Group Size
Min 1 Max 12
Duration
10 Days
Grade
Max. Altitude
3,210m/10,532ft
Activity
Trekking in Nepal
Accomodation
Must-See Annapurna Poonhill Trek Highlights
- A trek to the famous peaceful hill station – Poonhill.
- Majestic panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Hiunchuli.
- Witness the enchanting sunrise and stunning sunset from Poon Hill.
- Explore traditional villages and beautiful landscapes throughout the Annapurna region.
- Climb the popular stone stairs in Ulleri village.
- Visit the unique and beautiful Gurung culture in Ghandruk.
Annapurna Poonhill Trek Overview
Annapurna Poonhill Trek is a perfect trip for newbies and families with kids who seek a first-time entry into the gentle wild. If you are short on time but still want your loved ones to enjoy the thrilling wilderness in its gentler form amid some lovely natural surroundings with enticing mountain landscapes, get set for a trip that offers all of this and even more.
Annapurna Poon Hill, also known as 'mini Annapurna Circuit', is a popular trek in Nepal, especially among backpackers seeking peace in the Himalayas. The highest point you reach is 3,210 meters. A key part of the trip is visiting Poon Hill early in the morning to see a beautiful sunrise over the mountains. From there, you can view the Himalayas stretching north towards Tibet, west towards the Dhaulagiri range, and east, showcasing the Annapurna range.
The trail of Annapurna Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek winds through the rhododendron forest and the traditional villages of Ghandruk, home to Gurkha soldiers serving in the Indian and British armies. It’s a great opportunity to experience the culture of the Nepalese countryside. As we hike, we’re greeted by stunning views of the Annapurna Ranges and the sacred Mount Fishtail. This trek is relatively easy, requiring moderate fitness, and is an excellent introduction to more challenging treks in the future.
10 Days Annapurna Poonhill Trek Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage at the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Please look out for a placard for Highland Expeditions at the exit of the arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served, and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street
Accommodation:
Hotel
Max Elevation:
1,350m/4,430ft
Fly to Pokhara & explore
After breakfast, we hop on a twenty-minute flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu airport. During the flight, the views from your window seat will give you a mesmerizing panorama of the glorious Manaslu and the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range.
We reach our hotel, refresh & get familiar with our surroundings. We can go for a stroll down the fewa lake & also do some boating. We could also visit Davis Fall and the Peace Stupa. The city of lakes, Pokhara, is a wonderful city to explore. Overnight at your hotel
Meals:
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation:
Hotel
Max Elevation:
827m/2,714ft
Drive to Nayapul and trek to Ulleri
On day 3 of the trek, we drove to Naya Pul to start our trek. From Naya Pul, we follow the south bank of the river. After several hours, we passed through subtropical valley forests, sometimes on the carved trail on the side of the cliff. After lunch, we cross the Modi Khola stream via a suspension bridge to the village of Tikhedhunga. We trekked further along the trail, which was quite steep at times. We will reach Ulleri by late afternoon for overnight.
Meals:
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation:
Teahouse / Lodge
Duration:
5-6 hrs
Max Elevation:
2,050m/6,726ft
Trek to Ghorepani
The hike to Poon Hill continues as we make our ascent to the Ghorepani village. The name Ghorepani in Nepali means a place with a water trough for resting weary horses, owing to its role as an important campsite for traders before it became a trekker’s stop, too, for a breather.
Ghorepani is an interesting place with small shops and stalls selling local products and handicrafts. The town has two parts: one in a saddle-like shape and the other a few hundred feet lower. Since Ghorepani lies quite higher than our previous stop, we begin to get the first feelings of the chilly weather down here, especially in the evenings. Overnight in Ghorepani
Meals:
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation:
Teahouse / Lodge
Duration:
6-7 hrs
Max Elevation:
2,750m/9,033ft
Hike up to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani
Today is a special day because we reach the top of Poon Hill, an icon of the Annapurna region. We climb the steep trail to the viewpoint of Poon Hill (3210mtrs). The efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of Machhapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the Annapurnas.
