3 Day Short Poon Hill Trek3 Day Short Poon Hill Trek

3 Day Short Poon Hill Trek

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration3 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max. Altitude3210 Meters
  • Starts/EndsNayapul/Nayapul
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonSpring and Autumn
Highlights
  • Experience the best short trek in Nepal within 3 Days. 
  • Sunrise view over the highest peaks in the world, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. 
  • Nearby Trek from Pokhara to see the sunrise view. 
  • Suitable for all kind of people, kids, family, and even seniors. 

What to Expect on the 3-Day Poon Hill Trek

The 3-day short Poon Hill Trek is the best short treks in Nepal for its incredible mountain views. This trek takes you through charming villages, lush rhododendron forests, and reaches a stunning panoramic viewpoint at Poon Hill (3,210 m) in just 3 days. The trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill offers an authentic taste of the Annapurna Region and its breathtaking beauty. The trekking trail of the Ghorepani Poon Hill is beginner-friendly.

The trek goes through Gurung and Magar villages and terrace farmlands. As you ascend, dense forests of oak and rhododendron surround the trail. If you trek in spring, the hillsides burst into red and pink blooms.

Upon reaching Ghorepani village (around 2,850 m), you’re already greeted with glimpses of snow-capped peaks. But the real payoff comes with the pre-dawn hike on Day 3 to Poon Hill summit, where a 360° Himalayan panorama awaits. You’ll see giants like Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) on full display, among many other peaks. Despite being a short trek from Pokhara, the Poon Hill journey offers rewards on par with longer Annapurna treks – truly a short trek from Pokhara that punches above its weight in scenery.

Sunrise from Poon Hill: The Highlight of This 3-Day Trek from Pokhara

The sunrise from Poon Hill is the highlight of the trek and one of the best short treks for witnessing the sunrise in Nepal. On the third morning, you’ll wake before dawn in Ghorepani and hike to Poon Hill for the Sunrise View.

When you arrive at the Poon Hill viewpoint, you’ll witness Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m, the Fishtail)– Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, IV, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, and even far-off peaks like Manaslu (8,163 m) can be visible. The Poon Hill Sunrise Trek is famous for this moment: a jaw-dropping 360° Himalayan panorama.

3-Day Poon Hill Trek vs. 4-Day Ghorepani Trek – Which One to Choose?

Trekkers often wonder whether to do the 3-day Poon Hill Trek or the 4-day Poon Hill Trek. Both options follow a similar route to the Poon Hill viewpoint. The 4-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is essentially a more relaxed version of the journey. In contrast, the 3-day short Poon Hill trek is more hectic; you’ll be trekking a longer distance on Day 3 to return to Pokhara. If you have limited time, the 3-day trek is a fantastic choice to hit the highlights.

Likewise, both Ghorepani Poon Hill Itineraries start from Nayapul and go up to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. The 4-day trek often follows a circular route via Ulleri to Ghorepani, then, after Poon Hill, continuing to Tadapani and down to Ghandruk. The 3-day trek will hike up to Poon Hill and retrace the same route back to Ulleri and then drive back to Pokhara by Jeep or Car from Nayapool.

Alternatives: If you’re interested in similar treks in the area, an excellent alternative is the Mohare Danda Trek. This route, often 5–7 days but with options as short as 3–4 days, takes you to Mohare Danda (3,300 m), which offers equally breathtaking sunrise panoramas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

How Much Does the 3-Day Poon Hill Trek Cost?

One of the appeals of the Poon Hill trek is that it is relatively affordable compared to longer treks. The Poon Hill Trek cost for 3 days will vary based on the services you choose. The standard cost of the Poon Hill Trek starts from USD 499 and reaches up to USD 599 per person. However, the 3-day Poon Hill Trek costs range from USD 399 per person for the whole package. Mountain Eco Trails provides an inclusive 3-day Poon Hill Package cost with meals, accommodation, guide, transportation, and other logistical arrangements with no hidden costs.

