Admin UserIf you have only a week in Nepal, the Poon Hill trek (Ghorepani Poon Hill) is the best way to see the high Himalaya. In four to five days you climb through rhododendron forests, stay in friendly Gurung and Magar villages and watch sunrise paint Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range at 3,210 m. It is the top beginner trek in Nepal, and it works equally well for families, solo travellers and anyone who wants a taste of trekking before committing to something bigger. This guide gives you a complete plan: itinerary, costs, permits, difficulty, packing and the best months to go.
Poon Hill at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4–5 days (plus transfer to Pokhara) |
| Max altitude | 3,210 m at Poon Hill |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Best time | March–May and October–November |
| Cost | About USD 350–700 guided |
| Permits | ACAP and TIMS, arranged by your agency |
| Start and finish | Nayapul near Pokhara |
Video: Ghorepani Poon Hill: 3-day trek (World Map Unlocked on YouTube)
Why Poon Hill is perfect for first-timers
- Short days and low altitude. The highest point is 3,210 m, so serious altitude sickness is rare, though mild symptoms can occur.
- Comfortable lodges. Every village has tea houses with hot showers, hearty meals and warm dining rooms.
- Spectacular views. The sunrise panorama includes Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I and Machapuchare.
- Easy logistics. The trek starts and ends near Pokhara, so you do not need a flight or long transfers.
- Cultural richness. You pass through Gurung and Magar villages, with stone-paved lanes, terraced fields and friendly families.
Sample 5-day itinerary
- Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Nayapul (about 1.5 hours), then trek to Ulleri or Tikhedhunga. The first day includes the famous stone steps to Ulleri, which are steep but short.
- Day 2: Ascend to Ghorepani (2,860 m) through rhododendron and oak forest. In April the hillsides are ablaze with red and pink blossoms.
- Day 3: Pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (about 45–60 minutes), watch sunrise, return for breakfast and trek to Tadapani.
- Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk, a large Gurung village with a museum and lovely views.
- Day 5: Ghandruk to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara.
Many travellers extend the trip to Annapurna Base Camp or link with Mardi Himal; see our Annapurna Base Camp guide and Mardi Himal guide. If you only have three days, a Ghorepani–Ghandruk loop is a compressed alternative described in our short treks guide.
What each day feels like
Day 1 is the workout. The climb to Ulleri involves thousands of stone steps, and it is the part most people remember. Pace yourself, take breaks and enjoy the views over the terraces.
Day 2 is the forest day. The trail winds through quiet oak and rhododendron forest, with pleasant shade and occasional views. You arrive at Ghorepani in the afternoon, when you can rest and explore the village.
Day 3 is the highlight. You leave in the dark with a headlamp, climb to Poon Hill and join other trekkers on the viewing platform as the sky changes colour. It is cold and windy, so dress warmly. Afterwards, the walk to Tadapani is mostly through forest with some ups and downs.
Days 4 and 5 are the descent. You descend to Ghandruk and then to Nayapul. Knees can complain after the steps, so trekking poles help.
Cost and permits
A guided Poon Hill trek costs about USD 350–700 depending on group size, number of days and lodge standard. Costs are lower than Everest or Annapurna Circuit because the trek is short and has no flights. You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, which your agency arranges. Rules on guides and independent trekking have been evolving; see the permit guide and solo trekking rules for details.
Best time to go
March–May and October–November offer the best conditions. Spring brings flowers and warm days; autumn brings clear skies. Winter is cold and snow can block the trail near Ghorepani, though the views are crisp. The monsoon (June–September) brings rain, leeches and cloud, so it is not recommended. For a full seasonal guide, see best time to visit Nepal.
What to pack
Layers are the key. Bring a base layer, fleece, down jacket (cold mornings at Poon Hill), waterproof shell, trekking trousers, warm hat, gloves, sturdy walking shoes or boots, trekking poles (highly recommended for the stone steps), a headlamp for the pre-dawn climb, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Our packing list has a full checklist, and you can rent items such as sleeping bags and down jackets in Pokhara.