After taking photos and having some coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, we return to Ghorepani. After breakfast, we head east and climb a nearby ridge. We descend through a rhododendron forest, pass by spectacular waterfalls along the way, and reach Tadapani.
Meals:
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation:
Teahouse / Lodge
Duration:
6-7 hrs
Max Elevation:
3,210m/10,532ft
Trek to Ghandruk
As we quit Tadapani, we hike along terraced fields below the wonderful panorama of awe-inspiring glaciated Himalayan mountain ranges. As the trail moves across a group of flatlands, forests, cultivated lands, and a suspension bridge over Khumbu Khola, we arrive at the scenic & beautiful village of Ghandruk after hiking for 3 to 4 hours.
A supreme vantage point in this pristine & serene village offers breathtaking views of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhare, and Hiunchuli. Several hotels and teahouses at the village give us a warm welcome with sincere Nepalese hospitality while catering to the requirements of all trekkers who hit the trail through this village.
Meals:
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation:
Teahouse / Lodge
Duration:
4-5 hrs
Max Elevation:
1,940m/6,365ft
Trek to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara
On our final day of trekking, after relishing the gripping sights of the Annapurna mountain range, we leave Ghandruk, hit the trail to Nayapul, and drive to Pokhara. As we descend towards Birethanti, we find it stretched beside the Modi River, a highly urbanized town.
Your trails are made up of stone steps, and as we pass through dense forest, we stumble into the small village of Ulleri. Forty minutes beyond Birethanti, we come to the main road. From here, we can easily access any means of transportation to drive to Pokhara. In the evening, you are free to wander by the lakes of Pokhara.
Meals:
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation:
Teahouse / Lodge
Duration:
6-7 hrs
Max Elevation:
827m/2,714ft
Drive back to Kathmandu
In the morning we might do some last-hour shopping too. After that, we will drive to Kathmandu. We grab seats on the left aisle of the vehicle for the best views of the rivers along the highway because it’s the last time we’ll probably see them. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we get transferred to our hotel and spend the day at our leisure.
Meals:
Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation:
Hotel
Max Elevation:
1,350m/4,430ft
Free day
Free and easy day to spend, perhaps shopping or resting at the hotel’s beautiful courtyard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Annapurna Sunrise Trek.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained by a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local bells. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Hotel
Max Elevation:
1,350m/4,430ft
International departure
Thank you for joining us on this trek. It has been a pleasure getting to know you. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch, and we hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.
Meals:
Breakfast
Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather or health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Availability
Our trips are available on both group departure and private trip.
If you’re looking to join a group, click the Group Departures tab for details on dates, availability, and pricing. All our group departures are guaranteed to run once signed up.
If you prefer a private trip with your friends, family, or colleagues, please fill out the contact form in the Private Trip tab. We’ll organize a personalized trip for you on your preferred dates, accommodating any special requests you may have.
Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.
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Cost Inclusion
- All meals (B, L, D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on a trek with tea & coffee.
- Twin-sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category in Kathmandu for 3 nights with breakfast.
- Twin sharing accommodation at 3 star hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights.
- Internal flight (KTM-PKR).
- All required permits for the trek (TIMS Card & ACAP).
- Accommodation at clean and cozy teahouses on trek.
- Experienced local trek leader with a 1:4 assistant guide-to-client ratio.
- Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers.
- Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts on private A/C vehicles.
- All ground transportation, as mentioned in the itinerary, is on private A/C vehicles.
- Comprehensive first aid kit.
- Trek Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner, and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek).
- Staff insurance and allowances.
- Trek completion certificate (Upon request).
Cost Exclusion
- International airfare, Visa, and travel insurance.
- Meals at Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or oa n trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason).
