If you want to know how long the trek to Poon Hill takes or if you’re trying to figure out exactly the poonhill trek distance, then this guide has you covered, including all the daily-hour hiking times, total distances, altitude and places to see along the way.
The length of Poon Hill trek is around 40-55 km (25-34 miles), depending on the route you take.
Most trekkers will take 6 days to complete our classic Ghorepani Poon Hill trek with a distance of around 52 kilometers, while experiencing one of the most scenic trekking trails in Nepal.
This trek is located in the Annapurna region in Nepal, and is more than just about the sunrise views.
Along the trek, you will traverse through rhododendron forests, see stone-paved villages and watch Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri glow golden during sunrise.
And all of this will take you just a few days’ walk from Pokhara!
At Nepal Base Camp Treks, we handle most of the logistics, from getting permits to arranging guides and porters, which helps you in making your trek to poon hill safe, comfortable and memorable.
No matter, you are a first-time trekker or an experienced one, trekking in Nepal doesn’t get more beginner-friendly and scenic than this.
Poon Hill Trek Overview
The Poon Hill Trek is among the most picturesque treks in Nepal, nestled in the amazing Annapurna Himalayan region of Nepal.
In just a few days, the trekker will experience snow-capped Himalayan peaks, warm Gurung hospitality and verdant rhododendron forests – all without dealing with extreme altitudes.
Poon Hill Trek at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Trek Name | Poon Hill Trek / Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek |
| Region | Annapurna Region of Nepal |
| Starting Point | Nayapul (1,070 m) – 1.5 hrs drive from Pokhara |
| Highest Point | Poon Hill Viewpoint (3,210 m) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Total Duration | 3 – 6 days (depending on route and speed) |
| Total Poonhill Trek Distance | 40 – 55 km (25 – 34 miles) |
| Required Permits | TIMS Card + Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) |
This brief Himalayan adventure has one of the finest sunrises in all of Asia, with golden rays of dawn hitting Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri.
This trek is perfect for anyone wanting a real taste of trekking in Nepal without being committed to a long trek such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Why the Poon Hill Trek Is Such a Popular Trekking Route?
The Poon Hill Trek is a choice when trekking in the Himalaya because it provides high mountain rewards for little effort!
Each day unveils diverse landscapes, from terraced rice fields to alpine forests to one of the greatest places in the world, to witness the golden rays of sunlight light up the sunrise sky and the Annapurna mountains.
Unforgettable Sunrise Views: The highlight of the trek to Poon Hill (3,210 m) is the early morning hike to see the first rays of sunlight hit Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri and Fishtail peaks.
Rich Cultural Trails: The Poonhill route traverses several Gurung and Magar villages, including Ghorepani and Ghandruk, allowing trekkers to glimpse a lifestyle in the Nepali mountains that has existed for centuries.
Short but Sweet: The Poonhill trek distance is approximately 40–55 km and may be completed in 3-6 days, making it an excellent option for trekkers with time constraints.
Ideal for Any Time of Year: In the spring, rhododendrons forests bloom and in the autumn, cooler temperatures provide clear skies and unbelievably brilliant mountain viewpoints.
This combination of beauty, culture and time-efficiency is one of the primary reasons the PoonHill Trek is the most popularly recommended trail in Nepal; it is suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers.
Starting Points and Accessibility for the trek
The trek begins from Nayapul, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara, a relatively small city by the lake in Nepal.
Many travelers take a flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and take a jeep or bus to Nayapul to begin their trek.
The trek will gradually ascend from there to Tikhedunga and Ulleri to Ghorepani before reaching the famed sunrise viewing spot at Poon Hill.
Depending on your overall travel intentions, you might hike an alternative route and then end the loop back through Tadapani and Ghandruk, eventually completing the Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek loop.
The trek is popular partly due to accessibility.
You can literally get off the plane or drive in and begin hiking the same day and it is one of the easiest treks to begin anywhere in the Annapurna region.
Poonhill Trek Distance and Duration
Depending on the route taken, the Poon hill trek distance will be different, but most trekkers trek approximately 40 to 55 kilometres (25–34 miles).
Therefore, the length of Poonhill trek is one of the shortest in terms of distance.
You can get the most out of this trek if you trek in Spring and Autumn in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
On average, trekkers will walk for 4 to 7 hours each day, trekking through beautiful, quaint villages, forests and mountain ridges.
Most people will complete the trek between 3 to 6 days, but it will depend on fitness level, speed and the route you take.
Depending on your choice and time, we at Nepal Base Camp Treks will customize the trekking experience to your liking.
6-Day Poon Hill Trek Itinerary (Nepal Base Camp Treks)
This is a quick peek at our Poonhill Trek Itinerary.
| Day | Route | Distance | Duration | Altitude (m / ft) |
| 1 | Arriving in Kathmandu | – | – | 1,300 m / 4,265 ft |
| 2 | Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara→ Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,070 m) → Trek from Nayapul to Hille | ~5 hr drive and 6 km trek | 2–3 hr hike | 1,430 m / 4,691 ft |
| 3 | Hille → Ulleri → Ghorepani | ~12 km | 6–7 hrs | 2,860 m / 9,383 ft |
| 4 | Early Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m) → Hike Back to Ghorepani → Trek from Ghorepani to Tadapani | ~10 km | 1 hr to viewpoint + 5–6 hr trek | 3,210 m / 10,531 ft (max) |
| 5 | Tadapani → Ghandruk → Drive back to Pokhara | ~8 km trek and 50 km drive | 3–4 hr walk + 2–3 hr drive | 1,940 m / 6,365 ft |
| 6 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu | ~200 km drive | 6–8 hrs | 1,300 m / 4,265 ft |
Influencing Factors on Duration
Even if the Poonhill trek distance is fixed, it might take you more or less time depending on a few influencing factors below:
Fitness Level & Experience – Some trekkers will take longer than others, while some will finish faster, depending on fitness and experience.
