Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 9 Days
A beginner-friendly nine-day trek through rhododendron forests and Gurung villages, featuring unforgettable sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill.
From
$700
per person · all inclusive
Pricing Per Person
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- Best Season
- Spring, Autumn
- Route
- Kathmandu → Kathmandu
- Group Size
- 2-12 People
- Walking
- 4-7 hours / day
- Stay
- Hotels and mountain teahouses
TREK OVERVIEW
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal. And for good reason! Within 7 active trekking days, you walk through rhododendron forests, overnight in Gurung villages, and stand at Poon Hill before dawn for one of the clearest mountain panoramas in the Annapurna region.
This 9-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek package from Kathmandu covers everything: arrival, Pokhara transfer, trekking, and departure. Our team at Adventure Everest Team will handle all your permits, logistics, and guide arrangements from start to finish.
Sunrise views from Poon Hill (3,210 m) covering Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre
Dense rhododendron forests with more than 10 recorded species along the trail
Ghandruk village: Nepal's first model homestay village and a major Gurung cultural hub
Nayapul to Ghandruk circuit covers approximately 56 km of well-maintained trekking trail
What Is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek follows the classic circuit route in the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). The trailhead is at Nayapul, which is roughly 1 hour from Pokhara by road and you'll climb through Birethanti, Ulleri, and Nangethanti before reaching Ghorepani (2,850 m).
From Ghorepani, trekkers hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) before sunrise. The descent continues through Tadapani and ends in Ghandruk village, from where a jeep returns you to Pokhara.
The route is circular, well-marked, and has teahouses every few kilometres. Furthermore, it does not require any technical climbing skills. Because of this, it remains Nepal's most booked short trekking route for both solo travellers and groups.
Most trekkers complete the circuit in 4 to 5 active days from Pokhara. However, this 9-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek package includes Kathmandu arrival and departure for international visitors.
The trail passes through Magar and Gurung communities. Traditional stone homes, prayer wheels, and local festivals are common sights throughout the route. In addition, the Annapurna Conservation Area itself is home to diverse wildlife, including Danphe (Himalayan Monal), deer, and Himalayan cats.
The Main Highlight: Poon Hill Sunrise at 3,210 m
Poon Hill is the main reason most people do this trek. You leave Ghorepani around 4:30 to 5:00 AM, walk 45 minutes uphill in the dark, and reach the viewpoint tower just before dawn.
On a clear morning, you can see Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre or Fishtail (6,993 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m), Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, and Dhampus Peak.
The sun rises roughly behind the ridgeline to the east. As it climbs, the peaks turn from deep grey to orange before settling into their daytime white. The entire display lasts around 30 minutes! And after that, clouds often start forming by mid-morning.
There is a small entry fee to access the Poon Hill viewpoint. Your guide collects this at the ticket checkpoint just before the top. Our team at Adventure Everest Team suggests bringing a warm jacket and gloves for the early morning hike. Even in spring, it can be surprisingly cold at that altitude before dawn!
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Route and Distance
The trekking route for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek covers approximately 56 km in total. It starts at Nayapul (1,070 m) and ends at Ghandruk (1,950 m). Here is a quick section-by-section overview:
| Section | Approx. Distance | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nayapul to Ulleri | 10 km | 4 to 5 hours |
| Ulleri to Ghorepani | 12 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Ghorepani to Poon Hill and back | 6 km | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Ghorepani to Tadapani | 10 km | 5 to 6 hours |
| Tadapani to Ghandruk | 8 km | 3 to 4 hours |
| Ghandruk to Nayapul | 10 km | 4 to 5 hours |
The ACAP permit checkpoint is at Birethanti, just 30 minutes from Nayapul. Your guide will handle this!
Between Ulleri and Ghorepani, there are very few teahouses. So, plan to carry water and snacks for that section.
Moreover, the trail from Tadapani to Ghandruk is steep downhill. So, you need to take it slowly and use trekking poles if your knees are sensitive.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Difficulty
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is graded Easy. However, that does not mean it is entirely flat. The section from Ulleri to Ghorepani involves a steady uphill climb of approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Most of this stretch follows stone-paved steps through forest. Moreover, trekkers walk between 4 and 7 hours daily on active trekking days.
For first-time trekkers, the main challenge is cumulative fatigue over multiple days. Daily walking hours are manageable. But consecutive days of uphill and downhill can tire your legs, especially your knees on the descent from Tadapani to Ghandruk.
