Dhaulagiri View from Poon Hill TrekDhaulagiri View from Poon Hill Trek

Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekratingbased on 1 review
  • Duration2 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Activity Trekking
  • Max. Altitude 3210 meters/10531 feet
  • Starts Pokhara
  • Ends Pokhara
  • Group Size 1-12
  • Best Season September to May
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$425
2 - 4 paxUS$325
5 - 8 paxUS$295
9 - 12 paxUS$270
Price Per PersonUS$425All-inclusive services
Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights
  • Experience one of Nepal’s most rewarding short treks from Pokhara without committing to a longer multi-day trek.
  • Trek through beautiful rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests on the peaceful trails toward Ghorepani.
  • Wake up early for a memorable Poon Hill sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
  • Capture spectacular Himalayan views and sunrise photographs from one of Nepal’s most famous mountain viewpoints.

Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Overview

The short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek brings you from Pokhara to one of Nepal’s most famous mountain viewpoints in just two days. It is a compact yet rewarding trekking experience that combines forest trails, mountain villages, sunrise views, and spectacular Himalayan scenery in a short amount of time.

The 2-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek begins with a scenic private jeep drive from Pokhara to Banthanti. From here, the trail climbs through beautiful forests filled with rhododendrons, bamboo, and oak trees before passing through Nangethanti and continuing toward the mountain village of Ghorepani.

The biggest reward comes early the following morning with a hike to Poon Hill. This viewpoint is famous for its sunrise views and an impressive panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range. Watching the first sunlight reach the snow-covered mountains is the defining experience of this short Poon Hill trek.

What makes this journey particularly appealing is its short duration. Instead of spending several days walking to and from Poon Hill, this itinerary focuses on the essential experience and returns you to Pokhara after the sunrise hike. The trek is also a great option if you are visiting Pokhara and want to add a short mountain adventure to your trip. You get to leave the lakeside city behind, spend a night in the mountains, wake up above the clouds, and return to Pokhara with a completely different landscape behind you, all within two days.

However, if you have more time and want to explore deeper into the Annapurna region, you can extend your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or explore other adventures, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Why Choose The Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek In Nepal?

Trek Through The Annapurna Foothills In Just Two Days

This journey gives you a chance to experience the beauty of the Annapurna foothills without spending a long time on the trail. From Banthanti, the route follows peaceful mountain paths through dense forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and oak, with the scenery gradually changing as you climb toward Ghorepani. The forested trail, fresh mountain air, and occasional glimpses of the surrounding peaks make the walk as rewarding as the destination itself.

Despite its duration, this short trek in the Annapurna region offers many of the experiences travelers come to Nepal for: walking through the Himalayan landscape, passing small mountain settlements, staying in a local tea house, and waking up surrounded by mountain scenery. The trail also provides views of peaks such as Hiunchuli, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) as you make your way higher into the foothills.

All in all, you can experience the Annapurna trekking region in just two days. This compact itinerary concentrates on the scenic trails around Ghorepani and the famous Poon Hill viewpoint before returning to Pokhara. It is an ideal option if you are looking for a short Himalayan trek from Pokhara that still feels like a genuine mountain adventure.

Catch The Famous Poon Hill Sunrise

One of the biggest highlights of the trek is reaching Poon Hill Viewpoint before sunrise. The early-morning climb is rewarded with sweeping views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, as the first rays of sunlight gradually turn the snow-covered peaks golden. On a clear morning, you can see iconic Himalayan mountains, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) stretching across the horizon.

The Poon Hill sunrise is what makes this short trek from Pokhara particularly memorable. Standing above the surrounding valleys as the mountains emerge from the morning light offers a spectacular introduction to the Annapurna region. After enjoying the views and capturing a few photographs, you descend from the viewpoint and continue back toward Banthanti and Pokhara.

