A breakdown of distance, duration, and altitude gain on the classic 3-day Ghorepani Poon Hill route, from Pokhara to Tadapani, Ghandruk, and back.

Yes, this trek is extendable and can be combined with other equally famed treks of Annapurna Sanctuary like the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Mulde Peak Trek, Mohare Danda Trek, Lower Mustang Trek, Khopra Ridge Trek, etc. There are various options to hike the Annapurna Circuit, so we can explore the whole Annapurna Conservation Area. For that, modifications on the trekking routes are viable, so the Poon Hill Trek itinerary may come in handy during these circumstances.

3 Days PoonHill Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Ulleri & Trek to Ghorepani

Our journey begins in Pokhara with breakfast and a 1.5-hour drive to Nayapool for ACAP check-in. We then drive 2 more hours to Ulleri, bypassing difficult trekking sections. After lunch in Ulleri with mountain views, we start our trek.

We pass through Banthanti village and enter a rhododendron forest, enjoying small cascades. After 3-4 hours, we reach Nangethanti for a tea break. Two more hours of trekking bring us to Ghorepani (2,850m), where we check in at another ACAP post.

Ghorepani will surprise us with its size and amenities, including numerous lodges, hotels, and shops. We check into a top hotel, many offering balconies with stunning views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges.

In the evening, we explore the local market. After dinner, we gather around a wooden heater to plan the next day's adventure, reflecting on our journey so far.

Day 2: Early Morning Poonhill and Trek to Tadapani

Our day begins early at 4:30 AM as we set out for Poonhill viewpoint. The 45-minute climb is steep, ascending from 2,850m to 3,210m via a stairway path. We come prepared with water, trekking poles, and headlights. During peak season, we're joined by many other eager trekkers.

At the summit, we're rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise illuminating majestic peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre, and Nilgiri. After soaking in the panoramic views, we return to our hotel for a hearty breakfast.

Energized, we begin our trek to Tadapani, our overnight destination. The journey takes approximately 6 hours, with a lunch stop at the midway point of Banthanti.

This diverse day offers us both the thrill of a pre-dawn climb and spectacular mountain views, followed by a full day's trek through varying landscapes. We end our day in Tadapani, ready for a well-earned rest.

Day 3: Tadapani to Ghandruk & Drive back to Pokhara

We begin our day in Tadapani with a spectacular sunrise and mountain view from our balcony. The village bustles with trekkers heading to various destinations, as Tadapani is a junction for several popular treks, including ABC, Khopra, and Muldai.

After breakfast, we start our most leisurely trek of the journey. The trail descends through lush forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Small teahouses along the way offer opportunities for rest and refreshment.

A 3-4 hour descent brings us to Ghandruk village, one of the largest settlements of the Gurung ethnic group. We explore this charming village, visiting the Gurung Museum and small tea gardens.

Our trek concludes here, and we transition to a 3-hour drive back to Pokhara. The day offers a perfect blend of gentle trekking, cultural immersion, and a return to urban comforts. We spend the night in Pokhara, reflecting on our memorable journey through the Annapurna region.

2 Days PoonHill Trek (Easier Option)

Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Ulleri & Trek to Ghorepani

Our journey begins in Pokhara with breakfast and a 1.5-hour drive to Nayapool for ACAP check-in. We then drive around 2 more hours to Ulleri, bypassing difficult trekking sections. After lunch in Ulleri with mountain views, we start our trek.

We pass through Banthanti village and enter a rhododendron forest, enjoying small cascades along the way. After 3-4 hours, we reach Nangethanti, a tea stop in the middle of the forest. Two more hours of trekking will take us to Ghorepani (2,850m), where we check in at another ACAP post.

Ghorepani surprises with its size and amenities, including numerous lodges, hotels, and shops like bookstores, cafes, and souvenir stores. We check into one of the best available hotels, many offering balconies with stunning mountain views.

In the evening, we explore the local market. After dinner, we gather around a wooden heater to plan the next day's adventure.

