Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 5 Days

Things to know about the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Important notes of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Trek difficulty: 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 metres. 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.

Best time to trek: When embarking on a trek in the Himalayas, knowing 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
• Weather becomes stable and dry after the monsoon.
• Skies are crisp and clear, perfect for mountain views.
• Recognised as the best time for trekking and travelling in Nepal.
• Coincides with major Nepali festivals:
o Dashain (Nepal’s biggest festival)
o Tihar (festival of lights)
• A great time for cultural exploration, with traditional rituals and celebrations happening across villages and towns.

Seasonal weather in Poon Hill: The main seasons fall during spring and autumn, but a monsoon trek is also possible for Poon Hill. Although heavy rain blows the drifting clouds, the monsoon experiences constant rainfall, which is not an ideal time for trekking.

The spring season is considered the best since the Poon Hill trek is not renowned for the panoramic views but also for bird-watching and colourful forests of rhododendrons. But the reality of spring is that it falls right before monsoon, so you will experience occasional rainfalls and mists, but overall, the trails of Ghorepani are known for their flora and fauna.

The autumn season is preferred for most adventure activities, including all types of trekking. After heavy rains, the sky clears, and there's a better chance of seeing the whole Annapurna Range. The con is that, during autumn, most plants and animals are dormant, but you still get to experience the golden forest of autumn.

So, both seasons have their own pros and cons; seasons are chosen based on trail types, destination, and personal experience. Choose whichever suits you the best.

ATMs, banks & mobile banking: The harsh reality of trekking is that you cut yourself off from all sorts of modern facilities, including banks and ATMs. Once you drive past the small towns surrounding Pokhara, banks and ATMs are limited to none. So, it is better to exchange local currencies in central Pokhara before the trek departure.

Mobile banking is a bit different, with growing use of online transactions, and banks have also adapted to changes, but internet services and mobile networks can be unstable. So, cash is the best possible option.

Hot showers: Ghorepani trails are more developed, comparatively, with most lodges supporting attached bathrooms and hot showers. In other trails, hot showers depended on LPG gases, but most lodges on Ghorepani depend on solar panels, so a hot shower is possible depending on the lodge. If you have a request for a hot shower, it is best to enquire with the agency and guide beforehand for a better departure to ensure you get the facilities.

Charging and mobile networks: Surprisingly, even Poon Hill now supports a mobile network, but it is not consistent throughout the trail. Some river valley trails may experience unstable mobile networks, but overall, you should be able to get towers and internet services. But the supported network is only NTC, which is partially owned by the government, so buy the right SIM cards from the dealers.

Charging is also mostly free in most lodges with electricity infrastructure being developed, but free Wi-Fi is still not consistent in all lodges.

Permits: Currently, the Ghorepani trails are conserved by the NTNC under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, so all the trekkers are legally required to obtain the ACAP permits from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. There are two options for getting permits, and the price differs for different nationalities, which will be discussed in more detail further below.

Trekking travel insurance: Travel insurance is legally required for obtaining permits. Although conservation rules are different, the government of Nepal has made it mandatory for trekkers to have travel insurance before any departure. The trekking travel insurance is specifically made available for trekking with different benefits and policies based on the itinerary itself.

If you’re interested in local travel insurance and which regions require trekking insurance, visit our blog: Nepal trekking travel insurance.

Cost coverage: The package cost of USD 345 per person, provided by the Wilderness Excursion, covers the necessary and important basic expenses such as permits, documentation, transportation, a guide and his/her fees, and lodgings during the trek and 3-time meals (lunch, dinner & breakfast) as mentioned in the cost details.

Although we cover your basic expenses, any additional personal expenses are not covered. Such as personal bar bills, any kinds of accommodation and transportation in Kathmandu or Pokhara, personal insurances, and rescue operation charges are to be covered by the trekkers themselves. Accommodation and transportation in Kathmandu or Pokhara can also be arranged upon inquiry with extra charges as mentioned in the add-ons.

