We are happy to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Poon hill trek is perhaps the most popular short treks from Pokhara with its goal of reaching Poon Hill at an altitude of 3210m to witness spectacular Himalayan peaks. Trip costs USD 400 per person including accommodating, transportation, guide, porter, permit and trekking gears etc.
Trek starts from Pokhara, the gateway to all treks to the famed Annapurna region. This short trek from Pokhara passes through beautiful villages of Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk culminating in the hike to Poon Hill. Poon Hill is perhaps the best viewpoint in Annapurna region to watch a whole panorama of Dhaulagiri range, Dhampus peak, Tukuche peak, Gurja Himal, Nilgiri range, Barah Sikhar, Annpurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I and II, Gandharba Chuli, Fishtail, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu.
Trek is suitable for trekkers of all ages from kids to elderly and is best approached during Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) when flowers blooms and visibility is clear with blue skies and crisp mountain peaks.
You have option to shorten the trek as per available time.
There are two different routes for this trek. The most popular and common route starts from Nayapul and travels past beautiful villages of Ulleri-Ghorepani-Poon hill-Tadapani – Ghandruk before returning to Pokhara. The Anti-clockwise route starts from Nayapul to Ghandruk-Tadapani-Ghorepani-Poon hill -Ulleri and back to Pokhara. Please find the 5 days Poon hill itinerary below.
Scenic trek to Poon hill offers good mountain view, flora, fauna, culture and lifestyle. It is the most popular family trekking destination in Nepal offering sustainable tourist in conservation area.
Trekking package includes all required services, such as ground transportation, permit, accommodation, food, guide and porter, all documentation, staff insurance etc. There is simply no hidden cost. The cost per person decreases with the increase in group sizes.
This trek can be done by two separate routes: Clockwise and Anti- clockwise. Both routes start and ends at Nayapul. Kindly find clockwise itinerary below.
Clockwise itinerary for trek to Poon hill starts and ends at Nayapul. This 5-day trek itinerary is relaxing, providing you good opportunity and time to enjoy the trek. Please find the day-to-day itinerary for trek to Poon hill – Ghorepani below.
Morning drive for one and a half hour from Pokhara to Nayapul, a distance of about 40km. Trek starts from Nayapul reaching Birethanti in about 30 minutes. At Birethanti trekkers are required to enter their personal details with ACAP permits and TIMS. We continue our trek towards Ulleri crossing over Sudame (1340m), Hille (1460m) and Tirkhedhunga (1540m). Lunch will be served in Hille. The uphill trail from Tirkhedhunga to Ulleri is paved with 3421 stone steps, offering an endurance test for all types of trekkers. Dinner will be in hotel.
4 hrs.
2,020M
L | D
Tourist Hotel
Within half an hour of leaving Ulleri, you will arrive at Banthanti (2210m). Banthanti gives way to a continuous forest path. It takes almost 2 hrs to be in Nangethanti (2430m), a resting point in the midst of rhododendron and pine forest. Most of the trail indeed goes through primitive and pristine forest. After having lunch in Nangethanti, we continue our trek to Ghorepani for another 2 hrs. Ghorepani is a Gurung and Magar settlement offering splendid views of Dhaulagiri range, Tukuche, Dhampus, Gurja Himal, Nilgiri, Baraha Sikhar, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South. Dinner in hotel.
Note: If you still have energy and if the weather is good, we will continue trek on the same day to Poonhill (3200m) to watch panoramic mountain views of Dhaulagiri range, Dhampus peak, Tukuche peak, Gurja Himal, Nilgiri range, Barah Sikhar, Annpurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I and II, Gandharba Chuli, Fishtail, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu at the far end.
6 hrs
2,750M
B | L | D
Mountain lodge
Early morning trek to Poonhill (3200m) for sunrise and mountain views. It takes one and a half hour of uphill challenging hike. Enjoy the amazing view of sunrise and mountains and surrounding landscape, giving you a feel of heaven. Trek back to Ghorepani and have warm breakfast. Then continue trek to Tadapani (2630m) along a scenic trail through rhododendron forest. En route we will pass Deurali viewpoint (3090m) and Banthanti (3180m) where we will have our lunch. Dinner will be in hotel.
6 hrs
2,630M
B | L | D
Mountain lodge
Those interested can observe sunrise view before taking breakfast. Afterwards begin trek to Ghandruk, one of the easiest trail of your trip. In about two and a half hour we reach Ghandruk village. Ghandruk is a Magar and Gurung settlement featuring typical Nepali lifestyle and a local museum. After having lunch, we will take a tour of the village.
Note: Lunch and dinner in hotel.
6 hrs
2,120M
B | L | D
Mountain lodge
After breakfast start downhill trek to Syauli bazaar which takes one and a half hour. Trek further to Nayapul for another three hours. En route in Birenthanti your ACAP permit and TIMS will be checked. Lunch will be in Nayapul. Afterwards we drive to Pokhara.