Day 2: Early Morning Poonhill & Trek back to Hile, Drive to Pokhara

Our day begins early at 4:30 AM as we set out for Poonhill viewpoint. The 45-minute climb is steep, ascending from 2,850m to 3,210m via a stairway path. We come prepared with water, trekking poles, and headlights. During peak season, we're joined by many other eager trekkers.

At the summit, we're rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise illuminating majestic peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre, and Nilgiri. After soaking in the panoramic views, we return to our hotel for breakfast.

Post-breakfast, we descend back to Hile via Ulleri, retracing yesterday's route. Most of this trek is downhill. We stop for lunch either at Ulleri or Tikhedhunga.

Upon reaching Hile, we board our waiting jeep for a 3-hour drive back to Pokhara. We may arrive in Pokhara after dark, concluding our brief but memorable trek in the Annapurna region.

2 Days PoonHill Trekking (Fast Packing Option): Not For Beginners

Day 1: Drive Pokhara to Nayapool (1070 m) & Trek to Ghorepani (2850 m)

We start our trip in Pokhara with a big breakfast. Then we drive for 1.5 hours to Nayapool (1070 m). Here, we stop at the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) checkpoint to check in and start our walk.

We begin walking through pretty villages - Birethanti, Sudame, Hile, and Tikhedhunga. These villages show us how local people live. After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch in Tikhedhunga to get energy for the more challenging part ahead.

After lunch, we cross a bridge and start climbing steep stairs for about 2 hours. This takes us from Tikhedhunga (1540 m) to Ulleri (2100 m). Ulleri is a big village where mostly Magar people live. It's also known for honey hunting.

We keep walking for another 3.5 hours to reach Nangethanti, a nice place in the forest to have tea and rest.

After walking for 8-9 hours in total, we finally get to Ghorepani (2850 m), where we'll sleep for the night. Ghorepani is a small but pretty village on top of a hill. It has some modern comforts, which might surprise you. During the day, we climbed up 2000 meters in height.

Day 2: Early Morning Poonhill, Trek to Kilyu & Drive back to Pokhara

We will wake up very early at 4:30 AM to climb to the Poonhill viewpoint. It takes about 45 minutes to climb up, following steep stairs from 2,850m to 3,210m. It's an arduous climb, but what we see at the top is fantastic.

From Poonhill, we can see 15 different mountain peaks, all lit up by the sunrise. It's a beautiful view of some of the most famous mountains in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After enjoying the view and taking pictures, we went back to our hotel for a quick breakfast.

After breakfast, we start walking to Ghandruk. The first part of the walk goes up, and the rest is mostly downhill. We walk through beautiful forests with rhododendron trees, which have colorful flowers if we're there at the right time of year.

We stop for lunch at Lower Banthanti, a pretty place to rest and eat before we keep going. The whole walk to Ghandruk takes about 7-8 hours. It's challenging but has beautiful views all the way.

When we get to Ghandruk village, we find our jeep waiting. If we have time, we look around this lovely village, known for its Gurung culture and great views of the Annapurna mountains.

At the end of the day, we get in our jeep to drive back to Pokhara. The drive lets us rest our tired legs and think about all the great things we've seen in the last two days. We get back to Pokhara after dark, finishing our short but memorable trip in the Annapurna region.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapool and trek to Ulleri

After breakfast at the hotel, we start the ride from Pokhara to Nayapul, which takes about 1hr 30 mins. During this section, you will see the views of Machhapuchre and Annapurna from afar and the white Seti River, along the way. After we reach Nayapul, we check in the ACAP permits and start our trekking journey. The route is easy and involves walking along the freshwater river and beautiful villages. 

After the trek of 4 hours, you reach Hile, a village with guesthouses and restaurants, where we will have lunch. After resting and having our lunch break, we start our trek toward Ulleri. The second part of our journey from Pokhara to Ulleri is challenging, with a steep ascent that lasts about 2 hours. Ulleri is a beautiful village situated at an altitude of 2050 m | 6726 ft and offers spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Overnight stay at Ulleri.

Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani

The trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani is a short one. We start our trek after having breakfast, and the trail takes us through the forested path. The small waterfalls and rivers, and the chirping of birds, give you a sensation of peace with the presence of Mother Nature. 

The starting part of the trek is a steep ascent, the same as the previous day, and we reach Ghorepani after climbing all the way to the hilltop with a path filled with stone stairs. At the entrance of Ghorepani, we check in our permits again and trek towards the village. The Ghorepani village acts as a Gateway to Poonhill, so it will be a bit colder compared to Ulleri. Overnight stay at Ghorepani.

Day 3: Ghorepani to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani

We start our day early for the sunrise view from the top of Poonhill, which is also the highlight of the trek. The trek to Poonhill takes about 30 - 40 min, which is a steep ascent all the way to Poonhill. Poonhill acts as a viewpoint that offers mesmerizing views of the first golden rays of the day hitting the snow-capped peaks.  After enjoying the sunrise view, we trek back to Ghorepani, have our breakfast, and start our journey towards Tadapani.

The trekking trail begins with a gentle climb where we trek along the lush green forests covered by rhododendrons, oak, and pine trees. This section of the Poonhill trek takes you through many places, such as Deurali Danda 3090 m, which can also be viewed as a viewpoint. The trek duration is 5 - 6 hours from Ghorepani to Tadapani. 

Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara

The trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk is the shortest and easiest day of the Poonhill trek. While most of the trekking during the 4-day Poonhill trek was uphill, today we trek downhill. The flat and downhill trail takes us through the dense forest to the Ghandruk Village, passing Bhaisi Kharka. The trekking distance is roughly 6.5 kilometers | 4 miles, which takes about 3 to 4 hrs with a medium trekking pace. 

Ghandruk offers a perfect combination of nature and culture that allows trekkers to experience the region's local Gurung culture and walk around the tea garden. Ghandruk village offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalayas and the Seti River flowing from Hemja. After having our lunch at Ghandruk, we drive to Pokhara. The drive back to Pokhara from Ghandruk takes about 2 hours in a Jeep. We drive back to Pokhara with fond memories of the Poonhill trek.

Yes, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card are needed for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. It is compulsory to carry permits with you regardless of whether you are trekking solo or guided.

North Nepal Trek manages your permits, so you do not need to worry. It makes your trip hassle-free without forcing you to do paperwork in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can also obtain permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office or the ACAP counter in Pokhara.

Be sure to carry printed copies of your permits during the trek, as checkpoints are regular along the route.

• ACAP fee: NPR 3,000 for foreigners (around USD 23)
• TIMS card: NPR 2,000 for independent trekkers; discounted if you’re with a group

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek offers flexible group sizes. We organize treks from intimate partners to families with children to larger organized tours. While solo adventurers are common, peak season can see groups of 16-25 people. Regardless of whether you trek independently or with a cheerful crowd, you're sure to encounter fellow trekkers from around the world.

Beyond group size, the itinerary itself is flexible:

• The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be readily modified according to your needs and requirements.
• The cost of the trek can also be changed according to your group size, needs, and time constraints.
• You can easily add additional activities to the Itinerary. You just have to let us know before confirming the trip.
• This trip can also start in the capital city of Kathmandu. You have to let us know if you want to begin there. In that case, the Itinerary will extend by a few days. Consequently, the cost will also increase.
• The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip, respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).

You are a step away from booking your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Click the BOOK button on the trek’s website. You can WhatsApp: +977 9856016904 or email us at [email protected]. We customize your Ghorepani trek based on your specific requirements, such as accommodations, porter, guide, and other add-ons. 

Similarly,  we are on TripAdvisor, Get Your Guide, and Tour Radar. You can choose your dates and group size for an easy booking process.

Weather and season impact your trek budget, scenery, availability of teahouses, and more. Weather and season have a big impact on deciding your trek experience, not just in the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek but also in other major treks of Nepal like the Everest Base Camp trek.

