Nepal's most popular short trek — an accessible loop through Gurung and Magar villages and rhododendron forest, rewarding with one of the Himalaya's finest sunrise viewpoints. From Poon Hill (3,210 m) the dawn light hits Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, and Machhapuchhre in a single sweeping panorama. Ideal for first-time trekkers and families.
Trip Highlights
Sunrise panorama from Poon Hill (3,210 m)
Stone-paved trails through rhododendron forest
Charming hill villages of Ghorepani and Ghandruk
Short and beginner-friendly — no altitude extremes
Route & Itinerary
Day 1Drive to Birethanti; trek to Ulleri 1,950 m 2 hr drive + ~5 hr
A roughly two-hour drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Birethanti, then an easy start along the river past rice paddies and farming villages — before the famous, leg-burning stone staircase climbs some 900 m to the Magar village of Ulleri.
Day 2Ulleri to Ghorepani 2,874 m 6–7 hr
The morning opens with a steep stone-step climb that soon eases into a gradual, beautiful trail through moss-draped rhododendron and pine forest. Reach the ridge-top village of Ghorepani, a Magar settlement framed by the high peaks.
Day 3Poon Hill sunrise; trek to Tadapani 3,210 m (Poon Hill) 6–7 hr
A pre-dawn 45-minute climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) rewards you with the trek's signature sunrise — golden light spreading across Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre. Return for breakfast, then trek through forest to the village of Tadapani.
Day 4Tadapani to Ghandruk; drive to Pokhara 1,951 m (Ghandruk) ~3 hr + 4 hr drive
An easy descent through forest to Ghandruk, one of the largest and most picturesque Gurung villages in the region. After lunch and a wander through its stone streets, drive back to Pokhara via Syauli Bazaar and Nayapul.
What's Included
Hotel in Pokhara and airport / hotel transfers
Pokhara–Nayapul transport (both ways)
Licensed guide (porter optional)
ACAP permit and TIMS card
Teahouse accommodation on trek
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
Choose the package that fits your style and budget. All are guided and fully tailorable — prices are per person and vary with group size and season.
Classic Poon Hill
US$450/ person
Duration5 days
Group Size2–14 people
GradeEasy
SeasonOct–Nov · Dec–Feb
TransportPrivate vehicle
AccommodationTeahouse / lodge
Poon Hill + Ghandruk
US$520/ person
Duration6 days
Group Size2–12 people
GradeEasy
SeasonOct–Nov · Dec–Feb
TransportPrivate vehicle
AccommodationTeahouse / lodge
Short Poon Hill
US$380/ person
Duration4 days
Group Size2–10 people
GradeEasy
SeasonOct–Nov · Dec–Feb
TransportPrivate vehicle
AccommodationTeahouse / lodge
Fixed Departure Dates
Guaranteed departures. Don't see a date that suits you? Private departures can be arranged year-round.
08 Oct 20264–5 daysAvailable
22 Oct 20264–5 daysAvailable
12 Nov 20264–5 daysAvailable
10 Dec 20264–5 daysLimited
14 Mar 20274–5 daysAvailable
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trek suitable for families and beginners?
Absolutely — it is the most popular short, low-altitude trek in Nepal. Daily walking is gentle, teahouses are comfortable, and it suits children and first-time trekkers.
How early is the Poon Hill sunrise hike?
You start around 4:30–5:00 am for the 45-minute climb to the summit to catch first light on Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. Bring a headlamp and a warm layer.
Can I do it in winter?
Yes — December to February brings cold but crystal-clear mornings and very few crowds. Expect frost and occasional light snow at Ghorepani.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, and it must specifically cover helicopter evacuation at altitude. Standard policies often do not — check the fine print before you travel.
Packing Checklist
Footwear
Trekking boots or sturdy shoes
Camp sandals
Hiking socks
Clothing
Light down or fleece jacket
Waterproof shell
Trekking trousers
Base layers
Sun hat & warm hat
Gear
30–40L daypack
Sleeping bag (−5°C)
Trekking poles
Headlamp
Water bottle
Sunglasses
Essentials
Passport & permits
Personal first-aid
Sunscreen
Power bank
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