Poonhill Trek from Pokhara

  • Private
  • Family
Magnificent View from Poonhill
People standing at Poonhill and Annapurna Mountain range in the background
Sunrise over the Annapurna Mountain Range
Duration4 Days
Trip GradeEasy
Maximum Altitude3,210 meters
ActivitiesTrekking
Group Size1-20
StartsPokhara
EndsPokhara
Best TimeEarly March to Mid May

Trip Overview

The 4-day Poon Hill Trek from Pokhara is a nice and short trek in the Annapurna region. It is among the best short treks in Nepal and provides stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. It is ideal for first-time trekkers, families, and photographers.

The trek passes through thick rhododendron forests, picturesque Gurung and Magar villages, and fantastic ridges. The highlight is the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3,210 m), and it offers a fantastic view of the sunrise over the Himalayas.

The trek is not difficult and may be undertaken during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). You don't require special permits, but you need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Highlights of the Trek

  • Stunning sunrise panorama from Poon Hill (3,210 m).
  • Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges.
  • See typical Gurung and Magar villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk.
  • Stroll through green forests of rhododendron and oak trees.
  • Comfortable tea houses with welcoming local staff.
  • A quick and simple walk along pleasant paths.
  • You can spot animals such as Himalayan langurs and hill birds.

Why Poon Hill Trek is a Must-Do Adventure

Poon Hill trek is perfect for those who have limited time but wish to experience the Himalayas and Nepalese culture. The trek provides you with adventure, nature, and village life. It is one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal and you don't require any previous trekking experience.

Best Time to Hike Poon Hill

The ideal seasons to visit the Poon Hill Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather during these seasons is pleasant and clear, and the mountains can be viewed well.

  • Spring (March-May): Appreciate the lovely rhododendrons, pleasant climate, and predominantly clear sky.
  • Autumn (Sept-Nov): The weather is cool and dry, and you can see well. This is the optimum time for trekking in Nepal.
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): It can be difficult to hike in winter due to cold and sometimes snow.
  • Monsoon (June-Aug): Not advisable to go because of excessive rain. The rain is slippery on the trails and causes delays. The landscape is, however, extremely green and pretty during this season.

Poonhill Trek from Pokhara outline itinerary

  • Day 1: Drive to Birethanti from Pokhara then trek to Ulleri (2,050 m) | 1 hour drive & 4-5 hours trek
  • Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (2,874 m) | 5-6 hours
  • Day 3: Sunrise trek to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and then trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) | 6-7 hours
  • Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m), explore the village then drive to Pokhara | 5-6 hours

Why is the Poon Hill Trek unique?

  • Poon Hill offers one of the most picturesque sunrises in Nepal.
  • Short duration but great mountain views.
  • Traditional Gurung villages with friendly local peoples.
  • Lovely rhododendron trees, particularly in spring.
Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand All

The journey starts with a 1-hour drive from Pokhara to Birethanti (1,025 m). The route follows alongside the Modi Khola River and passes through villages and farmlands. At Birethanti, you get your permits checked before commencing the trek.

The route begins broad and straightforward along the river. You traverse forests, rice paddies, and little villages. Across a suspension bridge, the demanding climb begins. The stone stairway to Ulleri is steep and apparently never-ending. It takes you 2 hours to reach the village.

Ulleri is a typical Magar village with stone houses and tea shops. It is cooler here, and you get to see the mountains for the first time. Annapurna South is high and prominent in the distance.

Max Altitude: 2,050 meters Meals: Lunch & BreakfastAccommodation: Guesthouse

The trail climbs gradually through rhododendrons and oak trees. Birds are singing, and the air is cold and crisp.

One hour later, the trail is not as steep. There are small tea houses on the trail selling tea and snacks. The woods are denser, and the sun filters through the trees.

Once you cross Banthanti and Nangethanti, you reach Ghorepani. This large Magar village sits atop a hill and is pretty. You can view the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South summits clearly in the distance.

Accommodation in Ghorepani is plentiful with comfortable dining rooms. The evenings are chilly, and the stars twinkle brightly.

