Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek From Pokhara – 4 Days

It's a short, classic hike in Nepal's Annapurna region that takes you to one of the best sunrise viewpoints in the Himalayas. Over four days, you will drive from Pokhara to Birethanti. You will start the hike from there, climbing through Ulleri and Ghorepani, up to Poon Hill for the sunrise, then down through Tadapani to Ghandruk. Along the way, you will pass rhododendron forests, Gurung and Magar villages, and wide-open views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

This package runs for four days and three nights on the trail, plus bus or jeep transfers to and from Pokhara on the first and last day. It's one of the shortest trekking routes in the Annapurna region. This trek is a good option if you have limited time but still want to see real mountain scenery.  

The four trekking days add up to about 38.8 km (24 miles). Day 1 is around 11 km, Day 2 is 8 km, Day 3 is 11.2 km, and Day 4 is 8.6 km. That is a light load compared to most Himalayan treks. It is one reason the route works so well for first-timers.

Four days is enough to reach Poon Hill and finish in Ghandruk without rushing. The route stays low, and you sleep no higher than 2,874 m. That is why you do not need any extra acclimatization days.

The highest point is Poon Hill, at 3,210 meters. This elevation is well below the altitude where serious altitude sickness typically starts. This altitude is one reason this trek suits beginners and first-time Himalayan trekkers better than higher routes in the region.

Our four-day itinerary is a one-way route. You start in Birethanti and hike through Ulleri to Ghorepani. Then you climb Poon Hill for the sunrise. Then you continue downhill through Tadapani to Ghandruk, from where a bus/jeep takes you back to Pokhara.

You can also return the same way you came up. In that case, you can finish the trek in three days. However, we added one extra day on purpose. It lets you experience a different local culture in Ghandruk. Also, you don't have to walk the same trail twice.

If you want the shorter version, we can arrange the three-day return route on request.

Honestly, not much changes in the views. It covers the same route and the same Poon Hill sunrise as our 6, 7, and 8-day packages. The difference is logistics. This one is trek only, starting and ending in Pokhara. There are no Kathmandu transfers included, so it costs less, and your time before and after is free.  

Ghorepani is the village where you sleep on Day 2, at 2,874 m. Poon Hill is the viewpoint above it, at 3,210 m. People mix the two up because the trek is named after both. You stay in Ghorepani, then climb to Poon Hill early the next morning for sunrise.

Five stops stand out. First is the Ulleri staircase, then the rhododendron forest before Ghorepani. Next comes the Poon Hill sunrise at 3,210 m. After that, Tadapani has quiet forest views, and Ghandruk has a Gurung village and museum. Set off around 4:30 am to catch the sunrise.

Getting started is straightforward. Send us your dates and group size, and we will check availability right away. Upon confirmation, you will need to complete the checkout process. If dates are not available as per your schedule, contact us, and we will help you get the desired dates.

We ask for 20% of your total trip cost upfront. That covers the groundwork, permits, teahouse bookings, and transport, so everything's ready before you land. One thing worth knowing: this deposit doesn't come back if plans change. So, it's best to be sure of your dates first.

We accept both card payments and wire transfers: you can pay the 20% deposit online by card. Please note that a 4% processing fee will be added on top. If that fee bothers you, paying your balance in cash once you are in Kathmandu skips it entirely. Either way works fine; it's really just a matter of preference.

Sure, plenty of trekkers do this. If you prefer not to split payments, then pay for the whole trip when you book. It's mostly a convenience thing, especially for people booking months ahead who don't want to think about a second payment later. 

Book early if you plan to trek in autumn or spring. Those are the busiest seasons, and teahouse rooms fill up fast. Booking ahead lets us secure your dates and rooms. In winter and monsoon, trails are quieter, so you have more room to decide late.

Plans change; we get it, but there are terms to know. Cancelling after full payment needs to be in writing. Do it seven days or more before your trek starts, and you will lose 30% of the total cost as a fee. The deposit itself is gone either way; no exceptions there.

If something genuinely urgent comes up, postponing is often better than cancelling outright. We will work with you on new dates, but you will need to cover whatever costs were already locked in. Plus, you will need to cover any price difference between your old and new trip dates.

