Poon Hill & Ghorepani Trek

Overview

The Poon Hill and Ghorepani Trek is Nepal's most popular short trek, a 4-6 day loop through Gurung and Magar villages and rhododendron forest in the Annapurna foothills. The highlight is the dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210m) for a celebrated sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) glowing in the morning light. Graded easy and accessible from Pokhara, with excellent teahouses and well-graded trails, it is ideal for families, first-time trekkers and those short on time. Spectacular in spring when the rhododendrons bloom; clear mountain views in autumn and winter.

Highlights

• check_circlePoon Hill sunrise
• check_circleRhododendron forests (Mar-Apr)
• check_circleGurung villages
• check_circleAnnapurna & Dhaulagiri panorama
• check_circleTea house culture

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Drive Pokhara to Nayapul, trek to Tikhedhunga (1,540m)

   Short drive then an easy walk up the Bhurungdi Khola.

   Stay: Teahouse, TikhedhungaMax alt: 1,540 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD
2. 2

   Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,860m)

   Climb the Ulleri staircase through rhododendron forest.

   Stay: Teahouse, GhorepaniMax alt: 2,860 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
3. 3

   Poon Hill (3,210m) sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,630m)

   Dawn climb to Poon Hill then forest trail to Tadapani.

   Stay: Teahouse, TadapaniMax alt: 3,210 mWalking: ~6 hMeals: BLD
4. 4

   Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,940m)

   Descend to the large Gurung village of Ghandruk.

   Stay: Teahouse, GhandrukMax alt: 1,940 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD
5. 5

   Ghandruk to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara

   Walk out to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara.

   Stay: Hotel, PokharaMax alt: 1,070 mWalking: ~4 hMeals: BLD

Teahouses & homestays

Lodging and food along the route. Book ahead in peak season; availability and prices vary.