The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is widely regarded as one of the best short treks in Nepal, offering a truly rewarding experience. Famous for its breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, this trek is a favorite among adventurers. It’s particularly suited for trekkers of all ages and fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for families with children or older adults who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without a challenging ascent.

Typically completed in 6 to 7 days, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural exploration. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy the charm of local villages like Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk, as well as vibrant terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and warm-hearted communities of Gurung and Magars. Since it reaches a relatively moderate altitude, the trek presents little risk of altitude sickness, making it accessible to many. This trek has been one of the most sought-after treks of Nepal since the ’60s. 

Why Choose The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Stunning Panoramic Views

From Poon Hill (3,210 meters), trekkers are treated to some of the most spectacular views in the Annapurna region, including majestic peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and Lamjung Himal.

Rich Cultural Immersion

Experience the vibrant local culture by walking through traditional villages inhabited by the Gurung and Magar communities. The trek offers a great opportunity to learn about the customs and lifestyle of these welcoming people.

Ideal for All Ages

With its moderate difficulty, the trek is a fantastic way for beginners, families, or anyone with limited trekking experience to explore the Himalayas. Its manageable routes make it especially suitable for those who don’t have time for longer, more challenging treks.

Comfortable Stays

Along the journey, trekkers can enjoy comfortable teahouse accommodations, where they will be treated to warm meals and exceptional hospitality from the local hosts.

Trek Anytime

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can be done year-round, making it a flexible and reliable choice for trekkers no matter the season.

You Can’t Miss The Sunrise From Poon Hill

One of the unmissable sights in Poon Hill Trek is the sunrise from Ghorepani. To observe this, you have to wake up early in the morning and hike for about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Ghorepani to the top of Poon Hill. You can’t get enough of the sunrise that dazzles the snowy mountains.

In fact, the sights of mountains barely leave you while you are in the Poon Hill Trek. The scenery of Mt Dhaulagiri is the highlight while others that you can see are Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Himchuli, Dhampus Peak, etc.

Best For Those Who Only Have A Week Holiday

One of the reasons Poon Hill Trek is preferred is the shorter time it takes to complete this trip. Walking is merely 4 to 5 days long. In fact, you can shorten the days further if you start your trek from Pokhara.

Cultures

The other major highlight of The Poon Hill Trek is the multi-ethnic culture and traditions of Gurungs and Magars who are the natives of this region. You can have their centuries-old food and immerse yourself in their festivals while cruising through the Trek.

Access To Other Famous Treks

The Poon Hill Trek also facilitates you with access to other Treks including Mardi Himal Trek, Khopra Khair Lake Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, 7 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mulde View Point Trek, and Mohare Danda Trek. You can extend your trekking to these famous destinations after completing the Poon Hill Journey.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights

A less strenuous walking trail up in the mountains

Budget-friendly

Poon Hill viewpoint facilitates you with the sights of 18 countable peaks

Spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and surrounding mountains from Poon Hill.

Panoramic vistas of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and more.

A hike through the lush rhododendron forests and picturesque villages.

Comfortable teahouses with delicious local meals and genuine hospitality.

The famous stone stairs of Ulleri village, are a unique challenge along the trail.

An unforgettable family-friendly trekking experience suitable for all ages.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

This 7-day trek begins and ends in Kathmandu with a scenic visit to Pokhara, ensuring you get a chance to explore the Annapurna region in a relaxed and leisurely manner.

Day 1: Kathmandu – Pokhara

Day 2: Pokhara – Nayapul – Ulleri

Day 3: Ulleri – Nangethati – Ghorepani

Day 4: Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani

Day 5: Tadapani – Ghandruk – Syauli Bazar – Pokhara

Day 6: Pokhara – Kathmandu

You can also customize the above itinerary.