We recommend that you walk continuously for 5 to 6 hours before booking this trek. Regular exercise in the weeks before your departure will help.
However, even travellers with moderate fitness complete this trek successfully. The maximum altitude of 3,210 m at Poon Hill is generally well-tolerated.
While altitude sickness risk is low compared to treks that go above 4,000 m, you still need to stay hydrated as you'll pace yourself on the uphill sections.
Best Time for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can technically be done year-round. However, the best months are October, November, March, April, and May.
October and November offer stable weather after the monsoon. Skies are generally clear, and mountain views from Poon Hill are sharp. Temperatures are comfortable during the day. But nights at Ghorepani can be cold, dropping to around 5 to 7°C at night.
March to May is arguably the finest season for this and other treks in Nepal. Rhododendron forests along the trail burst into color. The lower sections turn deep red and pink. Furthermore, visibility from Poon Hill is excellent in early spring mornings. And if you also want to take part in local festivals like Holi (in March), this season is perhaps the best option!
Monsoon (June to September), on the other hand, brings heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and leeches in the forest sections, making it not worth it. And winter (December to February) is cold, but trekking is still possible here. However, winter trekking in Nepal always requires more preparation!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your arrival day in Kathmandu is all about settling in at your own pace. One of our representatives from the Adventure Everest Team will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and will transfer you to your hotel in Thamel.
In the evening, we will conduct a trip briefing covering the full itinerary, packing tips, and permit arrangements. This is indeed a perfect time for you to check your gear and pick up any items that you may have missed!
Note that Thamel has plenty of trekking gear shops, as it’s the trekking hub of the country. Since most international flights arrive in Kathmandu between mid-morning and evening, we’re sure you’ll have enough time to rest. And in case time allows, you can even do a short city exploration before the journey to Ghorepani Poon Hill begins.
After breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer you to the tourist bus park near Thamel. Here, you’ll meet your guide and together leave in a tourist bus that departs in the morning and takes 6 to 7 hours to reach Pokhara.
The Prithivi Highway connects Kathmandu and Pokhara, and you’ll be passing through hilly terrain and riverside stretches. Some sections of the road are still under renovation, so expect some delays on the way.
Some sections can be a little bumpy. However, those beautiful views of the Marsyangdi River valley with the Marsyangdi River beside you and mid-hill settlements keep your journey interesting throughout.
Upon arriving in Pokhara city (820 m), we will transfer you to a hotel that we have prearranged for you in Lakeside. There, you can have the rest of the evening to yourself. We even suggest going for a walk along Phewa Lake in the evening.
After breakfast, we will go on and take a 1-hour jeep ride from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070 m). This is so that we reach the main trailhead for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, as Nayapul is where we begin the classic approach of trekking.
We begin trekking from here through Birethanti, where the ACAP permit checkpoint is located. Your guide handles all documentation. From Birethanti, the trail follows the Modi Khola river on a mostly flat path for about 3 hours.
After crossing a suspension bridge near Tikhedhunga, the trail begins climbing steeply toward Ulleri. This uphill section involves stone steps and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Ulleri (2,000 m) is a Magar village with several teahouses and open views of the surrounding hillside. Overnight here after dinner.
Today's trail is entirely uphill, but it is the most forested section of the entire trek. The trail from Ulleri climbs through rhododendron and oak forests.
In spring, these forests bloom in shades of red and pink. In total, the Annapurna Conservation Area has recorded more than 10 species of rhododendron along this corridor.
You pass through Nangethanti, a small cluster of teahouses midway, before continuing uphill to Ghorepani. As you approach Ghorepani (2,850 m), the forest opens into wider views of the surrounding ridgelines.
The Khopra Danda ridge becomes visible to the south. Ghorepani has several well-equipped teahouses with warm dining areas, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. Go to bed early tonight, as Poon Hill starts before 5:00 AM.
It's necessary that we wake up at 4:00 AM and begin the 45-minute uphill hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) before dawn. This is so that we don't miss the main highlight.
Note that there is a ticketing checkpoint just below the summit. After purchasing the viewpoint ticket, we continue the hike to the top!
On a clear morning, you see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre from here. We return to Ghorepani for breakfast after the sunrise. After breakfast, the trail continues south toward Tadapani.
