3 Days
Pokhara
Lunch, Dinner and breakfast
Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn't require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoy mountain views and village life are essential.
These treks are suitable for walkers looking for something more challenging and energetic. Hill-walking experience is desirable, with longer days and higher elevations.
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers should be in good physical condition and have previous mountain walking experience. High passes and extended trekking days may be involved.
This is challenging and technical trekking or climbing in Nepal. Participants should be physically fit, mentally prepared, and ready for off-the-beaten-trail routes, camping, or high passes.
This is a very demanding expedition level trip for experienced trekkers or climbers. Strong fitness, preparation, and confidence in remote high-altitude conditions are required.
Tea house
Sep to Jan, March to August
3210M
1-15 Pax
Taxi
The Poon Hill Trek over three days is a well-liked hiking path in Nepal’s Annapurna region. This trek is relatively short and easy, offering stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. It creates an opportunity for travelers to immerse themself in the local community, distinctive culture, and way of life.
The three-day Poon Hill trek begins from Birethant with a 2-hour drive covering 42 km from Pokhara. Trekkers will journey through verdant forests, picturesque villages, and terraced agricultural lands before reaching the summit at Poon Hill, which stands at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). The trail’s average elevation is 2,500 to 3,000 meters (8,200-9,800 feet), making it accessible to most individuals. The gradual slope and well-maintained paths make this trek a suitable choice for novices or those new to trekking in Nepal.
Although the trek is manageable, it’s crucial to acclimate to the higher altitude and take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. It is advisable to stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and ascend slowly to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
However, the Poon Hill Trek typically takes 3 to 5 days to finish; we offer a condensed 3-day package. This shorter itinerary allows trekkers to bask in panoramic mountain views, catch breathtaking sunrises from Poon Hill, and interact with the warm-hearted locals while wandering through traditional Gurung and Magar villages.
The trekking path from Birethanti to Ghorepani is well-marked, traversing the enchanting landscapes dominated by the Magar and Gurung communities. It meanders through lovely forests, quaint villages, the sounds of flowing rivers, and beautiful scenery. The trek starts on a gentle incline, moving through a small valley and terraced fields before entering a dense rhododendron forest.
As you gain altitude, the trail grows steeper. By the end of the first day, you’ll reach Ulleri, where you can take a moment to relax and have a snack. Continuing, you’ll need to climb a challenging 3,200-step stone to reach Ulleri, located at an elevation of 2,070 meters (6,791 feet).
From Ulleri, the route ascends through thick forests, passing by the villages of Banthanti and Nangethanti before arriving at Ghorepani. This charming village, situated at around 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), is renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the nearby mountains.
The summit of our 3-day trek reaches an elevation of 3,210 meters. Trekkers honor this spot for its mesmerizing panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The summit of Poon Hill can be reached by navigating a continuous set of steep stairs from Ghorepani. This ascent generally consumes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your walking pace.
At the summit, you can gaze upon awe-inspiring sunrise vistas over the mountains, with prominent peaks such as Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Manaslu (8,163m), and Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) visible in the distance from Poon Hill. The views are especially striking in autumn and spring when the conditions are clear and pleasant.
Ghorepani is a quaint village in the Annapurna region, favored by trekkers. Located at an altitude of roughly 2,850 meters (9,350 feet), it boasts breathtaking mountain views. The village has numerous guesthouses and teahouses offering simple accommodations and meals for trekkers. It also serves as a local trade hub, with shops selling handicrafts, snacks, and trekking equipment.
Poon Hill was established by Mr. Tek Bahadur Pun, a former major in the Indian Army. Initially known as Lung Tung Danda, the area was renamed to Poon Hill around 45 years ago to honor its history as a cattle grazing ground for the Pun people, an indigenous Nepali group. Major Tek Bahadur Pun selected the name “Poon Hill” to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Pun community and its strong ties to the land. This name change also underscores the critical role of tourism in the area’s economy.
The name “Ghorepani” is derived from the local dialect, where ‘Ghore’ signifies ‘Horse’ and ‘Pani’ means ‘Water’. This name denotes the village’s function as a resting place for traders of the past, where water for horses was easily available. Likewise, “Poon Hill” draws its name from the nearby hill known as Poon.
The lower areas surrounding Ghorepani are rich in subtropical vegetation, featuring lush forests filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. As you ascend, the environment shifts into temperate forests where fir, hemlock, and maple trees dominate. The oak trees surrounding Ghorepani provide an essential habitat for diverse wildlife. One of the standout attractions is the vibrant display of rhododendron flowers during spring, which adds a burst of color with shades of red, pink, and white. Trekking in the Poon Hill area while the rhododendrons bloom is a remarkable experience that many trekkers specifically seek out, making it one of Nepal’s most breathtaking natural spectacles. Additionally, bamboo thrives at the lower elevations, while juniper trees flourish at higher altitudes. Paper trees are cultivated, and locals utilize them to produce handmade paper products like stationery and greeting cards.
