The Poonhill trek route is a short and rewarding hike in Nepal’s Annapurna region.
Starting in the lakeside town of Pokhara, the trail takes you through stone-paved villages, green hills and colorful rhododendron woods in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
In just 3 to 6 days, you can get to Poon Hill (3,210 m) and witness the sunrise light up the massive peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
It is one of the easiest and most rewarding treks in Nepal and is great for beginners, families or anyone with limited time.
This guide provides a straightforward route and overview of maps.
Our local team at Nepal Base Camp Treks provides simple explanations on a day-to-day basis, walking distances and useful tips to effectively plan your travel with confidence.
Whether you’re after the full, classic loop or shorter jeep-assisted version – everything you need to know around the Poonhill trek route is here.
Overview of Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Route (With Map)
Quick Facts
Duration of trek: 3-6 days (traditional circuit)
Total distance of trek: 40-55 km (based on trek start & exit points)
The highest ascent: Poon Hill- 3,210m
Trek Starting Point: Pokhara→ Nayapul (1,070m)
Route Type: Scenic loop with some side trip options.
The Ghorepani Poonhill trek route highlights the traditional trekking route, known as a short but remarkable loop in Nepal
Your adventure starts with a 1.5-2 hour drive on the Pokhara to Nayapul road.
From Nayapul, the trail begins a gradual ascent through stone-paved paths that connect peaceful villages such as Tikhedhunga & Ulleri before arriving at the vibrant enclave of Ghorepani.
From Ghorepani, an early morning ascent takes you to Poon Hill, where the sunrise illuminates the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre.
From there, the route descends back through rhododendron forests to Tadapani, then heads to the cultural village of Ghandruk to complete the perfect Himalayan circuit.
This is one of the most recommended treks in Nepal’s Annapurna region – easy access, moderate altitude and a wonderful teahouse hospitality.
You can do the loop in as little as three days, assisted by a jeep or you can stretch it out to five days for a slower pace with more time to enjoy the walk.
This Ghorepani Poonhill trek route offers the classic Himalayan landscape in a short-duration walk that you will always remember.
To facilitate logistics and local knowledge, remember Nepal Base Camp Treks, as we can arrange permits, guides and transportation so that you can enjoy the trek!
Traditional Trek Route: Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga → Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani → Ghandruk
This is the most well-known Poonhill trek route, or at least the route most people will picture when you ask them about the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
Starting, you will drive around 1.5 to 2 hours from Pokhara to Nayapul and then walk on a riverside path to Tikhedhunga.
Day two, you will ascend the renowned Ulleri stone steps and hike through a rhododendron forest (blooming in March-April) to the vibrant village of Ghorepani, located within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Day 3 sees you waking up in time to see the sunrise from Poon Hill’s summit (3,210 m), which will typically light up the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre.
On the way back, you descend through Tadapani and Ghandruk, from where a jeep or bus will return you to Pokhara.
This loop will take about 4 days and cover about 45km, with lots of culture, stunning scenery and tea house luxury.
Nepal Base Camp Treks can arrange your Poonhill trek permit, guide and porters and, even provide options and insights along the way, so that your trek goes smoothly!
Alternate Routes to Poon Hill: More or Less Options to Poon Hill
Various timings and walking speeds in people while hiking; therefore, the Poonhill treks provide multiple flexible options:
The short 3-Day Poon Hill Trek allows you to drive as far as the Pokhara to Nayapul Road by jeep, as high as Hile or Ulleri, and hence bypass the steepest section of climbing.
This option gives you a sunrise on Poon Hill as well as a return through Ghandruk.
Clockwise Route: begin at Ghandruk, trek from Tadapani to Ghorepani / Poon Hill and end at Ulleri or Nayapul.
The route gives a gentler first day and a different perspective of the Poon Hill treks.
Longer Adventures – You can connect with the Mardi Himal trek or the Annapurna Base Camp trek from the Poonhill loop for an extended Himalaya experience.
All of them remain well within moderate Poonhill trek difficulty levels, and there are numerous tea houses where one can take a break.
Day-by-Day Poon Hill Itinerary Information
The Poonhill trek route can be followed in many different ways.
Nepal Base Camp Treks specializes in an easy 6-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek as the standard offering and accommodates visitors to transform the itinerary into shorter 3- or 4-day outings if needed. Here’s how each of them unfolds.
3-Day Express Itinerary
A brief loop that still offers the renowned sunrise over the Annapurna massif.
Route Outline
Day 1: Drive to Nayapul, climb up through Ulleri to Ghorepani.
Day 2: Early morning walk to Poon Hill (3,210 m) to watch sunrise; return down through Ghandruk.
s: Gentle stroll to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara.
Ideal for seasoned trekkers or those with limited time who prefer to enjoy the best highlights only in the 3-day Poon hill trek.
