4 Days Poon Hill Trek Costs
| Group Size | Price in USD |
| 1 Person | 575$ |
| 2-3 Person | 475$ |
| 4+ | 425$ |
- 4 Days
- 6/7 Hrs
- Spring/ Autumn
- Public/Private Vehicle
- Tea Houses/ Lodges
- 3,210 m
Overview
If you want to embrace the alluring mountains of Nepal but you are lacking time, the 4 days Poon Hill Trek is your perfect choice. Doable in only 4 days, it is a short and easy trek. It is rather a hike than a trek, suitable for those who want to try trekking for the first time.
Often, the trekkers label this trek as a trial before setting on long and difficult treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.
Following a two-day trek from Nayapul, you’ll arrive at the picturesque Ghorepani village. Rise early the next morning to ascend to Poon Hill, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise. From this vantage point, soak in the stunning vistas of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other majestic snow-capped peaks, creating an unforgettable experience.
It is a short drive from Pokhara and offers an impeccable view of the Himalayas, like the Annapurna range. Machhapuchhre(fish tail), and Dhaulagiri. It has various other itineraries such as 2 days and 3 days.
Radiant Treks can help you cover it in merely 4 days without straining your budget and time. Learn more with us to know about its trails, scenic specialties, and other trek information.
Basic Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Birethati -2 Hrs (Then trek to Ulleri Village – (5 Hrs) (1,950m)
Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani 2,874 m – 6 hrs.
Day 03: Hike to Poon Hill 3,210 m and Trek to Tadapani 2,721 m – 6-7 hrs
Day 04: Trek to Ghandruk 1,951 m then Drive to Pokhara – 4 Hrs
Highlights of 4 Days Poon Hill Trek
- Easy and short trek within Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Walk the unique 3,300 staircases in Ulleri.
- Cultural sharing with the ethnic Magars and Gurungs.
- Enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna massif from Poon Hill.
- Soak in the beautiful sun rays early in the morning from Poon Hill
- Exceptionally beautiful rhododendron and oak forests
- Explore adorable tiny villages like Tadapani, Birethanti
Itinerary
Ulleri Village Altitude: 1950 m
Altitude Gain: 1950 m
Drive to Birethanti: From Pokhara, we take a jeep to kickstart the journey by crossing the Naya Pul, Lumle, to reach Birethanti. Birethanti is a small village just 45 km away from Pokhara. It is located at the foothill of Modi Khola valley at an altitude of 1000 m.
- Birethanti Highlights: You will enjoy astonishment as you enter the tiny yet adoring village that reminds you of the beauty of Nepal. There are tea shops and souvenir shops to indulge in. Although once a popular hiking spot, its importance has disappeared due to changing times. You will come across the mules carrying the goods and supplies to the mountains and short bridges.
- Trek to Ulleri Village: Ulleri is located in Kaski village, often regarded as the starting point for the Annapurna trek. It can also be a taste of the rugged terrain ahead of them. The village lies at an altitude of 1,950 m. After a rewarding hike from Birethanti, you reach the guesthouse at the village by the evening, where you will meet other fellow travelers.
Ulleri village has a unique stone steps path that has around 3,000 steps to walk on. It can sound challenging, but it can be a break from your usual trekking trail. The village has a 360-degree scenic view of snow-glistening Himalayas like Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
- Culture Sharing: The Ulleri village is predominantly inhabited by the Magars. They are the indigenous ethnic group with their culture and customs. The locals are chilled out and warm to the foreigners in their village. It could be a learning experience for them as you will explore their lifestyle and life in general.
You can spend your time indulging in their music and dance performances for a short break and enjoy the local cuisine. Tea houses in different spots of the village offer warm cups of tea for a short break during the trek.
Drive Hrs – 2 Hrs
Trek Hrs – 5 Hrs
Ghorepani Altitude: 928 m
- Rhododendron forests: The trail has red rhododendron forests that remind you of bliss all year around with its quiet yet fascinating explorations. Amidst the trees, bamboo bushes add to the serene ambiance, offering a tranquil stroll.
- Trek to Ghorepani: Afterward, lunch awaits at Nangethati, just an hour before reaching Ghorepani. The trail continues its gentle ascent towards Ghorepani, promising a pleasant journey ahead.
