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Tamang Heritage TrailUp to 3,165 m2026/2027 season open · start on any date you choose
The Poon Hill Trek is the classic short trek in the Annapurna foothills, and the best way to see the high Himalaya in under a week. From Pokhara you climb the famous stone staircase to Ulleri, walk through rhododendron forest to Ghorepani (2,860 m), and get up before dawn for the sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m).
From the top, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare line the horizon as the sun comes up. The route then follows quiet forest ridges to Tadapani and the Gurung village of Ghandruk before dropping back to the road. It stays low, so it suits families, first-time trekkers and winter travellers.
Verified route 2026/2027
Our heritage and roots
Born and raised in the mountains of Nepal, our founder grew up walking Himalayan trails with the elders of his village. That lifelong respect for the mountains became the foundation of Travel To Nepal.
Sujan SherpaFounder and lead trek director
Read our storyDirect local consultation
Message us on WhatsApp or send us an email. Either I or my team will personally answer your questions and make sure all your doubts are answered properly.
Trek milestones
A pre-dawn climb to a panorama from Dhaulagiri to Annapurna South and Machapuchare.
Some of Nepal's largest rhododendron forests, red and pink in March and April.
Stone houses, slate roofs and views of Annapurna South from the village paths.
Four nights on the trail and no altitude worries, the highest night is at 2,860 m.
Clear, dry days from December to February, when higher treks are cold or closed.
An hour or two by jeep to the trailhead, with lakeside Pokhara to relax in after.
Trekker suitability guide
An honest checklist from our guides to help you decide if Poon Hill suits your plans.
Suitability checklist
Physical demands and fitness: 4 to 6 hours a day with a long stone staircase to Ulleri. Anyone who walks regularly can do it.
Altitude and acclimatization: You sleep no higher than 2,860 m and walk up to 3,210 m for sunrise. Altitude is rarely a concern.
Technical skill required: None. Stone steps and forest trails all the way.
Trail comfort and accommodation: Comfortable family-run teahouses with twin rooms, hot showers and warm dining rooms.
Families and children: A good first trek for children who are used to walking. We plan shorter days on request.
Medical conditions: With heart or lung conditions, speak to your doctor about the steep climbs before booking.
Unsure about your fitness or readiness?Our lead trek director gives a free, no-obligation preparation check.
Step-by-step route
Five easy days from Pokhara and back. You drive to the trailhead, climb to Ghorepani through Ulleri and the rhododendron forest, watch the sunrise from Poon Hill, then walk the forest ridge to Tadapani and Ghandruk before driving back to Pokhara. Every night is in a family-run teahouse.
Short first day · Along the Bhurungdi Khola
1.5 hrs drive · 3–4 hrs · 1,540 m
A short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then an easy walk past Birethanti and along the river to the village of Tikhedhunga.
The famous stone staircase · Rhododendron forest
6–7 hrs · 2,860 m
Climb the long stone staircase to Ulleri (2,020 m), then continue more gently through rhododendron and oak forest to Ghorepani, a busy village on a pass with views of Dhaulagiri.
The high point of the trek · Dhaulagiri and Annapurna panorama
6–7 hrs · 3,210 m · High point
A one-hour climb in the dark brings you to Poon Hill for sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machapuchare. After breakfast in Ghorepani, walk the forest ridge past Deurali to Tadapani.
Downhill through forest · Gurung village
3–4 hrs · 1,940 m
An easy descent through forest to Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in the region. The afternoon is free to explore the stone lanes and the small Gurung museum.
Last trekking day · Celebrate with your team
1–2 hrs · 2 hrs drive · 820 m
A short walk down to the road at Kimche and a jeep back to Pokhara, in time for an afternoon by Phewa Lake.
Tailor-made treks
Unlimited free changes until it is right
Want to match your own pace, fitness, group or holiday dates? Tell us what you have in mind and our Kathmandu team will change the route as many times as you need, until it is the Poon Hill Trek you want.
