Location
AnnapurnaDuration
8 DaysAltitude
3,210 mDifficulty
Easy to ModerateGroup Size
2 - 16 paxBest Season
Spring (Mar - May) & Autumn (Sep - Nov)
The Poon Hill Trek is an 8-day teahouse trek from Pokhara through Ghorepani and Ghandruk, with an early climb to the 3,210 m Poon Hill viewpoint for sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It costs from US$700 per person and suits beginners with basic fitness.
The Poon Hill Trek is amongst the most satisfying trekking journeys in the Annapurna region. Well-known for its sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, this trek is very well suited to beginners. The Poon Hill Trek is easily accessible with a short drive from Pokhara, offering you stable trekking conditions and well-marked routes.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is recommended for trekkers of all ages. Managed accommodations and warm local hospitality make the trek even more special for you if this is your first time trekking in this region. The Poon Hill Trek route involves passing through scenic trails, a mix of gradual ascent and descents, and seeing the amazing mountain views from the top of Poon Hill.
From Poon Hill (3,210 m), you can easily catch the magnificent views of mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Tharpachuli, Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu ranges. Watching such beautiful snow-covered mountains from a distance makes the trek worth it.
Getting a chance to connect with local communities, passing charming villages, and crossing blooming forests makes it even more engaging. You start your trek from Nayapul, where you ascend through Gurung and Magar villages. Tikhedhunga, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk are some of the picturesque villages you spend your overnight at. The trekking route of Poon Hill involves well-paved stone steps, beautiful landscapes, and stunning forest trails.
The Poon Hill Trek itinerary is about 8 days, which makes it one of the best short treks in Nepal. This trek offers you a perfect taste of adventure, culture, and impressive vistas in less time. You get to see the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas and experience the warm culture in Ghandruk. This is what makes the Ghorepani Poon Hill a must-do adventure.
The Poon Hill trek cost starts from US$700 per person, covering all required permits, accommodations, meals, a licensed guide, and transportation. This all-inclusive package ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey through the Annapurna region. It helps you focus on enjoying the sunrise views from Poon Hill and see the beauty of Ghorepani and Ghandruk. Trekking with a professional guide, staying at a comfortable teahouse, and planning a proper itinerary can make the package cost worth it.
Planning to book your Poon Hill trek with the team of Nepal Footprint Holidays? Our team offers reliable services, better safety, and personalized support, with transparent pricing, local expert guides, a flexible itinerary, and 24/7 assistance throughout the trek.
International flights, your Nepal visa fee, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, travel insurance, drinks, desserts, hot showers and device charging in the teahouses, tips, and monument entrance fees in Kathmandu cost extra. The optional flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara also costs extra, at about US$226 per person. See the full lists under the itinerary below.
Considered an easy to moderate trekking route in the Annapurna region, the Poon Hill trek is especially suitable for beginners. You pass through well-maintained trails, forest areas, stone-paved roads, and traditional villages. One of the best parts of this trek is the lower elevation you reach.
The maximum altitude is around 3,210 meters at the Poon Hill viewpoint, offering you mesmerizing sunrise views over the Himalayas. Therefore, the low elevation helps you avoid the risk of altitude sickness along the trails. On a daily basis, you walk for about 4 to 7 hours through gradual hills and downhill sections. So, make sure to maintain your pace, stay hydrated, and take short breaks when required.
In this way, your Poon Hill Trek can be amazing and more comfortable. For families and first-time trekkers, the Ghorepani Trek can be a perfect choice. Still, they need basic preparation, comfortable walking shoes, and a positive mindset to make this trek full of rewarding experiences. If you want to compare difficulty levels across Nepal, see our trekking grades guide, or browse more short and easy treks in Nepal.
The standard Poon Hill trek package takes 8 days from Kathmandu, including 4 days on the trail. This is one of the best short treks in the Annapurna region, covering a total trekking distance of about 40 to 60 km. However, the exact distance depends on the starting point and route you choose. Most trekkers start their journey from Nayapul or Ulleri, passing through scenic villages such as Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani.
From here, you take a short morning hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 m, along a mix of well-marked and uneven trails. The route offers a mix of nature and culture. Along the way, you walk through blooming rhododendron forests and terraced farmlands, which gives you a quiet atmosphere.
Similarly, as you begin your trek, you cross several traditional Gurung and Magar villages. Each day involves walking for about 4 to 7 hours through beautiful landscapes. The return journey follows Ghandruk back to Pokhara, so you have enough time to relax in Pokhara.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After a short rest, if you arrive early, our guide can take you on a short walk through Kathmandu to see the local markets and daily life. Overnight at the hotel on a bed and breakfast plan.
Drive to Pokhara by private vehicle or tourist bus, which takes about 6 to 7 hours. Spend the free afternoon exploring the Phewa Lake side. Overnight at the hotel on a bed and breakfast plan.
This is the day your trek begins. After a short drive, take an easy walk along the Modi River to Birethanti, a market town that serves as the hub for the whole Annapurna and Ghorepani area. Your permits are checked here. Follow the Bhurungdi River past Gurung villages and a few waterfalls to Ramghai village, where you stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then climb via Hile to Tikhedhunga. The trek takes about 4 to 5 hours.