A General Route Overview Of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

People have mostly been preferring Birethanti Nayapul as the starting point of Ghorepani Poon Hill. However, you will also have the option to kick off this trek through Ghandruk, Tadapani, Tikhedhunga, and Ghorepani. These though are tougher routes than Birethanti Nayapul. A relatively easier starting point will be Australian Camp.

Speaking of the classical route, Birethanti Nayapul, this trail will take you through Ulleri village, Banthati, Nangethati, and finally the Ghorepani. This route also includes Gurung settlements and deciduous monsoon forests of the Annapurna region. These forests encompass Rhododendrons, birch, juniper, fir, and bamboo.

For a better experience, it is suggested that you hire a jeep or preferred vehicle from Pokhara to Tikhedhunga and then walk for 2 hours on day one to Ulleri Village. The following day, you can hike to Banthati via the lush green forests.

After Ghorepani, people have mostly preferred trekking to Tadapani village. The place offers the best spots to see views of Mt Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. It however is suggested to be mindful of weather conditions.

More Detailed Route Of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – A Journey Through the Heart of the Annapurna Region

Your trekking adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Pokhara after breakfast. From there, we head to Nayapul, a 40-kilometer drive along the scenic Baglung-Pokhara highway, which takes about 1.5 hours. Once we arrive in Nayapul, our trek officially begins.

Trekking from Nayapul to Ulleri

The first day of the trail is relatively easy, passing through the rural landscapes of Nepal. For the first two hours, you’ll stroll through terraced farms, quaint villages, dense forests, and crystal-clear streams. You’ll pass through the villages of Birethanti, Sudame, Hile, and Tikhedhunga. Just after Tikhedhunga, we cross a suspension bridge that marks the beginning of the more challenging part of the trek – the famous 3200 stone steps of Ulleri.

The steep ascent to Ulleri will take about two hours, and once you reach this charming village, you’ll be rewarded with your first views of the Annapurna Massif, including Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m). This is where we will stay for the night.

Exploring the Annapurna Conservation Area

The next day of the trek takes us deeper into the stunning Annapurna Conservation Area, famous for its rich biodiversity. As we continue our climb, the trail winds through Rhododendron forests, offering glimpses of local flora and fauna. We pass through tiny hamlets like Banthanti and Nagthanti, where the lush green landscapes provide a peaceful atmosphere. After leaving the forests behind, the trail flattens out as we approach Ghorepani, our destination for the day. Ghorepani is a lively village, offering beautiful views of the Annapurna range, and is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy local hospitality.

Sunrise at Poon Hill

Day three of the trek is one of the highlights of the journey as we make our way to Poon Hill to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Our guide will wake us up around 4 a.m., and we will begin the 1-hour hike to reach Poon Hill in time to catch the first light of dawn. As we stand atop this famous viewpoint (3,210m), we’ll be treated to panoramic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Barahi Shikhar, and more. The surrounding mountain ranges and pristine landscape will leave you in awe.

After soaking in the stunning views, we descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then, we continue our trek, ascending towards Thapla Danda (3165m), a hilltop comparable to Poon Hill in height. From Thapla Danda, the descent is easier, with a gradual downhill trail that leads us to Tadapani, a well-known village in the Annapurna region. Tadapani is also the junction for both the Khopra Ridge trek and the Annapurna Base Camp trek, making it an important stop along our journey. We will stay here overnight.

Descending to Ghandruk and Final Journey to Pokhara

On the last day of the trek, we wake up early to enjoy the sunrise views over Annapurna South, Himchuli, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre. After breakfast, we start our trek, heading downhill through the dense jungle towards the village of Ghandruk. The trek involves navigating numerous stone steps as we descend towards Syauli Bazar, where we will meet our vehicle.

From Syauli Bazar, we will take a vehicle back to Nayapul, followed by a scenic drive back to Pokhara via the Baglung-Pokhara highway. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can either choose to relax in your Lakeside hotel or, if you’re flying back to Kathmandu, we will drop you off at the Pokhara airport for your onward journey.