WhatsApp +977 980000000 · traveltonepal102@gmail.com · Reply usually within a few hours
Local expertise and safety first
Licensed guides from the Annapurna foothills, patient with families and first-time trekkers and trained in first aid.
Family treks
First aid
Trek leader, family treks
Ghandruk, Kaski
“With children, the trek is not the destination. A good day is when everyone wants to walk again tomorrow.”
Solo trekkers
First aid
Lead guide for solo trekkers
Sikles, Kaski
“Walking alone is fine. Walking with someone who knows the trail and the people is better.”
Full disclosure
Ground transport: private jeep from Pokhara to the trailhead and back.
Licensed guide and porters: first-aid trained, insured and fairly paid.
Teahouse lodging: 4 nights on the trek in family-run teahouses.
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card where checkpoints ask for it.
Safety gear: first-aid kit carried by your guide.
Hotel pickup: pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Pokhara.
Meals on the trek: order freely from the menu (about $20–25 a day).
Travel to Pokhara: bus or flight from Kathmandu (we can book it for you).
Travel insurance: required, with helicopter rescue cover.
Hotels in Pokhara: before and after the trek.
Lodge extras: hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi.
Trekker-first transparency
Freedom of choice and appetiteAppetite changes with altitude. Order what your body wants, from dal bhat to pasta, porridge or soup.
Direct support for teahouse familiesYou pay the lodges directly, so all food money stays with the local families who run them.
No package markupsAll-inclusive meal packages are often padded. Here you pay real menu prices for what you eat.
Dietary needs and allergiesVegetarian, vegan or gluten-free: order on the spot and get food made the way you need it.
Average daily food budget: plan on about $20–25 USD per day for hearty breakfasts, lunches, hot dinners and boiled drinking water or tea.
Trail pro tips
“Dal bhat power”: unlimited refills of rice, lentils and vegetable curry. The best fuel for the stairs.
Breakfast after sunrise: have tea before Poon Hill and a proper breakfast back in Ghorepani.
Stay hydrated: drink 2–3 litres a day (ginger-lemon-honey tea, boiled water).
Cash is king: there are no ATMs on the trail. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Pokhara.
Essential teahouse notes
Teahouse rule: eat breakfast and dinner where you sleep. Lodges keep room prices low because of it.
Order early: order dinner around 5 pm and choose your breakfast time the night before.
Small extras: showers, charging and Wi-Fi cost a dollar or two each.
Acclimatization map
You sleep no higher than 2,860 m and only day hike to the high point.
Peak: 3,210 m
Route and GPS waypoints
Interactive map
Interactive Google map
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Tikhedhunga 1,540 mStart
Day 1Ghorepani 2,860 m
Day 2Poon Hill 3,210 mHigh point
Day 3Ghandruk 1,940 m
Day 4Pokhara 820 m
Day 5Interactive map by Google Maps. See our privacy policy for how Google handles your data.
Direct operator advantage
Local leadership, honest pricing and careful safety standards, straight from our Kathmandu team.
Licensed guides who grew up in the region they lead and know the teahouse families by name.
Everything included is listed before you book. Meals are paid on the trail at real menu prices.
Daily oxygen and pulse checks, a first-aid kit, and rescue coordinated from Kathmandu.
Every trek is private. Change the pace, days or route; we rewrite the plan for free.
You plan with our team directly, before, during and after your trek.
Weight limits, warm gear, insurance and fair pay for every person on your team.
Transparent pricing structure
Book directly with our Kathmandu team, with no middlemen. Every trek is private, so you choose your own start date.
| Group size | Per person | Your team | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person (solo) | $560 | Private guide + private porter | |
| 2 people | $480 | Guide + 1 porter | |
| Popular3–5 people | $430 | Lead guide + assistant + porters | |
| 6–10 people | $395 | Lead guide + 2 assistants + porters | |
| 11+ people | $365 | Full trekking team |
Official verification
Est. 2024 · Kathmandu
Nepal Department of Tourism registration certificateRegistration tourest registation · licensed trekking agency
The Travel To Nepal advantage
Why trekkers choose our locally led Annapurna treks.
