Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 4 Days

Ghorepani Poon Hill is a journey through the combination of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Besides, travelers can experience numerous things during the trek, including:

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.

Panoramic 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 mountains remain visible for much of the trek, but it is prettier from Poon Hill. Located at 3210 m, the viewpoint is well-renowned and reachable within 2 hours of hiking from Ghorepani village. Poon Hill offers impressive views of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), and Annapurna II (7,937 m).

Warm Hospitality & Unique culture

The journey to Ghorepani Poon Hill is known for a trip through the unique culture and warm hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities. Experience warm hospitality in the villages we’ll pass through and tea houses where we’ll stay overnight. Trekkers can learn about the traditional Nepalese lifestyle and enjoy cultural exchange with locals.

Ghorepani Village

Located at 2,800 m (9,186 feet) in Gandaki province, Ghorepani is a picturesque village surrounded by lush forests, rhododendron groves, and terraced fields. The town is primarily famous as a base camp of Poon Hill and offers stunning mountain views. Magar ethnic groups are predominant in the Ghorepani village and have their own distinct cultures and traditions. Moreover, a visit to Ghorepani is a remarkable experience.

Exquisite flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area Project

The trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill takes place within the Annapurna conservation area, so trekkers can expect to witness exquisite flora and fauna. Trekkers pass through lush forests where they can witness wildlife, including langurs, musk deer, and various bird species.

The 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 easy nature and shorter duration. 3,200 m 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 of every age group and fitness level, requiring no previous trekking experience or a high fitness level.

The trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill can be completed within 4 days, making it a top choice among trekkers with limited time. Likewise, the trek passes through numerous local villages where trekkers can learn about the local culture and way of life, making the journey worthwhile while adding authenticity to the experience. 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 manage secure, comfortable accommodations throughout the trip. The accommodation points offer twin-sharing beds with limited amenities but provide a good night’s sleep after a long day of walking. 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.

Required Permits

Trekking to Ghorepani Poon Hill requires one mandatory permit, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). As the trek to Poon Hill takes place within the Annapurna Conservation Area, obtaining this permit is essential for the trek. The cost of the ACAP is NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals, while children below 10 years of age can enter free of charge. However, you don’t need to worry about obtaining the permit, as Nepal Alternative Treks will manage it on your behalf.

• ACAP: NPR 3,000 for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.

Note: Children below 10 years are free.

Pokhara is 201 km away from Kathmandu and is easily reachable by both road and air. The road connecting the two cities is well-developed, allowing cars, buses, and jeeps to travel smoothly. If you choose to travel by road, there are several options.

For ground transportation to Pokhara, you can choose 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.

Incredible views with minimal effort

Along the Poon Hill Trek, you’ll witness some of the world’s highest mountains, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre, without needing high-altitude trekking or weeks of trekking. In just a few days, you can enjoy the stunning Himalayan scenery that many longer and more difficult treks offer. On top of that, you’ll witness an amazing sunrise, as the first golden rays light up the mountain peaks, making the adventure an ideal option among every trekker.

Perfect for beginners and families

If you are a beginner in the trekking field, your best destination could be the Ghorepani – Poon Hill trek. It does not require technical climbing skills, special equipment such as crampons, or experience with extreme altitude. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy it, including beginners, families with older children, and seniors who are comfortable walking for a few hours each day. Many trekkers choose it as their first Himalayan adventure and state that it is worth it.

Short Trek that fits Time-Conscious Trekkers

The trek to Poon Hill can be completed in just 4 days, making it ideal for a short holiday or a long weekend. Unlike longer treks such as Annapurna Base Camp (8–10 days) or the Annapurna Circuit (2 weeks or more), it lets you experience the beauty of the Himalayas without taking a long break from work or daily life.

Low altitude risk

With a highest point of 3,210 m, this trek has a much lower risk of altitude sickness than treks that reach 4,000–5,000 m or higher. Trekkers complete this journey without experiencing severe symptoms of altitude sickness, a need for acclimatization, or the need for medication like Diamox. This makes the trek more comfortable and suitable for first-time trekkers and anyone looking for a less physically challenging Himalayan adventure.

Budget Friendly

At just USD 250–280, the Poon Hill Trek is one of the most affordable ways to experience the Himalayas. Compared to many other popular treks in Nepal, it offers incredible mountain views, comfortable accommodation, and an authentic trekking experience at a reasonable cost. Thus, this is an ideal choice among budget-conscious trekkers.

Yes, the trek to Poon Hill requires permits. The Poon Hill Trek requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill takes place within the Annapurna Conservation Area. An ACAP is a mandatory entry permit for anyone trekking within the Conservation Area.

Managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), the Annapurna Conservation Area Project works closely with local communities to protect nature, maintain trekking trails, and improve local livelihoods. Thus, the ACAP fee is not just an entry fee, as the funds support its project and the welfare of the area.

The ACAP permit is valid for one continuous trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area. In other words, the same permit covers all routes within the conservation area. For instance, after covering the Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek route, if you want to extend your adventure to Annapurna Base Camp, you don’t need a new permit. One ACAP covers the entire trip as long as you stay inside the Annapurna Conservation Area.

The cost of ACAP is:

Note: While the TIMS system technically still exists, checkpoints are not asking for it as of mid-2026. So, TIMS is generally not issued for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek are two of Nepal’s most popular trekking adventures in the Annapurna region. No doubt, both treks take trekkers through amazing Himalayan scenery. But the treks cater to different types of trekkers, and choosing between the adventures depends on your available time, fitness level, and the type of Himalayan adventure you’re seeking.

From Poon Hill’s summit (3,210 m), you get a wide 180°+ view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On a clear day, you can see around 300 km of the Himalayas, an amazing view that’s usually only possible after a long trek or challenging climb.

Annapurna Range (east to south):

• Annapurna I (8,091 m), 10th highest mountain in the world
• Annapurna South (7,219 m)
• Annapurna III (7,555 m)
• Nilgiri (7,061 m)
• Machhapuchhre / “Fishtail” (6,993 m), the sacred, unclimbed peak, one of the most photographed in Nepal
• Hiunchuli (6,441 m)
• Gangapurna (7,455 m)

Dhaulagiri Range (west):

• Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), 7th highest mountain in the world
• Tukuche Peak (6,920 m)

Other visible peaks:

• Fang / Annapurna Fang (7,647 m)
• Lamjung Himal (6,983 m)

Yes, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek has many waterfalls and small river cascades. You will see most of them in the lower parts of the trail around forest areas. From Hile to Tikhedhunga, the trail follows the Bhurungdi Khola and passes small waterfalls. Some teahouses in Tikhedhunga are close to the water, and after Tikhedhunga, you cross a suspension bridge above many waterfalls before starting the long climb to Ulleri.

The waterfalls continue as you walk through the forest toward Banthanti and Ghorepani. On the way down through Tadapani and Ghandruk, you cross mountain streams and suspension bridges while waterfalls drop from the steep hills. The amount of water is highest during and after the monsoon season, so the waterfalls can look much stronger at this time.

The Ghorepani trail has so many stone steps because they protect the path from heavy rain and make steep areas safer to walk. The Annapurna region gets strong monsoon rain, which can quickly wash away soil on steep hills. Flat stones cover the ground and hold the soil in place. They also give rainwater a clear path to flow away instead of cutting through the trail.

The stone steps also have a long history. Ghorepani means “Horse Water” and was once an important stop for horses and mule caravans that carried salt, grain, and other goods between mountain villages and trade areas. Stone steps gave animals a firm surface on sharp paths where mud could become slippery. Local people still use these trails to travel between villages, carry goods, and reach farms and schools. Many of the steps have been built and repaired with stone from the surrounding hills.

The Poon Hill trek is a short and easy trek in the Himalayas. The trek takes about 4 days, and the highest point is about 3,210 m. At this height, you may notice the air feels a little thinner, but it’s much lower than places like Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) or high mountain climbs where the weather changes frequently. Because of this, you don’t need the special equipment that experienced mountaineers or people on long, high-altitude expeditions bring. Just good layering and comfortable footwear are enough for the trek.

Clothes

• 2-3 quick-dry T-shirts
• 1 thermal top and bottom for cold mornings and nights
• 1 fleece or warm jacket
• 1 waterproof rain jacket
• 2 pairs of trekking pants
• Warm hat, sun hat, light gloves, and a buff/scarf
• Underwear and socks (bring 2-3 pairs of hiking socks)

Shoes

• Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots
• Sandals or slippers for the teahouse

Gear

• 30-40L backpack
• Sleeping bag (rated to about 0°C to -5°C)
• Headlamp for the early morning hike to Poon Hill
• Trekking poles
• Reusable water bottle (2L+) and a water filter or purification tablets

Health and Toiletries

• Basic first-aid kit and any medicines
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, small towel, and toilet paper

Documents and Money

• Passport and copies
• ACAP permit
• Cash (Nepali rupees)
• Travel insurance

Electronics

• Phone or camera
• Power bank
• Charging adapter
• Offline map

Extras

• Snacks
• Rain cover for your backpack
• Earplugs
• Ziplock bag for permits