Ghorepani / Poon Hill

Route overview

The Poon Hill trek typically follows a circuit through the foothills north of Pokhara, passing through villages such as Ulleri and Ghorepani before climbing to the Poon Hill viewpoint. The route combines stone steps, forest trails, and well-used teahouse infrastructure.

It is lower in altitude than ABC, Mardi Himal, or the Circuit, and generally less demanding: though the stone steps on some sections are notoriously steep and should not be underestimated. For a quieter ridge and closer views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, see Khopra Danda. For a shorter, lower walk straight from Pokhara, see Panchase.

Itinerary structure

Most itineraries allow three to five trekking days, depending on starting trailhead, daily distance, and whether you complete a full circuit. A common pattern includes a pre-dawn ascent to Poon Hill for sunrise, then continuing to the next village or returning toward the start.

Difficulty

Poon Hill is often described as accessible, but difficulty depends on daily distance, the number of stone steps, weather, and your fitness, not just maximum altitude. The approach to Ulleri in particular involves a long staircase that many trekkers find harder than expected.

Altitude

Poon Hill stays at lower elevation than the sanctuary or high-pass routes. Altitude illness is less common than on ABC or the Circuit, but uphill walking at moderate elevation still requires reasonable fitness and pacing.

See Altitude and acclimatization for general principles.

Best time

Spring rhododendron blooms and autumn clear skies are the traditional peak windows. Poon Hill can be busy in peak season: especially at sunrise on the viewpoint. Monsoon and winter bring different trade-offs for visibility, trail conditions, and crowds.

Accommodation

The Poon Hill route is a teahouse trek with lodges in most major villages. Rooms are basic; facilities become simpler at higher stops. Booking ahead is rarely required outside peak season but may help in busy periods.

Food

Teahouses serve dal bhat, noodles, and trekking-menu items. Variety is generally good at lower elevations on this route compared to high sanctuary lodges.

Costs

Poon Hill is typically less expensive than longer high-altitude treks: fewer days, lower elevation, and no high-pass logistics. Guide and porter costs still apply if you hire support.

See Annapurna trekking costs for how expenses break down.

Permits

Trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area requires permits. Requirements and costs can change. Verify current rules before travelling.

Guide considerations

Poon Hill–ABC is on the Nepal Tourism Board list of routes that require a licensed guide. A trip that stops at Ghandruk is the short visit the conservation area treated differently in September 2026. The viewpoint circuit is not.

See Do you need a guide? and How to choose a trekking guide.

Transport

Reaching the trailhead and returning after the trek typically involves travel from Pokhara. Common starting points include Nayapul and other access villages: exact options pending verification.

Packing considerations

Standard teahouse trekking layers apply: rain protection, broken-in footwear, and a day pack for the Poon Hill sunrise ascent. Less cold-weather gear needed than on high-altitude routes, but mornings at the viewpoint can still be cold.

See Annapurna packing list.

Common mistakes

Common planning errors on Poon Hill include underestimating the stone steps, skipping early starts for sunrise, and packing too much for a short foothill trek.