Max Altitude: 2,874 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

Wake up early in the morning, before sunrise, and start the 1-hour trek to Poon Hill. The trail is steep but straightforward. While climbing, the sky slowly turns to orange and pink.

At the top, the 360-degree panorama is breathtaking. The first light strikes Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. The summits are golden, creating a scene one will never forget.

In the morning, have breakfast at Ghorepani. Then proceed to Tadapani. The route passes through dense forests with moss-covered trees.

There are little streams alongside the trail, and you can glimpse far-off mountains among the trees. You climb up and down for a couple of hours and finally arrive at Tadapani. It is a little village on a hill with stunning views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

Max Altitude: 3,210 meters Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse

The trail descends rapidly through rhododendron trees. It is peaceful here, with only the chirping of birds and rustling of leaves.

After hiking for several hours, you reach Ghandruk, a large Gurung village. It contains ancient stone houses, a small museum, and a monastery.

Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre are visible clearly from Ghandruk. The roads in the village are narrow and gravel and reflect a glimpse of Gurung activities and life.

A jeep returns you to Pokhara after the trek. The route passes through hills and forests and returns you to the lake city.

Max Altitude: 1,940 meters Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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Cost Details
Included
  • Pokhara - Ulleri & Ghandruk - Pokhara in a Jeep
  • Local guesthouse/teahouse accommodation in the mountains.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters.
  • Food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters.
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Sleeping bag, and duffel bag which has to be returned after the completion of the trek.
  • First Aid Kit
  • Service charge and government taxes.
Excluded
  • Meals & accommodation in Pokhara.
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging/wifi fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, and other packaged bevarages.
  • Tips for guide and porter.
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary.
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)
Route Map
Poonhill Trek route map
Essential Information

Accommodation

We will arrange your accommodations on the trek. You will be sleeping in tea houses which provide simple rooms with essential items like beds, blankets, and pillows.

We ensure that your accommodations are pleasant and in optimal locations for rest and taking in beautiful scenery.

Certain locations allow you to have hot showers at an additional cost.

There is Wi-Fi and electricity in some locations, but they are additional services and are slow and not particularly reliable.

Meals

You will be having dinner at the tea houses. The food is nutritious and delicious, prepared to provide you with energy for the climb.

Dal Bhat is rice, lentils, and vegetables. It is available in every tea house.

You will enjoy momos, noodles, pancakes, and porridge as alternative choices.

Tea, coffee, and spiced tea will keep you alert and energetic on your journey.

Logistics and Vehicles

We arrange everything for your trek, so that your trip becomes easy and trouble-free.

We will arrange all of the transport you will require, such as private vehicles to drive you from Pokhara to the start and end of the trek.

Our staff will ensure your travel arrangements proceed smoothly and according to schedule.

Packing Essentials

For safety and comfort, the following are an absolute must on your hike:

  • Trekking boots: Waterproof and robust for the mixed terrain.
  • Warm layers: Thermal layers, fleece jackets, and gloves are needed for early morning and evening.
  • Rain gear: Pack a light rain jacket or water-repellent poncho to protect you from surprise rain showers.
  • Water Bottle & Purification Tablets: Stay hydrated by filling the bottle with filtered water along the route—carry some purification tablets as a backup.
  • Sunglasses & Sunscreen: Guard your eyes and skin from intense mountain sun at high altitudes.
  • Trekking Poles: A necessity for providing extra stability and support, particularly on declines and steep slopes.

Altitude Sickness

The Poon Hill Trek is nicely below 3,500 meters, and the danger of altitude sickness is low. However, one always needs to be careful:

  • Consume a lot of water to stay hydrated.
  • Ascend gradually and allow your body to acclimatize to the height.
  • Have a good nap in breaks for your body to relax.

If you are getting any indication of altitude sickness (headache, nausea), you need to rest and go down if needed.

Porter and Guide

Guide and porter assistance are included as part of your package for convenience:

  • Guide: A professional local guide will accompany you and take you through the trek, explaining local culture and assisting you.
  • Porter: A porter will transport your big bag, easing your walk and making it more comfortable.

Both these facilities are included in your trekking package, and you don't need to arrange anything special.