Experience Mountain Villages And Local Culture

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek also offers a glimpse into everyday life in the Annapurna region. As the trail winds through settlements such as Nangethanti and Ghorepani, you see traditional mountain homes, small tea houses, and the simple rhythm of life in the Himalayan foothills. The welcoming atmosphere of these villages adds a warm, human element to the journey.

Staying overnight in a local tea house in Ghorepani gives you a chance to experience the traditional trekking culture of the region. After a day on the trail, sharing a meal, resting in a mountain lodge, and waking up to the surrounding peaks becomes part of the experience itself. The villages along the route also reflect how local communities have adapted to life in the rugged Annapurna foothills.

Two-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Cost

The 2-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek costs USD 425 per person, offering a convenient short trekking package from Pokhara that covers the major expenses of the journey. The price includes private jeep transportation between Pokhara and Banthanti, trekking permits and conservation fees, tea house accommodation, three meals a day during the trek, and the services of a professional English-speaking, government-registered local guide trained in first aid. 

However, the price does not cover international airfare, Nepal visa fees, personal insurance, meals outside the trek, porter services, sightseeing in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or personal expenses. Tips for the trekking staff are also separate. 

What Permits Are Required For The Short Trek To Ghorepani Poon Hill?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to enter and trek within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The current permit fee is NPR 3,000 per person, and you do not need a separate restricted-area permit for this short Poon Hill route.

The ACAP permit for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can be obtained from a Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you book the trek with a local trekking agency, the agency arranges the permit as part of your trekking preparations.

Do You Need To Hire A Guide Or Porter For This Short Annapurna Trek?

A guide is not mandatory for the 2-Day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, but hiring one can make the journey easier, safer, and more informative, particularly if you are unfamiliar with trekking in Nepal. A local guide can help with navigation, accommodation, trail conditions, and basic support throughout the trek. A professional guide costs around USD 35 per day.

A porter is also optional on this short Poon Hill trek, especially if you are comfortable carrying a light backpack. If you prefer to walk with less weight, you can hire a porter for approximately USD 25 per day. One porter can carry up to 20 kg of luggage, allowing you to trek more comfortably while keeping your daypack light.

If you book this Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek package with us, a professional English-speaking local guide is already included in the listed price. As for the porter service, it is available on request at an additional cost. Now, tips are not included in our trek price, and thus, you must give them separately to the trekking staff. As a general guideline, you should budget around 15 to 20% of the total trek cost for tipping, depending on the service and your overall experience.

Booking And Payment With Nepal Trekking Experts

To book your trek with us, you have to send a deposit of 10% of the total cost of the trek. Please also forward a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and full flight details if and when available. For your convenience, you may also forward the deposit to us online through our website. It is completely safe, and as soon as you make it, you will get an automatic receipt in your inbox. The rest of the payment can be paid upon arrival.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us anytime. We are always ready to assist.

Useful Information

How Difficult Is The Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek?

This Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered an easy short trek in Nepal. Although the route is relatively short, you should be prepared for uphill and downhill walking on uneven mountain trails, with the highest point reaching Poon Hill at 3,210 meters / 10,532 feet. The first day involves trekking from Banthanti to Ghorepani through forested trails, while the early-morning hike to Poon Hill on the second day adds another uphill section before the descent to Banthanti.

You do not need technical climbing skills or previous high-altitude trekking experience for this Short Poon Hill trek. However, a reasonable level of fitness makes the journey more comfortable. You can exercise with regular walking, hiking, or stair climbing before the trek to help you prepare for the changes in elevation and several hours of walking.

Because the itinerary reaches more than 3,000 meters and includes an early-morning climb for sunrise, you should not underestimate its difficulty simply because it lasts only two days. 

What Is The Best Time For The 2-Day Ghorepani Trek?

The best time for the Ghorepani Poon Hill short Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This is because the weather is generally stable, the skies are clearer, and the mountain views are at their best. These seasons offer ideal conditions for the early-morning hike to Poon Hill, with better chances of enjoying clear sunrise views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Spring is particularly beautiful because the forests come alive with blooming rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. The combination of colourful forests, mild daytime temperatures, and snow-capped Himalayan views makes this one of the most scenic times to visit the Annapurna region.