Honestly, such an event is rare and only happens for reasons totally out of our hands, like natural disasters, flight cancellations, or unrest. If it does happen, we will either offer a similar alternative trip or refund you in full, minus the WeTravel card fee, if there's no good alternative available.

Unfortunately, no. Once your trek starts, the budget for guides, food, and lodging across the full itinerary is already committed. So if you decide to head back early, for whatever reason, that unused portion isn't something we are able to refund.

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but we recommend getting one. And this is non-negotiable. Your insurance needs to cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation. Sort this issue out early, ideally weeks before your trip, so it's one less thing to worry about later.

They can, as long as a parent or legal guardian is trekking with them. Given how manageable this route is, low altitude, moderate walking, it's a genuinely good option for families with older kids who are up for their first real Himalayan adventure.

Yes. If you want to add days or change the route, or stay longer in Pokhara, please inform us. We will adjust the plan around your dates and interests. Some travelers add a night in Ghandruk. Others extend the trek toward Annapurna Base Camp. Just send us your ideas, and we will suggest what fits.

Most people fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu first, then travel to Pokhara. You can opt for either a quick 25-minute flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu or a longer 6- to 7-hour bus ride if you are not in a rush. Already in Pokhara, or coming from somewhere else entirely? No problem, just tell us your plan, and we will line up the trek dates around it.

We do. Send us your arrival details, flight time, or hotel name, and we will have someone there to meet you. This way, you don’t have to worry about it, and you will be ready before the Day 1 drive to Birethanti.

For most travelers, yes, but it's easy. At Kathmandu Airport, you can get a visa on arrival, just bring a passport photo and be ready to pay the fee in cash or by card. Still, double-check your country's rules beforehand. Better safe than stuck at immigration.

You can; Lakeside has no shortage of gear shops if you have forgotten something or want to buy last-minute. But honestly, you probably won't need much. Your package already comes with a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket, so renting is more of a backup option than a necessity.

Technically, at Birethanti, a small village about two hours from Pokhara by jeep. You won't need to arrange that trip yourself, though; it's built into your package. Just be ready in Pokhara on your start date, and we will take care of getting you there. 

You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. You do not need the TIMS card, which was mandatory in the past. The good news? You don't have to chase this paperwork; we take care of it as part of your booking.

Yes, they are already baked into your package price. No separate line item, no surprise charge at the ACAP checkpoint. Once you have booked, that box is ticked, one less thing to think about while you're packing.

You do, and it's not really optional. It is a mandatory rule for foreigners trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area. But don't worry about sorting that out yourself. Every Radiant Treks package already comes with a licensed guide built in.

Not anymore. Nepal tightened this rule a while back, mainly for trekker safety, and now it doesn't allow independent solo trekking without a guide on this route. Book through an agency, and they will sort your guide and permits together.

Nope, solo trekkers are completely fine here. You will just pay the solo rate, which runs a little higher per person than group pricing does. Traveling as a couple or in a bigger group brings that cost down, but there's no minimum headcount to worry about.

Usually, it takes only a few hours — often the same day — once we have your passport info and photo. Send those over early, and your permits should be ready well before you even set foot on the trail.

It's easy to moderate, honestly, and nothing extreme. The one real challenge is the Ulleri staircase on Day 1, roughly 3,000 stone steps that will test your legs early on. After that, it settles into gentler forest trails that most people find pretty manageable.

Not seriously, but it helps. A few weeks of regular walking, stairs, or light cardio beforehand can really help, especially for that first-day climb. You don't need gym-level fitness, just enough stamina to handle 4 to 7 hours of walking a day.

No, the trek is genuinely one of the better routes for first-timers. Plenty of people do this as their very first Himalayan trek. As long as you're reasonably active in daily life, you should be fine without ever having trekked before.

It varies a bit, somewhere between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the day. Day 3 is the longest, thanks to the early Poon Hill sunrise hike plus the walk to Tadapani afterward. The other days are shorter and steadier.

Often, yes. We have had trekkers well into their 60s and beyond complete this route without major issues. What matters more than age is general fitness and mobility. If you can manage stairs and a few hours of walking, age alone shouldn't hold you back.

They can, particularly older kids and teenagers who are reasonably active. The altitude stays low throughout, so there's less risk than on higher treks. Just know that under-15s need a parent or legal guardian trekking alongside them, no exceptions there.