After breakfast, climb the steep stone steps up to Ulleri (about 2,000 m), the hardest section of the trek. Continue to Banthanti, where you stop for lunch, then walk through forest to Ghorepani (2,800 m). The day takes 6 to 7 hours including lunch. Overnight at a lodge.
Get up early and hike to Poon Hill with your headlamp. It takes about 1 hour to reach the viewpoint, where you watch the sunrise over Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri and the Manaslu range, with the rhododendron forest below. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek along a forested ridge to Ghandruk, which takes another 6 to 7 hours. Overnight in Ghandruk.
After breakfast, visit the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk, the Gurung museum and the local Buddhist temple, and enjoy the best views of the surroundings. Then hike down to Nayapul through rice terraces and paddy fields, which takes about 4 hours. Drive back to Pokhara and transfer to your hotel. Spend the free afternoon around Phewa Lake and Lakeside.
Drive to Kathmandu and enjoy some leisure time. Overnight at the hotel on a bed and breakfast plan.
Free time in the morning, then a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
The trek to Poon Hill can be done within 3 to 7 days from Pokhara, depending on your walking speed and holiday duration. You can also hike in either direction, from Nayapul to Poon Hill or from Ghandruk to Poon Hill. Both routes are rewarding. Alternatively, you can extend the trek from Phedi via Landruk and the Jhinu hot springs.
The sunrise trek to Poon Hill is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal, with unforgettable views of Mt. Annapurna, Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) and Mt. Dhaulagiri from 3,210 m. After the drive from Pokhara, you hike beneath Mt. Fishtail through rice terraces and rhododendron forests, which bloom in spring. You also pass through the rustic Gurung, Magar and Pun villages, where living culture and traditions make you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The sunrise from the summit of Poon Hill, with Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Nilgiri and the village of Ghorepani below, will remain unforgettable.
Poon Hill is one of the best short and easy treks in the Annapurna region, with beautiful sunrise views over Himalayan peaks above 8,000 m. You can trek it at any time of year, although autumn and spring are the most rewarding seasons. It is also a good option for winter, Christmas and New Year, when you want a short and easy hike in the Himalayas.
For a wider view, read our best time to trek in Nepal guide.
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for this trek. The fee for foreign nationals is NPR 3,000. Permit rules, including TIMS requirements, have changed in recent years, so we confirm the current rules for your dates before you travel. We arrange your permits through a registered agency. For official visitor information, visit the Nepal Tourism Board website, or read our trekking permit guide.
Pack warm layers for the cold Ghorepani mornings, a waterproof jacket, broken-in trekking shoes, a headlamp for the sunrise hike, and a small daypack. Teahouses provide blankets, but a sleeping bag liner helps in winter. Our trekking equipment list covers the full packing list.
Poon Hill is a low-altitude trek, but Ghorepani (2,800 m) and Poon Hill (3,210 m) can still affect some people. Therefore, walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Learn the early warning signs in our altitude sickness guide. We recommend travel insurance that covers trekking, and our guides carry a first aid kit.
After Poon Hill, many trekkers return for a longer route. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek reaches 4,130 m in 14 days, the Mardi Himal Trek follows a quiet ridge, and the Khopra Hill Trek offers a remote 8-day alternative. You can also compare all routes on our Annapurna trekking page, or read our guide to the best treks in the Annapurna region.
We are a Government of Nepal registered trekking company based in Kathmandu. Licensed guides, local porters and small groups keep each trek safe and personal. Learn more about why travelers choose Nepal Footprint Holiday.
Want to join a fixed departure or travel on your own dates? Our team can arrange your Poon Hill trek with a clear itinerary, required permits, and a licensed trekking guide.
Tell us your travel month and group size, and we will prepare a trekking plan based on your schedule and preferences.
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Our package takes 8 days from Kathmandu, with 4 days on the trail. A shorter version from Pokhara can be done in 3 to 7 days.
No. It is rated easy to moderate. You walk about 4 to 7 hours a day on well-marked trails, and the highest point is 3,210 m.
Our package starts from US$700 per person. It covers permits, accommodation, meals, a licensed guide and transport. International flights, visa fees and personal expenses are extra.
March to May and September to November offer the clearest views and the most stable weather. Winter is also possible, with cold mornings.
Yes. You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and we arrange it for you.
A guide is recommended, especially for first-time trekkers, because they help with navigation, permits, lodging and emergencies.
Yes. Many families and older trekkers complete it. However, everyone should be comfortable walking 4 to 7 hours a day, including steep stone steps.
Choose Poon Hill if you have about a week and want a lower-altitude trek with sunrise views. Choose Annapurna Base Camp if you have 14 days and want to reach 4,130 m inside the Annapurna Sanctuary.
“An unforgettable Himalayan experience!”
“The Poon Hill Trek was the perfect short adventure for our group. The sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges was absolutely breathtaking! A huge thanks to the team at Nepal Footprint Holiday—our guide and porters were so knowledgeable, friendly, and well-organized. Everything from accommodation to transportation was handled seamlessly. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for an easy-to-moderate trek in Nepal!”
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