Choose Mountain Eco Trails for this Short 3-day Poon Hill Trek Itinerary from Pokhara

Choosing the best local trekking company is always crucial while planning your trek into the Himalayas. Mountain Eco Trails has been organizing this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek along with other popular treks in Nepal with a team of experts. Here are the reasons why you should choose us for this trek:

  • An expert and experienced guide who can lead you to the destination with all the safety precautions.
  • Flexible and customised Itinerary based on the preference of the trekkers.
  • Complimentary services like Duffel Bag, Trekking Poles, and SIM Card.
  • Basic First Aid Kit for emergencies.
  • Hassle-free last-minute bookings.
  • Fair and Competitive price with no hidden cost.

Want to know more about the Poon Hill Trek 3 Days? Feel Free to contact us via email or WhatsApp at +9779849790153.

Itinerary

After an early breakfast in Pokhara, you’ll drive to Nayapool, the starting point of this Poon Hill Trek. Our guide will pick you up from the hotel in a private vehicle and take you on a scenic road to Nayapul (1,070 m), about 1.5–2 hours away.

At Nayapul, you’ll pass the ACAP checkpost where your trek permits are verified. The trek begins after the permit check! You start with an easy walk along the Modi Khola River, and a flat off-road to arrive at Hile. Take a quick break or even a light Lunch at Hile or Tikhedhunga. After a lunch break at a teahouse, gear up for the challenging section: the stone staircase to Ulleri. This steep climb (600 m ascent) is the toughest part of the day – about 3,200 stone steps zig-zagging up the hillside. Overnight stay at Ulleri.

  • Max Altitude:1960 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Lunch and Dinner

Wake up to a hearty breakfast with a view of Annapurna South on the North East. The trail today continues upward but more gradually than yesterday’s stairs. You’ll pass through Banthanti (2,200 m), a small resting spot, and then enter beautiful rhododendron forests. The trail climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron groves to Nangethanti (2,500 m) where many trekkers stop for lunch.

Along the way, there are occasional clearings that offer tantalising views of snowy peaks. From Nangethanti, the final push to Ghorepani is about an hour and includes some switchbacks through the forest. You arrive at Ghorepani in the early afternoon. If the weather is clear, you might already catch sunset colours on Dhaulagiri or Annapurna South. Overnight stay at Ghorepani.

  • Max Altitude:2874 meters
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up around 4:30 AM and get ready to witness the magic of the Himalayas and begin the hike to Poon Hill. The path is about 1.5 km and ascends 300–400 meters. You’ll join a silent procession of trekkers making their way up with flashlights. After roughly an hour, you reach the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210 m) just as dawn breaks. Enjoy the unforgettable sunrise over the Himalayas – the highlight of the entire trek. Take plenty of time for photos and simply absorb the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges as they turn radiant in the morning sun.

After admiring the views, return down to Ghorepani for breakfast. By around 8:00 AM, you’ll be ready to head back. The trek down retraces yesterday’s path to Ulleri and beyond. Descending the stone steps is much faster. Within a few hours, you’re back at Tikhedhunga and then Birethanti. From Birethanti, you will drive back to Pokhara in a private car or cab.

  • Max Altitude:850meters
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast and Lunch

The outlined itinerary has been thoughtfully crafted to offer a balanced and rewarding trekking experience, ensuring proper acclimatisation, scenic highlights, and a comfortable walking pace for most trekkers. However, we understand that every traveller has unique preferences, fitness levels, and schedules. To make your journey truly personalised, we offer complete flexibility in customising your itinerary. Adjustments can be made in the following areas:

  • Duration: Extend or shorten the trek based on your available time.
  • Pace & Difficulty: Modify daily distances and rest days to match your comfort and acclimatisation needs.
  • Route Options: Include side trips, cultural detours, or scenic viewpoints for a richer experience.
  • Accommodation: Choose from simple tea houses to more comfortable lodges where available.
  • Personal Interests: Tailor your trek to focus on photography, nature, culture, or spiritual exploration.

