The Poon Hill Ghorepani Short Trek is one of Nepal’s most popular and accessible trekking routes, perfect for travelers looking for a rewarding Himalayan experience in a limited amount of time. This trek takes you into the heart of the Annapurna region, offering stunning mountain scenery, rich cultural encounters, and beautiful forest trails—all within a week.
Starting from the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, the journey begins with a short drive to the trailhead and a gradual ascent through charming Gurung and Magar villages. You'll walk through dense rhododendron and oak forests, especially vibrant during the spring bloom. The highlight of the trek is the early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters), a famous viewpoint that offers a breathtaking panoramic sunrise view over the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and several others.
This trek also gives you the chance to experience traditional mountain life in villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk—each offering its own charm, warm hospitality, and cultural richness. The walking days are moderate and well-paced, making it ideal for beginners, families, and those looking for a lower-altitude trek without compromising on scenery.
At lower altitudes (under 3,300 meters), the risk of altitude sickness is minimal, and the well-maintained trails and frequent teahouses make the trek comfortable and enjoyable. The route is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are especially popular for their clear skies and vibrant landscapes.
Whether you're short on time, new to trekking, or simply want to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas without extreme altitudes, the Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek offers an unforgettable experience filled with mountain magic, culture, and adventure.
Maximum Altitude: 3,210 meters at Poon Hill – low risk of altitude sickness but pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Trek Duration: 4 full days of trekking (excluding arrival, departure, and drive days).
Trek Grade: Easy to moderate – suitable for beginners, families, and first-time trekkers.
Best Seasons:
Spring (March to May): Warm days, blooming rhododendrons, clear mountain views
Autumn (September to November): Crisp air, stable weather, excellent visibility
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but quiet and clear (expect snow at higher points)
Monsoon (June to August): Not ideal – muddy trails and limited views
Permits Required:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Luggage: You can store excess luggage at your hotel in Pokhara or Kathmandu before the trek. Porters will carry up to 15kg per person.
Connectivity: Mobile signal available in most villages; Wi-Fi available in teahouses for a small fee (but can be slow or spotty).
Water: Safe drinking water is not available on tap – use bottled, boiled, or purified water. Bring purification tablets or a filter bottle.
Cash: Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara. There are no ATMs on the trail.
Travel Insurance: Mandatory – must cover trekking up to 3,500 meters and emergency evacuation.
Guide and Porter: Strongly recommended for support, cultural insights, and comfort.
Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from the trekking team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax after your journey, explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, or prepare for the trek ahead. In the evening, there may be a short briefing about the upcoming trip.
Hotel/Lodge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, you begin a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city. The journey takes about six hours and offers views of terraced hillsides, small towns, and river valleys. Once in Pokhara, you can enjoy a relaxing evening by Phewa Lake and admire the Annapurna mountain range in the distance.
Hotel/Lodge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
In the morning, you drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, the starting point of your trek. From there, you begin hiking through lush forests and charming villages. The trail gradually ascends as you climb a series of stone steps to reach the village of Ulleri. This is a moderate hike of about five hours, and Ulleri offers beautiful views and a peaceful place to rest for the night.
Hotel/Lodge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today’s trek is a pleasant walk through dense rhododendron forests and along well-maintained trails. As you gain altitude, the views become more spectacular, and you may start to see snow-capped peaks in the distance. After about four hours of hiking, you’ll reach Ghorepani, a popular mountain village with stunning panoramic mountain views, especially at sunset.
Hotel/Lodge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
You’ll start the day early with a pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill, the highlight of the trek. Reaching the top just in time for sunrise, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, glowing golden in the morning light. After enjoying the views and taking photos, you return to Ghorepani for breakfast. The journey then continues as you trek through forests and hills to reach the village of Tadapani, where you’ll spend the night.
Hotel/Lodge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, you begin a gentle downhill trek to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village known for its stone houses and cultural heritage. The walk takes about two hours and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills. From Ghandruk, a two-hour drive takes you back to Pokhara. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing by the lake, enjoying a good meal, or exploring the local markets.
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today you leave Pokhara and make the return journey to Kathmandu, either by private vehicle or tourist bus. The drive gives you another chance to enjoy Nepal’s countryside. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can enjoy your final evening in Nepal.
Hotel/Lodge
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international departure. If you have extra time, you can choose to explore more of Kathmandu or extend your trip with other adventures in Nepal.
Breakfast
If this itinerary doesn't suit you and you'd like to create your own, let's talk now!
Your meals during your stay in Kathmandu will be on a bed & breakfast plan. We will host a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Any additional meals during your stay will be at your own expense.
During the trek, your meals are included as part of our package. You will have a choice of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as tea/coffee during your trekking days with us. We will source food for your group from guesthouses, prepared by trained local chefs. We take care to ensure that your food is fresh and hygienic.
For this trip, we use 4-star deluxe luxury hotels in Kathmandu to ensure your stay is comfortable. During the trek, you will be staying in mountain lodges and guest houses owned by local Sherpas, offering a nice and comfortable experience. You will have hotel with attached bathroom staying in Lukla whereas other places will have regular Sherpa Community Lodges which are clean, neat and comfortable.
We have compiled a list of departure dates for this trek each month. Please feel free to select a date and time that best suits your schedule. In the event that none of the listed dates align with your availability, kindly inform us of your preferred date and time, and we will gladly accommodate your request. As a personalized tour and trekking operator in Nepal, we predominantly offer private departure dates for this climb.
However, if you prefer trek in a group, please let us know. We will have no trouble organizing this climb as a group departure on a date and time convenient for you.
Accommodation: Teahouses or mountain lodges – basic but clean. Twin rooms with shared bathrooms are the norm.
Meals: Teahouses offer a good variety of local and international dishes. Common options include dal bhat (Nepali set meal), noodles, soups, pancakes, eggs, and rice-based meals.
Electricity & Charging: Available in most lodges, but at a small extra cost. Carry a power bank as backup.
Packing Essentials: Good hiking shoes, layered clothing, rain gear (especially in monsoon), warm hat/gloves, sun protection, reusable water bottle, and a small daypack.
The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet).
The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for clear skies and excellent mountain views. Winter is also possible but can be cold, and monsoon (June to August) brings rain.
It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended for navigation, local knowledge, and to ease the physical load. Porters carry your bag (usually up to 15kg), and guides ensure your safety and comfort.
Teahouses offer a variety of meals such as dal bhat, noodles, pasta, soups, pancakes, eggs, and more. Meals are generally safe and filling, with vegetarian options widely available.
Mobile networks (mostly NTC and Ncell) are available in most villages. Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, but the connection may be slow or unreliable in remote areas.
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