Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 4 Days

Though short, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek offers all the experiences a trekker wants from a trek. This includes catching sunrise and sunset views from the viewpoint, spectacular mountain view that plays hide and seek throughout the journey, and a chance to learn about local culture and tradition at the local villages.

Sunrise Viewpoint from Poon Hill

Doubtlessly, the viewpoint of Poon Hill is the highlight of the trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill. The spectacular sunrise view over the tip of the mountain in the time of the rising sun is jaw-dropping from the viewpoint. Watching the first ray of the sun illuminating the mountain peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges will stay in anyone’s heart and eye for a lifetime. Also, the sights are clear and close from this viewpoint. Note that the sunrise time at Poon Hill changes depending on the month. In January, the sun rises around 7:00 AM, but by June, it rises much earlier at about 5:00 AM. After June, the sunrise time slowly gets later again, reaching around 6:45 AM in December.

Spectacular Views of the Annapurna Ranges

Get ready to witness and be surrounded by some of the world’s renowned mountains throughout the trekking journey to Ghorepani. Among various peaks, the panorama of the Annapurna ranges is impressive. The view of the peak is almost visible throughout the route, but it is more pretty from Poon Hill. Located at 3200m, the viewpoint is well-renowned and reachable within 2 hours of hike from Ghorepani village. Poon Hill offers breathtaking views of Annapurna massifs, including Annapurna South(7,219m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), and Annapurna II (7,937m).

Warm Hospitality, Stories & Culture at Ghorepani, Tadapani, and Ghandruk

During your trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill, you will stay at family-run local lodges at Banthanti, Tadapani, and Ghorepani, where strangers are treated like family. The warmth of a steaming plate of dal bhat after a long trek, the soft laughter of lodge owners sharing stories by the fire, and the simple kindness of being asked if you need more rice make you feel at home even in the middle of the Himalayas. The experience extends beyond the lodges. On the trails, life unfolds in ways that touch your heart. You’ll see farmers tending their terraced fields, women carrying heavy loads in a doko with quiet strength, and children running down the paths in their school uniforms, their bright smiles and cheerful “Namaste” filling the hills with life.

These moments remind you that this trek is not only about reaching destinations, but about witnessing the beauty of everyday resilience and joy. Further, your visit to Ghandruk deepens this connection. The slate-roofed houses, the elderly people sitting outside weaving baskets, and the way traditions are still alive here feel like stepping back in time. If your journey coincides with Dashain or Tihar, the village lights up with music, dance, and laughter that bring people together. Being welcomed to join a celebration, sharing food, or watching a local dance feels like being invited into the very soul of the community.

Diverse flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area Project

The trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill takes place within the Annapurna conservation area, which is the first and biggest protected area in Nepal, covering 7,629 sq. km. This area is very rich in nature with 1,226 kinds of flowering plants, 105 types of mammals, 523 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians. During the trek, you may come across a few of these wildlife, like langur monkeys, musk deer, and many colorful birds such as the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, and flycatchers. Further, the forest area is full of rhododendron trees, which bloom with red and pink flowers in spring (March–May). Walking through these forests feels like being in a huge natural garden filled with flowers and birdsong.

We start our trek to Poon Hill early, at 6:00 or 7:00 AM, after having a morning meal. We’ll order breakfast the night before so the teahouse owner can prepare it on time. If you hire a porter, he will carry your duffel bag and set off at his own pace. After a hearty meal, carry your day backpack and start hiking. You’ll continue walking, taking short breaks, and stopping for a while at your lunch point. After lunch, continue the trail until reaching the overnight point.

Each day, trekkers walk for 5-6 hours via varied terrain. Tea houses are the common accommodation point, offering basic facilities like twin-sharing beds and rooms with minimal amenities. The area’s locals run the tea house and offer authentic food that provides a real taste of Nepalese cuisine.

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is located in the Annapurna region in the Myagdi District in the Dhaulagiri Zone of Nepal. The trek is one of the finest vacation options due to its easiness and shorter duration. 3,200m above sea level is the highest elevation of the trek, which is generally safe and has minimal risk of altitude-related issues. The trek is ideal for trekkers with each age group and fitness level, requiring no previous trekking experience and a high fitness level.

Trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill can be completed within 4 days, making it a top choice among trekkers with limited time. Likewise, the trek takes through numerous local villages where trekkers can learn about their culture and way of life, making the trek worthwhile while adding authenticity to the journey. Although the trek is short and easy, it offers an unparalleled close-up view of the mountain ranges.