The route climbs to the Gurung Hill ridge before descending through rhododendron forest. We stop at Banthanti for lunch before crossing a small stream and climbing the final stretch to Tadapani (2,665 m). The views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South are excellent from the Tadapani teahouses.
Well, this is the shortest trekking day on the itinerary! The trail descends from Tadapani through pine and rhododendron forest on a stone-paved path. From Tadapani to Bhaisikharka, the trail is gentle.
However, the section from Bhaisikharka to Ghandruk is steep and requires careful footwork, especially after rain. Trekking poles are useful on this stretch.
We arrive in Ghandruk (1,950 m) by late morning. Ghandruk is the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region. It is also Nepal's first model homestay village.
The village has a community museum, traditional Gurung households, and sweeping views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Spend the afternoon exploring the village lanes at your own pace.
After breakfast, we shall begin the 5-hour descent from Ghandruk to Nayapul. The trail passes through smaller hamlets and terraced farmland. The lower sections are mostly flat once you pass Kimche village.
At Nayapul, we board a waiting jeep for the 1-hour drive back to Pokhara. Upon arriving in the city of adventures, our Adventure Everest Team arranges your hotel transfer. In the evening, be sure to have fun in Lakeside Pokhara.
You'll have a good opportunity to visit the World Peace Pagoda or simply enjoy a boat ride/kayak on Phewa Lake before the overnight bus journey the following day.
We check out from the Pokhara hotel in the morning and transfer to the tourist bus park. The Kathmandu-bound bus departs in the morning. The return journey follows the same Prithivi Highway and takes 6 to 7 hours.
Lunch will be on the way at one of the roadside restaurants. Our representative meets you at the Kathmandu bus stop and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel or another place if you’d like.
In the evening, we host a farewell dinner to mark the end of your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Adventure Everest Team. You can use the remaining evening for last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel or to visit any Kathmandu attraction you may have missed.
After the final breakfast in Nepal, our representative will again help you transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) right in time for your upcoming international flight.
From Thamel to the airport, it can take approx. 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the traffic (mornings and late evenings are usually not busy). Still, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and we'll make the plan accordingly.
Well, that's how your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek will conclude here. Our team at AET hopes to host you again on your next Nepal adventure!
Route Map
Included & Excluded
What's Included
- ✓Airport pickup and final departure transfer by private vehicle
- ✓Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- ✓Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
- ✓Four nights’ teahouse accommodation during the trek
- ✓Three meals a day—breakfast, lunch and dinner—during the trekking days
- ✓Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu tourist bus tickets
- ✓Private or local jeep transfers between Pokhara and Nayapul
- ✓All necessary ground transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- ✓Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- ✓Poon Hill viewpoint entrance fee
- ✓Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓Porter service: one porter for every two trekkers
- ✓Guide and porter’s salary, meals, accommodation, transport and insurance
- ✓Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- ✓Basic first-aid kit carried by the guide
- ✓Government taxes and company service charges
What's Excluded
- ✕International flights to and from Nepal
- ✕Nepal entry visa fee
- ✕Travel and emergency evacuation insurance
- ✕Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, except the farewell dinner
- ✕Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee beyond included meals
- ✕Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging and other personal teahouse expenses
- ✕Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- ✕Sleeping bag and trekking poles
- ✕Extra porter service or luggage exceeding the allowed weight
- ✕Domestic flights or private transport upgrades
- ✕Single-room supplement in Kathmandu, Pokhara or on the trail
- ✕Additional accommodation caused by early arrival, late departure or travel disruption
- ✕Tips for the guide, porter and driver
- ✕Expenses resulting from weather, road conditions, illness, itinerary changes or other circumstances beyond the company’s control
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Permits
You need one permit to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. That is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). It costs NPR 3,000 per person for foreign nationals and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
The ACAP checkpoint is at Birethanti village, shortly after leaving Nayapul. Your guide carries your permit and handles the verification at every checkpoint along the route. There are multiple checkpoints along the trail, so you must keep your permit accessible.
As of 2026, the TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) is no longer enforced on the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trail. But keep in mind that regulations can change in the coming year, and for that, our team at AET remains aware at all times.
So, when you book your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek package with Adventure Everest Team, we will handle all your current permit requirements on your behalf.
Accommodation, Food, and Connectivity on the Poon Hill Trek
You know what's interesting? Well, teahouses are available every 1 to 2 hours along this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route! This is one of the most developed trekking corridors in Nepal. Therefore, accommodation options range from basic twin rooms to more comfortable guesthouses in Ghorepani and Ghandruk.