Arrival and Visa Process in Nepal

On-Arrival Visa in Nepal

Nepal currently houses two international airports, Tribhuvan International Airport and Pokhara International Airport. But all the international flights to Nepal mostly land in TIA, Kathmandu, from where a connecting domestic flight to Pokhara can also be arranged.

The visa process in Nepal is a bit different, since Nepal supports an "on-arrival visa", where you can apply for the visa after arriving in Nepal. There are two ways to apply for the visa: 1) Using the kiosk machine in the airport, or 2) Apply for the online visa. Once you send a visa application, the basic process goes as follows:

• Fill in the 'Arrival Card'.
• Fill in the online ‘Tourist Visa’ form. You can fill it out online before you arrive at the Department of Immigration or use the kiosk machines upon arrival at the airport.
• Make payment at the bank according to your visa requirement (15/30/90 Days)
• Get the receipt.
• Proceed to the immigration desk with your online form, payment receipts, and your passport.
• Hand in your documents to the immigration officer for visa processing.

(Immigration, 2026)

On Arrival Visa Fee Structure

15 Days – 30 USD

30 Days – 50 USD

90 Days – 125 USD

(Immigration, 2026)

Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Kathmandu and Pokhara are the central hubs for trekkers, and central Kathmandu is more focused on travel tourism, with Thamel as the centre. The Thamel area has multiple hotel and resort options, from dorm facilities and basic lodgings to royal suites. For those who seek immediate departure and marketplaces for shopping, Thamel is the perfect place with its daytime for shopping and nighttime for entertainment. Most trekking agencies also operate from Thamel, so it would be great to meet the agency staff and have small meetings with the guides and porters who will be accompanying the trek.

Pokhara is a mixed tourism sector for both tourists and trekkers to the Annapurna Region. Since Pokhara is a popular tourist destination, it is mainly focused on tourism, with Lakeside being the busiest street filled with hotels, restaurants, and pubs. If you have already packed and do not feel the need to contact the agency, you can directly fly to Pokhara from TIA and spend a night there, since all the major hotels in Pokhara have great mountain views and clear skies with less traffic noise near the lakeside.

Choose to explore Kathmandu

From the surface and trekking perspective, Thamel and Kathmandu might look like a quick stop to multiple trekking regions, but in reality, Kathmandu is popular for different reasons. The valley of temples, Kathmandu, with centuries of history, whose clear architecture can be seen in the streets of Thamel and durbar (palace) areas.

Historically, Kathmandu was divided into three small kingdoms, of which remnants are still perfectly preserved in all three major cities. If Pokhara is known as the gateway to the Annapurnas, Kathmandu is known for its history, art, culture, and harmony of religions. The common things to do in Kathmandu are a day tour of all the major cities and temples like Swoyambhunath, Pashupati, Boudhanath, and the palace museums. But Kathmandu is not limited to tours; the hills of Kathmandu are known for hiking, and every hill of Kathmandu has its own history that connects to ancient scriptures.

Trek difficulty and who is it for?

Physical demands and daily trekking

As we have mentioned, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is beginner-friendly, the trails are mostly safe, the lodges have more facilities, and the highest altitude reached is 3200 metres above sea level. The trails support all-age trekkers, but there are a few preparations you can make that won’t hurt you but will help in comfort.

The trail types on different routes and camps are mentioned in previous parts, where major uphills and downhills are centred around Ghodepani. So, what physical preparations can you make for the trek?

1. Building stamina and endurance. The overall trek duration is short, but the average daily walking time is around 6 hours, so good endurance is mandatory.
2. Building hiking experience, if possible, with limited weights.
3. Having a well-maintained diet, especially liking local menu items.

