About Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (also known as the Annapurna Poon Hill trek) is one of Nepal’s most popular short treks in Annapurna, Nepal. This Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking Guide will provide you with detailed information regarding the cost, trekking guide, and other logistics.
Starting from Pokhara, this trek leads you through charming Gurung and Magar villages, verdant rhododendron forests, and panoramic mountain vistas.
The highlight is the pre-dawn hike to the Ghorepani Poon Hill sunrise viewpoint, where you’ll witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
At a Glance: Poon Hill Trek – Duration, Difficulty, Best Time, Highlights
Duration: 3–5 days of trekking from Pokhara (4 days is common; 6–7 days if including travel from Kathmandu).
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Daily walks of 4–6 hours on well-marked trails with some steep stone staircases. Suitable for beginners in good shape.
Max Elevation: 3,210 m at Poon Hill summit.
Best Season: Spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) offer the clearest skies and best mountain views. These are peak trekking seasons. For fewer crowds, consider December or early spring, though expect colder mornings.
Starting/Ending Point: Nayapul (1,070 m) is the usual trailhead, about a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara. The trek often ends in Ghandruk with a return drive to Pokhara.
Permits: ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area) – NPR 3,000, and TIMS card – NPR 2,000 are required. (Permits can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu before you start.)
Trek Cost: Guided trek packages range from USD 399–699, depending on services and group size. (See detailed cost breakdown below.)
Highlights: Sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill with 360° Himalayan panoramas (Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and more), vibrant rhododendron blooms in spring, cultural experiences in Ghorepani and Ghandruk villages, and a rewarding short adventure accessible from Pokhara.
Sunrise view from Poon Hill, illuminating the peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Reaching this iconic viewpoint in the early morning is the centrepiece of the trek.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Itinerary
There are a few itinerary variations for the Poon Hill trek, ranging from a quick 3-day sprint to a more relaxed 6-day journey. Below are examples of common itineraries. Each offers the same ultimate highlight – the Poon Hill sunrise – but the pace and route differ slightly.
4-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary from Pokhara
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri (1,960 m) Trek through Birethanti and follow the Bhurungdi River to Hile. Then tackle the famous Ulleri staircase – around 3,000 stone steps to reach the Magar village of Ulleri (2,070 m). (5–6 hours trekking) Overnight in Ulleri (teahouse).
Day 2: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,860 m) – Hike through lush oak and rhododendron forests, passing villages like Banthanti and Nangethanti. Enjoy glimpses of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli during breaks. Arrive at Ghorepani by afternoon (4–5 hours walk).
Day 3: Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m) & trek to Tadapani (2,600 m) – Pre-dawn wake-up (around 4:00 AM) to hike up Poon Hill with headlamps. It’s a steep 1-hour climb, but the reward is an unforgettable sunrise lighting up peaks like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre. After soaking in the panorama and snapping photos, descend to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then trek onward: a short climb to Deurali Pass and descend through rhododendron forest to Tadapani. (Total 6–7 hours trekking, including Poon Hill hike.) Overnight in Tadapani.
Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940 m) & drive to Pokhara – Trek downhill through forests to Ghandruk, a large Gurung village with impressive close-up views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Enjoy lunch in Ghandruk and perhaps visit the Gurung Museum. In the afternoon, take a jeep from Ghandruk to Pokhara (2–3 hours by rough road) to conclude the trek.
(This 4-day Poon Hill trek itinerary is fast-paced yet achievable for most trekkers, and it packs all the main highlights in a short timeframe.)
3-Day Short Poon Hill Trek
The 3-day itinerary is a Nepal short trek (4-5 days) condensed into an even shorter version, best for fit hikers:
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Ulleri if road conditions allow and trek directly to Ghorepani. This is a long day with a big ascent (you’ll likely jeep to Ulleri to skip the 3,000 steps and then hike 4 hours to Ghorepani). Arrive by evening at Ghorepani (2,875 m).
Day 2: Poon Hill sunrise early morning and back to Ghorepani & descend trek to Nayapul (via the same route or an alternate trail via Ulleri). You’ll cover a lot of downhill distance. Some itineraries instead descend to Ghandruk on Day 2 after Poon Hill, and overnight there. (This splits the descent over two days.)