If you’d like to modify this plan or create a custom itinerary, please reach out to us. Our team will be delighted to design a journey that perfectly fits your expectations and travel goals.

Cost Includes
  • Pokhara-Nayapool-Pokhara Private Car Cost 
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit 
  • Trekkers Information Management System Permit Card 
  • English-speaking trekking Guide for the trek. 
  • Expenses of the guide, including his salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance. 
  • Meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 
  • Accommodation during the trek on a sharing basis. 
  • Seasonal fruits on the trek every day after dinner. 
  • Arrangement of the rescue service if needed. 
  • Government tax and local tax are included. 
Cost Excludes
  • Personal expenses like extra meals, drinks, Wifi, Hot showers, etc. 
  • Porter cost, if needed, we can arrange. 
  • Meals and Accommodation in Pokhara. 
  • Extra Days expenses during the trek apart from the Itinerary 
  • Rescue and medical bills. 
  • Tips to guide 
Availability

At Mountain Eco Trails, we understand that every traveller has unique schedules and preferences. That’s why we offer flexible departure dates for all our trekking and tour packages. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a group, we can customise your trekking departure date to best fit your itinerary.

  • Customised Departures for Your Convenience
  • Tailor-made departure dates: You are not limited to fixed schedules; we arrange treks based on your preferred dates.
  • Private & group treks available: Join an existing group or plan a private trek at your convenience.
  • Seasonal recommendations: We can suggest the best departure dates based on weather, trekking conditions, and your availability.
  • Short-notice departures: Need a last-minute trek? We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Feel free to contact us with your preferred dates, and we’ll craft the perfect trekking experience for you!

Select a Departure Month
Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStarts: SundayNov 16, 2025End DateEnds: TuesdayNov 18, 2025PricePriceUS$350StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: SundayNov 23, 2025End DateEnds: TuesdayNov 25, 2025PricePriceUS$350StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: SundayNov 30, 2025End DateEnds: TuesdayDec 02, 2025PricePriceUS$350StatusStatusAvailable
Good to Know

Best Time to Do the 3-Day Poon Hill Short Trek

The Poon Hill trek can be done almost year-round, but the best time to do the Poon Hill short trek is generally during Nepal’s spring and autumn seasons.

These times offer the most pleasant weather and the clearest mountain views. The best time for the Poon Hill Trek is October–November and March–April for the optimal combination of clear views, good weather, and lovely scenery.

These times ensure you catch that perfect sunrise without weather hindrance. That said, if your travel schedule only permits winter or another time, Poon Hill is still doable with preparation. Every season has its charm – just adjust your expectations and gear accordingly. And remember, weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to build in an extra day in your schedule if possible, and keep a flexible attitude.

Permit Requirement for 3-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara

Trekking in the Annapurna region requires a couple of mandatory permits. For the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you will need:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):

Poon Hill lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The ACAP is a permit that contributes to the conservation and development of the region. It costs NPR 3,000 per person (approximately $25–30) for foreign nationals. (SAARC country citizens pay NPR 1,000.) 

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

TIMS is a registration card intended to keep track of trekkers for safety. As of 2023, individual (FIT) TIMS cards have been essentially replaced by a requirement to trek with a guide (see note below). 

What to Pack for a Short Trek to Poon Hill?

Even though the Poon Hill trek is short and you’ll be sleeping in lodges, packing smart is important for comfort. With the right gear, you’ll be free to fully enjoy the trek without discomfort. Here’s a checklist of essential items to pack for a 3-day Poon Hill Trek:

Clothing:

  • Layers (Thermal top and bottom)
  • Quick Dry T-shirts for the Daytime.
  • Fleece Jacket and Down Jacket
  • Trekking Pants and Hiking Shorts
  • Trekking boots and flip-flops
  • Woollen Hat, Gloves, and Sun Hat
  • Woolen Socks
  • Sleeping Bag

Other Gear:

  • Toiletries
  • Small First Aid kit with personal medication.
  • Camera, Battery Charger, Headlamp,
  • Water Purification Tablet
  • Trekking Poles

By packing these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for the trek. Happy packing!

