# Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek > The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a 7-day guided trek from Kathmandu and the most popular short trek in Nepal. From Pokhara, you climb stone staircases through Magar and Gurung villages and rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860 m), then hike before dawn to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for a famous sunrise over Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and a long chain of Himalayan peaks.The trek is easy to moderate, stays at modest altitude and can be walked almost all year, so it suits beginners, families and anyone short on time. It continues via Tadapani to the Gurung village of Ghandruk. A licensed guide, porters, the ACAP permit, transport, hotels and teahouse lodges with meals are all arranged by our team in Kathmandu. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 7 days - **Difficulty:** Easy to moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 3,210 m / 10,531 ft - **Best season:** Sep–May (all year possible) - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$590 per person - **Web page:** https://himalayanhiking.com/ghorepani-poon-hill-trek - **Book:** https://himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=ghorepani-poon-hill-trek ## Overview If you have only a week in Nepal and want to see the Himalaya up close, the **Ghorepani Poon Hill trek** is hard to beat. In four days of walking from Pokhara, it offers one of the most celebrated sunrise views in the country, beautiful rhododendron forests, and nights in welcoming mountain villages. It is short enough to fit into any Nepal holiday, yet it feels like a real Himalayan trek. The trail climbs from the Modi Khola valley through the Magar village of **Ulleri** to **Ghorepani**, a ridge-top village of lodges once used by traders' horses (*ghora* means horse and *pani* means water). Before dawn you climb to **Poon Hill**, where the sun rises over more than 20 peaks, from Dhaulagiri to Machhapuchhre. The route then follows a forested ridge to **Tadapani** and descends to **Ghandruk**, one of the largest and best-preserved Gurung villages in Nepal. ### Poon Hill trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration7 days from Kathmandu (4 days of trekking)Trek distanceAbout 40 kmHighest pointPoon Hill, 3,210 m (10,531 ft)GradeEasy to moderateDaily walking4–6 hoursStart and finishKathmandu, via PokharaAccommodationHotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges on the trekPermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)Best timeSeptember to May; possible all year### Why do the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek? - **Sunrise from Poon Hill** over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and more. - **Rhododendron forests** that flower red, pink and white in March and April. - **Magar and Gurung villages** such as Ulleri, Ghorepani and Ghandruk. - **Short and flexible**: four days of walking from Pokhara. - **Low altitude**: suitable for beginners, families and older walkers. - **Almost year-round**: excellent even in winter. ### How difficult is the Poon Hill trek? The Poon Hill trek is **easy to moderate**. The altitude is modest and altitude sickness is rarely a problem, but the trail includes long stone staircases, especially the climb from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri, which has thousands of steps. Walking days are 4–6 hours, with plenty of tea stops. Anyone in reasonable health who walks regularly can do it, and children as young as eight or nine often complete it with their families. ### The Poon Hill sunrise The short climb from Ghorepani to Poon Hill takes about 45 minutes to an hour by head torch. From the viewing tower at the top, you watch the first light touch **Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)**, **Tukuche Peak**, **Nilgiri**, **Annapurna South**, **Hiunchuli**, **Annapurna I** and **Machhapuchhre**. On clear autumn and winter mornings the panorama stretches for more than 100 kilometres. Bring warm layers, as it is cold before sunrise. ### Best time for the Poon Hill trek The trek can be done almost all year. **October–November** has the clearest views, **March–April** brings the rhododendron blossom, and **December–February** offers crisp, clear days and quiet trails, with occasional snow around Ghorepani. During the **monsoon (June–August)**, expect rain, leeches and cloud, although mornings are sometimes clear. ### Poon Hill trek for families This is one of the best family treks in Nepal. Daily distances are manageable, lodges are comfortable, and children love the mule trains, village life and the sunrise. We can shorten walking days, add a rest day or arrange a vehicle for part of the route, and porters carry the luggage so children only need a small daypack. ### Accommodation and food You stay in good hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and in family-run teahouse lodges on the trek. Many lodges on this route have attached bathrooms and hot showers. Menus include dal bhat, noodles, pasta, pizza, momos, soups, pancakes and apple pie. ### Extending the Poon Hill trek Poon Hill combines easily with other routes. With two or three more days, continue from Tadapani to **Chhomrong** and **Annapurna Base Camp**, or take the quieter ridge to **Mohare Danda** or **Khopra Danda** for even wider views. You can also add a few relaxing days in Pokhara or a jungle safari in Chitwan. ### Why book the Poon Hill trek with Himalayan Hiking? - **Local team in Kathmandu** and experienced, licensed guides. - **Family-friendly pacing** and flexible routes. - **Everything arranged:** transport, permit, hotels, lodges, guide and porters. - **Private trips** on any date, all year round. ## Highlights - Sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m) over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas - Rhododendron forests in bloom in spring - Ghorepani, a ridge-top village of trekkers' lodges - Gurung culture and museum in Ghandruk - Short trek suitable for beginners and families - Lakeside Pokhara before and after the trek ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Our driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Afternoon trek briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (820 m) A scenic 6–7 hour drive to Pokhara. Evening walk along Phewa Lake. