Poon Hill Trek

Poon Hill Trek

Activity
Trekking
Trip Grade
Moderate
Max. Altitude
3210m

Overview

As someone born and raised in Nepal, I’ve always believed that you don’t need to go far or high to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. When I finally decided to do the Poon Hill Trek, I wasn’t looking for adventure bragging rights. I wanted a peaceful walk, clear mountain views, and time to connect with nature and people along the trail.

The poon hill route stood out because it balances everything, views, culture, comfort, and accessibility. Unlike longer or more demanding treks, this journey felt welcoming from the start. It’s the kind of trek that reminds you why walking slowly through the mountains is still one of the best experiences Nepal offers.

This blog is based on my real experience, practical decisions, and honest observations, written to help you plan confidently.

 breathtaking view of Poon Hill Trekking

Key Takeaways

  • Poon Hill is one of the most rewarding short treks in Nepal, especially for people with limited time.
  • The Poon Hill Trek offers Himalayan sunrise views without extreme altitude or technical difficulty.
  • The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is culturally rich, scenic, and suitable for beginners.
  • A 10-day plan allows a relaxed pace, proper acclimatisation, and time to enjoy villages.
  • You don’t need luxury gear or extreme fitness, good preparation matters more.

What Makes Poon Hill Special

The magic of poon hill isn’t just the sunrise viewpoint. It’s the gradual change in landscape, the stone steps through rhododendron forests, and the warmth of villages like Ulleri and Ghorepani.

During the Poon Hill Trek, every day feels different:

  • Lower villages feel lively and green
  • Mid-trail forests are calm and shaded
  • Upper viewpoints offer wide Himalayan horizons

The ghorepani poon hill trek also stands out because it gives mountain views without pushing your body too hard. This is not about rushing, it’s about enjoying the journey.

The Sunrise at Poon Hill: Worth the Early Wake-Up

Waking up before dawn was not easy. It was cold, dark, and quiet. But standing at the poon hill viewpoint as the sky slowly changed color was unforgettable.

First came the faint outline of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Then the peaks slowly turned golden. No photos truly capture that moment, the silence, the shared excitement, and the feeling that time has paused.

This sunrise alone justifies doing the Poon Hill Trek.

Top Highlights of Poon Hill Trekking

Difficulty Level

Many people ask whether poon hill is easy or difficult. Based on my experience:

  • The trek is physically manageable
  • Stone staircases (especially Ulleri) are tiring but doable
  • Altitude is not extreme, so breathing remains comfortable

The ghorepani poon hill trek rewards patience more than strength. If you can walk steadily and take breaks, you’ll be fine.

Accommodation & Food on the Trail

One thing I appreciated during the Poon Hill Trek was the simplicity of teahouse life.

Lodging

  • Clean rooms with basic beds
  • Shared dining areas with warm fires
  • Simple but comfortable after a long walk

Food

  • Dal bhat remains the most filling option
  • Hot soups in the evening feel incredibly satisfying
  • Local vegetables taste fresher at altitude
  • Food costs increase slightly higher up, but that’s expected on the poon hill route.

What I Learned the Hard Way

Doing the poon hill trek taught me small but important lessons:

  • Start early to avoid crowds at viewpoints
  • Carry light but warm layers
  • Hydration matters more than speed
  • Slow walking improves the experience

The ghorepani poon hill trek rewards awareness, not rushing.

Best Time to Do the Poon Hill Trek

From experience:

  • Spring offers rhododendron blooms
  • Autumn provides the clearest mountain views
  • Winter is possible, but cold mornings are intense
  • Monsoon brings greenery but limited views

Timing your poon hill trek correctly makes a big difference.

Is Poon Hill Worth It?

In my honest opinion, poon hill is perfectly rated. It doesn’t try to be extreme. It offers beauty in simplicity.

I would recommend the Poon Hill Trek to anyone who wants:

  • Himalayan views
  • Cultural interaction
  • A safe and well-marked trail
  • A meaningful trekking experience without pressure

Why This Trek Stays With You

Long after completing the ghorepani poon hill trek, what stays with you isn’t just the photos. It’s the rhythm of walking, the shared meals, and the moment the mountains reveal themselves at dawn.

This trek reminds you that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that feel human, not heroic.

Ready to Experience Poon Hill the Right Way?

If you’re planning the poon hill journey and want it done smoothly, safely, and meaningfully, choosing the right support makes all the difference.

Plan your Poon Hill Trek with experienced local guidance and thoughtful itineraries that prioritise comfort, culture, and real experiences.
Reach out today and take the first step toward a Himalayan memory you’ll never forget.