Is the 3-Day Poon Hill Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Yes – absolutely! The 3-day Poon Hill Trek is widely regarded as one of the most suitable treks for beginners in Nepal. At just 3 days of trekking (2 nights on the trail), it’s a relatively short trek. Poon Hill gives you the Himalayan trekking experience in a long weekend. You don’t need prior trekking experience to complete Poon Hill, but a basic level of fitness helps. The trek is often rated easy to moderate. If you can walk for 5–6 hours with rest stops, you can do this trek.

We highly recommend going with a guide (now mandatory) as a beginner. Having a guide means you get assistance and encouragement whenever needed. Mountain Eco Trails provides you with the guided Poon Hill Trek that allows you to trek with safety as well as get enough insight into the local culture and the Himalayas of the Annapurna Region.

(Pro tip: If you’re a beginner, consider doing some simple preparation like jogging, cycling, or long walks in the weeks before the trek to boost your stamina. It’ll make the journey even easier and more fun.)

Meals and Accommodation during the Short Poon Hill Trek in 3 Days

One great aspect of the Poon Hill trek is the network of teahouses (mountain lodges) along the route, which provide both accommodation and meals. This means you don’t need to camp or carry heavy food supplies – you can trek comfortably and refuel at these local guesthouses. Here’s what to expect for meals and accommodation on a 3-day Poon Hill trek:

Accommodation in Ghorepani

Each night, you will stay in a teahouse in villages like Ulleri and Ghorepani. A typical room is a simple twin share (two single beds per room) with a foam mattress, pillow, and blanket. The rooms are generally clean, and some might offer an attached bathroom, though many have shared restroom facilities. In some accommodations, they do provide a hot shower at an extra cost.

Meals or Food Items in Ghorepani Poon Hill

You’ll be amazed at the variety of food available up in the hills! Teahouse menus are almost standardised across the Annapurna region, offering a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and basic Western dishes. For breakfast, popular choices are porridge, muesli, or pancakes, eggs (omelette, scrambled, boiled), and Tibetan bread or toast with jam/peanut butter.

Many trekkers fuel up with dal bhat in the evenings – this is the traditional Nepali meal of steamed rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry, often with pickle. It’s delicious, filling, and culturally authentic (guides joke “Dal Bhat power, 24 hour” because it gives lasting energy, and seconds are usually free!).

Other items you’ll find: noodle soups, fried rice, momos (Nepali dumplings), pasta, spring rolls, chapati with curry, and sometimes even pizza. Drinks: You can get everything from masala tea, black tea, coffee, hot lemon ginger honey, to soft drinks and bottled water. In Ghorepani, there’s often a small stall at Poon Hill selling hot tea or coffee early in the morning for sunrise watchers – a surreal experience to sip a hot drink with those views!

Drinking Water during the 3-day Poon Hill Trek

Safe drinking water is crucial. Avoid drinking unfiltered tap water on the trail. Instead, you have options: buy bottled water. Or better, bring a refillable bottle and either treat the water or ask the lodge to fill it with boiled water (for a small fee, maybe NPR 50-100). Many eco-conscious trekkers use purification tablets or a UV filter like SteriPEN to purify tap water. This not only saves money but also reduces plastic waste. On a short trek like this, carrying a couple of purification tablets is easy and ensures you have clean water anytime.

The Role of the Trekking Guide in this 3-Day Poon Hill Trek

While it’s possible to trek to Poon Hill on your own in theory, having a professional trekking guide elevates the experience in many ways – and, as of recent regulations, it’s essentially required for foreign trekkers. Here’s how a guide contributes to your 3-day Poon Hill Trek:

  • The guide from Mountain Eco Trails has been to Poon Hill several times. He knows the trail very well.
  • The guide will give you insights into the local communities, culture, and even teach you some Nepali phrases.
  • Our Guides are first aid trained. They know how to handle situations like Altitude sickness or any other kind of injury. 
  • Guides are experts in handling logistics like transportation, permit checks, and even reserving the accommodation for you. In some cases, the connection of the guide helps you get Free Wifi along the route.
  • Trekking can be some time mentally exhausting. A guide or porter is your companion who motivates you from time to time to reach your ultimate destination.

