Poon Hill Trek
पुन हिल
Nepal's most popular beginner trek: a 3–4 day route up to Poon Hill (3,210 m), where the sunrise faces Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna peaks.
The Poon Hill Trek (also known as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek) is Nepal's most classic short trek. From Pokhara, take a bus for about 1.5–2 hours to Nayapul or Ulleri to begin. Climb stone steps and terraced fields to Ghorepani village (2,874 m). The next day, leave before dawn and climb for about an hour to the Poon Hill viewpoint at 3,210 m to watch the sunrise. From there, more than a dozen snow peaks come into view, including Dhaulagiri, South Annapurna and Machapuchare. Then descend through the Tadapani forest and Gurung villages. The whole trek takes 3–4 days, with 4–6 hours of walking each day. It is easy, with no risk of altitude sickness, and suits beginners and families.
Along the way, you stay in teahouses (about NPR 500–1,500 per night, meals extra). In March and April, the entire trail is covered in red rhododendrons. October and November bring the clearest skies.
Permits: The ACAP conservation area permit costs about NPR 3,000 and can be obtained from the Pokhara tourism office or a trekking company. Since 2023, foreign trekkers must hire a licensed guide (about USD 25–35 per day). Gear: bring trekking shoes, a warm jacket, a rain jacket and a headlamp, all of which can be rented in the Lakeside area.
The summit entry fee at Poon Hill is about NPR 100. Afternoons often bring fog, so start as early as possible.
Opening hours
Open all day (best for hiking in Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr)
Nearby sights
- Ghandruk
- Australian Camp & Dhampus
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Sarangkot
- Pumdikot Shiva Statue
- Bat Cave (Chamere Gufa)
- Mahendra Cave