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The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a short, low-altitude Annapurna foothills trek that climbs to a famous sunrise viewpoint at 3,210 m. Alliance Treks’ standard package is 9 days from Kathmandu (4 days walking), and costs from $425 per person for groups of 11 or more, with permits, a licensed guide and gear included. It’s graded easy to moderate, suits first-timers and families, and is best in March to May and September to November. At dawn from Poon Hill, you see Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri and Hiunchuli.
This Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: Ultimate Guide covers every route option, the day-by-day itinerary, the sunrise climb, difficulty, cost, permits, the best time to go, a packing list, comparisons with other Annapurna treks, and answers to the questions first-timers ask most.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Poon Hill, 3,210 m |
| Highest overnight stop | Ghorepani, about 2,874 m |
| Alliance Treks package | 9 days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu (4 days walking) |
| Starting point | Nayapul, 1.5 hours by road from Pokhara |
| Ending point | Kimche, then back to Pokhara |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Best seasons | March to May, September to November |
| Permits | ACAP and TIMS (arranged for you) |
| Guide | Required in the Annapurna Conservation Area in 2026 |
| Price from (11+ group) | $425 per person |
| Signature moment | Sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges |
Ghorepani is a ridge-top village in the Annapurna Conservation Area, and its name is usually translated as “horse water,” a reference to the muleteers who once watered their animals here. Poon Hill is a viewpoint about an hour’s walk above it. The trek follows stone-paved trails through terraced farms, oak and rhododendron forest and Magar and Gurung villages, climbing steadily to Ghorepani, then up to Poon Hill before dawn.
The trek is popular for good reasons. It’s short, the altitude is low enough that mountain sickness is uncommon, teahouses are frequent, and the sunrise view rivals those from treks that take twice as long. It’s a natural first Himalayan trek, and you’ll see why many trekkers return later for Annapurna Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit.
| Option | Length | Route | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill (Kathmandu package) | 9 days | Nayapul, Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Tadapani, Ghandruk, Kimche | A complete trip with Kathmandu sightseeing |
| Poon Hill Trekking from Pokhara | 4 days | A shorter loop starting in Pokhara | Travelers already in Pokhara or short on time |
| Annapurna Foothills Trek | 6 days | Tolka, Ghandruk, Banthanti, Ghorepani (Poon Hill on day 5), Hile | A different route with more village time |
| Khopra Ridge Trek | 7 to 9 days | Climbs beyond Ghorepani toward Khopra | A quieter alternative with big views |
| Gurung Heritage Trek | Varies | Gurung villages and culture | Cultural immersion |
| Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp | 10 to 12 days | Combines Poon Hill with the Sanctuary | Custom itinerary; ask the team |
Shorter two- and three-day versions also exist, but they involve long days and less time to acclimatize and enjoy the villages.
| Day | Route | Altitude (approx.) | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | 1,325 m | n/a | Airport pickup and trek briefing |
| 2 | Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation | 1,325 m | Full day | Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath |
| 3 | Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara | 822 m | 6 to 7 hours | Tourist bus, free afternoon by Phewa Lake |
| 4 | Drive to Nayapul, trek to Ulleri | 2,070 m | 3 to 4 hours | Long stone staircase through Tikhedhunga |
| 5 | Ulleri to Ghorepani | 2,874 m | 5 to 8 hours | Rhododendron and oak forest |
| 6 | Poon Hill sunrise, then Tadapani | 3,210 m, then 2,630 m | 7 to 9 hours | The trek’s biggest day |
| 7 | Tadapani to Ghandruk and Kimche, drive to Pokhara | 822 m | 4 to 5 hours walking | Gurung villages, slate-roofed houses |
| 8 | Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu | 1,325 m | 6 to 7 hours | Return |
| 9 | Departure | n/a | n/a | Airport transfer |
Altitudes and times vary slightly by source and by your pace.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When do you leave? | Between about 4:30 and 5:30 AM, depending on the season. Your guide sets the time |
| How long is the climb? | 45 to 60 minutes on a steady, well-marked uphill trail |
| What do you see? | Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and Tukuche Peak |
| How crowded is it? | Busy in peak season, so arrive early for a good spot |
| What to bring | Headlamp, warm layers, gloves, hat, camera, water and a snack |
The standard itinerary gives you one sunrise slot. If the morning is cloudy, ask your guide whether the schedule allows a second try. For other sunrise spots in the region, see our guide to the best places in Nepal for sunrise and sunset.
It’s graded easy to moderate. There’s no technical climbing, and the highest overnight stop is below 3,000 m, so serious altitude sickness is uncommon. The challenge is the stone steps, which are hard on the knees, and the long Day 6. Read our guide to how difficult the Poon Hill trek is for a full breakdown.
| Factor | What to know |
|---|---|
| Daily walking | 3 to 9 hours, depending on the day |
| Terrain | Stone steps, forest paths and village trails |
| Hardest day | Day 6, with the pre-dawn climb and a long walk to Tadapani |
| Altitude risk | Low, but still follow normal precautions |
| Fitness needed | Basic. Regular walking or light cardio for a few weeks helps |
A few weeks of walking, stair climbing and practice hikes in your boots is enough for most people. For more on first treks in general, see our guide to trekking for beginners in Nepal.
