Overview
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. In just a few days you get mountain views, forests, village life and a sunrise that many trekkers say is the best of their trip, all without going to high altitude.
From the top of Poon Hill (3,210 m) you can see a long line of peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. In spring the hills below are covered in blooming rhododendron, Nepal’s national flower.
Why I love this trek
It’s a trek almost anyone can do. I’ve walked it with families, friends on a short break and people trekking for the very first time. There’s nothing like seeing their faces when the sun first hits Dhaulagiri.
Good to know
- Fitness: Basic fitness is enough, but there are many stone steps, especially up to Ulleri.
- Altitude: The highest point is 3,210 m, so altitude sickness is rarely a problem.
- Short on time? We can drive further up to Hile or Ulleri to shorten the first day.
- Combine it: Poon Hill links nicely with the Annapurna Base Camp trek via Tadapani and Chhomrong.
Trek highlights
- Sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre from Poon Hill
- Forests of red, pink and white rhododendrons in spring
- Friendly Magar and Gurung villages with stone-paved trails
- Great for families and first-time trekkers
- Easy to fit into a short holiday from Pokhara
Day-by-day itinerary
A typical plan. Every trip is flexible, so days can be added for rest, side trips or bad weather.
- Day 1
Pokhara → Ulleri (2,070 m)
Drive to Nayapul and walk through farms to Tikhedhunga, then climb the famous stone steps to Ulleri.
- Day 2
Ulleri → Ghorepani (2,860 m)
A lovely walk through oak and rhododendron forest to the mountain village of Ghorepani.
- Day 3
Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m) → Tadapani (2,630 m)
Climb to Poon Hill in the dark to watch the sun rise over the mountains, then follow a forest ridge to Tadapani.
- Day 4
Tadapani → Ghandruk (1,940 m)
Descend to Ghandruk, a big Gurung village with a small museum and wonderful views of Annapurna South.
- Day 5
Ghandruk → Pokhara
Walk down to the roadhead and drive back to Pokhara in time for lunch by the lake.