Different parts of the trail conditions and types in Ghodepani

Trekking day	Itinerary	Trail types
Day 01	Drive to Birethanti and trek to Ulleri.	Off-road trail, river valley trail, dense forest, uphill
Day 02	Trek to Ghorepani Deurali	Dense forest trail
Day 03	Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani	Dense forest trail, Pastureland trail
Day 04	Trek to Landruk	River trail, forest trail downhill
Day 05	Trek to Dhampus and drive to Pokhara	Forest trail, off-road trail

Trek Challenges and solutions

The most challenging part of trekking is endurance, for how long you can trek and how often you can hike. Now, endurance is not just about how strong you are, but also how you trek and maintain a rest/diet relationship.

You might have noticed that some people start fast and get tired quickly as well, but it doesn't mean those who start slow don’t get tired. The trick is to maintain pace, depending on how much your body is using your stamina and how quickly you’re replenishing it. A perfect pace can replenish your strength while at the same time using it.

But all of this is for naught if your diet and rest plan are in shambles. With daily hikes, your body needs energy and constant rest as well. The solution is also simple: just eat. Sounds easy, but it is the most difficult part; most trekkers are not able to adjust to local diets, and it doesn’t suit their taste or preferences, which is common. What you can do is choose something from the menu that is fulfilling, and such items or something similar to them are found in your homeland. Pack nutrient bars and other snacks for daytime, and it should maintain the diet parts. Some of the common challenges and their solutions are highlighted below:

1. Different walking pace for uphill, downhill, and hillside straight trails.
2. Use trekking poles for downhills to support your knee and foot.
3. Have proper gear and not just some knockoffs.
4. Fill the diet plan with protein bars and snacks.
5. If the local water is unsuitable for you, buy filtered water or carry filter tabs and gadgets.

Altitude Sickness and What to Do?

Altitude sickness is a condition where your body isn’t getting the normal oxygen level to function with the organs properly. The air pressure of high altitudes needs time to adapt, despite taking medicines like Diamox. When the body doesn’t get the appropriate level of oxygen it used to need, you will feel symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, lightheadedness, etc. If not cared for properly, it leads to brain and liver failure.

The most practical solution used in every trekking itinerary is adaptation. Every itinerary is tailored for gradual trekking, proper pacing, and acclimatisation, which allows the body to naturally adapt to the changing environment.

Altitude and acclimatization for Ghorepani Trek

Trek Day	Itinerary	Camp Altitude	Altitude Difference
Day 01	Drive to Birethanti and trek to Ulleri.	1960m	+1070m
Day 02	Trek to Ghorepani Deurali	2880m	+920m
Day 03	Hike to Poon Hill and Trek to Tadapani	2630m	-250m
Day 04	Trek to Landruk	1565m	-1065m
Day 05	Trek to Dhampus and drive to Pokhara	890m	-675m

Safety and emergency response from Wilderness Excursion

Daily Monitoring: Our guides are more than physically walking maps; for the entire itinerary, trek guides are the legal guardians and situational advisors. Their on-field expertise, advice, and suggestions are practical and useful. They are in charge of monitoring you and your health, making rational decisions like adjusting camp distance if needed, where lunch should be served, and when. He/she is in charge of your well-being and takes rational decisions after proper consultation and briefing.

Our staff from the agencies also make an effort in communicating with the guides as much as possible to ensure the trip is running smoothly in case of an unexpected occurrence.

Acclimatisation built in: The itinerary provided at the sites or a custom itinerary made for your personal preferences are both carefully made with an acclimatisation plan after consulting hiking experiences. Any sudden changes required by the client or made by agencies are properly communicated and only executed.

Evacuation: The evacuation process is only executed when the situation is dire, the client requests it, or the trek guide has made the call. Although the Ghorepani trek rarely needs evacuation, in cases of emergency where evacuation is needed, your life will be prioritised before the completion of the trek. The process will go as follows:

1. If the situation is not immediately life-threatening, a gradual evacuation and turn-back will be made. An ambulance will be arranged since Ghorepani has road access. Note: An ambulance is arranged for only minor situations where you’re not able to hike any further but also need treatment, but it isn’t immediate. Although it may depend on how far you’re from the nearest treatment centre and road access.
2. If any of the team is in dire need of evacuation immediately, an air evacuation is arranged from the nearest terminal to the nearest hospital. The agency will be in constant contact with the field guide, you, and the evacuation team.