Itinerary

01Day

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu and take the day to rest after your journey. Use this time to prepare trekking permits, check gear, and enjoy a calm evening exploring local streets or cafés while adjusting to the new surroundings.

02Day

Kathmandu to Pokhara

Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by road or flight. The journey offers changing landscapes and river views. Once in Pokhara, relax by Phewa Lake, enjoy the mountain atmosphere, and prepare for the walk ahead.

03Day

Pokhara to Tikhedhunga

Drive to Nayapul and begin walking toward Tikhedhunga. The trail passes through small villages, farmland, and riverside paths, offering a gentle introduction to the rhythm of walking in the hills.

04Day

Tikhedhunga to Ulleri

Climb the famous stone steps to Ulleri at a steady pace. Though tiring, the route rewards you with village life, fresh mountain air, and growing forest cover as you gain elevation comfortably.

05Day

Ulleri to Ghorepani

Walk through rhododendron forests and shaded trails toward Ghorepani. The air feels cooler and the surroundings quieter. This day prepares your body well for the early morning walk ahead.

06Day

Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Ghorepani

Start early for the hike to Poon Hill and enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayan range. After returning to Ghorepani for breakfast, spend the day resting and soaking in the peaceful mountain setting.

07Day

Ghorepani to Tadapani

Leave Ghorepani and walk along forest ridges toward Tadapani. The trail offers changing views, bird sounds, and a calm walking experience that feels balanced and refreshing.

08Day

Tadapani to Ghandruk

Descend gently to Ghandruk, a beautiful mountain village known for its stone houses and views. Spend time exploring the village, enjoying local meals, and learning about the mountain lifestyle.

09Day

Ghandruk to Pokhara - KTM

Walk down to the road and return to Kathmandu by vehicle. After days in the hills, a warm shower, a comfortable bed, and a relaxed evening feel especially rewarding.

10Day

KTM to Departure

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Kathmandu before departure. Reflect on the journey, organize photos, and leave with lasting memories of the mountains and the gentle pace of the trek.

Includes/Excludes

What is Included?

  • Airport Pick up and drop transfer.
  • Private Ground transportation as per itinerary.
  • All accommodations (Twin Share)
  • Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners. with a cup of Tea, coffee in each meal
  • Annapurna conservation entry permits.
  • TIMS Permit.
  • An experienced Government Trained guide and required a number of porters (one porter in between two
  • pax), their food, accommodation, transportation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • Warm sleeping bag, warm down jacket, and walking stick, if necessary.
  • Trek bag.
  • All Taxes are included.
  • Award Certificate of Trip Completion

Whats not Included

  • Meals as Mentioned in the inclusive list.
  • Single Supplement for single-using rooms
  • Tips to staff or any donations.
  • Nepal Visa
  • International Flight.
  • Your travel insurance, Medical, and emergency evacuation.
  • All types of drinks (such as Hot & cold, Mineral water, and alcoholic drinks) during the trek.
  • All personal expenses are not mentioned in the price inclusion.
  • If you want to take a private Vehicle instead of Tourist Bus it will cost USD 30 extra per person for one way
  • Flight Kathmandu/Pokhara (if interested instead of driving) USD 85 extra for one-way flight Per person.

Clients Review

Everest Base Camp & Muktinath Trail Helen & Mark Dwyer Australia

We had a dream to reach Mt Everest Base Camp since we heard about this. One of my friends recommended Trexmount so we have decided to use them for arranging our trek to Everest Base Camp. The treks were very well organized and the guides were extremely knowledgeable, and friendly and looked after us at all times.

Nothing was too much trouble for them and there was always a smile on their faces. We stayed...

Everest Gokyo Ri Trekking Bridget and Ron New Zealand

Namaste Hari and all at Trexmount Ventures, We have just completed our third visit and a Fantastic trek in Nepal with a four-day trek in the Annapurna area and an 18-day trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo. Noelene joined us for the Everest trek and it was her 9th visit! We can highly recommend Trexmount Ventures as a great company. The guides we had, Ram and Tilak were very well informed and also both able to pace the trek to ensure we all reached our...

Trip Info

Throughout this trip villages, green hills, forests, landscapes, and mountains are the main attraction and highlights of this trip, trekking around Annapurna’s massive mountain ranges, dramatic variation from sub-tropic – The mediterranean to alpine climate temperature and landscapes, daily amazing panorama views with views of world’s 3highest mountains Annapurna-Dhaulagiri & Manaslu, fascinating traditional mid hills Gurung & Pun Magar tribe villages. Super panorama with breathtaking sunrise from Pun Hill