Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Why Choose the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Overall, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal. In fact, it offers a scenic 4-day itinerary filled with Himalayan landscapes, local culture, and breathtaking sunrises. It’s also easily accessible, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced hikers. Unlike longer Annapurna routes, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 4 Days provides the perfect balance of culture, scenery, Poon Hill trek cost, and Poon Hill trek weather within a short timeframe.

Naturally, travellers often ask about the Poon Hill trek cost and budget, and in comparison, it is more affordable than other Annapurna treks. Choosing the best time to trek Poon Hill—spring and autumn—ensures clear skies, colourful rhododendrons, and unforgettable mountain views. Along the way, you’ll also pass through the world’s largest rhododendron forest and near the world’s deepest gorge, making it as much a scenic journey as a cultural one. So, join us for this adventure and let our guide help you plan the perfect Ghorepani Poon Hill journey.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Difficulty

The Poon Hill Trek Difficulty is easy to moderate, making it ideal for families, beginners, and seasoned hikers alike. In practice, daily hikes typically range from 4–6 hours, with gradual ascents, scenic breaks, and well-marked trails. As a result, even first-time trekkers can manage this Poon Hill Trek Difficulty with light preparation, such as simple cardio or hiking practice beforehand. Overall, the Poon Hill Trek Difficulty works in your favor here — the manageable pace and beginner-friendly nature make it one of the most accessible adventures in the Annapurna region, which is why families and beginners often find it so enjoyable.

Trek Overview:

• Trip Duration: 3 nights, 4 days.
• Max Altitude: 3210m
• Start: Pokhara
• End: Pokhara
• Difficulty: Easy
• Transportation: Private Vehicle
• Accommodation: Private Tea Houses
• Group Size: For individuals, friends, and family members. All our treks are private.
• Included, meals: All included
• Best seasons: September to December and March to May

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – Price

Price per person (with food): USD 475
Price per person (without food): USD 405

Private treks, shared savings

All our treks are private — designed for individuals, friends, and families rather than large fixed groups. However, if you know other travellers who’d like to join the same trek on the same dates, we’re happy to take you all together. As a result, the per-person cost comes down for everyone. Likewise, if we come across other travellers interested in the same trek and dates, we’ll be glad to suggest the option to you as well. Meanwhile, if you’re already travelling as a group of more than one person, just let us know. In turn, we’ll provide you the exact price per person based on your group size.

We recommend the “Without Food” option for most guests. This way, you can choose your own meals and manage your own budget. Plus, you get to eat what you actually feel like along the trail, rather than being locked into a fixed food package.

What’s Included:

• Trekking permits
• Trekking guide
• Note: Food (meals include only the main course and tea or coffee). It doesn’t include starters or desserts.
• Private lodgings
• Private Transportation (pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel)
• Hot shower
• Mineral Water
• Water purification tablets
• Toilet paper
• Important: A basic first aid kit (excluding medication). We recommend that you bring your own personal medicines.

However, the following items are excluded:

• Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks
• Wifi
• Cell phone charging
• Hot drinking water
• Your personal expenses
• Personal Travel Insurance

NOTE: We encourage guests to bring their own trekking equipment whenever possible, as personal gear provides the highest level of comfort and familiarity during the journey. However, for those who may be missing certain items, we offer a small selection of trekking equipment at no additional cost. Please let us know which items you require, and we will confirm their availability.

Tour Highlights of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

• Sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill (3210m)
• Trek through the world’s largest rhododendron forest
• Experience Gurung and Magar culture in villages like Ghorepani and Ghandruk
• A short, scenic Poon Hill Trek Itinerary perfect for all age groups
• An affordable option compared to longer Annapurna routes
• Easy-to-moderate difficulty, suitable for beginners and families
• Best done in spring and autumn for clear mountain views

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary – 4 Days Detailed Route

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary – 4 Days Day-by-Day Plan

Follow this detailed Poon Hill Trek Itinerary & Duration to plan your 4-day adventure. Each day includes walking hours, villages you’ll pass, and scenic highlights to help you prepare for this beginner-friendly trek.

Elevation & Altitude Profile of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Day 1: Pokhara to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri (2070 m)

• Pokhara → Birethanti Duration: Approx. 1–1.5 hours | By road
• Birethanti → Ulleri Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours (6.5 km) | On foot

To start, your trek begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, a small village located at the beginning of the trekking route.