Congratulations!! You have successfully completed your trekking.
Note: You have the option to return to Pokhara directly from Syauli Bazaar. Please consult with your guide if you would like to do so.
Dinner at your own expenses.
6 hrs
2,300M
B | L | D
Mountain lodge
Poon hill trek is one of the best selling Nepal trek package. We always suggest our guest to know some must know things about this trip. Here are some important information about this trip.
Nepal Visa Fee
15 Days – 30 USD
30 Days – 50 USD
90 Days – 125 USD
Visa fee for travellers of SAARC Countries and China is fully waived. Indian nationals require no visa to enter into Nepal. Visit here for more info
Ghorepani Poonhill trek is a popular and prominent trekking trail in Nepal. Here you will find plenty of well-equipped tea houses (lodges) along all points of the trek. Trekkers will have a variety of accommodation to choose for their comfortable stay. Rooms with private bathroom are easily available in most of places.
Today, a range of food is available for trekkers on Poon hill sunrise trek. Nepali rice and lentils, soups, Momos, fried rice, dishes, noodles, Tsampa, spaghetti, spring rolls are available during the trek. The prices for the same item of food increases with increasing altitude.
Those trekking in Annapurna region are recommended to choose locally-produced organic vegetables and cereals over meat items owing to the high cost of the latter in transporting and preserving in high-altitude region.
Bottled water and Jars are highly used by trekkers on Annapurna region trek. They can be easily purchase from local stores along the trekking trail.
Boiled Water on the other hand are the safest- they are offered by lodges upon request and is often charged a certain price.
The third option is to use local water collected from local streams/rivers for drinking. This can be made drinkable by adding water purification tablets or chlorine dioxide before drinking. But due to its strong smell, trekkers often avoid drinking this type of water which can result in dehydration. So we highly recommend to use boiling water at all times.
Pokhara is the gateway point for trekking in the Annapurna region. Most trekking routes in Annapurna region connects with Pokhara. The entry point for Poon hill trek from Pokhara is Nayapul, which is about one hour driving distance from Pokhara. After completing the trek, trekkers can easily get transportation service back to Pokhara.
Ghandruk is known for its snow-capped peaks and ethnic culture. You can do Poon Hill trek from Ghandruk which is in Anti-clockwise direction. Trekkers with good physical fitness can reach Ghorepani on the same day. If you are not in hurry, then you can rest a night in Deurali before getting back to Pokhara.
You can visit Poon Hill comfortably in a car or jeep. The journey involves a full day drive from Pokhara to Ghorepani followed by a one and a half hours’ hike from Ghorepani to Poon hill. After enjoying the scenic views from Poon Hill, you can get down to Ghorepani and then drive back to Pokhara on next day. The other option is to trek down from Poon Hill to Ulleri and then drive to Pokhara.
This trek can be done in all seasons. Still, October/November and February /April are considered the best season for Poon Hill trek.
Poonhill trekking in January is a tough journey for some trekkers due to cold weather. Nevertheless, trekkers who enjoy snow and walking on icy trail (from Banthanti to Tadapani) may take full enjoyment.
December is of the coldest months in Nepal. Trekker to Poon Hill may encounter snowfall and possibly have to walk on icy trail.
Poon Hill is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Poon hill is an all-season destination. Even during winter season, Poon Hill looks majestic with snowfall and in Summer expect some rainfall.
One of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region is Poon Hill trek. Poonhill trekking can be completed within 3, 4 or 5 days depending upon trekkers’ time and interest. You can shorten and extend the trek days. 4 days 3 nights Ghorepani Poonhill trek itinerary is the most commonly preferred by trekkers.
There are two different routes you can do this Poonhill trek in. They can be categorized under Clockwise and Anti-clockwise heading.
Clockwise
The Clockwise trekking route begins from Nayapul heading towards Ulleri and Poonhill
Anti-Clockwise
Poon Hill is one of most well-known trekking destinations in Nepal. Due to increasing road network in Annapurna region, Poon Hill trek can complete in short duration. The discovery of newer tourism destinations around Poon hill area also mean that tourists can extend their programs. Here are some possible itineraries for trek to Poon hill from Pokhara.
The Poon hill sunrise trek itinerary 3 days begins with a short drive to Ulleri from Pokhara followed by a hike to Ghorepani. On Day 2, you will climb atop Poon Hill to watch sunrise view and Himalayan panorama. ater you will trek down to Tadapani. The next day, trek to Ghandruk and from there drive back to Pokhara. This short itinerary is best for those trekkers who don’t have enough time for a longer trek.
The 4 days Poon Hill Ghorepani trek itinerary follows the traditional trekking route. It starts off at Nayapul climbing 3300 stone stairs to Ulleri. Next day you will hike to Ghorepni via Banthanti and Nange Thanti. On Day 3 you will finally reach Poon Hill to enjoy sunrise view and Himalayan peaks before hiking to Tadapani. The last day of the trek you will head to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara.