Safety and altitude
At 3,210 m, altitude sickness is uncommon but possible, especially if you ascend quickly. Drink plenty of water, walk slowly and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Read the basics in our altitude sickness guide. Make sure your travel insurance covers trekking to 3,500 m.
Add-ons and what to do afterwards
After the trek, relax in lakeside Pokhara with paragliding, boating and sunset views, or read our guide to the best things to do in Pokhara. If you want wildlife, add a Chitwan safari. A 10-day trip combining Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara and Poon Hill is outlined in our 10-day Nepal itinerary.
Photography tips for the sunrise
The viewpoint gets crowded, so arrive early and claim a spot along the railing. Bring a warm layer and gloves with fingertips you can fold back, because it is cold while you wait. A tripod helps, but even a phone on a steady surface will do well in the first light. Shoot a wide frame for the panorama and a tighter one on Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. Watch the light for twenty minutes: the colours change quickly from pink to gold to white, and the best shots are often just after the sun clears the ridge.
Choosing between Poon Hill, Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp
| Trek | Days | Max altitude | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poon Hill | 4–5 | 3,210 m | Beginners, families, one big sunrise |
| Mardi Himal | 5–6 | about 4,500 m | A quieter ridge and a higher viewpoint |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 7–12 | 4,130 m | A full Himalayan amphitheatre |
If you are unsure, start with Poon Hill. You can always extend your route toward Annapurna Base Camp from Ghorepani if you feel strong, which is why many trekkers book Poon Hill first and decide the rest on the trail.
Villages you will pass
- Ulleri: a Magar village known for its long stone staircase and views over the valley.
- Ghorepani: a lively lodge town at the heart of the trek, full of trekkers each morning.
- Tadapani: a quiet forest village with mountain views on clear days.
- Ghandruk: one of the largest Gurung villages in the region, with a small museum, slate roofs and good lodges.
Staying in family-run lodges and eating in them directly supports these communities. Learn a few Nepali words (namaste, dhanyabad) and you will be warmly received.
A day-by-day packing rhythm
Packing for a short trek is easier when you think in layers and in days. On the trail, wear a base layer and light trousers, and keep your fleece and shell at the top of your daypack so you can adjust as you gain height. At the lodge, change into dry clothes and a warm layer for the evening. Keep a separate bag for items you will not need until Pokhara, and leave it at your hotel: this keeps your trek bag under about 8–10 kg. A small bag of toiletries, a microfibre towel, a power bank and spare socks make the biggest difference to comfort.
Trekking with children or older relatives
Poon Hill suits multi-generational groups because daily distances are short and lodges are comfortable. Take an extra day if your group includes small children, and plan the Poon Hill sunrise as an optional extra rather than a must. Porters can carry packs, and your guide can adjust the pace. Check our family travel guide for tips on health, snacks and planning.
Common mistakes
- Starting the Poon Hill climb too late. Clouds can cover the view after sunrise, so be on the platform before first light.
- Wearing poor footwear. The stone steps are unforgiving in thin shoes.
- Packing too much. Keep your bag light; your knees will thank you.
- Not carrying cash. There are few ATMs on the trail.
- Underestimating cold. Mornings at Ghorepani are near freezing in winter and early spring.
Official information and where to check
Permit fees for the Annapurna Conservation Area are set and collected by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. For wider travel information, including visas and seasonal updates, see the Nepal Tourism Board.
Ready to go?
See the Poon Hill Trek package for a ready-made option, or contact us for a custom version that includes Annapurna Base Camp or a Pokhara extension.
FAQ
How hard is the Poon Hill trek?
Easy to moderate: long stone staircases but no high altitude.
Do I need a guide for Poon Hill?
Not strictly, but a guide adds safety and local insight. Check current permit rules.
Is Poon Hill open in winter?
Yes, though snow can block the trail and nights are cold.
How much does Poon Hill cost?
Around USD 350–700 per person for a guided trek.
Can children do the Poon Hill trek?
Yes, many families do it. Choose a relaxed pace and add a rest day if needed.
Plan it with local experts: see our guide to this destination, or talk to an Aadiyogi Travels specialist for a free custom quote.