Day 3: If you stayed in Ghandruk, hike a short 2–3 hours down to Nayapul (or Kimche) and then drive to Pokhara by afternoon. If you already descended to Nayapul on Day 2, then you’re back in Pokhara by Day 3 morning.
In summary, the 3-day Poon Hill trek squeezes the experience into a tight schedule – you’ll still catch the famed sunrise and be back in Pokhara by the third evening. It’s doable for those in good shape, but expect long, challenging days. (If you prefer not to rush, the 4-day or 5-day trek is more relaxing.)
6-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
For trekkers who want a more relaxed pace or are coming from Kathmandu, the 6-day itinerary is ideal. It allows time to enjoy the journey and acclimate comfortably:
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820 m) – Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara (either a 6–7 hour tourist bus or a 25-minute flight). Enjoy the evening by Phewa Lake in Pokhara.
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri – After breakfast, drive to the trailhead (Nayapul). Trek to Tikhedhunga or up the Ulleri steps, depending on your starting point. Overnight in a village lodge (around Ulleri at ~1,960 m).
Day 3: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,875 m) – Trek through forests and villages to Ghorepani at a leisurely pace (4–5 hours). You have the afternoon free in Ghorepani; you can explore the upper part of the village or rest with mountain views.
Day 4: Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani – Early morning hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, then return and continue the trek. After breakfast, head east over a ridge and descend through woodland to Tadapani (2,600 m). This is a shorter walking day (about 5 hours plus the Poon Hill hike), allowing time to relax at Tadapani, which offers marvellous close-up views of Annapurna South.
Day 5: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk & drive to Pokhara (1,940 m) – A gentle 3-hour descent leads to Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung settlements in the region. Spend the afternoon exploring Ghandruk’s cultural sights or just enjoy the last mountain vistas from the village. After that, drive to Pokhara by private or sharing jeep.
Day 6: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara
The 6-day trek is essentially the 4-day trek stretched out, with an extra day for travel and an extra day to break up the return. It’s perfect if you want to slow down and soak in the scenery, or if you’re trekking with family/children or seniors who prefer shorter walking days.
How to Avoid Crowds on the Poon Hill trek in Ghorepani
The Poon Hill trail is very popular, meaning you’ll encounter many fellow trekkers, especially in peak season. However, there are some strategies to avoid the biggest crowds:
Trek in the off-peak months: If your schedule allows, consider winter (Dec–Feb) or the tail ends of the trekking seasons (early December or late February/March). The weather can be colder (or occasional rain in late monsoon), but the trails and teahouses are far less crowded.
Start your day extra early: Many groups depart around 7–8 AM. Hitting the trail at daybreak (or doing the Poon Hill ascent 15–30 minutes earlier than the bulk of trekkers) can put you ahead of the pack. At the Poon Hill summit, leaving Ghorepani around 4:00 AM might help secure a good viewpoint spot and enjoy some quiet moments before the crowd arrives.
Stay at Lower Ghorepani or hike for sunset: Ghorepani village is actually divided into Lower and Upper Ghorepani. Most trekkers lodge at Upper Ghorepani for a shorter morning hike. If you stay at Lower Ghorepani, it adds 10–15 minutes in the morning, but it may be quieter at night. Alternatively, consider hiking up to Poon Hill for sunset on the evening you arrive (weather permitting). Sunset views can be beautiful with alpenglow on the peaks, and only a handful of people go in the evening. You can then optionally skip the super early wake-up (or go twice if you’re eager!).
Explore alternate trails: For those open to a different route, an advanced Poon Hill trek variation like the Mohare Danda Trek or Khopra Ridge Trek offers similar epic views with almost no crowds. These off-the-beaten-path routes connect to the Poon Hill region but veer away from the main teahouse highway. You’ll trek through quiet villages and even catch unique angles of the Annapurna range – a great option for experienced trekkers seeking solitude (and it doubles as a crowd avoidance strategy).
In general, Poon Hill will always have trekkers, but by timing your hikes smartly and choosing your season or route carefully, you can still find pockets of peace. And even if you’re among many people at the summit, the sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is so breathtaking that it creates a shared sense of awe – a crowd of nature-lovers isn’t so bad when everyone’s jaw is on the floor!