Altitude & Terrain – You might find that the distance to Ghorepani is longer than it appears and the altitude of Poon Hill might slow your pace just a little.
Weather & Monsoon Season – In the monsoon season (June-August), the trails will likely be wet or muddy; this will also slow your pace down.
Guides and Porters – Hiring guides or porters will help you navigate and pace more easily and they will help keep you safe while trekking some of the most remote stretches.
Rest Stops & Amenities – Stopping for tea or lunch and taking breaks at lodges will extend each day, even just a little bit.
Pro-Tip: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) will provide the best weather conditions and visibility and are ideal months to trek comfortably in the rhododendron season or gaze up at the wonderful mountain experiences.
Important Villages and Stops Along the Poon Hill Trek
While covering the Poonhill trek distance, you will pass through tranquil mountain villages surrounded by forests and the Himalayas.
Every village you pass through brings a unique part of your experience.
Nayapul & Hille: An easy gateway through terraced farmland and small paths by rivers.
Ulleri: Famous for its seemingly endless stone steps, while the horizon opens up to the hills.
Ghorepani: A delightful village setting nested in rhododendron forests and the starting point for the early pre-dawn climb to Poon Hill.
Tadapani: A secluded, remote forest stop where mist and mountain peaks tend to meet.
Ghandruk: A cultural Gurung village full of tradition, stone houses and kindness.
Each situation merges local life with the spectacular backdrop of the Himalayas.
Scenic Highlights and Attractions
The Poon Hill trek offers spectacular views of the mountains and serene surroundings.
It takes you through vibrant rhododendron forests, green hills and traditional Gurung and Magar villages.
The trek’s main highlight is the early morning hike up to Poon Hill (3,210 m) — where the sunrise paints Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre in golden light.
It is one of the stunning moments in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
Along the way, trekkers experience changing scenery, welcoming locals and warm tea houses that make trekking in Nepal beautiful and memorable.
Required Guide for Poonhill Trek
According to updates to Nepal trekking regulations, all trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide in areas like the Annapurna Conservation Area, where the Poon Hill trek can be found.
So the answer to the commonly asked question, “Do we need a guide for poonhill trek?” is very simple.
Yes, you do need a guide nowadays.
A certified guide will help with safety, permits and navigation through the forests, villages, and mountain trails.
When you book your Poon Hill trek with Nepal Base Camp Treks, every guide will be registered under the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and will be professionally trained and experienced in the region.
This leaves you with a safe and organized trek to Poon Hill that you will enjoy.
Advice for a Relaxed Trekking Experience
You can make your Poon Hill trek easy and enjoyable with these useful tips:
- Get an Early Start: Start your day before sunrise to have good views and preserve some of the cooler temperatures.
- Pack Light, But Pack Smart: Bring warm layers and a rain jacket (if you are traveling in monsoon season). Make sure you wear sturdy trekking shoes.
- Drink Water: Bring a refillable water bottle; use water purification tablets on the trekking trails.
- Bring Cash: There are no ATMs along the route, so make sure to bring enough money for tea houses and snacks.
- Use A Licensed Guide and Porter: Hiring a guide and/or porter through Nepal Base Camp Treks will make your experience safer, more comfortable and truly insightful to the local area.
- Be Prepared with Permits: Make sure you have your TIMS card and your Annapurna Conservation Area Permit before you start your trek.
- Enjoy the Tea Houses: Most lodges have hot showers, good meals and often a warm and comfortable bed after a long day of trekking.
FAQs
How long is the Poon Hill trek?
The Poonhill trek distance is about 50–55 kilometers, which may take 6 days. It is one of the best short treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal, which is perfect for beginner walkers and families.
What is the best time for Poon Hill trek?
The best time for trekking to Poon Hill is in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months, you will have clear skies, no rain and warm days, plus it will be colorful with rhododendron forests.
How difficult is the Poon Hill trek?
The trek is classified as easy to moderate. You will walk 4 to 6 hours a day, walking on stone steps and some forest trails. It is easy enough for a first road walker if they are of a reasonable fitness level.
What permits are needed for Poon Hill trek?
You will need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both permits will be included by Nepal Base Camp Treks when they take care of booking your trip.
Conclusion
The Poon Hill trek is short, beautiful and full of the charms of the Himalaya.
At approximately 50-55 km total poonhill trek distance and taking about six days, this trek is perfect for beginners and nature lovers just looking for a true trekking in Nepal experience, without the risk of high altitudes.
Every moment of this trek is full of wonder, from the sunrise over Annapurna South to the warmth of the tea house.
Are you ready to start?
We’ll manage your permits, your guide and all the logistics so that you can just walk, enjoy, explore, and view.
Book your Poon Hill trek today, and let your adventure begin in the heart of the Annapurna region.
