The short version
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is Nepal's best short trek — a gentle 4–5 day walk from Pokhara to a 3,210m sunrise over Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. Full 2026 itinerary, cost, permits and FAQ.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the most popular short trek in Nepal — and for good reason. In just four or five gentle days from Pokhara you climb through rhododendron forest and stone Gurung villages to a 3,210-metre viewpoint where the sun rises over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and the fishtail spire of Machhapuchhre. It is the perfect first Himalayan trek: low altitude, comfortable teahouses, and one of the finest mountain sunrises on earth.
- Highest point: Poon Hill viewpoint, 3,210 m — low enough that altitude sickness is rare.
- Duration: 4–5 days on the trail, easily done as a round trip from Pokhara.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate — the only real challenge is the stone staircase up to Ulleri.
- Permits: ACAP (NPR 3,000) + TIMS (NPR 2,000) = about NPR 5,000 / US$40.
- Best months: October–November for clear skies, March–April for the rhododendron bloom.
Why trek to Poon Hill?
Poon Hill packs an enormous amount of Himalaya into a short, accessible trip. Because it never climbs above 3,210 metres, almost anyone with reasonable fitness can do it — it is the trek we recommend most often to first-timers, families with children, and travellers short on time. The trail threads through some of the largest rhododendron forests in the country and the welcoming Gurung and Magar villages of the Annapurna foothills.
The reward is the dawn climb to the Poon Hill tower, where on a clear morning you stand before a 180-degree wall of giants: Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and the unmistakable fishtail of Machhapuchhre, all turning gold as the sun rises.
Poon Hill trek itinerary (classic 4 days)
| Day | Route | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pokhara → Nayapul → Tikhedhunga → Ulleri (2,070 m) | The famous stone staircase |
| 2 | Ulleri → Ghorepani (2,860 m) | Rhododendron forest, first Annapurna views |
| 3 | Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m) → Tadapani | The signature Himalayan sunrise |
| 4 | Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara | Classic Gurung village, drive back to Pokhara |
Most people do it in four days, though adding a night turns it into a more relaxed 5-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. See the full day-by-day plan and current pricing on our 4-day Poon Hill trek page.
Cost and permits in 2026
Poon Hill is one of the most affordable treks in Nepal. You need two permits, both easily arranged in Pokhara or included in a guided package:
| Permit | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) | NPR 3,000 (≈ US$22) |
| TIMS card | NPR 2,000 (≈ US$17) |
| Total | ≈ NPR 5,000 / US$40 |
A guided 4-day Poon Hill trek with Travel Himalaya Nepal typically runs US$300–$450 per person including the guide, both permits, teahouse lodging and transport — see our Annapurna permit guide for the full breakdown.
Best time to trek Poon Hill
Poon Hill is a year-round trek, but two windows stand out. October and November bring the clearest, most stable skies and the sharpest mountain views. March and April are quieter and famous for the rhododendron bloom, when the forests turn red and pink. December and January are cold and occasionally snowy at Ghorepani but still very doable; we avoid the June–August monsoon, when cloud usually hides the peaks.
Leave Ghorepani by 4:30–5:00 am to reach the Poon Hill tower before first light. Bring a head torch, a warm layer and gloves — the summit is cold before sunrise even in autumn.
How hard is the Poon Hill trek?
This is an easy-to-moderate trek with no technical sections and almost no altitude risk. The toughest part is the long stone staircase from Tikhedhunga to Ulleri on day one. If you can walk uphill for four to six hours a day, you can do Poon Hill. It is genuinely suitable for beginners, families with school-age children, and older trekkers — one of the very few Himalayan treks where that is true.
Poon Hill vs other short treks
Poon Hill is often compared with the slightly higher, quieter Mardi Himal trek, and it pairs beautifully with the longer Annapurna Base Camp trek if you have more time. For the best mountain weather, see our guide to the best time to trek Nepal in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Poon Hill and is altitude sickness a risk?
Poon Hill tops out at 3,210 metres and you sleep at Ghorepani (2,860 m). That is low enough that altitude sickness is rare, which is a big part of why the trek is so popular with beginners and families.
How many days is the Poon Hill trek?
The classic itinerary is four days round trip from Pokhara. Adding a night makes a more relaxed five-day version, and it can be extended into a 7–10 day loop with Annapurna Base Camp.
What permits do I need for Poon Hill in 2026?
Two: the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, NPR 3,000) and the TIMS card (NPR 2,000) — about NPR 5,000 / US$40 total. Poon Hill is not a restricted area, so no special permit is needed. Both are included in our guided package.
When is the best time to trek Poon Hill?
October–November for the clearest skies and March–April for the rhododendron bloom. It is trekkable through winter too, though Ghorepani gets cold and occasionally snowy. Avoid the June–August monsoon.
Is the Poon Hill trek good for beginners and families?
Yes — it is the trek we recommend most for first-timers and families. Low altitude, short walking days, comfortable teahouses and easy access from Pokhara make it a gentle but spectacular introduction to Himalayan trekking.
Can I do the Poon Hill trek from Pokhara?
Yes. The trailhead at Nayapul is about a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara, so the whole trek starts and ends in Pokhara — no domestic flight required. Most travellers base themselves in Pokhara before and after.
We have guided the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek since 1998 — 5,000+ treks, zero fatalities, and a team born and raised in the Annapurna foothills. Get a transparent, all-inclusive quote with permits, guide, lodging and transport included.
View the 4-day Poon Hill trek →Prefer to talk it through? WhatsApp us at +977 985 602 3917 for a personalised quote, or browse our full tour list. See also: Annapurna permit guide · our Annapurna guide team.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
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