The region hosts a wide variety of wildlife, offering exciting encounters for nature lovers. You may spot the Himalayan Tahr, a large mountain goat that frequently roams the hills around Ghorepani. The elusive Musk Deer moves quietly through the forests, valued for its scent glands used in traditional medicine. At higher elevations, rare predators like the Snow Leopard and Himalayan Black Bear sometimes emerge from the rugged terrain, while the Red Panda, with its striking red fur, climbs gracefully among the trees. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting vibrant species, including the Himalayan Monal, Nepal’s national bird, along with a variety of migratory and resident birds.
The trek to Poon Hill begins at Nayapul after a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Pokhara. The trail takes you through beautiful villages, including Tikhe Dhunda, Ulleri, and Ghorepani. The distance from Nayapul to Poon Hill is 13.4 km, typically covered over two days of hiking.
You can complete the Short Poon Hill trek from Kathmandu in three days by flying directly to Pokhara at 9 am. Your guide will meet you at Pokhara airport, and you’ll drive to Nayapul to start your trek on the same day. At the end of your trek, your guide will also drop you back at Pokhara airport, enabling you to complete the Poon Hill trek within three days.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill package is led by experienced local guides and porters from the Annapurna region. They possess a deep understanding of the local culture, people, and history. Over the past decade, our guides have led the Poon Hill trek route nine to ten times each season. All our guides and equipment are insured for trekking activities.
This trek is considered moderately challenging and is suited for individuals with a reasonable level of physical fitness. It consists of both uphill climbs and gentle descents, covering a total distance of approximately 30-40 miles (50-65 kilometers), depending on the chosen route.
Generally, the trek spans 3-5 days, with daily hiking durations averaging 5-6 hours. Trekkers will reach altitudes varying from around 900 meters to the maximum elevation of 3,210 meters at Poon Hill.
Though the ascent can be tough, most trekkers with decent fitness can complete the trek without major difficulties if they prepare and acclimatize properly.
To enhance your readiness, engaging in physical training and cardiovascular workouts before the trek is highly recommended. This will help improve your stamina and endurance for a more enjoyable experience.
To stay comfortable at higher altitudes, acclimatize gradually, take regular breaks, and drink plenty of water. Keep a steady, relaxed pace to help your body adjust naturally. By following these simple practices and staying mindful, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding trekking experience.
At dawn, start the 45-minute climb up Poon Hill to catch the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. After soaking in the panoramic views, head back to your lodge in Ghorepani for breakfast. Then, continue the scenic hike toward Nayapul, which typically takes 5 to 6 hours. Finally, drive back to Pokhara, where the adventure concludes.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 3 Days begins with a drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, followed by a walk to Poon Hill. The Poonhill trek finishes with a drive back to Pokhara.
If you’re not accustomed to hiking in the mountains, you may need to add one more day to your itinerary. Alternatively, you can reach the Ghandruk Village Loop via Poon Hill, then drive to Pokhara from Syaulibazaar.
Option II, the itinerary included the classic treks via the other way round, a more adventurous anticlockwise trek starting from Australian Camp, Landruk village, Chhomrong Hill, and Poon Hill, and ending all the way downhill to Pokhara via Ulleri villages.
Mark and Mim, who undertook the Poon Hill trek with our team on August 30, 2019, have produced excellent articles on their blog. These articles offer detailed insights into the Poon Hill trek and the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Pokhara at 8 AM, followed by a scenic 1-hour drive (approximately 42 km) to Nayapul, the starting point of the trek. From here, the trail follows the Modi Khola Valley, passing through Birethanti village and small settlements surrounded by terraced farmlands and green hills.
The trek begins with a gradual ascent, followed by a long and famous stone staircase climb through Magar villages and forested sections. As you gain altitude, the views of the Annapurna foothills gradually open up. After 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach Ulleri (1,820 m), a traditional Magar village perched on a hillside.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Ulleri.
After breakfast, begin your trek through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail is peaceful and shaded, with occasional clearings offering views of snow-capped peaks. You will pass through Banthanti and Nangethanti, popular resting points for trekkers.
The trail continues with a steady uphill climb until you reach Ghorepani (2,853 m), a scenic mountain village known for its welcoming lodges and panoramic Himalayan views. From here, you can already see glimpses of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges on clear days.
Trek duration: 5–6 hours | Overnight stay at a lodge in Ghorepani.
Early in the morning, begin a short but rewarding hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), one of Nepal’s most famous sunrise viewpoints. After approximately 45 minutes of uphill walking, you will reach the summit in time to witness a spectacular sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including Machhapuchhre and Nilgiri.
After enjoying the views, descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue trekking downhill through rhododendron forests, stone trails, and traditional villages. The trail gradually descends all the way to Birethanti, taking around 6 hours in total.
From Birethanti, a short drive will take you back to Pokhara, marking the end of your trek.
End of trek | Drive back to Pokhara
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