- Arrival at Ghorepani: After walking a ton of staircases, you will likely reach Ghorepani around lunchtime. Ghorepani is a village in the Myagdi district that lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. There are several guest houses that provide Nepalese and Western fusion food and decent clean rooms to rest at night.
Trek Hrs: 6 hrs
Poon Hill Altitude: 3,120 m
Tadapani Altitude: 2,721 m
Altitude Gain: 2,961 m
- Pre-Dawn Poon Hill Trek: Usually, the trek starts early in the morning to witness the surreal sunrise at Poon Hill. You will have to hike to Poon Hill, which is quite short and refreshing in the morning, where there are several travelers walking by. You will enjoy the serenity and generosity of the people from across the globe.
- Sunrise at Poon Hill: You will meet other fellow travelers that will accompany you to soak in the warm sun rays. The Sun at Poon Hill is insane; while you might freeze in with early morning cold, its beauty will warm you.
- The snow-capped mountains lying behind the alluring green trees, some with rhododendron flowers, are a magical bliss to the eyes. The wind blows on your face while flaring the Tibetan Prayer flags with its multi-color. Red, yellow, white, and green and blue, all moving with whistling air.
Little tea shops serve you hot coffee and “chai” with Indian and Nepalese herbs.
- Trek to Tadapani: Tadapani lies at an elevation of 2,721 m and is blessed with verdant forests, enchanting red rhododendrons, and good old oak trees. The forest is at its peak during the spring season when the forests show their true self with vibrant colors.
The path is full of vivid colors that can soothe even your tiredness from hiking for the past two days. From Tadapani, you can witness various gorgeous mountain peaks like Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
Also, from there, they can visit the Annapurna Sanctuary or Annapurna Base Camp, the ABC Trek’s final destination. It also serves as a resting point for those trekking a long distance. It is one of the popular resting spots since it has quality guest houses.
- Gurungs in Tadapani: Just like the Magars in Ulleri, the Gurungs are the indigenous ethnic group that resides in the Tadapani village. Gurung people are often labeled brave people with distinct valor and pride.
It is an amusement for trekkers to witness their unique clothing, cuisine, dance, music, and lifestyle. Learning about one’s culture always expands your horizon in perception. Mere interaction can give a long-lasting experience.
Trek Hours – 6-7 hrs
Ghandruk Altitude: 1,951 m
- Trek to Ghandruk: Yet another Gurung village on the trek, Ghandruk, is nestled in the Kaski Gandaki province. It boasts a Gurung museum and offers breathtaking vistas of Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. A day trek from Ghorekhani to Ghandruk traverses a mesmerizing rhododendron forest.
Located just a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Pokhara, Ghandruk is ideal for a mountainous weekend getaway. It also works a gateway to the Annapurna trekking region. Other popular trekking routes are Mardi Himal Base Camp, Landruk, Tadapani, and Kimche beckon adventurers.
- Explore Ghandruk’s cultural richness at the traditional Gurung museum and Seuli Bazar, a bustling marketplace offering local goods and groceries.
- Accessing Ghandruk is straightforward, with a drive of approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes covering 54.8 km from Pokhara. Accommodation options, including hotels and lodges, are available throughout the village, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature’s splendor.
- The Ghandruk trek is praised for its year-round feasibility, offering hikers the chance to be on this adventure without thinking about the season. While the trek remains accessible throughout the year, we advise caution during the rainy months to mitigate potential weather-related risks.
Apart from this period, the remaining seasons present awe-inspiring panoramas and enjoyable walks along the route, ensuring a memorable experience for trekkers.
- After having the feisty Nepalese lunch in the Ghandruk, you will prepare for the next drive to Pokhara.
- Drive to Pokhara: After enjoying 3-4 days of trekking, it’s time to return to Pokhara’s lively city. At Pokhara, you will enjoy happening nights and a lovely time with fellow travelers. You can stay a few more days in Pokhara and enjoy the terrific sites like Fewa Tal(lake), Begnas Lake, Bat Cave, Pokhara Museum, etc.
Drive Hours:4 Hours
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
- 3 Days Meal(Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) every day during the trek
- Snacks and refreshments like hot tea and coffee are available.