Autumn is another excellent season, especially from October to November. After the summer monsoon, the atmosphere is usually clearer, giving you excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains. The comfortable trekking conditions also make the short journey from Pokhara more enjoyable.

The trek can also be undertaken in winter (December to February), although temperatures are colder and snow can occasionally affect the higher sections of the route. As for the summer and monsoon (June to August), it brings more rain, clouds, and potentially slippery trails, which can make the sunrise views less predictable. 

What Is The Accommodation Like During The Weekend Trek To Poon Hill?

Accommodation is provided in local mountain tea houses in Ghorepani. These are simple, comfortable trekking lodges designed to give you a warm and practical place to rest after a day on the trail. Rooms generally come with basic beds, mattresses, pillows, and blankets, while additional bedding, such as a sleeping bag, is provided as part of the trek package.

We try to arrange a private room with a private bathroom for you whenever one is available, giving you more privacy during your overnight stay in Ghorepani. However, tea houses in the Annapurna region have limited rooms, and private rooms cannot always be guaranteed, particularly during busy trekking seasons.

Here, bathrooms may include a western-style or squat toilet, a sink, and basic washing facilities, although the exact facilities vary between lodges. Overall, bathroom and room standards are more basic than those of hotels in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

What Food And Meals Are Available On The Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek?

Our NTE package includes three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking portion. Meals are served at local tea houses, with a range of familiar Nepali and international dishes available to keep you fueled for the trail.

For breakfast, typical options may include Tibetan bread, toast, eggs, pancakes, porridge, muesli, cornflakes, or chapati, along with tea or coffee. Lunch and dinner usually offer heartier choices such as the classic Nepali dal bhat with rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles, as well as noodles, fried rice, pasta, momo, soup, potatoes, and other simple mountain meals. Vegetarian options are commonly available, and the exact menu can vary depending on the tea house.

You can also choose from a variety of hot and cold beverages, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk tea, soft drinks, and other available refreshments. Each included meal comes with a cup of tea or coffee, while additional drinks and beverages are available at your own expense.

For safe drinking water, it is available along the route, including treated or filtered water at tea houses and lodges. We recommend carrying a reusable water bottle and using treated, filtered, or otherwise purified water rather than drinking untreated water directly from natural sources.

Facilities On The Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking Route 

Hot Shower And Toilets

Here, you may have access to hot showers. These showers are usually powered by gas or solar heating systems and are offered at an additional cost. Also, during colder months, water may feel lukewarm rather than fully hot. Since it is only two days' journey, you can just skip shower and enjoy it once you are in Pokhara.

As for the toilets, they are generally shared facilities within the tea house premises. They are not typically attached to individual rooms, especially in higher villages where infrastructure is more limited. 

WiFi And Mobile Network

Connectivity on this trek is available, but it is limited, variable, and highly dependent on location and altitude. While you won’t be completely disconnected from the outside world, you should expect a slower and less stable network experience.

WiFi is available and is usually provided for an additional charge with the access shared among guests. As for the mobile network coverage, the strength of the signal changes depending on terrain and elevation. Both major Nepalese networks, NTC and Ncell, are commonly used.

Charging And Electricity

Electricity is available throughout the journey, but it is shared, limited in higher villages, and managed carefully by tea houses. You are able to charge essential devices during the journey, although access is not as constant or convenient.

Most tea houses have electricity for basic use and charging purposes. Yes, you can charge phones, cameras, and power banks in dining halls during meal hours.

Transportation For The Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek

Your journey starts with a private jeep drive from Pokhara to Banthanti, which takes around three hours depending on road and traffic conditions. Banthanti is where you leave the vehicle behind and begin walking through the forested trails toward Ghorepani.

