Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 3-Day Itinerary, Cost & Guide

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the most celebrated short mountain journey in the Himalayas. Sitting on the southwestern edge of the Annapurna Conservation Sanctuary, this classic circular trek delivers world-class views of two eight-thousand-meter giants: Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m), without exposing hikers to extreme altitudes or technical terrain.

The trek takes you through historic Magar and Gurung settlements, climbs the famous stone staircases of Ulleri, and winds through one of the largest natural rhododendron forests in Asia before reaching the mountain outpost of Ghorepani at 2,874 meters.

From Ghorepani, a 45-minute pre-dawn walk leads up to the summit of Poon Hill (3,210m). As the sun climbs above the horizon, the snowy ramparts of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare ignite in brilliant shades of amber, gold, and crimson.

Poon Hill Trek Highlights

• Standing on the Poon Hill observation deck to witness the morning sun hit Dhaulagiri I, the world's 7th highest peak, and Annapurna I, the 10th highest.
• Walking beneath massive blooming rhododendron canopies during March and April between Banthanti, Nangethanti, and Ghorepani.
• Conquering the famous stone staircase of Ulleri, testing your legs against historic trade trails used for centuries by salt traders.
• Staying in the stone-paved village of Ghandruk to experience authentic Gurung hospitality, sample local millet roti, and visit the Gurung Cultural Museum.
• Comfortable mountain lodges offering hot solar showers, cozy wood-fired dining room stoves, and diverse menus.

Best Seasons for Poon Hill

Because Poon Hill stays below 3,300 meters, it is accessible for trekking nearly all year round, though spring and autumn offer the finest experiences.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings crisp, dry weather following the monsoon. Early mornings at Poon Hill provide panoramic views with almost zero haze. Mountain passes are completely dry, and daytime hiking temperatures range between 15°C and 22°C. Ghorepani teahouses operate at full capacity, creating a lively international trekking atmosphere.

Spring (March to May)

In spring, the hillsides surrounding Ghorepani transform into shades of red, pink, and white as dense rhododendron forests burst into flower. Warmer afternoon temperatures make hiking through the mossy valleys enjoyable, and birdlife is at its most active throughout the oak forests.

Winter (December to February)

Winter brings crisp visibility and quiet trails. Occasional snowfalls blanket Ghorepani and Poon Hill in clean white snow, turning the landscape into a winter wonderland. While nights drop to -5°C, teahouses provide heavy blankets and fire-heated communal dining halls.

Classic 3-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Itinerary

While some travelers stretch the route over four days to take relaxed strolls through Ghandruk, this 3-day loop is the most popular, efficient route starting from Pokhara. If you have extra time, you can also connect this trail directly to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the scenic Mardi Himal Trek.

Day 1: Pokhara to Hile/Tikhedhungga (Drive) & Hike to Ghorepani

Depart Pokhara early in the morning by private jeep or taxi toward Nayapul and drive up to Hile or Tikhedhungga (2 hours). Begin hiking across the suspension bridges over the Bhurungdi Khola and start climbing the steep stone staircases of Ulleri village (2,020m). After catching your breath with views of Annapurna South, enter the shaded rhododendron forests past Banthanti and Nangethanti. Reach the colorful blue-roofed settlement of Lower and Upper Ghorepani (2,874m) by late afternoon. Total walking time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 2: Poon Hill Sunrise & Trek to Tadapani or Ghandruk

Rise at 4:30 AM for the 45-minute climb up stone steps to the Poon Hill viewpoint tower (3,210m). Drink a cup of hot spiced tea at the summit stall while watching the dawn light illuminate Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. Walk down to Ghorepani for breakfast, pack your daypack, and follow the eastern ridge trail toward Deurali Pass. Cross bubbling streams and hike through dense fairy-tale moss forests down into the canyon of Tadapani (2,630m), or continue another 2.5 hours down to the stone village of Ghandruk (1,940m). Total walking time: 6 to 7 hours.

Day 3: Explore Ghandruk & Return to Pokhara

Spend your morning strolling the slate-paved alleyways of Ghandruk, visiting the local museum, and enjoying breakfast with Annapurna South towering directly over the village rooftops. Walk down stone staircases for 1.5 hours to the roadhead at Kimche or Siwai, where your private taxi or local bus awaits to take you back to Pokhara (2 to 2.5 hours drive). Total walking time: 2 hours.

Permits and Entry Rules

The Ghorepani Poon Hill circuit falls under the jurisdiction of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Before starting your hike, ensure you have the following permits:

• ACAP Permit: NPR 3,000 (~$23 USD) for foreign tourists, NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
• TIMS Card: NPR 2,000 (~$15 USD) for foreign tourists.
• Poon Hill Viewpoint Ticket: NPR 150 local entrance fee collected at the gate below the observation tower.
• Where to Buy: Visit the ACAP and TIMS counter at the Tourist Service Center in Damside, Pokhara. You can calculate your exact total permit costs ahead of time using our Nepal Trekking Permit Fee Calculator. If you are flying into Nepal before heading to Pokhara, review our guide on where to stay in Kathmandu.
• Guide Requirement: Under Nepal tourism guidelines, foreign hikers must be accompanied by a government-licensed trekking guide for safety and conservation adherence.