Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 6 Days

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The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a popular short trek in Nepal, which provides a scenic sunrise view over the Dhaulagiri & Annapurna Ranges. This standard Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes 6 days to complete. To do this trek, an Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit is required. Moreover, the best time to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the Spring & Autumn seasons. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is of easy difficulty, and all kinds of people, from Kids to old citizens, can do it. The 6 Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek costs USD 599 for single trekker and starts from USD 450 for a group of more than 8-12 trekkers. 

  • DestinationNepal
  • Duration6 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max. Altitude3210 meters
  • Starts/EndsKathmandu/Kathmandu
  • Trip Distance32-35 KM Walking
  • Trip StyleTrekking
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax.
  • Best SeasonSpring & Autumn

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a 6-day Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu journey with four trekking days through Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani and Ghandruk. The Ghorepani Poon Hill route reaches 3,210 metres at Poon Hill.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 6 Days is suitable for first-time trekkers who can walk for four to seven hours, climb steep stone steps and manage repeated descents. The package includes Kathmandu–Pokhara transport, a licensed guide, permits, meals, teahouse accommodation and trailhead transfers.

There is a reason Poon Hill remains one of Nepal’s most rewarding first treks. In less than a week, you move from Kathmandu’s busy streets to rhododendron forests, stone-built villages and a Himalayan viewpoint facing Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and the wider Annapurna range.

Although the staircases of Ulleri are slightly demanding, trekkers with no experience, kids, families, & even older citizens can do this trek.

The highlight is the sunrise view from Poon Hill (3,210m), showcasing the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges without extreme difficulty. You will trek through the gentle trail of rhododendron forests and traditional villages.

Mountain Eco Trails, as a government-authorised trekking company, has led this trek 20+ times with expert guides. You can confidently book this trek with us as our expert guides have 10+ years of experience on this Ghorepani Trek Route. Book Today.

Highlights of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in Nepal

  • Early sunrise view striking over the mountains from Poon Hill.
  • Spectacular views of panoramic mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Mt. Fishtail, Hiuchuli, etc.
  • Amazing hospitality of the Gurung community.
  • Hike through the lush green forests, stone stairs, and suspension bridges.

Can You Trek Poon Hill from Kathmandu in Six Days?

Yes. A six-day Poon Hill Trek from Kathmandu normally uses one day to travel to Pokhara, four days to trek through Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani and Ghandruk, and one day to return to Kathmandu. It is a practical option for beginners who want a complete Himalayan trek within one week.

The package is most convenient for travellers who have not yet reached Pokhara. If you are already staying in Pokhara, the 4-day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara avoids the two Kathmandu–Pokhara travel days.

Is 6 Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Right for You?

The six-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is right for you if you want a guided, lower-altitude Himalayan experience without spending ten or more days in the mountains. It combines achievable altitude, established teahouses, cultural villages and major mountain views, but still requires preparation for stairs and long descents.

Why Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is best for First-Time Trekkers

Poon Hill is often recommended as a beginner trek because the route is easy and reaches only 3200 meters which is below the risk level of AMS. The villages are close enough to provide regular meals and rest stops, and the highest overnight point remains below 3,000 metres.

Here are the reasons why the 6 Day Ghirepani Poon Hill Trek is best for beginners and all kind of travellers:

  • The walking days are relatively short compared to other treks like ABC or Annapurna Circuit Trek.
  • Comfortable teahouses with facilities for meals & beds.
  • The route is established and passes through inhabited villages.
  • The maximum altitude is 3,210 metres, less risky than other high-altitude treks.
  • Porters can be arranged if you do not want to carry your main trekking bag.
  • The itinerary includes a private return transfer from Ghandruk to Pokhara.
  • A licensed guide handles navigation, lodges, permits and changing trail conditions.

The real advantage is variety. You do not spend four days following one valley. The route climbs through Magar settlements and rhododendron forest, crosses the Poon Hill viewpoint, continues along a forested ridge and finishes in the Gurung village of Ghandruk.

Is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Worth It?

Yes, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is worth it. This trek is widely considered Nepal's best short trek for beginners.

Unlike treks to Everest or Annapurna Base Camp, this trek offers a true Himalayan experience without the risks of high altitude. You walk through charming villages, dense rhododendron forests, and terraced landscapes before reaching one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal.

