From the gateway to Annapurna, Poon Hill lies in the Northwest of Pokhara and in the Central part of Nepal. Globally known for its unparalleled view of the Annapurna Range, including other prominent peaks, and the cultural beauty of the indigenous people of the hills. The 5-Day Poon Hills trek offers a stunning view of the Himalayas with a blend of natural and cultural scenery.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 5 Days
Duration
5 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Maximum Altitude
3210 Meters
Group Size
Max 15 Person
Activities
Trekking, Hiking
Starts
Birethanthi
Ends
Dhampus
Best Time
March-June, September-November
Photos
Trek Overview
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek from Pokhara ranks among the top beginner-friendly treks, offering captivating views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) in central-western Nepal, northwest of Kathmandu. This region is home to the Danphe (Himalayan Monal), Kalij, Cuckoo, and many other bird species. The Poon Hill area is the most accessible birdwatching spot in Nepal, especially when the forest is full of rhododendron blossoms from March to April.
Why the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek offers not only scenic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri region but also immersive cultural experiences of Nepal's hilly communities. This trek takes you through the beauty of Nepal’s hillsides and Himalayas, enriched by the culture of the ethnic groups residing around Pokhara. Poon Hill is one of the easiest-to-access trekking routes in Nepal.
A major attraction is the spectacular panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Aside from the Himalayan vistas, bird watching is also famous in the Poon Hill area. Known as a short, traditional trekking destination from Pokhara, the Ghorepani trek highlights both the Himalayas and the cultural depth of Nepal. It showcases some of the best high-altitude flora and captivating Annapurna scenery.
The major attractions of the Poon Hill trek are
- Panoramic view of the Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Range.
- Rich Gurung Culture of Ghandruk Village.
- Forests full of rhododendron blossoms from March to May.
- Better accommodation in comparison to other treks near Pokhara.
- One of the best places for bird watching.
- Suitable for all age groups.
- A best budget-friendly trek near Pokhara.
When to Trek Poon Hill for Stunning Scenery?
When embarking on a trek in the Himalayas, selecting the right time and season is crucial, as it affects what you see and experience during your journey. The peak trekking seasons are from March to May and September to November. However, the best choice depends on what you want to gain from your trip. To clarify, let’s break down why these months are popular for trekking in Nepal.
Spring Season (March-May) – Pre-monsoon / Blooming Season
- Mild to warm days make trekking pleasant.
- Forests in the upper Himalayas are filled with blooming rhododendrons.
- Bird watching is ideal—many species can be spotted in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Mostly clear weather during early spring offers panoramic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
- Lush green hills enhance the scenery and photography appeal.
- Occasional haze or clouds may occur in May, but visibility remains good in the early season.
Autumn Season (September to November) – Post-Monsoon / Peak Season
- The weather becomes stable and dry after the monsoon.
- Skies are crisp and clear, perfect for mountain views.
- Recognized as the best time for trekking and traveling in Nepal.
- Coincides with major Nepali festivals: Dashain (Nepal’s biggest festival), Tihar(festival of lights)
- A great time for cultural exploration, with traditional rituals and celebrations happening across villages and towns.
Poon Hill Trek Cost and Booking for 2026 / 2027
The total trek cost varies based on preferred services, accommodation standards, transportation mode, and personal requirements. For clear cost and booking planning, note that our standard package of USD 345 per person covers all necessary trekking permits, accommodations during the trek, three daily meals with complimentary tea/coffee, private transportation to/from trekking points, and a government-licensed guide.
A realistic price for an inclusive Ghorepani trek package ranges from USD 300 to USD 500. This covers required permits, accommodation, daily meals, and guided sightseeing. The difference in trek cost largely depends on the level of services included.
With a fair-price approach, we are recommended as an affordable tour operator in Kathmandu, providing quality services without cutting corners on daily necessities. The price adjusts based on group size, and booking in a large group can secure a significant discount. With a decade of experience, we cater to both group trekkers and comfort seekers while maintaining fair pricing.