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities for staff.
FAQs About Annapurna Poonhill Trek
Which trek is more popular between Annapurna Poon Hill Trek or Everest Base Camp Trek?
Where is Poon Hill located?
Which season is worst for Annapurna Poon Hill Trek?
What is the average duration of Poon HIll Trek?
Which permits do I need for the Annapurna Poon Hill Trek?
For whom is Annapurna Poon HIll Trek most suitable for?
Can I do Poon Hill trek with my kids?
Can you see Annapurna from Poon Hill?
What is the starting point of Poon Hill Trek?
Do you need a sleeping bag for Poon Hill Trek?
How does Annapurna Poon Hill Trek differs from other Trek in Annapurna Region?
The Annapurna Poon Hill Trek in Nepal is unique compared to other treks not only in the Annapurna region but the whole country. What makes this trek different from others is that despite being one of the short-duration or easy-level treks, it is equally enjoyable and a must-do trek in Nepal. Unlike tough and long-duration treks like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek, this trek can be completed within a few days or a week.
Furthermore, Ghorepani hill trek is also perfect for trekkers with no experience of trekking, and decent physical fitness. This trek is also for those who are looking for quick outing, but don’t want to spend weeks in the wilderness. Another differentiating factor is this trek offers beautiful sunrise views from Poon Hill. You can see a stunning 360-degree view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Many people consider this view to be a highlight of trekking in Nepal. Furthermore, despite being among the short trek, this trek also gives you a glimpse of trekking throughout the Himalayas.
Why Poon Hill is best Viewpoint?
Poonhill is the most unique and considered the most desirable viewpoint by trekkers around the world due to the stunning views it offers. It is easier to access, especially from Pokhara, so trekkers who want to see stunning panoramic views of the mountains of Annapurna can easily reach there within a few days. Trekkers visiting Poon Hill are recommended to arrive in Poon Hill in the morning in order to get a glimpse of the stunning sunrise, which is the prime highlight of this trek.
Poonhill sunrise view is among the best view trekkers will experience in their trek. When trekkers trek early in the morning towards Poon Hill, they will get a glimpse of the rising sun that bathes the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in a breathtaking golden light. The view from Poon Hill features amazing snow-covered mountains, including Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. This beautiful scenery makes the sunrise at Poon Hill a must-see for anyone visiting the Annapurna region of Nepal and is also the reason it is among the best viewpoints in Nepal.
Gurung and Magar Hospitality
During the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, the trekkers pass through small charming villages and settlements inhabited by Magar and Gurung people. In this trek, you will experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities, known for their proud heritage as Gurkhas. You will learn about their way of life, culture, and traditions. You can enjoy traditional foods like Thakali. You will have the chance to wear their traditional clothes and, if you visit during a festival, you can celebrate with them.
The trekkers can generally feel a glimpse of their hospitality during their stay in teahouses or lodges. which are run by local native people. These establishments are created with the vision of providing facilities and hospitality to the trekkers and making them as comfortable. The local people of Gurung and Magars treat foreign trekkers as Gods since their motto is “Athiti Deva Bawa,” which means Guests are Gods. The Magars and Gurungs provide facilities meals that are local, such as Thakali Nepali Dal Bhat, Ghundruk, Dhindo, Thukpa, etc.
In terms of accommodation, they also respect your privacy and your traditions. They will make sure you are comfortable. You can also visualize their hospitality and their culture through the region’s temples and monasteries. During the Poon Hill trek, you may get to see or experience Gurung and Magar culture compared to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, the trekkers also have the responsibility to respect their culture, behave politely, and dress modestly.
Why Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is perfect during Spring and Autumn?
Spring and Autumn seasons are best for trekking due to many favorable conditions compared to other seasons like Winter and Monsoon. Spring seasons begins from March to May, and Autumn begins from September to November. These are the ideal trekking seasons because of clear weather, ideal temperature, and beautiful trek routes passing through flowering trails and lush jungles. Experiencing Annapurna Sanctuary is also ideal during these months. Here are some of the reasons you want to experience trekking in Spring and Autumn.
