Poon Hill Trek Guide 2027: Route, Permits, Best Season and Cost
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the gentlest way to see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges up close. The route stays below about 3,300 meters, the walking days are short, and you sleep in simple lodges every night. That makes it one of the best first treks in Nepal, and a good choice if you have only a week or so.
The short version
- Highest point: Poon Hill, about 3,210 m
- Trekking days: four, roughly 40 to 45 km on foot
- Difficulty: easy to moderate. The challenge is stone steps, not altitude
- Best seasons: March to May and October to November
- Our price: from US$594 per person for the 9-day plan, including Kathmandu and Pokhara
The route, day by day
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m). We meet you at the airport, take you to your hotel and hold a short briefing on the trek and gear.
Day 2: Drive or fly to Pokhara (820 m). Pokhara sits beside Phewa Lake and is the starting point for the Annapurna region. The road takes most of a day. A flight is shorter and can free time for rest.
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri (about 2,070 m). The trail follows the Modi Khola valley, then climbs the long stone staircase above Tikhedhunga. This is the hardest climb of the trek, and a good warm-up for what follows.
Day 4: Ulleri to Ghorepani (about 2,860 m). You walk through old rhododendron forest to Ghorepani, a busy lodge village on a pass where several trails meet.
Day 5: Poon Hill sunrise, then Tadapani. You climb before dawn to Poon Hill (about 3,210 m) for the sunrise over Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhare. After breakfast you continue along forested ridges to Tadapani (about 2,600 m).
Day 6: Tadapani to Ghandruk (about 1,940 m). Ghandruk is a large Gurung village of stone houses and slate roofs, with a small museum.
Day 7: Ghandruk to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara. The last walk is downhill, then you drive back to Pokhara.
Day 8: Return to Kathmandu. Day 9: Departure.
Times and altitudes are approximate and change with pace, lodge choice and weather. Poon Hill can be cloudy at sunrise. If your schedule allows, we can try a second morning.
Permits
For the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek you normally need an Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card. Published fees have been about NPR 3,000 for the ACAP permit and about NPR 3,000 for a TIMS card booked through an agency, but fees and rules change, so please check the current amounts with us before you travel. We arrange both permits for our guests. A licensed guide is usually required in the conservation area, and we recommend one on this trail even where it is not strictly required.
Best time to go
October and November bring clear skies and the best mountain views. March to May is warm, and the rhododendron forests bloom red and pink, especially in spring. June to August is monsoon, with rain and leeches. December to February is cold, with snow around Ghorepani and some closed or quiet lodges.
How hard is it?
It is easy to moderate. There is no thin air, but there are many stone steps, mostly on Day 3 and Day 4, and the descent to Ghandruk is hard on the knees. Good boots, trekking poles and warm layers for the cold morning at Ghorepani make a real difference. You carry only a daypack.
What does it cost?
Our 9-day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek starts from US$594 per person. That is about US$66 per day, which is on the low end for a fully guided and organized trek, because the route is short, low and uses simple lodges. Prices depend on group size and season, and we confirm the final price when you enquire. A 20% deposit secures your booking.
Who is it for?
First-time trekkers, families with older children, and anyone with a short holiday. If you want more days and bigger mountains, Mardi Himal or Annapurna Base Camp are the natural next steps.
Ready to plan it? Message us on WhatsApp +81 70 2232 4287, or send an enquiry from the package page.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is the Poon Hill trek?
Our plan takes 9 days including Kathmandu and Pokhara, with four days of walking.
How high is Poon Hill?
Poon Hill is at about 3,210 m, and the whole route stays below about 3,300 m.
Is the Poon Hill trek good for beginners?
Yes. The days are short and the altitude is moderate. The hard part is the long stone staircases, not the height.
How much does the Poon Hill trek cost?
Our 9-day trek starts from US$594 per person, about US$66 per day, with a 20% deposit to book.
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