Booking Procedures
Booking with us is simple and fast. In just a few quick steps, you can secure your next trip without any hassle:
- Choose your package based on the number of trekkers.
- Select any add-ons for additional services required.
- Confirm and enjoy your trip.
Trek Availability and Instant Departures
For fixed-date departures, several scheduled treks can be booked instantly. You can add any additional requirements upon booking. Check our availability calendar for your preferred date and email us for further information or custom services.
Trip Gallery
Itinerary
Expand allOur Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek standard itinerary is 4 nights and 5 days of hiking. We can tailor the itinerary perfectly for 4 to 6 days, depending on your fitness level and available time. Contact the expert trip planner at Wilderness Excursion for a customized trip if you would like to create a new one for your best trekking experience in Annapurna, Nepal.
Route Map
Altitude Chart
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Cost Details
Includes
- A registered local Poon Hill Trek guide.
- Accommodation: 4 nights trekking lodge on a twin shared basis.
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners during the trek.
- Shuttles from and to your hotel in Pokhara for the trekking.
- Neat and clean trekking lodge accommodation during the trek.
- Guide fee and all his/her expenses.
- Poon Hill trekking permit.
- Insurance of your guide as per state law.
- Taxes and all paperwork charges.
Excludes
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- All surface transportation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Guided sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
- All bar bills, beverages such as Coke, Fanta, and mineral water
- Personal insurance, laundry service, and trekking gear.
- Porter if you need (USD 20 per day)
- Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Gratitude and tips for your guide and porter.
Add-ons & Options
Discover the beauty of Nepal with Wilderness Excursion. We have 13 years of successful operation and decades of expertise in leading treks in Nepal. To further enhance your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, we’re pleased to introduce extra services (add-ons) to make easy booking in one place for an exceptional adventure at a value-for-money trip cost.
- Private Jeep Service, USD 60: Upgrade your land transportation to a 4WD private Jeep for comfortable travel to Pokhara from the trek at an extra cost of USD 60.
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Tourist bus Kathmandu - Pokhara USD 13: Allow us to manage your tourist bus seat bookings for seamless land travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, saving you valuable time.
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Tourist bus Pokhara - Kathmandu USD 13: Let us assist with booking your tourist bus seat for seamless land travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu, saving you valuable time.
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Kathmandu - Pokhara Flight USD 100: Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25-minute flight which costs USD 100 per adult / per flight)
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Pokhara - Kathmandu Flight USD 100: Take a short flight of 25 minutes at an extra cost of USD 100 than a tiring 7-hour bus drive
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Porter Service at USD 100: Travel lighter, explore further. Let our porters care for your gear (up to 23 kg, shared between two), which helps you easily conquer the Poon Hil Trek.
Dates & Availability
Select Departure Dates
Feb 2026
Mar 2026
Apr 2026
May 2026
Jun 2026
Jul 2026
Aug 2026
Sep 2026
Oct 2026
Nov 2026
Dec 2026
Check our dates published to see if they match your time. We are happy to customize your tour perfectly to match your interests and needs, creating a unique travel experience just for you
Essential Information
Difficulty Level
Trekking difficulty in Nepal varies greatly, from short valley hikes to high-altitude expeditions. The level is mainly influenced by altitude gain, daily walking duration, and terrain.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the most popular beginner-friendly trek, with a maximum altitude of 3,193 meters. Its suitability for beginners is due to its manageable terrain and trail. The trek starts from Birethanti, follows the Burungdi Khola to Hile, then ascends to Ulleri via Tikhedhunga. After the initial climb to Ulleri, the trail mostly winds through green forests. The only strenuous uphills are before reaching Ulleri, during the pre-dawn hike to Poon Hill, and before crossing Tadapani, making it suitable for new trekkers and all ages.
Cost Coverage
Our inclusive package of USD 435 covers all your necessities during the trek, including permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, and a trek guide. The cost also includes insurance for the field staff provided by the agency.