Vibrant Floras
The trekking of Poon Hill during Spring and Autumn will provide you a glimpse to enjoy vibrant floras and faunas. During the Spring season, you will pass through blooming flowering trails of rhododendrons and magnolias. On the other hand, the floras during the Autumn season are mostly post-monsoon Vegetation.
Stunning Weather
The Poon Hill trek becomes even more beautiful during the Spring and Autumn due to the stunning weather. and ideal trekking temperature. The Spring season starts just after winter, which makes the weather more stable and cool temperature for trekking. Similarly, the Autumn season starts after the rainy season, making the weather clear, and trekkers can enjoy the trek in comfortable weather.
Enjoy Festivals
In Nepal, the local people celebrate lots of festivals during Spring and Autumn. In Spring, people celebrate important festivals like Buddha Jayanti, Holi, Makar Sankranti, Ghode Jatra, etc. On the other hand, some of the festivals celebrated during Autumn are Dashain, Tihar, Indra Jatra etc. So if you want to experience these festivals, then make sure you experience the trek during Spring, and Autumn.
Story Behind Poon Hill
Poon Hill is the popular hill station located in the Annapurna region. The story behind the Poon Hill trek is quite interesting. A former major in the Indian Army Tek Bahadur Pun, named Poon Hill. It was initially called Lung Tung Danda, but was renamed Poon Hill around 45 years ago. This name honors the history of the Pun people, an indigenous group in Nepal, and their connection to the land where they grazed cattle.
Major Tek Bahadur Pun chose the name “Poon Hill” to celebrate Pun culture and the importance of tourism in the local economy. The name “Ghorepani” comes from the local language, where ‘Ghore’ means ‘Horse’ and ‘Pani’ means ‘Water. It reflects the village’s role as a resting spot for traders in the past, where water for horses was readily available. Similarly, “Poon Hill” gets its name from the nearby hill called Poon.
3000 Stone Steps of Ulleri
Ulleri village is famous for its stone steps, which are a key feature of the town. The staircase has about 3,000 steps, making it a tough but rewarding part of the trek. Climbing these steps feels like an achievement, The stone steps have become a symbol of the trekking experience in the Annapurna region.
Often, trekkers feel climbing these stone steps is the toughest part of the trek. They are often relieved after climbing it as they will reach their destination of Poon Hill in short distance. The traders from Tibet also used these stone steps as a shortcut to travel faster between the two countries.
What kind of views to Expect along the Poon Hill Trek?
The trek to Poon Hill provides an opportunity to experience some of the stunning views of the mountains, sunrise, and sunshine. The views during the trek are diverse but stunning throughout the journey. If trekkers time their trekking during Spring and Autumn, they will see views of blooming rhododendron flowers throughout the trek. The trek also features picturesque villages, terraced farmlands, and glimpses of cascading waterfalls, offering a rich tapestry of natural and cultural landscapes.
However, the main reason to experience the trek is undoubtedly the stunning views of the Annapurna mountain ranges. The 360-degree panoramic picturesque views of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, Nilgiri, etc., are the common views you can get from Poon Hill. Furthermore, Poon Hill is mostly crowded during the morning for people to get a glimpse of the beautiful sunrise, whereas often trekkers reach the hill to see the stunning sunset as well.
Annapurna Poon Hill Trek Difficulty
The Annapurna Poon Hill trek is moderately difficult due to multiple days of hiking consisting ups and downs. Trekkers should be in good shape and prepare for at least three months to build stamina. While the trek doesn’t involve high altitude, the challenges of walking 6-7 hrs on ups and downs make the trek moderately difficult. No previous experience of trekking is required to do this trek. This trek is suitable for anyone with limited experience, and who wishes to experience trekking in Nepal.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trails provide a simpler route with stunning mountain views, rhododendron forests, and traditional Gurung villages, making it economical and popular among beginners, families, and solo travelers. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a brief yet immersive trekking experience in Nepal.