Autumn and spring. Autumn (September to November) brings clear skies and steady weather, while spring (March to May) adds blooming rhododendron forests into the mix. Both seasons give you the best shot at those clear Poon Hill sunrise views everyone comes for.

You can, though it's not everyone's first choice. June to August brings regular rain and slippery trails, but also fewer crowds and lush, green scenery. If you don't mind the occasional downpour, monsoon treks have their own quiet charm.

It's doable and actually quite pleasant at this trek's altitude. December to February stays cold, especially at night, but daytime temperatures are usually manageable. Trails are far less crowded too, so you'll likely have Poon Hill mostly to yourself at sunrise.

Weather changes noticeably depending on when you trek, so it helps to know what to expect before you pack. Here's a quick breakdown by season.

Poon Hill Trek Weather By Season

Cold, especially in the pre-dawn hours before the sun comes up. Even in warmer seasons, expect temperatures to drop noticeably at 3,210 meters before dawn. Bring a warm jacket and gloves; you will want them for that early morning wait.

Quite a bit. Spring and autumn typically range from 10 to 24°C during the day. Winter drops closer to 0 to 15°C, while monsoon months sit around 9 to 24°C but with regular rain. Evenings are cooler across all seasons, so pack layers regardless of when you go.

It can, mostly during monsoon season. Stone steps and forest paths get slippery when wet, so trekking poles and good-grip boots help. Outside of monsoon, rainfall is rare enough that it rarely disrupts a trek in progress. 

It can happen, and clear views are never guaranteed. Clouds sometimes lift within half an hour, so wait a little at the top. Autumn and spring give you the best odds of clear mornings. The monsoon has the lowest odds. Mornings are usually clearer than afternoons, which is why we start so early.

You'll be staying in teahouses and lodges the whole way, nothing fancy, but reliable and welcoming. Most rooms are twin-share, with a bed, a blanket, and just enough space to unwind after a long day on the trail. Don't go in expecting luxury. What you get instead is a warm meal, a proper bed, and a roof over your head every single night, which, after a day like Day 1's staircase, feels pretty great.

Depends on availability and group size. Solo trekkers or couples often get a private room, though during busier seasons like autumn, sharing becomes more likely. If a private room matters to you, mention it when booking and we'll do our best.

Mostly yes, though it's not always free. Many teahouses charge a small extra fee for hot water, especially higher up the route. Don't count on it every single night, but you won't go the whole trek without one either.

More variety than you would expect. Dal bhat is the local staple, filling and endlessly refillable, but menus also cover momo, noodles, soup, and simpler Western dishes like pasta or fried rice. You won't go hungry on this trek.

Yes, full board, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, every day of the trek. It's all part of what you've already paid for, so there's no need to budget extra for meals unless you're grabbing snacks or drinks along the way.

It is easy to get vegetarian food. Vegan is trickier since dairy shows up in many dishes, but most teahouses will work with you if you explain what you need. Just let your guide know early on.

It is either bottled or refillable at teahouses, sometimes for a small fee. Bringing purification tablets or a filter is still a smart move, especially if you're refilling from taps rather than buying sealed bottles the whole way.

Usually, yes, but it can be unreliable depending on how many people are using it at once. Some places charge a small fee for access. If you need reliable internet, don't count on it too heavily up here.

It depends on your group size. Solo trekkers pay $575, groups of two to three pay $475 per person, and groups of four or more pay $425 per person. The bigger your group, the better the per-person rate works out. So, the cost for 4 Ghorepani Days Poon Hill Trek usually depends on group size.

Quite a lot, actually. Transport, teahouse accommodation, full-board meals, permits, your guide, and even a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket are all included. Basically, before you even set foot in Nepal, everything you need to have a comfortable trek is already in place.

A few things fall outside the package: porter service, personal expenses like laundry or snacks, travel insurance, and tips for your guide. Drinks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi at teahouses usually cost extra too, but these are small charges, so it's worth budgeting for them.

Roughly $15 to $25 a day covers most extras, drinks, snacks, hot showers, and charging fees. It adds up over four days, but it's manageable. Bringing a bit more cash than you think you'll need is always the safer move.