Personal expenses such as sanitary essentials, bars and beverages, tipping, and accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara before/after the trek are not included. However, these services can be added for an additional charge.
Permits and Entry
The poon Hill trek falls under the Annapurna Conservation Area, thus trekkers are required to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) from the Nepal Tourism Board. The permit cost is Nrs3000 for all nationals and Nrs1000 for SAARC nationals. The checkpoint for the Poon Hill trek is in Birethanthi, the starting point and ending point of the trek.
Packing list / Preparation tips
Smart packing is the best move for a comfortable journey while trekking in Nepal. Though you may not need much gear for the Poon Hill trek but still some necessary items need to be taken. Here are some tips you may find useful while trekking in Nepal, and how you should pack.
- Pack only necessary or what you need.
- Layer your clothing according to what your trek demands.
- Avoid cotton clothes during the daytime or while trekking.
- Pack waterproof essentials like raincoats and rain covers.
- A down jacket during nights in camps. Especially in winter.
- Carry a 2L water bottle min + purifier (if needed).
- Portable first aid kit.
- Sunglasses, buff, and gloves.
- Snacks and energy bars.
- Essential personal items and sanitation needs.
These are only a few of the things that are useful when you are trekking in Nepal, but they can be helpful.
Travel Safety Information
Trekking or travelling in Nepal is mostly safe, but there are still some common precautions you can take for your safety and others. By travel safety, we not only mean things you should do, but also things you shouldn’t do, as Nepal is a diverse country and every locality has its own beliefs which can’t be common knowledge. In such cases, do remember these points:
- First, keep your documents safe and separate. If possible, bring it with you.
- Some locals may not like their photos or videos taken, so ask for their consent.
- Save emergency contact information from local tourism information sectors.
- When participating in rituals or any form of festival, ask your tour guide if it’s possible.
- Avoid trekking alone or separate from the main group.
- Watch for altitude sickness. If any symptoms are shown, inform your guide immediately.
- Always have travel insurance.
- Respect nature and wildlife.
- (These few points may seem trivial, but they can help you in many ways more than you think.)
What to do after the trek?
If you still have some days left on your visa and are having a dilemma about what to do after the trek? While you are in Pokhara, you can visit some of the best pubs near the lakeside if interested, or paraglidingfor youngsters from the hillside, and do a short Jungle Safari Trip in Chitwan National Park with us.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 5 Days FAQs
This is short and sweet trekking tour best suit for the short time Nepal visitors, a truly lifetime experience small trip. This trek offers breath stopping mountain vista, full of birds, beautiful hamlets of alpine pastures, charming villages of Magar and Gurung people, lush rhododendron forest which fully blooms in Spring season is set just below the Annapurna Himalayan Peaks of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Known as the Fishtail Mountain as its shape is look like fishtail from west direction) towering sky high. Main feature of Poon Hill Trek are; Poon Hill Hike probably one of the finest view points on the earth, When sun comes up and touches the white mountains, Himalayan giants, Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna I (8091m) along with other gorgeous peak, there gradually appear, just like magic happening in front you and you couldn't believe this at first. Besides, the journey rewards with natural beauties in your each and every footsteps.
Like other trekking in Annapurna except Annapurna Circuit this trek also begins from Pokhara and end there. Pokhara is 200km west of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Daily tourist buses run to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Local buses leave every one hour from Kathmandu. Wilderness Excursion can arrange a private car or van if you ask us. Most domestic airlines fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu every day (U$117 / flight / head). Sit on the right side to see striking view of wide range of Himalaya while flying to Pokhara. Most of people take tourist bus to Pokhara; 200km drive and takes 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic. There are normal to deluxe tourist coaches available. Green Lines Buses costs USD 25 per person with breakfast, they run every morning from/to Kathmandu.
