Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: A Short Himalayan Adventure

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek passes through the lush green forest with the red rhododendron which makes you reach for your cameras and where you will enjoy an intimate group atmosphere. This trek is perfect for families and one who are coming to Nepal for the first time. It is a great trail where all the beginner trekkers have an opportunity to see the wonderful views of the mountain with beautiful landscape. The trek will allow you to explore the north-western land of the lake city Pokhara with a stunning view of the mountain. On the trek, we will have an opportunity to know closely about the settlement of the Gurung and Magar people with their own culture and traditions.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best short and easy hikes all over Nepal. This trek includes hiking through colorful villages and rhododendron forest with the stunning snow-capped mountain. At the Jhinu Dhanda, we will take shower in the natural hot spring. Basically, the starting point of this trekking is Pokhara but the walking trekking starts from Nayapul with one hour drive from Pokhara. This is the most popular trekking trail in the Annapurna region where you will experience the warmth of the locals while passing through the villages of Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk. In trekking, we also enter the Annapurna conservation area which is very much rich in flora, fauna, biodiversity, and found many rare wild animals.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Lodge Accommodation

For accommodation in the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you don’t need to take worries because on this trekking route you will see many lodges, tea-house, and home-stays there where they provide healthy and hygienic food. This is only the trekking trail where you don’t have to worry about accommodation in Nepal. You will find comfortable and better quality tea houses with attached bathrooms. Just like other routes, you have to share a bathroom at the high altitude but at low altitude, you get an attached bathroom. Each lodge has a central combined area with a large stove that provides heat but the bedrooms are unheated with two beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows, and sheets.

Trekking or hiking will do out of the cities where the accommodation is the basic compared to city luxury hotel or resort where the room is basic. Accommodation is relatively basic but it is perfect for those who are resting from hiking and trekking where you can read more about staying in a tea-house. In the lodge, you will get a hot shower. You will get all types of food menu in the lower altitude but you have to compromise at the higher altitude because there you will only get typical Nepali food.

Best season in Ghorepani Poon Hill

The trail is beautiful and the trekking is easier in the months when there is no rain or snow where the weather is clearer and the temperature is moderate with a bit chilly leaving the day perfectly clear for a mesmerizing view of the mountain. The best trekking season is considered to be in autumn and spring and among all these seasons there is mainly two distinct trekking season for Poon hill on any region trek in Nepal. The trek can be done all year round if there isn’t rain or snow on the trails. The climate is wonderful the sky is clear and it is not too cold while doing trekking in the spring season.

There are benefits and disadvantages in each where the weather and vegetation against the number of the other trekkers on the route. The trek provides cultural insights and the lifestyle of Nepalese people living in remote areas and the temperature is mildly warm at lower elevations and quite moderate at the high altitude. Trekking in this region is cold during winter with snowfalls which excites some trekkers and the trail area is the least bus during this time.

Local TransportTransportation

There are many modes of transportation available which help you to take from one place to another. While starting this trekking, you can choose you will take by a bust or you want to take a flight all the choice is yours. If you will take a flight then you will reach within the 30minutes in Pokhara from Kathmandu. But if you take a bus or you drive by road then it takes 6 hours to reach Pokhara where you will see the wonderful land of Nepal with beautiful forests, small cities, and many more things. From Pokhara take a 1-hour drive towards Nayapul then after walking trekking start. Or you can say Nayapul is the starting point of trekking in the Annapurna region.

Poon Hill Short Hiking Packing for trekking

It is a short trek where there are a number of equipment and essentials that you should pack while keeping in the mind. All the essential trekking gear that is recommended for trekking in Nepal and the basic idea is to keep you warm and one porter would be available for two people while on the trek. The exact clothing and gear you required for the Poon hill trek. This is a trek where you have an opportunity to see the wonderful view of the mountain. The required gear which is needed for this trekking is as follows.

• A pair of trekking socks and shoes
• down jacket, woolen trousers, and woolen gloves
• Sunglasses and sleeping bag
• First aid kits
• Flashlight and toilet paper
• Water bottles
• Personal hygienic things

Trip Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

• Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul (1,050 m), and trek to Ulleri (2025m), 5 hours
• Day 02: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani (2,850m/ 9,350ft) 5 hours
• Day 03: Hike to Poon Hill, trek to Tadapani (2721m) 5/6 hours
• Day 04: Trek to Ghandruk (1950m) 3 hours
• Day 05: Trek to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara

Details Itinerary

Cost Details

FAQ

What is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short and scenic trek in the Annapurna region, famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas from Poon Hill (3,210m). It’s a great introduction to trekking in Nepal with stunning landscapes, rhododendron forests, and Gurung villages.

How long does the trek take?

The trek usually takes 4 to 5 days, depending on the starting point and pace. It can be extended or shortened based on your preferences.

How difficult is the Poon Hill Trek?

It’s considered an easy to moderate trek, ideal for beginners, families, or those short on time. There are some steep stone staircases and uphill sections, but no high-altitude risks.

What is the highest altitude reached?

The highest point of the trek is Poon Hill at 3,210 meters (10,531 feet).

What are the trek highlights?

• Sunrise view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail) and other peaks from Poon Hill
• Charming villages like Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Ulleri
• Dense rhododendron forests (especially in spring)
• Warm hospitality of Gurung and Magar communities

When is the best time to trek?