4-Day Classic Circuit
A less rushed itinerary, which enables trekkers to experience more villages and scenery.
Route Outline
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri or Tikhedhunga.
Day 2: Trek through the rhododendron forest to Ghorepani.
Day 3: Sunrise at Poon Hill, further to Ghandruk.
Day 4: Walk out easily to Nayapul and return by car to Pokhara.
This package suits families and beginners who want to enjoy a balanced Poonhill trekking experience.
6-Day Full Experience (Recommended Package)
The classic Ghorepani Poonhill Trek by Nepal Base Camp Treks offers plenty of time for culture, relaxation, and scenery.
Route Details
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Fly or drive to Pokhara, drive to Nayapul, trek to Hille.
Day 3: Trek Hille → Ghorepani.
Day 4: Early morning hike to Poon Hill; trek to Tadapani.
Day 5: Trek Tadapani → Ghandruk; drive to Pokhara.
Day 6: Back to Kathmandu.
This no-frills trek with all meals, tea-house stay, guide and porter, ACAP and TIMS fees and smooth transport, ideal for people who don’t want any rushing through of the full days Poon Hill trek.
Do You Need a Guide or Porter for the Poon Hill Trek?
If you are planning the trekking Poonhill route, one of the things at the very top of your list is whether to hire a guide or porter.
The answer is simply yes, as it’s both for safety and convenience.
Why You Need a Guide
Nepal has made licensed guides mandatory on all major trekking trails, including the Ghorepani Poonhill trek route in the Annapurna Conservation Area, since April 2023.
Legal rule: Guideless trekkers are stopped at checkpoints and not permitted to continue.
Safety: Unstable weather conditions, landslides, or altitude issues may occur. A first aid and local rescue-trained guide takes care of you.
Local insight: Guides know the best tea houses, hidden viewpoints, and cultural stories, which makes the experience richer.
[Know more → Do we need a guide for Poonhill trek]
The Role of Porters
Although not necessary, porters are a huge assist on the trail.
They’ll carry big packs so you can trek light and enjoy the forests and mountain scenery.
A porter benefits the local economy and ensures steady trekking days, even if you’re beyond tired.
The majority of visitors to Nepal Base Camp Treks say that hiring both a guide and a porter allowed them to best enjoy the trek.
Necessary Permits for Poon Hill Trek
Every trekker must have two permits before entering the Poonhill trek route: the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
Both of the Poonhill trek permits are easy to arrange, allowing for the protection of nature while you remain safe.
Permit 1: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
This permits entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area, which covers the entire trek route through Ghorepani Poonhill.
Price: NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 25) per person, and NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals.
Permit 2: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
The TIMS card is used to log the trekker’s information to ensure rapid assistance or evacuation in an emergency.
Price: NPR 2,000 (around USD 17) per person.
How to Obtain Permits Easily
Through Nepal Base Camp Treks: The easiest method. The company includes both the ACAp permits and the TIMS card with all Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek packages or services.
On Your Own: You will need your passport, two passport-sized photos, and local currency. Make sure you allow extra time in line at the counters in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Ideal Season and Weather on the Poon Hill Trek Route
The season is key to planning an itinerary on the Poonhill trek route. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most popular times.
Spring brings the flowers of rhododendron to life in the Annapurna Conservation Area, yielding mild temperatures during the day.
Autumn is after the rains have stopped, and the skies are often the clearest – we often say the best skies of the year – yielding postcard views of the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre.
Winter (December–February) is quiet and very scenic but cold, and the temperature in the higher elevations of Ghorepani and Poon Hill drops below freezing.
Trekkers must be well-stocked with warm layers from a reputable Poonhill trek packing list.
Monsoon (June–August) is when you’ll see the trail full of green and life, but the heavy rain, leeches and cloud-covered mornings can cover the morning views as the flowers bloom.
Regardless of the month, Nepal Base Camp Treks closely monitors the Poonhill weather to advise on the best start dates and weather gear.
With good planning, your Ghorepani Poonhill trek route will be fun and safe, no matter if you are aiming to see the rhododendron flowers bloom, clear fall skies or enjoy peace in the off-season.
Packing Essentials for Trekking Poonhill Route
Packing wisely is the most important thing you can do to make the most of every moment on the Poon Hill trek route.
The trail runs from warm valleys to the cool view of Ghorepani Poon Hill at 3210 m, which means your gear will need to cover a range of temperatures.
Below is a balanced list with quick tips.
Clothes and Layers
- Quick-dry T-shirts and trekking pants for warm sunny walks in the daytime.
- Warm fleece or down jacket and warm base layers for early cold mornings.
- Waterproof shell and rain cover – all good to have if trekking during the monsoon season.
Footwear and Gear
- Sturdy trekking boots, already broken in.