The sunrise from Poon Hill is unforgettable. As the first light hits Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri, the mountains glow in golden colour. It feels like a reward earned without pushing your limits too far.

This is why many trekkers choose Poon Hill as their first Himalayan journey.

Who Is This 6-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Best For?

Perfect For:

  • First-time trekkers
  • Travellers with 6-7 days in Nepal
  • Couples and families
  • Beginner hikers with basic fitness
  • People looking for scenic but safe trekking

Not Ideal For:

  • Experienced trekkers seeking a challenge
  • High-altitude adventure lovers
  • Remote wilderness seekers

If your goal is to experience the Himalayas without stress, this trek is perfect.

Six-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary, Distance and Elevation

The route follows Kathmandu–Pokhara–Nayapul-Hile–Ulleri–Ghorepani–Poon Hill–Tadapani–Ghandruk–Pokhara–Kathmandu. Walking distances and cumulative elevation figures are realistic estimates rather than survey measurements. Road conditions, trail diversions and the exact lodge location can change each day’s total.

Day

Route

Distance

Highest point

Est. ascent

Est. descent

Time

1

Kathmandu to Pokhara

Approx. 200 km by road

Approx. 1,400 m

—

—

7–9 hours by road

2

Pokhara–Hile; trek to Ulleri

Approx. 6-7 km walking

Approx. 2,050 m

1,000–1,200 m cumulative

100–250 m

5–7 hours walking

3

Ulleri to Ghorepani

Approx. 7-8 km

2,874 m

850–950 m

50–150 m

4–6 hours

4

Ghorepani–Poon Hill–Tadapani

Approx. 12–14 km

3,210 m

750–850 m cumulative

1,100–1,250 m

6–8 hours

5

Tadapani–Ghandruk; drive to Pokhara

Approx. 4-5 km walking

2,630 m

50–150 m

700–800 m walking

3–4 hours walking plus drive

6

Pokhara to Kathmandu

Approx. 200 km by road

Approx. 1,400 m

—

—

7–9 hours by road

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost for 2026, 2027

The six-day Poon Hill Trek costs US$599 for one traveller, US$550 each for 2-3, US$499 each for groups of 4-7 and US$450 each for groups of 8-12. The package includes Kathmandu–Pokhara transport, Pokhara hotels, a licensed guide, ACAP, trail meals, teahouses and private trailhead transfers. Porter service and personal expenses cost extra. The cost depends on services, group size, and trekking style. Mountain Eco Trails offers this trek with a cost starting from USD 580 per person for single trekkers. Whereas, there is a discount on the price if you are in a group of more than 3 pax. Feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp us for more cost details, inclusions, & exclusions. 

Average Cost Range

USD 450 – USD 599 per person

Component

Est. Cost in USD

Trekking Guide for Ghorepani Poon Hill

$25–35/day

Accommodation during the trek 

$5–10/night

Accommodation in Pokhara 3-star $30-40/ night

Meals during the trek

$120-150

Permits

$25

Transportation (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)

$10-15

Jeep Transportation (Pokhara-Hile & Ghandruk-Pokhara)$100-120

Administrative cost and Taxes

$100-120

Estimated Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Package cost$450-$599 

Want the exact price for your dates? Send your group size, preferred departure date and bus-or-flight choice to receive a written quotation with inclusions.

Ready to Trek? Book with Mountain Eco Trails

Embarking on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is easier and more rewarding when you have the right team supporting you. Mountain Eco Trails is here to turn your trekking dreams into reality. With our expert local guides, eco-friendly approach, and attention to every detail, we ensure your Poon Hill experience is safe, seamless, and unforgettable. Contact us for more details or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.  

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a scenic journey from Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, to the lakeside city of Pokhara. Most travelers opt for the tourist bus that departs early (around 7:00 am) from Kathmandu. It’s a drive of roughly 200 km, taking about 7 hours with a lunch stop. The drive is an experience in itself – you’ll follow the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers, passing green hills, terraced fields, and glimpses of rural Nepali life. If the weather is clear, keep an eye out in the distance for snow-clad peaks teasing the horizon as you approach Pokhara. Optional: If you prefer a quicker trip, flights are available from Kathmandu to Pokhara that take only about half an hour, offering aerial views of the Himalayas.