Route In Summary

Nayapul –> Birethanti –> Hile –> Ulleri –> Ghorepani –> Poonhill –> Tadapani –> Ghandruk –> Syauli Bazar.

What’s Included in the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

• 4 Nights Accommodation in mountain teahouses
• 2 Nights Accommodation in Pokhara (Kuti Resort or similar)
• Experienced Guide for 7 days
• Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu Tourist Bus Transportation
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Card
• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) on the trek
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What’s Not Included

• One Porter for 7 days (Optional)
• Lunch and Dinner in Pokhara
• Travel & Rescue Insurance
• Tips for guides and porters
• Any extra activities after the trek
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Best Season for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is accessible throughout the year, but the best seasons for trekking in the Annapurna region are:

Trekking in Autumn (Mid-September – mid-December)

Autumn is often regarded as the prime season for trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill. The weather is typically dry and clear, providing excellent visibility of the majestic Annapurna mountain range and others as well. Trekkers can enjoy unobstructed views of over 18 Himalayan peaks from the Poon Hill viewpoint, including towering giants like Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), and Manaslu (8063 m)—three of the highest peaks in the world. The crisp air and clear skies enhance the stunning sunrise and sunset views, making autumn the ultimate time for trekking in this region.

Trekking in Winter (December – February)

While winter is generally not recommended for higher-altitude treks in Nepal due to the risks of snowstorms and avalanches, Ghorepani Poon Hill remains an exception. Situated at 3,210 meters, Poon Hill is much lower in altitude than other popular treks, reducing the risks associated with winter trekking. During this season, trekkers are treated to a serene and magical winter landscape, with snow covering the forests and trails. The crisp, cold air adds to the clarity of the mountain views, providing a peaceful and unique trekking experience. Though temperatures can drop, winter trekking in this region is still quite manageable, particularly for those who enjoy trekking in colder conditions.

Trekking in Spring (March-May)

Spring, much like autumn, is a fantastic time for trekking in Nepal. As the weather warms, the landscape comes alive with vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, adding an extra layer of beauty to the trek. With mild temperatures, clear skies, and pleasant trekking conditions, spring offers a perfect opportunity to explore the stunning Annapurna region. The season not only brings spectacular mountain vistas but also a chance to witness the region’s rich flora and fauna at their peak. This is also an excellent time to experience the natural beauty of Nepal, along with its unique cultural heritage.

Trekking in the Monsoon (June – August)

The monsoon season in Nepal runs from June to August, bringing heavy rains that can sometimes extend into early September. While the lush forests along the Poon Hill trek bloom with vibrant flowers during this time, the monsoon season presents a few challenges. The increased rainfall can lead to slippery trails, muddy paths, and the presence of leeches, making the trek more difficult. Additionally, sudden downpours may disrupt your journey. However, those who are well-prepared for wet conditions can still enjoy the monsoon’s unique charm. The misty clouds and occasional rain create a mystical atmosphere, while the fresh, green landscape offers a different but equally captivating view of the region.

Why Choose Us for Your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Experienced Guides: Our knowledgeable guides will enhance your trek experience by sharing their insights about local culture and the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna region.

Quality Accommodation: Stay in the best teahouses along the route, providing comfort and great hospitality.

Personalized Service: We cater to families, solo trekkers, and groups, ensuring that each trek is tailored to your needs and preferences.

Safety First: We prioritize your safety with proper insurance coverage, expert guides, and well-planned itineraries.

Ready to embark on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and experience the beauty of the Himalayas? Book your trek with us today and start your adventure!

Final Thoughts on Trekking Ghorepani Poon Hill

Regardless of when you choose to trek to Poon Hill, each season brings its own charm. Autumn and Spring remain the ideal times to trek for clear skies and optimal views of the Himalayas, while Winter and Monsoon offer a different kind of adventure with fewer crowds and unique landscapes. Whether you’re trekking for scenic views, the cultural experience, or simply to immerse yourself in nature, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an unforgettable journey.