Details:
duration: 4 days
maximum elevation: Poon Hill – 3,210 m (10,531 ft)
starting point: Pokhara
ending point: Pokhara
total trekking distance: approximately 37 km
trek grade: easy to moderate
accommodation: mountain tea houses/lodges
best seasons: spring (March–May) & autumn (September–November)
permits required: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) & TIMS Card
Trip Highlights
- Witness the world-famous sunrise from Poon Hill (3,210 m).
- Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South.
- Trek through vibrant rhododendron forests and picturesque Himalayan villages.
- Experience authentic Gurung and Magar culture.
- Ideal short trek for travelers with limited time seeking the best Himalayan views.
Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara (822 m) – Birethanti (1,025 m) – Ulleri (2,050 m)
- Drive Duration: 1.5–2 hours by jeep
- Trek Distance: Approximately 10 km
- Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +1,025 m
- Overnight: Tea House in Ulleri
Your adventure begins with a scenic jeep drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, the gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area. After completing the permit check, the trail follows the beautiful Bhurungdi Khola through charming villages, terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and rhododendron forests.
Passing through Tikhedhunga, you will climb the famous stone staircase of more than 3,000 steps to reach Ulleri, a traditional Magar village offering spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Overnight at a comfortable mountain lodge in Ulleri.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive from Pokhara
- Traditional Gurung and Magar villages
- Beautiful waterfalls and terraced rice fields
- Famous Ulleri stone staircase
- Stunning mountain sunset views
Day 2: Ulleri (2,050 m) – Ghorepani (2,874 m)
- Distance: Approximately 9 km
- Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +824 m
- Overnight: Tea House in Ghorepani
Today’s trail gradually climbs through one of Nepal’s most beautiful rhododendron forests. During spring (March–April), the forest bursts into vibrant red, pink, and white blossoms, making this section especially spectacular.
The route passes Banthanti and Nangethanti before arriving at Ghorepani, a lively mountain village surrounded by magnificent Himalayan peaks. Enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Highlights:
- Dense rhododendron and oak forests
- Himalayan wildlife and birdlife
- Traditional tea houses
- Panoramic mountain views
- Beautiful sunset over the Annapurna range
Day 3: Sunrise at Poon Hill (3,210 m) – Ghorepani – Tadapani (2,630 m)
- Distance: Approximately 12 km
- Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
- Highest Elevation: 3,210 m (Poon Hill)
- Final Elevation: 2,630 m
- Overnight: Tea House in Tadapani
Wake up before dawn for a memorable hike to Poon Hill, one of Nepal’s most famous sunrise viewpoints. The 45–60 minute climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of more than twenty Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Lamjung Himal.
After enjoying the sunrise and photography, return to Ghorepani for breakfast before continuing through lush forests and scenic ridges to Tadapani, a peaceful village surrounded by dense forests and spectacular mountain scenery.
Highlights:
- Spectacular sunrise from Poon Hill
- 360° Himalayan panorama
- Rhododendron forests
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Peaceful overnight stay in Tadapani
Day 4: Tadapani (2,630 m) – Ghandruk (1,940 m) – Pokhara (822 m)
- Trek Distance: Approximately 6 km
- Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
- Drive Duration: 2.5–3 hours by jeep
- Elevation Loss: -690
The final day begins with a pleasant downhill walk through lush forests to the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk, one of the largest and most picturesque villages in the Annapurna region. Explore the traditional stone houses, visit the Gurung Museum (optional), and enjoy close-up views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.
After lunch, board a jeep for a scenic drive back to Pokhara, where your unforgettable Poon Hill Trek concludes.
Highlights:
- Traditional Gurung culture
Magnificent Annapurna mountain views
Stone-paved village streets
Scenic drive back to Pokhara