• Spring (March–May): Blooming rhododendrons, clear skies
• Autumn (September–November): Best weather and views
• Winter (December–February): Clear, but cold and possibly snowy
• Monsoon (June–August): Lush landscapes but rain and leeches

Do I need a guide or porter?

A guide is not mandatory, but highly recommended for ease, local knowledge, and cultural interaction. A porter can help carry your load and enhance comfort.

Where does the trek start and end?

Most treks start from Nayapul, a short drive from Pokhara, and end either in Ghandruk, Nayapul, or Kimche.

Where do we sleep and eat?

Accommodation is in teahouses (lodges) along the route, offering simple rooms and home-cooked meals. Local dishes include dal bhat, noodles, soups, and some Western options.

How do I get to the trailhead?

Fly or drive to Pokhara, then take a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Nayapul or Hile, depending on your starting point.

How much does the trek cost?

Costs range from $300 to USD 600, depending on:

• Trek length
• Guide/porter service
• Group vs. private trek
• Transportation and accommodation preferences

Is this trek suitable for children or seniors?

Yes! The Poon Hill trek is perfect for families, older trekkers, and even first-time hikers, thanks to its lower altitude and flexible pace.

Can I combine it with other treks?

Absolutely. You can combine it with:

• Annapurna Base Camp Trek
• Mardi Himal Trek
• Jhinu Hot Springs visit

Route Map

Gallery

Client Reviews

Jerry S

If you are looking for a fulfilling and exciting trekking experience in the Himalayas, I highly recommend securing the services of Megh Gurung and Kingdom Treks.

I have twice joined teams that Megh guided to Poon Hill in the Annapurna Range, and both times I was amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, and by Megh’s outstanding service and attention to detail. An extra benefit is his wit, humor, and warm personality. Megh leadership made both treks memorable, fun, and truly unforgettable. You can’t go wrong choosing Kingdom Treks.

Cäoud cloudthes

Great trip! Megh and Sammy took care of everything. From food, to logistics, to accommodation. Couldn’t have been better.

Bill Steinmetz

Looking back, the entire trip was amazing but also challenging because of the altitudes and climbing involved. We all did make it.

Everything was taken care of for us in terms of arrangements and airport transfers. Our guide Megh met us at the airport in Kathmandu, arranged our lodging, meals, flights to and from Lukla, shopping for gear extras in town. All our lodging on the trips was also reserved for us. Meals were all served in the lodges. Megh was on the trek with us along with porters who took our gear. We carried day packs.You should plan 3 weeks minimum for this trip and it will require at least 2 days acclimatization. If I remember correctly, as we got higher, we may have as much as 9 days above 14,000 ft and with that, peaks still rose around us another 4-5 thousand feet if not more. You also should to be in condition for this trek. I also had mild altitude sickness at base camp but did not need intervention. So it is recommended that you learn as much as possible about how to prepare for a trek like this. But the rewards may be well worth it, as some of our photos may illustrate.Consider adding more days for touring in Kathmandu or even for a visit to India on the way home like we did (also arranged by Megh)

Nesrin B

Megh is a great guide, reliable and understanding. He was very helpful to my friend Havva and me during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. He is also fun and interesting. If you travel with Megh, you will be satisfied.

PMR5511

I had an absolutely incredible experience with Kingdom Treks, a top-notch trekking company in Nepal that made my Himalayan adventure unforgettable! Megh and their team delivered a perfectly organized, culturally immersive, and awe-inspiring journey that exceeded all expectations. As someone new to high-altitude trekking, I felt reassured by their focus on safety and flexibility gave me confidence throughout the journey. Megh was phenomenal—knowledgeable, warm, and always ready with fascinating insights about Nepalese culture and the landscapes we explored. Megh’s team, including the hardworking porters, went above and beyond, ensuring we had comfortable teahouse accommodations with hearty meals and jaw-dropping mountain views. Highly Recommend!

REAL INDIA

We had an absolutely incredible experience with Kingdom Trek company in Nepal , Brother Megh is a great guide and a good leader , We enjoyed the trip with this company , always appreciate their efforts, GOD Bless them

Marissa E

As a Canadian female, I’ve trekked with Megh on two trips to Nepal. When we met the first time, I came with a trekking group, we instantly clicked and I now call him “my Nepali dad”. Which he embodies for everyone–he is kind, honest, genuine, and of course, a pro at leading any kind of trek (and making it fun). I went back again a few years later by myself and Megh went above and beyond–picked me up from the airport and helped me navigate busy Kathmandu and Mt. Everest base camp as a solo female. He’s become a lifelong friend of over a decade now, we still keep in touch! If you want a professional who’s been in the game for many years, and someone you can genuinely trust, trek with Megh!

Mustafa E

Wonderful Country and fantastic people.. You can trust Meg and his team with your life literally… I made also friends for life and will do the same journey again soon.. Many thanks Mero Sathi..

Agnes Bonne

Megh and his team were amazing!
What a great experience to climb in the Himalayas. Half way of the Mont Everest! Never though I could do it but with their wisdom, encouraging words along the way and God, I made it!
Hallelujah the Himalayas … there is a God and Megh with his team. I really suggest anyone to go even if you don’t go that high.. just tell Megh what you can and want to do and he will personalize your trip. A must do without any hesitation.

Doowder

I Enjoyed having Megh Gurung as a Guide

Megh Gurung was an excellent guide and was easy to work with on my group trek to Everest Base Camp. I recommend him to anyone interested in a guided trek in Nepal. If you are trying to decide whether or not to use a guide while trekking, my recommendation is to do so as they add a lot to the experience.