If you are looking for a short, scenic, and culturally rich trekking experience in Nepal, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best choices you can make. This trek is often called the “short classic trek of Nepal” because it perfectly combines breathtaking Himalayan views, charming Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forests, and a famous sunrise viewpoint all within a week.
Unlike longer treks such as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, the Poon Hill trek is designed for those who want a taste of the Himalayas without spending weeks in the mountains or climbing to extremely high altitudes. The highest point of the trek, Poon Hill (3,210 m / 10,531 ft), is reachable by almost anyone with average fitness, and the rewards are unforgettable – golden morning sunlight slowly painting the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, stretching across the horizon.
At All Himalayan Treks & Tours, we have crafted this 9-day package to give you a complete Himalayan journey while ensuring comfort, cultural insights, and safety at every step. From the busy streets of Kathmandu to the peaceful hills of Ghorepani, from cozy teahouses to snow-dusted mountain trails, this trip offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal’s most loved short treks, beginning and ending in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Each season gives this trail a new personality – in spring, the hillsides come alive with blooming rhododendrons in a rainbow of colors, while in winter, the landscapes turn into a serene white wonderland.
The journey takes you into the heart of the Annapurna region, where quiet valleys, terraced farmlands, and dense forests gradually lead to higher trails. At every turn, the snowcapped peaks appear closer, until finally you reach the highlight of the trek – Poon Hill (3,210 m). From here, the sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges is simply unforgettable, as golden light spreads across the majestic mountains.
The route also offers cultural richness, with welcoming Gurung and Magar villages, refreshing river crossings, and traditional teahouses that provide warmth and hospitality along the way.
With a balance of gentle walks and steady climbs, the trek is considered moderate in difficulty and can be enjoyed by beginners, families, and seasoned adventurers alike. Completed in less than a week, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek gives you a perfect taste of Nepal – stunning mountain views, colorful landscapes, and authentic Himalayan culture.
Your adventure begins the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. Our representative from All Himalayan Treks & Tours will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After a long flight, you can take some time to rest and freshen up.
In the evening, you may explore the lively streets of Thamel, a hub for trekkers with shops selling trekking gear, cozy cafés, and Nepali handicrafts. Depending on your arrival time, we’ll also arrange a pre-trip briefing, where your guide will explain the trek, check your equipment, and answer any questions.
After breakfast, we leave the busy capital and drive towards Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lake city. The drive takes about 7–9 hours, following the winding Prithvi Highway along rivers, hills, and small towns. You’ll pass terraced farmlands, roadside bazaars, and glimpses of rural life.
Pokhara greets you with its relaxed vibe, calm Phewa Lake, and the backdrop of the Annapurna mountains. In the evening, you can take a gentle walk along the lakeside, watch the reflection of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) on the water, or enjoy dinner at one of the many lakeside restaurants.
After breakfast, we drive for about 1–1.5 hours to Birethanti, the starting point of the trek. From here, the adventure truly begins. The trail passes through small villages, suspension bridges, and terraced fields.
The climb towards Ulleri is one of the more challenging sections of the trek, as it includes a famous stretch of over 3,000 stone steps. It can be tough, but it’s also rewarding – Ulleri is a picturesque Magar village with views of lush hills and distant peaks. You’ll feel the mountain atmosphere beginning to surround you.
Today’s trek is beautiful, as the trail passes through dense rhododendron and oak forests. In spring (March–April), the entire forest glows with colorful rhododendron flowers – Nepal’s national flower. You’ll also hear birds singing as you walk under the canopy of trees.
As you gradually gain altitude, the air feels cooler and fresher. By afternoon, you reach Ghorepani, a large village with blue-roofed teahouses, surrounded by forest and mountains. Ghorepani is strategically located, and it’s the base for the next morning’s Poon Hill hike.
This is the highlight of the entire trek. You’ll wake up early, usually around 4:30 am, and hike for about an hour to reach the top of Poon Hill before sunrise. As the first rays of sunlight touch the snowy peaks, the sky turns golden, pink, and orange.
From the viewpoint, you can see more than 20 Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and Nilgiri. The experience is magical, and many trekkers say this is one of the most memorable sunrises of their life.
After spending time at Poon Hill, you descend back to Ghorepani for breakfast. Then, the trek continues towards Tadapani, following ridges and forests with occasional mountain views. Tadapani is a small settlement offering close-up views of Machapuchare and Annapurna South.
Today is a shorter and easier day compared to the previous ones. The trail mostly goes downhill through forests of rhododendron and oak before opening up into terraced fields and villages.
By early afternoon, you reach Ghandruk, one of the largest and most famous Gurung villages in the region. Ghandruk is not only scenic but also culturally rich. You can explore the Gurung Museum, interact with locals, and enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.
The stone-paved lanes, traditional houses, and warm hospitality make Ghandruk a special place to stay.
From Ghandruk, the trail descends gradually through terraced fields and small settlements until you reach Syauli Bazaar. The trek takes about 3–4 hours, and the descent is gentle compared to earlier days.
From Syauli Bazaar, we take a private vehicle back to Pokhara. By afternoon, you’ll be back at the lakeside, enjoying the comforts of the city again. This is the perfect time to relax, enjoy good food, or even take a boat ride on Phewa Lake.
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu. The journey takes about 7–9 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Once in Kathmandu, you can rest at your hotel or go shopping for souvenirs in Thamel.
In the evening, All Himalayan Treks & Tours hosts a farewell dinner, where you can enjoy Nepali cuisine, cultural music, and celebrate the success of your trek.
Your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. If you have extra days, we can also help you arrange city tours, adventure activities, or extended treks.
Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the hike. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 25 for each once you are in Kathmandu.
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.
With 10+ years of expertise in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, Bibek is the right person to help you create a trip you’ll never forget.