Overview
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is what most people picture when they imagine a classic Nepal trekking holiday, minus the part where it takes three weeks. It sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area, on a route that has been welcoming trekkers since the country first opened its trails to outsiders in the 1970s.
The trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then climbs through Tikhedhunga and the famous stone staircase to Ulleri, on through thick rhododendron forest to the mountain village of Ghorepani.
From there, an early morning walk leads up to Poon Hill at 3,210 metres for one of Nepal’s most celebrated sunrise views, with Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range lighting up in gold. The trail then descends through forest toward Ghandruk, a Gurung village known for its stone-paved streets, before returning to Pokhara.
What makes this trek so enduringly popular is how much reward it delivers for so little time and effort.
In just four days from Pokhara, trekkers reach one of the most photographed sunrise viewpoints in the world, without the altitude risk or long approach marches that longer Annapurna treks require.
Because the route stays below 3,300 metres throughout, it also suits families, older trekkers, and complete first-timers, making it one of the most accessible introductions to Himalayan trekking anywhere in Nepal.
Permits for this trek are issued under Nepal’s Department of Immigration Trekking Permit system, alongside the Manaslu Conservation Area Permit.
If you have more time, consider extending into the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and for another short, accessible trek near Pokhara, see our Mardi Himal Trek
Highlights
- Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and start the trek up through Tikhedhunga and Ulleri
- Climb the famous stone staircase out of Tikhedhunga, more than 3,000 steps leading up to Ulleri
- Walk through thick rhododendron forest above Ulleri, brightest with red and pink flowers in spring
- Arrive at Ghorepani, a mountain village at 2,874m surrounded by peaks
- Wake up early to walk 45 minutes up to Poon Hill at 3,210m
- Watch the sunrise light up Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna peaks in gold Walk down through forest from Ghorepani toward Ghandruk
- Explore Ghandruk, known for its stone-paved streets, a small Gurung museum, and friendly locals