Our trek leaders have walked these trails for years and know the teahouse families along the way.
Pulse oximeter readings morning and evening help catch altitude sickness early.
Fair wages, insurance, warm gear and strict weight limits for every porter.
Only your group, with personal pacing and quiet teahouse evenings.
Booking direct with a Nepali company means your money supports families along the trail.
Fast reply on WhatsApp
Direct local pricing, no middlemen. Fill this in and we open WhatsApp with your request already written.
Gear and essentials
Light gear for the foothills: near-freezing dawns on Poon Hill to warm afternoons in the villages.
Base layers: 2 quick-dry tops and a pair of trekking trousers.
Fleece mid-layer: a warm fleece for evenings.
Warm jacket: a light down or synthetic jacket for the sunrise on Poon Hill.
Rain jacket: a waterproof shell for showers.
Trekking shoes or boots: broken in, with good grip for stone steps.
Camp shoes: light trainers or sandals for the teahouse.
Socks: 3–4 pairs of cushioned trekking socks.
Blister care: plasters and tape for the long staircase.
Daypack (20–30 L): with a rain cover for layers, water and snacks.
Duffel bag: carried by your porter (max 15 kg).
Sleeping bag: a light bag, or rent one in Pokhara; lodges also have blankets.
Headlamp and poles: for the climb to Poon Hill in the dark and the steps down.
Water purification: tablets or a UV pen, plus a 1 L bottle.
Medical kit: blister plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts.
Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, a hat and lip balm.
Hygiene: wet wipes, hand sanitizer and a quick-dry towel.
Practical field knowledge
Essential insights from our local trek leaders.
Autumn and winter (October to February): clear, dry mornings and the sharpest sunrise views.
Spring (March to April): rhododendron forest in full bloom, with more haze later in the day.
*Nights at Ghorepani can drop below freezing in winter. The monsoon (Jun–Aug) brings rain, leeches and clouded views.
Rooms: twin rooms with blankets; some lodges in Ghorepani and Ghandruk have attached bathrooms.
Heating and showers: warm dining rooms in the evening and hot showers in most lodges.
Wi-Fi and power: charging and Wi-Fi are available almost everywhere for a small fee.
Dal bhat: rice, lentil soup, vegetables and pickle, with free refills.
Trail menus: pancakes, porridge, noodles, pasta, momos and apple pie in Ghorepani.
Hydration: drink 2–3 litres a day and treat your water; skip single-use plastic.
Close to help: roads reach Ulleri and Ghandruk, so a jeep can usually reach you within a few hours.
On the trail: your guide carries a first-aid kit and is in touch with our office.
Insurance: travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for every trekker.
On a clear morning, Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Tukuche Peak, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare, with the Kali Gandaki valley below.
October to April. Autumn and winter have the clearest views, and March and April bring the rhododendrons into bloom. The monsoon (June to August) is wet and cloudy.
Yes. It is one of the best first treks in Nepal for children who are used to walking. The stone staircase to Ulleri is the hardest part, and we can split it over two days.
Five days from Pokhara and back, with four nights in teahouses. It can be shortened to four days or combined with Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi Himal.
The trek starts at Nayapul, about 1.5 hours by jeep from Pokhara. Pokhara is a 6–7 hour bus ride or a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu.
Easy, grade 2 of 5. The days are 4–6 hours with long stone staircases, but the altitude stays low and there is no climbing.
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a TIMS card where checkpoints ask for it. We arrange both. Nepal requires foreign trekkers to walk with a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency. All our treks include one.
Very little. The highest night is at Ghorepani (2,860 m) and Poon Hill is a short morning walk higher. Drink plenty and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
Fast reply · local operator
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