Annapurna Poonhill Trek Packing List
The gear listed below is recommended for the ideal trip to Poon Hill and other similar treks. We encourage you to get all equipment listed below for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu.
Clothes
- Slippers/Flip flops to wear at camp
- Warm Hat, Gloves, and Bandana/Scar
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Trekking shoes
- Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from the trek.
- Trousers
- Waterproof jackets and trousers
- Thermal
- Inner wears
- T-Shirts
- Daypack 30-35 litres
- Warm Jackets/Sweater/Pullover
- Warm socks
- Undergarments
Toiletries and hygiene
- Basic first aid kit
- Hygiene products
- Deodorants, Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
- Small face towel
- Face and body moisturizer, Sunscreen and lip balm
- Hand sanitizer/Antiseptic wipes
- Toothbrush &Toothpaste
- Quick-drying towel
Documents and Permits
- Flight tickets
- Credit cards in case of emergencies
- Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
- 4 copies of passport size photos for permits and official formalities
- Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.
- Travel Insurance
(Please carry the photocopy of all the documents along with you and leave a copy to next of kin)
Miscellanous
- Padlock
- Headlamps with extra batteries
- Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
- Binoculars
- A pair of trekking poles
- Reading materials, notebooks, and pens
- Laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
- Water bottle one (1) litre
- Camera with charger or spare batteries
- Sunglasses with UV protection
The gear listed below will be provided by us for the trek. The Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag must be returned after the completion of the trek.
– Down Jacket
– Sleeping bag
– Duffel/Kit Bag
Other information
Other required items for the trip, such as insurance, arrival instructions, visa and passport, etc., will be provided after your trip confirmation. Please get in touch with us if you need more information about the trip.
Stunning Photos of Annapurna Poonhill Trek
Guest Reviews of Annapurna Poonhill Trek
See what our travelers are saying! Our reviews highlight the memorable experiences and exceptional service we offer. Read their stories to find out why our adventures are so highly praised. Write a review.
The Team You Can Trust
The Team You Can Trust
Highland Team is who you want to pick! Outstanding trip to PoonHill – super well planned, organized and executed by Highland team from start of prompt emails with Passang to last day with the whole trekking crew. What a fabulous team – THIS is the crew you want to pick over all others for any of your expeditions in Nepal. Honest, reliable and a super caring team. We appreciated them so much and were sad to say goodbye. Thank you Passang, Arjun and rest of the team.
Top-Notch Operation with Unmatched Professionalism
Top-Notch Operation with Unmatched Professionalism
I would recommend Highland without any reservations. They run a top-notch operation with great attention to detail. The staff is experienced in dealing with all levels of fitness and any contingencies. The guides assistant guides and porters were all very helpful and professional.
Kudos to Highland Expeditions
Kudos to Highland Expeditions
Its our 1st time to Nepal and also a 1st in a continuous 5 days trek. Our guide Mr Passang and his assistant Mr Shyam are very patient,knowledgeable and very friendly guides. Details and what to expect were explicitly explained. They furnished us with daily briefings and encouraged all the way. One will lead and the other will sweep so that everyone reached their destination safely and importantly enjoy our trek. They try to accommodate us with the best resting, dining and sleeping arrangements with a good view. They will always make sure that our meals are to our expectations and stand by till we finished our meals before they take theirs (something we greatly appreciate but not really accustomed to….ha ha). We had a great time together and certainly would highly recommend Highland Expeditions to those who wished to embarked on any adventure in Nepal. Oops….forgot to mentioned, their porters are ever polite and assure that our day to day stuffs arrived at our destination well before hand….with a smile! Kudos to Highland Expeditions.
Maximum Elevation Chart
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