Trek from Birethanti to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri: After arriving at Birethanti, you’ll begin your trek. In deed, the trail is mostly through beautiful landscapes, lush green forests, and small streams. Notably, on the way to Ulleri, you’ll be climbing 3000 steps (mostly uphill), which is a significant part of the trek.
Destination: Ultimately, you’ll either stop at Tikhedhunga or continue uphill to Ulleri, which is a charming village inhabited by Magar ethnic community also the village with the iconic stone staircase and gives majestic views of the mountains.

Day 2: Ulleri (1960m) to Ghorepani (2860 m)

Duration: Approx. 5 hours walk

After breakfast, continue your trek towards Ghorepani, a picturesque village at 2860m. As you continue, the trail winds through beautiful Pun Magar villages. Meanwhile, you will enjoy the traditional stone-built homes. Then, as you ascend through dense rhododendron and oak forests, keep an eye out for diverse bird species and wildlife. In addition, the breathtaking mountain views along the way make the journey even more rewarding. Once you reach Ghorepani, settle into your teahouse lodge. Afterward, refresh and enjoy a delicious dinner while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the Himalayas.

Day 3: Poon Hill Sunrise, return to Ghorepani, and trek to Tadapani (2630 m)

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours walk

First, wake up before dawn for a short but rewarding hike to Poon Hill (3210m), the highlight of the trek. Here, witness a breathtaking sunrise with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other snow-capped peaks. Afterward, return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing your trek to Tadapani. From there, the trail descends through lush forests of rhododendrons, offering serene nature walks and glimpses of mountain vistas. By late afternoon, arrive in Tadapani, where you’ll stay overnight in a cozy teahouse lodge. Finally, enjoy a warm meal and relax after a fulfilling day.

Day 4: Tadapani (2630 m) to Ghandruk (1940 m) and Return to Pokhara (822 m)

• Tadapani → Ghandruk Duration: Approx. 3 hours (6.5 km) | On foot
• Ghandruk → Pokhara Duration: Approx. 2–3 hours | By road

On your final trekking day, embark on a scenic descent from Tadapani to Ghandruk, a beautiful Gurung village known for its traditional culture and spectacular mountain views. During the descent, the 6.5 km trail winds through terraced fields and forests, offering plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Once in Ghandruk, take some time to explore the village, interact with the locals, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). After lunch, drive back to Pokhara (1-2 hours), where your trek concludes. Afterward, spend the evening reminiscing about your incredible journey through the Himalayas. If you’d prefer a route that includes a soak in natural hot springs, our Ghorepani Hot Spring Trek follows a similar four-day path via Tatopani instead of Ghandruk.

• Please note: Trekking itineraries can be subject to change depending on weather, group pace, and individual preferences. Therefore, consult with your trekking guide for the most accurate information.

• If you don’t have time for the full Poon Hill Trek Itinerary, check our one-day hikes in Pokhara for Himalayan views and village experiences.

• Read more about the Annapurna Conservation Area from the official Nepal Tourism Board.

Poon Hill Trek Cost – Budget & Pricing

Naturally, the Poon Hill Trek Cost depends on inclusions such as accommodation, meals, and guide services. On the other hand, planning your Poon Hill Trek Cost ahead of time helps keep it affordable. In fact, travellers often compare Poon Hill Trek Cost to other Annapurna treks, making it one of the best-value short treks in Nepal.

Poon Hill Trek Weather – Best Time to Hike

First, understanding the Poon Hill Trek Weather is essential for planning your adventure. In general, the ideal Poon Hill Trek Weather occurs in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). As a result, these seasons bring clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and vibrant rhododendron blooms. If you choose the right Poon Hill Trek Weather, you ensure you experience the best sunrises from Poon Hill and stunning Himalayan views. At the same time, even during off-seasons, knowing the Poon Hill Trek Weather helps you prepare for occasional rain or cooler temperatures.

Available Trekking Equiptments:

• Trekking Poles
• Headlight
• Trekking Map
• Gloves
• Sun hats
• Hot water bottles
• Woolen hat
• Trekking duffel bag
• Raincoat

Notes:

Free luggage storage provided during your trek.

Overall, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 4 Days remains one of the most flexible short treks for beginners.