At Mountain Eco Trails, we consider our guides key to delivering a smooth and memorable trekking experience. They’ll not only get you to Poon Hill and back safely, but also ensure you truly enjoy every step of the journey.

FAQs

  • The Poon Hill trek is considered an easy-to-moderate trek. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly multi-day treks in Nepal. You’ll be walking 4–6 hours on average each day over gentle trails. The only particularly tough bit is the long stone staircase to Ulleri on Day 1 (about 3,000 steps up). If you take it slow, even that is manageable for most people. The highest point is 3,210 m at Poon Hill, which is not extremely high, so altitude sickness is rarely an issue.

  • No prior experience is required – this trek is ideal for first-time trekkers. The trail is well-maintained, and each day’s distance is moderate. As long as you come with a positive attitude and a willingness to walk, you can be a complete beginner and still enjoy the trek.

  • The highest point of the trek is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,532 ft) above sea level. This altitude is relatively low compared to many other Nepal treks. At 3,210 m, the oxygen level is a bit lower than at sea level, but most people do not experience significant altitude sickness here.

  • The best time for Poon Hill Trek is during spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November). In spring, the weather is mild and the rhododendron forests bloom beautifully, plus you get decent mountain views (especially in March and early April). Autumn offers very clear skies and stable weather after the monsoon rains – October is a favorite month for its brilliant views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

  • As of 2023, Nepal has made guides mandatory for foreign trekkers on routes like Poon Hill. This means you should hire a licensed guide (or join a guided group). Apart from the legal requirement, having a guide is highly beneficial. They navigate the trail, help with permits and finding good lodges, and enhance your safety and enjoyment.

  • You will need two permits: an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card. The ACAP costs about NPR 3,000 ($25) and is required for entering the Annapurna Conservation region. The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card costs NPR 2,000, depending on whether you go through an agency or not.

  • Accommodation is in teahouse lodges along the trail. These are simple guesthouses with basic private rooms (usually two beds per room). Don’t expect luxury – rooms have a bed, a blanket, maybe a small table, and hooks for hanging clothes. Bathrooms are often shared and might be outside or on a common floor.

    Meals are surprisingly varied and hearty. You’ll eat in the teahouse dining hall, choosing from a menu. Common dishes include dal bhat (rice with lentils and vegetable curry), fried rice, noodles, momos (dumplings), pasta, soups, etc. Breakfast could be pancakes, eggs, or porridge. The food is tasty and filling, perfect for trekkers. Tea, coffee, and other drinks are available as well. We recommend trying the dal bhat – it’s delicious and gives you lots of energy.

  • The trek typically starts at Nayapul, which is about 42 km from Pokhara (around a 1.5-hour drive). From Pokhara, you will drive in a private cab or jeep (depending on the group size) to arrive at Nayapul, or you can push further ahead to Birethanti.

  • In most teahouses, electricity is available (usually solar-powered or from a local hydro grid). You can charge your phone, camera, etc., usually in the dining hall or your room if there’s an outlet. Teahouses will often charge a fee of about NPR 100–300 per hour for charging, especially at higher villages like Ghorepani. It’s a good idea to bring a power bank so you’re not reliant on charging every day. WiFi is hit-or-miss. Some lodges, particularly in Ghorepani, offer WiFi internet access for a fee (they might sell a scratch card with a code, e.g., NPR 300 for 200MB data).

  • Generally, yes, this trek can be done by families with kids and also by active older adults, with some considerations. Many families take children (even as young as 7 or 8) on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. For older trekkers or seniors, the 4-Day Poon Hill Trek Itinerary would be better than the 3 days.

We Offer Group Discount
  
1 paxUS$350
2 paxUS$299
3 - 5 paxUS$250
6 - 10 paxUS$199
Price Per PersonUS$350US$399(All-inclusive services)
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