Alliance Treks’ published prices for the 9-day package, per person:
| Group size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $776 |
| 2 to 5 people | $506 |
| 6 to 10 people | $485 |
| 11 or more | $425 |
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Hotel nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara, with breakfast | Lunch and dinner |
| Kathmandu sightseeing | Dedicated porter (optional) |
| Tourist bus and private transfers | Hot showers, charging and personal expenses |
| Licensed guide, with one porter shared by two trekkers | Tips |
| ACAP and TIMS permits | Travel insurance and Nepal visa |
| Returnable down sleeping bag, down jacket, kit bag and poles | International flights |
Departures are guaranteed on set dates throughout the season. For a full breakdown, see our Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek cost guide, and for tipping, see how much to tip your guide and porter.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) | Required, arranged by your agency |
| TIMS | Trekker registration, arranged by your agency |
| Approximate cost | About $50 combined in 2026 (confirm with your agency) |
| Guide | Alliance Treks states solo foreign trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area is prohibited in 2026 |
| Passport and visa | Valid passport and a Nepal visa ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days) |
| Insurance | Recommended, with emergency evacuation cover |
See our guides to Nepal trekking permits in 2026, mandatory guides in Nepal and the Annapurna Conservation Area.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to May | Rhododendrons bloom, usually in March and April, with warm days and good morning views |
| Autumn | September to November | Clearest skies and the most stable weather; the busiest season |
| Winter | December to February | Cold, quiet, and snow around Ghorepani at times; the sunrise is often sharp and clear |
| Monsoon | June to August | Rain, leeches, and cloud; the least recommended time |
October and November give you the clearest views, while March and April add the rhododendron bloom. In any season, mornings are usually the clearest, so plan the sunrise climb for first light.
The route runs through Magar and Gurung villages, with stone houses, terraced fields and a long tradition of service in Gurkha regiments. Many lodges are family-run, so staying in them supports local households. The forests above Ulleri are among Nepal’s best for rhododendron, the national flower, mixed with oak and bamboo. Wildlife is mostly shy: langur monkeys are common, and you may see pheasants, and very rarely a Himalayan black bear or musk deer. Dal bhat is the staple meal, usually with free refills.
| Category | Key items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Moisture-wicking layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell, hat and gloves |
| Feet | Broken-in waterproof boots, camp shoes, 3 to 4 pairs of wool socks |
| Gear | Trekking poles, headlamp (essential for sunrise), water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen |
| Sleeping | Alliance Treks lends a returnable sleeping bag, down jacket and poles |
| Health | First-aid kit, blister care, personal medicines |
| Extras | Power bank, cash in small notes (no ATMs on the trail), a small daypack |
For a full list, use our Annapurna Base Camp packing list, which also works for Poon Hill. Poon Hill is lower and warmer, so you can skip the heaviest layers.
| Trek | Length | Highest point | Difficulty | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | 4 to 9 days | 3,210 m | Easy to moderate | High | First-timers, families, sunrise |
| Mardi Himal Trek | 5 to 9 days | About 4,500 m | Moderate | Lower | Quiet ridge, close mountain views |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 7 to 12 days | 4,130 m | Moderate | High | Classic Sanctuary trek |
| Annapurna Circuit | 10 to 18 days | 5,416 m | Challenging | Moderate to high | Variety and a high pass |
Still deciding? Read our comparison of Mardi Himal vs Ghorepani Poon Hill, our breakdown of Annapurna Base Camp vs Annapurna Circuit, or our guide to 5-day vs 10-day vs 17-day treks. For every route in the country, see our Nepal trekking guide.
Alliance Treks’ standard package is 9 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with 4 days of walking. A 4-day version starts in Pokhara.
3,210 m (10,531 ft). The highest overnight stop, Ghorepani, is about 2,874 m.
Easy to moderate. There’s no technical climbing, but the stone steps and the long Day 6 take effort.
Dhaulagiri I, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli and Tukuche Peak. Everest is not visible.
March to May and September to November. Rhododendrons bloom in spring, and autumn gives the clearest skies.
With Alliance Treks, $425 per person for groups of 11 or more, $506 for 2 to 5 people and $776 for a solo trekker. Lunch and dinner are extra.
Yes. Alliance Treks states that solo foreign trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area is prohibited in 2026. Confirm the latest rule with your agency.
ACAP and TIMS, which Alliance Treks arranges for you.
Yes. It’s one of Nepal’s most beginner-friendly treks, with comfortable teahouses and a manageable pace.
It’s uncommon, since the highest point is 3,210 m, but follow normal precautions and tell your guide about any symptoms.
Yes. The 2026 floods struck the Rasuwa (Langtang) and Budhi Gandaki (Manaslu) valleys, not the Ghorepani trail. Confirm conditions with your agency before travel.
Yes, with a custom itinerary of about 10 to 12 days. Ask Alliance Treks to build it for you.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek gives you a big Himalayan sunrise, village culture and forest walking in a short, forgiving format. It’s a first trek that people remember, and a good test of whether longer routes are for you. Choose the 9-day package for a complete trip, the 4-day Pokhara version for speed, or one of the longer foothills routes for more time in the villages.
Alliance Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. runs the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Poon Hill Trekking from Pokhara, Annapurna Foothills Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek, with licensed guides, permits handled and guaranteed departures through December 2026. Read a review from our happy client who visited recently: Review by Katharine T
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