• A porter isn’t included. If you need a porter, we can provide one for an extra fee.
• Sleeping bag (we rent sleeping bags for an additional fee)

Personal Supplies For the Trek:

The personal supplies you require for this trek depend on the season in which you are trekking. 

Head wear

• Sun hat or scarf 
• Winter hat 
• Headlights with extra batteries

Face protection

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Face/body wipe

Hand wear

• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight winter gloves

Body wears

• Hiking shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Hooded rain jacket or wind shell
• Fleece jacket
• Lightweight cotton pants
• T-shirt ( bring lightweight wool)
• Polypropylene Underwears
• Down jacket (depending upon season)
• Waterproof jacket and pants (depending upon season)

Trekking Footwear

• Hiking boots
• Thick & light socks( take an extra pair of thick and light socks)
• Sandals 

Essential gears

• Backpack or day pack bag
• Thermal bottle
• Medium-size drying towel

Hygiene

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Face wash 
• Body wash

Personal accessories

• Money
• Watch
• Cell phone
• Camera
• Power Adapters and Chargers

Extra supplies

• First aid kit (Note: The guide will carry a first-aid kit on the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
• Lip Guard
• Notebook and pen.

👉 If you’re interested in exploring more adventures, take a look at all the trekking options we offer in Nepal — from short cultural hikes to iconic routes like Annapurna and Everest.

FAQs about Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

How difficult is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Generally, the Poon Hill Trek Difficulty is easy to moderate. Most days involve 4–6 hours of walking on well-marked trails, so it suits beginners with basic fitness.

Do I need a permit for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

Yes, a permit is required for this journey. You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit to enter the region. As part of our private trekking service, we handle all permit logistics and documentation for you. That way, your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek stays completely hassle-free.

How much does the Poon Hill trek cost?

Generally, it depends on your inclusions, but a standard 4-day package covering permits, guide, accommodation, and meals is one of the most budget-friendly options in the Annapurna region.

What is the best time to trek Poon Hill?

Typically, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) give the clearest skies and, in spring, blooming rhododendrons.

How many days is the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek?

Typically, 4 days is standard, though it can be shortened or extended depending on your pace and preferences.

Read What Our Guests Are Saying

See why trekkers choose Tibetan Encounter for their Annapurna adventures. Read our guest reviews on Google, and discover why guests trust us for safe, well-guided treks across Nepal.

 
 
 
 
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 Daniel Orchard 
 
 
 
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We joined the full day Tibetan Cultural Tour after a recommendation from a fellow traveller. We had a brilliant time and it was genuinely so eye opening for us and such a valuable learning experience! Thupten is a fantastic guide and educator and we learnt so much about Tibetan history, culture, food and practices. It was like a full deep dive and course in a day with practical learnings from the monasteries, medical centre and refugee communities. Would highly recommend to anyone and such a different experience one will likely never have again!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sushi Golden 
 
 
 
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當天只有我一個人，還是得到很完整的導覽！ 導遊先生學識淵博，一整天的知識把腦袋都塞滿了，除了歷史人文，也接觸大量的佛教思想和達賴喇嘛的理念，遇見的每個人都是心胸開放的分享這一切，靈魂也充實了，把我照顧的很好，這是很值得的一趟導覽。我來自台灣，很推薦來博卡拉的大家可以空下一整天參加～
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Brian Ransdell 
 
 
 
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Fantastic! I feel like I took an entire college class on Buddhism and Tibetan culture in one day! Mr. Thupten, the guide, LOVES what he does and it shows. He is a walking encyclopedia of so, so much in so many fields of Buddhism, Tibet, the Dalai Lama and Nepal. You learn so much about history, food, geopolitics, environmental factors, Buddhist teachings, and the life of a monk. The highlight was definitely sitting down and speaking with a young monk 1:1 for 30-45 minutes about his life history, way of life, belief systems and thought journey in life. A delicious lunch is served; one also gets to try butter tea (I liked it) and Tibetian bread and grains. You visit two different refugee encampment areas with their own monasteries and temples with a deep understanding of the histories behind them. This is definitely a must do while in Pokhara. It is certainly a multi-faceted deep dive that you will not regret presented by a fantastic guide.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Marco Rontini 
 
 
 