Often called the classic route, the 5 days trek to Poon hill itinerary begins by a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. The same day you will start your trek towards Ulleri passing several traditional villages including Birethanti, Sudame, Hile and Tikhedhunga. Next day trek to Ghorepani followed by Tadapani and Ghandruk. On day 5 you will trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and therafter drive back to Pokhara.
Both are famous trekking routes in Annapurna conservation area. The starting and ending point for both treks is Nayapul. Poon hill trekking takes you to the top of Poon hill at the height of 3300m and Annapurna Base Camp trek leads you to the Annapurna base camp at the height of 4130m. Ghorepani Poon hill trek can complete in 3 to 5 days, likewise Annapurna Base camp trek may take 5 to 7 days.
The goal of Poon Hill trek is to climb atop Poon Hill at the altitude of 3300m whereas that of Mardi Himal trek is to reach Mardi Himal Himal Base Camp at the height of 4500m. Both are short Himalayan trek, famous for scenic Himalayan views and rich biodiversity. Mardi Himal trek is a bit challenging than Poon hill trek. So, trekkers of all age groups can easily do Poon hill trek. For Mardi Himal trek, trekkers must be physically and mentally fit.
Both treks are equally popular treks in Annapurna region. Poon hill trekking is famous for sunrise/sunset and Himalayan views whereas Annapurna Base Camp trek offers the impressive 360 degree views of the Himalayan peaks. ABC trek lasts about 7 days, but Poonhill can complete in 2 to 5 days. The maximum elevation reached during Poon Hill hike is 3300m and that of ABC trek is 4130m
Both locals and tourists have to pay similar cost to do trek to Poon Hill. However, unlike tourists, Nepalese do not require to get conservation area permit and TIMS card.
Yes, it is a must to hire porter for Poonhill trek. By helping you carrying part of your baggage, porters allow you to trek freely and also offer you more time and comfort to get full enjoyment of trekking. You can spend time observing and experience mountains, local culture and biodiversity as well as interacting with locals. Porter can also act as a guide and a companion if you need assistance. By taking porters, trekkers will be directly contributing towards generating employment and income generation for Nepali people.
Poonhill is one of the most popular hill stations in Nepal. It is known for amazing sunrise view and panorama of Himalayan peaks. The altitude of Poon Hill is 3300 meter.
Poon hill hike is considered basic or entry level of trek. People with normal physical fitness can easily complete this trip. Because of its easiness, it is also called family-friendly trek
No, there is little or no risk of suffering from HAS in Poon Hill Ghorepani trek. It is regarded as a low altitude trek as most trails are below 3000m altitude. The highest point of the trek is 3300m at the top of the Poon hill.
Travelling with trekking guide is highly recommended for tourists while going on Poon Hill Ghorepani trek. The trekking trail mostly passes through dense forest area and is slippery and rough in some areas. For a comfortable and enjoyable trek, taking trekking guide along is a must for trekkers.
The total trekking distance of Poon Hill trekking is 51km or 32 miles. Aside from trekking, you will have to drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and vice versa covering a distance of 124 Km (62 X 2) two ways.
From / To Km Duration(hours)
Pokhara to Naya Pool 62 km 1.5hrs (by drive)
Naya Pool to Ulleri 10.5 4-5hrs
Ulleri to Ghorepani 11.5 5-6hrs
Ghorepani to Poon Hill 1.5 1.5hrs
Ghorepani to Tadapani 6.5 5-6hrs
Tadapani to Ghandruk 9.8 3-4hrs
Ghandruk to Naya Pool 14 4-5hrs
Naya Pool to Pokhara 62 1.5hrs (by drive)
You certainly can, but we do suggest trekkers to take a guide. The hiking trail to Poon Hill passes through dense forest and some icy, slippery sections.
This is very hard to tell. Both sunrise and sunset views look amazing from Poon Hill. It all depends on how good the weather is and your choice between sunset and sunrise. According to our experience, Sunrise view is more stunning and fulfilling than sunset view.
Best multi-day tour experience ever with Eyes on Nepal Tours. Siddhartha took care of me every step of the way, definitely above and beyond any other tour company I’ve ever worked with.
I originally booked the 3-day Poon Hill Trek with them through TripAdvisor. Not long after booking, they contacted me to arrange all the details. It definitely gave me peace of mind knowing everything would be set prior to my arrival. I booked a Chitwan Jungle Safari with another company but could not get ahold of them, so I cancelled that booking and contacted Eyes on Nepal to arrange my safari with them. Again, communication was swift and thorough. When I arrived in Kathmandu, Siddhartha met with me prior to my departure to Pokhara. He gave me all my materials and any other info I needed. He was in contact with me the whole time to make sure I was taken care of and meticulously coordinated my transfers from Pokhara to Chitwan and back to Kathmandu.
I can’t recommend Eyes on Nepal Tours highly enough and will certainly send my own friends their way when they visit Nepal. I wish I could give 10 stars!