Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 5 Days

Annapurna · 5 Days

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 5 Days

· Easy · Max altitude 3,210m (10,532 ft) at Poon Hill · Max group 2-12 people

Duration

5 Days

Max Altitude

3,210m (10,532 ft)

at Poon Hill

Grade

Easy

Lodging

Teahouse / Guesthouse

Overview

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is Nepal's most accessible Himalayan classic - a 5-day journey to the iconic Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m) for one of the most photographed sunrise panoramas in the world. From the ridge you see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and many subsidiary peaks in a single golden arc.

Perfect for first-time trekkers, families with older children, and travellers short on time, this trek delivers an authentic Annapurna experience without altitude risk or technical demands. Walk through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, suspension bridges and terraced fields - all within five comfortable days.

Highlights

  • Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210m) with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna panorama
  • Walk through dense rhododendron forests (spectacular in March-April)
  • Visit traditional Gurung villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani and Ghandruk
  • Explore the Gurung Culture Museum at Ghandruk
  • Cross the Modi Khola via suspension bridge
  • Optional hot springs at Jhinu Danda
  • Accessible to beginners with reasonable fitness
  • No altitude sickness risk - highest point under 3,300m
  • Affordable compact itinerary
  • Spring rhododendrons and autumn clear skies

Itinerary

Day 1

Pokhara to Ulleri (2,050m)

⏱ 1.5 hr drive + 5-6 hours hiking ↔ ~9 km + drive 🍽 Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Nayapul (1,070m). Walk through Birethanti and Tikhedhunga, then climb the famous Ulleri stone staircase. Terraced fields and suspension bridges along the way. Overnight at Ulleri.

Day 2

Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,850m)

⏱ 5 hours hiking ↔ ~7 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Climb through dense rhododendron forests with gradual elevation gain. Ghorepani is a large lodge village with excellent views.

Day 3

Poon Hill Sunrise to Tadapani (2,630m)

⏱ 1 hr pre-dawn + 5-6 hours hiking ↔ Pre-dawn hike + 8 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake at 4:30 AM for the climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) and sunrise panorama. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then trek through forests to Tadapani.

Day 4

Tadapani to Ghandruk to Landruk (1,565m)

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking ↔ ~10 km 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk to Ghandruk and visit the Gurung Culture Museum, old houses, temples and mountain views. Then cross Modi Khola via suspension bridge to Landruk.

Day 5

Landruk to Jhinu Danda to Pokhara

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking + 3-4 hours drive ↔ Hike + drive 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch

Hike to Jhinu Danda with optional hot springs. Continue down to Siwai for jeep to Pokhara.

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What's included

Included

  • Meals in clean and hygienic hotels during the trek
  • Accommodation in clean lodges
  • ACAP permit fees
  • TIMS card
  • Licensed guide (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • 1 porter per 2 trekkers (insurance, food, accommodation included)
  • All land transportation
  • First aid kit

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Hotel and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters and drivers
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers
  • Personal expenses

Trek guide

The Most Iconic Short Trek in Nepal

Ghorepani Poon Hill is the most popular short trek in the Annapurna region for excellent reason - it delivers a true Himalayan experience in under a week, with relatively easy walking and no altitude risk. The view from Poon Hill at dawn is one of Nepal's defining images.

Poon Hill Sunrise

Poon Hill is a small ridge above Ghorepani village that you reach by a 1-hour pre-dawn climb. From the summit, the panorama includes:
- Dhaulagiri (8,167m) - 7th highest peak
- Annapurna I (8,091m) - 10th highest
- Annapurna South (7,219m)
- Hiunchuli (6,441m)
- Machhapuchhre / Fishtail (6,993m)
- Many subsidiary peaks

The sky shifts from cobalt to pink to gold as the sun rises - one of the great natural shows on earth.

Geography and Trail

The trek starts in Pokhara (820m) with a short jeep ride to Nayapul. The trail climbs gradually through Birethanti and Tikhedhunga to Ulleri's famous stone staircase, then continues through rhododendron forests to Ghorepani. After Poon Hill the route descends through Tadapani to Ghandruk and Landruk, with the option of a hot springs detour at Jhinu Danda.

Culture

The trail passes mostly through Gurung villages - a hill ethnic group famous for hospitality, military service tradition, and their distinctive culture. Ghandruk and Tadapani are particularly photogenic, with stone houses, prayer flags and museum exhibits about Gurung life.

Permits

  • ACAP
  • TIMS card

Arranged by our office.

Altitude

Highest point: 3,210m at Poon Hill. Altitude sickness is essentially not a concern.

Best Season

  • Spring (March-May): Rhododendrons at their finest
  • Autumn (September-November): Best visibility

December-February is cold but possible. Monsoon brings leeches and rain.

Fitness

Easy to moderate. You should be able to walk 4-6 hours per day on stone-step trails. Minimal training needed - regular walking and modest cardio is enough.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -5°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 2 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal layer, 3-4 pairs socks, beanie, sun hat, gloves

Footwear: Trekking boots or sturdy walking shoes, camp shoes

Accessories: 30L daypack, 50L duffel, -5°C sleeping bag (optional - blankets provided), trekking poles, headlamp, sunglasses, 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 4 photos, cash

Medical: First-aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, painkillers

Frequently asked questions

Is Poon Hill suitable for beginners?
Yes - it is the most beginner-friendly Himalayan trek in Nepal.

How crowded is the Poon Hill viewpoint at sunrise?
It can be busy in peak season (October, April) - expect 50-100 trekkers on the ridge. We arrange early starts to secure good viewing positions.

Can children do this trek?
Yes - children aged 6+ with hiking experience handle it well. We adjust pacing for families.

How is the weather?
Mild in spring and autumn (10-20°C days, 0-5°C nights at altitude). Colder in winter, wet in monsoon.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Essentially no. The maximum altitude is 3,210m and time spent there is brief.

What is the food like?
Standard teahouse menu plus pizza, pasta and Western breakfasts. Quality is generally good.

How are the lodges?
Comfortable twin-share rooms with shared bathrooms. Hot showers and Wi-Fi available for extra fees.

Can I do this trek without a guide?
Since April 2023 a licensed guide is mandatory in ACAP for all foreign trekkers.

What is the best month?
April is the peak rhododendron month. October offers the clearest mountain visibility.

Can I extend this trek?
Yes - combine with Ghandruk-Mardi Himal (8 days) or ABC (10 days). Contact us.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $800

per person

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