  • Max Altitude:800 meters
  • Time:7-8 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast

Fuel up with an early breakfast in Pokhara. The guide will come to your hotel with a driver, then take a drive to the trailhead in a private Jeep. You’ll travel by private Vehicle to Nayapul (approx. 1,070 m), which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from Pokhara. The road winds through scenic countryside and small towns before descending to Nayapul by the Modi Khola River. 

The walk begins beside cultivated fields and settlements along the lower Bhurungdi Khola valley. The early section feels gentle, but the route becomes much steeper after Tikhedhunga. Stone steps climb toward Ulleri, a Magar village positioned high above the valley.

This is often the day that resets a beginner’s expectations. The altitude is not extreme, but the sustained staircase can be tiring. Walk slowly, avoid trying to match faster trekkers and take short, regular breaks rather than waiting until you are exhausted.

Ulleri provides the first satisfying sense of height. In clear weather, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli may appear beyond the ridges.

  • Max Altitude:1900 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:5-6 hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail continues upward through Banthanti and Nangethanti. Oak and rhododendron forest gradually replace the cultivated landscape of the lower valley. During March and April, red, pink and white rhododendron flowers can transform this section.

Although the route still climbs, the day normally feels more rhythmic than the Ulleri staircase. Tree cover provides shade, and teahouses along the route offer places to rest, eat and refill safe drinking water.

Ghorepani sits on a mountain saddle and has upper and lower lodge areas. Your guide will normally choose a suitable lodge based on availability, room quality and access to the Poon Hill trail.

If the afternoon is clear, do not wait for sunrise to look for the mountains. Annapurna South, Nilgiri and parts of the Dhaulagiri range can sometimes be seen before sunset.

  • Max Altitude:2874 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:4-6 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today begins before dawn. After a warm drink, walk uphill from Ghorepani to Poon Hill with a headlamp. The ascent normally takes 45–75 minutes, depending on pace, trail conditions and crowd levels.

Poon Hill reaches 3,210 metres. On a clear morning, the panorama can include Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. Sunrise is famous, but the mountain panorama—not only the colour of the sky—is the real reward.

After descending to Ghorepani for breakfast, continue toward Deurali. The trail climbs back near 3,200 metres before descending through forest and passing Banthanti. Short uphill sections appear again before Tadapani.

This is the longest and most varied day of the trek. It includes a pre-dawn climb, substantial cumulative ascent and more than 1,000 metres of cumulative descent.

  • Max Altitude:3210 meters
  • Accommodation:Tea House
  • Time:6-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail descends through forest toward Ghandruk. Wet roots, leaves and stone steps can make the descent slower than its distance suggests, so trekking poles remain useful.

Ghandruk is one of the best-known Gurung settlements in the Annapurna region. Stone lanes, traditional homes and mountain views give the village a different character from the overnight trail stops. When time permits, you can explore part of the village before meeting the private jeep.

The drive to Pokhara is rough on the unpaved sections and becomes smoother after joining the main road. Once back in Pokhara, check into the hotel and enjoy a shower, a comfortable bed and a free evening near Lakeside.

  • Max Altitude:850 Meters
  • Accommodation:3-Star Hotel
  • Time:4-5 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast, & Lunch

After a memorable short and easy trek in Nepal to Ghorepani, now time to get back to Kathmandu. As per the schedule of the tourist bus, the trekking guide will help you to reach at the Bus station. Follow the same highway you came from the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, enjoying the riverside views and the traditional villages. Upon reaching the last station of station, you will be transferred to your hotel in a taxi by our guide.

Later in the evening, we will have a farewell dinner to listen after your story about the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in the Annapurna Region.

  • Max Altitude:1350 meters
  • Time:7-8 Hours
  • Meals:Breakfast

Got a question about this tour?

