Poon Hill Trek – One of the Top Popular Short Treks in the Annapurna Region, Nepal

After an early breakfast in Pokhara, you will embark on a scenic drive to Nayapul, which takes about 1.5 hours. Nayapul is the official starting point of the Poon Hill Trek. Upon arrival, you will begin your trek, crossing the modest suspension bridges over the Modi River as you head towards the foothills.

The trail gradually ascends through beautiful villages and terraced fields, dotted with traditional stone houses and lush forests. Along the way, you will pass through charming settlements where friendly locals live in harmony with nature. The walk is pleasant and moderately challenging, taking about 3 to 4 hours to reach Tikhedhunga, a small village perched at 1,540 meters.

Tikhedhunga is known for its warm hospitality and quaint lodges nestled amidst greenery, making it a perfect spot to relax after the day’s trek. Here, you can enjoy a hearty dinner and rest well, preparing for the more strenuous climb to Ghorepani the next day.

🏞️ Distance: Approx. 9 km
⏳ Trekking time: 3–4 hours
🏨 Overnight: Tea house/lodge in Tikhedhunga
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
🌄 Highlights: Suspension bridges, Modi River views, rural village atmosphere, gentle uphill trek through farmland and forest

After a nourishing breakfast at your lodge in Tikhedhunga, you will begin one of the most iconic and rewarding days of the Poon Hill Trek. The trail starts with a steep ascent to Ulleri village, a traditional Gurung settlement perched on the hillsides. This climb involves climbing over 3,000 stone steps, winding through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees that come alive with vibrant colors during spring.

As you ascend, the air becomes crisper, and spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding hills and distant snow-capped peaks begin to emerge. Ulleri is a charming village where you can take a well-earned rest and interact with local villagers, gaining insight into their culture and daily life.

Continuing the trek, the trail gently winds through beautiful forests and terraced fields until you reach Ghorepani, a popular trekking village known as the gateway to Poon Hill. Nestled at an altitude of 2,850 meters, Ghorepani offers stunning vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The village features several cozy tea houses where you can enjoy warm meals and prepare for the early morning hike to Poon Hill.

The day’s trek is moderately challenging due to the steep initial climb but is richly rewarded with natural beauty, cultural encounters, and spectacular mountain views.

🏞️ Distance: Approx. 12 km
⏳ Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
🏨 Overnight: Tea house or lodge in Ghorepani
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
🌄 Highlights: Steep stone steps climb via Ulleri, rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung village life, breathtaking mountain panoramas from Ghorepani

Before dawn, you will wake up early—typically around 4:30 AM—to embark on the highlight of the trek: the sunrise hike to Poon Hill, located at 3,210 meters. The short but steep climb takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour along a well-maintained stone path surrounded by rhododendron and oak forests. As you reach the summit, prepare to be awestruck by the panoramic 360-degree views of some of the Himalayas’ most majestic peaks.

At the summit, you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over the snow-capped giants, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli. The play of golden sunlight on the rugged mountain faces is an unforgettable experience and a perfect photo opportunity.

After soaking in the magical views, you’ll descend back to Ghorepani for a hearty breakfast. Once rested, the trek continues with a gradual downhill walk through dense rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and terraced fields as you make your way to Tadapani at 2,630 meters. This part of the trek takes around 4 to 5 hours.

Along the way, you will enjoy peaceful forest trails, with occasional glimpses of the towering Annapurna range through the trees. Tadapani is a quiet village known for its welcoming tea houses and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Here you can relax in cozy lodges and enjoy a nourishing dinner while reflecting on the day’s incredible sights.

🏞️ Distance: Approx. 12 km
⏳ Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours (including sunrise hike)
🏨 Overnight: Tea house or lodge in Tadapani
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
🌄 Highlights: Sunrise at Poon Hill with panoramic mountain views, descent through rhododendron forests, traditional villages, peaceful mountain scenery

After a satisfying breakfast at Tadapani, you will begin a scenic and relatively gentle trek downhill towards Ghandruk, one of the most picturesque and culturally rich villages in the Annapurna region. The trail meanders through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, offering occasional glimpses of the majestic Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks.

The trek today takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, and along the way, you will pass through terraced fields, quaint hamlets, and vibrant villages that showcase the traditional lifestyle of the Gurung people. The path is lined with stone walls, prayer flags, and small monasteries, giving you a deep sense of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.

Upon arrival in Ghandruk, you can explore the village’s narrow lanes, traditional houses, and local markets. Ghandruk is famed for its well-preserved Gurung culture, and if time allows, you may visit the Ghandruk Museum, which provides insightful exhibits on the history, customs, and traditions of the Gurung community.

The village also offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre peaks, visible from various vantage points. Enjoy a warm welcome and cozy accommodation in the local tea houses, where you can relax with a hot cup of tea and delicious Nepali cuisine after your day’s trek.

🏞️ Distance: Approx. 10 km
⏳ Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours
🏨 Overnight: Tea house or lodge in Ghandruk
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
🌄 Highlights: Trek through rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung village life, panoramic mountain views, cultural exploration, peaceful mountain setting

After a leisurely breakfast in the tranquil village of Ghandruk, you will set out on the final trekking day of your Poon Hill adventure. The trail gently descends through beautiful forests of pine and rhododendron, dotted with terraced fields and traditional stone houses. This easy-to-moderate trek takes about 3 to 4 hours, allowing you to soak in the last scenic moments of the Annapurna foothills.

Along the way, you will pass small villages and farmland, with the opportunity to observe local farming practices and interact with villagers. The fresh mountain air, bird songs, and peaceful surroundings make this section a pleasant conclusion to your trek.

You will arrive in Kimche, a quiet village where your private vehicle will be waiting to take you on a scenic drive back to Pokhara, approximately a 1.5-hour journey. On the drive, enjoy changing landscapes as you descend from the hills to the valley floor, passing rivers, forests, and rural communities.

Back in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel near Phewa Lake, where you can relax and unwind after your trek. Spend the evening at your leisure exploring the lakeside area, visiting cafes, markets, or simply enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains reflected in the lake’s calm waters.

🏞️ Trekking distance: Approx. 10 km
⏳ Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours
🚙 Drive time: About 1.5 hours from Kimche to Pokhara
🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara (twin-sharing room with breakfast)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast included
🌄 Highlights: Gentle forest trails, village life, scenic drive, lakeside relaxation in Pokhara

After breakfast at your hotel in Pokhara, you will board a comfortable tourist bus for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. The route follows winding mountain roads along rivers, terraced fields, and vibrant villages, offering a chance to enjoy Nepal’s diverse landscapes and rural life once again.

There will be stops along the way for refreshments and to stretch your legs, giving you moments to appreciate the beautiful countryside and capture last photos of your journey.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can relax and refresh after the long drive. The evening will be dedicated to a special farewell dinner, featuring traditional Nepali cuisine paired with a lively cultural program showcasing authentic music, dance, and performances from various ethnic groups of Nepal.

This festive dinner is a wonderful way to celebrate the completion of your trek, share memories with fellow trekkers, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Nepal one last time before your departure.

🏨 Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing room with breakfast)
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner included
🚌 Transportation: Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu

On your last day in Nepal, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing.

When the time comes, a representative from Mountain King Treks will provide a timely transfer in a private vehicle to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. As you say goodbye to Nepal, take with you unforgettable memories of stunning mountain vistas, rich cultural experiences, and warm hospitality.

We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the Himalayas!

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast included
🚗 Transportation: Private airport transfer
🏞️ Highlights: Relaxed morning, convenient transfer, farewell to Nepal