Poon Hill Trek is a trekking trip perfect for a family and beginner hikers who are looking for a easy walk in Nepal’s Annapurna region. The total trek distance is only 51 km, or 32 miles. The only serious challenge some may find is climbing the 3000 stone stairs in Ulleri. Either way, you can exclude this too by using a Jeep ride from Pokhara directly to Ulleri.
Choosing to hike to Poon Hill means you are already ahead of most people. The trek gives you the benefit of customizing the trip according to your available days, making it 4, 5, or 6 days of Poon Hill Trek, unlike other treks in Nepal. The starting point of the tour can be Pokhara or Kathmandu, depending on your location.
Major Highlights
- Short and scenic trek in the Annapurna region
- Ideal for beginners and families
- Famous sunrise viewpoint at Poon Hill with panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
- Trek through lush rhododendron and oak forests, especially beautiful in spring bloom
- Explore charming Gurung and Magar villages with rich culture and warm hospitality
- Gentle trail with moderate ascents, accessible to trekkers of all ages
- Spot wildlife along the forested trails
- Comfortable tea houses with traditional Nepali food and local homestays
- Flexible trek duration, can be completed in 4-6 days, perfect for limited time
A Typical Day on Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
A typical day on Ghorepani Poon Hill trek starts with the fresh mountain air. After getting ready, packing your bag, handing it over to the porter – the adventure is about to begin. You’ll then head to breakfast, load up on energy for the day ahead.
As the sun starts lighting up the towering peaks, you set off on the trek. The trail leads through diverse landscapes, and remember to take breaks for sips of water and necessary bathroom stops.
Around noon, there will be lunch break, lasting 45 minutes to an hour. Enjoy the mountain scenery and get ready to resume the trek with renewed energy. Typically, you trek for about three hours, take a substantial break, and then continue for another three hours or until you reach the next destination.
Depending on your journey’s progress, there will be a brief half-hour tea break. By late afternoon, you’ll reach your destination and settle into a tea house. Spend the evening sharing stories and enjoying warm meals with fellow trekkers.
During dinner time, your trek guide outlines the highlights of the next day’s trek. If you have any concerns, feel free to ask. Post-dinner, gather in the tea house dining area for cozy chit chatting by the fire. As the day comes to an end, you retire early to ensure an early start for tomorrow’s adventures.
Poon Hill Trek: Sunrise View and Village Experience in Annapurna
As the trip from Kathmandu takes you to Poon Hill and then to Ghandruk village, it won’t be wrong to refer to it as the Poon Hill-Ghandruk Trek too.
Poon Hill, the amazing viewpoint in the Annapurna range, is the major climax of the trek. From here, you can have the magical moment as the first golden rays of sunlight touch the mountain summits. This gives the sense of a glowing gem on the massive mountains of Fishtail or Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters/26,795 feet), Churen Himal (7,385 meters), Nilgiri (7,061 meters), Baraha Shikhar (7,220 meters), and Gangapurna (7,455 meters). You’ll see how the sun slowly covers the nearby mountains and hills with warm and glowing light.
Heaven Himalaya will arrange your trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a walk to Ghorepani village (2875 m) and then a short hike towards Poon Hill (3210 m). Later, after the hill climb, you hike to Ghandruk to explore the Gurung community.
Finally, from the village, you will drive back to Pokhara to end the trekking trip. Although your walking day ends in Pokhara, your actual trip ends in Kathmandu with an airport drop-off.
In short, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking package is the shortest and most beloved holiday trip in the Annapurna region and has it all: cultural references, sunrise views, mountain vistas, and a well-established trekking trail.
The budget-friendly Ghorepani Poon Hill trek itinerary is moderately easy and suitable for family trips. It is one of the more flexible trekking destinations, with many routes. If you have an extra day or two, you can trek to Ghandruk after climbing Poon Hill. If you have a week-long vacation, you can choose a short Poon Hill luxury trek.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Nepal. Arrive at International Airport, Kathmandu.
Our representative will greet and warmly receive you and support you with transportation to transfer you to your respective hotels.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley full day sightseeing Duration: 4 hours
Visit Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square in the Kathmandu valley.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara Duration: 6-7 hours
An early ride to Pokhara. Evening walk around Lakeside for shopping and final preparation
Day 4: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga (1,570 m/5,150 ft) Duration: 4 hours
An hour's drive to Nayapul, where the trekking starts. Go past Birethati and ascend to Hille, and finally to Tikhedhunga.
Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani (2874 m/9429 ft) Duration: 4 hours
Ascend further, crossing a beautiful suspension bridge. You will come across several staircases at the Ulleri, and after crossing some terraced fields, you will reach Ghorepani.
Day 6: Hike to Poonhill (3,210 m/10529 ft) and trek to Tadapani (2,610 m/8560 ft). Duration: 6 hours
An early hike towards Poon Hill Descend to Ghorepani and head towards Tadapani.
Day 7: Trek to Ghandruk (2012 m/6,601 ft) Duration: 4 hours
Further, descend to Ghandruk. Watch the beautiful Himalayas and explore the Gurung community, their culture, and lifestyle.
Day 8: Drive back to Pokhara Duration: 4 hours
It’s a 4-hour ride back to Pokhara. Explore the city's cultures and walk around the beautiful lake, Phewa Lake. Overnight at a hotel
Day 9: Drive to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu through the Prithvi Highway.
Day 10: Final Departure (Farewell)