Guide Training: Every guide dispatched from Wilderness Excursion has undergone proper training and classes from NATHM and is legally permitted to guide trekkers. All guides are trained and insured in Wilderness Excursions. You can also enquire about the guide's licence before departure, if you need to.

What to bring: When travelling, especially in regions where immediate health services are not available, it is best practice to carry a first aid kit with basic medicines and utensils. Pack ibuprofen, sanitiser, cotton, medical gauze, medicated dressing, and bandages for a short trek like Ghorepani.

Turning-Back Policy: When a trek departs, you can call it off, but once a trek is already arranged and has departed, there are several turning-back policies that will affect the refund policy. If the agency has requested a turn-back, proper compensation will be given in accordance with our policy.

When a client calls to turn back due to personal reasons, refunds are not available. But in cases where turning back is needed due to natural causes and trekking further is not possible, compensations and charges will be applied depending on the real situation.

Weather and Seasonal conditions

The Ghorepani trek is doable in both the on-season and off-season, but seasonal experiences and trek opportunities differ vastly. The seasonal time periods last from late March to early June and from September to November and possibly in early December as well. The off-season is mainly in the monsoon and winter due to its harsh weather and unsafe trails.

During the seasonal months of March to June is the spring season, which is considered the best time for short treks like Poon Hill. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a popular destination for greenery, bird-watching, floral backgrounds, and panoramic views. In spring, you get the most of the Ghorepani, but the setback is that late spring experiences occasional rainfalls and heavy drifting clouds in the Himalayas, blocking the view from Poon Hill. Sometimes the rain may continue for days due to climate change, but overall, spring is the best season for trekking to Poon Hill.

The autumn season from September to November is preferred by the majority of trekkers and agencies, with its safe, dry trails and stable weather, which remains mostly clear after the heavy monsoon. Although the renowned Rhododendron forest of Poon Hill may wither away, the trail is lit with golden leaves and a crystal-clear view of the Annapurna Range.

Now, the Ghorepani trek can be done in the monsoon as well, but it is not recommended. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek features dense forest and rainforest in some parts, which can accommodate heavy leeches, moist and slippery trails, and heavy clouds. Winter is also doable for the Poon Hill trek since the highest altitude is around 3200 metres above sea level. With proper clothing and gear, you can hike to Poon Hill. A great piece of advice if you’re trekking in winter is to first check with the lodges to see if they are open and pack all the winter essentials.

Accommodation standards on the trail of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a relatively well-developed and established trekking destination. From Pokhara, it is the most accessible and luxurious trekking region, offering a range of facilities such as teahouses, lodges, and hotels at the destination, Ghorepani Deurali.

Starting from Ulleri, which is the first stop in accordance with the itinerary, it is a fairly large village area of local communities, which houses fair lodges with attached bathrooms and comfortable stays. From Ulleri is Ghorepani, which is the last stop towards the Poon Hill. Ghorepani supports all sorts of lodges and hilltop hotels with spectacular views of the Annapurna Range and satisfying services.

Although the Ghorepani trail is fairly developed, most trekkers hesitate at Tadapani, which is the intersection or turning point towards the Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. The camp is nestled in dense forest, which makes most of the area moist and facilitates teahouses and small, capable lodges. The last stay in Landruk, near the Modi River, is known for being a quiet and peaceful camp. The village is near the river and between hills, which most local travellers avoid, and is best for spending the last night of the trek quietly and comfortably and resting.

