghandruk Exploration and Return to Pokhara

Explore Ghandruk by visiting the local museum (100NPR) and taking in the village sites.

Trek from Ghandruk to Killu (2 hours), mostly downhill via jagged stairs.

Enjoy lunch at a local guesthouse (like Killu Namaste Guest House), then head back to Pokhara via car (1 hour and 20 minute’s drive).

*Do note, it’s best to tip your trekking guide $10-15USD per day (or roughly 10-15% of the total trek cost) to be given at the end of the trek.

What to Pack for a 3 Day-2 Night Trek

• 2-3 plain long sleeve shirts
• 1 slightly warmer quarter or full zip shirt/fleece
• 1 heavier sweater
• 1 big scarf
• Hat
• Gloves
• 2 pairs of leggings/ breathable sports pants
• 1 windbreaker
• 1 sports bra + 1 regular bra
• 3 pairs of thick sweat-wicking socks
• 1 hat
• 1 runner’s headband (that can be worn as a thin scarf)
• Tissues for the bathroom
• Earplugs for sleeping at night (there are lots of stray dogs and chickens in the village)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Basic toiletries
• Power Bank (charging isn’t always included at guesthouses)
• (Optional): Foot warmers, camera

*layering is key since your body temperature is changing regularly while hiking up and down hill

Where to Stay in Pokhara: Hotel Middle Path and Spa

A budget-priced accommodation with standout service, Hotel Middle Path and Spa is centrally located in Pokhara, but just off the main street to avoid the excess bar noise at night. Rates start at just $35 per night. It’s an incredibly solid base with a great gym, rooftop, pool, and spa. Don’t miss the massive buffet breakfast for an extra $7.

How to Get to Pokhara: Flight vs Bus

Flying to Pokhara from Kathmandu takes 25 minutes (and is around $85 per person), offering insanely beautiful views, though flights are often delayed. There are 20-25 direct flights per day mainly via Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines.

Pro-tip: Try to get a seat on the right side for mountain views.

The other alternative is an 8-hour winding/bumpy 200-kilometer bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara that can be purchased for $8-15. Some choose to take the bus overnight, but this does pose some safety risks. Morning departures are typically around 7am, while evening departures are around 7pm. Bus tickets can be purchased in advance on Tripadvisor or 12Go or directly from guesthouses in both Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Once you arrive in Pokhara, skip the haggling taxis and use the Pathao App to hire a motorbike or car to take you into the city.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Kathmandu in 2026