Poon Hill Trek Gear List for Beginners and Seasoned Trekkers
One of the keys to a successful trek is packing the right gear. Poon Hill may be a shorter trek, but you’ll experience chilly mornings and warm afternoons, so layering is important. Here’s a gear checklist (suitable for beginners, with notes for seasoned hikers):
- Trekking Shoes/Boots: Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip.
- Clothing Layers: Moisture-wicking t-shirts, a warm fleece or down jacket (nights at Ghorepani can drop near freezing), trekking pants, and a waterproof/windproof jacket.
- Sun Protection: Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Even in cool weather, the sun at altitude is strong.
- Dawn/Evening Gear: Warm hat (beanie) and gloves for the Poon Hill sunrise hike, when temperatures can be close to 0°C. A headlamp is essential for the early morning ascent in the dark.
- Refillable Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: Stay hydrated by refilling at teahouses.
- Daypack: A 20–30 L daypack to carry your daily needs (water, snacks, camera, layers). If you have porters for heavy gear, keep valuables and essentials with you. Seasoned trekkers often go fully self-sufficient with a larger pack (40 L) if they’re not hiring porters.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended, especially for the steep downhill sections.
- Other Essentials: Personal first-aid kit, a quick-dry travel towel, toiletries, hand sanitiser, and toilet paper.
- Optional Extras (for seasoned trekkers or photography enthusiasts): Camera with spare batteries, a lightweight tripod (if you want to capture that perfect sunrise shot), a book or Kindle for evenings, and energy bars or electrolytes for long hiking days.
Remember: Pack light and smart. As a rule of thumb, your full pack shouldn’t exceed 10–12 kg for this short trek. If you’re a beginner overwhelmed by packing, our guides at Mountain Eco Trails can provide a gear checklist and help you rent any heavy items (like down jackets or sleeping bags) in Pokhara. Seasoned hikers likely have dialed-in kits – but always double-check the forecast and adjust gear accordingly (e.g., extra micro-spikes for boots if trekking in winter snow, etc.).
Transport for Ghorepani Trek from Pokhara
Getting to and from the trailhead is an important logistical part of the trek. Here’s what you need to know about transportation for the Poon Hill trek:
Pokhara to Nayapul (start of trek): The most convenient option is to hire a private vehicle (car or jeep), which takes around 1.5 hours and drops you right at the trekking start. This costs roughly USD 40–50 per car
End of trek – Ghandruk/Nayapul back to Pokhara: Many trekkers finish in Ghandruk and then take a jeep down. Shared local jeeps run from Ghandruk to Pokhara for about NPR 1000 to 1500 per person (or hire a private jeep for NPR 8000+, ~$60, if you prefer privacy). The jeep ride from Ghandruk to Pokhara is about 3 hours, bouncing down mountain roads.
Kathmandu to Pokhara (and return): If you aren’t already in Pokhara, you’ll need to factor this in. Options include a 6–7 hour tourist bus (USD 10–15), a quicker private vehicle, or a 25-minute flight (USD 100).
Teahouses in Ghorepani
One of the charms of trekking in Nepal is the teahouse accommodation. Along the Poon Hill route, teahouses (small lodges run by local families) are plentiful, and nowhere more so than in Ghorepani itself. Here’s what to expect from the teahouses in Ghorepani and the region:
Comfort & Facilities: Teahouses in Ghorepani are relatively comfortable by trekking standards. You’ll get a basic private room (twin beds) with a foam mattress, pillow, and blanket. Rooms are unheated, but the dining hall usually has a wood stove. Most teahouses offer hot showers (for an extra fee of a couple of dollars) and have Western-style toilets or improved pit toilets.
Dining: Teahouses provide hearty meals. You’ll order dinner and breakfast from the menu – typical options include dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, pasta, momos, etc. A thermos of hot tea while gazing at the mountains is a must! Prices increase with altitude due to the cost of transporting goods up.
Teahouses along the trail: Aside from Ghorepani, you’ll find teahouses at all the usual stops: Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Banthanti, Nangethanti, Tadapani, Ghandruk, etc. The quality is fairly similar, though Ghorepani and Ghandruk, being larger villages, have a slightly wider selection (and some bakeries/cafes). Embrace the teahouse culture – it’s a wonderful way to directly support local communities. The hosts are usually local Gurung or Magar families who often have generations of experience welcoming trekkers.