Food and Drinking water in Ghorepani Poon Hill

Drinking water in the trails

The beauty of Ghorepani is its small, practical availability, which most trekkers do not realise. The trails of Ghorepani were used for travelling rather than commercial trekking, so most places have stone resting places, and beside or near them are local water taps made from bamboo from the nearest clean water source. This helps trekkers frequently refill water from clean natural sources free of any medications and also save extra costs for water.

But there are certain cons of local water sources; they are brought straight from their source with no filtration processes, and international travellers who are not familiar with the local environment can’t process the water from local sources, which leads to severe diarrhoea. So, if you wish to use the water from local taps, always carry filtration tabs or gadgets and a minimum of two water bottles, one for filtering and another to carry filtered water. This practice saves you time and water every time.

Another option is to buy filtered and sealed water bottles from the lodges, teahouses, and trail shops. But the prices will rise as you trek higher and farther from the nearest marketplaces.

Common food items and Menus

Surprisingly, every popular trail and trekking destination has a certain untold rule and practice of providing a variety of food items. Why? Every local guide, cook, and lodge believes food is a vital part of successful trekking. As important as water is, you need every bit of energy to even lift a leg and take another step. Since most trekkers are not familiar with local cuisines and are not able to digest them, lodges provide a variety of food items despite the difficulty. From breakfast to dinners and snacks, lodges and teahouses also provide different drinks in both cold and hot options.

Common menu options include

Menus	Items
Breakfast sets	Tibetan Bread / Chapati with Honey / Jam, Fried potatoes, sandwiches, White bread with Jam / Honey, vegetable soups, Muesli
Lunch Sets	Nepali Khana Set: Veg Spring rolls, Momo, Fried Noodles, Soups, thukpa
Dinner Sets	Same as Lunch
Drinks	Black tea, Black coffee, Tibetan tea, Hot Chocolate, Hot milk, Hot lemon, Lemon tea

Dietary Notes

Vegetarian options
Vegetarian trekkers are well catered for on the Ghorepani Poon Hill. Nearly every teahouse along the route serves dal bhat, vegetable fried rice, vegetable chowmein, thukpa, and momos without meat. As you gain altitude, menu options narrow—teahouses stock only what can be carried in by porter or yak, so variety reduces, but a vegetarian meal is almost always available at every stop.

Vegan options
Vegan trekking is possible but requires flexibility. Dairy is common in high-altitude cooking — butter tea, powdered milk in porridge, and egg-based dishes appear frequently. Communicate your requirements clearly to your guide before departure so they can brief teahouse owners along the route in advance. Carrying your own protein supplements or snacks from Kathmandu is strongly recommended as backup.

Gluten-free
Gluten-free options are limited above the lower trail villages. Dal bhat (rice and lentils) is naturally gluten-free and available everywhere, but cross-contamination in teahouse kitchens cannot be guaranteed. If you have a serious gluten intolerance or coeliac condition, bring your own sealed snacks for the higher sections of the trek.

Allergies
There are no allergen-labelled menus. Nut, egg, and dairy allergens are common in trail cooking. If you have a severe allergy, ensure your guide is briefed on your condition before departure—this is not optional—and carry prescribed medications in case of unexpected allergies. Contact our agencies and note the allergy problems and ingredients so our guide and experts can communicate with teahouses and lodges ahead of time to ensure proper meals.

Altitude and appetite
It is normal to experience reduced appetite above 3,500 m as your body acclimatises. Forcing large meals is counterproductive — eat smaller portions more frequently, prioritise carbohydrates (rice, bread, and potatoes) over heavy proteins, and stay hydrated. Our guides monitor this as part of daily health checks.

Permits, Fees & Entry Requirements

The Ghorepani Poon Hill trail falls directly under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project; trekkers are legally required to obtain the ACAP permits from the Nepal Tourism Board. With proper documentation, valid passports, and visas, trekkers can apply for the conservation permits independently or through agencies. Those who trek are booked through an agency; their permits and any necessary documentation and fees are covered.

