Poon Hill Trek Guide and FAQs
Published: June 9, 2023
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Introduction
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a circuit in the lower part of the Annapurna Range. The highlight is reaching the summit viewpoint of Poon Hill itself at sunrise and seeing the panoramic views of the famous Annapurna region, including Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare, and Manaslu.
Trekkers will have a deep impression of this region as the trail travels through rhododendron forest, terraced slopes, paddy fields, and lush vegetation. The warm welcome of the local Gurung and Magar villages is equally enjoyable. Ghorepani itself is a village in central Nepal at an elevation of approximately 2874 meters (9429 ft) within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
This trek is also known as the Annapurna Sunrise Trek, and it includes the famous challenge at Ulleri, where there are more than 3000 stone steps to ascend. There are also the hot springs at Jhinu to enjoy after a day’s hike and time spent in the colorful, vibrant town of Pokhara, just five hours by road from Kathmandu.
Poon Hill trek route overview
- Distance: 40 km/25 mi
- Time: 3–4 days
- Permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Sanctuary permit required.
- Guide: It is compulsory to have a licensed guide.
- Starting point: Nayapul, 2 hours by bus from Pokhara.
- Finishing point: Ghandruk
- Highest point: Poon Hill Peak (3131 m).
- Total ascent: 3000 m
- Total descent: 1996 m
- Average cost: US$25–30 per person per day.
- Accommodation: guesthouses
- Food: Nepali, Chinese, and Western
Highlights of the Trek:
• Undisturbed view of the Himalayan ranges, including Nilgiri, Macchapuchhare, Annapurna, Lamjung, and Dhaulagiri
• Exploring the classic, unchanged culture of the Magar and Gurung communities
• Pass through the vibrant forests filled with rhododendron, the national flower, and enjoy the beauty of what nature has to offer.
• Be prepared for one of the most photogenic places ever.
• A feeling of achievement, of your desires being fulfilled, is something that you can expect from this stress-relieving trip.
• Having a calming view of the sunrise among the Himalayan ranges from Poon Hill makes you feel grateful about your decision to choose the Poon Hill Trek.
• One of the major attractions is having a relaxed trip and soaking up the typical local Nepalese vibes.
Poon Hill Trek FAQs
How long is the Poon Hill trek?
The total distance of the Poon Hill trek is 40 km (25 mi). You need 3–4 days on average to complete the route.
How difficult is the Poon Hill trek?
The Poon Hill Trek is a moderate hike that doesn’t require any mountaineering experience. It’s one of the easiest multi-day treks in the Annapurna region. Poon Hill is still a physically demanding trek because of the 3000-meter ascent that you tackle over two days. It’s a good route to do as an acclimatization hike before attempting one of the more challenging treks in the region.
Where is the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, specifically in the north-central part of the country. The trek begins and ends in the city of Pokhara, which is about 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. The trail takes you through beautiful forests, quaint villages, and up to Poon Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Do I need a guide for the Poon Hill trek?
Yes, from April 1, 2023, it’s compulsory for all international trekkers to hire a guide for hiking most routes in Nepal. The best way to find a good, reliable guide is through one of the trekking agencies in Pokhara or Kathmandu. The average price is US$20 per day for a porter and US$25 per day for a guide. You can share one guide or porter between a couple of people.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek costs
Our total budget breakdown for 4 days, per person
TIMS card: NPR 2000/US$15
Annapurna Sanctuary permit: NPR 3000/US$23
Guide: US$25 per day can be divided between several hikers.
Accommodation: NPR 800/US$6 (3 nights)
Transport: NPR 1700/US$13
Food: NPR 5 000/US$ 38
Is there electricity to charge my camera and phone?
Yes, most of the tea houses and lodges along the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek have electricity, and you can charge your camera and phone. However, keep in mind that charging facilities are limited and may not always be available or reliable. The lodges typically charge a fee for the use of electrical outlets, and the price can vary depending on the location and time of year. It’s also important to note that during peak trekking seasons, the charging outlets can be in high demand, and you may need to wait in line to charge your devices. We recommend bringing a power bank or portable charger as a backup in case of power outages or limited charging facilities.
What kinds of foods are available during the Ghorepani Poon hill trek?
During the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, you can expect to find a variety of foods in the teahouses and lodges along the trail. Some of the popular food items that are available include:
Dal Bhat is a traditional Nepali meal consisting of steamed rice, lentil soup, and vegetables.
Momos are a type of Nepali dumpling filled with meat or vegetables.
Chow Mein is a dish made with stir-fried noodles and vegetables.
Fried rice is a dish made with fried rice and vegetables.
Thukpa is a noodle soup with vegetables or meat.
Pizza is a popular item in the tea houses, with a Nepali twist.
Porridge is a warm breakfast dish made from grains and milk, often with added fruits or nuts.
Eggs are cooked in various ways, including omelets, boiled, or fried.
It’s also important to note that the availability of certain food items may vary depending on the season and location of the tea house, so it’s a good idea to ask your guide or the teahouse owner for recommendations based on what’s available.
Is there a hospital or clinic during the Ghorepani Poon hill trek?
Yes, there is a primary health center located at Ghorepani. This clinic provides basic medical care, including treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, as well as medical advice and assistance. It is important to keep in mind that this clinic may not be equipped to handle more serious medical issues, and in those situations, visitors may need to seek medical assistance in a larger city.
Do the tea houses provide Wi-Fi services and a hot shower?
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek routes offer Wi-Fi and hot showers, but the quality and availability can vary. It’s best to ask at each tea house for details and prices, as availability may be affected by weather conditions.
When is the best time for the Poon Hill trek?
The best time for the Poon Hill trek is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is stable, clear, and temperatures are mild. The monsoon and winter seasons are not ideal, but with proper gear and preparation, it is still possible.
What is the shortest time to finish the Poon hill trek?
The shortest time to finish the Poon Hill trek is 2–3 days. The trek goes through Ghorepani Poon Hill and typically takes around 11 days to reach Annapurna Base Camp and come back to the starting point. However, some trekkers may opt for a shorter route that can be completed within 2-4 days.