Cash, definitely. Once you are past Pokhara, card machines and ATMs basically disappear. Bring enough Nepali rupees to cover tips, snacks, and any extras along the way, since there's nowhere to withdraw more once you're on the trail.

There's no fixed rule, but a common guideline is around $8 to $12 per day for your guide and slightly less for a porter, if you've hired one. Tipping in cash at the end of the trek is standard practice here.

No, none. Pokhara is your last real chance to withdraw cash before heading out. Once you leave for Birethanti, you won't find an ATM again until you're back, so plan your cash needs before the trek even starts.

Not required, no, but plenty of trekkers choose to anyway. A porter takes the weight off your shoulders, literally, so you are only carrying a light daypack each day. If you'd rather travel light, it's worth the extra cost.

Around $80 extra for the whole trek, and typically one porter carries bags for two trekkers. It's not included in the base package, so you'll need to add it separately if you want one.

Yes, always. Every Radiant Treks package comes with a licensed, English-speaking guide, no exceptions. It's included in the price, so you don't need to arrange or pay anything extra.

Yes, and comfortably so. All our guides go through proper training and licensing, and English is part of that. You won't be stuck miming trail directions or menu choices; they will explain trail conditions, food options, local customs, and whatever comes up, without any real language gap.

A lot of them have walked these same trails for years, and some for decades, honestly. Many started as porters and gradually became guides. That's not the kind of trail knowledge you get from a manual; it comes from being out there, over and over.

Different jobs, really. Your guide is the one leading the trek, sorting permits, and making the calls on the route and pacing day to day. A porter's role is more straightforward; they carry your bags. Some trekkers want both; others are happy hiring just a guide and carrying their own pack.

You can; just let us know when you book. We can't promise it every time; it depends on availability, but we'll do our best. And honestly, we get why solo women trekkers especially would want that option.

Yes, genuinely one of the safer treks in the region. The altitude stays low, the trail is well-established, and you have a licensed guide with you the whole way. That combination covers most of what could realistically go wrong.

Your guide monitors the group’s pace and wellbeing throughout, especially on the tougher Ulleri climb. We also carry a basic first-aid kit and keep in touch with our office in case anything needs coordinating en route.

Mostly yes, coverage is decent along this route compared to remoter treks. You can lose signal for a moment in some forest areas, but you are rarely out of touch completely. Most teahouses also have Wi-Fi, so staying in touch isn't usually a problem.

Your guide handles it immediately, whether that's basic first aid or arranging evacuation if needed. This route is more accessible than treks in higher elevations. That is one of the reasons help and transport are usually easier to find here than on more remote trails.

Not really, given how low this route stays. Poon Hill tops out at 3,210 meters, well under where altitude sickness typically becomes a concern. It's one of the reasons this trek suits nervous or first-time trekkers so well.

Tell your guide straight away; don't push through it. They are trained to recognize warning signs and will adjust the day's plan if needed, whether that's a slower pace, an extra rest, or arranging help if something's genuinely wrong. 

Yes, you will meet mainly the Magar and Gurung people. Ulleri and the villages around Ghorepani are largely Magar, while Tadapani and Ghandruk are Gurung. Both groups have lived in these hills for generations. You will see it in the stone houses, the farming terraces, and the way local families run guesthouses.

Yes, and it's worth a visit. Ghandruk has a small museum showing traditional Gurung clothing, tools, and household items. You will pass through on Day 4, so ask your guide to fit in half an hour before lunch. Entry is cheap, so keep a little cash handy.

Usually from mid-March through April, though it shifts a bit each year. The forests between Ulleri and Tadapani turn red, pink, and white. Rhododendron is Nepal's national flower, so it's a real highlight. If flowers matter to you, aim for late March or early April.

Possibly, especially in the forest stretches. Langur monkeys are fairly common, and birdwatchers often spot the Himalayan monal, Nepal's colorful national bird. Larger animals tend to remain hidden. Walk quietly in the early morning, and your chances improve a lot.

It's Nepal's largest protected area, covering much of the Annapurna region. The trek passes through its lower section. Your ACAP permit fee goes toward trail upkeep, conservation work, and local community projects, so a small part of what you pay stays right here in these villages.

Begin with the basics. Carry a refillable bottle instead of buying plastic ones, and take your rubbish with you where you can. Ask before photographing people, and stick to marked trails. Eating at local teahouses and buying local products also keeps your money in the community.