In short, teahouses in Ghorepani provide a warm haven after a day’s trek. They may be simple, but the hospitality is genuine. Enjoy the rustic charm – playing cards by the stove, chatting with your guide and other trekkers, and resting up for that early call to Poon Hill!
Trekking Guide Cost for Ghorepani Poon Hill
Hiring a trekking guide for the Poon Hill trek can greatly enrich your experience – and since 2023, it’s effectively a requirement for foreign trekkers in Nepal’s main regions. If you’re wondering about the cost and whether to hire a guide (or porter), here’s the breakdown:
Guide Daily Rates: A licensed English-speaking trekking guide for the Ghorepani Poon Hill route typically charges USD 25–30 per day. This rate often includes their food, accommodation, and insurance during the trek (either you pay those separately or the guide covers them from their fee – clarify with your agency or guide).
Porter or Porter-Guide: If you need help carrying your gear, porters cost roughly USD 20-22 per day. Many trekking companies also offer “porter-guides” – individuals who can communicate in basic English, know the route, and carry a lighter load (maybe 15 kg) – for about USD 30–35 per day. This can be a good compromise for small groups on a budget, as you get both some guiding insight and help with bags.
Booking a Guide: You can hire a guide through a trekking agency like Mountain Eco Trails. We ensure guides are licensed and experienced, and handle all arrangements (for example, our guides are government-licensed and intimately familiar with the Poon Hill trail).
Tipping: Don’t forget to budget for tipping your guide/porter at the end of the trek. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but is very much expected in Nepal trekking culture as appreciation for good service. A common guideline is 10% of the total trek cost or around USD 5–10 per day for guides (and about USD 3–5 per day for a porter), depending on your satisfaction.
Poon Hill Trek Cost Breakdown 2026 (Including Permits, Guide and Lodges)
What does the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek cost in 2026, 2027? While individual budgets vary, here’s a detailed breakdown of typical expenses for a 4–5 day trek, so you can plan accordingly:
1. Trekking Permits: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) – NPR 3,000 per person, and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card – NPR 2,000 per person. In USD, that’s roughly $40–45 total for permits. (Tip: Obtain these at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or the ACAP office in Pokhara. If you book through an agency, we arrange permits for you.)
2. Transportation: Pokhara ↔ Nayapul/Ghandruk travel. If using local transport: bus and shared jeeps, expect about $15–$25 per person round trip. Private transport will be higher (up to $50 each way, but can be split in a group). If coming from Kathmandu, add the cost of bus ($15 each way) or flight ($105 one way) to Pokhara.
3. Accommodation: Teahouse lodging is inexpensive. It’s about NPR 500–1000 per room per night in this region (around $4–$8). If you trek 4 nights, that’s $20–$30 total in lodging. Many tea houses will even give you a free room if you eat your dinner and breakfast there, since they make money on food. However, it’s good form to factor in some cost for lodging when budgeting (especially in peak season when they might charge a small fee for the room).
4. Meals: You’ll eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus plenty of tea/coffee and snacks on the trail. On average, meals cost $20–$25 per day for a trek like Poon Hill. Dal bhat (with unlimited refills) is usually the best value and very filling. Over 4 days of trekking, budget around $60–$100 for food and drinks. Prices are higher at higher elevations and for items like chocolate bars, soft drinks, or beer.
5. Guide/Porter: If hiring, as mentioned above: guide $30/day, porter $20/day. For 4 days, a guide is $120 total. If you’re splitting a guide with a group, the cost per person goes down. This is optional, but now often necessary due to regulations. For budget planning, let’s say $30–$40 per day for guide/porter services combined, which might be $120–$160 total if you have both. (In a group of 4 with one guide, you’d each pay a quarter of the guide fee, etc.). You can learn more about Trekking Guide Hire in Nepal.
6. Gear Rentals/Buy: If you need to rent a down jacket, sleeping bag, or trekking poles in Pokhara, budget an extra $1–$2 per item per day. Renting a sleeping bag for a week might be NPR 500–700 total. This cost is avoidable if you bring your own gear, but good to keep in mind.
7. Miscellaneous: Charging electronics: some teahouses charge NPR 100–200 ($1–2) per device to charge phones/power banks. Hot showers: NPR 200–300 ($2) each. Wi-Fi: NPR 100–300 ($1–3) for access (where available). Tips: as mentioned, maybe $20–$30 set aside for tipping staff (guides, porters, and even a small tip to particularly nice teahouse staff). Buffer/emergency money: Always have a little extra cash for unforeseen expenses or if you decide to splurge (like buying some souvenirs from village women’s cooperatives or a celebratory drink in Ghandruk).