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 200 km drive_ ### Day 3: Drive to Tikhedhunga, trek to Ulleri (1,960 m) Drive about 2 hours to the trailhead near Nayapul or Tikhedhunga, then climb the famous stone staircase to the Magar village of Ulleri, with views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 1,960 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 6 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani (2,860 m) Climb through Banthanti and dense forests of oak and rhododendron to Ghorepani, a lively village of lodges on a ridge with views of Dhaulagiri. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,860 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 9 km_ ### Day 5: Poon Hill sunrise (3,210 m), trek to Tadapani (2,630 m) Climb to Poon Hill before dawn for sunrise over the Himalaya, return for breakfast, then follow the forested ridge via Deurali to Tadapani, facing Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,210 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m), drive to Pokhara Descend through forest to Ghandruk, visit the Gurung Museum and village, then drive back to Pokhara for a relaxing evening. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,630 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch · Overnight: Hotel · Distance: 6 km_ ### Day 7: Return to Kathmandu and departure Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or stay on for more of Nepal. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 1 night in a hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara with breakfast - Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle - Jeep transfers between Pokhara and the trailheads - Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (3 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 3,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation You should be able to walk 4–6 hours a day on trails with many stone steps. A few weeks of regular walking and some stair climbing are enough preparation. ### Weather and temperatures Days are mild to warm in the valleys; nights and early mornings at Ghorepani and on Poon Hill are cold, often below freezing in winter. Bring warm layers for sunrise. ### Permits The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is included and arranged before the trek. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Carry Nepali rupees for drinks, snacks, showers and charging, and get them in the city; mountain ATMs are rare and unreliable. Wi-Fi is available in many lodges for a small fee. A power bank is worth packing. ### Drinking water Buy boiled or filtered water at lodges or use purification tablets or a filter with a refillable bottle, instead of buying plastic bottles. ### Travel insurance You need travel insurance that covers trekking to 3,500 m, medical care and helicopter rescue. We ask for your policy details before you arrive. ### Visa You can usually get a Nepal visa on arrival at the airport or apply online in advance. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, and pack a few passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −5°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Leech socks (spring and monsoon) ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Poon Hill trek? This itinerary takes **7 days** from Kathmandu, with 4 days of trekking. From Pokhara, the trek itself takes 4–5 days. ### How difficult is the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek? It is **easy to moderate**. The altitude is modest, but there are many stone steps, especially to Ulleri. Most people in reasonable health can do it. ### How high is Poon Hill? Poon Hill is at **3,210 m (10,531 ft)**, and Ghorepani is at 2,860 m. ### What can you see from Poon Hill? On a clear morning: Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre, among more than 20 peaks. ### When is the best time for the Poon Hill trek? October–November for clear views, March–April for rhododendrons, and December–February for quiet, clear days. It is possible all year, but the monsoon is wet. ### Is the Poon Hill trek good for families and children? Yes. It is one of the best family treks in Nepal, with short days, comfortable lodges and low altitude. ### Do I need a permit for Poon Hill? Yes, the **Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)**, which is included in this trip. ### Do I need a guide for the Poon Hill trek? Most conservation areas in Nepal now require foreign trekkers to have a licensed guide. Your guide and porters are part of the package. ### Can I do the Poon Hill trek in winter? Yes. Winter days are often very clear, and the trails are quiet. Nights are cold and there may be snow at Ghorepani, so bring warm clothes. ### Can I combine Poon Hill with Annapurna Base Camp? Yes. From Tadapani, continue to Chhomrong and the Annapurna Sanctuary for a trek of about 10–12 days from Pokhara. ### Is altitude sickness a risk on the Poon Hill trek? The risk is low because the maximum altitude is 3,210 m, but walk at a steady pace, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you feel unwell. ### How much does the Poon Hill trek cost? Groups of two or more get a discount; the price box shows the per-person rates. It includes transport, hotels, the ACAP permit, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.