- Transportation(jeep) from Pokhara to Birethanti and jeep from Ghandruk to Pokhara
- 3 Night Lodge or Guest house rooms with comfortable rooms, private bathroom, hot showers
- A seasoned guide who also has an impeccable fluency in English
- One porter for two people
- First Aid Kit
- All government taxes
- Service charges
Cost Excludes
- Flight Tickets or Visa bills
- Hotels and Meals in Pokhara (we can arrange for it though)
- Personal Expenses like shopping, alcoholic beverages, phone calls, laundry, etc
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for guide
- Bar bills like coke, beer, hot water, etc.
- Any extra expenses or activities after the four days trek
Frequently Asked Questions
If you book your trek with a first-rate travel company, they’ll handle the paper and office work. But if you want to do it on your own, you can visit the Nepal Tourism Board or Trekkers Agencies’ Association of Nepal(TAAN) Secretariat in Nepal to acquire a TIMS Card.
The green TIMS card is for individual travelers, the blue is for organized group trekkers, and the pink is for SAARC nationals.
Another permit that you require is the ACAP permit to trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, to acquire it, visit the Tourist Office in Fewa Damside, Pokhara, or the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
The Nepal Government has made compulsory rules for taking a guide while trekking in Nepal to avoid any unfortunate events. Although the trek is short, you need a guide to make logistic arrangements and communicate with the locals. Having a guide will only enhance your learning experience from the trek.
Usually, the day begins early, and you have a scrumptious breakfast in the guest house and set for your trek. You will walk somewhere between 4 to 6 hours a day. You can stop by any tea house for snacks during the trek. We will provide lunch at your accommodation.
Typically, you will reach your destination around late noon or early evening. There, you interact with fellow travelers, enjoy a delectable dinner, and rest for the night.
Anyone with a good health record can join the trek as it is a short trek, and the terrain is not complicated. However, it would help if you had the itch for walking because you still walk 4 to 6 hours daily. You will come across steep staircases that will need extra energy from you.
Useful Info
Why To Do Poon Hill Trek?
- Poon Hill Trek is perfect for those who want to enjoy a short and sweet trek without spending much time and money.
- It only takes two days to reach Poon Hill, so you can have a good rewarding feeling soon.
- There are fewer risks while walking the poon hill, like altitude sickness or serious injuries.
- There are 3,300 unique steps in the luscious green village of Ulleri, where you can enjoy a different trail.
- The hill lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area so that you can have an impeccable view of the Himalayas like Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre(fish-tail), and Dhaulagiri.
- The place is partially remote, so you can easily grab a bite or drink on the trail.
- The main takeaway of the trek is the sunrise that shines in the trek. The beautiful sunrise will make your heart skip for a bit.
- The trek also takes you to Ghandruk, a vacation hub for foreigners and Nepalese.
- On the way, you also pass through the rhododendron forests and oak forests.
- Since the trek is short, it is doable in almost all seasons. The rainy season might be a tad bit challenging, but other than that, all seasons will offer you an exquisite journey on the way.
Packing List
Essential Travel Documents
- Your Passport
- Nepal Visa
- Airline Tickets
- 4-5 Passport Size Photos
- Travel Insurance
- Cash and Credits
- Permits for Annapurna Base Camp Trek: ACAP and TIMS card
Clothing
- T-shirts
- Thermal Tops
- Warm Jackets or Down Jackets
- Waterproof jackets
- Hiking Trousers
- Sports Bra
- Underwear
- Cotton Pants
- Thermal Pants
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Spikes(For Winter)
- Hiking Boots
- Sandals or Slippers
Accessories
- Sunscreen
- Backpack
- Torch with flashlight
- Toilet Paper
- Camera, memory card, and battery charger( spare batteries)
- Quick-drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste
- Multipurpose soap
- Deodorants
- Face and body moisturizer
- Hygiene products for women, like sanitary pads
Packing Tips For the Poon Hill Trek
- Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes for the short trek, like waterproof jackets or insulated jackets for cooler evenings.
- Carry toiletries that are only needed for the 4 days of trek to avoid unnecessary weight.
- Carry a well-fitted backpack that is also lightweight. Only carry bulky bags that are light enough to carry.
- Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle, purifying tablets, or a filtration system for refilling along the trail.
- Carry high-energy snacks such as trail mix, energy bars, and dried fruits to keep your energy going.
What is the Best Season For 4 Days Poon Hill Trek?
The Poon Hill weather is usually untimely, so it’s better to know the weather beforehand to tackle it better. Knowing the weather forecast beforehand also gives you an opportunity to prepare well. Although the Poon Hill Trek is short, you need to take weather and temperature into consideration.
It has the same four seasons that all other trekking destinations have – spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring(March to May)
Spring lasts from March to May, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius. Since the hill is at a low elevation, the days in summer are usually warm and sunny. You might not even need a heavy jacket; merely a T-shirt can work out for you. However, you might need warmer clothes for early mornings and evenings.
During this time, the vegetation is at its best with its vibrant and breathtaking color. The trekkers usually take the memories of blooming rhododendrons as a souvenir from Poon Hill. The crisp sky welcomes you as there is no rainfall during this time.
Monsoon(June to August)
The monsoon lasts from June to August and has impeccable vegetation. Monsoon is the season for those who love the solace of nature. But the idea of rainfall might put off some trekkers.
However, the snow-capped mountains became more visible just after the early morning of rainfall. It’s a perfect season if you are planning a good stay in the lodge and watching the raindrops from the balcony of your guest house.
And it also has cheaper rates to get a room in the lodges. The people are few so you can enjoy a lovely, serene time. The temperature ranges from 9 to 24 degrees Celsius. Temperature is similar to springtime except for the rainfall when it gets chilly.
The downpour is not always, and the skies are mostly clear. But the paths might be slippery, so it’s better to be cautious. And remember to carry a waterproof jacket with you. The sponges might trouble you so that you can carry salt with you. The trekking poles will help you stay on the slippery paths.
Autumn(September to November)
Autumn is the trekker’s paradise for hiking up the mountains and hills. The temperature ranges from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius, somewhat similar to the spring season. The views are in their prime, attracting trekkers from all over the world.
Hence, the trails are more crowded with hustle and bustle. You might have a difficult time getting an accomodation in the autumn season.
It is also the season of festivals, so the air smells like a celebration. And the holidays come with vacations that entice even the Nepalese and locals to trek the Poon hill. Hence, make sure to book your guide in advance.
In November, the temperature is likely to go down. So, pack warm clothes with yourself to prevent chilly weather.
Winter(December to February)
Winter lasts from December to February with a maximum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, which is a decent temperature for hiking. Since the poon hill sits only at an elevation of 3,150 m, the cold is bearable.
But you will need to pack winter clothes to keep yourself warm and cozy. Although the daytime is sunny, you need to be careful during the morning and evening. Since there are fewer travelers, you will have no problem waiting in queues for the hot tea in the tea stalls on Poon Hill.
You can still get daytime temperatures around 15 at lower altitudes, which is very comfortable for hiking. Overall, it does not rain at this time of the year (let’s say ‘it rarely rains’). There may be some light snow.
The mountains will look stunning with the freezy air that reminds you of Christmas. The cold temperature feels like home.
4 Days Poon Hill Trek Difficulty
Often considered an easy-level trek, the 4 days Poon Hill Trek is popular amongst both Nepalese and foreigners. The trek seems doable for any average person with decent health records.
However, it is important not to neglect any health complications since it still requires some level of fitness. The trail has steep staircases from Nayapul to Ulleri. If you are not used to it, it can take time to adjust the elevation while walking. Also, the weather is unpredictable, so it can be annoying sometimes to stick to the plan.
4 Days Poon Hill Trek Package Information
Accommodation During 4 Days Poon Hill Trek
The accommodation arrangements depend on the weather you are trekking in. The winter and monsoon seasons have the fewest people on the trail; hence, the lodges are vacant. You will easily get the room of your choice, if not in the first, then in others.
Sleep is extremely important to function during a trek. Any less sleep at night can drain you and prevent muscle recovery.
Typically, there are double rooms available, but if you contact us at Radiant Treks, we can book quality rooms with the best mountain views for you.
The rooms are packed in the spring and autumn seasons as they are the most sought-after seasons people like to walk in. To secure a room for yourself, opt for pre-booking with us. The tea houses have basic furnishing and amenities such as charging ports and wi-fi in the dining areas.