To put it all together, here’s an approximate total cost per person for a 4–5 day Poon Hill trek in 2025:
Packaged Trek (all-inclusive through agency): $500+. Trek packages from agencies like ours often range from $399 to $600 per person, depending on what’s included – typically permits, guide, porter, transport, meals, accommodation, etc. While the upfront cost is higher, remember it’s covering all logistics and services with no hassle to you, and often there are no hidden costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How difficult is the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek?
The Poon Hill trek is considered one of the easier treks in Nepal, with a difficulty rating of easy to moderate. It does not involve any technical climbing or very high altitudes. Most days, you will walk 4–6 hours on well-trodden paths.
What permits do I need for the Poon Hill trek?
You will need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card. The ACAP permit costs NPR 3,000 for foreigners, which goes toward conservation and local development in the Annapurna region. The TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card costs NPR 2,000 (about $15) for individual trekkers; if you’re with an agency, sometimes a different (green) TIMS at NPR 1,000 is issued, but as of 2025, all trekkers are paying the higher fee.
When is the best time to trek to Poon Hill?
The best time is autumn and spring. October and November (autumn) offer post-monsoon clear skies, mild temperatures, and stunning visibility of the mountains – this is the most popular period. March and April (spring) are also excellent: the weather is warming up, and the rhododendron forests on the trail burst into bloom with red and pink flowers, adding colour to the trek. Plus, spring mornings often have clear views of the snow-capped peaks.
Do I need a guide for the Poon Hill trek, or can I do it independently?
As of 2023, Nepal has a rule requiring foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide for treks in popular regions like Annapurna. This was implemented for safety and regulation, although in practice, some experienced trekkers still go independently. Assuming you follow the regulations, you’ll need a guide. But beyond the rules, having a guide is beneficial on a trek like Poon Hill.
Is altitude sickness a concern on this Poon Hill trek?
Poon Hill is relatively low in terms of Himalayan treks – the highest point is 3,210 m (10,531 ft). Most people do not have serious issues with altitude on this route. We’re below the typical threshold (around 3,500 m) where Acute Mountain Sickness can commonly start. However, everyone’s body is different, and some hikers might feel mild symptoms like shortness of breath, a slight headache, or trouble sleeping the first night at Ghorepani.
What should I expect from the Poon Hill sunrise?
Expect one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Nepal, especially considering the short amount of effort to get there! On summit morning, you’ll leave your lodge around 4–4:30 AM with a flashlight. The hike is about 45–60 minutes up a well-defined path (which is essentially a long staircase through woods opening to a hillside). Reaching the top of Poon Hill, you’ll join other trekkers in awaiting dawn. As the sun rises, it illuminates a grand sweep of Himalayan peaks: the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South (7,219 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), and the Dhaulagiri range.
How crowded is the Poon Hill trek?
The Poon Hill trek is quite popular, so you should expect to see other groups every day. It’s one of the busiest trails in Nepal, especially in October and during holidays. During the day on the trail, it’s not a continuous line of people, but at resting points and viewpoints, you’ll likely be among dozens of trekkers. The good news is that the crowds thin significantly after Poon Hill: many people descend back the way they came, so if you continue to Tadapani and Ghandruk, you’ll find fewer trekkers on those stretches. Overall, yes, it’s crowded compared to remote treks, but the views and cultural experiences are so rewarding that most feel it’s absolutely worth it.
What are some alternatives to the Poon Hill trek if I want something different?
If you’ve done Poon Hill before or want a trek with fewer tourists, there are great alternatives in the same region:
Conclusion: Ready for the Sunrise Adventure?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an adventure that offers towering Himalayan peaks, rich cultural encounters, and the thrill of that sunrise moment at 3,210 m. Join this best short trek in Nepal, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek today and live those moments forever.
At Mountain Eco Trails, we live and breathe these mountains. Our experienced team has led countless trekkers to Poon Hill’s summit and beyond. We are here to ensure your trek is not only safe and well-organised, but also truly enriching – full of authentic local experiences and personal touches.
Book your Poon Hill Trek now. Contact us for more details via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.
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