The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek (aka the Poon Hill Trek) is generally regarded as one of the best short treks in the Annapurna Region of Nepal.
Classic mountain treks in Nepal generally require two or three weeks of your time, but one of the great things about the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is that it can be accomplished in as little as four days, however, most people take five days.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Route Overview
Several factors contribute to the Poon Hill Trek's popularity: it requires only moderate fitness and is one of the least physically-demanding of Nepal’s treks, making it ideal for families or retirees; there is little risk of altitude sickness (highest altitude is 3,210m); and the accommodation, in the shape of family-run tea houses, is of good quality, so there is no need to cart around tents, sleeping bags (although we do recommend you take a sleeping bag for extra comfort and warmth) and food.
Apart from being a great introduction to trekking for non-trekkers, as well as providing a fantastic experience for those with little time, the main drawcard of the trek is the beauty and diversity of the scenery: one minute there is lush vegetation, the next, terraced rice fields and then alpine areas. All along the trek, the highly-attractive fluted peak of Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Peak) dominates the skyline.
Upon reaching Poon Hill you will be faced by one of the most spectacular mountainscapes on Earth. Poon Hill is 3,210 metres high, and the view at sunrise is a joy to behold, justifying each and every gruelling step you took to get there. From the top of Poon Hill the snow-capped summits of the Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, both more than 8,000 metres high, can clearly be seen in addition to many other peaks. When the sun’s rays strike the mountains, they glow like gold.
Having the Himalayas so close, virtually on your doorstep, is breathtaking.
Annapurna Regional Map
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is in central Nepal, in the Annapurna region. The nearest big town is Pokhara (see map below).
Recommended Map
Unfortunately there aren’t many great maps available online. The best schematic we have found is below, from Globe Trekker.
There are, however, some good trekking maps of the Annapurna region that you can purchase online.
Annapurna Map by National Geographic is a detailed trekking map for routes from Pokhara along the Marsyandi River, Thorung Pass, and the Kali Gandaki River in the Annapurna Conservation Area.
We also recommend by Ian P Johnson and Around Annapurna 1 : 125 000: Annapurna Conservation Area – Annapurna Sanctuary. It includes detailed trails, walking distances and altitudes.
In terms of a single detailed map we recommend the Himalayan MapHouse’s, New Annapurna Trekking Trails Map, which can be bought in Kathmandu, Pokhara or on Amazon UK here (unfortunately it is not on Amazon US yet).
We have also provided links and recommendations to new guides and maps below.
Poon Hill Trek Itinerary
Most people fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara to begin the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Flights leave regularly, although weather interruptions / delays are common. The flight takes approx. 30 minutes and will set you back between US$70-US$100. Make sure to sit on the right-hand side on the way from Katmandu to Pokhara as the views are exquisite. Sit on the left-hand side on the way back.
If you want to save money you can catch a tourist bus from Katmandu which generally takes 6-8 hours (depending on the condition of the roads and police checkpoints). Expect to pay 300-400 Rupees (~US$6).
Day 1: Pokhara – Nayapul – Tikhedunga
Day 2: Tikhedunga to Ghorepani
Day 3: Ghorepani to Ghandruk
Day 4: Ghandruk to Deurali
Day 5: Deurali back to Pokhara
Recommended Guidebook
There are two excellent guidebooks that provide specific information on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya (Travel Guide) by Bradley Mayhew, Joe Bindloss and Lonely Planet
The best all-round trekking guide for Nepal. Includes 30 detailed itineraries on the most popular routes, including the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit.
Annapurna: A Trekker’s Guide
By Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons
Year: New edition – 2013
The most authoratitive guide on the Annapurna region with specific information on the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
You are also welcome to have a look at our recommended list of Nepal books and guidebooks Library for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions about Poon Hill Trek
How much does the Poon Hill trek cost?
