Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a short and popular but rewarding trip to the Annapurna region. This trek is popular among trekkers who have limited time in Nepal and do not have previous history of trekking. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route leads you on an enchanting journey through wide open valleys, sparkling waterfalls and dense forests.
The Poon Hill at an altitude of (3210m) is famous for a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan ranges it offers such as Mount Dhaulagiri 8167m, Annapurna I 8091m, Machhapuchhre 6998m, Nilgiri 7041m, Annapurna South 7219m, Annapurna II 7939m, Annapurna III 7555m, Annapurna IV 7525m, and Lamjung Himal 6988m. It is one of the most spectacular mountain spots where you can enjoy fabulous sunrise and sunset over the Himalaya.
The gorgeous landscapes, green vegetation, the rhododendron forest, different flora and fauna of this region provide you with the lifetime memory. Along with the natural scenery, trekkers get the opportunity to explore the lifestyle and culture of the different ethnic groups like Gurung, Magar, and Thakali.
Begin your journey with an early morning breakfast in Kathmandu, followed by a scenic seven-hour drive to Pokhara (914m.). Along the highway, delight in the picturesque vistas of mountains, hills, villages, and rivers.
Pokhara, a haven for tourists, boasts lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu temples, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Enjoy another early morning breakfast before embarking on a three-hour drive from Pokhara (914m.) to Ulleri (2070m.). From there, commence your trek to Ghorepani (2675m) through dense oak and rhododendron forests. Stay overnight at lodge.
Rise early for a one-hour hike to Poon Hill (3210m.), a renowned viewpoint offering breathtaking sunrise/sunset views and panoramas of the majestic Himalayan peaks. Afterward, return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing your trek to Tadapani (2630m.), a journey of approximately four and a half hours. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1950m.) for about three hours, enjoying an easy descent through rhododendron and oak forests. Ghandruk, a sizable Gurung village, offers splendid views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and more. Spend the night at a lodge.
Trek from Ghandruk (1950m.) to Pothana (1990m.) over six hours. Begin with a steep descent to Kimbu, known as the Bee Hive area, followed by a steep ascent to Landruk, a picturesque Gurung village. Enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and more before descending gently to Pothana village (1900m.) for the night. Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1113m.) in approximately four hours. Descend gradually, passing through Dhampus village, paddy fields, and forests. Upon arrival at Dhampus Phedi, drive back to Pokhara for an hour. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Conclude your journey with an early morning breakfast in Pokhara before embarking on a scenic seven-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Enjoy views of mountains, green landscapes, rice terraces, and local life activities along the way.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short and scenic adventure in the Annapurna region, known for its breathtaking sunrise views, vibrant rhododendron forests, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages. It's one of the best options for beginner trekkers or those short on time, as it offers stunning Himalayan panoramas without the need for high-altitude acclimatization. Its popularity stems from the perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural charm, and accessibility.
The trek typically takes 5 to 7 days, depending on your starting and ending points. The most common route begins at Nayapul or Hile, goes through Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Ghorepani, and ends via Ghandruk or back to Nayapul. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for a compact Himalayan experience.
The sunrise view from Poon Hill (3210m.) is the absolute highlight. On a clear morning, trekkers are rewarded with a golden panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, including peaks like Annapurna South, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri I. Watching the sun slowly illuminate the snowy peaks is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Absolutely. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered one of the best beginner-friendly treks in Nepal. It doesn’t reach extreme altitudes, and the trails are well-trodden and easy to follow. With moderate physical fitness, even first-time trekkers, children, and older adults can complete the trek comfortably. Some steep climbs—like the famous Ulleri staircase—require stamina, but they’re manageable with slow, steady pacing.
Not really. The highest point on the trek is Poon Hill at 3210 meters, which is below the typical threshold where altitude sickness becomes a concern. Most trekkers don’t experience any symptoms, but it’s always wise to ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.
The ideal seasons are:
Spring (March to May): Enjoy the bloom of vibrant rhododendron forests and warm temperatures.
Autumn (late September to November): Expect crystal-clear skies, excellent mountain visibility, and comfortable trekking conditions.
You’ll need two permits:
Expect a diverse range of landscapes—lush forests of oak and rhododendron, terraced fields, stone-paved trails, and traditional hillside villages. The real magic lies in the ever-present views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the sunrise spectacle from Poon Hill. The villages themselves are charming, with stone houses, prayer flags, and smiling locals.
Yes, most tea houses offer Wi-Fi (often for a small fee), and mobile networks like NTC or Ncell have signal in several parts of the trail, especially in Ghorepani and Ghandruk. That said, expect occasional blackouts or weak signals in forested or more remote areas.
This trek is perfect if you’re looking for a short but stunning Himalayan experience. It’s accessible, not too difficult, culturally rich, and rewards you with world-class mountain views in just a few days. Compared to longer treks like the Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp, it’s less physically demanding, more affordable, and easier to fit into a tight schedule—making it ideal for first-timers, families, and even solo travelers.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
Soo
We are from Singapore and had booked a 9-days trek ABC&Poon Hill of of which Nava had been liaising and very accommodating with our trek plan.
Rabia Jaffar
The Ghorepani trails in Annapurna area was spectacular! The climb, the views, the people-wonderful! This will definitely be a trip that will live on in our memories forever!
Phillip Lance Webster
6 days, 4 trekkers, 2 porters, 1 guide-Totally awesome! The views of The Annapurna range were magnificent, and the weather was crystal clear.
Paul Lawrence Jones
Nava is an extremely kind, gentle person who is always calm no matter what happens.
Anne Majanil
We just came back from a fantastic trek to Ghorepani - PoonHill. The whole experience was so memorable and incredible!
Nepal , Short & Easy Trek 5 Days
Nepal , Annapurna Trek 8 Days