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One of the best experiences I’ve had in Nepal. The Tibetan Encounter is much more than a simple guided tour: it is a real immersion into Tibetan culture and the life of the Tibetan refugee community in Nepal. The guide has an incredible depth of knowledge and explains everything with genuine passion: Tibetan philosophy, religion, lifestyle, social organization, history, and the experience of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. You don’t just visit places — you really start to understand the culture and the people. At times, it almost feels like taking a small journey into Tibet. One of the most special parts of the experience was having the opportunity to meet and talk with a young monk who lives in the monastery, learning directly from him about monastic life and his daily routine. You also get to try traditional Tibetan butter tea and experience aspects of Tibetan culture that you would probably never discover on your own. What impressed me most was the quality and depth of the whole experience. Every question is answered, nothing feels rushed or scripted, and everything is explained with knowledge, passion and authenticity. I highly recommend The Tibetan Encounter to anyone who wants to truly understand Tibetan culture rather than simply visit a few monasteries. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Nepal.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Da Zhang 
 
 
 
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The staff here is the best I've met in Nepal. They are so helpful, responsive and professional. It's hard for first time tourist to navigate the inDrive bargain here but with their help everything just became much easier and quite transparent without surprises!! I would highly recommend anyone coming to Pokhara to book your tours, transportation and bus tickets here.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Luca Zanoli 
 
 
 
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We did the Full-Day Tibetan Cultural Tour with Thupten: it's a highly recommended experience, a must for anyone passing through Pokhara. Thupten gave us so much information and answered our thousand questions with passion and patience, even suggesting how to deepen our knowledge of Tibetan culture through books and culinary ideas we could look for even back in our own hometowns. He took us to the Tibetan settlements and told us the history of his people since the time of the diaspora. We learned how the Tibetan communities live here in Pokhara, and how the settlements are organized. We visited a Tibetan medicine doctor and were able to ask him a lot about the natural remedies he uses. We tasted typical dishes from Tibetan culinary tradition and also saw how carpets are made. What we enjoyed most out of all these experiences was delving into Buddhist philosophy, talking with the monks about their life in the monastery, and witnessing their prayers. Thupten was a passionate and knowledgeable guide, always ready to explain everything and a very good storyteller. He has a deep knowledge of Tibetan culture and Buddhist philosophy: to truly understand this culture, these mountains and this spirituality, spending the day with him was truly essential. Thank you so much!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sara 
 
 
 
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I really enjoyed this tour and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the Tibetan community in Nepal. It was a very well-organized experience that offered a deeper understanding of Tibetan history, culture and daily life. Visiting the monasteries, talking to a young monk, learning about Buddhism, seeing a live sand mandala, trying traditional Tibetan food and hearing the stories behind the community made the day both interesting and meaningful. Thupten was very knowledgeable, friendly and happy to answer all my questions, which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for something beyond the typical tourist attractions and want to better understand an important part of Nepal’s cultural diversity, this tour is a wonderful choice. Thank you for such an insightful and memorable day. Tashi Delek! 🥰🙏🏼
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jeroen Verdonk 
 
 
 
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I got lots of information about Tibet, Boudism ,culture, food, habbits, buttertea, way of living, rituals, Tibitan cure and much much more. Thupten knows a lot and he has answers to all of your question. He takes good care during the tour and makes sure you will enjoy it at the maximum.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 bosko rankovic 
 
 
 
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Mr.Thupten was amazing. He brought us closer to Tibetan culture through a series of nice explanations and demonstrations. It was really interesting to see how Tibetian tea is made,and then we got to taste it too. The guide is very educated , highly recommended
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kathryn Bond 
 
 
 
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An amazing, informative and well worthwhile morning with Thupten. Highly recommended.
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
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Likewise, explore our 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and see why travellers trust Tibetan Encounter for unforgettable experiences across Nepal.

Discover Nepal – Explore more Experiences

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Conclusion – Book Your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Today

In short, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the perfect short adventure in Nepal. It offers a world-famous sunrise view. In conclusion, with a flexible 4-day Poon Hill Trek Itinerary, affordable trek cost & budget, clear details about the Poon Hill Trek Difficulty and fitness requirements, and the best time to trek Poon Hill being spring and autumn, this journey is ideal for travellers of all levels. So, book your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with us today and experience one of Nepal’s most rewarding Himalayan adventures.

Contact us today to check availability and start planning your trek.