All teahouses serve three meals a day. Dal bhat, noodle soup, pasta, porridge, and local fried rice are common menu items. Prices increase slightly at higher elevations. Nevertheless, food quality is generally reliable throughout this route.
Wi-Fi is available in most teahouses along the Poon Hill trail. This is unusual compared to more remote treks in Nepal. Furthermore, mobile network coverage is strong along most sections. NTC and Ncell SIM cards both work well from Nayapul through to Ghandruk.
Electricity is available at all major teahouses for charging devices. Hot showers are available at an additional cost at most stops. We suggest carrying a light down jacket for evenings at Ghorepani, where nights get considerably colder than the lower sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short trekking routes in the entire country located within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Covering roughly 56 km, you will start and end this trek near Pokhara. The Ghorepani-Poon Hill route passes through Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forests, and reaches the highest point of Poon Hill at 3,210 m. Here, you get surreal sunrise views of the Annapurna range.
- How difficult is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The trek is graded Easy. However, the section from Ulleri to Ghorepani involves a full day of uphill walking. You walk between 4 and 7 hours each active trekking day. Good basic fitness is important. We recommend walking continuously for at least 5 hours before starting. Most first-time trekkers complete this route without major difficulty.
- How many days is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek from Kathmandu?
This 9-day package includes 2 days of bus travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, 5 active trekking days, and 2 days for arrival and departure. The actual Pokhara-based trekking circuit is 5 days. If you are already in Pokhara, you can complete the circuit in 4 to 5 days.
- What is the best time for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
March to May and October to November are honestly the best months. Basically, spring gives you rhododendron blooms and warm conditions, making it the best season overall. Likewise, autumn delivers clear skies and sharp mountain views after the monsoon making it the second best. Our team at AET recommends avoiding June to September because these months come with heavy monsoon rain and mostly cloudy weather. While December to February is cold, it's yet another manageable time for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
- What permits do I need for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). It costs NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals. SAARC nationals pay NPR 1,000. As of 2026, TIMS is not separately enforced on this trail. Adventure Everest Team arranges all permits before the trek starts.
- How much does the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek cost?
The price of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek that we have set at Adventure Everest Team price varies based on group size and season. So, it's best that you contact us directly before finalizing the booking. Just for your knowledge, budget packages range in between USD 500 and USD 800 per person for a fully serviced package from Kathmanduincluding guide, porter, permits, and accommodation.
- Can beginners do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
Yes, beginners can indeed complete the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek as it is in fact one of the best introductory treks in Nepal. The trail is clear, well-maintained, and you'll find teahouses throughout the journey. Beginners with good basic fitness complete it regularly and have done so with our team at AET. But we do suggest doing some uphill walking or stair exercises in the weeks before departure.
- What is the highest point on the Poon Hill Trek?
Poon Hill is the highest point of this trek, and it stands at 3,210 m. This is the maximum altitude on the standard Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek itinerary. Even though the altitude sickness risk is relatively low at this elevation, we still advise staying hydrated and walking at a steady pace so that you don't face any major issues.
- What mountains can I see from Poon Hill?
From Poon Hill, you get to see clear views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre or Fishtail (6,993 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m), Nilgiri, Lamjung Himal, Dhampus Peak, and more peaks! The sunrise in particular displays these peaks that turn golden and remain the main highlight of the entire trek!
- What time does Poon Hill sunrise start?
The sunrise at Poon Hill depends on the summer and winter time. But regardless of the season, you need to get started at around 4:30 AM as the hike to the top takes roughly 45 minutes. Sunrise time varies by season. In autumn, first light appears around 5:30 AM. In spring, it is slightly earlier. Arriving at the top by 5:15 AM gives you enough time to settle before the sky brightens.
- Is a licensed guide required for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
A licensed guide is not legally required on this route, but I would strongly recommend one. Your guide handles permit checks, teahouse bookings, navigation, and any unexpected situation on the trail. Beyond logistics, a good guide adds genuine context about the villages, culture, and wildlife along the way. Adventure Everest Team assigns government-licensed guides to every group.
- Is TIMS still required for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in 2026?
TIMS is not actively enforced as a separate requirement on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route as of 2026. The ACAP permit is all that is required for most checkpoint checks. However, trekking regulations in Nepal are revised from time to time. The Adventure Everest Team always checks the latest permit requirements before your departure.
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