There are essentially three ways to do the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. 1) Unassisted (i.e. no guide or porter), 2) Assisted (with a guide and/or porter) and 3) With a tour operator. Costs vary depending on which way you choose to organise your trek but generally the following costs can be expected.
- Flights to and from KTM-Pokhara: US$150
- Taxis to and from Pokhara-Nayapul: US$30
- Teahouses (Average of 350 Rupees per night for 5 nights): US$20
- Food (Average of 300-400 Rupees per meal / 15 meals): US$50
- Water (Average of 3 litres a day at 60 Rupees a litre / 15 litres in total): US$10
- Permits (Annapurna Conservation Permit + TIMS Trekking Permit + Commission): US$35
- Guides / Porters (US$25 per day for a guide, US$15 for a porter): US$200
- Rentals of gear (assume US$50 on average): US$50
- Spare cash for miscellaneous things: US$50
US$600-700 pp on average
You could shave this down to US$200 pp if you went unassisted, used a bus to get to Pokhara and budgeted carefully through-out. You should expect to pay closer to US$900-1300 pp. (including airfare and accommodation in KTM and Pokhara) is you used a trekking company to organise the full tour. If you would like a recommendation on a tour company feel free to use our recommendation service below.
Are permits required for the Poon Hill Trek?
Yes, two permits are required if you are to undertake the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek: the Annapurna Conservation Permit, costing 1,000 Rupees per person – an earth-shattering US$12 – and the TIMS Trekker’s Permit, which will set you back 1,825 Rupees – US$18 – per person. These can be secured for you by your guest house or tour operator, who will generally charge 500 Rupees commission.
When is the best time to trek to Poon Hill?
The best seasons for this trek are spring – March to May, and autumn, from mid-September to mid-December. The weather will be warm by day and the sky clear. Views are outstanding. At night, temperatures can be below freezing. Trekking in winter is possible but less popular.
Towards December the weather starts getting particularly cold and the routes get distinctly quieter. If you are a hardened trekker a winter Annapurna Circuit (late December through February) can provide a very authentic Nepal trekking experience.
The main challenge of a winter trek, apart from the cold, is the snow and ice that often obstructs the higher trails and the Thorung Pass. During bad winter seasons these trails may be closed.
Is altitude sickness on the Poon Hill Trek a risk?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek ascends to some high altitude points. At its highest point you will reach an altitude of 3,210 meters (10,531 feet). There are steep section on this trek where you will ascend very rapidly.
Even so, it is important to have a solid understanding of the risks associated with high altitude trekking and how the body acclimatises to high altitude. We recommend you read our detailed article on Altitude Sickness and Acclimatisation.
How difficult is the Poon Hill Trek?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is considered one of the easier treks in Nepal and older hikers and young families often complete the trek. You will need a basic level of fitness as you will be walking for some miles for at least 5 days.
What gear do I need to pack for the Poon Hill trek?
Hiking the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek requires a number of essential pieces of trekking gear. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is long and moderately difficult. It exposes you to a range of altitudes where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between night and day.
Much of your gear can be rented or bought in Kathmandu, but we strongly suggest bringing the most important pieces of gear and equipment with you.
To help you plan and prepare for your trek we recommend reading our gear section.
Do I Need Insurance for Poon Hill Trek?
Trekking insurance is vital for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. If an accident or incident should occur that requires immediate medical assistance and evacuation you will most definitely want adequate trekking insurance that can cover the costs of air ambulance and treatment.
Make sure you have insurance that covers you for any travel related risks, like lost, stolen, damaged or delayed baggage; interruptions and flight delays and tour operators default.
Please read our article on travel and trekking insurance in Nepal. The article provides great information on what type of insurance you'd need.
Hello I am headed to Nepal in May with a couple friends and we are experienced trekkers. We are looking for a challenging route that can be done in less than 10 days. Any help would be most appreciated.
Hey Aaron, if you only have 10 days then check out the Annapurna Base Camp trek or Langtang Trek. All the best!