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Cost Includes
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu Tourist Bus Fare 
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Card. 
  • Pokhara 2-night accommodation in a 3-star Hotel before and after the trek with BB plan. 
  • English-speaking government-licensed Trekking Guide. 
  • Expenses of the guide, including his salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance. 
  • Pokhara to Hile Private Jeep Fare
  • Ghandruk to Pokhara in a private Jeep. 
  • Meals during the trek (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 Dinners)
  • Accommodation during the trek on a sharing basis. 
  • Seasonal fruits every day after dinner. 
  • Trekking Poles, Duffel Bag (if porter), SIM Card ( As a complimentary) 
  • Farewell dinner with team official after arriving in Kathmandu
  • Rescue Arrangements if needed.
  • Government & Local Taxes
Cost Excludes
  • Drinks and personal expenses during the trek 
  • Rescue evacuation if needed
  • Travel Insurance 
  • Lunch and Dinner in Pokhara 
  • Porter costs (If needed, USD 20 per day)
  • Tips for Guide and Porter
  • Extra days in the mountains due to bad weather or extension of the trip to another destination. 
Availability
Select a Departure Month
Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
Start DateStarts: SundayAug 16, 2026End DateEnds: FridayAug 21, 2026PricePriceUS$599StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: SundayAug 23, 2026End DateEnds: FridayAug 28, 2026PricePriceUS$599StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: SundayAug 30, 2026End DateEnds: FridaySep 04, 2026PricePriceUS$599StatusStatusAvailable
Good to Know

Best Time to Trek Ghorepani Poon Hill

The best time to trek Ghorepani Poon Hill is Spring & Autumn season. October and November usually provide the most reliable combination of clear mountain views and stable walking conditions. March and April are best for rhododendron flowers and milder temperatures. Winter offers quieter trails and crisp views, while the monsoon brings rain, leeches, slippery steps and less reliable visibility.

Spring: March to May

March begins cool and generally becomes warmer through April. Rhododendrons usually appear from March into April, with timing affected by altitude and annual weather.

April combines flowers, comfortable daytime conditions and busy trails. May is warmer and greener, but cloud and afternoon showers become more likely as the monsoon approaches.

Autumn: September to November

September begins green and may still receive residual monsoon rain. October is one of the busiest months because skies are often clear and daytime temperatures are comfortable.

November is cooler, drier and generally excellent for mountain views. Cold mornings become more noticeable at Ghorepani and Poon Hill.

How Difficult Is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is graded easy. The route is gentle and passes through the Gurung villages, lush forests, & terrace field. However, trekkers must be careful during the Ulleri Stone steps. The stone staircases are more than 3000, which can be a little difficult, but with a steady pace, you can encounter them easily. 

Here are a few ways to tackle the little challenges of this trek:

  • Begin more slowly than feels necessary.
  • Use trekking poles without leaning heavily on them.
  • Take brief water breaks at regular intervals.
  • Keep your daypack as light as possible.
  • Avoid racing other trekkers.
  • Tell the guide early if you develop pain or unusual fatigue.

The steps can become slippery during rain. Footwear with dependable grip matters more than expensive technical equipment.

General Preparation for Beginners to Trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill

A simple four-to-six-week preparation period will make the trek more enjoyable. The goal is not speed or extreme training. It is becoming comfortable with steady walking and repeated stairs.

Useful preparation includes:

  • Two or three brisk walks each week
  • One longer weekend walk
  • Regular stair or hill sessions
  • Practice walking downhill with control
  • Training in the footwear you will use
  • Carrying a small daypack during practice walks
  • Learning how to use trekking poles correctly

New boots should be broken in before Nepal. Your toenails should not strike the front of the shoe during descent, and socks should not create pressure points.

6-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill vs 4-Day vs 3-Day Poon Hill Trek

Choose the itinerary according to where you begin—not merely the smallest number of days. The six-day package is designed for travellers starting in Kathmandu. The four-day package is better for people already in Pokhara, while a three-day version compresses the route and may require longer driving or harder walking days.

Option

Start and finish

Itinerary Days

Longest day

Difficulty

Published price

Best for

6-day Kathmandu package

Kathmandu

6

Approx. 5-6 hours

Easy from Kathmandu

US$580 solo; US$399–499 with group discounts

First-time visitors who want complete Kathmandu logistics

4-day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara

Pokhara

4

Approx. 6–7 hours

Easy to moderate

Approximately US$399–600, depending on service

Travellers already staying in Pokhara

3-day short version

Pokhara

3

Approx. 8 hours, depending on road access

Moderate to difficult because of compression

Custom quotation required

Fit travellers with very limited time

Choose the 6 Day Poon Hill Trek If:

  • You are starting and finishing in Kathmandu.
  • You want transport and Pokhara hotels organised.
  • This is your first visit to Nepal.
  • You have six complete calendar days.
  • You prefer one booking for the complete journey.

Choose the 4 Day Poon Hill Trek If:

  • You are already in Pokhara.
  • Your hotel before and after the trek is already booked.
  • You want to avoid paying for Kathmandu transfers.
  • You are combining the trek with another Pokhara activity.