Fees structure for the Annapurna conservation Area Project

SN.	National Parks/Wildlife Reserves/Conservation Areas	Nepali	SAARC	Foreigners	Child discount
1	Annapurna Conservation Area	NRs. 100 per person per entry	NRs. 1,000 per person per entry	NRs. 3,000 per person per entry	Below 10 yrs free

Source: (Board, 2026)

The cost given above only applies to the Annapurna Conservation Trekking Area; any changes to the plan or, in cases, the itinerary that passes through other protected areas require permits to be obtained. For updated information on conservation and national park fees, follow the link: Nepal Trekking permit and fees.

Process to obtain conservation permits

The conservation permits are provided by the Nepal Tourism Board, which is in charge of keeping records and issuing permits for conservation areas. Trekkers can independently apply for the conservation permits. NTB supports both online-based applications and physical permits. For the online permits, follow the link, fill out the form, and make the payment. You can either visit the EP counter for cash payments or pay online through IPS Connect.

Entry fee and payment options for the conservation permits

1. The entry fee is NRs. 3,000 for foreigners and NRs. 1,000 for SAARC nationals (tax included).
2. Two payment options are available: Online Payment and Counter Payment.
3. If you choose online payment, you will receive your permit directly by email after successful payment, and visiting the EP Counter is not required.
4. If you choose Counter Payment, you must visit the EP Counter and pay the permit fee in cash. Please bring your passport or any valid identification to collect your permit.
5. For Online Payment, an additional 2.9% payment charge will apply
6. Double fees will be charged for permits issued at Check-Posts.

Source: (NTNC, 2026)

Why are permits mandatory for trekkers?

1. Permits and TIMS cards manage and keep track of trekkers.
2. In cases of untimely checkouts, officials can send rescue teams.
3. For the sustainability of nature and wildlife.
4. The conservationists are in charge of maintaining and protecting wildlife.

Transportation and road access in the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek

In accordance with the itinerary, the trek begins in Birethanthi, the first checkpoint for Ghorepani. But it doesn’t mean the road also ends there. With recent developments, there have been multiple changes and updates in road conditions and access points. Within the past year or two, there have been visible road developments beyond Ulleri, but trails mostly bypass these roads from Hile, so the beginning of the trek is still the same.

But the recent development is the further expansion of the road till Banthanthi and now possibly to Ghorepani Deurali as well. With recent developments in check, about 40 per cent of the trek is now on road while the rest still bypasses through old trails.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek variants and extendable routes

Annapurna Base Camp Via Poon Hill

The renowned Poon Hill Trek is actually a part of the whole traditional Annapurna Base Camp. Before the major expansion of roads from Nayapul to Jhinu Danda, the Annapurna Base Camp was trekked either from Kande or Birethanti, and this trail was a travel route for local communities of the Annapurna. The Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill focuses on more rugged adventure, deep Himalayan experiences, and remote trekking trails.

Factually, the Annapurna Base Camp from Poon Hill avoids major roads and has its old trails still maintained, which lets trekkers experience the old traditional route of the Annapurna Base Camp, from villages to open pasturelands and glacier valleys of the Annapurna.

Outline Itinerary of the Annapurna Base Camp via Poon Hill

Trek Day	Itinerary	Camp Altitude
Day 01	Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Ulleri (1960)	1960 M
Day 02	Trek to Ghodepani Deurali (2880)	2880 M
Day 03	Hike to Poon Hill (3200) and Trek to Tadapani (2630)	2630 M
Day 04	Trek to Chhomrong (2170) from Tadapani	2170 M
Day 05	Trek to Dovan (2600) from Chhomrong	2600 M
Day 06	Trek to Deurali (3200) from Dovan	3200 M
Day 07	Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4130)	4130 M
Day 08	Trek to Bamboo (2310) via MBC (3700)	2310 M
Day 09	Trek to Jhinu Danda (1580) from Bamboo	1580 M
Day 10	Trek to Siwai and drive to Pokhara (890)	890 M