The drive itself is part of the adventure. As you leave the lakeside surroundings of Pokhara, the scenery gradually changes from busy city roads to winding mountain routes, terraced hillsides, small villages, and patches of lush forest. The road can be bumpy and winding in places, so you should expect a proper mountain drive

Traveling by private jeep to Banthanti gives you greater flexibility and a more comfortable start to the trek. You can stop briefly when appropriate, take in the views, and avoid the uncertainty of waiting for shared transportation. 

After completing your sunrise hike and descending back to Banthanti, you take a private jeep back to Pokhara. This return drive takes around three hours and marks the end of your short Poon Hill trek from Pokhara.

Practical Travel Information For Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Nepal Visa Requirements For Trekking In Nepal

To do the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you need a Nepal tourist visa. This visa process is simple, and you can obtain your visa easily upon arrival in Kathmandu. This visa allows you to travel freely within the country and take part in trekking activities in region. 

You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need to fill out the arrival form (can be done at the airport or online before arrival), submit your passport and passport-size photo, pay the visa fee at the immigration counter, and receive your visa stamped in your passport. Here, Nepal tourist visas are generally available for 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days.

If you plan to extend your stay for additional travel or trekking, Nepal tourist visas can be extended at immigration offices in Kathmandu or other major cities. Extension fees are charged based on the number of additional days required.

Currency, ATM, And Money Exchange Tips

When trekking the Ghorepani Poon Hill route, all day-to-day expenses are handled in Nepalese Rupees (NPR). Everything on the trail runs on cash-based payments. The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR).

ATMs are not available along the trekking route. Once you leave Kathmandu or Pokhara, there are no reliable banking facilities in the mountain villages. You should withdraw all necessary cash in advance from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

As for the foreign currency, you can easily exchange it in Kathmandu and Pokhara at banks, licensed exchange counters, or hotels. Exchange services are widely available in tourist areas, and rates are generally stable and transparent.

Trekking Gear For Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The trekking gear that you carry during your trip highly determines the success of your journey. While this Two-day trip does not take you to a high altitude, however, it is important that you prepare well for the journey. 

Clothing

  • Raincover
  • Hiking pants
  • Down jacket
  • Fleece Jacket (For Winter)
  • Shorts
  • T-shirts
  • Undergarments
  • Thermal 
  • Socks

Footwear

  • Trekking boots
  • Sandals

Added Equipment

  • Sleeping bag (optional)
  • Sunglass
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • First-aid kit
  • Female hygiene products
  • Adapter
  • Power bank
  • Camera
  • Water bottle
  • Trekking poles
  • Towel
  • Wet wipes
  • Sanitizer
Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
  • Overnight Altitude:2880m/9449ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Your Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek begins in the morning with a private jeep drive from Pokhara to Banthanti, the starting point of your trek. Leaving the lakeside city behind, the road gradually winds into the hills, taking you through rural landscapes, terraced fields, scattered settlements, and forested slopes. The drive takes around three hours, and the changing scenery gives you your first taste of the quieter mountain environment that awaits beyond Pokhara.

Once you reach Banthanti, it is time to leave the jeep behind and begin walking. The trail heads through dense forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and old-growth oak. Depending on the season, rhododendrons can add bursts of color to the woodland, while moss-covered trees, ferns, and other vegetation give the trail a distinctly Himalayan feel. You may also hear birds moving through the forest or catch glimpses of small wildlife.

The trail here is a mixture of stone steps, uneven forest paths, and gradual uphill sections, so you can expect a steady climb. The route can feel easier in the shade of the forest, while some steeper sections get your legs working. You can take your time, settle into a comfortable pace, and enjoy the transition from the busy surroundings of Pokhara to the quieter rhythm of the mountains.

As you continue, you reach Nangethanti, which is a small mountain settlement where you can pause, catch your breath, and appreciate the surroundings. The trail then continues toward Ghorepani, with the forest gradually opening in places to reveal wider views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

By the time you reach Ghorepani at 2,880 meters, you have gained considerable elevation from Banthanti. The village is surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Annapurna region, and on a clear day, you can enjoy views toward Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and the Annapurna range. The excitement of reaching Ghorepani is also mixed with anticipation.