Spring (March to May) is ideal, the time to witness the hillsides of Ghorepani Poon Hill covered with vibrant red and pink rhododendrons. The temperature is warm and clear. There is a high possibility of witnessing crisp views of the Himalayan peaks against blue skies. 

Autumn (September to November) is an equally pleasing time for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, or even better with local festivals. Also called Fall in America and Canada, this season is characterized by golden sunlight, mild climate, and clear mornings.

Summer (June to August) is the least favoured season by trekkers in Ghorepani and other regions of the Himalayas. It is not because Nepal is extremely hot (elevations above 2,000 are 24/7 cool) but because of the monsoon season. Monsoon in Nepal comes from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. During the course, the trail gets slippery, leeches in the subtropical forest, and unexpected landslides make treks like Ghorepani Poonhill challenging. 

Saying that, Monsoon is a paradise for lush green vegetation and wildflowers. The wide meadow of Dhorpatan, Mygadi, and Badimalika of Bajura are some of the beautiful destinations to soothe your eyes with vibrant wildflowers.

Winter (December to February) is cold and dry. Temperatures drop to negative temperatures at higher altitudes with heavy snowfall. But it is not common in Ghorepani Poon Hill as it is situated at a moderate elevation. During the Poon Hill trek in the cold season, you can enjoy snow, the mountain range, and a magical sunrise. In general, the trail is quiet and frosty in the mornings.

Summary: Weather and season do affect your  Ghorepani Poon Hill trek plan. It affects your cost, packing list, experience, and accommodation during the trek. It is always wise to get information from a trusted trekking and travel agency in Pokhara and Kathmandu. 

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which implies this trek has huge possibility for wildlife and vegetation. The prominent feature of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is its sub-tropical forest and sub-alpine hills.

Spring is filled with Rhododendron - Nepal’s national flower. The vibrant pink and red hues of Rhododendron decorate the whole hills of the Annapurna region. At the same time, Bee thrives, which directly supports the forest ecosystem and the local honey business of people. Schima wallichii (Chiluney in Nepali), Silver fir, and Pine are prominent trees.

The forest is filled with wild orchids and perennial ferns, adding splashes of green, while carpets of moss give the forest a fairytale ambiance. Every step on a trek feels like a natural wonder.

The forest trail of Ghorepani Poon Hill hums with the Redstarts, Kingfishers, Himalayan monal Magpies, and other birds. Be vigilant, ACAP is a sanctuary to around 500 species of birds.

Similarly, you can spot wild animals like the Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Leopard, and Himalayan Tahr. Remember, Ghorepani Trek is inside the ACAP, and you can spot diverse animals if you are lucky. Playful langur monkeys are common, leaping between branches.

The Poon Hill trek is one of the short treks in Nepal that offers a mesmerizing sunrise scene. Even though it is a short trek, you must prepare for the trekking route's ups and downs, especially if you are a beginner. 
To check the detailed packing list and as you will be trekking for sunrise early morning, we suggest you take a headlight if you are trekking with sticks, but you can also use the max level torch light on your phone. 

From the rhododendron forests to the sunrise over the Annapurnas at Poon Hill, your experience depends on who leads the way. Here is why trekkers choose North Nepal Travel & Trek:

100% Locally Owned & Pokhara-Based

We start right here in Pokhara, the gateway to Ghorepani, so your booking stays local and directly supports the Gurung and Magar communities along the trail.

Officially Licensed & TAAN-Registered

A fully government-registered agency and active TAAN member, ensuring legal compliance, financial security, and the highest safety standards.

Over a Decade on the Poon Hill Route

We have safely guided the Ghorepani Poonhill trail for more than ten years, mastering its terrain, weather, and teahouse logistics.

Expert Local Leadership

Your trek is personally led by our expert guide, a government-certified, English-speaking local leader who knows every step of the ridge to Poon Hill.

Top-Rated Client Satisfaction

Backed by a 4.9/5 review rating across global platforms for safety, local hospitality, and personalized service.