Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 4-Day Itinerary: A Complete Traveler’s Guide

This trek is great for beginners, families, couples, and anyone seeking a quick adventure with awesome rewards. The route stays at low elevations, so the risk of altitude sickness is low. The experience remains rich and immersive. Standing on Poon Hill (3,210 m), you can watch the first light touch Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Trekkers short on time appreciate this route for its ability to capture the essence of Nepali trekking in just a few days. Along the way, you’ll meet welcoming locals, enjoy authentic regional cuisine, and take in diverse landscapes and sweeping mountain views. With Nepal Outdoor Expeditions, your journey becomes even more seamless; experienced guides, well-planned logistics, and deep local knowledge ensure that every step of your trek is both smooth and meaningful.

Quick Facts

• Region: Annapurna Conservation Area, Gandaki Province, Nepal

• Trip Duration: 4 days

• Best Months: March-May and September-November

• Max Elevation: 3,210 meters (Poon Hill Viewpoint)

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

• Key Attractions: Sunrise at Poon Hill, Rhododendron forests, Gurung & Magar villages, sunrise view of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, stone-paved ancient trails, comfortable tea houses with local hospitality.

Structured Guide to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is perfect for travellers seeking a beautiful yet easy adventure. It starts and ends in Pokhara, making it easy to fit into short vacations.

The trail passes through villages such as Ulleri, Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk. Each destination offers stunning mountain views, rich cultural experiences, and warm, welcoming tea houses.

Daily walking hours are moderate, typically ranging from four to seven hours. The route leads through serene forests, terraced farmlands, and scenic ridgelines, offering a close encounter with both nature and rural Nepali life. The trek is especially rewarding for its variety. One day, the path goes beneath tall rhododendron trees filled with birds, and the next, it presents a sunrise over the majestic Himalayan peaks.

The highlight of the journey is the early morning ascent to Poon Hill. As dawn breaks, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges glow in soft golden light. It is a peaceful and unforgettable moment that makes every step worthwhile.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek combines impressive scenery, cultural immersion, and comfort. In just four days, the route includes vibrant forests, traditional villages, and panoramic sunrise views. It provides a complete Himalayan experience without high altitude challenges or long travel days.

With Nepal Outdoor Expeditions, the experience becomes even more enriching. Expert local guides, thoughtful planning, and cultural insight ensure a smooth, meaningful, and memorable adventure. For travellers seeking a short yet impactful trek, Poon Hill remains one of Nepal’s best choices.

Trek Insights

How to Reach the Starting Point

The trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul or Ulleri, depending on road conditions. Nayapul is the usual starting point, while Ulleri shortens the first day's walk. The drive takes 1–2 hours and passes through rivers, farmland, and small villages.

Transportation Options

• Private Jeep: Comfortable, faster, ideal for groups.

• Shared Jeep/Bus: Budget-friendly, but slower.

• Taxi from Pokhara: Convenient for small groups.

Accommodation

Tea houses along the trail provide:

• Twin-sharing rooms

• Warm meals

• Blankets

• Hot drinks

• Wi-Fi in many lodges

Ghorepani and Ghandruk have some of the best tea houses in the region.

Packing Essentials

• Trekking boots

• Warm jacket (for sunrise at Poon Hill)

• Layered clothing

• Rain jacket (seasonal)

• Water purification tablets

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat

• Small backpack (25–30L)

• Personal medications

• Camera for sunrise photography

Estimated Costs (4-Day Package)

Typically USD 350–500, depending on:

• Group size

• Private vs shared transport

• Services included

Packages usually cover permits, guide, accommodation, meals, and transportation.

Required Permits

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

Nepal Outdoor Expeditions arranges both permits before the trek.

4-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Pokhara - Nayapul/Ulleri - Trek to Ulleri (5–6 hours walking)

Start the day with a scenic drive from Pokhara. From Nayapul, the trek follows the Modi Khola River, passing through small communities like Birethanti and Hille. The trail is gentle at first, allowing time to warm up.

As you approach Ulleri, ascend the famous stone steps. The climb is steady but rewarding, with fresh mountain air and scenic views. Ulleri is a peaceful village with stone houses, terraced farms, and cozy tea houses for the night.

Day 2: Ulleri - Ghorepani (4–5 hours walking)

Walk through dense rhododendron forests, especially beautiful in spring with vibrant red and pink blossoms. The shaded trail offers cool walking and birdsong along the way.

Reach Ghorepani, a lively village with stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. Relax, explore colorful tea houses, and prepare for the early-morning hike.

Day 3: Sunrise at Poon Hill - Trek to Tadapani (6–7 hours walking)

Start before dawn with a headlamp, hiking 45–60 minutes to Poon Hill. Watch the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri light up in soft golden hues.

After sunrise, return to Ghorepani for breakfast, then continue through forests and ridges toward Tadapani. Enjoy changing landscapes and peaceful walking. Tadapani offers excellent views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South.

Day 4: Tadapani - Ghandruk - Drive to Pokhara (4 hours walking + 2-hour drive)

The final day is mostly downhill through forests, clearings, and stone paths. Reach Ghandruk, a famous Gurung village with stone houses, cultural museums, and views of Annapurna South.

After lunch, a private vehicle transfers you back to Pokhara, concluding a memorable four-day trek.

Tips & Recommendations

• Start the sunrise hike early to secure a good spot at Poon Hill

• Dress in layers; mornings are cold, afternoons warm

• Drink water regularly to prevent dehydration

• Carry cash for snacks and tea

• Trekking poles help on downhill sections

• Book tea houses early during peak season

• Follow your guide’s pace to stay comfortable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

1. Is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. The trek is easy to moderate, with manageable walking hours and no technical sections. It is one of the best introductory treks in Nepal.

2. How Long Do We Walk Each Day?

Expect 4–7 hours depending on the day. Day 3 is slightly longer due to the sunrise hike.

3. How Hard Is the Sunrise Hike to Poon Hill?

It is a steady uphill walk for about an hour. Most trekkers can complete it comfortably at a slow pace.

4. What Is the Risk of Altitude Sickness?

Very low. The maximum altitude is 3,210 m, which most trekkers tolerate well.

5. What Type of Accommodation Is Available?

Tea houses provide clean rooms, beds, blankets, warm meals, and often Wi-Fi.

6. What Is the Best Time to Do This Trek?

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the best views and stable weather.

7. Can Children or Elderly Travellers Join?

Yes. Many families choose this trek because the altitude is gentle and the trail is safe.

8. Do I Need a Guide?

A guide is strongly recommended for navigation, safety, cultural insights, and updated trekking regulations.

9. How Cold Does It Get at Poon Hill?

Temperatures can drop to freezing in the early mornings, especially in winter. Warm layers are essential.

10. Are There ATMs on the Route?

No. Withdraw cash in Pokhara before starting the trek.

11. What Food Can I Expect?

Local meals include dal bhat, noodles, soups, momos, pancakes, and tea house snacks.

12. Can Solo Travellers Join a Group?

Yes. Nepal Outdoor Expeditions can place solo trekkers into group departures.

13. What Permits Are Required?

ACAP and TIMS permits—handled by our agency.

14. What Should I Pack?

Warm layers, trekking boots, rain gear, water purification tablets, sunscreen, a charger/power bank, and a small backpack.

15. Can I Extend or Modify the Trek?

Yes. Many trekkers continue to Annapurna Base Camp, while others choose to stay longer in Ghandruk.