A few easy ones. Greet people with "Namaste" and a slight bow. Pass and receive things with your right hand. Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple. And always ask before touching religious items or prayer flags. Locals appreciate the effort, however small. 

Pack light and think in layers. You'll need quick-dry T-shirts, a fleece, a waterproof jacket, hiking trousers, broken-in boots, and a warm hat. Add a headlamp, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Our package already covers a duffel bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket, so those stay off your list.

We lend you a duffel bag, a sleeping bag, and a down jacket for the trek. You return them when you finish. We also give you a printed trekking map and a company T-shirt. Everything else, like boots, clothes, and toiletries, is yours to bring.

Twenty to 30 liters is plenty. It only needs to hold water, snacks, a rain jacket, a warm layer, sunscreen, and your camera or phone. Your main duffel goes ahead with the porter or stays with you in the jeep, so keep the daypack light.

They are optional, but many people are glad they brought them. The Ulleri staircase on Day 1 is hard on the knees, and the descent to Ghandruk on Day 4 is long. Poles take some of that strain. If you'd rather not carry your own, ask us about renting in Pokhara.

Broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support and a solid grip. Sturdy trail shoes can work in dry months, but boots handle the stone steps better. Bring sandals or slippers for the evenings. And please don't wear brand-new boots. Blisters can ruin a short trek fast.

Yes, and it matters more than you'd think. The Poon Hill climb starts around 4:30 am in the dark, so you will need your hands free and a clear view of the steps. Bring spare batteries too, because cold mornings drain them quickly.

Yes, most hotels in Pokhara will hold your spare bags while you are on the trail. Ask when you book your room. Leave anything you won't need, like city clothes, laptops, and extra shoes, so you only carry what the four days actually call for.

Both, yes. Bring Nepali rupees, since there are no ATMs on the trail. A power bank helps too, because charging costs extra at teahouses and outlets can be limited. Keep your phone warm at night, as cold drains batteries faster than you'd expect.

The trekking is almost the same in all of them. What changes is the travel around it. The 4-day package starts and ends in Pokhara. The longer packages include the Kathmandu to Pokhara drive, and the 8-day package also features arrival and departure days. 

No. All of them have four days on the trail. The 6, 7, and 8-day itineraries add days for the Kathmandu to Pokhara journey, and the 8-day itinerary adds arrival and departure. You reach the same 3,210 m viewpoint and see the same sunrise as everyone else.

It fits travelers who already plan their time in Nepal. You skip the Kathmandu transfers and pay for the trek only. The 8-day cost is $750, while this one runs from $425 to $575. You also decide how many days you spend in Pokhara before and after.

A little. On the other packages, day one is a short trek from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga at 1,540 m. Here you stay at Ulleri at 1,950m instead. That makes our first day longer and steeper. In return, Day 2 to Ghorepani is easier, and you start higher.

Yes, quite a bit. Poon Hill is 3,210 m, and Mardi Himal Base Camp is close to 4,500 m. That little bit of extra height means colder nights and more chance for altitude sickness. Poon Hill also has more villages and easier days, so it suits first-timers better.

Choose Poon Hill if you have about four days and want an easy first trek. The Annapurna Base Camp trek reaches roughly 4,130 m and takes around two weeks. It requires more fitness and time. Many trekkers try Poon Hill first, then come back for ABC.

Yes, plenty of trekkers do. The routes share the Ghorepani and Tadapani sections, so adding the Poon Hill sunrise to an ABC trek is straightforward. It needs a longer, custom plan, though, not this 4-day package. Tell us your dates, and we'll build it.

Mulde Viewpoint, Mohare Danda, and Mardi Himal are all short options from Pokhara. Mulde and Mohare Danda offer wide mountain views on quieter trails. Poon Hill stays the most popular because its sunrise and village stops are so dependable. Let us know your timing, and we’ll suggest a good fit. 

This package covers only the trek, so your Pokhara time is your own. Boat on Phewa Lake, visit Begnas Lake, or explore the Bat Cave and the Pokhara museum. You can also book a paragliding flight. Many trekkers add a rest day after Ghandruk. It helps weary legs recover before the next leg of the trip.