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Poon Hill Trek: A Journey of a Lifetime
The Poon Hill Trek is a four-day journey through the lower Annapurna region, suitable for all weather conditions. This trek leads you to the Poon Hill viewpoint, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Varaha Shikhar, and Lamjung Himal. You will also visit the picturesque villages of Ghorepani and Ghandruk. It’s a perfect short trek for people of all ages, especially families.
The trek is a brief 4-day adventure through the foothills of the Annapurnas, passing through traditional villages like Ghandruk and Ghorepani. Ghandruk is predominantly inhabited by the Gurung and Magar communities, while Ghorepani is more multiethnic, with Magars and Poons.
As you trek, you will be surrounded by dense rhododendron forests filled with wildlife and deep subtropical valleys. The trail offers magnificent views of the Machapuchare (Fish Tail Peak) and other majestic mountains in the Annapurna range.
The highlight of the trek is the sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210m / 10,531ft), just above the village of Ghorepani. From here, you can witness breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (6,993m), all bathed in the early morning light. This trek is an opportunity to immerse yourself in both natural beauty and local culture.
Highlights of the Poon Hill Trek Experience
The Poon Hill Trek is perfect for anyone with a limited timeframe who still wants to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region. It offers an opportunity to connect with nature and culture while surrounded by some of the most stunning Himalayan vistas.
Day 1:
Drive From Pokhara to Nayapul/Birethanti trek to Tikhedunga and then to Ulleri
Maximum Altitude: (1,540m/5,050ft)/(2,070m/6,791ft)
Trekking duration: 3-4 hours
Day 2:
Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani
Maximum Altitude: (2,860m/9,385ft)/(2,675m/8,776m)
Trekking duration: 6 hours
Day 3:
Early morning hike to Poon Hill viewpoint then trek to Ghandrunk
Maximum Altitude: (3,180m/10,433ft)/(3,210m/10,525ft)
Trekking duration: 8 hours
Day 4:
Trek from Ghandruk to Kimche – Syauli Bazaar Drive to Nayapul, Pokhara
Maximum Altitude: (1,950m/6,398ft)/(827m/2713ft)
Trekking Duration: 5 hours
Pokhara to Ulleri
We begin our journey in Pokhara with a short drive through beautiful landscapes to Nayapul/Birethanti. From Birethanti Village (1,015m), we follow the trail along the north bank of the Bhurung Khola, steadily ascending the valley to Hille (1,495m). After a short climb, we reach Tikhedhunga (1,570m). From there, we continue along a steep series of stone steps to Ulleri (2,070m), a large Magar village.
After breakfast in Pokhara, we take a local bus to Nayapul, which takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Nayapul, we start our hike to Ulleri (2,070m / 6,791ft), a journey that will take around 3 hours. Along the way, we’ll hear the roars of the Modi River, the chirping of birds, and enjoy the beauty of the rhododendron forest, making our hike even more enjoyable.
We will stay overnight at a lodge in Ulleri and begin our trek early the next morning.
Ulleri to Ghorepani
The trek begins on the first day itself from Ulleri and continues to Ghorepani. The trails offer magnificent views of the Annapurna range, Machapuchare (Fish Tail), Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli. We will trek through lush rhododendron forests, and if you’re trekking in March or April, the vibrant rhododendron flowers will add a stunning touch to the scenery. By the end of the day, we reach Ghorepani, a village home to more than eight species of rhododendron flowers.
Trek Distance: 7km / 4.34miles
Highest Altitude: (1,540m/5,050ft)/(2,070m/6,791ft)
Trek Duration: 3 hours
Ulleri to Ghorepani
After a nourishing breakfast, we begin our trek from Ulleri towards Ghorepani and Poon Hill. The trail offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, including the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, and Hiunchuli. The path gently ascends through a beautiful rhododendron forest, eventually reaching Nangethani (2,460m). After about an hour of walking, we arrive at our destination for the day, Ghorepani—a spectacular settlement located on a ridgeline. The hillside below Ghorepani is covered with forests, home to eight different species of rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower.
We will begin the trek early in the morning, following a hearty breakfast. The trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani will take around 2 hours. Along the way, we’ll pass the village of Banthali, inhabited by the Magar community, offering magnificent views of Annapurna South (7,219m / 23,684ft), Himchuli (6,441m / 21,132ft), and other peaks.
After crossing several streams and trekking through lush rhododendron and oak forests, we will reach Nangethanti. From Nangethanti, it’s just a one-hour walk to Ghorepani.
Ghorepani offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, including Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna I, along with a glimpse of traditional Nepalese life. After settling in, we will have time to explore the village and spend the night at a cozy teahouse.