Choose the Three-Day Trek If:

  • Time is your highest priority.
  • You are comfortable with a compressed schedule.
  • You accept greater dependence on road conditions.
  • You have adequate fitness for longer or steeper days.

A three-day itinerary is not automatically better because it is shorter. It often exchanges trail time for longer jeep travel and less flexibility.

Booking Your Trek with Mountain Eco Trails

When it comes to organising the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, choosing the right trekking company can enhance your experience enormously. Mountain Eco Trails is a local Nepali trekking company that specialises in guided treks exactly like Poon Hill. Booking with a reputable outfitter like Mountain Eco Trails offers several advantages:

To book with Mountain Eco Trails, you can contact them through our website, email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.

Also, for the trip confirmation, we kindly request our clients to make an advance payment of 20% of the total cost, and the remaining balance can be paid after arrival. It’s recommended to book at least a few weeks or months in advance, especially for peak season (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr), to ensure availability of guides and any internal flights/hotels if needed. 

Get more info regarding the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:

FAQs

  • A complete Poon Hill Trek from Kathmandu takes six days in this itinerary. It includes two road-travel days and four trekking days.

  • The four walking days cover approximately 35-40 kilometres, although route measurements vary

  • The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. The main challenge is climbing stone steps, especially near Ulleri, but overall the trek is manageable for anyone with average fitness and some walking experience.

  • The distance from Ghorepani to Poon Hill is quite short – about 1.2 km (0.75 miles) each way, so roughly 2.4 km round-trip. Don’t be fooled by the short distance, though; it’s a steep uphill hike of around 400 meters (1,300 feet) vertical gain. Most people take 45 minutes to 1 hour to climb up in the pre-dawn darkness and about 30–40 minutes to descend back to Ghorepani.

  • Yes, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best beginner-friendly treks in Nepal. It has well-marked trails, moderate walking hours, and a maximum altitude of 3,210 meters, making it ideal for first-time trekkers with basic fitness.

  • Yes, private rooms are available in most teahouses along the Poon Hill route. However, during peak trekking seasons like spring and autumn, availability can be limited, so early booking or guided arrangements are recommended.

  • You should pack light but essential gear including layered clothing, a warm jacket, waterproof outerwear, good trekking shoes, gloves, hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Since it’s a teahouse trek, camping gear is not required.

  • No, altitude sickness (AMS) is not a major concern on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. The highest point you sleep is 2,874 m at Ghorepani, and you go up to 3,210 m on Poon Hill briefly. These altitudes are relatively moderate. Serious altitude sickness is uncommon below 3,500 m.

  • Yes, you will need a guide for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. As of the latest regulations (2023 onward), yes, international trekkers must hire a guide to enter the conservation areas, national parks, and restricted regions of Nepal.

  • Yes, you need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. This permit is mandatory and checked along the trail. 

  • Accommodation on the Poon Hill trek is in teahouses (mountain lodges) in each village. These are simple guesthouses run by local families. Expect basic but cozy rooms, usually twin-sharing with two beds and a blanket. Most teahouses have shared bathrooms (squat or Western toilets; hot showers are available for an extra fee in many places).

  • The best time of the year for the 6-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek are generally spring (March to early May) and autumn (late September to November). During these months, the weather in the Annapurna region is most stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures – perfect for mountain views and comfortable trekking.

  • Yes, absolutely – the Ghorepano Poon Hill trek in 6 days is very popular among families and older adventurers. Its moderate difficulty and shorter length make it one of the most family-friendly treks in Nepal.

Clients Reviews

  • Great Experience in Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

    Trekking in Poonhill with highly professional service. Both the management and staff were very friendly, and the service was excellent. 100% recommended.

    X
    Xabier GimbernatSpain,March 2025
    Google

  • Mountain Eco Trails are utterly amazing

    Mountain Eco Trails are utterly amazing. They are quick, efficient, and have great prices. They really should have more reviews they are that good. They will get to know you and tailor anything to your trekking needs as a small team. Wow

    T
    TomUnited Kingdom,August 2023
    Google
Price Per PersonUS$599US$699
We Offer Group Discount
  
1 paxUS$599
2 - 3 paxUS$550
4 - 7 paxUS$499
8 - 12 paxUS$450
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