- Gloves, a woolly hat and sunglasses with UV blocking.
- Headlamp for the early set out to get up to Poon Hill at sunrise.
Essentials for the Day Ahead
- Refillable water bottles and water purification tablets.
- Personal first aid kit, with basic medications and blisters.
- Your passport, cash, and necessary [Poonhill trek permit] (ACAP permits and TIMS cards).
Pro Tip: Nepal Base Camp Treks can help arrange the rental of jackets, sleeping bags or poles in Pokhara, so you can pack only what you need to make the experience stress-free treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
What will you experience on the trek? (Scenic Points)
The Poonhill trek route is a short jaunt through the Himalayas that offers changing scenery and mountain drama.
From your initial footfalls out of Nayapul, to your posture at the dawn viewpoint of Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, each of the days provides joy and a calm scene to experience or take photos.
Ghorepani Village & Rhododendron Forests
The first major stop, Ghorepani village, is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area and is surrounded by huge rhododendron forests.
In the spring, the hills go in shades of red and pink, giving you a sense of the experience of a natural festival in the walk.
A cultural addition to the trek are the traditional Gurung and Magar houses found along this portion of the trek.
Sunrise from the Poon Hill viewpoint
The most anticipated moment is reaching the Poon Hill viewpoint, before sunrise. When the base light hits the Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri range, it is golden and burnt orange on the peaks.
Many travelers have stated that it is a once in a life time view and they also highly recommend a pre-dawn hike.
Views of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Range
In addition to the regular shifts of sunshine, you will encounter the dramatic views of the peaks of the Annapurna base camp trek and the ridges of the Mardi Himal trek in the distance and endless layers of the Himalayas.
Every twist of the path reinforces the idea why trekking in Nepal is one of the best in the world!
Cost Breakdown for Trekking the Poon Hill Route
You can be well prepared knowing the cost of the Poonhill trek ahead of time so you can plan accordingly and hassle-free.
With Nepal Base Camp Treks, the 6-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek package starts at approximately USD 490 per person, covering almost everything you need for a safe and pleasant trek.
What’s Included
- ACAP and tims cards (the official Poonhill trek permit)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Twin-share rooms in homely tea houses
- Licensed guides and porters for a smooth trekking experience
- Transport to and from Pokhara, and from Nayapul and back to Kathmandu
Extra Costs to Consider
- Any personal snacks, drinks, or even showers if you like hot showers
- Tips for your guide and porters
- Travel insurance (highly recommended, especially for trekking in Nepal)
- Optional gear hires or upgrades if you haven’t brought anything with you
For complete details, read our profound Poonhill trek price guide or we would love to hear from you directly, so we can help design your perfect trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
Poon Hill Trek vs Other Treks in the Annapurna Region
Here’s a quick side-by-side view to help you measure the Poonhill trek route against other popular treks in the Annapurna region.
All of the treks are expertly organized by Nepal Base Camp Treks.
| Trek | Duration | Max Altitude | Key Highlights | Difficulty | Ideal For |
| Poon Hill Trek | 6 days (3–4 days possible) | 3,210 meters | Watching the sunrise over the Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri, rhododendron forests, Gurung & Magar culture | Easy–Moderate | Families, first-time trekkers, short holiday |
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 8–12 days | 4,130 m | Glacier landscapes, views of Annapurna peaks up close | Moderate | Trekkers seeking higher altitude, wanting classic scenes of the Himalayas |
| Mardi Himal Trek | 5–7 days | 4,500 m | Off-the-beaten trail, stunning view of Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) | Moderate | People who love nature and are seeking solitude |
| Annapurna Circuit Trek | 12–18 days | 5,416 m (Thorong La Pass) | A wide variety in culture, long high-pass | Moderate–Challenging | Experienced trekkers have more time |
So whether you gravitate toward the easy-going nature of Poon hill trekking, or high passes on the Annapurna Circuit trek, Nepal Base Camp Treks can create the perfect trip with permits, guides and varied itineraries.
Your Himalayan Adventure Begins Here
Standing on Poon Hill as the first light begins to grace the Annapurna massif is not just another photo, but a lifetime moment.
Each twist and turn of the Poonhill trek route, from the stone stairways of Ulleri to the tranquil forests of Ghorepani, entices you into the spirit of Nepal’s mountains.
Whether you decide to trek the classic Ghorepani Poonhill trek or connect it with other treks in the Annapurna area of Nepal, the trail offers the districts of culture, nature, and unadulterated Himalayan calm.
All is easy with Nepal Base Camp Treks.
Permits (ACAP & TIMS), guides and porters with experience, warm tea houses for sleeping are all arranged for you with day of trip weather discussions so you can walk, watch and wonder.
So, what are you waiting for?
Book Now and Start Your Sunrise Journey.
