Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal, offering a perfect combination of stunning Himalayan views, rich local culture, and diverse natural landscapes. Located in the Annapurna region, this trek is famous for the breathtaking sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 meters), which provides 360-degree panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other Himalayan peaks. The sunrise experience alone makes this trek a favorite among photographers, nature lovers, and adventure travelers.

The trail passes through lush rhododendron and oak forests, terraced farmland, and small rivers, creating a scenic and peaceful trekking environment. Along the way, you will visit traditional Gurung and Magar villages, where you can experience the warm hospitality, local customs, and unique mountain culture. Stone houses, prayer flags, and village temples add a cultural dimension to your trekking journey, giving you an authentic glimpse into rural life in the Annapurna region.

This trek is perfect for travelers who want a short but rewarding Himalayan adventure. With a maximum altitude of 3,210 meters at Poon Hill, it is beginner-friendly, requiring no technical climbing experience. The moderate walking hours of 4–6 hours per day and gentle ascents make it ideal for first-time trekkers, families, couples, or those with limited time in Nepal. Despite being a short trek, you will still experience majestic mountain panoramas, pristine forests, and rich cultural encounters, making it a memorable Himalayan adventure.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is also well-suited for photography enthusiasts, as the combination of sunrise and sunset views, misty mountains, and colorful rhododendron forests creates incredible photo opportunities. Additionally, the trek is accessible from Pokhara, reducing travel time and making it one of the most convenient and scenic trekking options for visitors to Nepal.

Why Choose the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

• Enjoy spectacular sunrise views from Poon Hill of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail)
• Walk through lush rhododendron and oak forests
• Experience local culture in Gurung and Magar villages
• Stay in comfortable mountain teahouses along the trail
• Trek at a relaxed pace suitable for beginners
• Short and easily accessible from Pokhara or Kathmandu
• Moderate walking with 5–6 hours of trekking per day
• Perfect for photography, nature lovers, and family treks

Best Time to Trek Ghorepani Poon Hill (Season Guide)

The best time to trek Ghorepani Poon Hill is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring offers blooming rhododendrons, mild temperatures, and clear skies, making it ideal for photography and nature walks. Autumn is the most popular trekking season, with dry trails, stable weather, and breathtaking Himalayan views, so booking in advance is recommended.

Winter (December–February) offers a peaceful, snowy experience, but can be cold at higher altitudes. Monsoon season (June–August) brings heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and limited mountain views, making it less ideal for most trekkers.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek cost generally ranges from USD 400 to USD 700 per person, depending on factors such as group size, trek duration, level of service, accommodation options, and additional customizations. Smaller or private groups may have slightly higher costs per person, while larger groups often benefit from reduced rates. The cost may also vary if you choose luxury or premium teahouse options versus standard accommodation.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek offers excellent value for money, providing majestic Himalayan views, cultural experiences, and a manageable trekking schedule suitable for beginners, families, and travelers with limited time in Nepal.

Optional costs not included in the package may include: travel and trekking insurance, personal trekking gear, drinks, snacks, tips for guides and porters, and accommodation or meals in Pokhara.

For travelers seeking a short, scenic, and culturally rich trekking experience, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most affordable yet rewarding treks in Nepal.

Difficulty & Fitness Requirements

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is classified as an easy to moderate trek, making it one of the most accessible and beginner-friendly treks in Nepal. Daily walking usually ranges from 4 to 6 hours, with well-maintained trails, stone staircases, and gentle ascents and descents. The trekking pace is manageable, allowing for plenty of rest stops and photo opportunities along the route.

The highest point of the trek is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters, which is reachable without technical climbing experience. The ascent is gradual and well-marked, so trekkers of all ages who are physically active and moderately fit can reach the viewpoint comfortably. From Poon Hill, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and surrounding Himalayan peaks, making the effort well worth it.

To prepare for the trek, it is recommended to engage in light cardio exercises such as walking, jogging, or stair climbing for several weeks prior to your trip. Hiking with a small backpack in local hills or parks can also help build stamina and leg strength. Good physical preparation improves endurance, reduces fatigue, and enhances your enjoyment of the trek.

This trek is particularly suitable for first-time trekkers, families with older children, and travelers with limited time in Nepal, as it offers a rewarding Himalayan experience without the challenges of high-altitude trekking. The combination of manageable walking hours, moderate elevation, and comfortable teahouse accommodations makes it ideal for anyone seeking a short, scenic, and culturally immersive trekking adventure.

Accommodation & Meals

During the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, accommodation is provided in local mountain teahouses, which are family-run lodges that cater to trekkers. Rooms are typically twin or shared, furnished with beds, blankets, pillows, and basic furniture. At higher altitudes, facilities become more basic, but the teahouses are clean, warm, and comfortable, offering a cozy place to rest after a day of trekking. Bathrooms are usually shared, with some teahouses charging a small fee for hot showers. Staying in teahouses also gives you a chance to interact with local Gurung and Magar families, making the trek culturally enriching.

Meals during the trek are freshly prepared by local families in the teahouses and are designed to provide enough energy for long trekking days. Traditional Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), fried rice, noodles, soups, potatoes, eggs, and local bread are commonly served. Most teahouses also offer snacks and energy bars, perfect for a quick boost on the trail. Hot drinks like tea, coffee, ginger-lemon honey tea, and hot chocolate are widely available, helping trekkers stay warm in the cooler mountain temperatures.

The combination of warm teahouse stays and nutritious meals makes the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek not only comfortable but also authentically Nepali, giving trekkers a chance to experience local hospitality, taste traditional foods, and enjoy the serene mountain environment.

Permits & Regulations

To trek in the Annapurna region, all trekkers must carry official permits:

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): Required to enter the conservation area, supporting environmental protection and local communities.

• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card: Helps authorities track trekkers for safety and emergency purposes.

These permits can be arranged in Pokhara or Kathmandu, or we can organize them as part of your trekking package.

Safety & Altitude Sickness

Although the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek reaches a moderate altitude of 3,210 meters, safety is still important. Proper acclimatization, drinking enough water, and walking at a steady pace help prevent altitude-related issues.

Our licensed guides are trained in altitude awareness, first aid, and emergency procedures, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trekking experience.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (6 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Preparation & Sightseeing
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu – Pokhara – Banthanti, Trek to Ghorepani
Day 4: Early Morning Hike to Poon Hill, Trek to Chuile
Day 5: Trek from Chuile to Jhinu Hot Spring
Day 6: Drive from Jhinu Hot Spring to Pokhara, Return to Kathmandu

• Airport/Bus pick-up and drop-off in Pokhara
• Transportation to trekking start point (Nayapul)
• Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
• Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
• Accommodation in teahouses during the trek
• Three meals per day while trekking
• ACAP & TIMS permits
• Guide and porter insurance, salary, and meals
• Basic first-aid kit carried by the guide
• Government taxes and service charges

• Travel and trekking insurance (mandatory)
• Accommodation and meals in Pokhara
• Personal trekking equipment and gear
• Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging fees during the trek
• Drinks, snacks, and personal expenses
• Tips for guide and porter (optional)
• Costs due to itinerary changes, weather, or emergencies