The package covers all meals, including Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, throughout the trekking journey in Ghorepani Poon Hill. Likewise, we provide a choice among Western and Nepali foods for your meal. Yet, we suggest trying Nepalese cuisine, such as dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and vegetables), which is healthy and tasty.

In addition, we also manage secure and comfortable accommodations during the trip. The accommodation points offer twin-sharing beds with limited amenities but provide sound sleep after walking for a long day.  You will stay at Machhapuchhre Guest House in Banthanti, Hotel Super View in Ghorepani, and Hotel Grand View in Tadapani. Please note that in Pokhara, you will need to arrange your own accommodation.

Trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill requires one mandatory permit, which is the Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP). Since the trek is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, this permit is required for everyone. The fee collected helps protect the environment, support local communities with schools and health posts, maintain trekking trails, and preserve the area’s rich culture and wildlife. It also helps control the number of visitors so the region doesn’t get overcrowded.

The cost of the ACAP is NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. Children under 10 years can enter for free. When trekking with Nepal Alternative Treks, you don’t need to worry about arranging the permit yourself, as we will manage it on your behalf.

Pokhara is 201 km away from Kathmandu and easily reachable from Kathmandu by both road and air. The road connecting the two cities is well-developed, so cars, buses, and jeeps can travel smoothly. If you choose to travel by road, there are several options. You can opt for public buses and jeeps, tourist buses, or deluxe and VIP buses. Public buses and jeeps leave from Gongabu Bus Park and are the cheapest option, costing around NRs 800 (~USD 8), though the journey may be less comfortable. Tourist buses, departing from Balaju Bus Park, provide a more comfortable ride than public transport for about NRs 1,200 (~USD 12). For extra comfort, deluxe and VIP buses are available with air-conditioning, sofas, and sometimes onboard services, with fares ranging from NRs 1,200 (~USD 12) to NRs 1,700 (~USD 17) or more.

Needless to say, flying is the fastest option. Many daily flights operate from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to Pokhara Airport. Airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines operate this route. The flight takes about 25 minutes, and tickets cost between NRs 10,000 (~USD 100) and NRs 15,000 (~USD 150). Prices are higher during festival times like Dashain and Tihar.

The journey to Ghorepani Poon Hill begins from Hile. However, the option from Kathmandu to Pokhara is one of the easiest and most accessible. Once after getting to Pokhara, travelers must drive from the city to Nayapul to start trekking. Jeep is the best option to get to Nayapul from Pokhara, costing USD 80. The distance from Pokhara to Nayapul is 44km, taking 2 hours of scenic drive.

From Nayapul, the trek starts via Tikhedhunga, Banthanti, and reaches Ghorepani. After spending a pleasant time at Poon Hill, the journey returns via Tadapani and Gandruk village. Moreover, the panorama of the Annapurna ranges, Manaslu ranges, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, Tharpachuli, Hiuchuli, and Tukuche Peak will accompany you.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is an amazing adventure on its own, but it can also be combined with other treks for longer journeys. Trekkers can extend their trip to Mardi Himal Trek, Mohare Danda Trek, or Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek. Before combining it with any other package it is recommended to understand Poon Hill Trek Difficulty first. These combinations offer more diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and challenging trails.

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek + Mardi Himal Trek

After witnessing the magical sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m), you will descend to Tadapani and continue the trail toward Mardi Himal. The route passes through dense rhododendron and bamboo forests, reaching Forest Camp, then Low Camp, High Camp, and finally Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). This trek provides a mix of peaceful, less-crowded trails and stunning alpine views, including close-ups of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. It is ideal for trekkers who seek solitude, natural beauty, and a moderate challenge. The total duration is 8–10 days.

2. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek + Mohare Danda Trek

For travelers seeking a quieter trail and a sustainable tourism experience, the Mohare Danda extension is perfect. After the sunrise at Poon Hill, you will head west toward Mohare Danda (3,300 m). At Mohare Danda, you will experience a local village and peaceful nature. Then, from Mohare Danda, you will descend to Galeshwor and continue to Pokhara by road. This trek is also less crowded and emphasizes eco-friendly trekking and authentic cultural encounters. The total duration is 5–6 days.

3. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek + Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek

After Poon Hill, you will descend to Ghorepani and continue to Tadapani, then join the Annapurna Base Camp trail. You will pass through Sinuwa, Dovan, Deurali, and finally reach Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). Along the way, you will get to see lush forests, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers. You will also meet Gurung, Magar, and Tibetan communities, explore their traditional lifestyles, and enjoy local hospitality. The trek leads into the Annapurna Sanctuary, surrounded by towering peaks like Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Himalchuli. This extension takes around 10–12 days.