Poon Hill
A short, classic trek in the Annapurna region — Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forest and a sunrise climb of Poon Hill for the panorama across Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas.
A short, classic trek in the Annapurna foothills
Poon Hill is the most popular short trek in Nepal — a long weekend's walk through Gurung and Magar villages, rhododendron forest and terraced foothills to a sunrise viewpoint that opens onto Dhaulagiri, the full Annapurna range and the fishtail summit of Machhapuchhre.
It's a strong choice for travellers with limited time, first-time trekkers, families with older kids, or anyone who wants the Himalayan experience without committing to the longer days and higher altitudes of Everest Base Camp, Manaslu or Annapurna Base Camp.
How we plan it
Nepal Nexus builds your Poon Hill plan around your dates, fitness and travel style. Ram Prasad Tripathi and the team look at how many days you have, your trekking experience and the season before suggesting the right pace and side-trips.
For most travellers that means a careful itinerary out of Pokhara with one night each at Ulleri, Ghorepani and Tadapani, an early-morning climb of Poon Hill for sunrise, and a relaxed descent through Ghandruk back to the lakeside.
Who it suits
Poon Hill suits first-time trekkers who want a short Himalayan walk without the EBC or ABC altitude profile, families with older kids or grandparents joining, returning travellers with limited time, and anyone who wants to combine a few trail days with Pokhara, Chitwan or a wider Nepal trip.
It also pairs well with longer routes. Tell us your dates and we'll help you decide whether the standard 7-day loop, a slower version, or a Poon Hill + Annapurna Base Camp combination makes the most sense.
7 days, step by step.
Every distance, lodge and rest day is adjustable to your pace. This is the starting sketch.
Airport pickup, transfer to a heritage hotel in Thamel, evening welcome briefing with your guide and a permit check.
OVERNIGHT · KATHMANDUScenic drive (6–7 hrs) west out of Kathmandu along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers to Pokhara. Quiet evening on Phewa lakeside before the trail starts.
OVERNIGHT · POKHARAShort morning drive to the trailhead at Nayapul, then walk through riverside villages and the long stone staircase up to Ulleri — a steep introduction to the trail.
OVERNIGHT · ULLERIClimb gently through rhododendron forest (spectacular in spring) past Banthanti and Nangethanti to the ridge village of Ghorepani, set below the Poon Hill viewpoint.
OVERNIGHT · GHOREPANIPre-dawn climb to Poon Hill (3,210 m) for sunrise on Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhre, then descend through forest and waterfalls to Tadapani.
OVERNIGHT · TADAPANIEasy descent through the Gurung village of Ghandruk — terraced fields, slate-roofed houses and a small museum — then a short drive back to Pokhara for a hot shower.
OVERNIGHT · POKHARADrive back to Kathmandu (6–7 hrs) or upgrade to a 25-min mountain flight. Afternoon free for last-minute Thamel shopping or a Boudhanath stupa visit before departure.
OVERNIGHT · KATHMANDU
Transparent line items, no surprises.
- Private trekking guide for the full trek
- Porter support based on group size and route plan
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and TIMS card guidance and paperwork support
- Kathmandu–Pokhara and trailhead ground transport planning as agreed in your proposal
- Teahouse accommodation on the trail as agreed in your proposal
- Meals on the trail as agreed in your proposal
- Pre-trek briefing, gear advice and route preparation
- Basic first-aid support carried by the guide team
- Arrival and local transfer support as agreed
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance covering trekking and emergency evacuation
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless stated in your proposal
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal drinks, snacks, charging, Wi-Fi and hot showers on the trail
- Optional Kathmandu–Pokhara domestic flight upgrade
- Extra costs caused by weather, road conditions or personal itinerary changes
A feel for the route, before you decide.
Use these route images as planning context. Ask us any questions about terrain, lodges, weather or daily walking time.
A walk through Annapurna.
Topographic profile across 7 days. Rest days appear as plateaus; summit days as peaks. Every line is on foot.
Pick a date, or set your own.
Tell us your preferred dates and we'll confirm the best available window for your route and group.
Walk the Poon Hill with us.
Tell us your dates and we'll draft a custom itinerary within 48 hours — written for your route, pace and travel style. No card needed to start.