After checking into your tea house, you can relax, enjoy a warm dinner, and rest for the night.

  • Overnight Altitude:822m/ 2697ft

Your second day begins early. Before sunrise, you leave Ghorepani and follow the trail toward Poon Hill Viewpoint at 3,210 meters. The climb is relatively short but includes uphill sections and stone steps, and the cold morning air can make the ascent feel more demanding. A headlamp or torch is useful as you make your way along the dark trail.

As dawn approaches, the horizon begins to brighten and the silhouettes of the Himalayas gradually emerge. From Poon Hill, you can enjoy an expansive panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, with peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) rising above the surrounding valleys. As the sun appears, its golden light slowly spreads across the snow-covered mountains.

You can take your time at the viewpoint. This is the moment to simply stand still, take photographs, breathe in the mountain air, and appreciate how far you have come in such a short journey. On clear mornings, the scale of the Himalayas can be striking, with layer after layer of ridges and peaks stretching across the horizon.

After enjoying the sunrise, you return to Ghorepani and continue descending toward Banthanti. The trail feels different on the way down, particularly now that you can see the forest and surrounding hills in daylight. You retrace sections of the mountain route, passing through woodland and settlements while gradually losing elevation.

The descent requires care, especially on stone steps and uneven sections of trail, which can become slippery after rain. Here, you keep a steady pace and use trekking poles if you have them. Along the way, you may pass local residents, tea-house workers, trekkers, and porters going about their day in the mountains.

Eventually, you reach Banthanti, where your private jeep is waiting to take you back to Pokhara. The approximately three-hour drive gives you time to relax after the morning's hike while watching the mountain landscape gradually give way to lower hills, villages, terraced fields, and the more familiar surroundings of Pokhara.

By the time you arrive back in the city of lakes, your two-day adventure is complete.

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What's Included
Cost Includes
  • Pokhara to Banthanti and Banthanti to Pokhara by a private jeep
  • All necessary trekking permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, the TIMS Card, etc.
  • All accommodations during the trek
  • Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • A cup of tea or coffee each time with the meal 
  • If and when available, fresh fruit should be provided.
  • Complimentary duffel bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, and a sleeping bag
  • Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid-trained local guide
  • First-aid kit with pulse oximeter
  • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
  • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
  • Agency service charge and government tax or VAT
  • Certificate of Achievement
Cost Excludes
  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu/Pokhara
  • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
  • Personal Insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft etc.
  • Sightseeing costs in the city (temples, monasteries, etc.)
  • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
  • Tips to staff
Route MapDownload Map
Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek map
Dates & Availability
Private Date

Note

If you are not satisfied with the following departure date, please feel free to choose your convenient date. 

Photos & Videos
Ghorepani Village
Rhododendron Flowers
Enjoy Dhaulagiri View
Dhaulagiri View
FAQs for Short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

  • Yes, you can do a solo 2-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

  • The Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best time for a 2-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

  • The 2-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a relatively easy trek that is suitable for all trekkers.

  • During your 2-day Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, you can expect a maximum of 20 to 25°C and a minimum of 0 to -5°C during the night outside the room.

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1Travelers' Reviews
  • TripAdvisor
    rating star

    Great Experience

    We did the Short Poon Hill Trek and it was excellent. The views of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri from the top of Poon Hill were incredible. We got lucky to have good weather on the day of the Poon Hill hike. Prakash was an amazing guide and Padam and Chhwang were amazing porters. They taught us the Dumbal card game from Nepal and we played that a lot in the evenings. Rajesh was also very responsive and helpful before the trek started. Will definitely choose this company if I go back to Nepal for another trek.

    F
    Flurim AMay 21, 2024Switzerland
tripadvisor
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