Ghorepani to Poon Hill and Tadapani
After an exciting cultural evening at Ghorepani, we will rise early for a 45-minute ascent to the Poon Hill viewpoint (3,210m). Before dawn, we will start our hike to catch the unforgettable sunrise over the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli. The first rays of the sun illuminating these majestic peaks make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After spending 45 minutes to an hour at the viewpoint, we will return to our lodge in Ghorepani for a local breakfast. We will then continue our descent, passing through dense forests and reaching Tadapani after about 4 hours of trekking.
Trek Distance: 11km / 6miles
Highest Altitude: (2,860m/9,385ft)/(2,675m/8,776m)
Trek Duration: 4 hours
Poon Hill to Ghandruk
You will begin the day early to reach Poon Hill in time for the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. From Poon Hill, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the mountain ranges, including Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Tukuche (6,920m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and more. After soaking in the magnificent views, you will return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast.
After breakfast, we will follow a pleasant forest trail through rhododendron and oak groves, heading towards Deurali (2,960m). The trail connects to the Ghorepani-Tatopani route at Chitre. We will descend through rhododendron forests to Banthanti (2,606m).
Crossing to the north side of the stream, the trail ascends to Bhurung Khola. From here, the path climbs through steep forests for 20 minutes to finally reach Tadapani. After a short rest, we will continue downhill on a forest path to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village. At Ghandruk, we will visit the local Gurung Museum.
Ghandruk to Jhinu Danda
We will start the day before dawn and hike to Poon Hill base to ensure we don’t miss the beautiful sunrise. It will take around 1 hour to reach the top of Poon Hill. Once at the top, we will wait for the sun to rise and enjoy the stunning sunrise over Annapurna I, Fishtail (Machapuchhare), and Dhaulagiri. The mesmerizing views will last for about 40 minutes.
Afterward, we will head back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Following breakfast, we will begin our descent to Ghandruk, a charming Gurung village in Kaski District, known for its hospitality. The hike from Ghorepani to Ghandruk takes approximately 6 hours. We will spend the night in a teahouse in Ghandruk.
Ghandruk to Jhinu Danda
On the 3rd day of our trek, we will descend from Tadapani to Jhinu Danda. Here, you can relax and unwind in the natural hot springs, easing away any exhaustion from the trek. The trail will take us through lush rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests, passing the Kimron River and the village of Chomrong.
Trek Distance: 13km / 8miles
Highest Altitude: (3,210m/10,525ft)/(3,180m/10,433ft)
Trek Duration: 7-8 hours
Ghandruk to Pokhara
It will be your final day on the trail. After leaving Ghandruk, we will hike through picturesque rice fields and pass by small villages, reaching Kimche-Syauli Bazaar in approximately two hours. From there, we will say goodbye to the trail and take local transport back to Pokhara. Your trek ends in Pokhara.
We will hike downhill from Ghandruk along a scenic route, with views of majestic mountains like Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. After crossing beautiful rhododendron forests, streams, and several suspension bridges, we will reach Birethanti.
From Birethanti, we will continue downhill along the Modi River towards Nayapul. Once we reach Nayapul, we will catch a local bus and drive back to the beautiful city of Pokhara. We will stay in a hotel in Lakeside and enjoy a musical night in Pokhara.
Alternative Option: Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
If coming from Jhinu Danda, we will walk along the dirt roads through the Modi River. After a few more hours of walking, we will reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi. Our trek officially ends at Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi, after which we will drive towards Pokhara.
Trek Distance: 8km / 4.9miles
Highest Altitude: (1,950m/6,398ft)/(827m/2713ft)
Trek Duration: 4- 5 hours
Packing Advice for Your Trek
Depending on the season of your trek, you should adjust your clothing and equipment accordingly. However, we’ve created the following list of essentials to ensure your comfort and convenience. We recommend bringing only the necessary items to keep your load light.
Please note that we provide one porter for every two trekkers, and each porter will carry a maximum of 18 kg. We suggest teaming up with a fellow trekker and packing your belongings together in a duffle bag with a capacity of at least 60 liters.
Accommodation and Meals
During the four-day trek, you will stay in twin-sharing rooms with attached bathrooms at the best available lodges in Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. In Pokhara, you will stay at Silver Oaks Inn, which offers rooms with attached bathrooms, TV, hot water, and laundry facilities.
Lodges typically provide electricity for charging devices, Wi-Fi for internet access, and hot showers, though these services may come with an additional charge. Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu are not included in the package, so you will need to arrange them separately.
The trek package includes four breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners. All meals are nutritious, hygienic, and well-suited for the trekking environment. The menu features a variety of local, Asian, and Western dishes, although options become more limited and expensive at higher altitudes. Dinner in Pokhara is not included in the package.
We recommend consuming liquids like green tea, ginger tea, or garlic soup and focusing on vegetable-based meals at higher altitudes. It’s best to avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and non-vegetarian foods, as they are not recommended during high-elevation treks.