Autumn (September - November) and spring (March – April) are recommended as the best time of the seasons to trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill. The weather is sunny and warm during the day time with breath stopping views. If you would like to avoid crowds and enjoy less crowded time with nature then you could trek in winter (Dec - Feb) And it is still warm during the day time and cold in the morning and nights. The temperature is 0 to -5 degree Celsius at Ghorepani Poon Hill during the winter However, the weather condition in Himalaya is associated with Indian Ocean. Trekking in the Summer or Monsoon seasons (June to Aug) will be affected by rain but the Summer trek could be a boon for a keen botanists.
Regarding the difficulty, this is an easy trek suitable for walking lovers who have the ability to walk for around 4 to 6 hours a day with a light day sack. Exercising and jogging regularly for a few weeks prior to the trip is good idea to increase strength and firmness. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trek. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, epilepsy and blood diseases should inform Wilderness Excursion before booking the trip. We also recommend that you consult your doctor(s) before the trip start.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost: Our price published online - USD 345.00 per person as a budget trek price on a double occupancy basis. A single supplement charge will be an extra USD 50.00. The price will be according to budget, standard, and deluxe tour plans, and group sizes. Taking flights to and from Pokhara saves you time and is more comfortable than taking a tiring, long bus ride, though riding a bus reduces the trip price. We can arrange a Kathmandu-Pokhara flight that costs USD 100 per person.
The hike from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3,210m) is a short but rewarding 45 minutes to 1-hour uphill trek, best done early in the morning for sunrise.
No, Everest is not seen while on Poon Hill. Mount Everest is in the east, and Poon Hill is in the Annapurna region, which is in mid-western Nepal. Poon Hill provides breathtaking vistas of these peaks, including Mount Dhaulagiri (8167 meters), which is the world's seventh highest mountain.
Poon Hill itself is the highest point you will reach on this trek. Poon Hill lies at an altitude of 3210 meters above sea level. This is the destination of the early morning excursion side trip on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
The Poon Hill is one of best view point in Nepal, You will get unbelievable sights of white mountain ranges from Hiunchuli, past Annapurna South, to Annapurna I (8,097m/26,566ft) Gangapurna, Khangsar Kang, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri, etc.
No problem; the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is easily doable around the year. The trekking trip in the monsoon season is usually less crowded and calmer. Chances of great mountain views, like in spring and autumn. But you can enjoy the view of the landscape, local culture, and diverse vegetation, and get a chance to soak in the majesty of the Annapurna Himalayas if the weather permits. So in the monsoon season, most time gets wet, but it is all full of green and provides an opportunity to enjoy summer wild flowers in July and August.
Like in other parts of the world, tipping is quite common in Nepal as well as in the service industry. However, there is no specific amount, but it really depends on the giver or your perception. We advise tipping 10% of the total value of the trip while doing the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
If you are seeking the best family short trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek could be the famous soft hiking adventure in the foothills of Annapurna. It provides excellent views and is better logistically known as the “apple pie” trek. The trek is easily accessible from Pokhara, but it still provides a great experience of trekking in a kid-friendly environment.
There are no bank and ATM machines on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route. You should get cash in Pokhara before leaving for the trek. People may accept foreign currency but give you a low rate as they will have to walk all the way to Pokhara to get exchanged, so carry NPR.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a well-established short trekking route in lower Annapurna. There are lodges with proper bedding, so carrying a sleeping bag on this trek is not necessary anymore. Lodges provide quilts and duvets. However, some people prefer their own sleeping bag, so they bring it.
Altitude sickness generally develops above 3,000 meters. Since Poon Hill is at a height of 3,210 meters above sea level, and you will only be there for a morning hike for a short time before descending to a lower altitude at Ghorepani (2,850 m), where you will sleep - the highest place you spend the night, the risk is minimal. Very few people may experience mild discomfort due to the altitude, as per our experience at Wilderness Excursion.
They’re not different treks — just different names for the same or slightly varied itineraries, with Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek being the more complete and commonly used name
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