There are potential internet issues as several other people use the same wi-fi connection. But you can always pay additional charges for the other internet services.
Potential connectivity issues and the suggestion to carry extra cash for additional services in the tea houses.
A private bathroom is attached to each room, be it a single or double room, and showers are available. But at some guest houses, you might have to pay cash for hot showers.
It’s wise to be prepared for any unexpected circumstances; having some extra cash on hand can provide peace of mind.
Food and Meal in the Poon Hill Trek
Nutrition is important in your daily life to fuel you and provide essential nutrients to nourish your body. So, it’s understandable that you need even more nutrients when you are hiking for long hours on the go.
When we go on a trip, we cut off from our daily diets and indulge in junk food or food that is unusual in our diet. We consistently focus on savoring our taste buds.
The approach is not entirely wrong, but what happens is your body wears down easily. As a result, you cannot be as efficient as you could be on a trek.
So, make sure you eat an amalgamation of what your body demands and what your taste demands. In such a case, there is no better place than the guest houses on the way to Poon Hill.
We book top-notch guest houses for you to get nutritious food and soul-nourishing food. In the guest houses, you will have a variety of dishes on the menu. Even Westernized or fusion foods are available for your taste buds.
Dal Bhat, Momo, Thukpa, and Chowmein are the most common local cuisines that you can have. They can also customize the food according to you, be it vegetarian or meat-based meals. However, it would be kind of difficult to get your hands on vegan dishes. But you can opt for sauteed vegetables. And, if you want to cook, you will have to pay extra for that.
Dal Bhat is a Nepalese dish that has the right amount of micro and macronutrients. Dal is rice in Nepali. Similarly, dal stands for lentil soup. The Momo is the Nepalese national dish popular everywhere in Nepal; it is a steamed dumpling with the filling of chicken or vegetables, served with spicy sesame chutney.
Thukpa is a Tibetan dish with soupy noodles and meat or vegetables inside it. It is the perfect meal for cold, starry nights.
The Poon Hill trek has easily accessible shops where you can eat Nepalese snacks like Namkeen, Nepalese chips, and cookies. You can also find Fanta, coke, and Pepsi along the way. So you need not need to worry about starving on the trek.
Eat consistently since you are burning calories throughout the walk for 5-6 hours, and chances are, you might feel tired.
If you are not used to Nepalese food or don’t like spicy food, do not eat randomly at small restaurants on the way. Or, even if you want to enjoy the local cuisine, take a small portion and savor it.
Drinking Water
There are several spots where you can refill your water bottle or buy mineral water bottles both at normal or freezer temperatures. Also, make sure you carry an extra small and portable water bottle to drink water from in case of shortage.
As the food is crucial while trekking, so is drinking water. Water is the solution for almost every problem; it does not reduce everything, but it gives base strength. Aim to drink 3 to 4 liters of water during the trek.
Again, it differs from person to person. Listen to your body and make your own decision. The water is clean, but carry the purification tablets to purify water in case you aren’t familiar with the water.
Drinking more water than you require might create a problem with using the bathroom, so take this factor into consideration. You can carry a thermos with you if you want to drink
hot water.
The spots provide drinking water but not exactly hot water. Hence, it is wise to carry your thermos of hot water.
Internet Connectivity
The guest houses come with a wi-fi connection, especially in the dining room. But you can not depend on the connection since several other people use the same wi-fi connection. If you want to use a better internet service, you will have to pay extra money for it.
So, if you want to have a more stable connection, opt for a Nepalese SIM like Ncell and get a preferred data pack by dialing *17123#. The pack might last for days; choose according to your needs.
Even the data connection might not work on the trail, so be patient with the on and off internet.
Transportation
We arranged a jeep drive from Pokhara to Birethanti, which is about a 2 hours long drive. Also, we provide transportation(a jeep) from our last destination, Ghandruk, to Pokhara.
Comfortable transportation is crucial when you are traveling to any destination. We at Radiant Treks ensure that you have quality time while traveling.
Also, if you need private cars for sightseeing in Kathmandu or places near Kathmandu like Nagarkot, we can arrange one for you.
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