Poon Hill Trek
🏠 Sacred Trails · Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu
The Poon Hill Trek is Nepal’s most popular short trek — and for good reason. This compact 6-day journey through the Annapurna foothills rewards trekkers with some of the most spectacular sunrise Himalayan panoramas in the world, without the physical demands of longer, high-altitude routes. If you have limited time in Nepal or are new to trekking, Poon Hill is the perfect introduction to the Himalayas.
The centrepiece of the trek is Poon Hill (3,210m) — a legendary viewpoint above the village of Ghorepani where, on a clear morning, you can witness the sunrise illuminating a stunning arc of over a dozen snow-capped peaks. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the world’s seventh-highest mountain, dominates the western horizon, while Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and the iconic fishtail peak of Machapuchare (6,993m) glow in the early light.
The trail winds through charming Magar and Gurung villages, dense rhododendron and oak forests that are spectacular in spring bloom, and traditional mountain settlements where Nepali culture remains beautifully intact. Poon Hill is suitable for all ages, families with older children, and anyone seeking a genuine Himalayan experience in just a few days.
Trip Highlights
- ✓Views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South & Machapuchare
- ✓Trek through spectacular rhododendron forests (beautiful in spring)
- ✓Visit the classic Gurung village of Ghandruk
- ✓Short & accessible — perfect for first-time trekkers and families
- ✓No technical difficulty — suitable for anyone with basic fitness
- ✓Year-round trekking destination
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Your Sacred Trails guide will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to our homestay in Budhanilkantha. Enjoy a briefing on the trek, equipment check, and permit preparation. Overnight at Sacred Trails Homestay, Kathmandu.
Travel to Pokhara (820m) by tourist bus (7 hrs) or a quick 25-minute mountain flight. Drive onward to Nayapul (1,070m) — the trek start. Walk along the Modi Khola river through Birethanti to Tikhedhunga. Trek Duration: 2–3 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Today's climb involves the famous 3,000+ stone steps up to Ulleri (2,070m) — the steepest section of the entire trek. Above Ulleri the trail enters magnificent rhododendron and oak forest all the way to the ridge-top village of Ghorepani with its first views of the high Himalayas. Trek Duration: 5–6 hours.
Rise at 4:30am for the 45-minute hike up to Poon Hill (3,210m). Watch the sunrise slowly illuminate the full arc of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in shades of gold and pink — this is one of the most photographed mountain sunrises in the world. Return to Ghorepani for a hot breakfast, then trek through rhododendron forest to Tadapani. Trek Duration: 4–5 hours.
Descend through forest to the beautiful traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk (1,940m), one of the largest Gurung settlements in Nepal, with a community museum and sweeping valley views. Descend further to Kimche and take a short drive back to Pokhara. Evening at leisure at Phewa Lake. Trek Duration: 3–4 hours.
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. Farewell at Sacred Trails Homestay. Airport transfer for your departure. Trek complete — congratulations!
✓ What's Included
- ✓Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- ✓Accommodation at Sacred Trails Homestay (Kathmandu nights)
- ✓Kathmandu–Pokhara transport (tourist bus or flight as per package)
- ✓Pokhara–Nayapul–Pokhara private vehicle transfers
- ✓All required trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS Card)
- ✓Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓Porter service (shared basis, 1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ✓Teahouse accommodation during all trekking days
- ✓Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking days
- ✓Trekking map and Sacred Trails duffel bag
- ✓First aid kit
- ✓Government taxes and service charges
✕ Not Included
- ✕International flights
- ✕Nepal visa fees (approx. USD $30–$50 on arrival)
- ✕Travel insurance
- ✕Personal trekking gear and clothing
- ✕Hot showers, WiFi, and battery charging fees at teahouses
- ✕Personal expenses, snacks, and drinks
- ✕Tips for guides and porters (customary and appreciated)
Required Permits
- 📄 ACAP — Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- 📄 TIMS Card — Trekkers' Information Management System
ℹ Permit fees included. We arrange all permits on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Poon Hill is the most beginner-friendly major trek in Nepal. The trails are clear and well-signposted, teahouses are frequent and comfortable, and the maximum altitude of 3,210m is safe for most healthy adults. If you can walk for 5–6 hours, you can do this trek.
Children aged 8 and above with basic fitness can complete Poon Hill comfortably. It is one of the most family-friendly treks in Nepal. The main challenge is the steep stone steps on Day 3, but most children handle this well with a slow and steady pace.
February to April, especially March, when the forests are covered in spectacular pink, red, and white rhododendron blooms. The trail from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani is one of the most beautiful rhododendron walks in Nepal during this period.
On a clear morning, you can see 20+ Himalayan peaks including two 8,000m mountains — Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m) — glowing in the rising sun. It is consistently rated one of the best sunrise viewpoints in the world and the main reason trekkers come to Poon Hill.
A licensed guide is required by Nepali trekking regulations (since 2023). Our guides are certified, experienced, English-speaking locals who significantly improve your safety, experience, and cultural understanding of the region.
You will stay at Sacred Trails Homestay in Kathmandu and comfortable teahouses during all trekking days. Teahouses provide private or twin rooms, blankets, and restaurant facilities with a wide menu including Nepali dal bhat, pasta, soups, and more.
The minimum comfortable version is 5 days (skipping the Ghandruk extension). We do not recommend rushing as the Poon Hill sunrise experience is the highlight and requires the overnight at Ghorepani.
Yes. Popular extensions include adding the full Annapurna Base Camp trek (return to Ghandruk and continue into the sanctuary) or the Khopra Ridge side trip. Private departures on any date are also available.
Traveller Reviews
I am fully satisfied with my stay at Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay. The hospitality was outstanding from the moment I arrived until my departure. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the peaceful environment made my stay very relaxing. The hosts were incredibly friendly, caring, and always ready to help with anything I needed. The beautiful views, delicious breakfast, and warm family atmosphere truly made me feel at home. This is the perfect place for anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and genuine Nepali hospitality. I highly recommend Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay to all travelers visiting Kathmandu. I will definitely stay here again on my next visit.I am fully satisfied with my stay at Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay. The hospitality was outstanding from the moment I arrived until my departure. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the peaceful environment made my stay very relaxing. The hosts were incredibly friendly, caring, and always ready to help with anything I needed. The beautiful views, delicious breakfast, and warm family atmosphere truly made me feel at home. This is the perfect place for anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and genuine Nepali hospitality. I highly recommend Sacred Trails Kathmandu Homestay to all travelers visiting Kathmandu. I will definitely stay here again on my next visit.
Kind, flexible, clean rooms, modern amenities, hot shower, quiet. Great stay. With pathao and indrive apps it is easy to reaxh and depart from.
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